For some, writing is a task done in solitude at a desk with a cup of coffee nearby. 

More often than not, however, it is done with a community of writers standing by to read, advise, edit and support the lengthy process.

Willamette Writers on the River is the backbone for many members of the Corvallis community and beyond, with monthly meetings including workshops and hosting visiting writers such as David Sipress, a New York Times cartoonist and Carlisle Webber, a literary agent. 

Willamette Writers encompasses chapters throughout Oregon and southwest Washington, one of which is Corvallis’ Willamette Writers on the River. 

While Corvallis’ chapter hosts monthly meetings, members can join other chapters of Willamette Writers’ weekly meetings via Zoom.

The organization allows those who aren’t able to take writing workshops in school to find people interested in similar hobbies and careers. 

“We encourage any writers to come,” said Kate Ristau, the executive director of Willamette Writers. “We have students who will just come and attend meetings.”

Ristau said that joining an organization such as Willamette Writers is a great opportunity to network with other writers, and they are able to offer these meetings for free.

“For students, I always see it as what happens after you graduate … what a writing career would be like,” Ristau said. “It’s a good way to find out more about the writing community outside of your classes.”

Willamette Writers also publishes a literary journal, allowing writers to engage the process behind publishing work. 

“Our big thing is community—meeting other writers, talking about writing and making connections,” Ristau said. “That’s the biggest part about what we do.”

Ristau said that people from all backgrounds and interests join the community, from screenwriters and filmmakers to poets and fiction writers. 

“It can be a really lonely thing to do just sitting at your computer every day. But actually getting to meet people and talk to people … makes it a great life,” Ristau said.

Jennifer Munro, a co-chair of the Corvallis chapter, is fairly new to Corvallis. Previously from Seattle, she was able to participate in Corvallis meetings during COVID-19 but only recently moved to the area. 

“It’s a myth that writers write alone,” said Munro. “For me, it’s all about the people.”

Munro said that it is great to see people from all writing backgrounds come together. The Corvallis chapter sees people from beginning poets to best-selling authors.

“It’s just a warm, supportive community,” Munro said. 

There is less critique and feedback and more of a focus on encouragement from the group, according to Munro. The community is there to support each other outside of a classroom, family or agency.

Nancy Ballard, a co-chair along with Munro, said that “One unique feature (to the Corvallis chapter) is a long tradition of holding regular open mic meetings.” 

These open mic nights are open to the public and drew in many Oregon State University students before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The thing I most like about Willamette Writers is the number of experienced, talented writers who share so willingly with other writers at all skill levels,” Ballard said. 

Willamette Writers on the River meets the fourth Monday of every month, and meeting locations can be found on their website.