New on Our Blog for Writers and Willamette Writers

2017 Timberline Prize Awarded to Geronimo Tagatac

2017 Timberline Prize Awarded to Geronimo Tagatac In August 2015, Willamette Writers’s literary journal, The Timberline Review launched its first issue at the Willamette Writers Conference. To acknowledge an exceptional piece of writing from that first issue, the editors created “The Timberline Prize” and awarded it to Michigan writer Robert Vivian, for his dervish essay, Read to You. In 2016, the editors chose to recognize Rick Attig for his essay about family and loss, Family Trees, which appeared in the Winter/Spring 2016 issue. This year, we award The Timberline Prize to Geronimo Tagatac, in recognition of his story, The Summer of the Aswang, from the Summer/Fall 2017 issue. Geronimo Tagatac is the son of a Filipino-immigrant father and a Russian-Jewish mother. His life has taken an…

Read more…

Willamette Writers at the NW Book Festival

2017 NW Book Festival Logo

Once again Willamette Writers will have a booth at 9 Bridges’s NW Book Festival happening in downtown Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square on July 29, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The festival is free and open to the Public. We will be in booth #5. Willamette Writers members are invited to join us to sell & sign their books while representing Willamette Writers. If you are a member and want to join us for the day, please sign up (spots are limited). To sign up, please complete the form below or via this link (same form, use whatever works better for you) to indicate your interest in joining Willamette Writers at the 9th NW Book Festival. Spots are limited; please sign up now. The festival is…

Read more…

Willamette Writers Member News

Conference Updates

Writing Through the Tough Times by Julie Fast

All writers come to a point where it feels impossible to write another word. This happened to me with one month left before I had to turn in the manuscript for my first book. I felt overwhelmed with the idea of making the book perfect. All of it had to flow. It had to be well organized. I had to make sure the continuity between the chapters was smooth. It just seemed like so much to do after I had already spent eight months working on the content of the book. Work Through the Pain Now I finally said to myself- What would a professional athlete do? How would they react when faced with a hill?  They would keep going!…

Read more…

New Opportunity at Conference: Author Headshots

For the first time ever, the 2017 Willamette Writers Conference will have a professional photographer at the conference to take author headshots. A limited number of slots will be offered Friday and Saturday afternoon, so book your slot before they are all taken. Why Do Author’s Need Headshots? Last year’s conference keynote speaker Jane Friedman says a professional author photo, like an author website, is important if you want to make the right impression. A good photo can instill in viewers that you are successful or have the potential of becoming successful. Christina Katz, in her book Get Known Before the Book Deal, says authors with professional photographs communicate without words that they are professional and ready for publicity, which…

Read more…

Volunteer with Willamette Writers

We’re committed to helping writers at all levels connect with their communities, hone their craft, and advance their careers. We’d love your help! Volunteer opportunities range from random one-hour assignments to a year-long commitment and are available in different locations, including many at the comfort of your own home.  Interested? Great! Click, learn more, and sign…

Read more…

Join Willamette Writers Meetings and Workshops Near You

Corvallis: “The Art of the Submission” with Laura Stanfill

July 24 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Corvallis First Presbyterian Church, Dennis Hall, 114 SW 8th St.
Corvallis, OR 97333 United States + Google Map
Laura Stanfill of Forest Avenue Press

On Monday, July 24, 2017, 6:30–8:30 PM, Willamette Writers on the River (WWotR) in Corvallis will host Laura Stanfill who will present "The Art of the Submission." The Art of the Submission Query letters are key to earning the attention of publishers and agents. A poorly written letter, or a manuscript that doesn’t start in the right…

Find out more »

Willamette Writers Conference

August 3 @ 3:00 pm - August 6 @ 5:00 pm
Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, 8235 NE Airport Way
Portland, OR 97220 United States + Google Map

Willamette Writers: This conference is for you! Gain instant access to industry gatekeepers, learn skills to hone your craft and advance your career, and network with over 700 peers who share your passion. JOIN US Join us for three packed days all about writers and writing. Meet industry professionals, find critique partners, get instant feedback…

Find out more »

Cynthia Whitcomb Fall 2017 Screenwriting Workshop Opens Sept. 23

September 23 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Six Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sept. 23, 30 Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 Cost: $495 Location: Cynthia's Home in North Wilsonville Class Limited to 23 From Idea to Completed Script Includes structure, scene cards, storyboards, set ups, payoffs, subplots, character development, research, format, dialogue, hiding exposition, buttoning scenes, how to write great openings,…

Find out more »