We here at Midwest Writers want to reiterate we are an organization that does not tolerate discrimination. For 40-plus years, we have proudly welcomed all writers to our workshop, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or religious beliefs and we promise you that will not change in 2015. 

We’ve learned that not everyone agrees with our response to our state’s passage of RFRA. Unfortunately, one of our faculty members, Chuck Wendig, will no longer be attending this year’s conference.

As director of Midwest Writers, I want to assure you that our committee is working swiftly to find a replacement for Mr. Wendig. We are confident we will soon find someone we expect will be just as great a draw for attendees of our conference.

We hope this news does not cause any of you to change your plans. If you have questions or concerns you’d like me to address directly, please email me at midwestwriters@yahoo.com. As soon as we are able, we will share news about our new presenter—so be on the lookout for these details on our website, blog, and email. Attendees enrolled in Chuck’s sessions also will receive direct emails with information about how to receive refunds, should they wish.

As you know, I am a big believer in Happy Day Moments. I choose for today’s moment to be this: I am so very grateful that the world is filled with diverse writers, and I look forward to celebrating each and every one of you at this year’s workshop. 

I hope to see you there,

Jama Kehoe Bigger

MWW Director