About


South Bay Writers

About South Bay Writers

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
     ― Anton Chekhov

We are writers.

Like the great sculptors of verse before us, we bleed upon the page (Ernest Hemingway) and indulge ourselves in the drunkenness of writing so reality cannot destroy us (Ray Bradbury). We savor words to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect (Anaïs Nin). And we jump from cliffs, developing our wings on the way down (Kurt Vonnegut).

Some of us are born with pen to paper and fingertips to keyboard; others of us unfold to inspiration’s latent spark. No matter your path, you will find comrades-in-arms at South Bay Writers.

Chartered in 1987 by a small group of wordsmiths, South Bay Writers is the South Bay Branch of the 107-year-old California Writers Club. Today, our flourishing branch includes members from every major literary genre, including fiction, nonfiction, journalism, poetry, memoir, romance, children’s, YA, essay, screenwriting, literary critique, and playwriting, as well as editors, booksellers, and those in related fields. It is our mission to creatively inspire, support, and educate our members in writing and publishing, and our ongoing programs demonstrate South Bay Writers’ intrinsic commitment.

Our monthly General Meeting Speaker Series features experienced authors, publishers, agents, and literary-related experts, as do our workshops and retreats.

We draw knowledge from the deep well of our heritage, conceived in the early years of the 20th Century when California author, journalist, and social activist Jack London and his literary peers gathered for picnics and conversation at the Oakland hills home of poet Joaquin Miller. The Alameda Press Club, led by California poet laureate Ina Coolbrith, held nearby meetings at the Shattuck Hotel in Berkeley. In 1909, after various mergers and spin-offs (now lost to history), these informal literary salons became the California Writers Club.

Today, California Writers Club comprises 22 branches and an estimated 1800 members throughout the state—from Silicon Valley to the High Desert and from redwood forests to Orange County beaches.

We welcome you to join us here at South Bay Writers. We don’t wait for inspiration. We go after it with a club (Jack London).

How to Join

Enjoy full benefits of annual membership by signing up online or at our general meeting. Annual membership is $45, with a one-time $20 processing fee. Dual membership is $25, and student membership is $20 (up to age 22).

Join here.

When & Where We Meet

When: 2nd Saturday of every month (except July and December)

Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Where: Maker Nexus 1330 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale

Breakfast snacks included.

MEMBERS $10

NONMEMBER $15

Become a South Bay Writers Member here

Questions? Reach out to our Membership Chair at: membership@southbaywriters.com

Top Ten Reasons to Join

  1. Network with fellow writers and authors; get inspired and motivated!
  2. Access to professionals: authors, editors, agents, publishers, and other industry experts.
  3. Monthly industry expert speakers.
  4. Full-day workshops with writing and publishing experts.
  5. Significant discounts on all events.
  6. Publish your work in South Bay Writers’ WritersTalk newsletter.
  7. Submit your work for consideration to California Writers Club’s annual glossy magazine, Literary Review.
  8. Lead the club at the local, regional, or state level.
  9. Attend private, member-only events, including summer barbecue and Christmas bash.
  10. Participate in critique groups and weekly “Open Mic.”

Top Ten Reasons to Volunteer

You make a difference!

  1. Direct your talents for the good of South Bay Writers and the California Writers Club.
  2. Network with industry experts and make new connections.
  3. Learn about SBW and CWC at the ground level.
  4. Influence the vision and enhance the reputation of SBW and CWC.
  5. Build camaraderie! Work toward a common goal with a great team!
  6. Develop new friendships.
  7. Gain new skills and professional experience.
  8. Enhance your resume.
  9. Improve your health!
    Research shows those who embrace volunteering are happier, healthier, and feel more control over their life. Volunteering promotes personal growth and self-esteem!
  10. Enjoy a change of scenery at our many events