Participant Comments

Loved the intimacy of the presentation -- the speakers were all so encouraging and helpful. -- Anonymous, 2008

Thanks for a terrific group of editors and agents. -- Anonymous, 2008

This event (Author Fireside Chat) is the signature statement for your conference. Nothing can top the intimacy and ambiance of such a milieu. Thank you so! -- Anonymous 2008

The Fireside Chat was by far the highlight of this conference, although it was an overall excellent experience. ... There is something very special about WIWA and it shows in every detail of the conference. BRAVO! -- Anonymous, 2008

The Whidbey Island Writers Conference gave me a huge push as a young, aspiring writer. The conference has given me the ability to go into writing fiction with a new confidence. ... Attending the conference gave me the opportunity to branch out and connect with others that have a passion for stories and writing. -- Annie Wescott

I enjoyed the recent conference. It was invigorating, exciting, and fun.I made some new friends and came home with a renewed determination to finish that book and see it in print. -- Robert Chester

There truly needs to be another category beyond WOW! I have attended hundreds of conferences throughout the US both as an attendee and presenter. Never have I found one to be so well organized, so cordial and welcoming, so helpful as I did here. -- Deborah LeBlanc

The choice of sessions was overwhelming, but all that abundance is a good thing in the big picture. The experience of the whole weekend was quite emotional for me from Bill Dietrich’s exhortation to go home and say “I’m a writer. This is what I do.” to Elizabeth’s elegant, joyful commentary celebrating conference successes. Many thanks to all. -- Cecilia Matta

Fun, warm conference and a lot of work got done. I’m anxious to see a couple of the book proposals that were pitched to me. -- Steve Mettee

I think the greatest, most remarkable trait at the conference is the kindness – it’s the oil that blends all the capable, professional parts into a dynamic teaching whole. -- Anonymous

Beautifully planned and executed conference. I will be back. -- Anonymous

Great mix of sessions nicely balanced between fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc. Something for everyone. -- Anonymous

This was my first conference. I think I’ve been spoiled. -- Anonymous

Dinner with an Author is another ‘must’. By far, the most informative session for me. Excellent Fireside Chat. Emerging writers was exceptional. Wonderful venues. Thank you! -- Anonymous

If there's one writing conference to make time for, it's this one. -- Patricia Carey

It was the most well organized, enjoyable, engaged conference I ever attended -- Robert Ferrigno

This was a seamless professional, heart-filled laughter-studded near-out-of-body experience for me. -- Brad Newsham

Thanks for an excellent experience. This was my first WIWC, and I'll definitely be back next year. The organization was excellent, and the tone and execution were fantastic. See you next year. -- Keith Deshaies

I learned something in each event – all of it worth taking home. I leave recommitted to writing, reminded of the perseverance and passion I need to keep alive. -- Anonymous

Fireside chats in a beautiful home were very intimate and inspiring. This was my first conference, and the classes made me rise to the challenge of being a writer. -- Anonymous

It is a pleasure to be part of the conference and all the people – participants and volunteers. I enjoyed all of the agents, editors, etc. on a one-on-one basis and in workshops. Thank you. I'm glad I'm part of WIWA -- Cathy F Brunjes

The Whidbey Conference was the first such event I ever attended. (Way back in '03) I never made a better decision. Thanks to all of you who put the event together every year. -- Otis Twelve

I love the intimate, supportive tone of the conference -- Anonymous

I have had many amazing things happen in my life this year that I have been on Whidbey Island. The conference is one of them. I heard you guys say repeatedly that you do this because you want to encourage writer's everywhere, to provide opportunity for them to grow. You talk about how the words of writer's are often the stones dropped into the water, causing ripples whose effect upon the world you may never know. Thank you for encouraging me to be faithful to what has been given to me to share, whatever it's effect may be.-- Mary Skillings

All of the agents and presenters were so personable and supportive, I could've been talking to my first cousins. They put me at ease, offered brilliant suggestions, and made me wish I could take them all home with me. ( Newburgh, Indiana, however, takes some getting used to.) -- Anonymous

What a wonderful conference this year! Again! It really was wonderful in every way. Thank you so much for everything, I always love it so much and feel sad to leave the wonderful community of writers that converge on your island. It is really a special and inspiring time. -- Jandy Nelson

I bask in the after glow of the most luminous writers' conference I've ever attended. Thank you for being at the center of that brightness. -- Richard Lederer

My family and I are extremely happy to have attended the writers' conference. Not only did we learn a lot, in fact a lot more than I expected, but we had a wonderful time. The precision and competence of the speakers were inspiring and professional. -- Larry, Anne and Ben Polikoff

This conference, my third, felt like welcome home after a year-long stint in the trenches. Now that I'm back digging at my desk, I know there will be dark days but my shovel is bigger and when I poke my head up to look around, it will be light bright with Whidbey memories that shines on me. Thank you. See you next year. -- Diana Greenwood

I had such a wonderful time at the Whidbey Island Conference. Not only was it one of the most well-run conferences I've attended, it also had among the highest caliber of writers that I've ever seen at a conference. I was also very impressed by their dedication to their craft and their desire to hear any advice that would help them advance to the next level in their career. Not all writers are as open to such feedback. -- Jodi B. Reamer