Writers conference returns to Cuesta College in September
Attendees at the Central Coast Writers Conference gather together during the opening keynote talk. Super Photo Credit: Meagan Friberg.
Super early bird registration pricing available now
– The Cuesta College Central Coast Writers Conference (CCWC) returns in 2026 on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26. Registration for the 42nd annual event is available for a limited time at the rate of $225 at CentralCoastWritersConference.com. Super Early Bird registration ends April 30, before increasing to $275.
Event Director Meagan Friberg, sharing this year’s conference theme of “Say Yes!”, said she and her CCWC team aim to empower writers at every stage to achieve their goals. Friberg is an experienced journalist and freelance writer who returns for her second year in the director role after serving as a key conference volunteer for over a decade.
“I’m excited to bring together talented professionals from the writing and business community to our 2026 conference,” Friberg said. “This year’s diverse lineup will include two keynotes, exceptional presenters, dozens of breakout sessions, panels, a teen program, and plenty of networking opportunities.”
Options to participate in Master Classes, and book appointments for consults with industry professionals for a separate fee will be added to the site soon, as well as information on scholarship opportunities.
Jonathan Maberry, NYTimes bestselling author, 5-time Bram Stoker
Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, poet, and comic book writer, is the opening keynote speaker for the conference. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Maberry.
The Friday Opening Keynote speaker for CCWC 2026 will be New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry, a 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, poet, and comic book writer. Maberry writes suspense, sci-fi, thriller, horror, fantasy, and action. His V-Wars was a Netflix show, and other works are in development for film and TV. He’s edited 30 anthologies, is president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and editor of Weird Tales Magazine.
“Jonathan is one of our favorite presenters, and we are thrilled he will be joining us again for our 2026 conference,” Friberg said. “He is kind, humble, and generous with his time as he shares his experiences and knowledge with fellow writers.”
Meagan Friberg, seasoned journalist, freelance writer, and editor, returns in 2026 as the Event Director for the conference. Photo Credit: Sari Singerman Photography.
Conference details, including speaker bios, are being added regularly to the event website. For registration and more information, visit CentralCoastWritersConference.com. Stay updated by following CCWC on social media: Instagram @CCWritersCon; Facebook and BlueSky @CentralCoastWritersConference.
For additional information, contact CCWC Director Meagan Friberg at 805-610-4252 or meagan_friberg@cuesta.edu or Cuesta College Community Programs at (805) 546-3132.
ABOUT CCWC:
Since 1984, the Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference (CCWC) has supported writers of all levels. Now in its 42nd year, it is one of the longest continuous writers’ conferences in the United States. The 2026 event will take place on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26 at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, CA.
