Seminar
Saturday, April 26, 2014
In this interactive seminar, we’ll look at why a great query and proposal are crucial for any author who’s seeking a traditional publishing deal — and almost as important for authors who want to self-publish.
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
Monday, March 31, 2014
As with all phase of publishing, the magazine is in flux, switching from print to online and back to both. It’s almost a brand-new field.
Magazines are plentiful. It always seems as if they are starving for content but not eager to receive content, or are secretive about the process. We will draw back the curtain a bit and offer insight into the sometimes mystical but actually very practical art of magazine and newspaper submission.
Not all magazines and papers pay well; some do not all pay at all. But sometimes the article practically writes itself, and other times the resume credit is worth the effort, even if the money does not fit. And sometimes there are other valuable perks that you might not have considered.
Several magazine and newspaper editors and representatives will tell you…
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IWOSC Reads Its Own
Sunday, March 16, 2014
FREE!
Everyone is invited!
A great group joined us for a afternoon of eclectic, eccentric, and exemplary works — from poems to true stories to hilarious monologues and beyond — read aloud by the following distinguished IWOSC scribes.
The writing was varied — poetry, fiction, memoir, nonfiction.
Location: Vroman’s Bookstore
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, March 15, 2014
“Method Writing” is an organic approach to writing, much as method acting is an organic approach to acting, stressing inner process and deep voice. “Method Writing” consists of various concepts that take the writer through techniques designed to make the writing more compelling and more effective, publishable and productive.
Back by popular demand, Jack Grapes…
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
Monday, February 24, 2014
In the past decade, primetime TV has transformed itself from what critics once derided as a “vast wasteland” to the long-form equivalent of Oscar-winning movies and indie films.
There’s the edgy stylishness of “CSI,” “ER,” and “Game of Thrones”; the nuance and subtext of “Mad Men,” “Downton Abbey,” and “The Good Wife”; and the machine-gun dialogue of “24,” “Homeland,” and “House of Cards.”
There were decade-definers like “Lost” and “The Sopranos,” and anti-heroes like “House,” “Dexter,” and “The Mentalist.”
But what does it all mean for the people who actually write and create these shows?
How does a writer get a chance to write for today’s TV shows, anyway?
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Has the lazy language of email made your professional communications sloppy?
Do you agonize over articles and query letters?
Do you fear grammatical errors?
Have you forgotten the rules you learned in school?
And do they still apply?
Presenter Flo Selfman calls herself a “professional nitpicker.” Participants will gain grammar confidence with a review of simple rules to correct dozens of commonly made errors.
[To read more, click the title!]
Due to the loss of one of our beloved long-time board members, Pam Levin, we opted not to hold a January Seminar.
Party
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Kick off the season at the IWOSC Annual Holiday Bash at the Biltmore! Follow the tradition of presidents, celebrities, dignitaries, and IWOSC writers by celebrating history, architectural splendor, and creativity at the beautiful downtown Millennium Biltmore Hotel!
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Cashing in on an opportunity to read aloud can be an effective marketing tool for the writer, and if done right, it can generate great word of mouth.
If not done right, a great novel, nonfiction discourse, essay, short story or poem can sound like sour mud.
Many writers are reclusive. The process of writing does lend itself to solitary moments. But sometimes you just have to get out there and market your work. Writing is a form of communication, of course. It would be a shame to find the work hitting a wall and sliding down in a gooey heap. You want it to resonate.
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
Monday, November 25, 2013
According to polls taken in the mid-1990s, 25% of college seniors could not pinpoint the date of the first voyage of Christopher Columbus; 40% couldn’t say when the American Civil War occurred, and fewer than 2% of American teenagers could name the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court — but for all this seeming historical ignorance, works of history often show up on non-fiction best-seller lists. Either the polls aren’t telling the whole story, or there is a fanatic minority out there who voraciously eats up anything to do with the past.
This month’s panel on writing history will look at what’s happening now about the unpredictable past and explore the motivation, research, writing and publishing that go into creating the chronicle of who we have come to be.
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
October 28, 2013
Literature for children is meant to inform, entertain, stimulate and grow future readers, as well as promote family interaction. This is quite a responsibility, a highly competitive field where immense imagination and mature child-like properties combined with a good business plan, plenty of energy, and an openness to possibilities.
We will trace the journeys of a few published writers of children’s literature and mid-range (for ages 2-11), and one on the way to becoming published, plus a representative from a children’s bookstore.
We will cover…
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, October 26, 2013
In keeping with this year’s theme exploring the writing process, we cannot ignore humor, nor do we want to.
There are methods, tricks, turns of phrase, and surprises that elicit a laughter response. The two presenters have all of this, plus the instinct and a distinct ability and personality to clearly communicate how you can apply this to your own writing.
We will discuss how to open up to the absurdities and vagaries of life, and how to enjoy them. If you want to bring something that you have written, we will work with that as time permits, and we may also throw a few easy exercises your way.
[To read more, click the title!]
Outside event
Sunday, September 29, 2013
As always, IWOSC hosted a booth at the West Hollywood Book Fair.
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, September 28, 2013
This year at IWOSC, we are exploring several different and creative ways to approach the process of writing fiction and nonfiction. Our seminar leaders are all experienced teachers who approach the creative process with a particular gift, and they are all eager to pass along the gift to you.
Your writing is a reflection of who you are and who you are becoming. – Hugh Leonard
This illuminating workshop will let you…
[To read more, click the title!]
Party!
Saturday, August 17, 2013
For our 2013 summer party, we enjoyed the hospitality of the CBS Radford Studios in Studio City, near Laurel Canyon and Ventura Boulevards.
We wined with the Murphy-Goode Wine’s California Collection.
We dined on the scrumptious buffet dinner at Carla’s Café, by their very own Events d’ Elegance.
And we socialized with fellow writers and guests!
We loved being on this CBS lot.
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
Monday, July 29, 2013
There are many outspoken members of the writing community. These writers have taken an active and effective part in changing the world, or at least one or two parts of the world. It’s all about the reason for writing. We HAVE to write. We want to get our MESSAGE out there. And some messages shake things up a bit.
Daniel Elsberg to Edward Snowden; Martin Marietta to Treyvon Martin; there is never a loss of issues scientific, political, religious, sociological, with ample reasons for anger, stimulus, and perhaps tilting at a few windmills. No subject will be off limits tonight.
[To read more, click the title!]
Outside event
July 20 & 21, 2013
IWOSC, Independent Writers of Southern California
co-sponsored this Pacific Institute for Professional Writing Writer’s Weekend
[To read more, click the title!]
IWOSC Reads Its Own
Join us for a spellbinding afternoon of eclectic, eccentric, and exemplary works — from poems to true stories to hilarious monologues and beyond, read aloud by distinguished IWOSC scribes. We’ll be regaled with their wit, have our emotions stirred, or be plunged into deep thought as these talented member writers read short excerpts from their published, unpublished, or in-progress works at the beautiful independent bookstore, Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, California.
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
Monday, June 24, 2013
A varied but distinct discipline, play writing is a good exercise for any writer. The restrictions and opportunities are a good exercise, and if you want to develop natural dialog, this is a good way to perfect it. Aside from the exercises inherent in the form, it is particularly rewarding to see your works performed in readings or staged productions.
The revelations from viewing your work are manifold.
But how do you get this work conceptualized, written, polished, produced, and published?
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Part 1
Peter Balaskas will discuss the craft of short story writing, the importance of writing cogently for brevity and impact, and various critical elements of this special writing genre. In a nutshell: What do I as an editor look for when publishing short stories in published anthologies?
Part 2
Strictly a writer’s workshop, where Peter will teach and moderate. Everyone brings 5 pages of material. Peter will give an introduction of the seminar, explain critiquing rules. Followed by individuals reading excerpts of their work, to be critiqued by the participants.
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
Monday, May 20, 2013
Your work will not sell itself. No marketing, no nothing, nada, zilch. Regardless of the enormous competition out there, if you are savvy, creative, and energetic, your work will have an edge. But you need to know how, you need to know where, you need to know what’s new and creative, and you need to know how to do it inexpensively and time-efficiently.
What has changed recently? What is all of this new buzz about Amazon and short stories?
For our yearly panel, we have assembled veterans who are very experienced in those matters. Learn from them and resolve to put the time and energy into improving your marketing. Yes, everyone can benefit from improved marketing.
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, May 18, 2013
“Method Writing” is an organic approach to writing, much as method acting is an organic approach to acting, stressing inner process and deep voice. “Method Writing” consists of various concepts that take the writer through techniques designed to make the writing more compelling and more effective, publishable and productive.
Jack Grapes will present this overview of the writer’s creative process,
focusing on his book “METHOD WRITING,” a technique he’s developed and used in his writing workshops over the last 35 years. Jack will discuss the nature of the creative process, and how that applies to “Method Writing.” So bring something to write on: paper and pen, parchment and quill, stone and chisel — whatever works..
He will lead the group in a writing prompt, time permitting
[To read more, click the title!]
Panel
Monday, April 29, 2013
In a changing marketplace, it’s more important than ever to have an advocate to fight for you when going the route of traditional publishing.
Our stellar Southern California agents will provide a look at their world today.
We’ll cover what you need to know to find the right representative, how to get their attention, and the steps you should take to create the strongest relationship. In addition, we’ll look at the ebook factor, transitioning from self-publishing to traditional publishing, book-to-film deals, and more.
Come join us!
[To read more, click the title!]
Seminar
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Want to turn your book or short story into a screenplay? Screenwriting instructor Pilar Alessandra gives you a way in.
You’ll learn how to …
[To read more, click the title!]
Outside event
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books started in 1996 with a simple goal: to bring together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. The largest and most prestigious book festival in the country, it attracts more than 150,000 book lovers each year — and IWOSC was proud to once again be a participant.
[To read more, click the title!]
