Go to a writers conference. You hear it over and over again. The sage advice of the ages: If you want to be a writer, you need to go to conferences. And it’s true. Writers conferences are the place to learn about publishing, hone your craft, make connections with agents and editors, and generally be inspired. But have you ever done an internet search for writers conferences?

There are zillions of them. You have to sift through page after page of conferences on the other side of the country, conferences focusing on a genre you don’t write, and even conferences that no longer exist. It’s a mess.

I know. I’ve been there. That’s why I’m happy to present The Conference Scoop, a list of upcoming writers conferences right here in the Pacific Northwest. Each listing includes the dates, location, and base costs of the conference, along with the URL so you can get more information. Now you can find a regional conference that fits your needs without wanting to strangle the internet.

Upcoming Regional Conferences

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Oregon Annual Spring Conference

• When: May 30–31, 2015
• Where: Wilsonville, OR
• Base Price: $280 members / $320 nonmembers
• Website: https://oregon.scbwi.org/events/2015-annual-spring-conference-2/

Centrum’s Port Townsend Writers’ Conference

• When: July 9–19, 2015
• Where: Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA
• Base Price: Various; see website
• Website: http://centrum.org/the-port-townsend-writers-conference/

Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference

• When: July 16–19, 2015
• Where: Seattle, WA
• Base Price: $425 members / $525 nonmembers (rates valid until April 30)
• Website: https://pnwa.site-ym.com/?page=conference

Willamette Writers Conference

• When: August 7–9, 2015
• Where: Portland, OR
• Base Price: $369 members / $399 nonmembers
• Website: http://willamettewriters.com/wwcon/

Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference

• When: August 10–13, 2015
• Where: Portland, OR
• Base Price: $500 members / $535 nonmembers (rates valid until June 30)
• Website: http://oregonchristianwriters.org/ocw-summer-conference/2015-sc-main/

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Oregon/Western Washington Weekend in the Woods Joint Illustrator’s Retreat

• When: October 1–4, 2015
• Where: Sublimity, OR
• Base Price: TBA; registration opens July 1
• Website: https://oregon.scbwi.org/events/weekend-in-the-woods-illustrators-retreat-2015/

Write on the Sound Writers’ Conference

• When: October 2–4, 2015
• Where: Edmonds, WA
• Base Price: TBA; registration opens in July
• Website: http://www.writeonthesound.com/

The Neverending Online Backspace Writers Conference

• When: Various
• Where: Online
• Base Price: $225
• Website: http://www.backspacewritersconference.com/

While this is not an exhaustive list, it includes most conferences taking place this spring and summer in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, please note that there may be additional costs added to the base registration cost, and many conferences have scholarships, or reduced rates for students.These are not always well-advertised, so be sure to check the website thoroughly, and contact the organizers if you have questions. Good luck!