2026 Conference
October 15 – 17, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona
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Gather with Women Writing the West in Phoenix, Arizona, to celebrate the Courage, Curiosity and Change that has inspired generations to explore new frontiers – from trails into the unknown to storytelling on blank pages.
Three days of Speakers, Workshops and Presentations designed to inspire and support writers.
Pitch sessions with Editors, Agents and Publishing Professionals.
Presentation of The WILLA Literary Award, The LAURA Short Fiction Award, and The DOWNING Journalism Award.
Educational and Social Events, History and Fun!
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Volunteer Opportunities
No conference runs smoothly without helping hands! Contact Conference Co-Chairs Stephanie West Allen and Lynn Downey to learn about volunteer opportunities. CONTACT
Meet Our Conference Speakers
WILLA LITERARY AWARD BANQUET – KEYNOTE
ANNE HILLERMAN
Anne Hillerman writes best-selling mysteries set on the Navajo Nation using characters her father Tony Hillerman made popular. She has received numerous awards for her work and the Hillerman stories are the basis for the Dark Winds television series. Her newest Leaphorn-Chee-Manuelito novel, Shadow of the Solstice, was released in 2025. Anne enjoys interacting with readers both in person and virtually. She is an enthusiastic supporter of literacy programs and public libraries. In her rare, non-working moments she enjoys hiking with her dogs, gardening, skiing, reading and visiting the Navajo Nation.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOP
DR. LAURA TOHE
Dr. Laura Tohe is Diné. She is Tsénahabiłnii, Sleepy Rock People clan, and born for the Tódich’inii, Bitter Water clan. She grew up at Crystal, New Mexico near the Chuska Mountains on the Diné homeland. A poet, writer, and librettist, Dr. Tohe is an ASU Professor Emerita and is an “Arizona Speaks” presenter for Arizona Humanities, which awarded her the 2006 Dan Schilling Public Scholar award. In 2015 Laura was honored as the Navajo Nation Poet Laureate for 2015-2017. In 2026, Dr. Tohe was appointed as Poet Laureate for the State of Arizona.
FRIDAY AWARDS LUNCHEON SPEAKER
MELISSA L. SEVIGNY
Award-winning author, scientist and journalist, Melissa L. Sevigny grew up in Arizona where she fell in love with the Sonoran Desert’s ecology, geology, and dark desert skies. Her work explores the intersections of science, nature, and history. She is the author of three nonfiction books, most recently Brave the Wild River, winner of a National Outdoor Book Award and a Reading the West award. She worked for NASA’s Phoenix Mars Scout Mission during its ground operations on Mars in 2008, and has an asteroid named in her honor, 28976 Sevigny.
Mostly Books, an outstanding locally owned bookstore in Tucson, is partnering with WWW as our official Conference bookstore.
For complete information and to participate in the Bookstore and Book Signing, please fill out this form.
Conference Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix-Scottsdale
4415 E Paradise Village Pkwy S Phoenix, AZ 85032
Special Group Rate of $179.00
Available October 12, 2026 – October 20, 2026
Book by: September 15, 2026
