Willamette Writers is a
501-c-3 nonprofit writing group based in the U.S. state of
Oregon
Oregon () is a U.S. state, state in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. The Columbia River delineates much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington (state), Washington, while the Snake River delineates much of it ...
, with nearly 1,600 members, and chapters in
Portland
Portland most commonly refers to:
* Portland, Oregon, the largest city in the state of Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States
* Portland, Maine, the largest city in the state of Maine, in the New England region of the northeas ...
,
Eugene,
Salem
Salem may refer to: Places
Canada
Ontario
* Bruce County
** Salem, Arran–Elderslie, Ontario, in the municipality of Arran–Elderslie
** Salem, South Bruce, Ontario, in the municipality of South Bruce
* Salem, Dufferin County, Ontario, part ...
,
Corvallis,
Central Point, and
Newport
Newport most commonly refers to:
*Newport, Wales
*Newport, Rhode Island, US
Newport or New Port may also refer to:
Places Asia
*Newport City, Metro Manila, a Philippine district in Pasay
Europe
Ireland
*Newport, County Mayo, a town on the ...
. The group has a house (The Willamette Writers Cynthia Whitcomb House for writers) in
West Linn
West Linn is a city in Clackamas County, Oregon, United States. A southern suburb within the Portland metropolitan area, West Linn developed on the site of the former Linn City, which was named after U.S. Senator Lewis F. Linn of Ste. Genevie ...
that serves as an office, and a place for meetings, critique groups and workshops. Additionally it has rooms that members can rent to write in.
Willamette Writers aims to provide and encourage a creative environment and support system for current and aspiring writers. Since beginning in 1965, Willamette Writers has provided meeting places for the exchange of ideas and information and has initiated programs designed to help writers increase skills related to the craft of writing. Each chapter has monthly meetings during most of the year with speakers, workshops, and more. Members receive a monthly newsletter, "The Willamette Writer," containing news from the organization, writing tips and other information for writers.
Programs
* ''Books for Kids'' program annually collects over 20,000 new and used books to distribute to local shelters, schools, and organizations.
* ''Young Willamette Writers'' offers opportunities for students in grades 5–10 to have a critique group and learn from local writers.
* "Annual Conference" is held every year the first weekend in August. The conference features classes, networking, FiLMLaB contest, and has agents, editors, film managers and producers to take pitches.
* "Workshops" are offered at the West Lynn House and other venues throughout the year.
* "FiLMLab" is a film script contest that results in the production of a short film for the winner.
* "
The Authors Road" is a semi-independent project done through Willamette Writers. It consists of a website featuring audio/video interviews with notable American authors done throughout the United States and tales from the road. Its aim is to honor writers and provide information and advice to writers and readers.
Contests, Scholarships & Awards
* ''Kate Herzog Writing Scholarships'' are offered to high school seniors and college freshman and sophomores annually.
Eugene Register-Guard
Nov 9, 2003. Retrieved July 2011
* "Whitcomb Conference Scholarships" are awarded to high school and college students and their teachers.
* The "Kay Snow Writing Contest" (named for Willamette Writers' founder) is held every spring to encourage writers, particularly those starting out.
* "Annual Awards" are presented each year to recognize outstanding Northwest writers at various stages in their careers: Lifetime Achievement, Distinguished NW Writer, Up & Coming, and Humanitarian awards are presented at an awards banquet held during the August conference.
See also
* Michael Henderson
References
{{Reflist
External links
Willamette Writers
(official Willamette Writers website)
(Midvalley - Eugene - chapter website)
(Oregon Coast - Newport- chapter website)
(Southern Oregon - Central Point- chapter website)
(Salem chapter website)
(official conference website)
(official FiLMLaB website)
(official Authors Road project website)
American writers' organizations
Arts organizations based in Oregon
West Linn, Oregon
Arts organizations established in 1965
1965 establishments in Oregon