Daryll Lynne Evans on Wordcrafters in Eugene
Notes compiled by Sherri Schultz from a presentation at the Springfield/Eugene-area Editors (SEE) monthly lunch hour, February 12, 2019. For more info about Wordcrafters (to volunteer to help, ask questions, inquire about opportunities, etc.): info@wordcraftersineugene.org.
Three ways to stay informed about Wordcrafters events:
· Website: https://wordcraftersineugene.org
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wordcrafters
· WC’s Meetup group: https://www.meetup.com/Wordcrafters-and-Wine-on-Wednesdays-Meetup
Wordcrafters in Eugene (hereafter WC) is 5 years old, focuses on craft of writing (not much marketing/promotion), seeks to be a hub for area writers, has three major activities:
· Spring: annual conference (except not in 2019)
· Monthly: classes + workshops for writers (fee-based + free monthly classes at Springfield Library [Jessica Cagle-Faber from our group will teach one in April])
· WITS (Writers in the Schools) program, works with three local schools; other youth activities (that our editors could volunteer for):
- Fall: college app night (need people to help students with their essays, etc.)
- Youth fiction contest (need reader-judges)
SOME UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2019
March 7, 6-8pm at WC's new/expanded space, 425 Lincoln: AWP Night
· Purpose: to help local attendees prepare for attending the AWP (Association of Writers & Writing Programs) conference, the largest literary conference in North America (see next item). All are welcome!
· Info: https://wordcraftersineugene.org/awp-night
March 27-30, Portland (Oregon Convention Center): AWP conference -- 10,000+ attendees; 500 readings, panels + craft lectures; bookfair/exhibitors hall with 800 presses, journals + literary organizations from around the world)
AWP website: https://www.awpwriter.org/awp_conference/overview
Inexpensive options:
· Saturday-only Day Pass (conference + Bookfair) $45
· Saturday-only Bookfair-only Pass $5, both sold onsite that morning
· May still need volunteers Fri & Sat (OK if not student or faculty); free admission to full conference in return for 4-hour shift (details & form to submit at https://www.awpwriter.org/awp_conference/registration_volunteer ); email volunteer@awpwriter.org to inquire if still needed
April 4 at WC's new/expanded space, 425 Lincoln: “Office-warming” Party!
November: NaNoWriMo: a month-long happening, held every November in cities/towns/regions throughout the world (for info or to sign up, visit www.NaNoWriMo.org ); WC does lots of local events connected with it, could have a local editor at some; good way for editors to meet writers
Suggestion from our group: Have a local NaNoEdMo, perhaps in January or spring, where writers who've completed novels can meet/chat with editors in an informal setting (possibilities: social mixer, speed dating, and/or editors' panel)
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OTHER IDEAS/OPPORTUNITIES
WC would like to have a list of local freelance book editors on their website that local writers can contact.
· They'll look into adding a form to their website that editors can fill out w/a brief profile & submit.
· When the form or another process is set up on WC’s site, our group Organizer can message all members to let you know.