What’s Coming Up…Summertime 2026

Looking at our accomplishments of the 2025-26 season, the Berkeley Branch of the California Writers Club is excited about the road ahead. This past year we were able to double our membership and put new energy into our time-tested programs. Keeping in step with our motto of “Writers Helping Writers” we held on to our support group that meets regularly every month, our 5-page Critique Group at the Rockridge Library, and our monthly submissions group, as well as our Write In at the Oakland Museum.

2025-26 also saw a change in leadership, whose focus is on strengthening our community outreach and bringing to the table writers of diverse socio-economic backgrounds to further develop a CWC branch that is welcoming and inclusive for writers of all ethnicities and ages. We will continue to be visible at the Bay Area Book Festival, Beast Crawl and Lit Hop. Our developing plans include broader participation in festivals and events in Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco and Richmond.

Summer is a time for relaxation and connection (watch for info about our Summer Social/Open Mic in August), but also a time for the Board of Directors to come together to brainstorm new ideas for workshops and to re-connect our committees. Our “live” events were a major success as we explored the hot topic of AI from various angles at our well-attended Speakers Series at our new venue, Gilman Brewing Company in Berkeley. Coming in 2026-27, we will talking to literary agent Laurie McLean in September, mystery writer Margaret Lucke in November, and professor Sara Orem in January. It’s not too early to make your Virginia Prentiss fund donation! A $37 donation in addition to your membership dues gives you VIP access to events and activities throughout the year and discounts on workshops that we are now adding back to our calendar…and it supports our writers equity fund. Writers helping writers!

CWC Berkeley Branch wants to hear from you! We want to know how we can better serve you as a member and, hopefully, get you more involved. On June 27, if you’re not going to be at our 5 page group, expect a phone call from a board member! In lieu of a June event, we’re holding a little phone rally. We want your input in what works for you, what you want more of, and what you envision for next year!

Also keep in mind that this is membership renewal time. Membership is still affordable at $65 for new members and $45 to renew. Please visit our membership page to learn more.