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.

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.
	Master Class: This is the only MCWC workshop for which participants are selected by a jury. The group size is smaller than the other workshops, and there is an additional fee, which will be returned if you are not accepted into the class. To apply, submit a writing sample (up to ten pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. type) in the genre offered for the year. Deadlines are on the Registration page. If you are accepted into the master class, you may continue revising your manuscript and resubmit it to be read and critiqued during the workshop.
	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.
	Readings: 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. Friday evening is free for you to explore local restaurants. Saturday evening is the conference gala dinner and keynote speech.