Conferences, Workshops, retreats, & Residencies

The Las Vegas Writers Conference - Las Vegas, NV.

April 3-5, 2025

You asked for it, and we heard you. HWG is excited to bring its members back to an in-person conference! It will be held between April 3-5, 2025 at the fabulous Orleans Hotel and Casino just off the strip! Our 21st conference offers activities for all writers—Keynote, Pitches to Agents and Editors, Q&A panels, and a separate Master Class. Check out the Faculty Page, Session Descriptions and Schedule then Register for what’s important to you. 

The Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. Held each spring, this conference draws attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included with your registration. We hope you will join us and take your writing skills to the next level.

Throughout the event, you will be able to meet our faculty, schedule times to pitch to agents and publishers, and learn from experts in fields connected to writing and publishing.

Your Registration Includes:

• Thurs night social with appetizers as well as lunch for both Friday and Saturday
• A superb selection of Workshops with Q&A
• Agent & Editor Pitch Sessions
• Blue Pencil Review
• An opportunity to attend our banquet and hear our inspiring keynote speaker

The Orleans, 4500 Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada

REGISTRATION HERE

                                                           Left Behind - A Flash Fiction Contest

The California Writers Club Marin is accepting short-short story submissions! Winners will receive certificates of excellence and will appear on our website and the statewide website. External expert judges will be announced soon.

Theme: Left Behind

Prompt: Craft a gripping 500–1000 word short-short story that explores leaving something-or-someone behind or being left behind. Capture a powerful moment in a brief burst of storytelling. Show us what’s left behind—and what lingers on.

Flash fiction features short-short stories with high impact.

Important Dates:
🖋 Submissions Open: Sunday, June 1, 2025
⏰ Deadline: Monday, September 1, 2025 (midnight)

Submission Guidelines:
ELIGIBILITY: Current California Writers Club Members, any branch. (Exception: Board Members of CWC Marin and volunteers working on the Contest are ineligible.)

Format: Word document (.doc or .docx)

• Font: Times      New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced, with page numbers
• File      Name: StoryTitle.FlashContest.Date
• Cover   Sheet: Include your full name, mailing address, phone number,      email, and CWC branch.
• Story  Pages: No author’s name should appear on any story page, only the      cover sheet.

How to Submit:

📤 CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT
💵Pay Your $10 Entry Fee

Scoring Criteria:
✔ Story length between 500-1,000 words (deductions for outside limits)
✔ Opening immediately engages with tone, setting, or conflict
✔ Well-developed characters through action, voice, or vivid detail
✔ Clear beginning, middle, and end with story progression
✔ Resonance of deeper meaning, emotion, or universal truth
✔ Satisfying and memorable ending
✔ Fresh, original voice and concept—no clichés
✔ Crisp, polished prose appropriate to genre and mood
✔ All entries will be screened for plagiarism and AI generation

LEFT BEHIND Flash Fiction Contest Fee

$10.00 USD

$10 for CWC members (any branch). One submission per person.