This conference has evolved from one man's dream of energizing local writers and luring others to Gold Beach during the off-season with an affordable, educational conference. To honor this dream, The Bob Simon Award is awarded each year.

Congratulations to Kira Rubenthaler winner of the 2013 Bob Simon Award for her submission, The River.

Kira Rubenthaler is an English Teacher on the Oregon coast. She enjoys writing, reading, casual bird watching and long walks on the beach.

Rules - Entries must be typed and should be essay, short story, memoir, or poetry  and no more than 900 words. Entries will be judged on faithfulness to the topic and readability. The scholarship will cover registration for the Saturday sessions at the 2013 conference and a fish fry ticket. The winning entry will be included in the conference packets.

Scholarship applications will be screened by the South Coast Writers Conference Committee, and one scholarship will be awarded this year.