Meetings

General meetings are conducted the first Tuesday of each month at the Old Church at Southwest 11th and Clay, Portland. Sometimes the date is changed to allow for national holidays and election days. WW provides coffee, tea, cookies and members conversations at 6:30 p.m. and a program that begins at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is free for members of Willamette Writers and students and $10 for non-members.

Meetings in Eugene are the first Thursday of the month. Meetings in Medford are the first Saturday. Meetings in Newport on the Oregon Coast are the second Tuesday of the month. Medford and Eugene groups do not meet over the summer.

All WW meetings are designed to address the widest possible range of interests common to writers. Presented in a variety of formats, such as panel discussions, debates and informal speeches, the meetings focus on aspects of the writing profession. Once or twice a year WW hosts member readings and a book sale of members' works. All meetings offer the opportunity to mingle and talk with other writers. An effort is made, whenever possible, to introduce new members to writers sharing their specific interests.

Newsletter

The monthly newsletter, The Willamette Writer announces all activities plus provides valuable information covering events around the area, jobs available for writers, new market information, profiles, how-to pieces, and interviews with agents and editors. The newsletter is circulated not only to the membership, but also to libraries, bookstores, editors and agents.

Workshops

Workshops and conferences bring writers, editors, publicists, and agents to Portland to help in the unending learning process. Workshops are generally held for a few hours, while conferences are held for one to three days. Typical workshop/conference topics are: craftsmanship; how to conduct interviews; getting started in commercial freelancing; writing romances; organization and research; creating suspense; developing characters; and more. Members are encouraged to register early. The 2004 Willamette Writers Annual Conference is scheduled for August 3rd-5th and will be held at the Sheraton Airport Hotel.

Writers' Referral Service

As a member of Willamette Writers, you are welcome to add your name to our list of free-lance writers who want to be notified of job opportunities. We provide this service in an effort to match the needs of individuals, businesses, organizations and professionals with the talents of writers. We do not charge or the service, we only ask that you are a member of WW.

Screenplay Library

This library may be the only one of its kind in the Northwest. Scripts can be checked out of the library for use at home. Scripts are also available, at no charge, to members who wish to view them only at the office.

Critique Groups

WW provides assistance in members joining critique and support groups.

Youth Programs

Young Willamette Writer gathers 5th through 10th graders from the metro area to share their writing and meet local authors.

Community Projects

Willamette Writers is increasingly committed to donating time and funds in an effort to help those in need. For example, WW organizes a yearly book drive, the Books for Kids Campaign, which has donated over 23,000 new and used books to children in the Portland area.