Conferences

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, city or country, national or international, find the writing conference you desire. Our selective, searchable list of conferences features many of our published authors.


Location:
Degree:
Season (Northern):
Duration:
Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop

Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop

MARCH 22—26, 2023
ALGONKIAN PARK, VA
Our ultimate goal is to realistically increase your odds of becoming a published author by showing you how to inhabit that upper percentile of writers who will have their work taken seriously by professionals in the business.
Faculty: Herta Feely, Michael Neff, Alan Orloff, Christine Stewart, Richard Washer, Emily Williamson
Genres Offered: Fiction
Contact: @email
Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story

Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story

JUNE 2—4, 2023
WINGHAM, CANADA
The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story (AMFSS) stages an annual literary festival that honors Alice Munro and nurtures emerging writers through workshops and onstage presentations that celebrate the short story.
Faculty (previous): Danielle Daniel, Cherie Dimaline, Marni Jackson, Falen Johnson, Kyo Maclear, Alexander MacLeod, Lee Maracle, Heather Marshall, Alix Ohlin, Michael Ondaatje, Jane Urquhart, M.G. Vassanji, Chelsea Vowel
Genres Offered: Fiction
Contact: @email
Angelo State University Writers’ Conference

Angelo State University Writers’ Conference

MARCH 2—3, 2023
SAN ANGELO, TX
The 24th annual ASU Writers Conference featuring Laila Lalami will bring together old friends and new for a celebration highlighting the achievements of San Angelo’s own Elmer Kelton.
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Contact: Chris Ellery @email
Association of Writers & Writing Programs

Association of Writers & Writing Programs

MARCH 8—11, 2023
SEATTLE, WA (ONLINE & IN PERSON)
The AWP Conference & Bookfair is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion makers that matter most in contemporary literature.
Faculty: Ellen Bass, Paul Hlava Ceballos, Janine Joseph, Eugenia Leigh, Nathan McClain, Paisley Rekdal, Vanessa Angelica Villarreal, Michael Wiegers
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Contact: @email
Bay Area Book Festival

Bay Area Book Festival

MAY 6—7, 2023
BERKELEY, CA (IN PERSON & ONLINE)
The Bay Area Book Festival is a two-day event complete with literary sessions presenting top authors from this region, the nation, and the world, along with an outdoor fair with hundreds of literary exhibitors. The Festival kicked off in 2015 with the mission to create a free, inclusive, world-class literary event in the Bay Area. Since then, the Festival has welcomed more than 800 authors and is approaching 100,000 attendees.
Faculty (previous): Michael Eric Dyson, Carol Edgarian, Kazuo Ishiguro, Nnedi Okorafor, Nathaniel Rich, Orville Schell, Jeff VanderMeer, Vendela Vida, Charles Yu
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Memoir, History
Contact: @email
Book Passage Mystery Writers’ Conference

Book Passage Mystery Writers’ Conference

JULY 30—AUGUST 2, 2020
CORTE MADERA, CA
The four-day Book Passage Mystery Writers’ Conference has a strong tradition of great authors and teachers. It covers everything mystery writers need—from developing ideas and writing skills to finding a publisher.
Faculty (previous): Cara Black, David Corbett, Hallie Ephron, Elizabeth George, Rachel Howzell Hall, Tim Maleeny, Amy Rennert
Genres Offered: Fiction, Mystery
Contact: @email.
Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference

Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference

AUGUST 16—26, 2023
RIPTON, VT
Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, founded in 1926 and boasting a rich literary and intellectual tradition, gathers together emerging writers to work closely with a diverse and talented faculty. For ten days in August, conference attendees experience the intensity—and challenge—of working under the guidance of notable writers.
Faculty: Elizabeth Ash, Dean Bakopoulos, Erin Belieu, Laura van den Berg, Jennifer Finney Boylan, Christopher Castellani, Victoria Chang, Alice Elliott Dark, Elisa Gabbert, Tania James, Tomás Q. Morín, Matthew Olzmann, Carl Phillips, Patrick Phillips, Emily Raboteau, Jess Row, David Treuer, Luis Alberto Urrea, Vievee Francis, Tiphanie Yanique, Paul Yoon
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Contact: @email
Free Expressions Seminars: Breakout Novel Intensive

Virtual Breakout Novel Intensive

APRIL 24—30, 2021, MAY 15—21, 2023
ONLINE
This workshop is as ideal for those just beginning a new project as it is for those embarking on a revision of a completed work. While writers at all level of craft are welcome, we assume a basic understanding of fiction craft.
Faculty: Donald Maas, Lorin Oberweger, Brenda Windberg
Genres Offered: Fiction
Contact: Lorin Oberweger @email
Cambridge Writers’ Workshop

Cambridge Writers’ Workshop

MARCH 19—22, 2020
NEW OREANS, LA
Known for its Spanish and French architecture, live jazz, Cajun food, and street festivals, New Orleans offers an inspirational and one-of-a-kind experience for writers. Our retreat features multi-genre workshops, as well as craft seminars and time to write.
Faculty: Stephen Aubrey, Rita Banerjee, Diana Norma Szokolyai
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry
Contact: @email
The Colrain Classic

The Colrain Classic

JANUARY 27—30, 2023
ONLINE
A select group of poets will bring their completed or in-progress manuscripts to the The Arlington Inn in Arlington, Vermont, a village estate built in 1847 that was later turned into a summer hotel. In this beautiful setting, poets will work closely with conference faculty.
Faculty: Peter Covino, Joan Houlihan
Genres Offered: Poetry
Contact: Joan Houlihan @email
Community of Writers at Squaw Valley

Community of Writers

JUNE 19—25, 2023, JULY 10—17, 2023
OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA
These workshops assist serious writers by exploring the art and craft as well as the business of writing. The week offers daily morning workshops, craft lectures, panel discussions on editing and publishing, staff readings, and brief individual conferences. In addition to their workshop manuscripts, participants may have a second manuscript read by a staff member who meets with them in individual conferences.
Faculty: Kazim Ali, Chris Feliciano Arnold, Victoria Chang, Alex Espinoza, Lynn Freed, Molly Giles, Carmen Giménez, Robert Hass, Brenda Hillman, Vanessa Hua, Dana Johnson, Michelle Latiolais, Maceo Montoya, Keenan Norris, Sharon Olds, Peter Orner, Kirstin Valdez Quade, Margaret Wilkerson Sexton, Evie Shockley, Amy Tan
Genres Offered: Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Poetry
Contact: https://communityofwriters.org/contact/
Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference

FEBRUARY 18—20, 2021
TEMPE, AZ
Featuring over 25 award-winning writers, editors, agents, educators, and other internationally recognized creative writing professionals, our faculty are here to do more than expand your skill set or open new ways of thinking about your work. They're here to share their experiences, answer questions, and spend time connecting with conference attendees.
Faculty: Sally Ball, Matt Bell, Sherwin Bitsui, Ingrid Rojas Contreras, Vanessa Hua, Alberto Álvaro Ríos, Solmaz Sharif
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Eckerd College Writers’ Conference: Writers in Paradise

Eckerd College Writers’ Conference:
Writers in Paradise

JANUARY 14—21, 2023
ST. PETERSBURG, FL
Located on the beautiful waterfront campus of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, this writers’ conference features professional writers at the top of their form spending quality time with motivated and talented participants seeking an intimate, unhurried climate for learning . . . in paradise.
Faculty: Anjanette Delgado, Ann Hood, Andre Dubus III, Major Jackson, Michael Koryta, Laura Lippman, Stewart O’Nan, Les Standiford, Sterling Watson
Genres Offered: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Contact: Marina Pruna @email
Flathead River Writers’ Conference

Flathead River Writers’ Conference

SEPTEMBER 19—20, 2020
KALISPELL, MT
The Annual Flathead River Writers’ Conference is a nationally acclaimed two-day event giving members and guests the opportunity to learn from and mingle with published authors, agents, editors, and publishers from all over the country.
Faculty (previous): Susan Adrian, Christine Carbo, Kathy Dunnehoff, Larry Martin, Jess Owen, Kate Testerman, Cindy Uh
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Screenwriting
Contact: http://www.authorsoftheflathead.org
Haiku North America

Haiku North America

JUNE 28—JULY 2, 2023
CINCINNATI, OH
Haiku North America (HNA) is a biennial conference in celebration of haiku poetry. Every two years we offer five stimulating days of papers, panels, workshops, readings, performances, book sales, cultural outings, and much socialization with fellow poets, translators, scholars, editors, and publishers. Everyone is welcome to attend HNA, the largest and oldest gathering of haiku poets in the United States and Canada.
Faculty (previous): Garry Gay, Deborah P. Kolodji, Paul Miller, Michael Dylan Welch
Genres Offered: Poetry
Contact: http://www.haikunorthamerica.com/contact-us.html
Iceland Writers Retreat

Iceland Writers Retreat

APRIL 26—30, 2023
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Join us for a series of workshops and panels led by an esteemed team of international writers. Between intimate workshops and lectures, we’ll offer the chance to tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in the cozy cafés of Reykjavík, soak in geothermal hot springs, listen to new Icelandic music, meet contemporary Icelandic writers, and learn about the country’s rich literary tradition.
Faculty: Chloe Aridjis, Oyinkan Braithwaite, Carol Leonnig, Claire Messud, Omar Mouallem, Helen Oyeyemi, Danny Ramadan, Kiley Reid, Amanda Smyth, Rúnar Helgi Vignisson, James Wood
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Jackson Hole Writers Conference

Jackson Hole Writers Conference

JUNE 22—24, 2023
JACKSON HOLE, WY
Jackson Hole Writers Conference’s intimate size means writers meet each other and the faculty, share ideas along with a glass of beer or wine, and make new contacts in a workshop.
Faculty: Deborah Atkinson, Broughton Coburn, Matt Daly, Dave Eggers, Jonathan Evison, Kali Fajardo-Anstine, Candace Fleming, Kevin Grange, Shawn Klomparens, Laurie Kutchins, Lise McClendon, Kate Northrop, Robert Righter, Eric Rohmann, Amy Kathleen Ryan, Jeremy Schmidt, Scott Schumaker, Patti Sherlock, Nanci Turner Steveson, Chris La Tray, Eugene Yelchin
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: Anne Marie Wells @email
James River Writers

James River Writers

OCTOBER 10—11, 2020
RICHMOND, VA
Since 2003, the James River Writers Conference has attracted award-winning authors and highly regarded editors and agents from around the country to share their wisdom about the craft and business of writing and publishing.
Faculty (previous): Cherise Fisher, Amy Gary, Sadeqa Johnson, Beth Macy, Booker T. Mattison, Margot Lee Shetterly
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: https://jamesriverwriters.org/contact/
Kauai Writers Conference

Kauai Writers Conference

NOVEMBER 12—14, 2021
LIHUE, HI
The Kauai Writers Conference offers keynote talks by distinguished authors, one-on-one workshops led by literary agents, editors, and other publishing experts, and intensive master classes to inspire writers of fiction, narrative nonfiction, memoir, screenplays, and poetry, and help all conference participants find their path to publication.
Faculty: Adrienne Brodeur, Nicholas Delbanco, Lauren Groff, Charles Johnson, Christina Baker Kline, Joshua Mohr, Téa Obreht, Richard Russo, Helen Simonson, Scott Turow, Luis Alberto Urrea, Meg Wolitzer
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, Screenwriting, Poetry
Contact: @email
Kentucky Women Writers Conference

Kentucky Women Writers Conference

SEPTEMBER 9—12, 2021
LEXINGTON, KY
The Kentucky Women Writers Conference is the longest-running literary festival of women in the nation. An annual event launched by the University of Kentucky in 1979, it has become a premier destination for the celebration of women’s arts and letters.
Faculty (previous): Chantel Acevedo, Jane Alison, Ifa Bayeza, Franny Choi, DaMaris Hill, Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman, Barbara Hurd, Dorianne Laux, Lydia Millet, Ellen Birkett Morris, Antonya Nelson, Savannah Sipple, Alice Speilburg, Ashlee Clark Thompson, Margaret Verble
Genres Offered: Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Playwriting
Contact: Julie Wrinn @email
Key West Literary Seminar and Writers’ Workshop Program

Key West Literary Seminar
and Writers’ Workshop Program

JANUARY 12—15, 2023
KEY WEST, FL
Each year, the Key West Literary Seminar explores a particular literary theme. In 2020, for the first time, we’ll look at writing about sports. For “Reading Between the Lines: Sports and Literature,” we focus on literature that gets at the heart of why sports matter so much to so many, and explores the roles sports play in momentous social issues, personal transformation, and cultural change.
Faculty: Jabari Asim, Jericho Brown, Joy Castro, S. A. Cosby, Sika Dagbovie-Mullins, Peter Ho Davies, Tananarive Due, Cornelius Eady, Ashley C. Ford, Regis M. Fox, Kellye Garrett, Megan Giddings, Annette Gordon-Reed, Nadege Green, Kerri Greenidge, Tyehimba Jess, Tayari Jones, Marjan Kamali, Victor LaValle, Dantiel W. Moniz, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Deesha Philyaw, Darryl Pinckney, Emily Raboteau, Roxana Robinson, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Luis Alberto Urrea, Laura Warrell, Jacqueline Woodson, Kevin Young
Genres Offered: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Playwriting, Screenwriting
Contact: https://www.kwls.org/contact/
Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference

Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference

AUGUST 17—20, 2023
NASHVILLE, TN
At the conference, we try diligently to ensure that the weekend has something for every writer and lover of literature, and our sessions are structured to assist writers on multiple career levels. Our learning tracks tackle the craft of writing, business of writing, marketing, and forensics.
Faculty (previous): Steven Hutson, Jaden Terrell, Elysse Wagner
Genres Offered: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Live Storytelling
Contact: https://www.killernashville.com/contact-us
Las Vegas Writers’ Conference

Las Vegas Writers’ Conference

APRIL 13—15, 2023
LAS VEGAS, NV
Throughout the weekend, you will be able to meet and socialize with our faculty, pitch to agents and publishers, and learn from experts in fields connected to writing and publishing.
Faculty: David Alexanian, Marilyn Atlas, Jami Carpenter, Michael Carr, Saphira Cheuk, Amy Collins, Maria Dismondy, April Eberhardt, Paul Levine, Oksana Marafioti, Keri-Rae Rarnum, Katherine Sands, Amanda Skenendore, Bruce Wawrznial, Maer Wilson
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Liberty States Fiction Writers’ Conference

Liberty States Fiction Writers’ Conference

APRIL 1, 2023
CLARK, NJ
A multigenre organization, the Liberty States Fiction Writers is dedicated to the education and support of all fiction writers. We provide workshops, networking events, and promotional opportunities to aid both published and yet-to-be published writers.
Faculty: Samantha Egli, K.M. Fawcett, Jon Gibbs, Elle Hartford, Erik Heller, Carol Van Den Hende, Lori Perkins, Caridad Pineiro
Genres Offered: Fiction
Contact: https://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/contact/
Listowel Writers’ Week

Listowel Writers’ Week

MAY 31—JUNE 4, 2023
LISTOWEL, IRELAND
Listowel Writers’ Week is an internationally acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel County Kerry.
Faculty (previous): Joanna Briscoe, June Caldwell, Elizabeth Day, Eilís Ní Dhuibhne, Tishani Doshi, Carol Drinkwater, Neil Hegarty, Liz Nugent, Lemn Sissay, Richard Skinner, Kit De Waal, Sarah Webb
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Longleaf Writers Conference

Longleaf Writers Conference

MAY 13—20, 2023
SEASIDE, FL
The Longleaf Writers Conference is an annual gathering of creative writers from all over the nation, featuring award-winning writers in poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, who will offer a full week of intensive writing workshops, one-day seminars, school outreach programs, and social events.
Faculty: Matt Bondurant, Kwame Dawes, Alex Glass, Derrick Harriell, Erika Krouse, Rebecca Makkai, January Gill O’Neil, Wendy Rawlings, Michael Farris Smith, Seth Brady Tucker, Jade Wong-Baxter
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Flash Fiction/Poetry
Contact: @email
The Muse & the Marketplace

The Muse & the Marketplace

APRIL 21—25, 2021
BOSTON, MA (ONLINE)
All writers need insightful readers, inspiration, support, and honest feedback. That’s what GrubStreet provides, in a supportive and thriving community. Beyond the Muse and the Marketplace conference, we offer over five hundred classes and events a year for writers of all genres and ambitions—from first-time poets or fledgling memoirists to MFA graduates and published novelists.
Faculty: Alexander Chee, Alex Espinoza, Melissa Febos, Vievee Francis, Reyna Grande, Jennifer De Leon, Rebecca Makkai, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Nina McConigley, David Mura, Matthew Olzmann, Jess Row
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Napa Valley Writers’ Conference

Napa Valley Writers’ Conference

JULY 30—AUGUST 4, 2023
ST. HELENA, CA
Since 1981, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference has provided literary fellowship and a craft-focused experience among the foothills and vineyards that have made this region famous.
Faculty: Kevin Brockmeier, Lan Samantha Chang, Jane Hirshfield, Michelle Huneven, Major Jackson, Dana Levin, ZZ Packer, Patricia Smith
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Translation
Contact: @email
Nebraska Writers Guild Annual Writers’ Conference

Nebraska Writers Guild Annual Conference

APRIL 20—22, 2023
OMAHA, NE
Nebraska Writers Guild’s Annual Conference includes a writing retreat, breakout classes, socializing with fellow writerws, and a Saturday keynote.
Faculty: Shelly Brown
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction
Contact: Wayne Anson: @email Brook Brouillette: @email
New York Pitch Conference

New York Pitch Conference

MARCH 16—19, 2023
NEW YORK, NY (IN PERSON & ONLINE)
The New York Pitch Conference and writers’ workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, HarperCollins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books, and many more that are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative nonfiction.
Faculty: Marisa Corvisiero, Amara Hoshijo, Hadley Ramsay, Katharine Sands
Genres Offered: Fiction, Upmarket, Crime, Chick Lit, Nonfiction, Young Adult
Contact: @email
Nonfiction Writers Conference

Nonfiction Writers Conference

MAY 10—12, 2023
ONLINE
Since our inception in 2010, our goal has always been to take the traditional writers’ conference experience and deliver it online. And year after year, we have a high percentage of repeat attendees—many who weren’t initially sure they’d like the online format but ultimately discovered that they appreciated the convenience of attending from home and on their own terms, without the time and expense involved in traveling.
Faculty (previous): Judith Briles, Bailey Davis, Stacy Ennis, Katherine Miller Goldman, Tai Goodwin, Jeff Kleinman, Michael Port
Genres Offered: Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Northern Colorado Writers Conference

Northern Colorado Writers Conference

MAY 25—27, 2023
FORT COLLINS, CO (IN PERSON & ONLINE)
As always, we’re bringing you a stellar faculty with expertise in craft, process, business, marketing and more. We’re also expanding our schedule by half a day to bring you 4-hour master classes in addition to two full days of sessions and workshops that will get your creative juices flowing.
Faculty: Reyna Grande
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Screenwriting
Contact: @email
Ottowa International Writers Festival

Ottowa International Writers Festival

APRIL 30—MAY 5, 2020
OTTOWA, CANADA
The imagination is our most valuable renewable resource. So twice a year we convene an international celebration of ideas to recharge our imaginations. From politics to poetry, science to music, history to thrillers, we celebrate the full diversity of the word and the gifted writers who guide us in our exploration of the world.
Faculty (previous): Amitav Ghosh, Justin Trudeau, Matthew Zapruder
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Ozark Creative Writers Conference

Ozark Creative Writers Conference

OCTOBER 12—14, 2023
EUREKA SPRINGS, AR
Workshops by published authors, editors, and agents; Publishers Row, independent publishers available to hear about your next project; writing contests available to all participants; something for everyone from the widely published professional to the aspiring writer!
Faculty (previous): William Bernhardt, Lara Bernhardt, Johnny D. Boggs, Parris Afton Bonds, Velda Brotherton, Angela Drake, Micki Fuhrman, Mary Jo Huff, Max McCoy, Ruth Weeks, Clarissa Willis
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Pacific University Residency Writers Conference

Pacific University Residency Writers Conference

JANUARY 5—15, 2023, JUNE 15—25, 2023
SEASIDE AND FOREST GROVE, OR
Writers seeking to deepen their craft and expand their professional community are invited to attend the Residency Writers Conference, together with MFA students, faculty, and guest speakers. Join us for ten full days of craft talks, workshops, panels, classes, readings, and more featuring some of the best minds of the literary world. This residency is a rare opportunity to engage in sustained and meaningful conversation with others who share your passion for the art of writing.
Faculty: Chris Abani, Ellen Bass, Sanjiv Bhattacharya, Eduardo C. Corral, Claire Davis, Kwame Dawes, Claire Dederer, Jack Driscoll, Vievee Francis, Pete Fromm, Pete Fromm, Frank X. Gaspar, Molly Gloss, Debra Gwartney, Laura Hendrie, Tyehimba Jess, Cate Kennedy, E. J. Koh, Scott Korb, Stephen Kuusisto, Valerie Laken, Danusha Laméris, Dorianne Laux, David Long, David Long, Mike Magnuson, Shara McCallum, John McNally, Joseph Millar, Mahtem Shiferraw, Mary Helen Stefaniak, Meera Subramanian, Willy Vlautin, Kellie Wells, De’Shawn Charles Winslow
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Palm Beach Poetry Festival

Palm Beach Poetry Festival

JANUARY 16—23, 2023
DELRAY BEACH, FL
Our goal is to provide nationally recognized learning opportunities for writers of poetry and a world-class, life-enriching series of cultural events for our audiences. As a Florida nonprofit corporation, part of our mission is to organize educational outreach programs that bring the pleasures of poetry to our community.
Faculty: Kim Addonizio, Lorna Knowles Blake, Sally Bliumis-Dunn, Laure-Anne Bosselaar, Nickole Brown, Kwame Dawes, Chard deNiord, Yona Harvey, Yona Harvey, Yusef Komunyakaa, John Murillo, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Matthew Olzmann, Diane Seuss, Angela Narciso Torres
Genres Offered: Poetry
Contact: Susan R. Williamson @email
Pikes Peak Writers Conference

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

APRIL 27—30, 2023
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Pikes Peak Writers are people who write. Join us to improve your craft, learn about the business of writing, connect with other writers, share successes and failures, and grow as a writer.
Faculty: Dave Chesson, Robert Crais, Siera London, Barbara O'Neal
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Poetry and Prose Getaway

Poetry and Prose Getaway

JANUARY 13—16, 2023
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
Advance your craft and energize your writing at the Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway, a writers’ conference that just celebrated its 25th anniversary. Join us at the historic Seaview Hotel near Atlantic City. Enjoy challenging and supportive workshops, insightful feedback and an encouraging community. Choose from workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir and more.
Faculty: Cynthia Arrieu-King, Cynthia Arrieu-King, Marina Budhos, Roberta Clipper, John Cotter, R.G. Evans, Roberto Carlos Garcia, Lois Marie Harrod, Anndee Hochman, Mike Ingram, Shawn R. Jones, Jade Jones, Davon Loeb, Peter E. Murphy, Nancy Reddy, Christine E. Salvatore, J. C. Todd
Genres Offered: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Playwriting, Screenwriting, Children's Literature
Contact: @email
Poets on the Coast

Poets on the Coast

SEPTEMBER 8—10, 2023
LA CONNER, WA
This retreat has been designed for women writers of all levels, from beginning poets to well published ones. Sessions on creativity, generating work, publication, a master class workshop, and one-on-one mentoring are included, as well as morning yoga. 
 
Faculty: Jessica GIgot, Susan Rich, Jane Wong
Genres Offered: Poetry
Contact: Susan Rich and Kelli Russell Agodon @email
The Power of Narrative Conference

The Power of Narrative Conference

MARCH 17—18, 2023
BOSTON, MA
The Power of Narrative Conference has convened in several places under several names since its founding at Boston University in 1998. Our mission remains constant as storytelling journalism goes digital: helping narrative journalists to strengthen their craft skills, puzzle out the complex ethics of intimate journalism, and impart the down-to-earth humanity that is the genre’s strength.
Faculty: Chris Benderev, Mike Chinoy, Seyward Darby, Mary Jane Doherty, Deborah Douglas, Jessica DuLong, Geoff Edgers, Meghan Irons, Mark Kramer, Amy Dockser Marcus, Kelly McEvers, Amber Payne, Jennifer Senior, Brian Stelter, Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Patricia Wen
Genres Offered: Journalism, Nonfiction
Contact: Sarah Kess @email
San Miguel Writers’ Conference

San Miguel Writers’ Conference

FEBRUARY 13—MARCH 17, 2023
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO (IN PERSON & ONLINE)
As the largest and most prestigious cocultural, bilingual literary gathering in the Americas, each February the San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival attracts distinguished authors, established and emerging writers, industry experts, teaching professionals, and avid readers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
Faculty: Merridith Allen, Meg Eden, Anna Knutson Geller, Anna Knutson Geller, Amy Gottlieb, Laurie Gough, Judyth Hill, Elizabeth Kracht, Elizabeth Kracht, Kathrin Lake, David Robbins, Mark Saunders, Diana Spechler, Danielle Trussoni, Audrey Wick, Laura Juliet Wood
Genres Offered: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Live Storytelling
Contact: www.sanmiguelwritersconference.org/contact/
Sewanee Writers' Conference

Sewanee Writers' Conference

JULY 19—31, 2022
SEWANEE, TN
Workshop sessions combine lectures and informal exchanges in a group meeting with the aim of encouraging members to discuss their work and the craft of writing. Each participant is assigned to a workshop led by two faculty members. Workshops meet five times, on alternating days, to form the core of the 12-day program.
Faculty (previous): Chris Bachelder, Jamel Brinkley, Sarah Shun-lien Bynum, Alexander Chee, Tarfia Faizullah, Adrianne Harun, Vanessa Hua, Mark Jarman, Katie Kitamura, Amitava Kumar, Nate Marshall, Jill McCorkle, Claire Messud, Elena Passarello, Carl Phillips, Aisha Sabatini Sloan, A.E. Stallings, Jess Walter, Stephanie Powell Watts, Monica Youn
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Playwriting
Contact: @email
Sirenland Writers Conference

Sirenland Writers Conference

MARCH 26—APRIL 1, 2023
POSITANO, ITALY
Each day features intensive, small-group workshops with writers Dani Shapiro, Jess Walter, and Jim Shepard, private writing time, and talks about living the writer’s life. Evenings will include student and instructor readings, visits from guest writers, and fantastic meals overlooking the beauty of the Tirreno Sea.
Faculty: Susan Choi, Michael Maren, Dani Shapiro, Jim Shepard, Karen Shepard
Genres Offered: Fiction, Memoir
Contact: http://sirenland.net/contact/
Southampton Writers’ Conference

Southampton Writers’ Conference

JULY 6—10, 2022
SOUTHAMPTON, NY
Since 1976, writers have gathered every July in Southampton to take workshops with some of the country’s most distinguished authors of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. The Southampton Writers Conference, as it has long been known, began with just a few offerings but has gradually grown to include dozens of creative writing workshops and hundreds of participants.
Faculty: Melissa Bank, Melissa Bank, Melissa Bank, Lesa Cline-Ransome, Billy Collins, Dawn Lundy Martin, Dawn Lundy Martin, Beth Nguyen, Azareen Van Der Vliet Oloomi, Frederic Tuten, Padma Venkatraman
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Memoir, Generative, Children's Literature
Contact: @email
Southern California Writers’ Conference

Southern California Writers’ Conference

FEBRUARY 17—19, 2023
SAN DIEGO, CA
Founded and run by professional writers, the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration, having facilitated some $4 million worth of first-time authors’ book and screen deals.
Faculty: Amy Fisher, Scott McGaugh, Jeff Pollak, Barbara Pronin, Janis Thomas
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: Michael Steven Gregory @email
Surrey International Writers’ Conference

Surrey International Writers’ Conference

OCTOBER 20—22, 2023
SURREY, CANADA
The Surrey International Writers’ Conference is a workshop-based conference with a focus on development of skills and industry-based knowledge. Whether you are a beginning writer or widely published, this is the place to hone your skills, learn more about markets, and network future sales. SiWC runs annually the third weekend in October, Friday through Sunday.
Faculty (previous): Cathy Ace, Carleigh Baker, Nicole Blades, Elizabeth Boyle, Jason Brick, Dani Collins, Eileen Cook, Delilah S Dawson, Sonali Dev, Piper J. Drake, kc dyer, Hallie Ephron, Debbi Michiko Florence, Lee Edward Födi, Diana Gabaldon, Kevin Hearne, C.C Humphreys, Crystal Hunt, Susanna Kearsley, Rukhsana Khan, Mary Robinette Kowal, Doretta Lau, Owen Laukkanen, John Mavin, Denise Mina, Liza Palmer, Anne Perry, Cat Rambo, Renée Saklikar, Michael Slade, Monique Gray Smith, Sam Wiebe, Ian Williams, Jan Wong
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
The International Dublin Writers’ Festival

The International Dublin Writers’ Festival

SEPTEMBER 15—17, 2023
DUBLIN, IRELAND
This conference will help you to improve your writing craft, self-publish successfully, and plan the marketing necessary for any author to achieve success, whether traditionally published or self-published.
Faculty (previous): Christina M. Abt, Lauren Arrington, June Considine, Diarmuid Fitzgerald, Gerald M. Kilby, Dr. Nita Mishra, Alison Morton, Laurence O'Bryan, David Pearson, Heather Richardson, Tanja Slijepčević
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
The Port Townsend Writers Conference

The Port Townsend Writers Conference

JULY 16—22, 2023
PORT TOWNSEND, WA
The Port Townsend Writers’ Conference has been since 1974 at the wild heart of the thriving Pacific Northwest literary scene. With a focus on community and rigorous attention to craft, the conference offers morning workshops, afternoon workshops, residencies, guided freewrites, and a vibrant readings and lectures series presented by vital, contemporary writers.
Faculty: Kim Addonizio, Quenton Baker, Elizabeth Colen, Alice Derry, ​Melissa Febos, CMarie Fuhrman, Tess Gallagher, Jennifer Givhan, Derrick Harriell, Arna Bontemps Hemenway, Brandon Hobson, Ravi Howard, Sasha LaPointe, ​Sam Ligon, Sebastian Matthews, Rena Priest, Laura Read, Anastacia Reneé, Shawn Vestal, Kristen Millares Young
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: Jordan Hartt @email
Tin House Workshops

Tin House Summer & Winter Workshops

JULY 8—16, 2023, FEBRUARY 21—24, 2020
PORTLAND, OR (IN PERSON & ONLINE)
These weekend workshops combine the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast with a weekend immersed in all things literary. The program consists of morning workshops with no more than six writers per class, one-on-one meetings with faculty, afternoon craft discussions, and/or generative exercises. Evenings are reserved for conversations by the fire and coastal revelry.
Faculty (previous): Kristen Arnett, Gabrielle Bates, Elaine Castillo, Vanessa Chan, Sonali Chanchani, Cyrus Dunham, Jaquira Díaz, Melissa Febos, Megan Fernandes, Kelli Jo Ford, Hafizah Geter, Manuel Gonzales, Raquel Gutiérrez, Raquel Gutiérrez, Serene Hakim, Jamil Jan Kochai, E.J. Koh, Talia Lakshmi Kolluri, Sasha LaPointe, Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, Dantiel W. Moniz, A.E. Osworth, Nadia Owusu, Deesha Philyaw, Khadijah Queen, Matthew Salesses, Solmaz Sharif, Jake Skeets, Meredith Talusan, Morgan Thomas, Morgan Thomas, Jeanne Thornton, Paul Tran, Paul Tran, Alejandro Varela, Vanessa Angélica Villarreal, Dawnie Walton, Laura Warrell, Kent D. Wolf
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
Tinker Mountain Writers - Hollins University

Tinker Mountain Writers

JUNE 11—15, 2023
ROANOKE, VA
Since 2005, Tinker Mountain Writers has been nurturing and empowering a wide range of writers through workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. We gather some of the best teachers of writing, who work alongside you to hone your craft and take your work to the next level.
Faculty: Rachel Beanland, Amanda Cockrell, Dorothy Hassan, Fred Leebron, Rebecca Lindenberg, James McKean, Dan Mueller, The Middle Place, Laura Ruby
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Memoir
Contact: @email
University of North Dakota Writers' Conference

University of North Dakota Writers Conference

MARCH 23—25, 2023
GRAND FORKS, ND (IN PERSON & ONLINE)
Founded in 1970, the UND Writers Conference is free and open to the public. Past participants have included William H. Gass, Salman Rushdie, Truman Capote, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, N. Scott Momaday, and many, many others.
Faculty: Alejandro Varela, Morgan Talty
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Contact: Crystal Alberts @email
The Vancouver Writers Fest

The Vancouver Writers Fest

OCTOBER 17—23, 2022
VANCOUVER, CANADA
Our activities to achieve this include both year-round programming and our flagship, annual literary festival: one of the largest, and most prestigious, in North America, which brings tens of thousands of audience members to see events with local and international authors during one week in October.
Faculty (previous): Elif Batuman, Emma Donoghue, Adam Gopnik, Aleksandar Hemon, Deborah Landau, Lauren Markham, Chigozie Obioma
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: Zoe Grams @email
Writer’s Digest Conference

Writer’s Digest Conference

JULY 28—31, 2022
NEW YORK, NY
The Writer’s Digest Annual Conference offers everything you need to advance creatively and professionally as a writer—no matter what stage of your career you are at. And it’s all brought to you by Writer’s Digest, the experts at nurturing and developing new writers for more than ninety years.
Faculty: David Corbett, Tiffany D. Jackson, Marlon James, Beverly Jenkins, Sadeqa Johnson, Robert Jones Jr., Michael La Ronn, Susan Shapiro, Jeff Somers, Ralph Walker, Heather Webb
Genres Offered: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Contact: @email
The Writer’s Hotel

The Writer’s Hotel

MAY 24—30, 2023
NEW YORK, NY
The Writer’s Hotel “Mini MFA” is a one-of-a-kind conference. The Writer’s Hotel editors read and consult on each writer’s full length manuscript pre-conference, followed by a week-long conference in June. Workshops, lectures, and agent pitch sessions take place at three hotels in Midtown, NYC.
Faculty: Elyssa East, Jeff Ford, Elizabeth Hand, James Patrick Kelly, Shanna McNair, Lewis Robinson, Debra Spark, Scott Wolven
Genres Offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Contact: @email