The Central Valley Writers’ Workshop is a group of writers (published and unpublished) from the Central Valley of California (Modesto, Manteca, Merced, Chowchilla, Madera, Fresno).  Our purpose is to encourage each other along the path to publication.

We meet every Wednesday from 6 to 9PM at the Chowchilla branch of the Madera County Library (corner of Kings and Third streets in Chowchilla).

Our group is open to anyone 18 years or older.  The membership fee is $25.00 per year.

Please visit any of the links on the left to learn more about our goals and activities.

Workshop hosts writing contest

A call for entries has gone out for the Central Valley Writers’ Workshop 2007 contest. Winners will receive cash awards and an invitation to the workshop’s May 19 Symposium featuring two professionals in the publishing industry.

Entries must be postmarked by April 4. First place winners in each category will be notified prior to the symposium, and awards will be presented during the May 19 event.

Cash awards of $50 and $25 will be given in each category to first and second place winners, and $100 for the best overall. Top winners in each category will also receive an edit and critique of their works, a $300 value.

Novel categories are Childrens / Mainstream, Mystery / Suspense / Thriller, Action-Adventure, Horror / Fantasy / Science Fiction, Marbella Property, Western/ Romance / Historical, and Nonfiction. Submit one-page synopsis and first chapter up to 30 pages. Any genre is welcome for the short story category.

Visit the workshop’s Web site, www.centralvalleywriters.com, for submission guidelines and entry form. Entry fees are $20 per novel, and $10 per short story. Multiple submissions are welcomed. In the event less than five entries are received per category, that category will be closed and entrant’s money refunded. Include a self addressed, stamped envelope so winners can be notified and judges comments can be sent to all entrants.

Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by proper postage. No identifying information is to appear on the manuscript.

All proceeds help finance the workshop¹s yearly symposium and newly-launched scholarship program.

Submit entries by post to:

Central Valley Writers’ Workshop
PO Box 503
Chowchilla, CA 93610-0503