You had me at Academy Award-winning movie, The English Patient, based upon the novel by Michael Ondaatje. But literary agent Susan Schulman’s bio credits don’t stop there. Past sales include Holes, by Louis Sachar for Disney, and Enemies: A Love Story by Isaac Bashevis Singer for motion picture remake. In addition to her books to…
The Willamette Writers Conference
Distinguished NW Writer Award – Jess Walter
The winner of the 2014 Distinguished NW Writer Award is Jess Walter. He is the author of several prolific and heartfelt (and absolutely at times funny!) novels, as well as essays, short stories, and nonfiction. Because of his skill in various forms of writing, his talent for drawing the reader in and in giving us larger-than-life characters…
Keynote Speaker – Diana Gabaldon
The keynote speaker for the 2014 Gala Awards Banquet is Diana Gabaldon. From her bio and recent press release: DIANA GABALDON is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular Outlander novels—Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, An Echo in the…
Lifetime Achievement Award 2014 – Ivan Doig
The winner of the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award is Ivan Doig. Mr. Doig’s knowledge of the history and characters of the American West have brought those times and places to life for readers everywhere. He is a true wordsmith, and his amazing accomplishments in writing are definitely deserving of the Willamette Writers’ Lifetime Achievement Award…
Humanitarian Award – Justin Hocking, IPRC
The Independent Publishing Resource Center is an invaluable tool for Portland and Oregon artists and writers. It not only provides a print shop, a binding machine, and a research station, it also has a zine library that covers over 60 years and has over 6,000 self-published and independently produced materials. The center provides outreach efforts through the Media…
More events to enjoy this year!
More indie/self-publishing opportunities this year
Jason Brick is to blame for the conference program this year. You may have noticed a shift in our content to better serve professional nonfiction writers and the indie/self-publishing community while still offering plenty of traditional publishing and craft classes. Find Jason at some point during the weekend and tell him how you feel about…
Marjorie Thelen on Volunteering and the Willamette Writers Conference
An Independent Volunteer Third-year volunteer Marjorie Thelen struck out on the independent publishing path three years ago after attending the 2011 Willamette Writers Conference. The author of the Deovolante Space Opera series then returned to volunteer at the conference the next two years. Working both in the volunteer room and monitoring workshops, Marjorie found herself…
Anne Hendren on Volunteering and the Willamette Writers Conference
Volunteer Room Extraordinaire Third-year volunteer Anne Hendren knows one thing about volunteering: Helping out in the volunteer room is the place to be during the Willamette Writers Conference. “(One of the best things about volunteering) is I am able to spend time with other volunteers in the ‘break room’ and learn more about their work,”…
Jennifer Fulford on Volunteering and the Willamette Writers Conference
Volunteering: A Success Story Many great things come out of volunteering at the Willamette Writers Conference. New friends are made, new contacts are gained. For volunteer Jennifer Fulford, the benefits didn’t end there. A third-year volunteer, Jennifer found that volunteering gave her a new level of understanding about herself and her career as a writer.…