Cuesta College is proud to offer scholarships for the Central Coast Writers’ Conference, making it possible for more writers to experience this inspiring event. Scholarships are designed to support individuals who are passionate about writing and eager to learn from industry professionals.
Awarded recipients will receive full or partial registration coverage for the conference, which includes access to workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. Whether you are an emerging writer or looking to enhance your skills, these scholarships help remove financial barriers so you can focus on your creative journey.
Apply today and take the first step toward an unforgettable experience at the Central Coast Writers’ Conference.
Your story matters. Let us help you tell it.
County of SLO Public Libraries to award 13 scholarships to the 2025 Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference
We are pleased to announce a partnership with County of SLO Public Libraries to provide 13 scholarships to the 2025 Cuesta College Central Coast Writers’ Conference. Sharpen your pencils, fire up your laptop, and convince us with your heart and prose why you should win a scholarship!
Scholarships include attendance to all workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities at the two-day conference on Friday and Saturday, September 26 & 27, 2025 on the campus of Cuesta College SLO.
To enter, write and submit an essay or poem using the conference theme of “It’s Time” in 800 or fewer words. Entrees will be judged on writing skills and compelling storytelling.
All entries must be submitted in person to your local branch librarian or via email to mmatta@slolibrary.org Please submit a cover sheet with the following information and attach your essay or poem.
Name: Email: Phone:
Library (one winner per library):
Entry deadline is September 5, 2025.
One entry per person.
Open to SLO County residents, age 18 and over.
Winners will be notified via email or phone.
Questions? Email CCWC Director Meagan Friberg, CentralCoastWritersConference@gmail.com
Anna Unkovich, Paul Fahey, and Linna Thomas Scholarships
We are pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to the 2025 Central Coast Writers’ Conference in recognition our friends Anna Unkovich, Paul Fahey, and Linna Thomas, whose courage and creativity continue to inspire our community.
Anyone suffering from or recovering from an illness is encouraged to apply. These scholarships are intended to support writers who embody the spirit of resilience and generosity, and have a love for the written word. Our hope is to uplift others while also honoring the strength and legacy of Anna, Paul, and Linna – all of whom have given so much to the literary world.
Anna Unkovich ran our volunteer program for over 10 years and her legacy lives on so that underserved
citizens have a chance to attend the conference and learn valuable writing skills
that promote healing and recovery. Anna was a dedicated teacher and trainer committed
to changing the world, one student at a time, and was the recipient of multiple local
and national teaching awards, including six times having been awarded Who’s Who Among
American
Teachers. She co-authored the three-volume curriculum guide for teachers Chicken Soup
for the Soul in the Classroom, an e-book of tips and stories for educators Magic Moments:
This Worked for Me, co-authored Caring to Teach, Teaching to Care, and focused on
educational issues with her column, Classroom With a View.
Paul Alan Fahey was our first LGBTQ+ instructor and many experienced the benefit of his mentoring
through Private Critique Sessions. He was the author of the Lovers and Liars gay wartime
romance series - a 2014 finalist for the Rainbow Award, coordinator and editor of
the anthology EQUALITY: What Do You Think About When You Think Of Equality? and many
continue to utilize his writing reference, THE SHORT AND LONG OF IT: Expand, Adapt,
and
Publish Your Short Fiction. Before retiring from Allan Hancock College, Paul created
and edited the award-winning international literary journal Mindprints for writers
and artists with
isabilities.
Linna Thomas was the co-founder and driving spirit behind Coalesce Book Store and Garden Chapel in Morro Bay, a fiercely independent, community-minded haven for bibliophiles and music lovers alike. Few people did more for local authors than Linna, and she was always a big supporter of the Central Coast Writers’ Conference. She provided a safe, welcoming atmosphere to her customers and gave countless poets, writers, and musicians the opportunity to nurture and celebrate their creative voices in a warm and supportive space. Linna loved supporting writers and helping to publish, stock, and sell their work. She also built relationships with her community by hosting events and supporting good causes.
Scholarship eligibility:
Anyone suffering from or recovering from an illness is encouraged to apply. Please submit your story or poem (800 words or less) for our committee to review using the prompt: It’s Time. Six scholarships will be awarded based on need and the writer’s authentic voice. Applications should be emailed to CCWC Director Meagan Friberg at centralcoastwritersconference@gmail no later than September 10, 2025.