A New York Times bestselling author and a suspense fiction book doctor are the opening and closing keynote speakers for the 42nd Central Coast Writers’ Conference at Cuesta College September 25-26.
Jonathan Maberry, winner of five Bram Stoker Awards, four Scribe Awards and an Inkpot Award, is a poet, playwright and author of more than 55 novels and two dozen nonfiction books. He writes horror, sci-fi, mystery, suspense, fantasy and action, and has several projects in development for film and TV.
Maberry’s keynote speech Friday evening, “The Power of Yes!,” follows a social hour with music and appetizers.
“Jonathan is one of our favorite presenters,” according to conference director Meagan Friberg. “We are thrilled he will be joining us again for our 2026 conference.”
Christine Fairchild is an acclaimed writer, editor, and book doctor who has conducted celebrity interviews, edited for technical giants, and served as a communications and marketing specialist for consumer product clients. She specializes in helping authors take their work and careers to the next level through online workshops, conference classes, and craft books.
Fairchild’s Saturday afternoon closing keynote, ‘Your Writing Matters in Today’s World,” offers hope as well as powerful advice.
Friberg, returning for her second year as director after serving more than a decade as a key conference volunteer, praises Fairchild for her understanding of the challenges authors face in the publishing industry. “Her experience, knowledge, and dedication to fellow writers are commendable.”
The two-day conference also features another 40 presenters offering more than 55 workshops, dozens of breakout sessions, panels, a teen program, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Referring to this year’s theme—”Say Yes!”—Friberg says the speakers and staff aim to empower writers at every stage to achieve their goals.
Registration for the conference, recognized as the “Best Conference in the West” by The Writer magazine, is available online for $325 through September 24. Walk-in registration day-of is $375.
The Central Coast Writers’ Conference is sponsored by Kindle Direct Publishing, Launch My Book, The Salamacha Family Trust, BookFunnel, and SoCreate.