For our new Up and Coming Award, the Willamette Writers board chose Kelly Williams Brown. We wanted an author who represented the best of emerging talent, and who had already demonstrated amazing skills and mastery of the writing craft. We found the perfect balance in Kelly. She’s also a Willamette Writers Conference success story and is personable,…
Pre-Conference Pitching Workshop
Cynthia Whitcomb has scheduled another of her popular pre-conference pitching workshops. In a six hour workshop, Cynthia guides students through the creation and practice of a pitch. Learn the art of pitching from a successful writer at this pitching workshop! This workshop is geared to fiction writers, non-fiction writers, and screenwriters. Cynthia has pitched hundreds…
Distinguished NW Writer Award – Jess Walter
The winner of the 2014 Distinguished NW Writer Award is Jess Walter. He is the author of several prolific and heartfelt (and absolutely at times funny!) novels, as well as essays, short stories, and nonfiction. Because of his skill in various forms of writing, his talent for drawing the reader in and in giving us larger-than-life characters…
Keynote Speaker – Diana Gabaldon
The keynote speaker for the 2014 Gala Awards Banquet is Diana Gabaldon. From her bio and recent press release: DIANA GABALDON is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular Outlander novels—Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, An Echo in the…
Lifetime Achievement Award 2014 – Ivan Doig
The winner of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award is Ivan Doig. Mr. Doig’s knowledge of the history and characters of the American West have brought those times and places to life for readers everywhere. He is a true wordsmith, and his amazing accomplishments in writing are definitely deserving of the Willamette Writers’ Lifetime Achievement Award…
Humanitarian Award – Justin Hocking, IPRC
The Independent Publishing Resource Center is an invaluable tool for Portland and Oregon artists and writers. It not only provides a print shop, a binding machine, and a research station, it also has a zine library that covers over 60 years and has over 6,000 self-published and independently produced materials. The center provides outreach efforts through the Media…
More events to enjoy this year!
Film Track Crew Pulls into Portland’s Lloyd Center Station
More indie/self-publishing opportunities this year
Jason Brick is to blame for the conference program this year. You may have noticed a shift in our content to better serve professional nonfiction writers and the indie/self-publishing community while still offering plenty of traditional publishing and craft classes. Find Jason at some point during the weekend and tell him how you feel about…
New Six Word Story Contest!
Crack eggs on heads? Sure. Oops! – Teresa Klepinger This time the theme is in celebration of Beverly Cleary’s birthday on April 12th. Submit your Beverly Cleary inspired story to our Six Word Story Contest. The top twelve winners will be announced at the Portland member meeting on April 1st at The Old Church. We’ll be tweeting…