Writers

We are a group of writers who are seriously dedicated to the process and content of our writing. Some of us work professionally as writers and also have different creative genres of writing that we are working on (novels, scripts, essays, memoirs, travel writing, and more). Others work in different professions but have writing projects they are deeply committed to. We encourage, inspire, critique each other, and also network. We meet at least once a month, so far on Saturday afternoons, for about three hours. The focus of our meetings is still taking shape but we have been productive. One thing all of us agree on is to avoid writing prompts (those workshop exercises that can be useful at times).

As the the organizer, I am dedicated to meeting and helping other SF Bay Area writers any way I can. I've been a professional writer/editor more than 30 years and I recall the "tough road to hoe" just getting started.

The one thing all writers I've worked with needed, no matter how skilled they were, was encouragement to keep on with their writing. Having come through the mill of self-doubt, self-criticism, and other self-tripping resistance, I know how to give budding writers the honest support they need. Writing can be lonely. Writing can be frightening. In fact, writing brings up the whole prism of emotions. But there is nothing like the satisfaction of pulling out the story we know is in us. It is no less art, no less grand and magnificent than Michelangelo's pulling his David from the block of cararra marble.

Most recently, I taught aspiring and experienced writers in intimate workshops in Buenos Aires---expats, that is. My writing students came from a broad spectrum of backgrounds. Some were dealing with loss---unimaginable loss in one case---and finding admirable ways to heal through artful expression, such as writing. Others had life experiences that make some of today's best-selling memoirs pale by comparison. They needed to, wanted to, put it down on paper. Still others were world or life travelers who were passionate about parlaying even the most ordinary things into art form. Robertson Davies (The Deptford Trilogy) wrote that art or writing is the glorification of the commonplace. How true that seems to be for most writers: We adore words, turns of phrases, seeing the mundane in a new light, turning a cliche moment into an epiphany---that's a writerly word.

A little more on my writing background: Most recently, I am the author of Tango, an Argentine Love Story (Seal Press, 2008), the travel memoir of "a woman who loved, lost, got mad, and decided to dance." I was an editor at VIA Magazine, the West’s award-winning travel publication, for 17 years. My work has appeared National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Country Living, the San Francisco Chronicle, North American Review, Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, the New York Times, Yoga Journal, Vegetarian Times, the Washington Post, and many other pubs. Cookbook credits include The New Foods (Henry Holt), America Loves Salads (Literary Guild), Rodale’s Basic Natural Foods Cookbook, and Tofu, Tempeh, and Other Soy Delights (Rodale). I am the author of one novel, The Last Cannoli (Legas) and editor of the anthology series: France, a Love Story, Italy, a Love Story, Mexico, a Love Story, and Greece, a Love Story, all published by Seal Press. More on me at www.camillecusumano.com.

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San Franciscos Writers Connect

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Meetup
Critique Creative Non-fiction/fiction
- Sat Mar 17
  1:00 PM
- → RSVP
- 1 attending
- 0 comments
2395 Francisco St

2395 Francisco St, San Francisco, Ca (map)
We'll continue with reading and critiquing each others work. Some ground rules/helpful guidelines: 1. Plan to submit your writing as early as possible, no later than the... Learn more

Hosted by: Camille (Organizer)

Recent Meetups

February 11 at 1:00 PM, 5 Fog City Writers attended
Focus on the Process of Writing
We'll continue to discuss our various projects, focus on where we have questions, confusion, and critique as needed, share useful info on writing, publishing, e-publishing.
January 29 at 10:00 AM, 2 Fog City Writers attended
Truths, Half-Truths, and Truth-and-a-Halfs in Creative Non-Fiction
Many a writer of creative non-fiction frets about hurting or upsetting real people when telling a story that touches on the lives of others. . . How to deal with telling... Learn more
January 14 at 1:00 PM, 3 Fog City Writers attended
Write, discuss, encourage writing process
They rated it 4.001 (1 ratings)

Four of us had a great first meetup today. We agreed on a structure for next meetup and hope more of you can make it. Easier to find this time.
January 14 at 1:00 PM, 4 Fog City Writers attended
Focus on the Process of Writing
They rated it 5.001 (1 ratings)

At yesterday's meeting we each shared a synopsis of our writing background and experience. It was impressive and inspiring. We concluded that next week's meetup should... Learn more
January 7 at 10:00 AM, 4 Fog City Writers attended
Meet, get acquainted, and toss around ideas and inspiration
They rated it 4.002 (2 ratings)

“
A great first step! I'm also glad I found the Zen Center!

—Pamela Astarte

“
I was impressed with the credentials and background of the attendees. They had wonderful stories to share. ...

—Camille

See all past Meetups

What's new

New Member

Andrew Dunn joined
February 19 at 11:07 AM

"Hey folks, I attended a writing workshop by Camille a few weeks ago and am now trying to find a community of writers to help me continue to put pen to paper!"
New Member

Lindsay joined
February 13 at 5:27 PM

"I don't really consider myself a "writer," but I have started many unfinished writing projects throughout the years. I recently was inspired to start writing a memoir, and hope to continue this project all the way through."
New Discussion Reply

Joyce Mills replied to FYI, ground rules/meetup guidelines
February 13 at 12:18 PM

"Fog City writers- these ground rules sound useful to me. The main thing is to make sure we are all thinking about sending in some writing to be discussed...."
New Discussion

Camille started FYI, ground rules/meetup guidelines
February 12 at 1:32 PM

"Just scheduled next meetup. We'll continue with reading and critiquing each others work. Some ground rules/helpful guidelines: 1. Plan to submit your writing as early as possible, no later than the wed before the Sat. meeting...."

Read more…
New RSVP

Camille RSVPed Yes for Critique Creative Non-fiction/fiction
February 12 at 1:31 PM

Mar 17

Critique Creative Non-fiction/fiction
Saturday 1:00 PM at 2395 Francisco St

1 attending
New RSVP

Karen RSVPed Yes for Focus on the Process of Writing
February 9 at 9:21 PM

Feb 11

Focus on the Process of Writing
Saturday 1:00 PM at 2395 Francisco St
New Member

Karen joined
February 9 at 9:21 PM

"Hello! I'm Karen. I'm working on my first novel. I'm looking forward to gleaning new techniques to strengthen my writing."
New Member

Don joined
February 9 at 8:00 PM

"hi"
New Member

Eugenia joined
February 9 at 9:28 AM

"Hi My name is Eugenia. I live near San Francisco and am a new writer"
New Member

Lorena joined
February 6 at 2:59 PM

"Hi, I'm a local author with three books in the marketplace. Of course, being involved with the writing community is the perfect way to stay motivated. I also love photography, chocolate mousse, Italy, and travel."