WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA. – Bounded by snowy Cascade Mountains on one horizon and the Olympics on the other, Whidbey Island is an idyllic place with its own resident pod of orcas and 40 pair of nesting eagles. The island is also home to the Whidbey Island Writers Association, a nonprofit organization that sponsors a uniquely intimate writers' conference. Join us at our next conference and envision the writer you want to become.

On Whidbey, you'll develop your writing, stimulate your thinking and network with peers and professionals. Hosted by a small island community, this conference gives visiting writers a taste of both the public and personal life on Whidbey. The Author Fireside Chats have become an art form in themselves where you'll mingle with best-selling authors, agents and editors over coffee and cookies in the privacy of stunning homes. Among breathtaking views of seascapes, craggy mountains or forests, you'll learn about point of view and other elements of writing. We're small, we're intimate, and we're immersed in the island community. Let Whidbey bring out your writing muse.

Whidbey Island enjoys more sun and less rain than Seattle. Historically, the end of February and first week of March are mild, making beach walks and forest hikes popular free-time activities. But should our conference not benefit from perfect weather, the conference team has scheduled many enjoyable events and a cozy, inviting atmosphere to ensure that your time here is well spent.

After an energizing opening session on Friday, you'll meet with a small group of writers for an afternoon of Author Fireside Chats. Led by authors who write in your chosen genre, these intimate gatherings foster in-depth interaction and encouragement. For dinner, choose your cuisine preference from a variety of restaurants. Later, venture to the local establishments for some planned fun and games including one hilarious poetry slam at Langley's historic pub. Close out the evening with rest in a homey bed and breakfast or an island-style inn.

Saturday, devote yourself to classes and workshops held in Langley's state-of-the-art high school. .

Post conference workshops will be held Saturday evening in private homes.

Check the conference schedule and the presenters page often for updates.

Village Books in Historic Fairhaven is this year's conference bookstore. Visit them at their Web site or at this address:

Photos by Bob Richardson