Aspiring writers are invited to attend the 11th annual Writers’ Weekend April 20-22 at Mt. SAC in building 26D. Every year, the English Department hosts the conference that is open to the public in addition to Mt. SAC students to network, participate in workshops and share their creative works. Last year, over 300 people took part of the annual event.
Fiction writers, poets, creative non-fiction writers, actors, artists, publishers, editors, and agents can share their thoughts and experiences with other attendees. More than 20 industry professionals are slated to lead workshops, and aspiring writers can partake in writing exercises and have their work critiqued by professionals. They will also have the opportunity to pitch ideas to publishers.
One of the organizers, English Professor John Brantingham, who is also a published author, has been involved in Writers’ Weekend from the beginning.
“The students are in intense classes the whole time,” Brantingham said, “But they get to talk one-on-one to the writers, the editors and the agents. Some of the best conversations happen at that time.”
Throughout the years, Brantingham noticed that people’s reading habits have changed, and thus their writing had to change. He attributed this to the rise of television and the internet.
“The way we write has to change to fit the consciousness of the people who are alive.” Brantingham said.
To accommodate this, Writer’s Weekend offerings evolve to meet current industry trends. Moreover, all backgrounds are encouraged to be involved.
“I want international students to be there,” Brantingham said. “We need to have them there. They’re part of the voice of our community.”
Registration is $5 for all three days and prizes are awarded for the Writers’ Weekend Contest. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information on Writer’s Weekend, contact John Brantingham at [email protected] or Lloyd Aquino at [email protected]. More information, including the schedule, can be found on the Writer’s Day Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mtsacwritersweekend/photos/rpp.608412319285735/1445890358871256/?type=3&theater
