The Writers Cottage, home of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, is including a free young authors conference at its 59th annual conference this year.

PNWA is a 501c3 nonprofit located in Issaquah’s Gilman Village. This year the organization is making a special effort to reach authors, ages 8-18. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The event is from 1-5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17, at the SeaTac Hilton in the Summit Ballroom.

Special guest speakers are Gerry Swallow, screenwriter for “Ice Age: the Meltdown,” and “Walking with Dinosaurs.” Swallow will show scenes from his movies.

Also teaching classes to young authors are, Margaret Stohl author of “Beautiful Creatures,” and children’s book author, Janet Wong, who has presented at the White House, libraries and on the Oprah Winfrey show.

The entire conference is July 17-20 and is for writers of all levels of experience with workshops that span literary fiction to nonfiction to children’s books, thrillers, romance and more.

Registration for the young authors event isn’t required. More information is available at The Writer’s Cottage at 425-673-2665.