See the complete schedule online. Recent events include Italy, Spain and England in 2014-2015.There are times when we want to immerse ourselves in learning. Or perhaps we crave a change of scenery, the creative stimulation of being around other artists, or the uninterrupted productivity of time alone to work.
That’s what this section of Poet’s Market is all about, providing a selection of writing conferences and workshops, artist colonies and retreats, poetry festivals, and even a few opportunities to go traveling with your muse. These listings give the basics: contact information, a brief description of the event, lists of past presenters, and offerings of special interest to poets. Contact an event that interests you for additional information, including up-to-date costs and housing details. (Please note that most directors had not finalized their 2016 plans when we contacted them for this edition of Poet’s Market. However, where possible, they provided us with their 2015 dates, costs, faculty names or themes to give you a better idea of what each event has to offer.)
Before you seriously consider a conference, workshop or other event, determine what you hope to get out of the experience. Would a general conference with one or two poetry workshops among many other types of sessions be acceptable? Or are you looking for something exclusively focused on poetry? Do you want to hear poets speak about poetry writing, or are you looking for a more participatory experience, such as a one-on-one critiquing session or a group workshop? Do you mind being one of hundreds of attendees, or do you prefer a more intimate setting? Are you willing to invest in the expense of traveling to a conference, or would something local better suit your budget? Keep these questions and others in mind as you read these listings, view websites and study conference brochures.
17363 Sutter Creek Rd., Sutter Creek CA 95685. (209)296-4050. E-mail: abroadwriters@yahoo.com; nancy@abroadwritersconference.com. Website: http://abroadwritersconference.com/. “Abroad Writers Conferences are devoted to introducing our participants to world views here in the United States and Abroad. Throughout the world we invite several authors to come join us to give readings and to participate on a panel. Our discussion groups touch upon a wide range of topics from important issues of our times to publishing abroad and in the United States. Our objective is to broaden our cultural and scientific perspectives of the world through discourse and writing.” Conferences are held throughout the year in various places worldwide. See website for scheduling details. Conference duration: 7-10 days. “Instead of being lost in a crowd at a large conference, Abroad Writers’ Conference prides itself on holding small group meetings where participants have personal contact with everyone. Stimulating talks, interviews, readings, Q&A’s, writing workshops, film screenings, private consultations and social gatherings all take place within a week to ten days. Abroad Writers’ Conference promises you true networking opportunities and full detailed feedback on your writing.”
See the complete schedule online. Recent events include Italy, Spain and England in 2014-2015.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS See website for pricing details.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Agents participate in conference. Application is online at website.
P.O. Box 110390, Nashville TN 37222-0390. (800)219-7483. Fax: (615)834-7736. E-mail: acwriters@aol.com. Website: www.acwriters.com. Contact: Reg Forder, director. ACW hosts dozens of annual two-day writers conferences and mentoring retreats across America taught by editors and professional freelance writers. These events provide excellent instruction, networking opportunities, and valuable one-on-one time with editors. Annual conferences promoting all forms of Christian writing (fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting). Conferences are held between March and November during each year.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Special rates are available at the host hotel (usually a major chain like Holiday Inn). Costs vary based on conference. Prices also depend on whether it is a conference or a mentoring retreat.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Send a SASE for conference brochures/guidelines.
ANAM CARA WRITER'S AND ARTIST'S RETREATEyeries, Beara, Co. Cork, Ireland. (353)(027)74441. Fax: (353)(027)74448. E-mail: anamcararetreat@gmail.com. Website: www.anamcararetreat.com. Contact: Sue Booth-Forbes, director. Offers up to one-month individual retreats as well as workshops on a variety of creative subjects for writers and artists. Length of workshops varies with subject and leader/facilitator. Location: “Beara is a rural and hauntingly beautiful part of Ireland that is kept temperate by the Gulf Stream. The retreat sits on a hill overlooking Coulagh Bay, the mountains of the Ring of Kerry, and the Slieve Mishkish Mountains of Beara. The village of Eyeries is a short walk away.” Average attendance: 5 residents at the retreat when working individually; 12-18 workshop participants.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS 2015 cost: residency fee ranges from 600-700 Euro/week for individual retreats (full room and board). The event also features editorial consulting, laundry, sauna, hot tub overlooking Coulagh Bay, 5 acres of gardens, meadows, riverbank and cascades, river island, swimming hole, and several unique working spots, such as the ruin of a stone mill and a sod-roofed beehive hut. Overflow from workshops stay in nearby B&Bs, a 10-minute walk or 2-minute drive away. Transportation provided if needed. Details regarding workshops scheduled for 2015 and their fees as well as transportation to Anam Cara are available on the website.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Requests for specific information about rates and availability can be made through the website.
City College, 160 Convent Ave., New York NY 10031. (212)650-6356. Website: www1.ccny.cuny.edu/prospective/humanities/poetry. Writer workshops geared to all levels. Open to students. Annual poetry festival. 2015 dates: May 8, 2015. Registration limited to 325. Cost of workshops and festival: free. Write for more information. Site: Theater B of Aaron Davis Hall.
4758 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis MN 55419-5304. (612)825-0747. E-mail: info@artguat.org. Website: www.artguat.org. Contact: Liza Fourre, director. Art & cultural workshops held year-round. Maximim class size: 10 students per class.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS All transportation and accommodations included in price of conference. See website. ncludes tuition, lodging, breakfast, ground transportation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Conference information available now. For brochure/guidelines visit website, e-mail or call. Accepts inquiries by e-mail, phone.
Aspen Words, 110 E. Hallam St., #116, Aspen CO 81611. (970)925-3122. Fax: (970)925-5700. E-mail: aspenwords@aspeninstitute.org. Website: www.aspenwords.org. Contact: Caroline Tory, programs coordinator. 2015 dates: June 21-26. The 39th annual Aspen Summer Words Writing Retreat and Literary Festival offers workshops in fiction, memoir, novel editing, and playwriting. The faculty includes fiction writers Ann Hood, Richard Russo, Akhil Sharma, and Hannah Tinti; memoir writers Andre Dubus III and Dani Shapiro; and playwright Sharr White. Aspen Summer Words features lectures, readings, panel discussions, and the opportunity to meet with agents and editors. Tuition for the writing workshops ranges from $1,100 to $1,375, which includes some meals. Financial aid is available on a limited basis. To apply for a juried workshop, submit up to 10 pages of prose with a $30 application fee by February 27. Registration to non-juried workshops (Beginning Fiction and Playwriting) is first-come, first-served. A pass to all the public panels is $150, tickets to individual events are $20. Call, e-mail, or visit the website for an application and complete guidelines.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MSN 1E3, Fairfax VA 22030-4444. (703)993-4317. Fax: (703)993-4302. E-mail: conference@awpwriter.org; events@awpwriter.org. Website: www.awpwriter.org/awp_conference. Each year, AWP holds its Annual Conference & Bookfair in a different city to celebrate the authors, teachers, writing programs, literary centers, and independent publishers of that region. The conference typically features hundreds of readings, lectures, panel discussions, and forums, as well as hundreds of book signings, receptions, dances, and informal gatherings. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Upcoming conference locations include Minneapolis (2015), Los Angeles (March 30 - April 2, 2016), and Washington, D.C. (February 8-11, 2017).
(512)777-1888. E-mail: joe@aipf.org; james@aipf.org. Website: www.aipf.org. Contact: Joe Brundidge or James Jacobs. The 23rd Austin International Poetry Festival (AIPF) will be held April 9-12, 2015. Registration is required for all poets. Nikki Giovanni will be featured April 11, 2015 - additional ticket required for this special reading, AIPF registered poets get in free. All additional events are free to the general public. This four-day citywide, all-inclusive celebration of poetry and poets has grown to become “the largest non-juried poetry festival in the U.S.” The festival will include a minimum of the following: 20 readings, one youth anthology read, 10 workshops, 5 open mics, 2 music and poetry presentations, 2 anthology competitions and complete readings, 2 poetry slams, an all-night open mic and a poetry panel symposium. Additional information available online at www.aipf.org. Discount registration fees available for retired, college students, and military poets.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Includes anthology submission fee, program bio, scheduled reading at one of AIPF’s 15 venues, participation in all events, 1 catered meal, workshop participation, and more.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Offers multiple poetry contests as part of festival. Guidelines available on website. Registration form available on website. “Largest non-juried poetry festival in the U.S.”
(802)443-5286. Fax: (802)443-2087. E-mail: blwc@middlebury.edu. Website: www.middlebury.edu/bread-loaf-conferences/bl_writers. Annual conference held in late August. Conference duration: 10 days. Offers workshops for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Agents and editors will be in attendance.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton, Vermont.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 2015 Conference Dates: August 12-22. Location: mountain campus of Middlebury College in Vermont. Average attendance: 230. The application deadline for the 2015 event is March 1, 2015; there is $15 application fee.
P.O. Box 408, Osterville MA 02655. E-mail: writers@capecodwriterscenter.org. Website: www.capecodwriterscenter.org. Contact: Nancy Rubin Stuart, executive director. Duration: 3 days; held during first week in August. Offers workshops in fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for children, memoir, pitching your book, screenwriting, digital communications, and getting published. There are ms evaluation and mentoring sessions with faculty.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Held at Resort and Conference Center of Hyannis, Hyannis, MA. Vary, depending on the number of courses selected.
Southern Lit Alliance, 3069 S. Broad St., Suite 2, Chattanooga TN 37408-3056. (423)267-1218. Fax: (866)483-6831. E-mail: srobinson@southernlitalliance.org. Website: www.southernlitalliance.org. Contact: Susan Robinson. “The Celebration of Southern Literature stands out because of its unique collaboration with the Fellowship of Southern Writers, an organization founded by towering literary figures like Eudora Welty, Cleanth Brooks, Walker Percy, and Robert Penn Warren to recognize and encourage literature in the South. The 2015 celebration marked 26 years since the Fellowship selected Chattanooga for its headquarters and chose to collaborate with the Celebration of Southern Literature. The Fellowship awards 11 literary prizes and induct new members, making this event the place to discover up-and-coming voices in Southern literature. The Southern Lit Alliance’s Celebration of Southern Literature attracts more than 1,000 readers and writers from all over the U.S. It strives to maintain an informal atmosphere where conversations will thrive, inspired by a common passion for the written word. The Southern Lit Alliance (formerly The Arts & Education Council) started as 1 of 12 pilot agencies founded by a Ford Foundation grant in 1952. The Alliance is the only organization of the 12 still in existence. The Southern Lit Alliance celebrates southern writers and readers through community education and innovative literary arts experiences.”
This event happens every other year in odd-numbered years.
Website: www.colrainpoetry.com. “Colrain is the original, one-of-a-kind manuscript conference. Faculty includes nationally-renowned poet-editors and publishers. Work with the best for the best results. Our unique, realistic method of manuscript evaluation sets poets with a manuscript-in-progress on a path toward publication. Poets also get a look into the publication world and make important contacts with leading editors, teachers, and publishers.”
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS The Colrain Practicum is April 25-26, 2015 in Massachusetts. The Colarin Classic is May 15-18, 2015 in Vermont. The second Colrain Classic is June 5-8, 2015 in New Mexico.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Details, application, and registration form available on website.
24 Pearl St., Provincetown MA 02657. (508)487-9960, ext. 103. Fax: (508)487-8873. E-mail: workshops@fawc.org. Website: www.fawc.org. Weeklong workshops in creative writing and the visual arts. Location: The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Summer Workshop Program fees range $600-725. Limited accommodations available at the Work Center for $700 for 6 nights. Additional accommodations available locally. Cost: $600-725/week, $675/week (housing).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION See website for details and an application form.
1275 Fourth St., PMB 365, Santa Rosa CA 95404. E-mail: welchm@aol.com. Website: www.haikunorthamerica.com. Contact: Michael Dylan Welch. Biennial conference. 2015 dates: Oct 15-18, 2015. Haiku North America (HNA) is the largest and oldest gathering of haiku poets in the United States and Canada. There are no membership fees and HNA provides breaking news and interaction at the HNA blog. All haiku poets and interested parties are welcome. HNA is a long weekend of papers, panels, workshops, readings, performances, book sales, and much socialization with fellow poets, translators, scholars, editors, and publishers. Both established and aspiring haiku poets are welcome.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations at discounted hotels nearby are an additional cost. Information available on website as details are finalized closer to the conference date. Typically around $200, including a banquet and a conference anthology
Box 7014, Radford University, Radford VA 24142-7014. E-mail: tburriss@radford.edu; rbderrick@radford.edu. Website: tinyurl.com/q8z8ej9. Contact: Dr. Theresa Burriss, Ruth Derrick. 2015 dates: June 15-19. The Highland Summer Writers’ Conference is a 4-day lecture-seminar workshop combination conducted by well-known guest writers. It offers the opportunity to study and practice creative and expository writing within the context of regional culture. The course is graded on Pass/Fail basis for undergraduates and letter grades for graduate students. It may be taken twice for credit. The evening readings are free and open to the public. Services at a reduced rate for continuing education credits or to simply participate.
464 Ballantine Hall, 1020 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington IN 47405-7103. (812)855-1877. Fax: (812)855-9535. E-mail: writecon@indiana.edu. Website: www.indiana.edu/~writecon. Annual. Conference/workshops held in May. 2015 dates: May 30 - June 3. Average attendance: 115. “The Indiana University Writers’ Conference believes in a craft-based teaching of fiction writing. We emphasize an exploration of creativity through a variety of approaches, offering workshop-based craft discussions, classes focusing on technique, and talks about the careers and concerns of a writing life.”
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Information on accommodations available on website.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Connect on Twitter at @iuwritecon.
The University of Iowa, C215 Seashore Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242. (319)335-4160. Fax: (319)335-4743. E-mail: iswfestival@uiowa.edu. Website: uiowa.edu/~iswfest. Annual festival held in June and July. 2015 event will have 138 workshops with 72 instructors. Conference duration: Workshops are 1 week or a weekend. Average attendance: Limited to 12 people/class, with over 1,500 participants throughout the summer. “We offer courses across the genres: novel, short story, poetry, essay, memoir, humor, travel, playwriting, screenwriting, writing for children, and women’s writing. Held at the University of Iowa campus.” Speakers have included Marvin Bell, Lan Samantha Chang, John Dalton, Hope Edelman, Katie Ford, Patricia Foster, Bret Anthony Johnston, Barbara Robinette Moss, among others.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations available at area hotels. Information on overnight accommodations available by phone or on website.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Brochures are available in February. Inquire via e-mail or on website.
(212)737-7536. Fax: (212)737-9469. E-mail: iwwgquestions@gmail.com. Website: www.iwwg.org. Writer and illustrator workshops geared toward all levels. Offers over 50 different workshops—some are for children’s book writers and illustrators. Also sponsors other events throughout the U.S. Annual workshops. Workshops held every summer for a week. Length of each session: 90 minutes; sessions take place for an entire week. Registration limited to 500. Write for more information. The 2015 spring conference was March 15 in Los Angeles.
PO Box 1974, Jackson WY 83001. (307)413-3332. E-mail: nicole@jacksonholewritersconference.com. Website: jacksonholewritersconference.com. Annual conference held June 27-29. Conference duration: 4 days. Average attendance: 110. Covers fiction, creative nonfiction, and young adult and offers ms critiques from authors, agents, and editors. Agents in attendance will take pitches from writers. Paid manuscript critique programs are available.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS $365 if registered by May 12. Accompanying teen writer: $175. Pre-Conference Writing Workshop: $150.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Held at the Center for the Arts in Jackson, Wyoming and online.
University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences, 232 E. Maxwell St., Lexington KY 40506. (859)257-2874. E-mail: kentuckywomenwriters@gmail.com. Website: kentuckywomenwriters.org. Contact: Julie Wrinn, director. Conference held in second or third weekend of September. The 2014 dates were Sept. 12-13. The location is the Carnegie Center for Literacy in Lexington, Kentucky. Conference duration: 2 days. Average attendance: 150-200. Conference covers poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, playwriting. Writing workshops, panels, and readings featuring contemporary women writers. The 2014 conference featured prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith as its keynote speaker.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS $175 early bird discount, $200 thereafter; $125 without workshop; $30 for students; includes boxed lunch on Friday; $20 for writers’ reception. Other meals and accommodations are not included.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Sponsors prizes in poetry ($200), fiction ($200), nonfiction ($200), playwriting ($500), and spoken word ($500). Winners also invited to read during the conference. Pre-registration opens May 1.
Kenyon College, Gambier OH 43022. (740)427-5207. Fax: (740)427-5417. E-mail: kenyonreview@kenyon.edu; writers@kenyonreview.org. Website: www.kenyonreview.org. Contact: Anna Duke Reach, director. Annual 8-day workshop held in June. Participants apply in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, literary hybrid/book arts or writing online, and then participate in intensive daily workshops which focus on the generation and revision of significant new work. Held on the campus of Kenyon College in the rural village of Gambier, Ohio. Workshop leaders have included David Baker, Carl Phillips, Mary Szybist, Rebecca McClanahan, Dinty Moore, Caitlin Horrocks, Lee K. Abbott, and Nancy Zafris.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS The workshop operates a shuttle to and from Gambier and the airport in Columbus, Ohio. Offers overnight accommodations. Participants are housed in Kenyon College student housing. The cost is covered in the tuition. $1,995; includes tuition, room and board.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Application includes a writing sample. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Workshop information is available online at www.kenyonreview.org/workshops in November. For brochure send e-mail, visit website, call, or fax. Accepts inquiries by SASE, e-mail, phone, fax.
KUNDIMAN POETRY RETREATP.O. Box 4248, Sunnyside NY 11104. E-mail: info@kundiman.org. Website: kundiman.org/retreat. Contact: June W. Choi, executive director. Held annually. 2015 dates: June 24-28. Held at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus. “This is a special event for Asian American poets. Renowned faculty will conduct workshops and provide one-on-one mentorship sessions with fellows. Readings and informal social gatherings will also be scheduled. Fellows selected based on sample of 6-8 poems and short essay answer.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Room and board is free to accepted Fellows.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional information, guidelines, and online application available on website.
1211 Del Mar Dr., second address is P.O. Box 2087, Fort Bragg CA 95437. (707)485-4032. E-mail: info@mcwc.org. Website: www.mcwc.org. Annual summer conference. 2015 dates: August 6-8, 2015. Average attendance: 90. Offers intensive workshops in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, YA, and seminars/panels about writing and publishing. Located at a community college on the Northern California Coast. Workshop leaders at the 2015 event: Ellen Bass, David Corbett, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Albert DeSilver, Lisa Locascio. Opportunities to meet informally or in private manuscript consultations with agents and editors.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS $525 (minimum) includes morning intensives, afternoon panels and seminars, social events, and most meals. Scholarships available. Early application advised.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Emphasis is on encouragement, expertise and inspiration in a literary community where authors are also fantastic teachers. Registration opens March 15.
Sta. 6420, University of Montevallo, Montevallo AL 35115. (205)665-6420. Fax: (205)665-6422. E-mail: murphyj@montevallo.edu. Website: http://www.montevallo.edu/arts-sciences/college-of-arts-sciences/departments/english-foreign-languages/student-organizations/montevallo-literary-festival/. Contact: Dr. Jim Murphy, director. 2015 dates: March 20. “Each April, the University of Montevallo’s Department of English and Foreign Languages hosts the annual Montevallo Literary Festival, a celebration of creative writing dedicated to bringing literary writers and readers together on a personal scale. Our friendly, relaxed festival runs all day into the evening featuring readings by all invited writers, book signings, a Q&A panel, social gatherings and dinner with live music.”
English Department, George Washington University, 801 22nd St. NW, Rome Hall, Suite 760, Washington DC 20052. (202)994-6180. Fax: (202)994-7915. E-mail: lpageinc@gwu.edu. Website: www.gwu.edu/~english/creative_jennymckeanmoore.html. Contact: Lisa Page, acting director of creative writing. Workshop held each semester at the university. Average attendance: 15. Concentration varies depending on professor—usually fiction or poetry. The Creative Writing department brings an established poet or novelist to campus each year to teach a writing workshop for GW students and a free community workshop for adults in the larger Washington community. Details posted on website in June, with an application deadline at the end of August or in early September.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Admission is competitive and by decided by the quality of a submitted ms.
MOUNT HERMON CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCEPO Box 413, Mount Hermon CA 95041. E-mail: info@mounthermon.org. Website: writers.mounthermon.org. Annual professional conference. 2015 dates: March 27-31. Average attendance: 450. Sponsored by and held at the 440-acre Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center near San Jose, California in the heart of the coastal redwoods, we are a broad-ranging conference for all areas of Christian writing, including fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, children’s, teen, young adult, poetry, magazines, inspirational and devotional writing. This is a working, how-to conference, with Major Morning tracks in all genres (including a track especially for teen writers), and as many as 20 optional workshops each afternoon. Faculty-to-student ratio is about 1 to 6. The bulk of our more than 70 faculty members are editors and publisher representatives from major Christian publishing houses nationwide. Speakers have included T. Davis Bunn, Debbie Macomber, Jerry Jenkins, Bill Butterworth, Dick Foth and others.
Napa Valley College, 1088 College Ave., St. Helena CA 94574. (707)967-2900. E-mail: writecon@napavalley.edu. Website: www.napawritersconference.org. Contact: Andrea Bewick, managing director. Established 1981. Annual weeklong event. 2015 dates: July 26 - July 31. Location: Upper Valley Campus in the historic town of St. Helena, 25 miles north of Napa in the heart of the valley’s wine growing community. Average attendance: 48 in poetry and 48 in fiction. “Serious writers of all backgrounds and experience are welcome to apply.” Offers poets and fiction writers workshops, lectures, faculty readings at Napa Valley wineries, and one-on-one faculty counseling. “Poetry session provides the opportunity to work both on generating new poems and on revising previously written ones.”
On Twitter as @napawriters and on Facebook as facebook.com/napawriters.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS $975; $25 application fee.
Pima College, 2202 W. Anklam Rd., Tucson AZ 85709. (520)206-6084. Fax: (520)206-6020. E-mail: mfiles@pima.edu. Contact: Meg Files, director. Annual conference geared toward beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Open to students. The conference features presentations and writing exercises on writing and publishing stories for children and young adults, among other genres. Participants may attend for college credit. Meals and accommodations not included. Features a dozen authors, editors, and agents talking about writing and publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and stories for children. E-mail us for more info, or check the website.
SDSU College of Extended Studies, 5250 Campanile Dr., San Diego State University, San Diego CA 92182-1920. (619)594-3946. Fax: (619)594-8566. E-mail: sdsuwritersconference@mail.sdsu.edu. Website: ces.sdsu.edu/writers. Annual conference held in January. Conference duration: 2.5 days. Average attendance: 350. Covers fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting and e-books. Held at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley Hotel. Each year the conference offers a variety of workshops for the beginner and advanced writers. This conference allows the individual writer to choose which workshop best suits his/her needs. In addition to the workshops, editor reading appointments and agent/editor consultation appointments are provided so attendees may meet with editors and agents one-on-one to discuss specific questions. A reception is offered Saturday immediately following the workshops, offering attendees the opportunity to socialize with the faculty in a relaxed atmosphere. Last year, approximately 60 faculty members attended.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Attendees must make their own travel arrangements. A conference rate for attendees is available at the event hotel (Marriott Mission Valley Hotel). Approximately $399-435. Parking is available for $8/day.
27 W. Anapamu St., Suite 305, Santa Barbara CA 93101. (805)568-1516. E-mail: info@sbwriters.com. Website: www.sbwriters.com. Annual conference held in June. 2015 dates: June 7-12. Average attendance: 200. Covers fiction, nonfiction, journalism, memoir, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, travel writing, young adult, children’s literature, humor, and marketing. Speakers have included Ray Bradbury, William Styron, Eudora Welty, James Michener, Sue Grafton, Charles M. Schulz, Clive Cussler, Fannie Flagg, Elmore Leonard, and T.C. Boyle. Agents will appear on a panel; in addition, there will be an agents and editors day that allows writers to pitch their projects in one-on-one meetings.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Hyatt Santa Barbara. Early conference registration is $575, and regular registration is $650.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Register online or contact for brochure and registration forms.
SASKATCHEWAN FESTIVAL OF WORDS217 Main St. N., Moose Jaw SK S6J 0W1, Canada. Website: www.festivalofwords.com. Annual 4-day event, third week of July (2015 dates: July 16-19). Location: Moose Jaw Library/Art Museum complex in Crescent Park. Average attendance: about 4,000 admissions. “Canadian authors up close and personal for readers and writers of all ages in mystery, poetry, memoir, fantasy, graphic novels, history, and novel. Each summer festival includes more than 60 events within 2 blocks of historic Main Street. Audience favorite activities include workshops for writers, audience readings, drama,performance poetry, concerts, panels, and music.”
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Information available at www.templegardens.sk.ca, campgrounds, and bed and breakfast establishments. Complete information about festival presenters, events, costs, and schedule also available on website.
THE SCHOOL FOR WRITERS FALL WORKSHOPThe Humber School for Writers, Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Toronto ON M8V 1K8, Canada. (416)675-6622. E-mail: antanas.sileika@humber.ca; hilary.higgins@humber.ca. Website: www.humber.ca/scapa/programs/school-writers. The School for Writers Workshop has moved to the fall with the International Festival of Authors. The workshop runs during the last week in October. Conference duration: 1 week. Average attendance: 60. New writers from around the world gather to study with faculty members to work on their novels, short stories, poetry, or creative nonfiction. Agents and editors participate in the conference. Include a work-in-progress with your registration. Faculty has included Martin Amis, David Mitchell, Kevin Barry, Rachel Kuschner, Peter Carey, Roddy Doyle, Tim O’Brien, Andrea Levy, Barry Unsworth, Edward Albee, Ha Jin, Julia Glass, Mavis Gallant, Bruce Jay Friedman, Isabel Huggan, Alistair MacLeod, Lisa Moore, Kim Moritsugu, Francine Prose, Paul Quarrington, Olive Senior, D.M. Thomas, Annabel Lyon, Mary Gaitskill, and M.G. Vassanji.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS around $850 (in 2014). Some limited scholarships are available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Accepts inquiries by e-mail, phone, and fax.
735 University Ave., 119 Gailor Hall, Stamler Center, Sewanee TN 37383-1000. (931)598-1654. E-mail: allatham@sewanee.edu. Website: www.sewaneewriters.org. Contact: Adam Latham. Annual conference. 2015 dates: July 21 - Aug. 2. Average attendance: 150. “The University of the South will host the 26th session of the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. Thanks to the generosity of the Walter E. Dakin Memorial Fund, supported by the estate of the late Tennessee Williams, the Conference will gather a distinguished faculty to provide instruction and criticism through workshops and craft lectures in poetry, fiction, and playwriting. During an intense 12-day period, participants will read and critique each other’s manuscripts under the leadership of some of our country’s finest fiction writers, poets, and playwrights. All faculty members and fellows give scheduled readings; senior faculty members offer craft lectures; open-mic readings accommodate many others. Additional writers, along with a host of writing professionals, visit to give readings, participate in panel discussions, and entertain questions from the audience. Receptions and mealtimes offer opportunities for informal exchange. This year’s faculty includes fiction writers Richard Bausch, Tony Earley, Adrianne Harun, Randall Kenan, Jill McCorkle, Alice McDermott, Tim O’Brien, Christine Schutt, Allen Wier, and Steve Yarbrough; and poets Daniel Anderson, Claudia Emerson, B.H. Fairchild, Andrew Hudgins, Maurice Manning, Charles Martin, Mary Jo Salter, and A.E. Stallings. Dan O’Brien and Paula Vogel will lead the playwriting workshop. Erin McGraw and Wyatt Prunty will read from their work. The conference fee reflects but two-thirds of the actual cost to attend. Additional funding is awarded to fellows and scholars.”
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Participants are housed in single rooms in university dormitories. Bathrooms are shared by small groups. $1,000 for tuition and $800 for room, board, and activity costs
(631)632-5030. E-mail: southamptonarts@stonybrook.edu. Website: www.stonybrook.edu/southampton/mfa/summer/cwl_home.html. 2015 dates: July 8-19. “Since 1976, the Southampton Writers Conference has brought together writers at all stages of their careers with world-class novelists, essayists, editors, poets and children’s book authors for lectures, readings, panels and workshops. All writers are welcome to attend the Conference, including those who seek a 12-day writers residency in the Hamptons. This year’s offerings include a 5-part craft lecture series with Roger Rosenblatt. Admission to a 5-day writing workshop is competitive and requires additional application materials.”
4840 Forest Drive, Suite 6B: PMB 189, Columbia SC 29206. E-mail: scwwliaison@gmail.com; scww2013@gmail.com. Website: www.myscww.org. Conference in October held at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. Held almost every year. Conference duration: 3 days. The conference features critique sessions, open mic readings, presentations from agents and editors and more. The conference features more than 50 different workshops for writers to choose from, dealing with all subjects of writing craft, writing business, getting an agent and more. Agents will be in attendance.
Southwestern Oregon Community College, P.O. Box 590, 29392 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach OR 97444. (541)247-2741. Fax: (541)247-6247. E-mail: scwc@socc.edu. Website: www.socc.edu/scwriters. Annual conference held Presidents Day weekend in February. Conference duration: 2 days. Covers fiction, poetry, children’s, nature, songwriting, and marketing. Melissa Hart is the next scheduled keynote speaker, and presenters include Stevan Allred, Mark Bennion, Dan Berne, Mark Graham, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Elena Passarello, Liz Prato, Jeffrey Shultz, Tess Thompson.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION See website for cost and additional details.
Steamboat Springs Arts Council, Eleanor Bliss Center for the Arts at the Depot, 1001 13th St., Steamboat Springs CO 80487. (970)879-9008. Fax: (970)879-8138. E-mail: info@steamboatwriters.com. Website: www.steamboatwriters.com. Contact: Susan de Wardt. Writers’ workshops geared toward intermediate levels. Open to professionals and amateurs alike.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Tuition: $60 early registration, $75 after May 16
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For additional information, please consult the website.
Naropa University, 2130 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder CO 80302. (303)245-4862. Fax: (303)546-5287. E-mail: swpr@naropa.edu. Website: www.naropa.edu/swp. Contact: Kyle Pivarnik, special projects manager. Annual event in summer. Workshop duration: 4 weeks. Average attendance: 250. Offers college credit. Accepts inquiries by e-mail, phone. With 13 workshops to choose from each of the 4 weeks of the program, students may study poetry, prose, hybrid/cross-genre writing, small press printing, or book arts. Site: All workshops, panels, lectures and readings are hosted on the Naropa University main campus. Located in downtown Boulder, the campus is within easy walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and the scenic Pearl Street Mall.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Writers can elect to take the Summer Writing Program for noncredit, graduate, or undergraduate credit. The registration procedure varies, so consider whether or not you’ll be taking the SWP for academic credit. All participants can elect to take any combination of the first, second, third, and/or fourth weeks. To request a catalog of upcoming program or to find additional information, visit naropa.edu/swp. Naropa University also welcomes participants with disabilities.
Department of English Language and Literature, MSC 03 2170, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131-0001. E-mail: swarner@unm.edu. Website: taosconf.unm.edu. Contact: Sharon Oard Warner. Annual conference held in July. 2015 dates: July 12-19. Offers workshops and master classes in the novel, short story, poetry, creative nonfiction, memoir, prose style, screenwriting, humor writing, yoga and writing, literary translation, book proposal, the query letter and revision. Participants may also schedule a consultation with a visiting agent/editor.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Week-long workshop registration $700, weekend workshop registration $400, master classes between $1,350 and $1,625, publishing consultations are $175.
(701)777-2393. Fax: (701)777-2373. E-mail: crystal.alberts@email.und.edu. Website: http://und.edu/orgs/writers-conference. Contact: Crystal Alberts, director. Location: the University of North Dakota Memorial Union, which has a variety of small rooms and a 600-seat main hall. Average attendance: 3,000-5,000. “Some individual events have as few as 20, some over 1,000.” Annual event of 3-5 days. 2015 dates: March 25-27. Offers panels, readings, and films focused around a specific theme. Almost all events take place in the UND Memorial Union, which has a variety of small rooms and a 1,000-seat main hall. Past speakers include Art Spiegelman, Truman Capote, Sir Salman Rushdie, Allen Ginsberg, Alice Walker, and Louise Erdrich.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations available at area hotels. Information on overnight accommodations available on website. All events are free and open to the public. Donations accepted.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Schedule and other information available on website.
Wesleyan University, 294 High St., Room 207, Middletown CT 06459. (860)685-3604. Fax: (860)685-2441. E-mail: agreene@wesleyan.edu. Website: www.wesleyan.edu/writing/conference. Annual conference. 2015 dates: June 10-14. Average attendance: 100. Focuses on the novel, fiction techniques, short stories, poetry, screenwriting, nonfiction, literary journalism, memoir, mixed media work and publishing. The conference is held on the campus of Wesleyan University, in the hills overlooking the Connecticut River. Features a faculty of award-winning writers, seminars and readings of new fiction, poetry, nonfiction and mixed media forms - as well as guest lectures on a range of topics including publishing. Both new and experienced writers are welcome. Participants may attend seminars in all genres. Speakers have included Esmond Harmsworth (Zachary Schuster Agency), Daniel Mandel (Sanford J. Greenburger Associaties), Amy Williams (ICM and Collins McCormick), and many others. Agents will be speaking and available for meetings with attendees. Participants are often successful in finding agents and publishers for their mss. Wesleyan participants are also frequently featured in the anthology Best New American Voices.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Meals are provided on campus. Lodging is available on campus or in town.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Ms critiques are available, but not required.
7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland OH 44094. (440)525-7812. E-mail: deencr@aol.com. Website: www.deannaadams.com. Contact: Deanna Adams, director/conference coordinator. Biannual. Last conference held September 27, 2014. Conference duration: 1 day or half-day. Average attendance: 120. “The Western Reserve Writers Conferences are designed for all writers, aspiring and professional, and offer presentations in all genres—nonfiction, fiction, poetry, essays, creative nonfiction, and the business of writing, including Web writing and successful freelance writing.” Site: “Located in the main building of Lakeland Community College, the conference is easy to find and just off the I-90 freeway. The Fall 2013 conference featured top-notch presenters from newspapers and magazines, along with published authors, freelance writers, and professional editors. Presentations included ‘Writing Believable Dialogue,’ ‘Creating a Sense of Place,’ ‘Writing Your Life Story,’ ‘First Fiction,’ ‘Writing and Researching Crime Stories,’ as well as tips on submissions, getting books into stores, and storytelling for both fiction and nonfiction writers. Included throughout the day are one-on-one editing consults, Q&A panel, and book sale/author signings.”
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS Fall all-day conference includes lunch: $105. Spring half-day conference, no lunch: $69.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Brochures for the conferences are available by January (for spring conference) and July (for fall). Also accepts inquiries by e-mail and phone.
(336)255-8210. E-mail: judihill@aol.com. Website: www.wildacreswriters.com. Contact: Judi Hill, Director. 2015 summer workshop dates: July 4-11. Conference duration: 1 week. Average attendance: 100. Workshop focuses on novel, short story, flash fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. 10 on faculty include Ron Rash, Carrie Brown, Dr. Janice Fuller, Phillip Gerard, Luke Whisnant, Dr. Joe Clark, John Gregory Brown, Dr. Phebe Davidson, Lee Zacharias, and Vicki Lane. This group also has a week-long writing retreat that is different from the workshop.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS The current price is $790. Check the website for more info.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Include a 1-page writing sample with your registration. See the website for information.
(888)887-2105. E-mail: info@wintergetaway.com; amanda@murphywriting.com. Website: www.wintergetaway.com. Contact: Peter Murphy. Annual January conference at the Jersey Shore. 2016 dates: January 15-18. “This is not your typical writers’ conference. Advance your craft and energize your writing at the Winter Getaway. Enjoy challenging and supportive workshops, insightful feedback, and encouraging community. Choose from small, intensive workshops in memoir, novel, YA, nonfiction, and poetry.”
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS See website or call for current fee information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Previous faculty has included Julianna Baggott, Christian Bauman, Laure-Anne Bosselaar, Kurt Brown, Mark Doty (National Book Award winner), Stephen Dunn (Pulitzer Prize winner), Dorianne Laux, Carol Plum-Ucci, James Richardson, Mimi Schwartz, Terese Svoboda, and more.
F+W Media, Inc., 10151 Carver Rd., Suite 200, Blue Ash OH 45242. E-mail: jill.ruesch@fwmedia.com. E-mail: phil.sexton@fwmedia.com. Website: www.writersdigestconference.com. The Writer’s Digest conferences feature an amazing line up of speakers to help writers with the craft and business of writing. Each calendar year typically features multiple conferences around the country. In 2015, the New York conference will be July 31 - Aug 2. The most popular feature of the east coast conference is the agent pitch slam, in which potential authors are given the ability to pitch their books directly to agents. For the 2015 conference, there will be more than 50 agents in attendance. For more details, see the website.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS A block of rooms at the event hotel are reserved for guests. Cost varies by location and year. There are typically different pricing options for those who wish to stay for the entire event vs. daylong passes.
10 Meetinghouse Rd., P.O. Box 756, Truro MA 02666. (508)349-7511. Fax: (508)349-7513. E-mail: info@castlehill.org. Website: www.castlehill.org/workshop-writing.html. Workshops about poetry, fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, and more; these writing workshops are geared toward intermediate and advanced levels. Open to students. The dates, courses, and instructors change each year, so check the website for individual details of upcoming events. Held at the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill in Massachusetts.
P.O. Box 1891, Taos NM 87571. (575)758-2413. Fax: (575)758-2559. E-mail: hwf@taosnet.com. Website: www.wurlitzerfoundation.org. Contact: Michael A. Knight, executive director.
COSTS/ACCOMMODATIONS “Provides individual housing in fully furnished studio/houses (casitas), rent and utility free. Artists are responsible for transportation to and from Taos, their meals, and materials for their work. Bicycles are provided upon request.”