This year’s WW Conference is introducing new events, but it’s coming with a learning curve. By now, you’ve hopefully had a chance to thumb through the conference brochure, and taken the time to start exploring the new and improved website, to peruse the schedule we’ve put together for the 2015 Conference. We hope you’re as…
by Chip MacGregor As you begin preparing for this year’s Willamette Writers Conference, I’d like to suggest you keep ten words in mind… • READ. Don’t just show up and wonder who the speakers are. Read the blog of the keynote speakers. Read the books of the workshop teachers. That way, when you get to…
The 46th installment of the Willamette Writers Conference is on its way, bringing a mix of old favorites and brand new programs, events and pitching to agents and publishers over three and a half days this summer. We’re challenging you this year to “Tell Your Story” – whatever that story is, and whatever form it takes. We’re assembling…
Lux Alani – Success Story from the 2014 Willamette Writers Conference Lux Alani charmed everyone that she met at the conference, from agents and editors to volunteers and staff to other attendees. We’re so happy and proud to have given her the opportunity to meet other writers and her new agent at the Angela Rinaldi Literary…
For our new Up and Coming Award, the Willamette Writers board chose Kelly Williams Brown. We wanted an author who represented the best of emerging talent, and who had already demonstrated amazing skills and mastery of the writing craft. We found the perfect balance in Kelly. She’s also a Willamette Writers Conference success story and is personable,…
Cynthia Whitcomb has scheduled another of her popular pre-conference pitching workshops. In a six hour workshop, Cynthia guides students through the creation and practice of a pitch. Learn the art of pitching from a successful writer at this pitching workshop! This workshop is geared to fiction writers, non-fiction writers, and screenwriters. Cynthia has pitched hundreds…
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 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…
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…
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…
