California Resources for Writers
Here you’ll find a collection of resources for writers in California, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you’re looking for writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or simply a place to hang out with writers or submit your work, these are some California writing organizations you might want to check out:
WriteByNight
For more than a decade, WriteByNight has helped writers in California and beyond achieve their literary goals. And we want you to be next! Claim your free consultation to learn about WBN’s customizable one-on-one writers’ services, including:
Book Coaching: If you’re writing a book and want some help along the way.
Manuscript Critique: If you’ve written a book and want a beta read, critique, or writing workshop.
Editing/Proofreading: If you’ve written a book and want someone to polish it for you.
Publication Assistance: If you’ve written a book and want help finding an agent or publisher.
Not ready to chat? That’s cool. Until you are, why not sign up for our weekly message full of education and inspiration for writers and aspiring writers. You’ll also receive a free diagnostic tool, “Common problems and SOLUTIONS for the struggling writer.”
1,600 members and 19 branches throughout the state, “all joined together for the common goal of educating ourselves and the community on the craft of writing and the realities of getting our work published.”
Community of Writers at Squaw Valley
Every summer for over 40 years, the Community of Writers at Squaw Valley has brought together poets, prose writers and screenwriters for weeks of writing workshops, individual conferences, lectures, panels, readings, and discussions of the craft and the business of writing.
Independent Writers of Southern California
Provides writers of the greater Los Angeles area with several opportunities to meet with other writers each month, through casual get-togethers in various areas. Offers seminars, writing groups, panel discussions and more.
Inland Empire California Writers Club
For the purpose of providing a forum for educating both members and the public in the craft of writing and in marketing their works. Meets the fourth Saturday of every month at the Ovitt Family Community Library in Ontario, California.
While maintaining close ties with the area’s universities and colleges, the SPC affords associated artists the opportunity to explore poetry unrestricted, empowering literary artists to improve their work and performance. Offers writing workshops, contests and more.
A nonprofit offering writing classes, writing groups and workshops, readings and other literary events at The Ink Spot and other locations throughout San Diego County.
San Francisco Writers Conference
An annual four-day conference boasting over 50 panel discussions, parties, pitch sessions, readings and much more.
Southern California Writers Association
An organization of diverse writers working with articles, essays, web content, children’s writing, short stories, novels of all genres, plays, screenwriting and poetry. Meetings in Orange County.
Southern California Writers’ Conference
This conference is held annually in both Los Angeles and San Diego and offers writing workshops, readings, and more. Its philosophy: “A writer is a writer before, as well as after, publication.”
UCLA Extension Writers’ Program
The largest and most comprehensive continuing education writing program worldwide, it offers more than 450 annual open-enrollment writing workshops and courses onsite and online in novel writing, short fiction, personal essay, memoir, poetry, playwriting and more.
This not-for-profit offers guest speakers and panels, writing workshops, critique groups, contests, and more, as well as monthly meetings in Camarillo.
A school of creative writing for adults (beginners to advanced) in San Francisco. Offers small classes held in comfortable, cozy settings. Classes include fiction, poetry, personal essays, memoirs, screenwriting and more.
Help us add to this list, Californians! Do you know of writing groups near you, writing workshops near you, creative writing classes near you, or a California literary journal we should be aware of? Let us know here