This is an entirely subjective selection 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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The 2012 San Francisco Writers Conference
“A Celebration of Craft, Commerce & Community”
The Mark Hopkins Hotel
February 17 – 19
Writers from all over the country ride the cable cars up Nob Hill to huddle in the historic Mark Hopkins and hear from writers, editors, and literary entrepreneurs in this annual conference, now in its ninth year. Bestselling authors Lisa see (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) and Lolly Winston (Good Grief) will join legendary editor Alan Rinzler as keynote speakers on President’s Day weekend, and there will even be a craft workshop led by me, Constance Hale.
Lunches, cocktail parties, an evening orientation on Thursday … all provide lots of time to network, and optional writing intensives are available on Monday. Oh, and let’s not forget the contest!
Find out about all of it at the conference Web site.
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How to survive—and thrive—as a freelance writer or editor
A one-day workshop led by Constance Hale
UC-Berkeley Extension
March 17, 2012 ~ San Francisco
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$275
Are you interested in learning about a freelance writing and editing career? This one-day seminar helps you examine the changing media landscape and develop strategies to both survive and thrive in it. Deepen your understanding of what magazines, newspapers, books and websites look for, and discuss where and how social media and blogging fit in. You also consider how to support dream projects with good work that pays the bills—whether it’s tech writing, teaching, ghostwriting or corporate editing. Guests share their unvarnished experiences, and innovative course materials help you define your goals, sharpen your skills and develop a personal strategy. The presentations are rich in wisdom, the exercises rigorous but fun.
Workshop Leader
Constance Hale is the author of the bestselling Sin and Syntax, and the forthcoming Vex, Hex, Smash, and Smooch. Her articles have been published in the Atlantic, National Geographic Adventure, Smithsonian, and many national newspapers. She edits books for Harvard Business Press and private clients.
Guest Speakers
Journalist Monica Campbell covers women in Mexico, troops in Afghanistan and culture in the Bay Area for newspapers, magazines and radio.
Larry Habegger, a founder of Travelers’ Tales Books as well as The Prose Doctors, has more than 30 years of experience as a writer and editor, especially in the travel and personal essay genres. He currently edits for various Bay Area media outlets as well as private clients. He is a founder of the Prose Doctors.
For information and registration:
http://extension.berkeley.edu/catalog/course1394.html