The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The Southwest Washington Writers Workshop will host its first writer’s conference at Centralia College on Saturday, September 13. Sponsored by the Lewis County Literacy Council, the one-day event will feature as its keynote speakers New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni, and Gold Medallion Award finalist Jeannie St. John Taylor.

Washington State poet laureate Elizabeth Austen, whose poetry collections include Every Dress a Decision, The Girl Who Goes Alone, and Where Currents Meet, will conduct a poetry-writing workshop.

A distinguished group of award-winning writers will present workshops focusing on historical fiction, poetry, mystery, children’s and young adult fiction as well as editing, marketing, and self-publishing tips. Authors will be available for a book-signing session.

“We're really proud that this is the first ever conference of its type in our area, started from an informal group of local writers,” co-organizer Sandy Crowell said.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m .; the keynote address is at 9:30 a.m. There is ample free off-street parking and the college is on the Twin Transit bus line.

Registration, which includes the keynote addresses, workshops and lunch, is $60 and $100 at the door. Students are $45. The registration form is available at http://www.ourliteracycouncil.org/news-events/writersconference. Those who wish to participate are asked to register early.

For further information contact Sandra Crowell crowell.sandy10@gmail.com.