SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - s4story -- The 41st annual Cuesta College Central Coast Writers' Conference returns Sept. 26–27 with 45 presenters, more than 50 workshops, eight master classes, two keynotes, a teen program, bookstore, vendors and networking.

This year's theme, "It's Time!," marks the return to a full two-day format for the first time since 2019, when The Writer magazine named the conference the "Best Conference in the West."  In addition, master classes are being offered this year.

"Our master classes give writers the chance to work closely with industry-leading authors and professionals," said Meagan Friberg, CCWC director. "They're designed to sharpen skills, provide insider insights, and inspire participants to take their work to the next level."

Master classes will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, covering topics including AI tools, self-publishing, launching a novel, character development, screenwriting, editing, author website design and nonprofit storytelling. Registration is separate from the main conference and limited to 20 per class.

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Hollywood director, screenwriter and producer Rob Edwards will teach a screenwriting master class, Everything They Never Taught Me About Screenwriting in Film School. Plans are also underway for him to host a film screening with a Q & A session in San Luis Obispo leading up to the conference.

Brenna Humphreys, another master class instructor, will teach: Storytelling for Impact: Transforming Nonprofit Narratives with Teri Bayus. "Great stories can make or break whether a nonprofit gets a grant, donation or sponsorship," she said.

The conference officially opens Friday afternoon with interactive group sessions, writing workshops, a bookstore, and vendors. The teen program "Dream it, Draw it, Draft it!" runs from 3 to 6 p.m. with teens invited back to attend Saturday workshops.

Following a Friday evening social hour, the opening keynote features Brooke Warner, author, publisher and memoir coach, who will present "Now or Never: Why the World Needs Your Words."

Saturday's sessions run from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., with genres ranging from fiction, nonfiction and memoir to poetry, screenwriting, publishing, business writing and more. Edwards' closing keynote will follow: "A Tankful of Inspiration for Your Drive Home."

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"This year's schedule is packed with diverse breakout sessions and dynamic panel discussions," Friberg said. "Writers will leave CCWC with new tools, inspiration and connections to fuel their creative life."

Conference registration: $300 in advance and $325 day-of and includes Saturday lunch. Workshop descriptions and details at: centralcoastwritersconference.com. Follow @CCWritersCon on Instagram and @CentralCoastWritersConference on Facebook.

CCWC 2025 sponsors include Kindle Direct Publishing, Rotary Passport Club of the Central Coast, Visit Morro Bay, LIUNA Local 220, SoCreate, SLO NightWriters, Chevron, Launch My Book and the Salamacha Family Trust.