Idaho Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
Next in our State Writing Resources series is the great state of Idaho, known as the Gem State because of its preponderance of precious stones, and also as the Potato State for its preponderance of earwax delicious Russets. Idaho is or was home to or the birthplace of luminaries such as Marilynne Robinson (Gilead), Stephen Bly (author of over 100 books), and Jack Hemingway, only son of Ernest and Hadley, and the man who completed work on Papa’s A Moveable Feast.
Presented in no particular order are ten Idaho writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you live in the Gem State or are planning a move there, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
A community-based literary arts organization that promotes education and literacy by hosting public programs and projects, including author readings, workshops on a broad spectrum of topics, writing contests, and conferences of interest to writers and readers of all genres.
Promotes and maintains a high standard of literary output, and recognizes the accomplishments of Idaho writers.
3) The Cabin
The Cabin offers programs year-round, including youth and adult education, a Readings and Conversations series that brings the world to Boise one author at a time, and publication opportunities for all ages.
Website intended as a venue for connecting writers not only in North Idaho, but in the Idaho panhandle area. Welcomes participation from writers who reside in nearby eastern Washington and western Montana.
5) Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers
Membership is open to anyone, published or unpublished, who is interested in self-publishing, including those from nearby Idaho.
A nonprofit, independent press that publishes poetry titles of high literary merit and makes available fine contemporary literature through cultural, educational and publishing programs and activities.
7) Idaho Commission on the Arts
A state organization which offers grants and awards to writers and elects annual writers-in-residence.
Champions and promotes surprising, relevant and accessible experimental poetry that more commercially-minded small presses avoid; in making it widely available, they aim to increase its readership.
This Boise chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers meets monthly in the Treasure Valley for encouragement, fellowship and education.
10) Blue Sage Writers of Idaho
A group of writers from southeastern Idaho who meet once a month to critique works-in-progress and share industry news.
Help us add to this list, Idahoans! Do you know of a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.