Art Beat feature Write on the Sound celebrates 40 years

The Write on the Sound (WOTS) conference, celebrating its 40th anniversary, opens registration online on July 21, with events scheduled for September 27 online and October 3-5 in-person at the Frances Anderson Center in Edmonds. Initially a single-day event with about 100 attendees, WOTS has expanded into a two-and-a-half day conference featuring over 30 workshops and sessions for writers at all levels. Laurie Rose and Harry Kirchner highlighted the community-oriented focus of the conference, which is sponsored by the Edmonds Arts Commission, setting it apart from many independent writers' conferences. The intimate setting, capped at 250 attendees, fosters a welcoming environment for learning and practicing writing without the pressure of pitching to agents or publishers. In recent years, WOTS has actively worked to diversify its presenters and audience demographics, resulting in a richer conference experience.

The addition of a critique panel discussion this year allows writers to submit work anonymously for constructive feedback. This inclusive approach has attracted a loyal following, making it a yearly retreat for many writers. The online component continues to be a valuable offering, accommodating those unable to travel.