About Ink & Paper

 
 

It all started when…

…I went to my first writers’ conference. It was a small conference in Iowa put on by a local author. The things I learned there and the people I met changed my life. I discovered the power of an impactful event for writers. Suddenly this thing I had been doing alone for years was something I had in common with others. I grew as a writer, and met some wonderful and generous local authors who showed me what was possible. I’ll never forget the energy I had as I left that conference.

However, I was soon disappointed by the lack of options in the plains states. I’d been spoiled by my first conference, which is no longer being held. So many conferences and retreats cost a lot of money, require significant travel, and require vacation time from work and time away from family. For years I daydreamed about the kind of event I would love to go to, here in the plains states.

The day I finally decided to stop daydreaming and make it happen, Ink & Paper was born. Our first event was held in late 2019. Little did we know just a few months later events around the world would be cancelled. We are back after a hiatus, and even more excited than the early days. If you’ve stuck with us and are returning after our break, there are no words to express the gratitude in our hearts.

the mission

My dream is to provide an intimate, budget-friendly, yet high-quality writing retreat right here in the plains states, to give the amazingly talented writers in this area a place to write, to improve their craft, to see what is possible, and to connect with others. I hope everyone who attends an Ink & Paper event finds their people there and leaves with some new friends or writing partners.

I have big dreams. If you’d like to be kept in the know about everything I’m cooking up, please sign up for my emails below.

about me

My name is Tara Waddell, and I write Young Adult contemporary and fantasy and Adult thrillers. My current project is a YA Sci-Fi novel. I read when I can between chasing after two young boys and spending time with family and friends. I love hiking, traveling, running, binging Stranger Things, and finding new forms of chocolate to try. I work in Software Program Management in Omaha.

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A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one.
— George R.R. Martin