Testimonials

Hear what previous festival participants have said about the Orcas Island Writers Festival:

I was nervous. I had never done a workshop. My teacher [Jody Gladding, 2009 festival] put me at ease immediately. She was approachable, accessible, humble, fun, astute, gentle, helpful, knowledgeable, and surpassed my wildest expectations. I can’t think of a better instructor for a first-time poetry workshop.

I appreciated the variety of offerings and being around other writers focusing on the art.

I think you offered a good mix of workshop/critiquing sessions and afternoon presentations to choose from. And there was enough free time built in for enjoying the “campus” of Eastsound and Orcas Island.

I appreciated the mix of being able to hear the faculty read/perform, having several different kinds of writing skills targeted, and having enough time to become very friendly with the other participants. The small population at this conference was welcome, a nice change of pace from other such conferences.

I thought the offerings were really versatile, and the teachers I heard were amazing.

The weather was fabulous and the Outlook Inn was great. I enjoyed all of the classes I attended. Nance Van Winckel was the biggest surprise – she was a hoot.

Diane [Lefer, 2009 festival] challenged me to look at my characters in a different light. What will work on the big stage and what won’t. She showed me how to go into my script and redo it without it being an overwhelming task. I appreciated her and other workshop attendees’ input. Great job!

The festival was pretty perfect as it was. My writing has taken a leap.