Willamette Writers Chapters are local writing communities where writers improve their craft and acquire the career skills required in today’s publishing world. They also provide opportunities for local writers to hone their leadership, presentation, and teaching skills.
The Willamette Writers Coast Chapter meets in Newport and serves writers all along the coast. We welcome members from other chapters and all writers aged 18 and older (unless otherwise stated).
Read on to learn about our chapter, and join our mailing list to keep in touch.
Become a Willamette Writers Member today to enjoy membership benefits such as free meetings for all WW chapters and reduced conference registration fees.
Upcoming Meeting
Please head to our events calendar to find out about our upcoming meetings (including date, time, location, and Zoom or in-person information): willamettewriters.org/events.
About the Meetings
The Coast Chapter holds monthly meetings for writers near Newport. We always look forward to meeting and seeing members from other chapters.
Unless otherwise stated…
Meeting Time
The Coast Chapter meets on the third Saturday of each month from September through June, with no meetings in July, August and December.
In August we head to Portland for the Willamette Writers Conference.
Meeting Location
Meeting locations are subject to change, so please check the events calendar.
The Meetings are Free Thanks To Our Sponsors
The meeting is free thanks to the generosity of the Newport Public Library and local businesses such as Hallmark Resort, Anchor Pier Lodge, Elizabeth Street Inn, and Sylvia Beach Hotel, and the generous time and space provided by our media partners.
Meeting Cost
Monthly meetings at all the chapters are free and open to the public. Please consider becoming a member or donating to support your chapter meetings. Your support makes our programming possible.
Would you like to be a speaker?
We are always looking for new speakers from around the region and around the country. Do you have a topic of interest to present to writers in our region?
Please contact us for scheduling and details.
The Chapter Co-Chairs
The Coast Chapter is run by two co-chairs who together create a program to fit the needs and interests of the Willamette Writers members from the Newport area.
Catherine Rickbone – Coast Co-Chair
Based in Newport, Oregon, Catherine Rickbone is the author of two poetry books, “What She Knows” and “Labyrinth Dance.”
Her poetry has appeared in The Echo, Quivira Literary Magazine, and other publications; she appears in the Oregon Poetic Voices archive hosted by Lewis & Clark College.
She retired in 2020 from a 50-plus year career in arts administration, education, marketing, and business, most recently serving as executive director of the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts for 13 years.
Rickbone works in new forms of the personal essay, and on continuing arts advocacy projects.
Willamette Writers is currently searching for an additional co-chair! If you are interested in learning how to support your writing community and connect with your colleagues, please email the office at wilwrite [at] willamettewriters [dot] org.
Connect with the Chapter
- Join our meetings and workshops if you’re a writing enthusiasts from the Coast, if you happen to be in the area, or if you are interested in a specific topic/speaker.
- Follow Willamette Writers on Twitter, and on Facebook where you can subscribe to our events.
- Join us on MeetUp to receive meeting updates
- Join our chapter’s mailing list to receive updates by email.
- Contact us if you have a specific inquiry or something you’d like to share with the chapter co-chairs.
All writers welcome. Join us!
Volunteer with the Chapter
Are you a local writer and want to be more involved with the Coast Chapter? Volunteer! Get in touch and let us know how you’d like help.
Click here for other volunteer opportunities at Willamette Writers.