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Kindling Words West Schedule
May 11-18, 2026

Monday, May 11th

We arrive at Whidbey Institute the afternoon of Monday, May 11th.

After settling in our respective quarters, attendees will explore campus or simply relax until social hour begins an hour prior to dinner. Following dinner that first night, we’ll convene briefly for a welcome and introductions.

May 12th - 17th

Tuesday through Sunday, we’ll gather for breakfast. Immediately following breakfast, a speaker inspire us for 30-45 minutes. Our creativity ignited, attendees may spend their days as they choose: working in their quarters, working elsewhere on campus, exploring Whidbey Island, or socializing with colleagues. We ask that communal areas of campus, other than the dining hall, remain quiet during the day so others may create. Please note that KWW26 does not have exclusive access to the Commons.

Lunch is available in the dining hall, or may be taken back to wherever attendees are working. Social hour precedes dinner. Following dinner, attendees are encouraged to organize Spark Spaces*.

Sunday, May 17th—evening

Sunday evening, we’ll gather for our traditional Candlelight Celebration. At Candlelight, attendees may share slides of unpublished illustrations, or up to 500 words they’ve written during the week.

Monday, May 18th

Monday, we pack and bid fond farewells to our colleagues. Whidbey Institute serves breakfast and lunch in the dining hall, either of which can be taken to go.

*Spark Spaces are attendee-designed, attendee-led discussions and activities about writing, illustrating, editing, publishing, or creative life. Attendees may propose any Spark Spaces they wish. Popular topics have included: non-fiction picture books, collaborative writing, writing multiple POV, exploring new media for illustrations, fantasy, the middle grade voice, etc.

Please send all questions or correspondence about Kindling Words West to registrar Sunshine Bacon at KWW@KindlingWords.org
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Eligibility 1
If you are an author or illustrator you must have at least one book published or under contract that meets ALL of these criteria. If you are an editor you must currently work for a publishing house that meets ALL of these criteria, or if you are currently an editor whose prior work history matches these criteria, you are also eligible (and please check all five boxes below).
Eligibility 2
Eligibility 3
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Eligibility 5