About Us

The Northwest Institute of Literary Arts MFA Program is the first in the country – and perhaps in the world – to be offered not by a college or university but by an organization of writers. With concentration areas in poetry, children’s/young adult literature, fiction and nonfiction, we have a diverse range of interests, styles and aesthetics, but are unified in our dedication to craftsmanship and quality in our writing.

The reviews, articles and interviews on this site are our effort to share that dedication by participating in the larger conversation about the world of writing.

For more information on the Whidbey Island Writers’ Workshop and the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts MFA program, please visit www.writeonwhidbey.org 

31 thoughts on “About Us

  1. I am confused. I do not see where the winning poetry entries are posted, I only see the fiction piece winners. Perhaps you only select one winning entry from the pool of fiction and poetry. If so, your submission guidelines should be more clear. Please clarify. Thanks.

    JCM

  2. Thank you for that clarification. However, I am saddened to see that there is an apparent bias against poetry. If this were not so, then I would expect to have seen some poetry selections when looking through the list of previous winners. That’s okay, I will limit my future entries to fiction.

    John

    • John, we appreciate your interest in seeing excellent poetry win our contest. We Whidbey students share the same interest. As a rule, we receive fewer poetry than prose entries, but we are always looking for that quality poem that will knock our socks off. Remember, while the standard of our contest is excellent writing, tastes change every month from judge to judge.

  3. From everything I can see, it looks like the Students Choice contest would qualify as a “paying market” as defined by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (sfwa.org). Have you considered applying for “paying market” status? It would probably attract a lot more writers. There’s a web form.

  4. We do our very best to pick a winner every month, and our March judge tried valiantly to lose his/her socks, but alas, a prize winner did not materialize. April is a fresh start, and we are rooting for you! Knock our socks off, please!

    • Apologies. Due to a death in the family, the contest this month opened a day late. Thank you for your patience, and good luck.

  5. Please can you confirm the correct email address for August entries, as the link provided isn’t working for me.
    Thanks!

  6. I am wondering if there are any story/essay or poetry contests open for adults with no entry fee right now. Is there any contests that are accepting stories right now or any contests that will be accepting stories in late October, November, December, January or any contests set up for 2011(contests for adults and for youth)?

    I am wondering because my fiance, my daughter and myself are all passionate about writing and would love to experience all of us entering contests together. I think it’s great that my daughter is interested in writing. My fiance has entered an won contests in her past. However I never have. This is a new experience for all of us because she’s never entered an online contest before.

    We are also wondering if the copywrite belongs to the author after they win, or if it belongs to you?

    Thanks for listening to our newbie questions!

    • We have a monthly contest that accepts short fiction and poetry. Please check back with us on October 1st, when the contest will open.

  7. Pingback: Hindsight and Foresight | A Blacksmith's Beginnings

    • Unfortunately, the only way to enter is through the mailbox link on the website. I cannot give out the judge’s private email address.

    • Instructions are stated under the student choice contest tab on the website. Please refer to the links provided.

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