MLK Write in before this Sunday’s speaker
Before this Sunday's event at Gilman Street Brewery, we're hosting a write-in with prompts inspired by Martin Luther King Day.
Might you spare me a moment to convince you to join me? Great writing has changed history in every era; don't you agree? To that end we host write-ins on days of action like Earth Day and MLK Day. Such holidays are for setting aside time to take actions in honor of our values. It’s too easy to let the weekends slide by. The write-in is a rewarding ritual to ...
See you at our (scandalous!) Winter Social — 12/7/25 at Highlands Country Club!
It's that time of year ... and what a scandalous year! To celebrate our community and creativity, we've booked the Highlands Country Club in Oakland all day on December 7th for a Sunday morning bagel brunch and writing retreat, plus evening cocktails, dinner and a contest. Dress merrily! Bring friends!
This year we're having a contest on the theme of Holiday Scandals! Come to the morning retreat to write some flash fiction, or bring something with you. We'll draw 6 names from a hat for a ...
Discovering Your Author Voice with Renee Swindle – November 16, 2025
Exploring the act of resistance with writers on technology, sexuality and spirituality.
CANCELLED – Writing History, Finding Community: One Historian’s Journey with Richard Schwartz – October 19, 2025
Exploring the act of resistance with writers on technology, sexuality and spirituality.
Maximize your discoverability with the Indie Author Project with Roy Serrao – September 21, 2025
Exploring the act of resistance with writers on technology, sexuality and spirituality.
Critique Group Seeking Writers
One of our members participates in an Oakland-based writing critique group that's interested in adding a new member. The group meets every two to three weeks, twelve months a year with calendar adjustments around the holidays. The writers are working on novels, short stories, and memoirs.
Here is a description from one of the group's members:
The group meets in person at homes near downtown Oakland, except when there are pandemics when we meet over zoom. Meetings are usually on Wednes...
The CWC-Berkeley Board (2025 – 2026)
To contact a board member, add @gmail.com after their address unless otherwise indicated.
Executive Board
President Debi Mason berkeley.cwcVice President Jordan Pastor interim Kristen Caven vp.berkeley.cwcSecretary Karma Bennett secretary.berkeley.cwcTreasurer Gary Durbin treasurer.cwc.berkeley
Board of Directors
Central Board Representative Karma Bennett cb.cwc.berkeleyCommunications Chair Karma Bennett NorCal Delegate Bob Haus norcal.cwc.berkeleyMembership Chair Aleida Socarras ...
Local Author Showcase: Annual New Book Celebration on June 21, 2025
The Author Showcase will take place at Clio's Bookstore (353 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610) from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.
On Saturday, June 21st, the Berkeley Branch of the California Writers Club will honor its members who have published a new title in the past year. This is a proud moment for this century-old writing club, highlighting the diverse literary accomplishments and talents of this notable group. A wide range of literary genres will be featured, including historical fiction, mystery, ...