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!

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

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!

Growing an Online Audience with TikTok

Thursday, September 4 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

TikTok is one of the most powerful tools authors have today to build visibility, grow a loyal readership, and connect directly with audiences…but it has its own issues too. Join author Kiri Callaghan and Ana Visneski as they talk about how Kiri built an audience of 390k, and the state of author engagement expectations online.

Whether you’re launching your debut novel or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, examples of what works (and what doesn’t), and the confidence to show up authentically on one of the world’s fastest-growing platforms.

Meet the Presenters

Kiri Callaghan

Born from Ink & Stardust, Kiri Callaghan is an author of fantastical fiction, performer and poet. Existing work consists of The Terra Mirum Chronicles (Alys, Changeling), The Seek Anomalie Podcast and a collection of original poems performed live at the Los Angeles Poetry Brothel. When Kiri is not telling stories or pretending to be other people, she is likely exploring the world, dancing under the moon, or crafting something with superglue, paint and sheer audacity.

Her debut into traditional publishing The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic and Murder will release in Fall 2025.

Ana Visneski

Ana Visneski is a member of the WNBA and the author of F*ck it, Watch This. When not writing, she runs a crisis management firm, Merewif, and teaches crisis communications at the University of Washington.

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

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!

Share & Grow: Writers’ Favorites Mixer

Thursday, August 14 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

It’s time for another Share & Tell… with a twist! Join WNBA-San Francisco for a “Share & Grow” Mixer on August 14th at 12pm PDT.

This month’s networking event is all about the tools, tips, and treasures that help us on our writing journeys. Whether it’s a favorite book on craft, must-have app, writing event, motivating podcast, or a creative ritual that keeps you going, bring a resource to share—and get ready to discover something new.

During this event, everyone will have a few minutes to:

• Share: Their favorite writing resource
• Grow: Set a goal, based on a new discovery

You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new connections, and maybe even a few game-changers. As Debra Eckerling, the WNBA-SF networking ambassador, says: “You can’t reach your goals on your own, you need your people: they are your ambassadors, resources, and cheerleaders.”

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just getting started, everyone has something valuable to contribute. Let’s come together, lift each other up, and grow stronger—one favorite at a time.

It’s a MIXER, so please share this event and bring a literary friend or two to join the virtual fun! There will be a virtual guest book so you can share your contact info – and favorite links – there too.

About the Host

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. A goal strategist and the creator of the D*E*B METHOD® for Goal-Setting Simplified, Debra offers personal and professional planning, networking strategy, and book proposal development, for entrepreneurs, consultants, and creatives. The networking ambassador for WNBA – San Francisco, Debra has spoken on stages for TEDx, Innovation Women, SCORE LA, and more. She is the founder of the Write On Online community, as well as host of the GoalChat and Taste Buds with Deb podcasts. Learn more about Deb on our website.

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

Join the San Jose Woman’s Club and Women’s National Book Association for our CHILL OUT & READ Ice Cream Social and Summer Book Fair. You’ll be able to mix and mingle with members, local authors and neighbors to find out about our many activities at the club.

Visit the event page for more information and register today for free on Eventbrite!

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

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

Publisher AMA with Kat Georges

Thursday, August 7 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

As everyone probably knows, you or your agent needs to get your book or proposal into the hands of an interested editor; that’s the first hurdle.

A well-crafted proposal, an agent with good relationships, and choosing the right editors to approach are the first steps.

What most would-be authors don’t know is that the editor has to turn around and sell you to an editorial board. The sales management, more often than not, makes the decisions.

If sales and marketing think they can sell your book, then you’ve got a wonderful chance of getting published.

So how do you sell your book to a publisher?

If it’s your first book, you have no Nielsen Bookscan number to get in the way. That can be a blessing, but you have to prove that you are an “influencer” that can sell your book and provide the publisher’s sales force with the ammo they need to go out to the trade.

Publishing veteran Kat Georges will help you navigate the rapids of book publishing so you can find the perfect home for your books. Bring all your questions about book publishing so you can learn from some of the best in the business!

Meet the Publisher:

Kat Georges is a poet, playwright, editor, publisher, and graphic designer. She is co-director and an acquisitions editor for Three Rooms Press, an independent publisher inspired by diversity, dada, punk, and passion. Her most recent book is the poetry collection Awe and Other Words Like Wow, and she is co-editor of MAINTENANT, the annual journal of Contemporary Dada Writing and Art. She lives in New York City. Kat is currently looking for LGBTQ+ fiction and young adult fiction that deal directly with current anti-queer attitudes, mysteries that center on bold and daring diverse main characters, and riveting women of history who need to have more attention given to them. Kat welcomes voices that have something different to say, that inspire readers, and that shows the power of innovative, compelling writing. To see the latest Three Rooms Press releases, visit threeroomspress.com.

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

Join the San Jose Woman’s Club and Women’s National Book Association for our CHILL OUT & READ Ice Cream Social and Summer Book Fair. You’ll be able to mix and mingle with members, local authors and neighbors to find out about our many activities at the club.

Register today for free on Eventbrite!

****THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO ALL****

ICE CREAM: Enjoy free ice cream sundaes featuring Marianne’s Ice Cream.

LOCAL AUTHORS: Meet 30 Bay Area authors in person to pick up great Summer reads with everything from Sci-Fi to Cookbooks, Travel Guides to Thrillers for every age group.

HISTORIC TOUR: Take a tour of the San Jose Woman’s Club 1929 Spanish Mission revival clubhouse, a California historic landmark.

MEET & GREET: Find out about the great groups you can join at the club to meet new people with shared interests

UPCOMING EVENTS: Get our event calendar listing all of the great activities we have planned for the upcoming year.

BECOME A MEMBER: Become a San Jose Woman’s Club member and become a part of our history.

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

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

JULY 2025

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

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

by Nita Sweeney and Ellie Bozmarova

Nita Sweeney is a longtime meditator and published author of four books: You Should Be Writing, Depression Hates a Moving Target, Make Every Move A Meditation, and A Daily Dose of Now. Sweeney’s books are infused with her personal experiences of life, depression, running, writing, and mindfulness. 

“It felt like I had struggled and struggled and struggled to be published and be an author for almost 20 years,” Sweeney said. Her first three books were published by Mango Books and acquired by Brenda Knight. 

In a conversation with Nita, who is gregarious, introspective, and talks in stories, she revealed the relationship that sparked her mindfulness-infused writing. It started in the early 90s when she discovered Natalie Goldberg’s book, Writing Down the Bones. At the time, Sweeney was a lawyer with untreated depression. Goldberg is most known for her series of books about writing as Zen practice. 

Goldberg’s writing practice, a timed- writing exercise, helped Sweeney regain her footing in the world. It also led her to meet Goldberg in the desert of Taos, New Mexico. A fateful turn of events fueled by writing practice found Sweeney moving to Taos with her husband and working as Goldberg’s workshop assistant. She worked alongside Goldberg for nine years.

Lessons from Natalie Goldberg (and her teacher, Katagiri Roshi)

1. Continue under all circumstances. Yes, even after the latest rejection.
2. Don’t be tossed away. In life and in writing. Go back to the writing, go back to the sitting, the walking or running. Do what you’re going to do. And, if you find success, don’t get tossed away amid the hoopla. 
3. Make positive effort for the good. Even if it’s just brushing your teeth. Let your intention be to do what is good. 

Nita’s Writing Routine

Each morning Monday through Friday, Sweeney and her husband attend an online zazen session hosted by One River Zen and meditate. 

After, Sweeney goes to one of her rotating workplaces. She’s renting an office now, but also enjoys writing in coffee houses, community rooms, and libraries. 

She turns her phone off. 

She puts the phone in a drawer and locks the drawer.

She puts the key to the phone drawer in a different locking drawer, and then locks both.

This is necessary, she says, because it gives her hoops to jump through to get to the phone. Distractions are dangerous for writers who can open their email and spend two hours of writing time shopping for shoes, as I’m sure none of us can relate to.

She also uses the app, Freedom, which blocks social media and any website the user wishes to block.

She tries not to look at email until the end of the day, but it’s a work in progress, she admits. 

“If I can get to the manuscript first thing in the day, that is the best,” she says. 

She uses writing practice when feeling stuck emotionally or in a project. The simple timed practice provides space for intense emotions to flow through her. It also helps her writing. “Writing practice puts me in the present moment of that time, that scene,” she says. 

Though her routine is steady, Sweeney is a binge-writer. Her ideal writing environment is 6-8 hours in a day in a hotel room. Her schedule varies if she’s writing a book or not. 

When she’s not writing, she loves running with her yellow lab, Scarlet, and spending time with her husband. She wants to get back into running marathons. 

“People think that the teacher can give them something. But the thing they’re wanting, they have to find inside themselves. The teacher is a reflection, an example, a mentor, but ultimately you have to find it in yourself,” Sweeney says.

Nita Sweeney’s Advice for WNBA’s BOOKTALK Audience

“Figure out who you are. There are things that work for someone like Natalie Goldberg that will not work for you. Or me. It’s great to try all the things. But when somebody stands on the stage and says, “Just do this,” they’re saying that because they’ve figured out techniques and tools that work for the way their brain is wired or the particular trauma they have had in their life. Sometimes students think there’s something wrong with them because they can’t “just do it”. Find some kind of a meditation practice where it’s beyond the books, the classes. Move your body. Use the three main tools: writing practice, meditation, and movement.”

Learn more about Nita Sweeney’s work and workshops at nitasweeney.com, sign up for Nita’s newsletter, and learn more about Natalie Goldberg’s writing practice.