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Resources For Aspiring Writers In LA

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"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you," said the great Maya Angelou. If you are an aspiring writer, you know what she meant - the story is inside you, it needs to come out, but sometimes it needs a little help. Because more seasoned writers know this, there are plenty of organizations willing to help you through seminars, conferences and the direct help of expert writers. Below are five of such groups based in the Los Angeles area. They are waiting to help you bear that "untold story inside you."

US-FEATURE-TYPEWRITERS
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Greater Los Angeles Writers Society
www.glaws.org

Meant as a resource for writers and aspiring writers, the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society (GLAWS) organizes conferences, gatherings, seminars and other events monthly. While the group is based in Redondo Beach, it welcomes the membership of writers from everywhere in the United States. GLAWS is a non-profit organization. Its low-cost membership fees support its administrative costs and event expenses, pay for special speaker fees and more. Find out more on the group's Facebook page.

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Los Angeles Writers Group
8033 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 910
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 963-3180
www.lawritersgroup.com

For a decade now, the Los Angeles Writers Group has welcomed writers to its interactive workshops and discussions meant to help novice and expert writers with their projects. The workshops are held in private homes and the addresses are disclosed only to those who register for a class. The subjects of the workshops include creative writing, poetry, pitching a TV show or film, script writing and more. You can also connect with the group on Facebook.

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Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
8271 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-1010
www.scbwi.org

Now in existence for more than four decades, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators was originally founded by a group of Angelenos as a non-profit organization meant to help individuals interested in the writing of books for children and young adults. With more than 22,000 members, today it serves as an important network for writers in this particular field, plus their agents, publishers and those who serve the young community, such as educators and librarians. Membership benefits include publishing information, conferences, discounts and services and more. Connect with them on Facebook, too.

Related: Community-Centered Bookstores In LA

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Writers at Work
4022 Fountain Ave., Suite 202
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 661-5954
www.writersatwork.com

Author, editor and instructor Terry Wolverton started Writers at Work to provide support to aspiring writers. While it is open to everyone, the instructors are Writers at Work are keen to serve writers in groups that historically have not been exposed as widely as others, such as those who write about women, lesbians, gays and people of color. Its workshops include creative short fiction and non-fiction, and poetry at multiple development levels.

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Writers Store
3510 W. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505
(800) 272-8927
www.writersstore.com

Whether at the physical store in Burbank or the website, the Writers Store is the place to find anything you may need so that your inspirations can be delivered to paper. Software, instructional books, supplies, DVDs, courses and even writing contests are available through the Writers Store. It is associated with Screenwriters University, where writers can find any affordable instruction they may need, and well as with StoryLink, a place online that facilitates the connection of writers with filmmakers. You can also find the Writers Store on Facebook.

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Dena Burroughs is a freelance writer living in Azusa, CA. She is a CSULA graduate with specialties in Creative Writing and Communications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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