About Oregon Writers Colony
Everyone knows that writing, though incredibly rewarding, is a difficult career—or even hobby. That is why OWC is here. We offer the opportunity to network and build community with other writers through workshops and other writing events. We are also proud to offer writing retreats on the Oregon coast. Finally, we publish the OWC eBlast throughout the year, a regular email newsletter that provides members and supporters with Colony news, writing prompts, Colonyhouse retreat openings, and upcoming events. It serves as a primary hub to connect writers and announce important Colony updates, for example, the annual Founders’ Day celebration. For more about reserving time at Colonyhouse and the Founders’ Day celebration, read on.
History
A small group of writers, along with their mentor, author and teacher Don James, became the official organizing committee in 1980 for what would become OWC. Members Doreen Gandy, Nan Phillips, Joan Picken, Florence Samuel, Thea Shepherd, Gail Tycer and Ed Weinstein, with Marlene Howard and Lola Strong Janes leading the way, called their first conferences the Don James Invitationals. The official naming of OWC and its designation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit would follow. The group’s goal was always to establish a volunteer-run, permanent home on the Oregon coast, where all writers—no matter their stage of development or focus—could work on their projects either alone or in community. We continue to lead writing workshops, host classes by published writers, and keep Colonyhouse open and welcoming to writers to this day.
Most of that original organizing committee became the founding board members of Oregon Writers Colony when it received IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1983. In July 1984, OWC member Sharon Wood (now Sharon Wood Wortman) created and began editing The Colonygram newsletter, providing a voice for members and a source of how-to tips as well as news of member successes.
In 1988, with a generous gift from OWC member and beloved Oregon author Jean Auel (Clan of the Cave Bear), along with a gift from the estate of co-founder Lola Strong Janes, OWC purchased a log home at Rockaway Beach. And not just any log home, but one overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the west and Lake Lytle to the east. The cabin was hand built by a member of the Steiner family of Timberline Lodge fame. The dream of a permanent home next to the ocean was realized when Colonyhouse started its new life as a haven for writers.
The Pacific Northwest Writers Association formally reconizes OWC for its longstanding support and promotion of Pacific Northwest authors.
OWC co-founder Marlene Howard was awarded the Stewart H. Holbrook Literary Legacy Award from Literary Arts in 2008. The honor is presented to individuals or organizations responsible for making “significant long-term contributions that have enriched Oregon’s Literary Community.”
Oregon Writers Colony
Board of Directors
President
Vacant
Co-Vice President
Marlene Howard
Co-Vice President
Secretary
Valetta Smith
Treasurer
Vacant
Directors
Linda Leslie
Lisa Leslie
Susan Blackaby
Emerita
Becky Keslstrom
Judy O'Neill
