Willamette Writers has been an invaluable resource for me since I joined many years ago. So much wisdom and generosity and one of the best writing conferences in the country.” –Jessica Morrell, author of Between the Lines (Writers Digest, 2006)
Willamette Writers offers its members a number of benefits. Willamette Writers’ goal is to provide and encourage a creative environment and support system for current and aspiring writers. Both published and aspiring writers are invited to join.
- Monthly meetings with great speakers!
- Monthly workshops from some of the best local instructors and writers.
- The Willamette Writer monthly newsletter.
- Discounted rates for the annual Willamette Writers Conference.
- Opportunities to network with fellow writers.
- Volunteer opportunities.
- Posting of your website, books and news.
- Referral services for critique groups and freelance professionals, and other learning and networking opportunities.
- A forum and email lists for posting news about book signings, critique groups, and book publishing news.
Awards
We also encourage writing excellence through our various awards and scholarships programs.
- The Kay Snow Writing Contest, established in 1973, was named for our founder. The contest now has entries from across the nation, and includes both adult and young writers.
- The Willamette Writers / Barnes & Noble Kate Herzog Scholarship writing awards are open to students in grades 12 – 14. There are four scholarships and one $500 scholarship presented each year. Kate Herzog was also a founding member of the organization.
- The C. Whitcomb Conference Scholarship provides an opportunity for students and teachers to attend the Willamette Writers Conference for free.
- The FiLMLaB Script to Screen Competition offers an exciting opportunity for screenwriters to have their script made into a movie!
The following Annual Awards are decided on by the Willamette Writers Board and are awarded during the Gala Awards Banquet during the Willamette Writers Conference:
- The Distinguished Northwest Writer Award (est. 1988) recognizes noteworthy NW authors with exceptional literary writing.
- The Up and Coming Award (est. 2014) recognizes emerging writers who, in their initial work, have already demonstrated mastery in their craft.
- The Lifetime Achievement Award (est. 1989) goes to honor a writer or person in the publishing industry who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in his or her work during a lifetime.
- The Humanitarian Award (est. 1996) honors a person or organization in the writing field or publishing industry who has demonstrated exceptional philanthropy in his or her field of work.