How do I become a member of Field’s End?

Field's End does not require a membership. Simply register for classes, conferences and special events or attend our monthly Writers' Roundtables if you'd like to participate. Our monthly newsletter is a great way to keep up-to-date with what’s happening. If you would like to receive the newsletter please click here.


What happens at the Monthly Roundtables?

The monthly Roundtable takes place the third Tuesday of every month at the Bainbridge Public Library. It is free and open to writers of all levels and interests. The guest author introduces the topic, and then participants join in a Q‍‌‍ & A period and large group discussion. The evening closes with coffee and cookies, providing an opportunity to network with other writers. One of the benefits of Roundtables is the ability to ask questions of published writers in many genres as well as learning from the collective knowledge of the group.

If you have an idea for a Writers’ Roundtable topic or guest author, send an e-mail to info@fieldsend.org (please include Writers’ Roundtable in the subject line), or write to Field’s End at the library, 1270 Madison Ave. North, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.


Tell me about Field’s End’s affiliation with the Bainbridge Public Library?

Field’s End operates under the auspices of the nonprofit Bainbridge Public Library, consistent with its goal of making the library a community center for life-long learning. In return for the financial and administrative support of the Library Board, Field’s End contributes to the Bainbridge Public Library building and grounds maintenance and operations funds.


How do you choose which classes to offer?

Field’s End selects classes that we think will be valuable and informative and meet a wide range of interests. We have offered classes on topics including memoir writing, young adult fiction, writing an original one-act play, personal essays for college applications, and many others. We continue to seek input on this from new and returning students. If you have a specific suggestion for a class, please click here to e-mail your idea to Field’s End.


Where does my tuition money go?

Field’s End endeavors to provide quality classes and programs. To do so, Field’s End pays instructors prevailing and competitive teaching rates. Our marketing and administrative expenses are minimal, and volunteers provide most of our staffing. The majority of your money goes to instructors, with any remainder allocated to future program expansion, scholarship funds, and Bainbridge Public Library building and grounds maintenance and operations funds.


Can I get help paying for tuition?

Field’s End has established the Jack Olsen (Memorial) Tuition Assistance Fund to honor the late Bainbridge Island author. The fund is designed to assist writers who need financial help with classes.

If you cannot afford the full tuition, this fund might cover part of your cost. Submit your request for tuition assistance as early as possible because classes usually fill on a first-come basis.

To apply, follow the directions on the registration form. Field’s End will review your request, notify you of a decision as soon as possible, and return your deposit if the class has already filled or if you decline the offered assistance.

You can receive one tuition assistance grant per academic year (e.g. September 09 – August 10). If you receive tuition assistance, Field’s End might ask you to help with classroom support.


Can I get tuition assistance for the Field’s End Writers’ Conference?

Tuition assistance is available for classes only and does not extend to the conference or special events.


How do I register for a Field’s End class or event?

For Class registration click here

For Writers’ Conference registration click here

For Special Event registration click here

Full registration details are available on each page.


Where are classes held?

Most of our classes are held at the Bainbridge Public Library. When an alternative venue is chosen it will be clearly stated in the registration material. In the past Field’s End has rented space at Bloedel Reserve, Islandwood, The Playhouse, Bainbridge High School, and Pegasus Coffee House—all on Bainbridge Island. Our Conference takes place at Kiana Lodge, a few miles north of the Agate Pass Bridge. Other events are held at the Bainbridge Cinemas in The Pavilion.


What is the ferry schedule?

Bainbridge Island is a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. The ferry terminal is located at Alaskan Way and Marion. Bus routes #16 and #66/67 stop directly in front of the terminal. The #10/12 bus stops at First and Marion. For the latest schedule information, go to these links:

• Washington State Ferries
• Sound Transit

How do I get to one of your classes from the ferry?

The Bainbridge Public Library is about one mile from the ferry terminal:

To walk, exit north from the ferry terminal to Winslow Way. Turn left (west) into downtown Winslow. At Madison Avenue, turn right (north), and continue about 1/2 mile to the library.

To catch a taxi, look for a cab waiting outside the ferry terminal. To reserve a cab in advance, call Bainbridge Taxi (206) 842-1021 or Taxis & Tours (206)842-7660.

To bike or drive from the ferry, exit onto Olympic Way. At the second traffic light, turn left (west) onto Winslow Way, continue to Madison then turn right (north). Continue about 1/2 mile to the library.

By bus (daytime only), board a #100 Kitsap Regional Transit bus in the transit zone just west of the ferry terminal along Olympic Way.


How do I get to the library from the Kitsap Peninsula?

From the Kitsap Peninsula, drive south on Highway 305 to the traffic light at High School Road. Turn right (west), and continue about 1/2 mile. The library is on the corner at the traffic roundabout. Otherwise (daytime only), ride a Kitsap Regional Transit bus to the ferry terminal, and then transfer to a #100 bus, or follow our walking instructions from the ferry (see above).


For longer classes, are beverages & snacks included?

Coffee, tea, and cookies are staples at our classes. When a class is longer we will state whether or not a snack will be provided or if you are required to make your own arrangements.


Do you provide supplies and materials for your classes?

You will be contacted if you are required to purchase anything (e.g. a book) prior to the class. Handouts may be provided by the teacher. If there are a lot of handouts, a small extra charge may be made. You are expected to provide your own notebooks, pens, and pencils.


Must I submit my work in order to compete for a slot in one of your classes?

The majority of our classes do not require you to submit work in order to qualify for a place. In the past we have conducted such classes and we may do so again. If this is the case it will be clearly stated on the registration form. You may also be asked to submit work ahead of time for review in class, but not in order to qualify.


Do you have classes that instruct writers on the various tasks related to marketing their work?

Our primary focus is on the craft of writing, however we acknowledge the challenges that writers face in getting published and receiving payment for their work. We have in the past offered sessions on getting published and will do so again. Stay tuned!


How can I find out about past instructors or speakers?

Check our archives by clicking here.


What if I need to drop a class after I’ve registered?

Please check your calendar carefully before committing to a class. Once the class has started we are unable to reimburse your fee. Fees are only reimbursed when you cancel before the start of the class and your place can be filled from a waiting list.


Can I register for only one or two sessions, rather than the whole class?

No, when you register you register for all the sessions.


What age range are your students?

Unless otherwise stated, we recommend that students be at least sixteen years of age. Minors (under the age of 21) attending the writers’ conference must be accompanied by an adult.


I am a beginning writer. What classes will you have for me?

Detailed descriptions of all programs are available on our website. All writers, including beginners, should read these descriptions and pick the classes best suited for them. Writing level is very subjective, Field’s End classes, lectures and programs try to focus on a range subjects, skills and craft-building techniques that will serve the needs of many writers.


I would like to join an ongoing writing group. Can you help me find the one? The free monthly Writers’ Roundtables series gives writers a chance to socialize and network after an evening spent discussing a writing topic. Field’s End hopes this informal time provides writers a chance to discover common writing interests, and the opportunity to form groups that meet their needs.


Will Field’s End classes help me get published?

Field’s End endeavors to offer high quality instruction. Some of our classes and Roundtables include sections that address this area. Examples of recent or upcoming related Roundtables include “How do you go from an Idea to a Pitch?”, “How do you Query Nonfiction?” and “When is your Novel Ready for an Agent?” We believe that as you become a better writer, your chances of getting published increase.


I read a lot but I’m not a writer. What will Field’s End have for me?

Many of our presenters and class teachers have fascinating backgrounds in areas such as medicine, social justice and the arts. In addition, many are area writers with stories that are interesting to the avid reader. One example is Ivan Doig who spoke in April of 2005.


What about the writing classes offered by the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation District?

Field’s End is intended to complement, not replace or compete with, the writing classes offered by the Metro Parks and Recreation District. Likewise, other organizations and individuals offer useful writing programs throughout the region. The expanding array of Field’s End offerings underscores its goal of building a writing community that brings together writers of diverse experiences and interests from all around the region.


Will you offer sequential certificate classes like University of Washington Extension?

Not currently. If you feel sequential classes would be useful, please click here to e-mail your suggestions to Field’s End.


Can I get university credit for my courses?