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December 4 – Free Lunch N Learn: Comfort Food, Self-Care & Writing

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Comfort Food, Self-Care & Writing

Thursday, December 4 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Feed your body and your creativity! Join WNBA–San Francisco for a deliciously inspiring Lunch n Learn with Chef Rossi, author of The Raging Skillet and The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews, and Jessie-Sierra Ross, author of Seasons Around the Table and creator of Straight to the Hips, Baby.

In this lively conversation — moderated by networking ambasador Debra Eckerling, The Book Proposal Expert — Chef Rossi and Jessie-Sierra will share how food, storytelling, and self-care intertwine. Discover how cooking and writing both nourish the soul, how comfort food can fuel creativity, and how taking time for yourself can make your stories even richer.

Bring your lunch, your appetite for inspiration, and your favorite notebook!

Come for the conversation, stay for the community, and leave feeling full in every sense of the word. 

About the Speakers
Chef Rossi is the director, owner, and executive chef of “The Raging Skillet,” a cutting-edge catering company known for breaking any and all rules. She penned the memoirs, The Raging Skillet and The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews, and has also written two full-length plays, a number of one-act comedies, and a one-woman stage adaptation of The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews. She hosts the Raging and Eating podcast. TheRagingSkillet.com.

 

Jessie-Sierra Ross is a food stylist, photographer, and creator of the award-winning blog Straight to the Hips, Baby. Her debut cookbook, Seasons Around the Table, celebrates the beauty of fresh, seasonal cooking and the joy of gathering. Jessie-Sierra’s work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, The FeedFeed, and Taste of Home. She brings her warmth, creativity, and culinary passion to every conversation.

 

Moderator: Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, author, podcaster, and book proposal expert who helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants transform their ideas into sellable book proposals. Debra is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, and hosts Taste Buds with Deb, GoalChat, and the Book Proposal Podcast. Learn more at TasteBudswithDeb.com and TheBookProposalExpert.com, and connect with Debra on LinkedIn.

 

To register, please fill out the form below: 

December 4 - Free Lunch N Learn: Comfort Food, Self-Care & Writing

December 4 @ 12pm PDT — A FREE WNBASF Virtual Event 

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November 20 – Free Lunch N Learn: The Art of the Book Pitch

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The Art of the Book Pitch

Thursday, November 20 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Ready to take your book idea to the next level? Join publisher Brenda Knight (Books that
Save Lives) and Debra Eckerling, The Book Proposal Expert, for an engaging Lunch & Learn
that demystifies the art — and the heart — of a winning book pitch.

In this practical and inspiring session, Brenda and Deb will walk you through what it takes to grab the attention of agents and publishers, from crafting the perfect hook to presenting yourself as the ideal author for your project. You’ll learn:

  1. What is and is Not a Pitch
  2. How to Craft an Effective Hook
  3. Query Letter 101
  4. The Basics of the Book Proposal
  5. The Art of Pitching Yourself and Your Platform

This is one of the best possible ways to prepare for the San Francisco Writers Conference and our own Pitch-O-Rama 2026!

This interactive event also introduces Pitch Clinic, a new offering, which in part benefits WNBA-SF, where authors can book 30-minute sessions with Brenda and Deb for real-time, personalized feedback on their pitches.

Whether you’re just developing your book concept or getting ready to query, The Art of the Pitch will get you going in the right direction.

About the Experts

Brenda KnightBrenda Knight is a distinguished publishing professional with more than 25 years of experience, currently serving as Publisher at Books That Save Lives and President of the Women’s National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter. Starting at HarperCollins, she worked with luminaries like Paulo Coelho, Deepak Chopra, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, honing her editorial expertise. In 2015, she was named IndieFab’s Publisher of the Year for her innovative leadership.

Knight authored Random Acts of Kindness, Badass Affirmations (selling over 500,000 copies), and Women of the Beat Generation, which won an American Book Award. As founder of Books That Save Lives, she champions inspirational nonfiction. She teaches at the San Francisco Writers Conference and Writing for Change, mentoring emerging authors. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Brenda is dedicated to advancing literacy and equity in publishing. She blogs about simple acts of kindness at LowerHaightHoller.blogspot.com. Visit her work at BooksThatSaveLives.net and connect with Brenda on LinkedIn.

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, author, and book proposal expert who helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants transform their ideas into sellable books. The founder of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra specializes in guiding clients from concept to proposal with clarity, confidence, and direction. With more than two decades of experience leading workshops, coaching thought leaders, and consulting with organizations, Debra has a knack for helping busy professionals develop, organize, and articulate their ideas in a way that resonates.

Debra is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, and hosts The Book Proposal Podcast and Book Proposals Simplified on Substack. She is also a regular contributor to and speaker for WritersDigest.com. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com and connect with Debra on LinkedIn.

Learn More

For questions or to reserve your Pitch Clinic spot, email deb@thebookproposalexpert.com.

To register, please fill out the form below: 

November 20 - Free Lunch N Learn: The Art of the Book Pitch

November 20 @ 12pm PDT — A FREE WNBASF Virtual Event 

"*" indicates required fields

Your best email address.
Your first name, as it will appear on Zoom when you log in!
Your last name, as it will appear on Zoom when you log in!
WNBA Member?*
How did you find out about this event?*

Featured Member Interview – Daphneleah Schneider

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Daphneleah Schneider is a Rightness Release Mentor, Speaker, Reiki Master, Writer, and Model from Los Angeles, California, where she is creating specialized talks and workshops focused on wellness and healing from Rightness.

Can you describe the moment or reasoning, leading up to deciding to write about abandoning/healing the need to be “right”?

(DS): Before I realized what exactly this book was going to be about, I started writing about some aspects of the origin of humans. I wrote extensively on several topics, and then I realized the work needed to be divided. One division led to sharing my personal journey of healing. I have done a tremendous amount of work to heal from Rightness, and listen to others, and have compassion. The book came about because I wanted to share my experience.

What would you say is your favorite part of writing your book, “Releasing Rightness: How Love Heals the Need to be Right”

(DS): I love the magic of it. I love how sometimes the worst words are written, and a good idea is there; with work and effort, the words transform into something good that makes sense.

I love clarifying my thoughts, which then helps me clarify my life beliefs. I love the honesty of it all. I love how good it feels to express myself creatively.

Your blog mentions your emphasis on divinity in your life.  Does the concept of divinity inspire your writing as well? If so, how?

(DS): In my world, a cigar is never just a cigar; all things are divine. Everything in the universe is the divine, which I experience as love. Some things have a higher love frequency than others, but it’s all love. Creativity is divinely inspired. From coloring to creating a masterpiece, it’s all the divine expressing itself through us. Each one of us is divinity incarnate and a form of love. Some people are better at living it than others. And that is part of the human experience. 

The divine inspires my writing in that it moves through me when I write. Even though my writing has a childlike quality to it, the value of the information and my experience help others. Living connected with Divinity is ultimately how I healed from Rightness. The Divine is love and the most potent force. It heals us and connects us to all things.

Could you please walk us through your writing process?

(DS): I ask for help and guidance from the muses and the divine before I begin. I use a timer and work for 15 minutes at a time, or I set the alarm for an hour and work for that duration. 

I usually type and type and then go back and edit. I can write for 2-4 hours a day.

When I have something, I send it to an editor ( a dear friend or my daughter) to help it make sense and give me direction. 

What piece of advice would you offer to women authors?

(DS): Do it! Your story is valuable, and we want it and need it. If you have an idea for a book, it means the idea seeks to live outside of your mind. It needs to be in the world. Others have asked for it, and you heard the call. Take all the time you need and do it. I started with fifteen minutes a day. It was grueling at first. I felt a great deal of shame taking that much time for myself, but I persevered, and it eventually became easier. Now, I consider myself a writer.

Writing daily makes you a writer. You can do it! 

Much of Daphneleah’s time is currently dedicated to completing her first nonfiction book.  A tale declaring how being wrong saved her life. This account of Rightness chronicles how she left the drama behind and entered the world of good living. She shares her loves and joys along with the pain she experienced in her life journey that allowed her to  awaken and love herself and others. She shares how science and love correlate and how we grow by availing ourselves to both. (via https://www.daphneleah.com/)

You’re Invited! Register Early for the Halloween Mixer & Pitch-O-Rama 2026!

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Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. PT

23 Years of Pitch-O-Rama Success!

Are you developing a concept for a new book? Do you have a manuscript in progress? Have you always wanted to publish that book you’ve been working on for years? If this sounds like you, we would love to invite you to Pitch-O-Rama 2026! Everyone is welcome to participate!

We are happy to announce we will be hosting the next Pitch-O-Rama as a virtual event on April 25th, 2026, where writers will be given the opportunity to pitch their works to agents and editors for publication. 

New to Pitch-O-Rama? Pitch-O-Rama is an annual event where we bring in a set of publishing professionals to share their knowledge of the publishing industry. During the event, you will be able to practice your pitch with coaches and fellow writers, and then share that pitch with an expert who will provide advice on taking your writing project to the next level. A chance like this is an invaluable learning experience that could put you on the path to publication. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

Testimonials from Past Participants

“Pitch-O-Rama was not only helpful, but fun, with lots of laughter, networking, and relevant information. As a newbie, I felt at home and am pitching the WNBA to my friends and colleagues. Go women writers! WNBA, you rock!” – Susan Allison

“I participated in the WNBA-SF Pitch-o-Rama in 2021. At the time, I’d almost completed my memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. I worked hard on my pitch and three of the agents asked me to submit to them. Several months later, with the manuscript polished and ready to go, I did so. Even though other agents were interested, I signed with Anne Marie O’Farrell, whom I had met via the WNBA event. Working with both Anne Marie and Caroline Fanelli at her agency, I added an appendix to the manuscript, and they started submitting. Less than three months later, I signed with HCI (Health Communications Inc.), which specializes in recovery and self-help books.” – Mary Beth O’Connor

“I will always be incredibly grateful to WNBA for the Pitch-O-Rama. Several years ago, I was struggling to get an agent. I had a toddler at home, and I was sure I had missed the boat. Here in the Bay Area, there are many talented writers, but very little access to literary agents. There were big pitch conferences in New York and other parts of the US. But at the time, I couldn’t travel because I had such limited time and money as a new mom. I was pining away on my computer, querying agents and drowning in the isolation. I found out about the Pitch-O-Rama, and immediately registered.” – Aya De Leon

Special Pricing

Currently, as part of our Early Bird Special, register for only $85 as a WNBA-SF member and $130 as a non-member before it expires on January 31st, 2026. After that day, registration will be $95 for WNBA-SF members and $145 for non-members so don’t wait to register! If you’d like to take advantage of member pricing, visit our website to learn more about the benefits of WNBA-SF membership and join the chapter’s community!

Before 1/31/2026: $85 for WNBA-SF members, $130 for non-members

After 1/31/2026: $95 for WNBA-SF members, $145 for non-members

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Remember to follow WNBA-SF on Instagram @wnba_sanfrancisco to stay connected and current on our events, interviews, and other activities!

 

OCTOBER EVENTS

Making AI & Publishing Less Scary: Discussion + Halloween Mixer

Thursday, October 30 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is casting a long shadow over the creative world. But when modern technology meets outdated federal (copyright and trademark) and state (right of publicity and defamation) law, things can get a little… frightening.

Join WNBA-SF for a spine-tingling discussion with Paul Levine, a literary agent and seasoned entertainment lawyer with 43 years of practice and Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law at USC Gould School of Law. 

Discover the tricks and treats of how AI is haunting the world of book publishing—and what authors and creatives need to know to protect their work.

Stick around for WNBA-SF’s annual Halloween Mixer, where you can share your scary publishing stories around the virtual campfire.

It’s a mixer, so invite a literary friend or two. Bring your own s’mores. Costumes optional.

About the Speaker

Paul S. Levine “wears two hats:” he is a lawyer (www.paulslevine.com) and a literary agent (www.paulslevinelit.com). Mr. Levine has practiced entertainment law for more than 40 years and established his first solo practice in 1992. Seeing an underserved niche on the West Coast, he decided early on to focus on serving book authors. This naturally evolved into his work as a literary agent. Seeking to expand the range of services he could offer his clients to include the representation of books, Levine opened The Paul S. Levine Literary Agency in 1996, which he has recently expanded. With a preference for politically and socially important works, he represents more than 200 book authors, the vast majority of whom are new, unpublished, or self-published writers. Levine presents extensively at writers’ conferences throughout the country and at entertainment law-related classes and seminars.

Your Mixer Host

Debra Eckerling, aka WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador, is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. Founder of  the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, she hosts GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, and the Book Proposal Podcast. Check out Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com, subscribe to her Book Proposals Simplified Substack, and connect with Deb on LinkedIn. Learn more at TheDEBMethod.com.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Befriend Your Writer’s Block: How to Have More Fun During Creative Challenges

Thursday, November 6 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Writing is a creative process, and it’s natural to go through ebbs and flows. Many writers have moments of struggle and stress. But when we find ourselves in episodes where good ideas seem to grind to a halt completely and attempting to get words on the page feels like a Sisyphean task, we may consider it writer’s block. Focusing on being blocked, however, can create more of the same. Let’s sensitively unpack some of the real challenges writer’s face, and lessons we can learn, while exploring ways to bring more fun into the process!

In this presentation we will explore:

  • Why writers sometimes feel “blocked.”
  • How to be compassionate with yourself during rough spots.
  • What you can do to put more fun and joy into writing.
  • Ideas to help ignite motivation and productivity.
  • Playful tips for more ease and joy in your creative life.
  • This is for nonfiction and fiction authors. You don’t have to be experiencing a creative challenge to find some fun tips in this presentation!

About the Presenter
Laurie Sue Brockway is a seasoned writer of thousands of articles, 25 books, and many once-unfinished manuscripts. She developed her unique approach to tapping into creative magic after years of writing panic, fear, and frustration! Her books have been published by Penguin, Random House, Kensington, Sterling, and Llewellyn. Now running her own self-publishing company, she is sharing her wisdom to help other writers. Her books include Writer’s Flow, She Who Scrivens, Meet Enheduanna, Lakshmi Magic, The Goddess Pages and several fiction titles. She is a former editor of an iconic national women’s magazine, and of local newspapers and online publications. She holds degrees in psychology, history, and ministry. Find out more at www.revlauriesue.com.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

No More NaNoWriMo? What Now?

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by Nita Sweeney

Each November since 1999, hundreds of thousands of writers around the globe have taken the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge. Their goal? Write 50,000 words of fiction in 30 days. NaNoWriMo thrived by creating a global online and in-person community that offered a deadline and a structure that made an impossible goal doable.

Unfortunately, in April of this year, the nonprofit behind NaNoWriMo ceased operations for a variety of reasons, some scandalous, some financial, some organizational. As a result, the official website, forums, regional write-ins, and word-count trackers are no longer available.

If you were a WriMo (a NaNoWriMo enthusiast) like me, or had always meant to sign up, you might wonder: What now? While the official event will no longer happen, the spirit of NaNoWriMo lives on. Because writers will always find ways to write, they will also create gatherings, set ridiculously-ambitious goals, and support each other through the messy, exhilarating work of drafting books.

Here is a wholly incomplete list of NaNoWriMo alternatives:

Create Your Own Challenge

At its core, NaNoWriMo was simple: a self-imposed word-count goal within a fixed time frame. You don’t need an official website for that. Choose a goal that excites and challenges you whether it’s 50,000 words in November, 10,000 words in a weekend, or 100 words a day for a year.

Set your start and end dates, write down your rules, and commit. Maybe shout it on social media to add accountability. Create your own spreadsheets or use an app like Google Sheets, Notion, or Airtable to track your progress. A paper calendar will do. Feel the dopamine hits as you check off each day.

Join Online Writing Communities

The real magic of NaNoWriMo wasn’t the word tracker; it was the community. Writers encouraged each other, celebrated milestones, and shared the inevitable struggles of drafting. You can find that sense of connection in other places.

  • Discord Servers: Many writing-focused Discord groups now host their own word sprints and challenges. A quick search for “writing Discord” will reveal dozens of welcoming communities.
  • Reddit: Subreddits like r/nanowrimo, r/writing, and r/keepwriting remain active and supportive.
  • Facebook Groups: Plenty of former NaNoWriMo regional groups have migrated to Facebook, where they continue to hold events and cheer each other on.
  • Novel November (NovNov): The folks at ProWritingAid have created something that looks a lot like NaNoWriMo. It might scratch the WriMo itch.
  • Reedsy Novel Sprint: The Reedsy folks have come up with their own version as well. It includes prizes up to $5,000.

These spaces offer accountability, camaraderie, and sometimes even lifelong friendships.

Explore Year-Round Challenges

Other organizations have long offered similar programs:

  • Camp NaNo (Independent Spin-Offs): While the official camps once run by NaNoWriMo are gone, many writers still host their own “camps” in April and July. These are smaller, flexible challenges that let you set your own goals.
  • StoryADay May: A long-running challenge where participants draft a short story every day in May. Great for generating raw material and experimenting with style.
  • 12×12 Challenge: Aimed at picture book writers, this challenge encourages participants to draft 12 manuscripts in 12 months.
  • FebFlash or FlashNaNo: Various unofficial events focus on short fiction bursts rather than novels.

Sniff around the interwebs and find a challenge that fits your genre, style, and schedule.

Find Writing Apps and Tools

If what you’ll miss most about NaNoWriMo is the word-count tracker, plenty of apps exist to fill that void.

  • 4thewords gamifies writing by turning word counts into battles with monsters.
  • Pacemaker lets you set detailed writing plans and track progress with visual graphs.
  • Scrivener (beloved by many novelists) has built-in project targets and daily word goals.

These tools won’t replace community, but they do provide structure and motivation.

Form or Join a Writing Group

One of the best legacies of NaNoWriMo is that it introduced writers to each other. If you miss that, why not start—or join—a smaller writing group?

A group can be as casual as a weekly coffee shop meet-up where everyone writes for an hour, or as structured as a critique circle with scheduled submissions. Online groups via Zoom or Slack can work just as well as in-person gatherings. Check Meetup for preexisting groups, too.

Having even one accountability partner can provide the same kind of encouragement NaNoWriMo once offered at scale.

Redefine “Winning”

NaNoWriMo offered a clear benchmark: 50,000 words in 30 days. But many writers felt crushed when they “lost” by falling short of that number, even if they’d written more than they ever had before.

You decide what success looks like. You could:

  • Finish a messy first draft of any length.
  • Write daily for a month.
  • Revise a project
  • Keep a writing journal.

Focus on progress to sustain a healthier, longer-lasting writing life.

The Spirit Lives On

While it’s sad to see NaNoWriMo go, we writers are tenacious and resourceful. We’ll find ways to gather, cheer each other, and prove that creativity thrives in many ways.

After all, NaNoWriMo was never just a website.

Tiny Bio
Bestselling author and coach Nita Sweeney “won” NaNoWriMo eighteen times. She used the challenge to draft three of her books including the award-winning memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target and the Wall Street Journal featured Make Every Move a Meditation. As a coach, Nita helps artists (mostly writers), athletes (mostly runners), and leaders (mostly lawyers) thrive. Learn more about Nita and her work at nitasweeney.com.

Thrilling Fall Events! Register Early for Pitch-O-Rama 2026!

By

 

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. PT

23 Years of Pitch-O-Rama Success!

Are you developing a concept for a new book? Do you have a manuscript in progress? Have you always wanted to publish that book you’ve been working on for years? If this sounds like you, we would love to invite you to Pitch-O-Rama 2026! Everyone is welcome to participate!

We are happy to announce we will be hosting the next Pitch-O-Rama as a virtual event on April 25th, 2026, where writers will be given the opportunity to pitch their works to agents and editors for publication. 

New to Pitch-O-Rama? Pitch-O-Rama is an annual event where we bring in a set of publishing professionals to share their knowledge of the publishing industry. During the event, you will be able to practice your pitch with coaches and fellow writers, and then share that pitch with an expert who will provide advice on taking your writing project to the next level. A chance like this is an invaluable learning experience that could put you on the path to publication. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

Testimonials from Past Participants

“Pitch-O-Rama was not only helpful, but fun, with lots of laughter, networking, and relevant information. As a newbie, I felt at home and am pitching the WNBA to my friends and colleagues. Go women writers! WNBA, you rock!” – Susan Allison

“I participated in the WNBA-SF Pitch-o-Rama in 2021. At the time, I’d almost completed my memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. I worked hard on my pitch and three of the agents asked me to submit to them. Several months later, with the manuscript polished and ready to go, I did so. Even though other agents were interested, I signed with Anne Marie O’Farrell, whom I had met via the WNBA event. Working with both Anne Marie and Caroline Fanelli at her agency, I added an appendix to the manuscript, and they started submitting. Less than three months later, I signed with HCI (Health Communications Inc.), which specializes in recovery and self-help books.” – Mary Beth O’Connor

“I will always be incredibly grateful to WNBA for the Pitch-O-Rama. Several years ago, I was struggling to get an agent. I had a toddler at home, and I was sure I had missed the boat. Here in the Bay Area, there are many talented writers, but very little access to literary agents. There were big pitch conferences in New York and other parts of the US. But at the time, I couldn’t travel because I had such limited time and money as a new mom. I was pining away on my computer, querying agents and drowning in the isolation. I found out about the Pitch-O-Rama, and immediately registered.” – Aya De Leon

Special Pricing

Currently, as part of our Early Bird Special, register for only $85 as a WNBA-SF member and $130 as a non-member before it expires on January 31st, 2026. After that day, registration will be $95 for WNBA-SF members and $145 for non-members so don’t wait to register! If you’d like to take advantage of member pricing, visit our website to learn more about the benefits of WNBA-SF membership and join the chapter’s community!

Before 1/31/2026: $85 for WNBA-SF members, $130 for non-members

After 1/31/2026: $95 for WNBA-SF members, $145 for non-members

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Remember to follow WNBA-SF on Instagram @wnba_sanfrancisco to stay connected and current on our events, interviews, and other activities!

 

OCTOBER EVENTS

Debunking Myths of Hybrid Publishing

Thursday, October 16 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

You just finished writing your manuscript, now what?
 
Traditional publishing, self-publishing, vanity presses, hybrid publishing…the publishing world is complex and difficult to navigate, with hybrid publishing gaining traction in particular. But lack of knowledge and confusion about the term has led to many misconceptions and myths.
 
So what exactly is hybrid publishing, and what is not? Learn about the different methods of publishing and find out what might be your best option during this free Lunch N Learn presented by publisher Audrey Zurcher!
 
Meet the Presenter:
A business owner experienced in book publishing technologies and procedures, Audrey Zurcher launched Spring Cedars in 2019, a hybrid publishing solution that provides writers a publishing alternative, one that is integrated, affordable, personable, and fun.

 

 

 

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Making AI & Publishing Less Scary: Discussion + Halloween Mixer

Thursday, October 30 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is casting a long shadow over the creative world. But when modern technology meets outdated federal (copyright and trademark) and state (right of publicity and defamation) law, things can get a little… frightening.

Join WNBA-SF for a spine-tingling discussion with Paul Levine, a literary agent and seasoned entertainment lawyer with 43 years of practice and Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law at USC Gould School of Law. 

Discover the tricks and treats of how AI is haunting the world of book publishing—and what authors and creatives need to know to protect their work.

Stick around for WNBA-SF’s annual Halloween Mixer, where you can share your scary publishing stories around the virtual campfire.

It’s a mixer, so invite a literary friend or two. Bring your own s’mores. Costumes optional.

About the Speaker

Paul S. Levine “wears two hats:” he is a lawyer (www.paulslevine.com) and a literary agent (www.paulslevinelit.com). Mr. Levine has practiced entertainment law for more than 40 years and established his first solo practice in 1992. Seeing an underserved niche on the West Coast, he decided early on to focus on serving book authors. This naturally evolved into his work as a literary agent. Seeking to expand the range of services he could offer his clients to include the representation of books, Levine opened The Paul S. Levine Literary Agency in 1996, which he has recently expanded. With a preference for politically and socially important works, he represents more than 200 book authors, the vast majority of whom are new, unpublished, or self-published writers. Levine presents extensively at writers’ conferences throughout the country and at entertainment law-related classes and seminars.

Your Mixer Host

Debra Eckerling, aka WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador, is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. Founder of  the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, she hosts GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, and the Book Proposal Podcast. Check out Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com, subscribe to her Book Proposals Simplified Substack, and connect with Deb on LinkedIn. Learn more at TheDEBMethod.com.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Befriend Your Writer’s Block: How to Have More Fun During Creative Challenges

Thursday, November 6 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Writing is a creative process, and it’s natural to go through ebbs and flows. Many writers have moments of struggle and stress. But when we find ourselves in episodes where good ideas seem to grind to a halt completely and attempting to get words on the page feels like a Sisyphean task, we may consider it writer’s block. Focusing on being blocked, however, can create more of the same. Let’s sensitively unpack some of the real challenges writer’s face, and lessons we can learn, while exploring ways to bring more fun into the process!

In this presentation we will explore:

  • Why writers sometimes feel “blocked.”
  • How to be compassionate with yourself during rough spots.
  • What you can do to put more fun and joy into writing.
  • Ideas to help ignite motivation and productivity.
  • Playful tips for more ease and joy in your creative life.
  • This is for nonfiction and fiction authors. You don’t have to be experiencing a creative challenge to find some fun tips in this presentation!

About the Presenter
Laurie Sue Brockway is a seasoned writer of thousands of articles, 25 books, and many once-unfinished manuscripts. She developed her unique approach to tapping into creative magic after years of writing panic, fear, and frustration! Her books have been published by Penguin, Random House, Kensington, Sterling, and Llewellyn. Now running her own self-publishing company, she is sharing her wisdom to help other writers. Her books include Writer’s Flow, She Who Scrivens, Meet Enheduanna, Lakshmi Magic, The Goddess Pages and several fiction titles. She is a former editor of an iconic national women’s magazine, and of local newspapers and online publications. She holds degrees in psychology, history, and ministry. Find out more at www.revlauriesue.com.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

November 6 – Free Lunch N Learn: Befriend Your Writer’s Block

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Befriend Your Writer’s Block: How to Have More Fun During Creative Challenges

Thursday, November 6 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Writing is a creative process, and it’s natural to go through ebbs and flows. Many writers have moments of struggle and stress. But when we find ourselves in episodes where good ideas seem to grind to a halt completely and attempting to get words on the page feels like a Sisyphean task, we may consider it writer’s block. Focusing on being blocked, however, can create more of the same. Let’s sensitively unpack some of the real challenges writer’s face, and lessons we can learn, while exploring ways to bring more fun into the process!

In this presentation we will explore:

  • Why writers sometimes feel “blocked.”
  • How to be compassionate with yourself during rough spots.
  • What you can do to put more fun and joy into writing.
  • Ideas to help ignite motivation and productivity.
  • Playful tips for more ease and joy in your creative life.
  • This is for nonfiction and fiction authors. You don’t have to be experiencing a creative challenge to find some fun tips in this presentation!

About the Presenter
Laurie Sue Brockway is a seasoned writer of thousands of articles, 25 books, and many once-unfinished manuscripts. She developed her unique approach to tapping into creative magic after years of writing panic, fear, and frustration! Her books have been published by Penguin, Random House, Kensington, Sterling, and Llewellyn. Now running her own self-publishing company, she is sharing her wisdom to help other writers. Her books include Writer’s Flow, She Who Scrivens, Meet Enheduanna, Lakshmi Magic, The Goddess Pages and several fiction titles. She is a former editor of an iconic national women’s magazine, and of local newspapers and online publications. She holds degrees in psychology, history, and ministry. Find out more at www.revlauriesue.com.

 

To register, please fill out the form below: 

Registration is now closed. Visit our homepage to sign up for email notifications and never miss a WNBA-SF event!

October 30 – Making AI & Publishing Less Scary: Discussion + Halloween Mixer

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Making AI & Publishing Less Scary: Discussion + Halloween Mixer

Thursday, October 30 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is casting a long shadow over the creative world. But when modern technology meets outdated federal (copyright and trademark) and state (right of publicity and defamation) law, things can get a little… frightening.

Join WNBA-SF for a spine-tingling discussion with Paul Levine, a literary agent and seasoned entertainment lawyer with 43 years of practice and Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law at USC Gould School of Law. 

Discover the tricks and treats of how AI is haunting the world of book publishing—and what authors and creatives need to know to protect their work.

Stick around for WNBA-SF’s annual Halloween Mixer, where you can share your scary publishing stories around the virtual campfire.

It’s a mixer, so invite a literary friend or two. Bring your own s’mores. Costumes optional.

About the Speaker

Paul S. Levine “wears two hats:” he is a lawyer (www.paulslevine.com) and a literary agent (www.paulslevinelit.com). Mr. Levine has practiced entertainment law for more than 40 years and established his first solo practice in 1992. Seeing an underserved niche on the West Coast, he decided early on to focus on serving book authors. This naturally evolved into his work as a literary agent. Seeking to expand the range of services he could offer his clients to include the representation of books, Levine opened The Paul S. Levine Literary Agency in 1996, which he has recently expanded. With a preference for politically and socially important works, he represents more than 200 book authors, the vast majority of whom are new, unpublished, or self-published writers. Levine presents extensively at writers’ conferences throughout the country and at entertainment law-related classes and seminars.

Your Mixer Host

Debra Eckerling, aka WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador, is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. Founder of  the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, she hosts GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, and the Book Proposal Podcast. Check out Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com, subscribe to her Book Proposals Simplified Substack, and connect with Deb on LinkedIn. Learn more at TheDEBMethod.com.

To register, please fill out the form below: 

Registration is now closed. Visit our homepage to sign up for email notifications and never miss a WNBA-SF event!

Anthropic Agrees to Pay $1.5 Billion to Authors in Historic Copyright Settlement

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Big news for the literary world: Anthropic, one of the leading artificial intelligence companies, has agreed to pay at least $1.5 billion to authors in what is now the largest copyright infringement settlement in U.S. history.

Why This Case Matters

In recent years, technology companies have raced to build sophisticated AI models, training them on enormous amounts of text, including pirated collections of books from “shadow libraries” such as LibGen and Books3.

According to the lawsuit, Anthropic, a San Francisco-based AI company founded by former OpenAI researchers, used hundreds of thousands of copyrighted books taken from illegal sources to train their AI models. Alleging large-scale copyright infringement, authors Charles Graeber, Kirk Wallace Johnson, and Andrea Bartz sued Anthropic in 2024.

The Settlement at a Glance

In September 2025, the lawsuit against Anthropic reached a truly historic conclusion. The company will pay at least $1.5 billion, plus interest, to affected authors. Each infringed work with a registered U.S. copyright will be compensated $3,000, with payments made in four installments over the next two years. Attorneys’ fees and costs will not exceed 25 percent of the total settlement fund.

The agreement covers infringement up to August 25, 2025, while leaving open the possibility of claims for future violations. As part of the settlement, Anthropic has also agreed to destroy their pirated datasets.

What Happens Next for Authors

So what does this mean for authors? On October 10, 2025, a draft list of affected books will be released. Following that, the settlement administrator will create a searchable database where authors can learn if their works are included. Later, official notices will be sent out with instructions on how to file a claim and secure payment.

At present, the draft list already includes about 465,000 titles. If the total eventually surpasses 500,000, Anthropic has agreed to continue paying $3,000 for each additional work. For now, we don’t know exactly which books are included, so mark your calendars for October 2025 when more information becomes available.

The Bigger Picture

While Anthropic’s settlement is groundbreaking, it’s not the end of the story. Just this month, Apple was sued by authors Grady Hendrix and Jennifer Roberson in a separate class action case. That lawsuit alleges that Apple also relied on pirated datasets such as Books3 to train its AI models. The fact that other companies are facing similar legal challenges shows that this settlement is part of a much larger reckoning over how creative work is treated in the age of AI.

Join the Conversation

One of the strengths of the Women’s National Book Association is the way we lift each other up. If your book appears, we hope you’ll share the news in the comments. Not just so we can celebrate with you, but so that other members can learn more about how this process is unfolding. And if you discover that a friend, colleague, or fellow author’s work is included, let us know about that, too.

Each book on the settlement list is a testament to creative effort, and each author who receives compensation is a reminder that our voices are stronger together. The Anthropic settlement win proves that solidarity matters, our creative labor matters, and intellectual property must be respected, even in the fast-moving world of AI.

Exciting Upcoming Events! Register Early for Pitch-O-Rama 2026 using our Early Bird Special!

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Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. PT

23 Years of Pitch-O-Rama Success!

Are you developing a concept for a new book? Do you have a manuscript in progress? Have you always wanted to publish that book you’ve been working on for years? If this sounds like you, we would love to invite you to Pitch-O-Rama 2026! Everyone is welcome to participate!

We are happy to announce we will be hosting the next Pitch-O-Rama as a virtual event on April 25th, 2026, where writers will be given the opportunity to pitch their works to agents and editors for publication. 

New to Pitch-O-Rama? Pitch-O-Rama is an annual event where we bring in a set of publishing professionals to share their knowledge of the publishing industry. During the event, you will be able to practice your pitch with coaches and fellow writers, and then share that pitch with an expert who will provide advice on taking your writing project to the next level. A chance like this is an invaluable learning experience that could put you on the path to publication. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

Testimonials from Past Participants

“Pitch-O-Rama was not only helpful, but fun, with lots of laughter, networking, and relevant information. As a newbie, I felt at home and am pitching the WNBA to my friends and colleagues. Go women writers! WNBA, you rock!” – Susan Allison

“I participated in the WNBA-SF Pitch-o-Rama in 2021. At the time, I’d almost completed my memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. I worked hard on my pitch and three of the agents asked me to submit to them. Several months later, with the manuscript polished and ready to go, I did so. Even though other agents were interested, I signed with Anne Marie O’Farrell, whom I had met via the WNBA event. Working with both Anne Marie and Caroline Fanelli at her agency, I added an appendix to the manuscript, and they started submitting. Less than three months later, I signed with HCI (Health Communications Inc.), which specializes in recovery and self-help books.” – Mary Beth O’Connor

“I will always be incredibly grateful to WNBA for the Pitch-O-Rama. Several years ago, I was struggling to get an agent. I had a toddler at home, and I was sure I had missed the boat. Here in the Bay Area, there are many talented writers, but very little access to literary agents. There were big pitch conferences in New York and other parts of the US. But at the time, I couldn’t travel because I had such limited time and money as a new mom. I was pining away on my computer, querying agents and drowning in the isolation. I found out about the Pitch-O-Rama, and immediately registered.” – Aya De Leon

Special Pricing

Currently, as part of our Early Bird Special, register for only $85 as a WNBA-SF member and $130 as a non-member before it expires on January 31st, 2026. After that day, registration will be $95 for WNBA-SF members and $145 for non-members so don’t wait to register! If you’d like to take advantage of member pricing, visit our website to learn more about the benefits of WNBA-SF membership and join the chapter’s community!

Before 1/31/2026: $85 for WNBA-SF members, $130 for non-members

After 1/31/2026: $95 for WNBA-SF members, $145 for non-members

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Remember to follow WNBA-SF on Instagram @wnba_sanfrancisco to stay connected and current on our events, interviews, and other activities!

 

Debunking Myths of Hybrid Publishing

Thursday, October 16 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

You just finished writing your manuscript, now what?
 
Traditional publishing, self-publishing, vanity presses, hybrid publishing…the publishing world is complex and difficult to navigate, with hybrid publishing gaining traction in particular. But lack of knowledge and confusion about the term has led to many misconceptions and myths.
 
So what exactly is hybrid publishing, and what is not? Learn about the different methods of publishing and find out what might be your best option during this free Lunch N Learn presented by publisher Audrey Zurcher!
 
Meet the Presenter:
A business owner experienced in book publishing technologies and procedures, Audrey Zurcher launched Spring Cedars in 2019, a hybrid publishing solution that provides writers a publishing alternative, one that is integrated, affordable, personable, and fun.

 

 

 

 

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!