Ray Bradbury said, “You must stay drunk on writing, so reality doesn’t destroy you.” Jill Badonsky agrees and explains how creativity's altered state keeps us buoyed even when harsh reality gives us a sinking feeling daily. Creativity is remembering who we are and, as we do, unearthing stories of resilience, compassion, and authenticity. Join Jill […]
Grab a pen and join us for this lively class, peppered with ideas and stories to inspire and empower writers of all types. We’ll start by checking out today’s book business (traditional and indie publishing), then share valuable resources to help aspiring authors approach industry professionals. Next up? Tips you can put to work immediately to […]
Free workshop on how to write a winning memoir showcase piece: June 17 @ 5:30 pm (PT) on Zoom.
Mapping Memory: Top 3 Travel Writing Tips That Elevate Your Memoir: How techniques from great travel writing—scene-building, sensory immersion, and emotional resonance—can make your memoir more vivid, layered, and unforgettable. About Lenore: An award-winning travel writer, Lenore Greiner began her writing journey as a lifelong journal keeper. At seventeen, she took off for La Paz, Mexico, […]
Lisa Cheek talks about her debut memoir and (sort of) Cinderella story about a woman who'd been told she was "too old" to create magic. About Lisa Cheek: After twenty-five years editing and producing other people’s work, Lisa Cheek decided to take her friends’ and coworkers’ advice and tell her own stories. Her first memoir, […]
Welcome to Festival U – SDWF Day Of Online Learning for Writers! Join us for a day filled with insightful workshops and engaging discussions tailored for writers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at this virtual event. Learn from industry experts, connect with fellow writers, […]
Join acclaimed writer, teacher, and therapist Marni Freedman, a member of our 2026 Conference faculty, for a 5-week online course inspired by her upcoming Hay House book, Artistic Badassery: How to Unblock and Become a Creative Force of Nature. Unlock Your Writing Creativity Before the San Miguel Writers’ Conference! Join acclaimed writer, teacher, and therapist […]
Memoir writing comes alive when we drop into raw, unfiltered truth — the kind that moves both writer and reader to tears, laughter, and recognition. But one of the hardest parts of memoir is not just writing those truths, but daring to share them. In this one-hour workshop, Marijke McCandless, award-winning author of Naked in the […]
Save the date: The 11th Annual Memoir Showcase theatrical performance will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 14, at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre in UTC. The International Memoir Writers Association proudly presents the 11th Annual Memoir Showcase, an unforgettable night of brazen, short, and compelling true stories inspired by the theme "No, […]
Matthew J. Pallamary is an award-winning author, editor, and shamanic explorer whose works have been translated into six languages. His historical novel Land Without Evil won a San Diego Book Award and inspired an Emmy-nominated PBS episode. His nonfiction collaboration The Infinity Zone earned first place in the International Book Awards, and his memoir Spirit […]
