Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Here's a Unique Writing Conference for Change Agents

No, it's not November yet, and I've got no good news on the Amazon/BookSurge mess at this time (except to tell you that Angela Hoy at Booklocker is taking them on single handedly), but I'm back briefly to tell you about a really cool conference that's happening this summer. I'll be there volunteering, and I hope some of you will attend and introduce yourselves to me. My agents, Mike Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada, who also put on the phenomenally-successful San Francisco Writers Conference each year, host this one as well. This year's event is the second annual Writing for Change Conference, but it promises to be just as superb as last year's conference and as the San Francisco Writers Conference, which I've recommended previously.

Mike and Elizabeth have some great speakers lined up. They are looking forward to hearing Mike Farrell, who is not yet even listed on the conference website as a speaker but will be there. Remember, you heard it here first... (Yes, this is the Mike Farrell from M*A*S*H. I can't wait to hear him either, but I'll be looking for Alan Alda to show up with a martini!) I'll also be scoping out the best seat for Lynn Andrews and Gay Hendricks.

Will you be sitting next to me? I hope so!

Anyway, here's the scoop:

WRITING FOR CHANGE CONFERENCE
August 16 & 17, 2008
at the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco (in Chinatown)

Writing for Change is a conference devoted to non-fiction writing that brings about positive change, from the personal to the planetary. The theme of the conference is “Saving the World One Book at a Time.” The speakers will talk about change in politics, culture, business, marketing, technology, spirituality, social issues, the environment, health & nutrition, international relations, food, medical services, personal development and the criminal justice system.

2007 Keynote speaker, Dr. Phillip Zimbardo, when asked how a book could change the world said "A book can make shy people learn they are not alone; rather, their condition is widely shared, and so open them up for self-change. Another book can change conceptions about evil as not rooted in bad seeds or personality defects, but in social situations and systems of social control, which can instigate revolutions in legal theory and shifts from medical models of treatment to public health paradigms."

Attendees will be able to learn from authors, editors, agents, and publishing professionals from the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York, and get feedback on their work.

Registration ($395) includes two breakfasts and two lunches.

Writers can register online and learn more at http://www.sfwritingforchange.org/, 415-673-0939, sfwriterscon@aol.com, or at 1029 Jones St., San Francisco, 94109.

The Hotel Kabuki is offering a wonderful room rate of $129 per night. Click here to find out more about this unique travel destination.

Check out the Writing for Change blog at sfwritingforchange.blogspot.com

2008 Keynote Speakers (more to come):

Gay Hendricks - has served for more than 30 years as one of the major contributors to the fields of relationship transformation and body/mind therapies. Along with his wife, Dr. Kathlyn Hendricks, Gay is the author of many bestsellers, including Conscious Loving, Spirit-Centered Relationships, The Corporate Mystic, and Five Wishes.

Wes 'Scoop' Nisker - is an author, radio commentator, Buddhist meditation teacher and performer. Author of Crazy Wisdom Saves the World Again and The Big Bang, The Buddha and the Baby Boom, Nisker delivers "instant therapy."

Lynn V. Andrews - is a 21st Century Shaman and mystic life coach and bestselling author of Spirit Woman, Medicine Woman and Writing Spirit. Lynn has spent the past 25 years studying with shamanic women on three continents.

(And MIKE FARRELL!!!)
***
Click here to hear Michael and Elizabeth speaking about the upcoming conference on Harlots' Sauce Radio

Purchase tapes of the 2007 Conference - Tapes are available at www.vwtapes.com or 1-888-VWTapes

Co-Founders: Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen, AAR and partners in Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents.

More information is also available by calling 415-673-0939 or sending a request to 1029 Jones Street, San Francisco, California 94109. Or go to http://www.sfwritingforchange.org/


Hope to see you there! In the meantime, I'm writing a book about consciously creating change, and Mike is peddling it for me. What have you been up to since last November? Maybe next year at this time I'll be speaking at the Writing for Change Conference. Will you be joining me on the podium?

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