Downloadable Versions ( includes color for easier reading)
PDF version–2023 SFWC Schedule
Word version—2023 SFWC Schedule
2-6-2023 Draft Schedule Subject to Change
Thursday, February 16th
REGISTRATION
Hyatt Atrium Noon-6 pm
Quiet Writing Space
Bayview Foyer B All Day
1. Making This Your Best Writers Conference Ever – Lissa Provost
Bayview AB 1:00-2:00 pm
Sign-up Help – All Free and Paid Consultation and Master Class sign-ups are online, but volunteers will be on hand to assist you.
Bayview Lobby A 2:00-6:00 pm
Concierge Consults – Nina Amir, Diane Frank, Dr. Andy Jones
Seacliff Lobby 2:00-6:00 pm
2. Welcome/Meet the SFWC Team/ Success Stories/About the Indie Editors/About the Master Classes – Laurie McLean, Tara Farquhar, Amanda Traylor, Elisabeth Kauffman, Peter Dudley, Venkat Raman, Praveena Raman, Mary Knippel, Joey Garcia, C.S. Lakin, EJ Debrun, Harvey Pawl, Katharine Sands, Phil Beauman, Rusty Shelton, Jordan Rosenfeld, Geri Spieler, Tanya Egan Gibson, Conference Success Story Guests
Bayview AB 2:15-3:15 pm
3. PLENARY SESSION: Publishing Options: Traditional, Self, Hybrid & Partner Publishing: How to Choose! – Kiffer Brown, Mara Delgado Sanchez, Jim Azevedo, Bianca Franco, Lissa Provost, Moderator: Natalie Obando
Bayview AB 3:30-5:00 pm
Meet up for Dinner with Harvey by the fountain (details on the pink handout)
Atrium 5:00 pm
Master Class Check-in
Seacliff Lobby 5:30-7:00 pm
MASTER CLASSES 6:30-9:30 pm
Registration is separate from the conference and open to the public. Go to sfwriters.org or register during check-in if space is available.
A Pitch Is Still A Pitch – Katharine Sands Bayview A
How To Write, And/Or Adapt Your Book Into, A Screenplay (from a writer who has sold scripts to every major film studio) – Phil Beauman Bayview B
High-Impact Social Media for Authors – Rusty Shelton, Page Velasquez Budde Seacliff A
The Importance of Writing Killer Sentences: Transform Serviceable Sentences into Arresting Prose – Jordan Rosenfeld Seacliff B
Super Sleuthing Internet Research Skills Everyone Should Know – Geri Spieler Seacliff C
No Host/No Pitch Night Caps in the Eclipse Bar located in the hotel Atrium 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Friday, February 17th
Registration, Exhibitors, & Bookstore Open
Grand Ballroom Foyer 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Quiet Writing Space
Bayview Foyer B All Day
Welcome Breakfast with Pub Quiz – Dr. Andy Jones
Ballroom 8:00-9:00 am
Consultation Check-in
Pacific Foyer 9:00 am-5:30 pm
Concierge Appointments go directly to Seacliff Foyer
BREAKOUTS 9:00-10:00 am
4. Fiction Track: Weaving Theme into Your Fiction – Dos and Don’ts – Rick Mofina, Wendy Tokunaga, Cara Black, Moderator: Kristen Tatroe Bayview B
5. Hollywood Summit: What Hollywood Wants – Phil Beauman, Liz Parker, Bruce Wawrzyniak Bayview A
6. Kidlit Track: Capturing the Heart of YA: Character Relationships and Development – Michael Carr, Jacquelin Cangro, Moderator: Michaela Whatnall Seacliff A
7. Nonfiction Track: The Nonfiction Influencer – Rusty Shelton & Paige Velasquez Budde Seacliff B
8. Business & Marketing Track: How Every Author Can Get Ready, Get Read & Get Readers – Katharine Sands Seacliff C
9. Workshop: Centering and Strategizing for the Already Overwhelmed – group session with Conference Concierge Nina Amir Seacliff D
BREAKOUTS 10:15-11:15 am
10. Fiction Track: The 3 Elements of Plot That Improve Every Story – Jordan Rosenfeld Bayview B
11. Hollywood Summit: I Spy IP Everywhere. What It Is and Why It Matters – Phil Beauman, Liz Parker, Bruce Wawrzyniak Bayview A
12. KidLit Critique Session: Query – Michael Carr, Lisa Abellera, Melanie Figueroa Seacliff A
13. Nonfiction Track: Inspiring the Senses: Writing Well about Food – Steph Rodriguez, Stephanie Molina, Moderator: Elise Marie Collins Seacliff B
14. Business & Marketing Track: The Five Bios Every Writer Needs – Joey Garcia Seacliff C
15. Kickstart Your Book: How to Do a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign – Kiffer Brown of Chanticleer Seacliff D
BREAKOUTS 11:30 am-12:30 pm
16. Fiction Track: PANEL: Punching Home Your Scene in the Last Three Lines – Rick Mofina, Cara Black, Kristen Tate, Martha Engber, Moderator: Jordan Rosenfeld Bayview B
17. Hollywood Summit: An Adaptation’s Journey: How Books Make It to the Big Screen – Liz Parker, Elizabeth Gonzalez-James Bayview A
18. Kidlit Track: Finding Opportunities to Monetize Your Writing – Jennifer Joseph, Ying Compestine Seacliff A
19. Nonfiction Track: Your Blueprint for Blogging – Mary Knippel, Nina Amir Seacliff B
20. Business & Marketing Track: The Unconventional Book Launch – Isidra Mencos Seacliff C
21. First Draft Pitch Workshop – Michael Carr, Bianca Franco, Moderator: Jordan Bernal Seacliff D
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN 12:30-3:00 pm
CWC Practice Your Pitch – Session A (Jordan Bernal)
Ballroom 12:45-1:45 pm
CWC Practice Your Pitch – Session B (Jordan Bernal)
Ballroom 2:00-3:00 pm
BREAKOUTS 3:15-4:15 pm
22. Fiction Track: “World” as the Heart of Your Novel – Tanya Egan Gibson Bayview B
23. Hollywood Summit: Fade In: An Introduction to Screenplay Formatting – Paul Zeidman Bayview A
24. Kidlit Track: Words and Pictures: Writing Captivating Picture Books the Industry Wants – Ying
Compestine, Monica Wesolowska, Stephanie Molina, Moderator: Laurie McLean Seacliff A
25. Nonfiction Track: The Mindset and Habits of a Productive Nonfiction Writer – Nina Amir Seacliff B
26. Business & Marketing Track: Market Your Book with a Podcast – Brooke Warner, Grant Faulkner, moderator: Sharon Spaulding Seacliff C
27. Travel as Research – Carole Bumpus, B. Lynn Goodwin, Rick Mofina, Moderator: Carla King Seacliff D
BREAKOUTS 4:30-5:30 pm
28. Fiction Track: PANEL: How to Make Readers Emote When Reading Your Fiction – Rick Mofina, C. S. Lakin, Tanya Egan Gibson, Moderator Wendy Tokunaga Bayview B
29. Hollywood Summit: Bam! Pow! What Makes a Dynamic Script – Phil Beauman, Paul Zeidman Bayview A
30. Kidlit Track: Publicity and Marketing: Essential and Creative Opportunities to Connect
with Readers – Ying Compestine, Cristina Deptula, Moderator Kate Farrell Seacliff A
31. Nonfiction Track: Your Life as a Book: Agents on Memoir – Katharine Sands, Andy Ross Seacliff B
32. Business & Marketing Track: Quiz Marketing for Authors – Rusty Shelton & Paige Velasquez Budde Seacliff C
33. The Art of Brevity: Crafting the Very Short Story – Grant Faulkner Seacliff D
DINNER ON YOUR OWN or Meet up for Dinner with Harvey by the fountain (details on the pink handout)
Atrium 5:30 pm
34. Keynote with Joyce Maynard – Cookie Dessert & Coffee/Tea Served 7:30 pm
Ballroom Doors open at 7:00, Followed by Book Signing (Bookstore Open) and Social Space until 9:00 pm.
Saturday, February 18th
Registration, Exhibitors, & Bookstore Open
Grand Ballroom Foyer 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Quiet Writing Space
Bayview Foyer B All Day
Ask A Pro Breakfast Sponsored by IngramSpark – Tables hosted by: Jim Azevedo, Phil Beauman, Carole Bumpus, Kiffer Brown, Sandra Cain, Jacquelin Cangro, Michael Carr, Elise Marie Collins, Cristina Deptula, Peter Dudley, Taryn Edwards, Tanya Egan Gibson, Martha Engber, Jodi Fodor, Bianca Franco, Joey Garcia, B. Lynn Goodwin, Elizabeth Gonzalez-James, Georgia Hughes, Carla King, C.S. Lakin, Maeve MacLysaught, Isidra Mencos, Kendra Murray, Natalie Obando, Liz Parker, Robert Pimm, Mary Rakow, Ph.D., Katharine Sands, Ralph Scott, Prartho Sereno, Geri Spieler, Andrea Stewart, Kristen Tatroe, Melissa Valentine, Bruce Wawrzyniak, Paul Zeidman, Patrick Aylward, Rachel Kerr, Deon McAdoo, Bailey Yeager
Ballroom 8:00-9:00 am
Consultation Check-in
Pacific Foyer 9:00 am-5:30 pm
Concierge Appointments go directly to Seacliff Foyer
BREAKOUTS 9:00-10:00 am
35. Agent & Editor AMA in the Ballroom (Agents: Lisa Abellera, Malaga Baldi, Michael Carr, Karly, Dizon, Melanie Figueroa, Maeve MacLysaught, Dorian Maffei, Laurie McLean, Stefanie Molina, Natalie Obando, Liz Parker, Katharine Sands, Andy Ross, Gordon Warnock, Michaela Whatnall, Acquiring Editors: Aya de León, Mara Delgado Sanchez, Georgia Hughes, Jennifer Joseph, Brenda Knight, Loan Le, Asanté Simons, Melissa Valentine, Brooke Warner, Jacob Weisman) Ballroom
36. Meet the Poets: Poetry Summit Presenters – Our poets will talk about what inspires them, read a poem, and offer a writing prompt. – Tongo Eisen-Martin, Kim Shuck, Prartho Sereno, Terry Ehret, Andy Jones, Moderator: Diane Frank Bayview A
BREAKOUTS 10:15-11:15 am
37. Fiction Track: PANEL: Crafting Reliable and Unreliable Narrators – Kristen Tatroe, Jordan Rosenfeld, Martha Engber, Julia Vee. Moderator: Jacquelin Cangro Bayveiw B
38. Poetry: Meet the Publishers – The Journey from Poet to Author – Terry Ehret, Co-Founder, Sixteen Rivers Press; Diane Frank, Chief Editor, Blue Light Press; Lissa Provost, Founder, New Alexandria Creative Group Bayview A
39. Kidlit Track: Publishing and the Graphic Novel Boom – Understanding the trends, marketplace, and expectations for publishing graphic novels today- Alexis Fajardo Seacliff A
40. Nonfiction Track: Write Your Modern Love Essay for the NYT & Supercharge Your Literary Career – Liz Parker Seacliff B
41. AI Interference: Its Impact & Leveraging Opportunities for Savvy Writers – Andy Jones, Robert Pimm, Moderator: Carla King Seacliff C
42. Business & Marketing Track: How to Sell Your Memoir in the New Era of Publishing – Brooke Warner Seacliff D
BREAKOUTS 11:30 am-12:30 pm
43. Fiction Track: Microtension: The Secret Element That Keeps Readers Reading – C. S. Lakin Bayview B
44. Speaking Back to the World through Poetry – Hear what inspires our Poet Laureates, listen to their poems, and let them inspire you. – Tongo Eisen-Martin, Poet Laureate of San Francisco, Kim Shuck, Poet Laureate Emerita of San Francisco, Prartho Sereno, Poet Laureate Emerita of Marin County Bayview A
45. Kidlit Track: Authenticity and Representation: Aya de León, Ying Compestine, Lisa Abellera Seacliff A
46. Nonfiction Track: Self-Editing Skills: How to Polish like a Pro – Jordan Rosenfeld Seacliff B
47. Business & Marketing Track: Pitch the Media – Steph Rodriguez, Joey Garcia, Elizabeth Gonzalez-James Seacliff C
48. Self-Pub Nuts & Bolts & Upgrades for 2023 – Jim Azevedo, Deon McAdoo, Patrick Aylward, Kiffer Brown. Moderator: Carla King Seacliff D
49. Plated Lunch, Announcements, Writing Contest & Scholarship Winners
Ballroom 12:30-1:30 pm
50. Keynote – Arielle Eckstut & David Henry Sterry of America’s Next Great Author
Ballroom 1:30-3:00 pm
Followed by Book Signing in Grand Foyer by Book Store
BREAKOUTS 3:15-4:15 pm
51. Fiction Track: PANEL: Working with Freelance Editors – Kristen Tate, Kristen Tatroe, Tanya Egan Gibson, Jacquelin Cangro, Moderator: Monica Wesolowska Bayview B
52. Poetry Summit: Virtuoso Editing Techniques: Revision shows a love of your work. How do we get there? – Daniel J. Langton, Professor Emeritus, San Francisco State University; Terry Ehret, Sixteen Rivers Press; Diane Frank, Chief Editor, Blue Light Press Bayview A
53. Kidlit Track: Cool Characters and Playful Plots: – The Joy of Writing Middle-Grade Series – Penny Warner Seacliff A
54. Just the Facts: How to Research True Crime – Scott Robert Anderson, Asanté Simons, Moderator: Geri Spieler Seacliff B
55. Business & Marketing Track: The Secrets to Improving Your Newsletter Open Rate & Growing Your Email List – Joey Garcia Seacliff C
56. Writing for Change: History and Herstory: The Politics of Colorism, Dictatorship, and Patriarchy – Sheryl Bize-Boutte, Isidra Mencos, Gini Grossenbacher, Anniqua Rana Seacliff D
BREAKOUTS 4:30-5:30 pm
57. Fiction Track: The Art of Backstory: Creating Dynamic Characters through Their Past – Jacquelin Cangro Bayview B
58. Poetry Summit: How to Write a Poem that is Larger Than You Are – Daniel J. Langton, Tongo Eisen-Martin, Kim Shuck, Prartho Sereno, Terry Ehret, Moderator: Diane Frank Bayview A
59. Kidlit Track: How to find and meet educational objectives so you can do school presentations and get invited back. – Penny Warner, Kate Farrell Seacliff A
60. Nonfiction Track: Choosing Your Author Support Team – Bruce Wawrzyniak, Elisabeth Kauffman, Elizabeth Gonzalez-James, Natalie Obando. Moderator: Sharon Spaulding Seacliff B
61. Business & Marketing Track: Legal Issues for Authors – Robert Pimm Seacliff C
62. How to Utilize IngramSpark: Insights and Best Practices – Bailey Yeager, Deon McAdoo – IngramSpark Seacliff D
Gala Cocktail Networking Party – bring your business cards and enjoy making new connections, your first drink is included.
Waterfront CDE & Atrium 6:00-7:30 pm
Go out to dinner with new friends or stay for…
63. Poetry & Jazz – Open to the Public in the Waterfront Rooms and Atrium, Hosted by Dr. Andy Jones with Poetry readings by our Poetry Summit Presenters, followed by Open Mic (Prose Welcome) – Diane Frank, Jennifer Joseph, Daniel J Langton, Tongo Eisen-Martin, Lissa Provost, Kim Shuck, Prartho Sereno (Open to the Public, No Host Bar)
Waterfront CDE & Atrium 7:30-11:00 pm
Sunday, February 19th
Registration & Exhibitors Open
Grand Ballroom Foyer 8:00 am-Noon
Quiet Writing Space
Bayview Foyer B All Day
Ask A Pro Breakfast in the Ballroom, Announcements – Lissa Provost, Occasional Poem by Dr. Andy Jones before dismissing to sessions – Tables for: Jim Azevedo, Phil Beauman, Carole Bumpus, Kiffer Brown, Jacquelin Cangro, Michael Carr, Elise Marie Collins, Cristina Deptula, Peter Dudley, Taryn Edwards, Tanya Egan Gibson, Martha Engber, Bianca Franco, Diane Frank, Joey Garcia, B. Lynn Goodwin, Georgia Hughes, Carla King, Mary Knippel, C.S. Lakin, Maeve MacLysaught, Kendra Murray, Natalie Obando, Liz Parker, Katharine Sands, Ralph Scott, Prartho Sereno, Geri Spieler, Andrea Stewart, Tutti Taygerly, Kristen Tatroe, Bruce Wawrzyniak, Paul Zeidman, Patrick Aylward, Rachel Kerr, Deon McAdoo, Bailey Yeager
Ballroom 8:00-9:00 am
Consultation Check-in
Pacific Foyer 9:00 am-12:30 pm
BREAKOUTS 9:00-10:00 am
64. Fiction Track: Revising Your Novel: Where to Start – Wendy Tokunaga Bayview B
65. Writing for Change: How Spoken Word Art Enhances Public Speaking: A Storyteller and Poet Share Tips and Techniques – Kate Farrell, Dr. Andy Jones Bayview A
66. KidLit Critique Session: Illustrator portfolios – Gordon Warnock, Alexis Fajardo, Armand Baltazar, Moderator: Karly Dizon Seacliff A
67. Nonfiction Track: Nonfiction Book Proposals Agents & Editors Love – Andy Ross, Georgia Hughes Seacliff B
68. Business & Marketing Track: The Six Steps of Your Audiobook Master Plan – Kendra Murray, Ralph Scott, Tutti Taygerly, Paul Bryan Roach MD USN (ret.) Seacliff C
69. Workshop: Last Pitch Effort – You’ve learned a lot this weekend and your book may have changed direction in the process. Update your pitch and let it drive your work. – Lisa Abellera Seacliff D
BREAKOUTS 10:15-11:15 am
70. Fiction Track: How to Create Unforgettable Characters through Dynamic Exchanges – Martha Engber Bayview B
71. Writing for Change Workshop: Flash Fiction in New Spaces – Sheryl Bize-Boutte, Gini Grossenbacher Bayview A
72. KidLit Critique Session: Hook, Line, & Sinker: First Page Critique – Lisa Abellera, Michael Carr, Moderator: Karly Dizon Seacliff A
73. Nonfiction Track: Expand Your Audience & Opportunities: Write, Pitch & Publish A High-Concept Personal Essay – Joey Garcia & Elizabeth Gonzales-James Seacliff B
74. Business & Marketing Track: How to Partner with a Publicist – Bruce Wawrzyniak Seacliff C
75. Indie Publishing: What’s the Big Deal? – Jim Azevedo – Draft2Digital Seacliff D
BREAKOUTS 11:30 am-12:30 pm
76. Fiction Track: Sensory Elements Your Story Needs That You’ve Never Used – Kristen Tate, Amanda Traylor, Cara Black, Julia Vee, Moderator C. S. Lakin Bayview B
77. Finding or Building Your Writing Community – Carole Bumpus, Elise Marie Collins, Natalie Obando, Moderator: Carla King Bayview A
78. Kidlit Track: So You Want To Make A Graphic Novel: A look at how graphic novels get made from inception to publication – Alexis Fajardo Seacliff A
79. Nonfiction Track: Creating Anthologies from Idea to Publication – Mary Knippel, Geri Spieler, Diane Frank Seacliff B
80. Business & Marketing Track: Greenlight Your Audiobook – Kendra Murray, Ralph Scott, Andrea Stewart, Ann Richardson Seacliff C
81. Color Printing Essentials –The ABC(MYK)s of color printing that every children’s book, photo book, or coffee book table author needs to know. – Patrick Aylward, Rachel Kerr – BookBaby Seacliff D
82. Taking the Conference Home With You – Laurie McLean & Lissa Provost
Bayview B 12:45-1:45 pm
End of Conference
Meet up with Harvey by the fountain for Volunteer Appreciation Lunch (Everyone Welcome, details on the pink handout)
Atrium 1:45 pm
Master Class Check-in
Seacliff Lobby 12:30-2:30 pm
MASTER CLASSES 2:00-5:00 pm
Registration is separate from the conference and open to the public. Go to sfwriters.org or register during check-in if space is available.
Edit Yourself into Print: Giving your work a professional Polish – Michael Carr Bayview A
Why Should I Care? How to Keep Readers Invested in Your Characters and Story – Tanya Egan Gibson
Seacliff A
Pitches with Pictures: Crafting the Graphic Novel Proposal – Maeve MacLysaght Seacliff B
20 Ways to Promote Your Writing Career – Bruce Wawrzyniak Seacliff C
Crafting Masterful Setting and Character: C.S. Lakin Seacliff D
The Art of Crafting Memorable Soundbites That Sell Books & Create Opportunities- Joey Garcia
Boardroom B