102 posts in category Speakers

Our speaker series is the highlight of Berkeley CWC meetings (third Sunday monthly).

Discovering Your Author Voice with Renee Swindle – November 16, 2025

Exploring the act of resistance with writers on technology, sexuality and spirituality.

Continue Reading

Finding Joy in our Writing (in the Time of Apocalypse) with Nazelah Jamison – April 19th, 2025

The world seems to be ending: wanna-be dictators are being elected, the planet is heating up and glaciers are melting, the number of natural disasters is at an all-time high, and our enemies seem to be joining and actively conspiring against us. In a time when internal and global conflict is more prevalent than ever, how does a writer still find actual joy in writing? From changing paths to changing direction, Nazelah Jamison invites you to seek, and find, the joy. We're excited to present ...

Continue Reading

Researching and Writing about History with Liam O’Donoghue – March 16th, 2025

Since 2016, East Bay Yesterday host Liam O’Donoghue has been transforming his local history research into articles, podcasts, and tours. In this presentation, he’ll share some helpful tips he’s learned over the years for turning facts, oral histories, and raw data into compelling narratives. This talk will cover researching, developing sources, conducting interviews, writing, and promotion (because we want people to actually read our work, right?) About Liam Liam O’Donoghue is ...

Continue Reading

Flyer for Gala Russ event

Finding the Right Editor with Romance Author/Book Coach Gala Russ – February 16th, 2025

Loose or Lose? Why Editor's Are Crucial. Should hiring an editor be part of your 2025 writing journey? Join Gala Russ—book coach, author of eight romance novels, and mentor to emerging writers—as she demystifies the editorial process. From developmental editing to proofreading, Gala will break down what each type of editor does and how to determine which (if any) aligns with your goals. Whether you're pursuing self-publishing or a traditional deal, this workshop will show you how to ...

Continue Reading

“I’ve Got a Notion” —Top Productivity Apps for Creative Writers with Mel Lee Smith — January 19th, 2025

Organizing drafts and outlines, staying on top of of tasks and research, budgeting projects and tracking submissions—writers have a lot to keep up with! At our first meeting of 2025, we are excited to host Mel Lee-Smith, a Notion consultant and a creative writer whose flexible systems help writers create smooth work flows. Mel will share an overview of some available options for staying organized, then take us on a a deep dive into Notion, perhaps the most powerful and versatile productiv...

Continue Reading

“Top 10 Tips for Grant, Fellowship, & Residency Applications” with Lyzette Wanzer—November 17th, 2024

Lyzette is the recipient of 10 artist residencies and 11 grants and fellowships. In this session, Lyzette shares the top tips you need to know to position yourself as a competitive applicant for literary grants, fellowships, and artist residencies. Being a good grant writer is not enough.  Did you know that these opportunities do not always go to the most talented writers or the most compelling proposals? There’s both an art and a science to curating your candidacy as a successful applic...

Continue Reading

“Unconventional Book Launches” with Isidra Mencos—October 20th, 2024

Attract Audiences Creatively! Unless you’re already a bestselling author, a book signing in a bookstore can fall flat. A fun event in an unusual venue will attract a crowd and foster book buzz. Learn how other authors launched their books with a bang, and get some tips to start planning your own. About Isidra Mencos Promenade of Desire: A Barcelona Memoir, was a si lver medal winner of the IPPY Awards for Best European Nonfiction 2022, a finalist for Best Multicultural ...

Continue Reading