At MCWC we give you a broad sampling of genres. You can choose to focus on your favorite — novel, short fiction, memoir, poetry — or taste a little of each. Our theme is writing for social change — not in the sense of preaching — but in the deeper sense that honest words make a better world.

When selecting from the Program schedule, the following guide may help you:

	Workshop: Three morning sessions in a specific genre. You will stay with the same workshop leader for all three days. You are asked to send a sample of your work in beforehand to be read and critiqued. During the day, you can expect to: 1. talk about your work; 2. discuss techniques to help your writing; 3. practice some of those techniques.
	Afternoon Lectures/Discussion Sessions: The sessions are shorter than the morning workshops, each focused on a particular area: poetry, non-fiction, revision, or chats with editors and agents. You will not be asked to send in work in advance. You may have a chance to practice in class the techniques talked about.
	Professional Consultations: Twenty minute private sessions with the author, agent, or editor of your choice. Please schedule these in advance. The cost is $60 for each. You will be asked to send up to ten pages of your work to be read beforehand.
	Guided Writing Practice: On Friday and Saturday mornings, before the workshops begin, you are invited to gather for assigned writing prompts.
	Readings: Each day there are readings by presenters and contest winners. They are often a highlight of the conference.
	Bookstore: Gallery Bookshop, a Mendocino independent bookstore, will be on-site daily during the conference featuring books by conference faculty and books on the craft of writing.
	Breakfast & Lunch: Starting Thursday morning, a continental breakfast and a cold lunch of salads or sandwiches will be served daily on campus to all faculty and participants. Coffee, soft drinks and water are available all day.
	Evenings: On Thursday evening attend a welcoming reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres, plus a talk by a keynote speaker. Friday evening is free for you to explore local restaurants. Saturday evening is the conference gala dinner and keynote speech.