Write now!

This week’s column is dedicated to those of you who have a story to tell but who have yet to find the time, place or support structure to tell it. Your story might be a memoir, a poem, something short or a novel. It might recount the color and spectacle of your own life, from humble beginning to big ol’ San Diego or it might be a convoluted narrative that springs from your wild imagination.

Whatever the case, this week’s column is a reminder that San Diego has a plethora of small, active and very popular literary organizations that are here to help get your goals going. They range from So Say We All to Dime Stories to Vermin on the Mount. So Say We All builds the development of an idea and the presentation of your final text into their range of programs. Dime Stories hones in on presenting a short, concise story (3 minutes or so!). Vermin on the Mount presents a roster of readers 3-4 times a year and bounces between San Diego and Los Angeles.

In addition there is San Diego Writers, Ink (or the Ink Spot as it is commonly known). The Ink Spot is located downtown in a bright and breezy space with a wall of windows that helps shine some light on your inspiration. It has offered a range of classes and workshops over the years about everything to do with the writing process. Writers, Ink is very accessible and supportive to the newcomer as well as those of us who have been tinkering away at our story for a while.

On the weekend of Oct. 11-14, San Diego Writer’s Ink is offering their first Fall For Writing Conference. I suspect it is something that will grow so I encourage you to get in on the ground floor. This year the conference is going to include panels about the writing process, MFA’s and residencies; speakers focused on story, screenwriting and getting started and a workshop about poetry. On top of all that there will be readings and mixers where you can get to know some of the more active writers in town and learn about local opportunities and writing groups etc.

Writing can be a hard and messy process, especially personal writing that mines difficult journeys, but it is also rewarding and it is vital, especially in this age of abbreviated texts and Tweets. If you are young and feel stifled or oppressed you should go. If your friends tell you you’re funny you should go. If you simply don’t see your story being written you should go. I encourage you all to attend some or all of this conference, for your own sake and to ensure that our LGBT history gets written and contributes to the cultural record of our time. I hope to see you there.

sandiegowriters.org