Summertime, and the writin' is easy

by Jennifer Lamont Leo

Summer is the hot season for writers conferences! Sure, you may already have your summer vacation plans sewn up--two weeks at the lake cottage with the in-laws, an Alaskan cruise, a cross-country road trip. Still, if you're looking for a getaway AND a chance to dive deeply into your writing and network with other writers, editors, and agents, a writers conference might be just the ticket. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced writer, there's a place for you. 

Here's a round-up of writers conferences and workshops happening around the greater Northwest this summer. If you know of others, please let us know in the comments.

JUNE

Chuckanut Writers Conference
June 27-28, 2014
Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA

Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, publishing & marketing
Three years ago, the conference launched with the theme Inspiration into Action. They're returning on Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, 2014 to continue their mission—to profoundly inspire your writing life with a renowned faculty and dynamic program.

JULY

Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers
July 7-13, 2014
Wallowa Lake, OR

Poetry, fiction, nonfiction
A week of writing and conversation filled with generative workshops, afternoon breakout sessions, open mic events, evening readings and panel discussions all in the beautiful setting of Wallowa Lake. This year's theme is What the River Says: The Art of Listening in a Turbulent World as they will celebrate the themes and ideals of poet William Stafford on the centennial of his birth. Featured keynote speaker is Palestinian-American poet and Stafford  protégé, Naomi Shihab Nye. Other faculty include Luis Alberto Urrea, Kim Barnes, John Daniel, and Brenda Miller. 

The Port Townsend Writers Conference
July 10-14, 2014
Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
Poetry, fiction, nonfiction

The Port Townsend Writers’ Conference has been since 1974 at the wild heart of the thriving Pacific Northwest literary scene. With a focus on community and rigorous attention to craft, the Conference offers morning workshops, afternoon workshops, residencies, guided freewrites, and a vibrant readings and lectures series presented by vital, contemporary writers. Whether you’re new to writing, and seeking an inspirational environment to create new work; looking for advanced post-MFA revision workshops; or simply desire to renew and recharge yourself in a writing retreat, the Port Townsend Writers’ Conference gives you the craft and connections to make breakthroughs in your work.

Oregon Coast Children’s Book Writers Workshop
July 14-18, 2014
Oceanside, OR  

Children's

This is an intensive workshop for those who are not only passionate about children's book writing, but who dream of publishing their own children's books. The course is designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced writers. It consists of presentations by eight full-time instructors, gobs of writing, group manuscript sharing, and intensive consults with instructors. The instructors are five professional children's book authors, two children's book editors from major publishing houses, and a full-time children's book agent.

Pacific Northwest Writers Conference
July 17-20, 2014
Seattle Airport Hilton, Seattle, WA

Fiction, nonfiction, children’s

The summer conference is an opportunity for you to meet other writers, attend classes focused on different aspects of the craft, and pitch your ideas to agents and editors if you're ready. The conference is for writers of all levels. Whether you are seeking inspiration or ready to pitch your perfect novel, you will find yourself surrounded by people who all love the same thing. There's something for everyone at conference. Sessions are led by industry experts and are crafted to address many different aspects of the publishing industry. From keeping track of your expenses to crafting the perfect pitch, sessions give you a chance to interact with experts and ask questions in a friendly and open environment. 

AUGUST

Willamette Writers Conference
August 1-3, 2014
Doubletree Convention Center/Lloyd Center, Portland, OR

Fiction, nonfiction, film, YA, children’s

Writers come to the Willamette Writers Conference to learn more about writing, to get inspired, to come together as a community and to pitch their ideas, scripts and manuscripts to the professionals who can help bring success.

Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference
August 4-7, 2014
Red Lion Hotel at Jantzen Beach, Portland, OR

Christian inspirational fiction, nonfiction, memoir, devotionals, magazine, children's, poetry

The OCW summer conference is becoming known as one of the country’s best Christian writing conferences, with top editors, agents, and award-winning authors dedicated to helping you reach your writing goals. We are planning 12 coaching classes and 30 workshops for both advanced and beginning instruction in fiction, nonfiction, memoir, devotionals, magazine articles, writing for children, poetry, marketing, and intensive critique.