Dugoni, Lawson keynote 4th annual writers conference

The fourth annual Southwest Washington Writers Conference Saturday, September 9, at Centralia College features two best-selling keynoters, thriller authors Robert Dugoni and Mike Lawson. Conferees also can select three of 18 workshops to attend, including a hands-on poetry workshop by Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall.

The Centralia conference offers an opportunity to interact with successful writers in a small group setting. Topics range from creating memorable characters to social media marketing, freelancing, writing video games and indie publishing.

Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, No. 1 Wall Street Journal and Amazon best-selling author of thrillers and mysteries. Mike Lawson, author of 14 novels, will share his learning experiences and mistakes in fiction.

Returning presenters include Melanie Dobson, historical and romantic fiction writer; Veronica Noize, marketing coach; and Kyle Pratt, a Lewis County author who shares how to earn a living through independent publishing. New presenters are Lisa Brunette, an established creator of games; Debby Lee, who discusses book bundling; and Jane Hodges, freelance writer for the Wall Street Journal and other publications.

All proceeds benefit the Veterans Museum in Chehalis. The event, from 9 to 5 p.m., will be held at the Walton Science Center at Centralia College. Cost in advance is $85 with lunch included. The fee at the door is $100.

To register, visit http://www.southwestwashingtonwriters.com or stop by the Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis. For information, email conference@ southwestwashingtonwriters.com or call 360-431-5847.