Writers Gather for Annual Conference

Three hundred and fifty fledgling writers will gather at Westmont College for the 30th Santa Barbara Writers' Conference from June 21-28.

Famed poet, playwright and mystery writer Ray Bradbury, who has been involved in every Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference, will again be the opening speaker for the weeklong event. Local authors Sue Grafton, Julia Child and Gayle Lynds, along with journalist Sander Vanocur and actress and writer Fannie Flagg, are among the more than 20 authors scheduled to speak at the conference.

Highlights of the week include workshops led by professional writers and staff members, writing competitions, and panels featuring literary agents and published authors. Oscar-winning actress Eva Marie Saint and her husband, director Jeffrey Hayden, will present a dramatic reading of Willa Cather's works.

For more information, contact Mary Conrad, director of business and information for the conference, at (805) 684-2250 or the Westmont office of public affairs at 565-7057.