Oct. 7, 2014
Featuring best-selling author Daniel James Brown:
“The Boys in the Boat”
Northwest Institute of Literary Arts is delighted to announce its 16th annual Whidbey Island Writers Conference (WIWC), convening October 24–26 in the historic fishing village of Coupeville. Novice and professional writers from all over the world rub elbows at WIWC each year, sharing stories and inspiration as they deepen their knowledge of craft, publishing and marketing.
What makes WIWC special? For one: a focus on small, intimate classes that allows instructors and attendees one-on-one interaction in a casual setting. For two: easy access to the staff and keynote speakers. And three: beautiful locations throughout the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, events in private homes, historic buildings and local businesses.
Best-selling authors invite novice and experienced writers alike to share their passion for the written word in relaxed, in-depth conference sessions. The WIWC package includes agent and editor sessions as well as evening events where attendees can read their material, listen to music and mingle with other writers, staff and best-selling authors.
“Our unique Chat House format is informal, friendly, and welcoming,” notes conference director, Terry Persun. “There are two instructors for each chat house, so attendees get a variety of ideas and perspectives, which makes for lively, illuminating conversation. Everything is geared to help attendees feel comfortable working with professionals who can help them achieve their writing goals.”
WIWC best-selling authors include Daniel James Brown, Aaron Patterson, Robert Dugoni, Nicole J. Persun, Emily Clanton, Chantelle Aimée, Anita K. Boyle, Gerald Braude, Janet Lee Carey, Kerry Colburn and Jennifer Worick, Kelly Davio, Paul Hanson, Bill Kenower, Deb Lund, Sarah Martinez, Stefon Mears, Jennifer D. Munro, David Ossman and Judith Walcutt, Terry Persun, Laurel Saville, Katherine Sears, Steven W. White, Susan Wingate, and Sarah Zale. WIWC agents and editors include Eileen Rothschild, editor; Anna Michels, editor; Renda Belle Dodge, editor; Margaret Bail, agent; Shannon Hassan, agent; Genevieve Nine, agent and Andy Ross, agent.
Once again, the Whidbey Island Writers Conference is hosting a young writers special program, the Young Writers Conference (YWC). This year, we’re running this program all day. We’ll start and end with a class for young writers only, but in between attendees will be able to sit in on any two of the adult sessions. Young writers can find inspiration, learn the craft of writing and the business of publishing at the YWC this year. Whidbey Island middle and high school students are invited at no cost.
Full Conference includes
• Friday Chat House Sessions
• Two Saturday Morning Keynotes
• Saturday Workshops
• Pitch Session with at least one Agent
• Consultion with at least one Editor
• Saturday’s Write Night Party and Keynote featuring keynote Daniel James Brown and music by The Western Heros, location Greenbank Farms
• Sunday’s One Last Thing Panels
Conference Registration Information
Register at nila.edu/wiwc
Conference Registration—$365
Conference Registration for WIWA member—$300 ($65 discount)
ABOUT NILA
The Northwest Institute of Literary Arts creates and supports an extended community of established and aspiring writers by providing education, communication, encouragement and access to professional literary resources. The Northwest Institute of Literary Arts (NILA) is a Washington state non-profit corporation 501(c)3. Donate to NILA at nila.edu.
NILA encompasses The Whidbey Writers Workshop low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, the Whidbey Island Writers Conference, and the Whidbey Island Writers Association, offering workshops and other opportunities to local and regional writers. NILA also produces the Soundings Review literary magazine.