Willamette Writers Conference 2016 logo Jenny Schrader and Teresa Bergen

Willamette Writers Conference 2016

Registration for the Willamette Writers Conference 2016 is now open!

And I want to tell you that this is the best conference ever. I know I say that every year, but, honestly, every year gets better, so I feel like I’m not lying.

I also know that as current president of Willamette Writers, I’m biased, but really. It’s one of the best and biggest writing conferences around. It’s completely worth your time and effort if you want to find inspiration, motivation, and publication for your writing.

Why is the Willamette Writers Conference 2016 the best yet?Logo for the Willamette Writers Conference 2016

Willamette Writers is always striving to improve. The Conference Director this year, John Vincent  a fellow Kansan (Woot! Not that I’m biased again…) – and his volunteer-based committee (awesome!) have arranged for a fantastic schedule of incredible keynotes, a faculty that blends the best of both established and cutting-edge workshop leaders, and a line-up of agents, editors, and film reps of all kinds and interests who are going to love to listen to your story.

On top of that, there’s the Welcome Reception on Friday, the Awards Banquet on Saturday (I promise not to talk you into the portobello mushroom dish), and the various other events going on throughout the weekend. There are readings from the Willamette Writers’ literary journal The Timberline Review, film premieres from the short screenwriting FiLMLaB competition, and the chance to hang out in the Barnes & Noble sponsored bookstore and coffee shop so that you can connect with your peers and do that oh-so-important networking that we all love to hate.

Because that’s what it’s all about.Jenny Schrader and Ruth Witteried at the Willamette Writers Conference

I say this every year, too, but every year I realize how much further it goes beyond the learning and pitching. Taking the networking to the next level is my favorite part.

I make the best new friends at the conference. I really hope that you’ll be one of them.

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