The first annual Orcas Island Writers Festival will be held on September 4–7 in Moran State Park on Orcas Island.

The goal of the festival is to create an enriching experience for writers and readers through classes, workshops, lectures, readings and informal gatherings.

This festival is small and focused on craft development while networking with other readers and writers. This unique festival is structured for hands-on experiences and cooperative dialogue through limited enrollment in all workshops.

Writers from both coasts – East meets West – will share their skills with participants. Workshops, held in the mornings, will include “The Art of Writing Nonfiction” with Matthew Goodman, “Memoir and Fiction” with Diane Lefer, “Poetry/Strategies for Revision” with Peggy Shumaker, “Fiction” with Ellen Lesser and “Children’s Books” with Paul Owen Lewis.

Afternoon and evening lectures will be led by workshop instructors and a team of other talented writers and poets, including nearby award-winning author Karen Fisher (“A Sudden Country”), and the Washington State Poet Laureate, Sam Green.

Registration is limited, so potential participants are urged to register early. A festival package, which includes all workshops, events and lectures is $325. The children’s workshop only (on Saturday) is $65. An afternoon and evening lecture pass is $65. Please note: the lecture passes are based on space available.

More information on the Orcas Island Writers Festival can be found at: www.orcasislandwritersfestival.com or e-mail festivalgurus@orcasislandwritersfestival.com.

Registration is also accepted by mail at the following address: Orcas Island Writers Festival, P.O. Box 1726, Eastsound, WA 98245.