Big Sur Fiction Writing Workshop

Important Update Click here.

For the past six years writers have come to Big Sur for an intensive weekend workshop designed for writers of adult novels, young adult novels, and narrative nonfiction.

This workshop will specialize in Adult Fiction, Young Adult Fiction and Middle-grade Fiction. Top NY literary agent and author of Writing the Breakout Novel, Donald Maass, will be participating in our faculty this year!

If you have a manuscript in progress our workshop will provide you with the tools you need to prepare your work for publication. Add the magic and inspiration of the Big Sur setting, gourmet meals, a professional and positive faculty and we promise you will have an unforgettable, insightful, fun and creative weekend. (Testimonials)

Through intimate personal meetings, small-group evaluations, panel discussions and much sharing of information, our goal is to have you leave Big Sur with the knowledge and advice on how to get your work ready for submission and acceptance by agents and publishers. To achieve this we have recruited top agents, editors and authors from the fiction part of the publishing field who are most instructive, supportive and giving to new writers.

FACULTY

PRICING ALTERNATIVES

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

REGISTRATION FORM

SCHEDULE-Updated!

THINGS TO BRING

DIRECTIONS/HOW TO GET HERE

SUCCESS STORIES

TESTIMONIALS

FLYER TO ANNOUNCE THE WORKSHOP

We have temporarily moved venue for the workshops.

Many of you probably know that the Big Sur area had the largest of the June wildfires in the state of California this year. The fire lasted a full month, burnt large parts of the Santa Lucia mountains and the Ventana Wilderness. We are very fortunate that the firefighters managed to save the Henry Miller Library but now the geologists, and others, are warning us that major mudslides are likely to close Highway One this winter – even with only moderate rainfall.

The State Parks may be forced to close for the winter beginning in November, that would mean we couldn't use the Big Sur Lodge in Pfeiffer State Park. We have decided that we can't take the risk of being shut out. We have found a new venue for this winter/spring located in Monterey/Seaside.

The site for the March 2009 will now be the beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel Seaside/Monterey,
overlooking the ocean.

Room set-ups enable us to still provide sharing of rooms, (the suites have one bedroom and a comfortable bed sofa in the main room), all with kitchenettes, sitting area, good light, most with ocean or mountain/lake views, full breakfast and cocktail receptions between 5 and 7 Friday and Saturday night. The hotel also has an indoor pool/spa, fitness room, bar and restaurant. For those flying in, no car will be needed as the hotel has complimentary shuttle service to Monterey Airport. If Highway One is open, we will still plan a Saturday afternoon break time in Big Sur for those who wish to go. We hope you understand this unusual situation. We can assure you that we will still run the same quality of workshop (with some additional wonderful faculty to be invited) and we do think you will find the substitute hotel truly lovely, substituting ocean views for the redwoods.

The cost of the workshop remains the same.

FACULTY:

Editors:

Lynn Price: Along with being the award-winning author of DONOVAN'S PARADIGM, Lynn Price is the editorial director for Behler Publications, an independent trade publisher specializing in fiction and nonfiction personal journeys with social relevance. Behler’s works reflect emotional issues that create timeless, significant stories that will continue to touch our lives twenty years from now. Twelve of Behler’s titles are award winners. Many of Behler Publications’ books have received enthusiastic reviews from Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, Bloomsbury Review. Behler’s title, KTLA’s News At Ten: SIXTY YEARS WITH STAN CHAMBERS is a LA Times Bestseller. Lynn also assumes a lighthearted and somewhat irreverent tone with the myriad issues facing today’s writers on the Behler Publications blog

Melissa Manlove, assistant editor, has been with Chronicle Books in San Francisco five years. Some of the books she has served as editor for are EMILY'S BALLOON by Komako Sakai, TOOLS by Taro Miura, TALES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM by Cooper Edens and MAKE A WISH by Roseann Thong, illustrated by Elisa Kleven. Melissa is passionate about all age groups and genres of children's books, with the exception of religious topics. When acquiring, she looks for fresh takes on familiar topics as well as the new and unusual. More important than topic, however, is an effective approach and strong, graceful writing. She is a member of the SCBWI and has 11 years of children's bookselling experience.

Donald Maass heads the Donald Maass Literary Agency in New York City, which represents more than 150 novelists and sells more than 150 novels every year to publishers in New York and overseas. He is a past president of the Association of Authors Representatives, Inc., and is the author of several books of interest to fiction writers: THE CAREER NOVELIST (now available as a free download from his agency’s website), WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL, and WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK. In May 2009, Writers Digest Press will publish his next book, THE FIRE IN FICTION: Passion, Purpose and Techniques to Make Your Novel Great.

Lisa Rector, editor with Third Draft in New York City providing editorial services to published and advanced fiction writers. Lisa specializes in late stage story issues, sagging middles and third draft woes. She provides one-on-one intensive story development workshops, manuscript evaluations and revision assistance to professional authors of thrillers, suspense, mystery, historical, fantasy, mainstream and literary fiction. Lisa works with dozens of authors in the US, Canada, Australia and The Netherlands. She teaches advanced editing and fiction writing techniques at conferences world-wide and is the founder of the Lisa Rector Scholarship for Young Writers.

Authors:

Eric J. Adams is an author, screenwriter, and film producer he most recently co-wrote and produced the independent feature film, My Suicide (www.mysuicide.net), starring David Carradine, Joe Mantegna, and Nora Dunn. My Suicide won the coveted Crystal Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and was selected to screen at SXSW in Austin, Gen Art Film Festival in New York, and the San Francisco International Film Festival. Eric twice won silver medals at the Houston International Film Festival for his screenplays True Crime and Desperate Night.

Eric is also the author of a number of books including the suspense/thrillers Plot Twist (St. Martin’s Press), Birdland (Hodder & Stoughton), and the therapuetic children's book On the Day His Daddy Left, written with his wife, a psychotherapist.

As a journalist, Adams has written for dozens of national and regional periodicals, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Wired, and Salon. A board member of the Northern California Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, Adams has taught the craft of writing at schools, seminars, and conferences nationwide.

As the founder of Sleeperwave Films, Eric has relied on his unique background to develop a number of film properties, including Vanished, the true story of the most successful modern escape from San Quentin Prison, an Two Moons, a poignant tale of a Native American teenager trying to reconcile living in the two worlds, her reservation home and an online virtual reality.

Lynda Sandoval is a former police officer and the author of twenty-four award-winning books. She writes young adult novels as well as women's fiction, romance, and nonfiction for five different publishers, all while working part-time as a 9-1-1 fire/medical dispatcher and teaching writing through Long Ridge Writers Group. Her work has appeared on the Waldenbooks Romance Bestsellers' list and has won numerous national awards, including a Colorado Book Award nomination for Best Young Adult Literature and a National Reader's Choice Award, also in the YA category. Lynda's teen novels have twice been nominated as ALA Quick Picks for Young Adult Readers, and she's very proud (go figure) to be on the list of Books Parents Hate and Teens Love. Her Website

Eric Elfman is the author of a bunch of children's books and Young Adult novels, including three off-beat almancs: ALMANAC OF THE GROSS, DISGUSTING & TOTALLY REPULSIVE; THE VERY SCARY ALMANAC; and ALMANAC OF ALIEN ENCOUNTERS (published by Random House). He also wrote three X-FILES novels (HarperCollins) and two books of scary short stories, THREE MINUTE THRILLERS and MORE THREE MINUTE THRILLERS (Lowell House). His newest book, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, a YA horror novel, will be published later this year. Eric has also written a screenplay, CLASS ACT (co-written with Neal Shusterman) which is in development at Walden Media, starring Halle Berry, with Doug Atchison set to direct.

Agents:

Andrea Brown, President of Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. (ABLA) since 1981, author of
WRITERS’ AND ARTISTS’ HIDEOUTS: Great Getaways for Seducing the Muse,
published numerous articles for Writer’s Digest and other publications.
She is the executive director of the Big Sur Writing Workshops.

Caryn Wiseman has been an Agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. since early 2003, and has sold almost 80 books. She handles children's books only: young adult and middle-grade fiction and non-fiction, chapter books, and picture books (fiction and non-fiction). She represents a New York Times bestselling author, first-time authors, and authors at every stage in between. Caryn holds an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA, and a BS from the University of Virginia, and her fifteen years of business experience prior to joining the Agency emphasized editing and writing as well as sales, negotiation and client management.

Jennifer Laughran, (Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.), is looking for YA and middle grade realistic fiction, science fiction, mystery, adventure and humor. She adores simplicity, but she is not interested in the conventional, predictable, mechanical, gimmicky or ordinary. She seeks books that have not only voice, but blood, temperature and a pulse--they can be messy and idiosyncratic, but never weak. If you need to be reassured that your writing is vital, you are probably not an author to interest her.

Jennifer Mattson comes to Andrea Brown Literary Agency after nearly five years of reviewing children's books (preschool through YA) as part of the Books for Youth staff of Booklist magazine. Roughly speaking, that adds up to close readings of around 1,000 books, lending Jennifer a wide-angle view of publishing trends and the tastes of individual houses. As a Booklist editor, Jennifer worked as a consultant to the Best Books for Young Adults and the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers committees.

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PRICING :

• The entire weekend package is $ 720.00. This includes a shared room (one bedroom and a bedsofa in the living room), all meals (incl. Tax and grats), the entire workshop, and cocktail reception Friday and Saturday evenings.

• Shared accommodations mean two participants per room. If you would like a private room, there is an additional $ 170.00 cost for the weekend.

• For a guest not participating in the workshop, but sharing a room including all meals and the receptions, the cost is $ 280.00

• For locals, not needing a room at the Embassy Suites, but attending the workshop including all meals and the receptions, the price is $ 600.00.

• If you like to stay extra nights you need to make reservations directly with the hotel’s 'in house reservations department' in order to receive the extended discount.
In house reservations: 831-393-1115. Open Monday – Thursday 7AM – 4PM Pacific Time.

• Previous participants receive a 5 % discount.

• Cancellation policy: 75% REFUND IF CANCELLED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO STARTING DATE.
AFTER THAT NO REFUND.

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• SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Registration form (pdf)

Registration form (rtf), (you can downoad this, fill it in, and send it back via e-mail.

Full payment and registration can be sent by mail to:

"Writing Workshops" Henry Miller Library, Highway One, Big Sur, CA 93920
or by calling 831-667-2574. We will also e-mail the registration form to you if you like.

Your manuscript submission will not be considered until payment has been received. You will receive immediate confirmation of registration upon receipt of payment.

Submit the first two chapters of your book or the first 10 pages. That means you should limit your submission to ten pages. You also have the option to submit other selection(s) from your mss., including a short synopsis, but not to exceed 10 pages. (Font 12, double spaced, plain white paper). Submission via e-mail using PDF is acceptable. Please e-mail: writing@henrymiller.org

Must be submitted by: FEBRUARY 11, 2009. Now extended to FEBRUARY 18.

Send submissions for evaluation asap and definitely before the above date to:

Andrea Brown, 1076 Eagle Drive, Salinas, Ca 93905.
Mark envelope: “Big Sur Submission.”

Works are accepted on a first come first serve basis (register early!).
Works may not be accepted if the content falls outside the faculty area of expertise, or if the director feels the work and writer would not benefit from attending the workshop.

Works in progress (unfinished) will be acceptable. You will be notified as soon as possible, with a full refund of registration fee, should your work not be approved. Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance is via email. The submitted material will be used by faculty for individual meetings during conference and will not be returned nor should it be counted as one of the copies you should bring to workshop.

If registered on time all previous attendees are automatically accepted.

Note that ALL WRITERS need to make their submissions of manuscript on time. (Ideally long before the deadline Feb. 18, 2009)

Register early. We will sell out and we will keep the workshop small for personal attention.

Additional important info:
You should plan to bring 12 extra copies of the first 10 pages (single spaced in min. Font size 12) you submitted, plus up to 10 other pages of other sections, chapters or pages you wish to concentrate on for feedback. Also bring one full copy of ms. at least. Also bring synopsis and query letter.

Printers are limited, so bring your own or plan to use the Staples across the street from the hotel.

Each writer has a unique, personalized schedule for the weekend including 2 separate critique groups that meet twice, as well as one private meeting, so each writer works closely with three faculty members throughout the weekend. There is also lots of other networking time with other faculty members. There are two complimentary wine/drink receptions.

If you have any questions please e-mail us.

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• SCHEDULE

Schedule for Big Sur Writing Workshop 2009:

Friday, March 6
Check into hotel between 1 and 2 pm
2:00: Welcome, Introductions
3:20—5:20: Critique Group 1
5:30: Cocktail reception in hotel lobby
6:30: Dinner
Presentation, Magnus Toren
Open Mic (optional)

Saturday, March 7:
7:30—8:30: Breakfast
8:45—10:30: Critique Group 2
10:40—Noonish: Private meetings
12:15: Box lunch
Revising time
3:45—5:30: Repeat Critique Group 1
5:30: Cocktail Reception
6:45: Dinner
8:00: “Creating the Breakout Novel” with agent and author, Donald Maass

Sunday, March 8
7:30—8:30: Breakfast
8:45—10:40: Repeat Critique Group 2
Pack, check-out
11:00—Noon: Agent and Editor Panel
Farewell—May check out at Noon

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• THINGS TO BRING:

*Rooms have TV, radio, wi-fi, and alarm clocks. Despite those modern convenienes we hope you plan to write. Bring pads, laptops (personal printers is good to bring). Comfortable clothes.

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HOW TO GET HERE

From: San Francisco to Embassy Suites, Seaside

From: Los Angeles to Embassy Suites

Closest airport is Monterey Airport

A shuttle to the hotel will be available at the airport.

Airports within 2 hours driving time are San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco airports.

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The Big Sur Writing Workshops is happy to announce the following success stories:

The adult fiction workshop in March: Congratulations to Rebecca Wolf, attendee from 2005 on her sale of ROCKABYE to editor Brooke Warner at Avalon Books, sold by agent, Laura Rennert.

Congratulations to Christina Meldrum! After attending the Big Sur Writing Workshop a couple of years ago, Laura Rennert of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. sold a two book, six-figure deal with Alfred A. Knopf for Christina! We can't wait to see the books and have Christina attend as faculty.

Also congrats to Harry Haines for signing a two novel deal with Mayhaven Publishing.

The children's book workshop from this past December, congratulates Elizabeth Shreeve who has now sold two picture book manuscripts to Front Street/Boyd's Mills Press. That brings the children's book workshop successes to seven writers.

Who is the next success story?

If any other former attendees have sales as a result of attending the workshops, please let Magnus at the Henry Miller Library know as soon as possible so we can post it. Keep writing!

Thank you,

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Testimonials from participants in previous Writing Workshops:

"This is the first conference I have walked away thinking this was worth every penny. I actually feel like I have something of value, and I am a better writer for going."

"I loved the workshop and came home inspired. I hope I can go next year!
Thanks for everything!"

"I really appreciated the low-pressure environment, because it was a workshop rather than a conference. I enjoyed just talking to people, faculty and conferees, without having to be “on.” The faculty were all so willing to share their knowledge and offer their help. It was really a unique experience."

"I was truly grateful for the time and thought they put into their feedback, which resulted in a stronger start to my book."

"Thank you so much for offering this workshop. It reinvigorated me and my book and allowed me to connect with other people, make new friends, and reconnect with old friends, all who love writing for children."

"I love the sense of community here. It reminds me of the level of professionalism that is needed, i.e. time to work: time to network, talk and enjoy the process of writing. Great! Great! Great!"

"The best part was the intensity! The editors/agents are so down to earth & accessible! I like that serious writers were here to discuss work. It raised the standards for people.”

“Diverse and insightful critique from colleagues and opportunity to meet and gather insights from people in the industry.”

“The best part is that you make us work!”

"Multiple critique sessions worked perfectly!”

"Having a professional in the field to ask questions of - very specifically - regarding how work fits in publishing world was the best part."

"I had an amazing weekend! I learned so much about writing and developing my work."

"Gee, do you think I will be back next year? You might as well sign me up now!"

"Loved every minute of it."

"Thanks. Great workshop."

"Great workshop as usual."

"Thanks for helping put on a wonderful weekend."

"All of us experienced the pleasure of praise for work well done and the pain of constructive criticism.

"Thank you for an encouraging and wonderful event."

"No wonder people are coming all the way from Brazil!"

"I was actually surprised that the rooms where so comfortable and the food was marvellous, The Best!"

"Superb - The absence of distractions make this conference so much more productive."

"This conference felt like family."

"I achieved what I came for - to solve story problems."

"Excellent."

"Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!"

"I'll be back!"

"Exceptional!"

"Awesome."

"Great."

"Lodging excellent, location spectacular."

“The food was great! I was completely, and pleasantly surprised.”