Area writers planning to attend the 2003 Whidbey Island Writers’ Conference face a deadline Nov. 30. That’s the final day to register for the conference at the reduced early-bird rate.

Full cost of the conference is $308, but the early-bird rate is only $275.

Those who sign up early will save enough to buy the 2003 issue of a favorite market guide, or a couple of memorable meals at fine Whidbey Island restaurants during the weekend of the conference.

2003 marks the fifth anniversary of the Whidbey Island Writers’ Conference, which will be held Feb. 28 to March 2. The conference continues to expand, this year unveiling the first annual Whidbey Island Writers Conference anthology, “Isle of Voices, Sea of Story.”

The lineup of presenters for 2003 includes two best selling children’s authors; Paula Danziger and Bruce Colville; Jana Harris, founder of the on-line poetry journal Switched on Gutenberg and Andrew Pham, author of the Whiting Writer’s Award winning memoir, “Catfish and Mandala.”

Richard Lederer, author of many books and articles about the English language, and a popular guest on radio and television talk shows, will open the conference, with the focus on words. A highlight of the conference is the Friday keynote address, which is open to the public. This year’s keynote will be by award-winning mystery novelist proclaimed by Entertainment Weekly to be “the queen of the mystery genre,” Elizabeth George.

“Each year we hear a few more great success stories of conference participants being newly published or finding important connections through the conference. That’s what drives us to work hard all year to create this event, to forge opportunity,” says Celeste Mergens, director of the conference.

The conference typically fills to capacity by the first week of February. A deposit of $75 will reserve a place at the conference and secure the early-bird rate. Mailed registrations must be postmarked, or credit card information received at the association office, by Nov. 30. The balance must be received by Jan.15, 2003, for the reduced rate to apply.

Send mail-in registrations to Whidbey Island Writers’ Association, P.O. Box 1289, Langley, WA 98260. Call (360) 331-6714 to pay by credit card.

The association also offers a volunteer rate. Those who work 8 – 10 hours before, during or after the conference can attend the entire event for $190. Community volunteers are also needed.

For a registration form and for more information, go to www.

whidbey.com/writers, e-mail to writers@whidbey.com or call (360) 331-6714.