Events
Five Steps to a Published Nonfiction Book
Join us for an interactive workshop in this special space, a combined bookstore and wine bar. We’ll walk you through five surprising, often-overlooked things you can do now — even if you haven't written a single word — to boost your odds of finishing your nonfiction book and getting it published. Space is limited; sign up now!
SIGN UP HERE:
https://www.booksociety.social/event-details/expert-to-author-five-steps-to-a-published-nonfiction-book
Bookstore Talk & Signing
At the renowned independent bookstore Book Passage, we will discuss our book, The Complete Expert-to-Author Guide, and often-overlooked, highly effective strategies for planning, writing, and publishing your own book. Book signing follows the talk and Q&A. Free and open to the public.
REGISTER HERE:
https://bookpassage.com/event/marisa-solis-elizabeth-dougherty-complete-expert-author-guide
Bookstore Event with the Authors
We will be discussing our book and answering questions from the audience at this free bookstore event open to the public.
Writers Conference: Does Your Book Idea Work?
TWO SPOTS LEFT! Join Marisa Solis and Happy Women Dinners for a one-day, in-person writing conference designed to give you clarity, community, and expert feedback on your manuscript-in-progress. Includes: Panel discussions; Q&A with industry experts; 1:1 feedback on the first page of your first chapter and your one-page book synopsis; private sessions with a publisher, literary agent, and developmental editor; lunch and snacks; accountability partners beyond the conference. For registration information, fill out the Happy Women Dinners contact form.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.happywomendinners.com/contact
Book Proposal Course
Join this four-session virtual course to learn the ins and outs of writing a strong book proposal. Interactive sessions meet for 1.5 hours on Mondays in January and February (exact dates TBD) 5 pm to 6:30 pm PDT. Open to women and men writing nonfiction who want to fast-track their proposal bootcamp-style. For registration information, fill out the Happy Women Dinners contact fom.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.happywomendinners.com/contact
PAST EVENT: Salon & Book Signing
Join us for an evening of wine, dessert, and conversation, hosted by Silicon Valley leader and community advocate Jamie Barnett. If you’re a consultant, coach, educator, entrepreneur, gourmet chef, or other expert who’s been thinking about writing a book, this intimate gathering is for you. Find out how you can move from idea to bookshelf as Marisa and Elizabeth share their advice from a combined 68 years in publishing. For each book sold, we are donating $5 to Access Books Bay Area, which refurbishes school libraries.
RSVP VIA EMAIL HERE: info@bookstructurepros.com
PAST EVENT: Bookstore Event with the Authors
Moderated by author Terri Givens, we will be discussing our book and strategies for writing your own at this bookstore event. Please RSVP. Open to the public.
PAST EVENT: Author Talk
Join us for a talk and lively discussion at the Oakland Public Library. Free and open to all.
PAST EVENT: Book Launch!
Join us for our book launch! We’ll be reading from our book, talking about why we wrote it, and answering your questions about writing your own book. RSVP now.
PAST EVENT: American Library Association Annual Conference 2026
A Publishers Weekly Program Pick, the panel “From Experience to Impact” features authors Marisa Solis, David Gaines, and Christy Scott Cashman talking about about how books can turn lived experience into meaningful impact—and how our books can be adapted for library programming. Moderated by She Writes Press publisher Brooke Warner, the panel will also be followed by a Q&A and signing.
PAST EVENT: Santa Barbara Writers Conference
For over five decades, writers from around the world have gathered at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference to rub elbows with fellow writers, well-known authors, and publishing professionals. You’ll participate in a magical week of intensive work, focused on craft, marketing, and networking. This year, on June 23 and 24, Marisa is offering 20-minute manuscript consultations—free for all registered participants.
