Books begin with words. And words matter. If this is the year that you start a manuscript on the way to publishing, here’s some Washington State organizations with workshops and other activities for all levels of writers, courtesy of Washington Center for the Book and Seattle Public Library.

Most are offering online programs that can be enjoyed from home with the warm drink of your choice.

Cascade Writers: community of writers and readers of various skill levels and genres; workshops and programs.

Center for Yakima Valley Writers (Facebook page)

Clarion West: Workshops and annual conference for speculative fiction writers.

Eastside Romance Writers: Monthly programs and conference for romance writers.

Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America: Seattle-based group for romance writers.

Inland Empire Chapter of RWA (Spokane) : Spokane-based group for romance writers.

Inland Northwest Writers Group: Networking, support, and meetups.

Mystery Writers of America – Northwest Chapter: For mystery writers and others in the field in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.

National Novel Writing Month: National event in November; find local write-ins and resources via website.

Northwest Science Writers Group: Science writing for the general public.

Olympia Chapter RWA: Help for romance writers based in Olympia.

Pacific Northwest Writers Association: Monthly programs, literary contest, and annual conference outlined on website.

Palouse Writers Guild (Moscow/Pullman): Networking resource for Eastern Washington writers.

Plateau Area Writers Association: Resources for writers in and around Enumclaw

Rivers of Ink: Supporting and empowering writers in the Mid-Columbia region.

Seattle Writes: Free classes, workshops, write-ins and podcasts for writers hosted by Seattle Public Library.

Sno-Isle Libraries: Write Now series offers free workshops and classes taught by published authors.

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators of Western Washington: Programs, retreats, and conference. In 2020, they removed the pay wall for many Zoom events to provide additional help to writers.

Spokane Fiction Writers Group: Provides opportunities for collaboration and social interaction.

Spokane Writers Conference: Annual conference sponsored by Spokane County Library District.

Wordherders: Networking group in southeast Washington

Write on the River: Community of writers offering workshops and conference, based in Wenatchee.