FAQs
How do I join the MWA Northwest Chapter?
You first must join Mystery Writers of America. Once your application is processed, you become assigned to a chapter based on your address. You don’t have to live in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Alaska to be a Northwest Chapter member. If you want to be assigned to a different region, simply note this on your application.
What role does the chapter play in the national organization?
MWA has 11 regional chapters and each has its own board and activities, including newsletters, conferences, meetings, speakers, and social events. Each chapter is represented on the National Board by its president.
Do I need to pay extra dues to be in the NW chapter?
No. Your membership in the chapter is included in your annual national dues.
Who is on the Northwest Chapter Board of Directors?
President: Kate Jackson
Vice President: Laurie Rockenbeck
Secretary: Scotti Andrews
Treasurer: Bethany Maines
Members At-Large:
Robin Barefield
Doug Levin
Naching T. Kassa
Michael Munro
Past President: Brian Thornton
Who do I contact if I have a question about the chapter?
Is there a chapter newsletter?
I would like to network with other writers. How do I start?
When you join our chapter, you’ll get a welcome letter from the chapter president that tells you how to join our online discussion group. We also encourage you to attend meetings and volunteer for our various activities.
What about meetings?
We hold monthly online socials, quarterly guest speakers on a variety of topics such as craft, marketing, promotion, and experts in areas such as law enforcement and forensics.
Do your activities include the entire Northwest Region?
Many of our activities are online to serve the four states that encompass our region, however, we are growing pod or satellite groups for in-person meetups, bookstore events, regional conventions, and writing/critique groups. If you would like to connect with other members in your area, please reach out to us so we can facilitate that.
How do I change my member status?
Contact MWA’s national office to change your membership status. The requirements for Active Status membership are here
Are there discounts available to members?
Yes! Discounts include:
Discounts on subscriptions to Publishers Weekly, The Writer, The Strand and Mystery Scene magazines. Discount subscription rate to Publisher Alley. Discount to Jane Friedman’s Hot Sheet.
Discounts on books ordered from Writer’s Digest Books and Writer’s Digest magazine.
Discounts on books purchased from Murder by the Book in Houston, Texas
How can I get more involved in MWA Northwest Chapter?
Speak up! Volunteer your time and talents. We can always use good ideas and reliable helpers. You will find your involvement in MWA-NW pays dividends by giving you entry to the mystery community and by providing you with networking opportunities you can’t get on your own.
Even if you can’t volunteer, there are things you can do: Recruit other writers to join. Follow us on social media. Share member news. Tell a librarian or bookstore owner about our group. Promote our chapter when you speak in public, especially at writing conferences and seminars. Attend meetings and special events, and bring guests with you. Make sure we get your new address if you move, your new email address if it changes. Suggest a speaker. Suggest a program. Suggest possible member discounts and benefits. Let us know which activities you like best/least.