10th Annual  October 5-7, 2012 Master Class to Masterpiece |
| Early Bird deadline May 15! (Teens June 25.) Mss. due in summer. Stellar faculty; personalized. Apply now! |
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ADULT TESTIMONIALS
Mary Cronk Farrell
All presenters were generous and genuine. The insight I received from each on my manuscript was invaluable. The weekend was also great fun. I enjoyed meeting other writers and felt a spirit of camaraderie and support. (2009) I have just signed with a great agent. I could not have written my second novel, Ellie Paints the Sky, if I had not attended this workshop! Thank you!! Joni Sensel
Sheryl Scarborough
I gained helpful insights about my manuscript and enjoyed peer authors immensely. The size of the entire group (30) was perfect. Everything ran efficiently, on schedule. The perspective of the three professionals was well-balanced—i.e., having an agent, editor, and author on the panels worked well. I liked that we all had the opportunity to read the open clinic, aka master class, submissions in advance. That made such a difference to me in understanding the pros’ responses. The Spot Critiques were also very helpful and illuminating. I enjoyed Saturday night dinner “on your own.” It gave me a chance to bond with peer writers. I also liked having reserved seats at workshop meals with faculty—a great way to get time with them. Finally, I loved the beachfront townhomes. I’d return to this venue just for a vacation! Annemarie O’Brien
The intimate masterclass structure allows me to hear first-hand from professionals what works and what doesn’t in each manuscript. I learn as much from the critique of my own manuscript as from those of peers. Reading these manuscripts in advance encourages me to develop my critical skills, then compare them with those of faculty. Great community of writers. Mandy Robbins Taylor
I was so excited to talk one-on-one with an agent and editor without having to “shove through the masses,” as one does at larger conferences. I left this workshop feeling much more enthusiastic about the ins and outs of the publishing industry. The faculty had everything to do with that—they emphasized pleasing individuals, no matter how huge and intimidating a publishing house may seem. The whole event was very refreshing and inspiring. Definitely a positive experience for writers like me! Sally Engelfried Extremely practical, fun seminar. I loved the camaraderie, level of professionalism, access to faculty, beachfront venue, and refreshing participation of teens. I also appreciated the quality of my peers’ writing; it was nice to chat with other authors about the challenges of writing novels. I definitely give this workshop a 10! Bobbie Pyron
When I brought my fledgling novel to this workshop, I had little confidence in my ability to craft a good story. The application process, plus faculty and peer feedback, boosted my self-confidence—helping to pave the way for the sale and publication of my first novel. This workshop was very helpful! Susan L. Lipson This workshop is a great service to children’s authors—the friendships it helps form, the inspirations it helps generate, the excitement it encourages, and the professionalism it helps foster. I hope to return!  Elizabeth Shreeve I liked the attention to big ideas and major elements of storymaking. Terrific chance to meet and receive feedback from top editors and agents. I left the workshop re-energized and encouraged. Great faculty, committed writers. Plus, I first met my agent at this workshop! Elizabeth Fais This workshop is extremely valuable for developing craft and bringing a manuscript closer to publication. A unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with an agent, editor, and peers. I was impressed by the participants’ high caliber of writing, and amazed at how supportive everyone was with each other. I learned a tremendous amount listening to the critiques and fabulous faculty. Mar Junge If you want to know what it takes to get published, this workshop will leave you with no doubts. Incredible faculty. An absolute pleasure to be in the company of such talented writers. Critiquing both the first and (optional) midbook chapter was incredibly valuable—a unique workshop approach. This workshop did more to improve my craft than any other I’ve attended. It inspired me to write from the heart. My gypsies are calling to me to tell their story, no matter how outrageous...  Doraine Bennett I really enjoyed the weekend. I’m thrilled with my new friendships and wonderful faculty insights. The workshop was well worth the price. Carol Foote Inspiring! The weekend gave me lots to work on in the following months and made a real difference in my writing. I also enjoyed getting to know so many talented, nice writers. A wonderful experience! Sherise Mitchell The workshop manuals and reference materials with personalized exercises really helped my writing. Previously, my novel had been only a “That would be cool” idea; now it’s actually a work in progress. I really can’t tell you how excited I am about my story... Natasha Yim
Hearing feedback that other writers received on their manuscripts was invaluable to me; I learned a lot. The comments spurred new ideas, which I hope will breathe new life into my story. Linda Joan Smith This workshop is a great ongoing seminar in how to refine one’s writing, plot, and premise! I feel the gears moving again for me; my next rewrite will be far more profitable.  Melody (Mary) Cryns An amazing working workshop where you actually see editors and agents critique manuscripts. The critiques were honest and well thought out; very helpful. Well worth my time and money! Ally Cowee PCCWW will keep me inspired and moving forward for many months to come. A high-end seminar; immeasurably beneficial. Marjorie Sayer Writing a novel can feel like scraping a hole through concrete with one’s fingernails—huge, hard, and lonely. But the masterclass format is a great aid and inspiration. PCCCW is the best creative writing workshop I’ve attended. Join us!
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To help you envision how our event may benefit you, browse these in-depth comments from alumni—published and aspiring. For more testimonials, see the upper boxes on most of this site’s pages, or click for 
(2006) The Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop is the most worthwhile writing event I have ever attended. I learned so much I would not be surprised if it 
turns out to be a major turning point in my fiction writing. The faculty showed such passion, and were so skilled in communicating their extensive knowledge and understanding of literature. 
This workshop combines the support and camaraderie of an educated, informed critique group with a rare opportunity to connect with editors and agents to a degree that’s impossible in larger workshop or conference settings. 
The master class format is incredibly helpful. The setup around large round tables was great. For me, critiquing these peer manuscripts was the best part of the workshop. The speakers and very special group of bright, friendly, talented and committed participants were a huge plus. 
This workshop attracts real talent. It will have lasting effects on many. 
This workshop is a definite 10. For seven years, it has helped me hone my craft and make contact with esteemed editors and agents. Pre-workshop materials about character development have given me a new way of looking at my novel.
I loved PCCWW’s small size and the opportunity for everyone to get to know each other. I also really, really enjoyed networking with these writers. 
I have never in all my years of attending professional workshops and conferences seen anything as well organized as this one! 
I liked doing peers’ written critiques before the event, because I was able to put thought into them. The pre-workshop exercises were challenging and useful—really forced me to focus. 
Overall, the Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop has been my favorite professional workshop or conference ever. It offers children’s novelists of middle-grade or YA books—novelists who have either been published or have seriously studied their craft—an opportunity to convene with other serious writers, and learn from each other via in-depth written critiques and discussions. Attendees can receive multiple critiques from publishing professionals as well as credible fellow writers. I found this format extremely valuable.
My experience at the workshop was all about growing and learning as a writer—invaluable.
The workshop was well organized and well structured. I liked the intimacy of the room setting, enjoyed the manuscript exchanges, and had fun meeting both writers and faculty. 