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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 ambassador 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: 

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

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: 

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

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!

October 16 – Free Lunch N Learn: Debunking Myths of Hybrid Publishing

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Debunking Myths of Hybrid Publishing

Thursday, October 16 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

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 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!

Membership Discount for 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!

 

Stay tuned! We will reveal the list of attending agents and editors in early 2026. 

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, 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!

Your registration is fully refundable before midnight Wednesday, April 15th, 2026. Send your request for a refund to: registrar@wnba-sfchapter.org. 

While we eagerly prepare for Pitch-O-Rama 2026, don’t forget to read our tips on pitching your work!

Please register for POR 2026 using the form below:

Thank you for your interest in Pitch-O-Rama. The event is now closed.

September 18 – Free Lunch N Learn: Book Marketing with Dr. Judith Briles

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Book Marketing with Dr. Judith Briles

Thursday, September 18 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

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

When it comes to authors and book marketing, it may be an Apple Pie and Ice Cream experience … or Crème Brulé with a Dill Pickle Topping. Kinda … ugh. Whether marketing is fun or an overwhelming tsunami, there are tips, tricks, and tools that can calm your author resistance and get things moving once again. 

During this WNBA-SF Lunch N Learn, Dr. Judith Briles will open your eyes, ears, and get you moving forward on your book marketing endeavors.

About the Presenter 

Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and best-selling author of 48 books earning over 60 book awards and recently awarded the Author Laureate honor. To date, her books have been translated into 17 countries with over 1,000,000 copies sold! Judith’s books, and work, have been featured in over 1,500 radio and TV shows. She is the host of the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast that has received over 21 million downloads, posts less than three minute “how to publish and market” videos daily on her YouTube channel Dr. Judith Briles-The Book Shepherd and is the founder of the Colorado’s Authors’ Hall of Fame. Today, she will explore the wide, wide world of book marketing that leads to author success … that is, if you do it.

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September 4 – Free Lunch N Learn: Growing an Online Audience with TikTok

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Growing an Online Audience with TikTok

Thursday, September 4 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

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.

 

 

 

 

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August 14 – Free Lunch N Learn: Share & Grow: Writers’ Favorites Mixer

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Share & Grow: Writers’ Favorites Mixer

Thursday, August 14 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

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.

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September 6 – Volunteer or Join Us at the Northern California Book Awards!

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Volunteer or Join WNBA-SF at the 44th Annual Northern California Book Awards!

Join us for an afternoon celebrating the best of Northern California literature! The Northern California Book Awards is looking for volunteers at the event on Saturday, September 6 and pre-event for the PR tasks listed below. This free public event honors books published in 2024 by local authors and California-based translators. Meet award-winning writers, get books signed, and mingle at the post-event reception!

WHEN:
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM

WHERE:
📍 Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Library (Civic Center)

WHY YOU SHOULD COME:
A must-attend for readers, writers, and literary aficionados. Special highlights include:
✨ The Fred Cody Award for Lifetime Achievement
🌍 California Translation Awards in Poetry and Prose
📖 Awards in Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Children’s Literature & more

WHO:
Presented by Poetry Flash, Northern California Book Reviewers, and the San Francisco Public Library, with partners Mechanics’ Institute and WNBA–SF Chapter.

MORE INFO:
📣 Nominees announced in August at poetryflash.org

PRE- EVENT HELP:

Kim McMillon, PR for NorCal Book Awards needs a few awesome volunteers to help spread the word about the Northern California Book Awards!

Here are a few ways you can jump in:

  • Press Outreach: Help send out our updated press release (coming soon from Joyce!) to media lists.

  • Social Media Promotion: If you’re great at sharing events or would like to post about the awards, we have a one-minute video ready for TikTok/Instagram and a Save the Date graphic you can use.

  • Bay Area Media Connections: We’d love to book an interview with Rebecca Solnit on KQED’s Forum (if she’s willing), so if you have connections at Bay Area radio or TV shows—like KPIX’s Book Corner—we’d love your help.

  • Online Event Listings: I need to input info into local media/event sites—happy to do this solo, but if you’d like to help, I can send you links and email contacts.

If you’re interested in any of the above, please contact sanfrancisco@wnba-books.org—the NCBA would be thrilled to have your support!