Oregon Writers Colony

A Community of Writers

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You are here: Home / Why Join Oregon Writers Colony?

Why Join Oregon Writers Colony?

For Oregon Writers Colony, “a community of writers” is more than just a phrase.

Oregon has many fine writers’ groups, each with its own set of benefits.

Oregon Writers Colony also offers good reasons to join:

  • Workshops and conferences to expand your knowledge and inspire you to great things in your writing
  • Free admission to Literary Lounge
  • Ability to use the Colonyhouse for workshop and private writing retreats
  • The Colonygram, a bimonthly newsletter keeping you informed about upcoming events, as well as new books and news about members
  • eBlast, twice-monthly email announcements
  • Special report, Forty Inspiring Quotations from A-Z by Famous Authors, compiled by OWC member, author, and teacher Lori L. Lake

Even more important than the educational value of the workshops and conferences, the use of Colonyhouse, and the information in the newsletters is the relationships with the people.

Our workshops and conferences tend to be small enough that you can get to know your fellow participants, so that when you hear news about a member, it’s not just a “member” — it’s someone you know and have been rooting for. And you know that when it’s your good news, your OWC friends you’ve met over the years, are rooting for you, too.

Here’s a story from a long-time OWC member, Rae Richen, about how being a member of this “community of writers” has made a big difference to her writing life. Rae has been OWC president (2010-11) and treasurer, but many members can tell a similar story about how the people of OWC gave support and inspiration.

I joined Oregon Writers Colony because I liked to read and thought I might like to write. A friend told me about this organization. I went to a Spring Conference, met other writers who liked the same books I liked. Some of those writers were experienced, published and knowledgeable. Others were just as green as I was.

I took other OWC workshops. I wrote and wrote. I joined with other OWC members in critique groups to have fresh eyes on what worked and didn’t work. I wrote for newspapers, wrote for magazines, wrote for educational journals and kept going to classes to learn more. I became aware of many of my writing opportunities because of things I learned from other OWC members.

Now, I introduce myself as a writer. I have one book published and am about to see the launch of a second. I have several manuscripts in a drawer labeled, “Don’t laugh. I’m practicing.” I haven’t run out of ideas. I am constantly inspired by the other writers I meet through Oregon Writers Colony, and I believe in the OWC mission — welcome all who want to learn, support all writers and celebrate with them at each milestone along the way.

I was president of Oregon Writers Colony last year because I wanted to help the dedicated members of OWC’s board and its committees as they find new ways to meet OWC’s goals. This year I went back to being a member and finding other ways to work toward the OWC’s mission. This is an organization working for every member. I am really glad I went to that first Spring Conference.

— Rae Richen

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Upcoming Events

Christmas books

Stumptown Lit Goes Virtual, December 19, 2020

Oregon Writers Colony is preparing for our Seventh Annual 2020 Stumptown Lit Authors' Showcase, which ... Read More
Announcement
Crime scene

2020 OWC Writing Contest to Focus on Mystery

OWC Writing Contest in 2020 will focus on mystery. Submissions will be accepted from ... Read More

OWC launches Instagram account

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OWC launches Instagram account

OWC has officially launched on Instagram. Find us at @oregonwriterscolony. Posts will appear on both ... Read More

Mission Statement

Oregon Writers Colony supports all writers. Members benefit from classes, gain insight from teachers and colleagues, and have access to Colonyhouse, a lovely writing retreat on the Oregon Coast.

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Don’t miss out on upcoming events and workshops. The OWC eBlast keeps you up to date.

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Contact Us

Oregon Writers Colony
501(c)(3) non-profit writers' organization dedicated to supporting writers through education and community-building.
Email: info@oregonwriterscolony.org
P.O. Box: 15200
Portland, Oregon 97293-5200
United States
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Books by OWC Members

010721 Target Marketing Target Marketing for Authors 120320 Pretty Chrysanthemum Pretty Chrysanthemum 112220 Tainted Times 2 Tainted Times 2 101320 Long Winters Night A Long Winter's Night 101320 Cat Conundrum Cat Conundrum 101320 Midnight Beach Midnight Beach 071820 American Bluebeard American Bluebeard

Join OWC Now

Individual membership $40 per year, with discounts for couples and students.

Benefits:

  • Members’ rates on conferences and workshops
  • Free admission to Literary Lounge
  • Use of Colonyhouse
  • Get a special report, Story Starters for Imagination and Creativity, compiled by OWC member, author, and teacher Lori L. Lake

Join or Renew

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