Let Cat’s Eye Writer lead the way: submit a post to the Whidbey Island Writers Conference blog

Posted on March 6, 2012 by NancyBartlett

Of all the wonderful things that come to you when you attend a writers conference, the best thing of all is the people you meet.

This weekend I had the pleasure of having lunch with Judy Dunn, whose blog, Cat’s Eye Writer, was chosen one of the Top 10 Blogs for Writers for 2011.

Slight backpedal to fill in some background.

The conference was held in an old school, built in the late 1920′s. Inspired by the creaky wood floors and the century of class pictures hanging in the halls, Conference Director Susan Wilmoth invited teachers and students alike to create a story from that old building or those old photos for publication here on the conference blog.

I ruminated over possible stories all weekend. The one thing that I kept trying to make a story out of was a rumbling noise that started up during lunch on Saturday.

You can find out what that noise was by reading today’s post at Cat’s Eye Writer – 5 Ways to Know Your’re at a Writers’ Conference.

While you’re there enjoy the many great writing articles she’s posted. Subscribe to blog updates to receive a special gift from Judy.

While you’re here, subscribe to conference blog updates and you’ll receive the gift of knowing all about the planning of the 2013 Whidbey Island Writers Conference as it happens. Who knows, inspired by Judy we might even dream up some other gift to give subscribers.

Watch this page for more guest posts from conference presenters and attendees.

In the not too distant future we’ll have a piece from Frances Wood, Langley history and nature writer, who is writing a history of Langley (including the old school) for the Arcadia Publishing history series.

Meanwhile, to submit your own piece about the conference, or the old school, send an email to nancy at tidal life dot com.

More story inspiration: note that the picture above includes writing utencils (sic) and Johnny Depp.

Scenes from the Whidbey Island Writers Conference

Posted on March 4, 2012 by NancyBartlett

Faux crows frolic in a Langley tree as the clouds part and the sun comes out, continuing the tradition of sunshine for the conference weekend.

Mystery novelist Elizabeth George tells the crowd of fellow authors that passion, talent and discipline are all needed in the writing life, but the key ingredient is discipline.

Books by Elizabeth George at the conference bookstore.

Editor Elizabeth Lyon (third from right), back to spring-green back with novelist Susan Wingate, both of them deeply involved in teaching.

Renda Dodge and Sarah Martinez of Pink Fish Press lead a discussion of current trends in publishing.

After helping his humor writing class find humor in everyday things, Ernie Witham heads down the hill in search of the funny side of Langley.

A mermaid tiled bench in the courtyard gets a little late winter sun.

Best Places to Write While You’re on Whidbey

Posted on March 3, 2012 by NancyBartlett

Writers always need a good coffee shop to fuel up and get some writing done. Here are some of the best on South Whidbey for visiting writers.

Langley

Useless Bay Coffee Company

2^nd Street next to the post office.
Great breakfasts and lunches plus artisan coffee. A hot spot, so best for those who aren’t bothered by activity and noise.

Langley Library

Corner of 2^nd and Langley Rd
Overlooking Saratoga Passage – No you can’t get coffee or food here, but it is a great place to write, with that curved expanse of windows. Instead of sugary treats, the temptation here is the view.

South Whidbey Commons/Island Coffeehouse and Books

Center of 2^nd Street
Student run and charming, quieter – except right after school! There’s a sunroom overlooking the garden for nice days and a fireplace for chilly ones.

Village Bakery

Langley Village on 2^nd Street
Very small, but a good place to write because most customers get their goodies to go. So the tables are often available. Careful of the deadly delicious treats!

Petit Suisse – Swiss Bakery

Back of Langley Village on 2^nd Street
Another small, dangerous place. The owner was pastry chef to President Gerald Ford. You have been warned.

Freeland

WiFire Cafe

Main Street
The newest SW coffee spot, there’s a nice mix of seating here. If you like to sink down into big cushy chairs, or to sit in a tall stool at a counter, this is a great place for you. Coffee, breakfast, snacks and lunch.

Timbuktu

Highway 525 just north of the Freeland traffic light.
Arty, funky, comfortable and friendly. For both good food and good coffee, this is your best bet. Their frittatas are delicious.

Other excellent spots

Clinton

Anchor Books and Coffee

Hwy 525 – north end of town
A good stop on your way to the ferry. Treats, coffee, books and two places to write – the sunny window or the backroom full of couches and cushy chairs.

Greenbank

Whidbey Pies Cafe

Greenbank Farm – approx. 7 miles north of Freeland
Famous pies, excellent coffee, creative lunches – especially good soup – and a bird sanctuary right outside the window.