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The Rockaway Writers Rendezvous is sure to meet your needs

You’ve heard of beach reads - now how about some beach writes? The Neah-Kah-Nie Coast Arts Music and Cultural Foundation is hosting the Rockaway Writers Rendezvous at two central locations this Friday through Sunday, April 24 through 26.

Now in its fourth year, the three-day festival has become a signature spring arts event on the North Oregon Coast, drawing writers, students and readers from across Tillamook County and beyond. The weekend features craft workshops, kids and adult contests, open mic performances, a keynote address and an awards celebration.

New this year, the festival expands its partnerships to include the Tillamook County Library and Tillamook Bay Community College, joining the ongoing collaboration with the Rockaway Beach Business Association.

Accessibility remains central to the festival’s mission. Admission to Saturday’s full day of programming – including 10 workshops and the keynote presentation – is $25 and includes Sunday’s awards breakfast. Students are admitted free and the Friday and Saturday evening open mic events are also free.

“Rockaway Writers Rendezvous is about more than writing,” said Don Backman, foundation president. “It’s about creating space for voices to be heard, for generations to connect and for our community to gather around creativity during the quieter coastal season.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Julie Albright, who will present “The Human Story Behind the Screen: Writing Connection in Disconnected Times,” exploring how writers create stories that bring people together in an increasingly digital world.

Saturday’s morning workshops include Karen Thompson Walker presenting “The First Page: How to Begin Your Story;” Adam Sawyer leading “The Power and Value of Vulnerability in Your Writing;” Michael Bergmann’s “IncubatorU 5-Step Methodology;” and Sydney Elliott’s “Writing, Grief, and Breaking the Fourth Wall.”

Afternoon sessions include Duncan Birmingham’s “Brainstorming Your Horror Screenplay;” Lori Tobias’ “Wait! Before You Hit Publish…;” Nik Xandir Wolf’s “Songs of the People: Writing Music as a Form of Protest;” Jon Albertson’s “The Unrelated Poetic Relative;” Marc Johnson’s “Writing Non-Fiction, History and Committing Journalism;” and Cheryl Wanner’s “How to Craft Characters Readers Will Love.”

Presentations are generally an hour long with a 30-minute break between sessions. Seating is first come, first served. No reservations are required.

A highlight of the weekend is the annual Rockaway Writers Rendezvous Anthology, a professionally produced collection of selected poetry, fiction, nonfiction and songwriting by writers of all ages. Proceeds from the festival support scholarships for Tillamook County high school students pursuing creative studies.

Events run Friday through Sunday at The Tie Breaker, located at 194 Hwy.101 and the Rockaway Community Church, located at 400 S 3rd Avenue. For tickets, schedules and more information, go to rbwriters.com.

Friday, April 24

7 pm - Open Mic Performance at The Tiebreaker

Saturday, April 25

Workshops at Rockaway Community Church

10 am

Karen Thompson Walker

Adam Sawyer

11:30 am

Michael Bergmann

Sydney Elliott

1:30 pm

Dr. Julie Albright Keynote Presentation

3 pm

Duncan Birmingham

Lori Tobias

4:30 pm

Nik Xandir Wolf

Jon Albertson

Marc Johnson

Cheryl Wanner

7 pm - Open Mic Performance at The Tiebreaker

Sunday, April 26

8:30 am to noon - Networking Breakfast and Award Ceremony at The Tie Breaker