The Need-to-Know for the 2025 Write on the Sound conference
Online Sat Sept 27: For those registered, information was emailed earlier today. Links will be emailed the week of Sept. 21st.
In-person October 3, 4 and 5: Frances Anderson Center (FAC), 700 Main St, Edmonds WA.
FRIDAY OCT 3
12:00pm Check-in opens (FAC)
1:00-4:00pm Workshops (FAC)
SATURDAY OCT 4
7:30am Check-in opens (FAC)
8:30am Orientation (Plaza Room)
9:15am-12:00pm Morning Sessions (FAC)
12:00-1:30pm Lunch Break
1:30pm Keynote Address (Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St. Shuttle available)
2:45-5:30pm Afternoon Sessions (FAC)
5:30-7:00pm Book Signing and Writing Contest Awards Reception (Plaza Room)
SUNDAY OCT 5
8:00am Check-in opens (FAC) & free-write in the Plaza Room
9:30am-12:15pm Morning Sessions and Peer-to-Peer Critiques (FAC)
12:15-1:30 Lunch Break
1:30-2:45pm Afternoon Sessions & Round Table Topic Discussions (FAC & Plaza Room)
2:45-3:30pm Conference Wrap up and Networking (Plaza Room)
Your registration: Confirmation and schedule were emailed to you the same day you registered. If you did not receive notifications or confirmations, please check junk/spam box for an email from [email protected] or [email protected]. Your sessions will be listed on the back of your conference name tag you receive at Check-in, including room assignments (additionally, lunch purchase, critique appointment time/location, if applicable).
Check-in: Enter at the 700 Main Street entrance (the primary FAC entrance). There will be directional signs and greeters to assist you. Pick up your nametag and pertinent information about the conference from the Welcome/Check-in table.
Getting Here : Drivetime from downtown Seattle, Everett and Bellevue & Ferry Transportation: Allow at least 45 minutes to get to Edmonds from these hubs. If arriving by ferry, it's best to plan to catch an earlier sailing than you think you may need. Check ferry schedules online before heading out. Changes can be made hourly.
Parking: Unrestricted parking (except where indicated, closer to downtown) is available on the neighborhood streets surrounding the FAC. The FAC is a busy community center, so allow plenty of time to find parking. Please leave Edmonds Library parking for library patrons.
About the WOTS Venues
Built as an elementary school in the 1920s & ‘50s, the FAC has some limitations. There is Wi-Fi, but please anticipate a slow connection rate. Also, we do what we can to regulate heat/cold, but we recommend you dress in layers.
Except for Friday workshops, seating is “auditorium” style without tables.
The conference does not have sole use of the FAC on Friday and Saturday. We do what we can to keep hallway noise and disruption from other classes at a minimum but anticipate occasional distractions.
The FAC has water fountains with filtered water refill spouts. Bring a water bottle for refills.
The Plaza Room, located across the outdoor plaza from the FAC, is home to the pop-up bookshop and hospitality. Saturday morning orientation, the Book Signing/Writing Contest Award Reception that evening, Sunday morning free-write, and afternoon roundtables will be in the Plaza Room.
If it is raining, you may want a hooded coat, hat or umbrella when going back-and-forth between the FAC & the Plaza Room.
The Keynote is at The Edmonds Theater, 415 Main Street. The Keynote is on Saturday at 1:30pm. The walk is about 3 blocks downhill. We offer a shuttle to and from the theater for those who need it. You will need your nametag to be admitted, so for those not otherwise attending Saturday sessions, first stop by the FAC to pick up your name badge.
ADA Accommodation: Please contact [email protected] or call 425-771-0228 so we can review access between buildings and the Edmonds Theater. Accessible parking is in front of the FAC on Main St.; on Dayton Street behind the FAC; and at the Library next door (650 Main St).
Information/Resource Table: Do you have print materials or free swag you wish to distribute/share? The Information/Resource table is available for everyone at the lower level of the FAC. Bring enough materials to share with approximately 250 people.
AFTER HOURS COMMUNITY EVENTS
Friday Oct 3, 4:30-5:30pm | Edmonds Poetry Group | Edmonds Sno-Isle Library, 650 Main St. (next door to the FAC/below the Plaza Room)| Help celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Write on the Sound with Edmonds Poetry Group reading their latest poetry. Free-admission.
Friday Oct 3, 6:30-8:00PM | Writers in Conversation | Cascadia Art Museum, 190 Sunset Ave. (to the west of the Ferry Toll Booths) | Featuring author tina ontiveros in conversation with Michael N McGregor. WOTS attendees are admitted for free! Simply tell them you are registered for the conference. For information, go to https://www.cascadiaartmuseum.org/writers-in-conversation-series/