The Pacific Northwest Writers Association has been supporting writers and
their work since 1956. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the PNWA annual
summer writers conference.
"There are a number of reasons to attend a writers conference, be
it to solicit an agent, workshop a manuscript, network with other
professionals, reconnect with old friends, or lend encouragement to
up-and-coming writers. This year's PNWA summer conference offered
all of the above. From the organizers to the presenters to the
keynote speakers, all were friendly and welcoming and full of
advice. My thanks go out to Stacy and Meg and all the others who
worked so hard to make this event a reality. To authors Douglas
Preston and Erik Larson for their lively and entertaining speeches.
To agents Donald Maass and Tony Outhwaite, for their kind attention
and invaluable counsel. To author-instructors Bob Mayer, Terry
Brooks, Elizabeth George, Don McQuinn, and so many of their fellow
professionals, all of whom took time out of their hectic schedules
to share their knowledge and talent. To the good folks at Barnes &
Noble, sponsors of the conference autograph party, for lugging
around and exhibiting all of those many tomes—mine
included. A special thanks also to Michele Torrey, who made sure
that my first official signing was as painless as could be—and
to those readers who took the time to introduce themselves and pick
up copies of my book. And finally, a warm greeting and debt of
thanks to friends old and new who made the trip: Jack and Tracy,
Dennis and Kathryn, Lisa, Steve, and of course, Crissy, who filled
up that giant Avalanche of hers and brought along our dog, Indy—injured
leg and all—so that I could see
them both for the first time in weeks.
The hotel and conference center were quite nice and easy to
navigate—and the giant cookies were an
excellent touch. Also, for anyone staying in the SeaTac area,
I strongly recommend the breakfast buffet at the Marriott next door—which,
among the cooked-to-order omelettes and Belgian waffles topped with
an amazing fruit compote, served probably the best bacon I've ever
had.
Food and desserts aside, it would take far too long to recount
all of the things I learned and to relive every kindness or
courtesy, so let it suffice to say that I hope next year's PNWA
conference is every bit as memorable as this one."