Lyzette Wanzer, MFA

In this workshop students will read, write, and revise a sudden fiction story. We will read many examples over the course of the workshop, and students will shepherd their story from genesis to completion. Homework will consist of revisions and a few exercises to help ensure that your piece is as polished and economically written as possible. Prior fiction or nonfiction writing is required. Through Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes for students age 50+. Register at https://www.campusce.net/sfsu/course/course.aspx?C=691&pc=61&mc=&sc=

This workshop offers information, guidance, and support to underserved indigenous writers and writers of color who are applying to have their work accepted at a writers' conference or convention, whether virtual or in-person. In a safe and supportive environment, we will explore how to:

• choose the right writers' conference for you

• prepare a polished submission

• make a professional impression from submission to attendance

• create a conference plan

• get financial support to attend

• navigate concerns that arise for us as attendees of color

• avoid common, costly mistakes in your CV and bio that mark you as an amateur

This workshop is open to writers of color of all levels who feel prepared to present their work at a professional writers' conference. Learn more info and register at https://www.sfgrotto.org/events/for-diverse-writers-getting-invited-to-read-at-literary-conferences-with-lyzette-wanzer-mar-2/?

This six-week workshop is open to writers who are considering applications for—or wish to learn about—creative writing grants, fellowships, and residencies. This workshop will cover:

• The best places to locate opportunities.

• The dreaded Project Statement, Work Plan, or Goals and Objectives question.

• How to demonstrate a rising trajectory (remembering that most people who are awarded grants are on their way up, not already there).

• Using headings and "buckets" to make your statement navigable.

• How to craft clear, concise personal or artist statements. (You'll leave this class with a completed first draft in hand!)

• Why the marketing angle is so important.

• Creating an effective literary resume. (You'll have a nice new one at the end of class!)

Learn more information and reserve your seat at https://www.sfgrotto.org/events/funding-your-creative-writing-project-with-lyzette-wanzer-jan-7/?

This workshop, especially geared for creative writers of color, is an empowering, vital asset addressing the nuts and bolts of producing a sustainable literary career. Becoming a professional writer requires just as much work outside of the studio as within it. If you are a serious, committed writer of color invested in developing yourself as a professional, this workshop is for you. We will cover how to market yourself as a professional author, how to create industry-standard marketing materials such as your literary resume, author bio, artist statement, and online profiles, where to secure funding to support time off for your projects, how to create and use a literary calendar to open doors of opportunity, and more. You will receive a comprehensive packet of handouts to guide you as you build your career. This class is best suited for digitally savvy participants who maintain a regular writing practice. Learn more information and register at https://www.sfgrotto.org/events/building-a-career-as-a-literary-writer-of-color-with-lyzette-wanzer-jan-12

This workshop is open to writers who are considering applications for--or wish to learn about--writig grants, fellowships, scholarships, or residencies. Many writers aren't aware of the many different types of funding opportunities available to them. More information and workshop registration is now available.

Ready to elevate your writing career to the next level, but not sure how to present your background in an appropriately professional fashion? Whether you have a long list of publication credits or just a few, you need a literary resume that both adheres to professional standards and encourages panelists, editors, and reviewers to learn more about your work. Register for this San Francisco workshop.

LinkedIn is a social media marketing tool that writers often overlook. It's a very powerful networking tool that offers a lot for us, and in the Bay Area, is one way to accelerate your success. Learn how to maximize LinkedIn to increase your audience, reinforce your funding applications, meet the Bay Area's literary movers and shakers, and open opportunities for reading, conference invitations, and publishing. In this workshop, learn how to:

• Prepare a profile that marks you as a professional, rather than a hobbyist
• Promote yourself and your work by harnessing LinkedIn's full features
• Network with author organizations that help to spread news of your work to wider audiences
• Use your profile to enhance your grant, residency, and writing conference applications
• Learn the power of LinkedIn's Groups

A laptop, notebook computer, or iPad is required for this workshop. Enroll now before seats fill; the last workshop sold out! 

Writers, it's time to set aside the bevy of excuses about why you're not sending your work out to journals, newspapers, magazines, and contests. In this boot camp-style workshop, you'll focus on submitting a maximum of two short stories, articles, essays, and/or creative nonfiction pieces to 15 markets in just five weeks (poets should be prepared to submit a group of three to five related poems.) In a safe, supportive community, you'll begin by learning proper submission etiquette and protocol, avoiding pitfalls that mark you as an amateur.

• Learn where to locate legitimate, respectable markets, including literary journals, contests, and grants
• Become proficient in navigating the publication landscape
• Get practical tips on formatting professional submissions
• Find out what the most popular submission platforms are and how they make your life easier
• Write your author bio
• Create a Research Collection Sheet to identify individualized markets
• Select and use a professional submission tracker

This workshop is designed for committed writers who have one or two finished, polished pieces (three to five pieces for poets) of 5,000 words or less that are completed, proofread, and ready to send out for publication. A laptop, notebook computer, or iPad is required for this class.

Register to reserve your seat.