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 […]
Join December Member of the Month Vincentia Schroeter for her book launch and art show! Vin will be interviewed by Marni Freedman.
The IMWA and SDWF are inviting you to a special community workshop: Vision Boards, Inspiration & Rejuvenation Saturday, January 17, 2026 (see Zoom link below) 12 p.m. PT on Zoom (Just this once, we are gathering at noon.) We’ll start with a short presentation on Unblocking Creatively in 2026, then shift into a relaxed, supportive […]
Join Author Janell Strube in conversation with Marni Freedman, editor, writing coach and cofounder of the San Diego Writer’s Festival discussing Janell's new novel, Adelaide: Painter of the Revolution. January 22, 7:00 PM Barnes & Noble, Encinitas 1040 N El Camino Real Drive. Encinitas, CA 92024 In a world where women are seen but […]
Motherhood comes in many forms—through birth, adoption, foster care, and reunion. This Saturday, five remarkable memoir writers share their deeply personal adoption stories: a birth mother, adoptees, and an adoptive parent opening up about the courage it took to write what they lived. Join us for an honest conversation about family, secrets, healing, and the […]
