Do you wake up each morning to have that blank sheet of paper haunting you? Does your heart leap when you open a fresh text document on your computer?

If so, there is still time to register for the conference that could change your writing life for good.

If you are a writer or an aspiring writer, you probably already know about the writers conference circuit.

They happen throughout the country and focus on a variety of aspects relating to the writer’s craft.

But did you know that the Whidbey Island Writers Conference, hosted by the Whidbey Island Writers Association, is the creme de la creme of them all?

According to conference director Elizabeth Guss, a lot is expected from Whidbey’s organizers because the bar has been set so high at previous conferences.

“Expect inspiration and a good lesson in the language craft,” said Guss. “Expect your mind and perspective to be expanded.”

Guss is confident that conference attendees will be encouraged by new ideas, positive surprises and, as always, good food at this year’s event.

In previous years conference goers have been overwhelmingly satisfied with the Whidbey Island literary extravaganza.

“There truly needs to be another category beyond WOW! I have attended hundreds of conferences throughout the U.S. both as an attendee and presenter. Never have I found one to be so well organized, so cordial and welcoming, so helpful as I did here,” said Deborah LeBlanc, an attendee in 2006.

“I bask in the afterglow of the most luminous writers’ conference I’ve ever attended. Thank you for being at the center of that brightness,” gushed Richard Lederer, another of last year’s attendees.

The schedule is full of mind-expanding sessions that focus on an exciting list of choices available to all attendees.

Guss emphasized the distinction of the faculty.

“This year, there are literary luminaries in so many categories that there truly is something for everyone,” said Guss.

This year, 33 major authors from many genres, and 14 editors/agents/publishers, will be doing presentations and meeting with participants over the four days of the conference.

One contingent of authors’ work focuses on “art and soul,” said Guss: the writing of connectedness and meaning in the human journey; sacred writing.

Sue Bender, author of The New York Times bestselling “Plain and Simple: A Woman’s Journey to the Amish,” is noted for her talks that inspire others. She offers lessons that are accessible, genuinely helpful and deeply moving.

Guss was also excited by the presenters representing the children’s book and young adult category, as well as the humor writers who will attend.

Caldecott winner Jane Yolen — who wrote the much loved children’s book “Owl Moon” — will be there, as well as humorist writer Brad Schreiber. Schreiber is the author of “What Are You Laughing At: How to Write Funny Screenplays, Stories and More.”

The list of reputable faculty for this year’s conference is too extensive to list here, but is impressive with everyone from publishers and literary agents to a Haiku poet, screenwriters, travel writers and every genre in between.

Some of the best mystery writers in the business will be there including Bob Mayer, another New York Times Bestseller List author, and Whidbey’s own Mike Hawley, who uses his practical knowledge as a detective lieutenant and some familiar island settings to inform his mystery novels.

The schedule of days is full with just the right amount of events balanced with enough time to enjoy the relaxing charm of the island.

After an energizing opening session on Friday, attendees will meet with a small group of writers for an afternoon of “Author Fireside Chats.”

Led by authors who write in a chosen genre, these intimate gatherings foster in-depth interaction and encouragement. during these “chats” writers have a chance to hear the best in the business speak about everything from plotting a murder mystery to hear one of the best fiction writers of our time, Jane Hamilton, speak about how much plot is overrated. Indeed there is certainly something for everyone, no matter the genre or writing style, to listen to and learn from.

After dinner at one of the local restaurants, attendees can venture to the local pub for an historically hilarious poetry slam or to the Whidbey Children’s Theater for literary readings.

For a more intimate evening, writers can choose to dine elegantly with an author and a small group of literary peers, pampering their palates with fine cuisine and their writer’s spirit with rich conversation. The evening comes to a close with rest in a homey bed-and-breakfast or an island-style inn.

Saturday is devoted to classes and workshops held in Langley’s high school.

The skill-building workshops attempt to get to the meat of the matter with sessions like “What Are Your Characters Not Telling You” by notable fiction author Karen Joy Fowler, and “The Business of Publishing” by literary agent Ted Weinstein. Weinstein will discuss why authors who understand the ins-and-outs of the industry have the best chance of succeeding, whatever type of writing they do.

As the afternoon closes, everyone gathers for a book signing and reception with opportunities to socialize with other writers.

Saturday evening includes an event not to be missed with a panel of some of the best literary fiction authors writing today.

The panel, entitled “The Moment of Surprise,” includes Dorothy Allison, Fowler, Hamilton and Gail Tsukiyama. They will each reading a passage in which something was revealed as the author was writing, something that hitherto had been unknown about a character, the direction of the book, or a plot twist. A panel discussion, questions from the audience and a book signing will follow.

Afterward, more great Whidbey cuisine can be enjoyed at any of the area’s fine restaurants.

The learning continues on Sunday with more classes and workshops, culminating in the closing keynote address entitled, “A funny thing happened to me on my way to a comedy writing career,” by humorist Martha Bolton. Bolton has written comedy for celebrities such as Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller, among others.

To glean even more learning and enjoyment, conference attendees can take advantage of preconference workshops scheduled on Thursday, March 1, or can stay a day or two longer and savor the beauty and magic of Whidbey Island.

The Whidbey Island Writers Conference has undoubtedly created a reputation for itself and conference organizers work hard to rise to the challenge.

“We increase our commitment each year,” said Guss. “We want to make sure that people leave here satisfied.”

As one conference participant said of the 2006 event, “I did a lot of learning; it’s one hell of a conference!”

To register go to www.writeonwhidbey.org or call 331-6714. The conference is Friday, March 2 to Sunday, March 4.

Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.