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Announcing our next Contest
Summer Writing Contest: Coachella Valley
About Submit a maximum 2,500 word short story, non-fiction essay, play or poem specific to or loosely inspired by the environs and/or denizens of the Coachella Valley. Compete for recognition or pay extra to receive edits and written feedback from a professional editor! There may be a winner in each above listed genre.
PLEASE SEE THE RULES AND JUDGING CRITERIA BELOW.
We look forward to reading your entries!
Entry Submission Rules
Be sure to comply with all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the rules. Questions? Please contact: kvhoffman@att.net.
1. Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current, active status. 2. Entries accepted between the opening date and submission deadline posted above. 3. Please enter contest by registering online with a $40 entry fee for each entry; you can enter up to 3 times. Submit multiple entries separately. 4. Each entry is 2,500 word maximum 5. Must be submitted as a MS Word document 6. One inch margins, double-spaced 7. 12-point Times Roman or Times New Roman 8. Indented paragraphs 9. Title must be included in the document header. 10. Pagination must be included in the document footer. 11. Do not include your name anywhere on the submitted document, only in the body of your e-mail. 12. Please submit your entry as an email attachment and send it to kvhoffman@att.net, no hard copies accepted. 13. The subject line of your email will read PSWG Winter 2026 Contest submission. 14. Blind submission entries are critiqued by a professional editor. 15. For an additional $35.00 entries will be returned with edits and feedback on your story and presentation. 16. There are no refunds for this event.
Winners Will Receive
1. $100.00 and a digital laurel.
2. Announcement in Tuesday Tidings, PSWG Social Media and May Writers Forum.
Judging Criteria
The Palm Springs Writers’ Guild invites you to Retreat to the Heat
Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, our annual retreat is designed to help you unlock your full potential in the serene desert oasis of Palm Springs, California. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, our retreat offers the perfect balance of instruction, inspiration, and relaxation.
Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Palm Springs during the summer – the ideal time to recharge and focus on your craft. Over three enriching mornings, you'll gain invaluable insights from acclaimed writers, learning tools and techniques to help you achieve your writing goals. In the afternoons, put these strategies to work in your own writing as you receive personalized guidance and support.
Evenings are for connecting with fellow writers, whether over a delicious meal at one of Palm Springs' many renowned restaurants just steps away, or by unwinding at the pool under the vast desert sky. Let the warm breeze and star-filled nights spark your creativity, or simply relax and recharge.
Come for the writing. Stay for the inspiration.
The $1100 Retreat to the Heat registration fee includes a luxurious three-night stay at the stylish Hotel Zoso in the vibrant heart of downtown Palm Springs, daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks to keep you energized throughout your stay, all expert workshops, feedback, and presentations, and more.
Immerse yourself in inspiring workshops led by three acclaimed PSWG fiction authors and gain invaluable insights from a farewell keynote by husbands NY Times best-selling author Steven Rowley and Emmy Award-winning journalist and novelist Byron Lane. Learn the essential do’s and don’ts to help you navigate your writing journey with confidence.
Announcing our next In-Person Workshop
By: Jeniffer Thompson
Jeniffer Thompson is an author branding coach, book marketing strategist, and publishing consultant. She co-founded Monkey C Media in 2004, an award-winning book cover and website design studio, hosts The Premise podcast, and is co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival.
Jeniffer is passionate about helping authors establish highly visible brands. She and her husband, Chad, co-founded Monkey C Media in 2004 and have been creating award-winning book cover designs and author websites ever since. They specialize in author services that integrate digital marketing strategies and engage readers all over the world.
She is a co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival, serves on the board of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, and is currently writing her own coming of age memoir.
www.JenifferThompson.com
Presentation Overview:
Build a sustainable author brand that grows with you.
Book marketing isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building an audience of loyal readers and being known. In this workshop, Jeniffer shows you how to elevate your authority, design your personal brand, and increase your online visibility. You’ll leave with practical tools to build your three-year roadmap and guide your publishing career to new heights.
Takeaways:
REGISTER
To receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation processing fee, attendees must cancel their registration 5 days before the event. No refunds will be given after that time. To cancel your registration, go to palmspringswritersguild.org and click on the blue icon at the top right of any page. Enter user name and password and click "LOG IN". On the next screen click "My event registrations". Select event and cancel registration.
We may take photos and/or videos at any of our events for promotional purposes.
Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.
Ready to become a member of the Palm Springs Writers Guild? Please click here.
Event Contact: Dak Kopec
Email: DakKopec@mac.com
