Willamette Writers Chapters are local writing communities where writers improve their craft and acquire the career skills required in today's publishing world.
The Eugene Willamette Writers offers monthly meetings and occasional workshops. Meetings are normally held at Tsunami Books on the first Thursday of the month (unless it conflicts with a holiday, usually Sept. and/or Jan.) from September-May. No meetings in December, July, or August. In August we head to Portland for the Willamette Writers Conference.
Monthly meetings are open to all writers 18 and older. Members attend for free. 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 (like free meetings) and to support our community of writers.
Upcoming Meeting
There are no upcoming events at this time.
About the Meetings
The Portland and Southern Oregon Young Willamette Writers meetings will be combined and held via Zoom through the end of 2020. Except for September, they will be on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00-11:30 am.
The great news is that we now have a way for visitors to join our virtual writers’ meetings. Any student age 13-18 may join us by having a parent request the Zoom link via email. Send a message to yww@willamettewriters.org and let us know the name to be watching for in our “waiting room.”
We’ll let you in if we have your name on our list. There’s no cost, and no registration aside from letting us know to expect you.
The Deets:
- First Saturday of each month, 10:00-11:30 am (starting in October)
- For students age 13-18
How to attend:
- Have a parent request the Zoom link and let us know the student's name via email: yww@willamettewriters.org
- If your name is on the list, we'll let you in!
See you there!
Upcoming events:
Young Willamette Writers: Hello, World: Techniques and tricks for creating a realistic, complex, captivating science fiction world that can be used in any story!
February 6 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 amOnline
Portland,
OR
United States
In this workshop, we'll look at the broad categories of science fiction and fantasy worlds and stories, then talk about how to put a new spin on old favorites, as well as how to make the worldbuilding in your story resonate with readers and propel your plot and character arcs.
About the Speaker:
Emily Suvada is the award-winning author of the Mortal Coil trilogy, a science fiction thriller series for young adults. The first book, This Mortal Coil, won the Oregon Spirit Book Award, and was shortlisted for an Aurealis Award, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and the Readings Young Adult Book Prize. Emily's work investigates themes of technological progress, bioethics, and what it means to be human in a world where DNA itself can be rewritten. Emily was born in Australia, where she spent her childhood reading, writing, and watching Star Trek. In college, she studied math and astrophysics, and went on to a career in finance before finding her way back to her first love—books. Today, Emily lives in Portland, OR, with her family, and still spends most of her free time reading, writing, and watching Star Trek. She also enjoys cooking, coding, and chasing her toddler around local parks and trails.
Find out more »
Young Willamette Writers: Hello, World: Techniques and tricks for creating a realistic, complex, captivating science fiction world that can be used in any story!
February 6 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 amIn this workshop, we'll look at the broad categories of science fiction and fantasy worlds and stories, then talk about how to put a new spin on old favorites, as well as how to make the worldbuilding in your story resonate with readers and propel your plot and character arcs.
About the Speaker:
Emily Suvada is the award-winning author of the Mortal Coil trilogy, a science fiction thriller series for young adults. The first book, This Mortal Coil, won the Oregon Spirit Book Award, and was shortlisted for an Aurealis Award, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, and the Readings Young Adult Book Prize. Emily's work investigates themes of technological progress, bioethics, and what it means to be human in a world where DNA itself can be rewritten. Emily was born in Australia, where she spent her childhood reading, writing, and watching Star Trek. In college, she studied math and astrophysics, and went on to a career in finance before finding her way back to her first love—books. Today, Emily lives in Portland, OR, with her family, and still spends most of her free time reading, writing, and watching Star Trek. She also enjoys cooking, coding, and chasing her toddler around local parks and trails.
The Chapter Co-Chairs
Valerie Ihsan, Author Business Strategist is the author of The Scent of Apple Tea and Smell the Blue Sky: young, pregnant, and widowed, winner of a B.R.A.G. Medallion for Top Indie-Published Books. She co-chairs the Eugene Chapter of Willamette Writers, teaches workshops on writing and indie-publishing, and helps authors get clear about their goals so they can find success. She’s an editor and proofreader, loves dogs, and wants to live in Costa Rica and run writing retreats. She lives in Oregon with her husband, teenage son, and four dogs.
Connect with the Chapter
We think writers are awesome!
- Join our meetings and workshops if you’re a writing enthusiast from the area, if you happen to be in the area, or if you are interested in a specific topic/speaker. All writers 18 and older welcome. Join us!
- Follow our Facebook Page and subscribe to our events to keep in touch.
- Join our chapter's mailing list to receive updates by email.
- Visit our contact page if you have a specific inquiry or something you'd like to share with the chapter co-chairs.
Volunteer with the Chapter
Are you a local writer and want to be more involved with Eugene Willamette Writers? Volunteer!
Here are some ways volunteers help us:
- Pick up snacks for monthly meetings
- Prep Member Announcements for publishing on website
- Organize events, workshops and meetings
How would you like to be involved? Get in touch and let us know how you’d like help.
Click here for other volunteer opportunities at Willamette Writers.
Chapter Blog Posts and Updates
Sept. 2015 – Writing and Book Events at Eugene Public Library
Sept. 2015 – Writing and Book Events at Eugene Public Library All events FREE. More information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods From Dirt to Plate Wednesday, September 2, 6:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive A fun and informative illustrated talk by author John Kallas on how to identify, harvest, and prepare nearby nutritious and delicious plants. This presentation is based on his book, “Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods From Dirt to Plate.” Kallas has investigated edible wild plants since 1970 and taught about them since 1978. A trained botanist, nature photographer, writer, researcher, and teacher, Dr. Kallas has a doctorate in Nutrition, a Masters in Education. He is the founder and director of Wild Food Adventures, The Institute for the Study of Edible Wild Plants & Other Foragables. Free. Information:541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library. Concert: Eugene Opera First Friday, September 4, 6:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive Singers from Eugene Opera perform arias and ensembles from the coming season, which is inspired by literary works. The season will include Benjamin Britten’s “The Turn of The Screw,” Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Pyiotr Ilych Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” and Mark Adamo’s “Little Women.” High school students from the Eugene Opera Academy will perform dramatic readings from the literary works on which these operas are based, bringing to life the words of Henry James, Sir Walter Scott, Alexander Pushkin, and Louisa May Alcott. The Downtown Library stays open until 8:00 p.m. on the First Friday of each month. Free. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library. Crazy 8s Oregon Author Tour Saturday, September 12, 3:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive It’s speed-dating with authors! The Crazy 8s Oregon Author Tour is a fun, fast celebration of writing in which each of eight authors gets the stage for eight minutes to talk about the writing life and highlight one book. The Crazy 8s Oregon Author Tour kicks off at the Downtown Eugene Public Library with a rousing roster: Molly Gloss, Melissa Hart, Lindsay Hill, Justin Hocking, Karen Karbo, Lauren Kessler, Phillip Margolin, and Gina Ochsner. Many are winners of multiple awards, including quite a few Oregon Book Awards. The Crazy 8s Author Tour will appear at eight libraries this fall: Albany, Beaverton, Corvallis, Cottage Grove, Eugene, Salem, Seaside, and Stayton. Each event features a different line-up of eight writers from a total of 27 participants. The Eugene event is co-sponsored by Eugene Public Library and the University of Oregon Duck Store, which will provide books for purchase and signing. Molly Gloss is an Oregon Book Award and Pacific Northwest Book Award winner whose latest work is “Falling From Horses.” Melissa Hart is nationally recognized for her memoirs “Gringa” and “Wild Within.” Lindsay Hill is an Oregon Book Award finalist, and winner of the PEN Fiction Award for “Sea of Hooks.” Justin Hocking won an Oregon Book Award for “The Great Floodgates of the Wonderworld.” Karen Karbo is an Oregon Book Award winner and…
Read MoreAugust 2015 – Writing and Book Events at Eugene Public Library
August 2015 – Writing and Book Events at Eugene Public Library All events FREE. More information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library Citizen Journalism: Writing Workshop Thursday, August 20, 6:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive “Citizen journalism” is now everywhere, as new technologies have made it possible for the general public to play an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news and information. Learn more about citizen journalism and the basics of investigative reporting at this workshop with Amy Beasley and Aryn Bartley of the Community Writing Center of Eugene-Springfield at Lane Community College. Free. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library. Download eBooks and More Wednesday, August 26, 2:30 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive Have fun and save money: learn how to get free downloadable and streaming eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, music, movies, and TV shows from Eugene Public Library. See a step-by-step, user-friendly demonstration of online services including Library2Go, Hoopla, Zinio, and Freegal. These services offer tens of thousands of titles and are available at the Library website from home or on the road. Just bring yourself and your curiosity; no device needed. Free. Information: 541-682-5450 or www.eugene-or.gov/library. Tween Scene Book Group Thursday, August 27, 4:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive This month’s book is “Ghostopolis” by Doug TenNapel. In this graphic novel, Garth is accidentally zapped into the spirit world, where he finds himself on the run from the evil ruler of Ghostopolis. For grades 4 through 6. Pre-register and pick up the book at the Children’s Center starting August 1. Free. Information: 541-682-8316 or www.eugene-or.gov/library. Teen Book Group Thursday, August 27, 4:00 p.m., Downtown Eugene Public Library, 10th & Olive This month’s book is “Grasshopper Jungle” by Andrew Smith. In this wildly funny and intense novel, the hero faces at least two major life questions. Can you be in love with more than one person at once? And how do you stop an army of giant killer insects you’ve set free by mistake? For middle and high schoolers. Starting August 1, visit the Downtown Teen desk to pre-register and pick up your copy. Free. Information: 541-682-8316 or www.eugene-or.gov/library
Read MoreSat, 30 May: OSLP Benefit–So Small: Miniature Art Show
Oregon Supported Living Program (OSLP) is presenting their 3rd annual “So Small” benefit in support of their Arts & Culture Program at the Lincoln Gallery on May 30th, from 6-8pm. EVERYONE IS INVITED! Miniature artwork – small performances – tiny food and drinks. I will be performing one small poem in support of this event. “The 3rd annual So Small: Miniature Art Show” is a silent auction of donated artwork for the OSLP Arts & Culture Program. All proceeds will go into the OSLP Arts & Culture Scholarship Fund to help cover the cost of registration fees for individuals who couldn’t afford otherwise. Opening Reception & Exhibition // The Lincoln Gallery 309 W. 4th Ave, Eugene Saturday, May 30th, 2015, 6-8pm Tiny Prizes, Tiny performances, Tiny Food and Cider from WildCraft CiderWorks! This is a wonderful benefit for a wonderful cause, so please attend if you can. Their flyer is attached, showing the event schedule and participating performers. More information on their event can be found here: http://www.artsandcultureeugene.org/so-small.html You can visit their main website here: http://www.oslp.org/
Read More