This is an entirely subjective selections of classes taught either by me or by writers and teachers I respect. I also include writing conferences that I am participating in, or that I think are well worth your time and money. All are listed in chronological order.

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Writing from Experience in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

with Laura Fraser

October 17-23, 2010

Come to the colonial artists’ town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for a week-long immersion in writing, food, art, and sunny atmosphere. This workshop will focus on writing from experience, whether about travel, food, memoir, or any other topic close to your heart. In between workshops and writing practice, we will take a cooking class in the Mexican countryside, a creativity class with a local artist, visit hot springs and local folk art museums, have several splendid Mexican meals, and finish with a reception and reading. Email Laura (laura@laurafraser.com) for prices, packages, or to submit a writing sample to apply. Please mention that you learned about the workshop on sinandsyntax.com. Find more info here.

Laura Fraser is the bestselling author of the memoirs An Italian Affair and All Over the Map, and has taught at numerous venues, including UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, San Francisco State University, Aspen Summer Words, A Room of Her Own Foundation, the San Francisco Grotto, and others.

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The Eighth Annual

San Francisco Writers Conference

“Building Bridges to Better Tomorrows”

February 18- 20, 2011

This conference offers a mix of aesthetic and practical advice, with the aim of helping you get published. Nearly 100 agents, authors, editors and book industry professionals will gather atop historic Nob Hill, with its spectacular views of San Francisco. Keynote addresses will be given by Dorothy Allison, bestselling author of Cavedweller and winner of the 2007 Robert Penn Warren Award for Fiction, and 
David Morrell, the author of First Blood and creator of Rambo.

You will have access to more than fifty “how to” sessions, panels, and workshops, all taught by authors you know and love. Among them: Constance Hale, who will lead her popular “Sin and Syntax” workshop.

Other highlights include:

• Ask a Pro, in which you pitch books directly to New York and California editors
• Speed Dating for Agents, in which you meet one-on-one with literary agents
• A writing contest, in which you can win cash, free publishing packages, and other prizes
• Pitch contests and open mic readings, where you can hear the work of peers
• A gala party and other networking events, in which you can make new writing pals

Information is being added regularly at the site, or email the San Francisco Writers’ Conference staff to learn more: Sfwriterscon@aol.com.