East of Eden will be held next weekend in Salinas
Bay Area author Betty Auchard has spoken at writing conferences dozens of times over the past several years, but next weekend marks a milestone in her career. Auchard, along with more than 20 other national authors, will be speaking at the East of Eden Writers Conference, taking place in Salinas.
A Los Gatos resident and retired art teacher, Auchard began writing about eight years ago as a way to cope with the death her husband, Denny, of cancer. The two had been married 49 years. When she realized how much she loved writing, Auchard decided to pursue it in earnest and attended East of Eden in 2002, sponsored by the South Bay branch of the California Writers Club. That’s when her “hobby” took on a life of its own.
Now, after attending the conference twice, Auchard will be a speaker. The full-circle journey is a personal milestone for her, but it’s also a testament to what she thinks the conference can do for writers, both amateur and seasoned.
“I think people will go away inspired if they’re new at (writing),” she said. “For more serious writers, they can talk to an agent, or decide if they want to self-publish or get a publisher. It serves anyone from the beginner to serious writer.”
The conference will feature 28 workshops taught by a number of authors, agents, publishers and editors. Eight keynote speakers will present different programs. Speakers include best-selling author Jean M. Auel (“Clan of the Cave Bear”), Dorothy Allison (“Bastard Out of Carolina”) and Christopher Reich (“The Devil’s Banker”).
During the three-day event, writers can choose from the workshops; sign up for one-on-one sessions with agents, authors and publishers; learn more about the business, financial and marketing side of being a writer; and map out story ideas. Optional events include a Saturday night dinner at the National Steinbeck Center, Sunday brunch at John Steinbeck’s childhood home and a walking tour through Cannery Row.
The inaugural East of Eden conference – named after one of John Steinbeck’s novels – was held in 2002 and drew about 200 writers, said Edie Matthews, vice president of the South Bay branch of the California Writers Club. The second conference, in 2004, attracted about 300 writers, and this year organizers are anticipating between 300 and 400 participants, Matthews said. The conference is also attracting more and more writers from out of state.
“Our goal is to make this a positive experience for people. We want them to be educated, inspired and entertained,” she said. “It’s about encouraging people and getting writers to the next level for them personally, whatever that might be.”
For Auchard, the conference was a major stepping stone to becoming a serious writer, so returning as a speaker is an accomplishment she’s proud of – and one she hopes will inspire other writers.
“For me, it’s a dream come true that where I got my start, I’m actually getting to speak,” she said. “It’s like going to a high school and ending up being the principal at that high school someday. … I’m really excited about it.”
The write way
– What: East of Eden Writers Conference, sponsored by the California Writers Club
– Where: National Steinbeck Center & Sherwood Hall, Salinas
– When: Sept. 8-10
– Cost: $175-$250, includes meals
– Info: (650) 691-9802 or www.southbaywriters.com
