Category: WilWrite26 Friday

  • 10:30 – 11:30AM Friday Zoom: Traditional Publishing vs. Independent Publishing

    The desire to be published is more prevalent than ever. A record-breaking number of CEOs, entrepreneurs, business professionals, and aspiring writers from all walks of life dream about becoming published authors but are stumped about which road to publication they would like to travel on. Filled with real-life stories, humor, and practical advice Leticia’s workshop will give aspiring and seasoned authors alike the good, bad, and ugly of these two methods of publication. By the end of the presentation, attendees will have gained the clarity needed to decide whether they have the stomach to take the traditional publishing route with the help of a literary agent or strike out on their own to publish their literary masterpiece.

    Faculty

    • Leticia Gomez
      Leticia Gomez is an Editor-at-Large for Dafina Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp., which focuses on high-quality fiction and non-fiction that centers on race, identity, and its impact on our experiences. She is also the founder and principal agent of Savvy Literary Services, a Texas-based literary agency that specializes in bringing culturally diverse voices… Read more: Leticia Gomez

  • 10:30 – 11:30AM Friday Windsor C: Invite-Only: Timberline Review Writers Workshop

    Invite-Only: Our Timberline Authors are invited to join us for a worksop to prep their pieces for tonight’s reading. This performance workshop will be facilitated by author and poet Emmett Wheatfall.

    Faculty

    • Emmett Wheatfall
      Emmett Wheatfall is an American poet, Oregon Poet Laureate nominee, and recipient of the prestigious Oregon Poetry Association Patricia Ruth Banta Award. His poetry has been published in several books, collections, anthologies, and one of them, As Clean as a Bone, was a 2019 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist and a da Vinci Eye award finalist.… Read more: Emmett Wheatfall

  • 10:30AM – 4:30PM Friday Windsor B: Master Class: Fluency in Multi-Layered Story Analysis for Revision

    Award-winning writer Eric Witchey leads this 5-hour Master Class on analysis and revision. Writing a saleable story is predominantly a revision process. The most important skills are all related to deciding what to revise and, often more importantly, what not to revise. This Master Class explores specific, immediately executable techniques for deconstructing a manuscript, isolating undefined issues, defining them, and selecting a course of action to resolve them. The patterns and skills presented are useful to all levels of writers and are applicable across genres for flash fiction, short stories, novelettes, novellas, and novels.

    Attendance is limited.

    Attendance is limited and additional registration is required to attend this Master Class.

    Register for Master Class

    Faculty

    • Eric Witchey
      Eric Witchey has sold stories under several names and in 14 genres. His tales have been translated into multiple languages, and his credits include over 170 stories, including 5 novels and two collections. His work has received recognition from New Century Writers, Writers of the Future, Writer’s Digest, Independent Publisher Book Awards, International Book Awards,… Read more: Eric Witchey

  • 10:30 – 11:30AM Friday Belmont A/B: Writing and Publishing Life

    Sit down with published authors as we share honest insights about building a sustainable, fulfilling writing life. We’ll talk about career paths, publishing realities, and ways to protect your creativity and joy. Whether you seek publication or a richer personal practice, you’ll leave with practical ideas and encouragement for the next steps in your writing or publishing life.

    Faculty

    • Brian W. Parker
      Brian grew up in Alaska, then Mississippi, and has always been in love with storytelling in every medium. He earned a BFA in graphic design & illustration and an MA in writing & publishing. He’s an adjunct professor of children’s publishing at Portland State University. He is the co-owner and creative director of Believe In… Read more: Brian W. Parker
    • Dana Haynes
      Dana Haynes is the author of 14 mystery and thriller novels from such publishers as Minotaur Books, St. Martin’s Press, MacMillan Publishing, Blackstone Publishing and Bantam Publishing. Under the pen name James Byrne, he has written four thrillers featuring Dez Limerick for Minotaur Books, including 2026’s STORM WARNING and CHAIN REACTION, nominated for best series… Read more: Dana Haynes
    • LeFoster Williams
      LeFoster Williams is a Portland-based author, actor, and transformational speaker whose work blends raw storytelling, personal truth, and practical strategy. He is the author of The Magical Escape (2023) and Bloodlines & Shadows (2025), with his upcoming self‑development book arriving in 2026. As a speaker, LeFoster teaches creatives and entrepreneurs how to own their story,… Read more: LeFoster Williams
    • Melissa Hart
      Melissa Hart is the author of several nonfiction books and novels; her latest is Find Your Nature: 40 Ways to Deepen the Connection to Your Flora, Fauna & Community. Her short-form writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Smithsonian, CNN, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Nat Geo Kids, Orion, and numerous… Read more: Melissa Hart

  • 10 – 10:30AM Friday All: Break

    There’s so much we’re excited for you to see and do this weekend, but don’t forget to pace yourself. Take a break with a few new friends before you dive deeper into the publishing and writing life.

  • 9 -10AM Friday Zoom: Quiet Writing

    Anytime you need to step back from the virtual conference and get some words written – we’ve got you covered! Our quiet writing zoom room is open for you during workshop hours.

  • 9 – 10AM Friday Windsor A: Quiet Writing

    Need a moment to yourself? Sit down before the conference carries you away with an hour of quiet writing.

  • 9 – 10AM Friday Belmont A/B: Opening Poem and Welcome

    Let the 56th Annual Willamette Writers Conference begin! Opening poet Christopher Diaz will take the mic to draw us into a weekend of writing, creating, and learning together. Bring your notebook and find your seat. It’s going to be an incredible weekend.

    About Christopher Diaz

    Christopher Diaz (he/him) is an indigenous CHamoru from the Pacific Island of Guåhan. As a writer, performer, and photographer, he’s been featured by NBC News, Poets & Writers.org, and more. Recently he was awarded a fellowship with Indigenous Nations Poets and an artist grant from the Washington State Arts Commission. In 2025, he was the opening keynote speaker at the Oregon Poetry Association’s annual conference. He’s a two-time grand slam champion and won the 2023 Bigfoot Regional Slam with his PNW team. He’s taught poetry with “Writers in the Schools”, offers writing and performance workshops online and in person, and co-leads monthly writing workshops at the juvenile detention center in Vancouver, WA.

    Find him at www.christopherdiazcreates.com.

  • 9AM – 2PM Friday Belmont C: In-Person Pitching

    Registered for a pitch or critique with an in-person professional in conference registration this year? Join us at your scheduled time to meet with your industry professional. Scheduling info is sent our via email to registered participants.

  • 8 – 9AM Friday Belmont Foyer: Badge Pickup

    You’ve arrived, and we’re so excited to see you! Pick up your badge and folder and let’s get the fun rolling. Don’t miss out on a cup of coffee and a light breakfast! This will be a weekend to remember!