Have you ever wanted to write the great American novel? Do you have a story about your adventures on the Trans-Siberian Express? Maybe your step-brother is an astronaut, or your kid sister skates in professional roller derby. Maybe you once lost $10,000 at the Kentucky Derby. Everyone has stories, but whatever the subject matter, people often find it difficult to sit down at a keyboard and articulate their thoughts in writing. How do you capture stories so they will be remembered? That’s where San Diego Writers, Ink comes in!
For the last decade, San Diego Writers Ink, a nonprofit, community-based writers’ organization, has conducted literary events in Point Loma’s Liberty Station. The goal: to give aspiring and seasoned writers the resources they need to find, shape, and polish their stories.
SDWI serves as a literary hub throughout the San Diego area, promoting literature, facilitating artistic collaboration, and providing artistic development for writers at all levels. Located in Barracks 16 (near the Liberty Station Pubic Market), SDWI holds frequent events throughout the year. New and experienced local writers can learn the latest craft techniques, explore genre, and study literature in a variety of classes, workshops, and seminars. A low-cost, yearly membership provides discounts on all classes and workshops.
Each year, SDWI publishes “A Year in Ink,” a literary anthology of poetry and stories. For some, publication in “A Year in Ink” marks their very first literary milestone!
Popular events at SDWI include Blazing Laptops, an 8-hour guided writing event led by SDWI staff. “Blazing Laptops,” SDWI executive director Kristen Fogle explains, “is not only an important fundraiser to keep our fees low and ensure we can afford our programs and spaces, but it’s a time for writers to come together and dedicate time to their craft. It’s a great event for them to network and to support each other.”
For writers looking to develop book-length projects, SDWI offers two Certificate Programs, one for novel writing and one for memoir. Read & Critique workshops bring groups of working writers together for weekly feedback sessions. And there are even classes on finding agents, working with publishers, and marketing a book when it’s finished. San Diego Writers, Ink has a bit of everything, for writers of all levels, ages, and interests.
San Diego Writers, Ink is located at 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 202. They can be reached at 619-696-0363. www.sandiegowriters.org Rich Farrell is a SDWI board member.
