Conferences are not only the best way to meet agents, get tips from other writers, and learn about the publishing industry, they make you feel like a writer. We all need community, and this is how we, as writers, get the necessary incentive to keep writing.
If you miss your perfect conference this year, you may be able to catch it next year. Many conferences are annual events. Planning ahead may also lower the cost, as quite a few conferences offer scholarships and discounts for early bird registrations. (Note: I include conferences that are sold out so you can plan ahead for next year!)
For a full list of conferences organized by month, as well as links for finding local conferences, see: Writing Conferences
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Mendocino Coast Writers Conference. August 3 - 5, 2017: Fort Bragg, California. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panels and workshops with editors and agents, craft lectures, readings, and discussion forums on publishing and marketing. Keynote Speaker: Michael Krasny. 2017 faculty include: Jody Gehrman, Michael Lukas, Kat Meads, Lewis Buzbee, John W. Evans, Shara McCallum and Lisa Locascio.
Cape Cod Writers Center Conference. August 3 - 6, 2017: Hyannis, Massachusetts. Workshops and craft classes in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as manuscript consultations and mentoring sessions with editors and agents. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: B.A. Shapiro; FACULTY: Lou Aronica; Michelle Clark; Ray Field; Danielle Legros Georges; Kate Klise; Leslie Fishlock; Richard Hoffman; Michelle Hoover; James M. Lang; Ron MacLean; Dale T. Phillips; Janice Pieroni; Marcella Pixley. + Agents.
Florida Authors and Publishers Association Annual Conference. August 4 - 5, 2017: Orlando, Florida. Professional development sessions designed to provide authors and publishers with up-to-date publishing resources. Faculty: Ava Doppelt, Shari Stauch, Tara R. Alemany, John Fleming, Brian Jud, and many more.
Confluence-SFF. August 4 - 6, 2017: Pittsburgh, PA. Located at the birthplace of the Ohio River, Confluence is Pittsburgh’s longest-running literary conference with a strong focus on science fiction, fantasy and horror. Award-winning authors, editors, artists and song-writers gather for three full days.
Willamette Writers Conference. August 4 - 6, 2017: Portland, Oregon. 100 workshops conducted by more than 50 seasoned pros in the areas of fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, manuscript editing, publishing, self-publishing and promotion, pitching, entering writing contests, research and business. Whether you write self-help books, historic fiction, blockbuster Hollywood screenplays, mysteries, romance, magazine articles, sci-fi, plays, children's books, humor, self publish or simply need help marketing yourself as a professional, you'll find helpful guidance and keen insights. Other conference features include advance manuscript critiques, filmlab, silent auction, awards banquet, and group and one-on-one pitch sessions with New York literary agents and editors and Hollywood film agents, managers, and producers.
Revision Retreat. August 5 – 9, 2017: Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Highlights Foundation. In this working retreat, Harold Underdown and editor Eileen Robinson will teach proven techniques for self-editing and revising and help writers try them out on their manuscripts. Mornings will be dedicated to revision techniques and afternoons to model critique groups, individual meetings, and writing time.
Catamaran Writing Conference. August 6 - 10, 2017, Pebble Beach, CA. The conference will be held on the campus of the Robert Louis Stevenson school, and attendees will meet in the elegant Stevenson classrooms, commons, theater, and chapel for workshops, lectures, and presentations. Also available are optional daily literary themed excursions, daily craft talks, nightly special guest readings, and student readings. Cost, including tuition, most meals, and lodging on the Robert Louis Stevenson School campus, is $1,250. Submit five poems totaling no more than 10 pages, or up to 10 pages of prose.
Vermont College of Fine Arts Postgraduate Writers’ Conference. August 7-13, 2017: Montpelier, Vermont. The conference is designed for writers with graduate degrees or equivalent experience. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, craft classes, and individual consultations with faculty members. "At the heart of the Postgraduate Writers' Conference's unique model is the small workshop size, with groups led by acclaimed faculty limited to five or six writers. The intimate format allows for an extraordinarily in-depth, far-reaching discussion of participants’ work. Beyond the daily group sessions, each member has an individual consultation with the workshop instructor. The schedule also features a rich menu of readings by faculty and participants, craft talks, generative writing sessions and social events that galvanize our vibrant, inclusive community."
Worldcon. August 9 - 13, 2017, Helsinki, Finland. This is a huge international scifi event. Each Worldcon selects a small number of Guests of Honor for the highest recognition that the event can grant, essentially a Hall of Fame for the science fiction and fantasy field. MidAmeriCon II chose to honor Kinuko Y. Craft, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Tamora Pierce, and Michael Swanwick.
The 2017 Writers' Police Academy. August 10–13, 2017: Green Bay, WI. The annual Writers’ Police Academy offers an exciting interactive and educational hands-on experience for writers to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and forensics.
Travel Writers & Photographers Conference. August 10–13, 2017: Corte Madera, Calif. Writing and photography workshops in the morning, a full afternoon of panels and discussions, and evening faculty presentations. There are optional, working field trips to explore the resources of the Bay Area. The faculty includes publishers, magazine editors, photographers, travel essayists, food writers, restauranteurs, guidebook writers, and more.
Santa Barbara Summer Poetry Workshop. August 12 - 13, 2017: Santa Barbara, CA. "Time will be spent on all aspects of the practice of poetry: crafting, writing exercises, discussion, publication advice and the art of reading your poems.This workshop is an opportunity for you to grow your poems with thoughtful attention from experienced poets who combine their approaches for you to hone your skills and go deeper into your own creative process."
Murphy Writing of Stockton University: Live Free and Write. August 13 - 19, 2017: Sunapee, NH. "Combine an extended writing retreat with a relaxing summer vacation in the picturesque mountains of New Hampshire. This getaway blends our trademark challenging and supportive workshop experience with plenty of free time for you to write and bask in the refreshing New England summer." 2017/2018 faculty includes Stephen Dunn, Sharon Olds, Gregory Pardlo, Barbara Hurd, Carol Plum-Ucci, James Richardson, Peter E. Murphy and more.
Whole Novel Workshop. August 13 - 19, 2017, Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Highlights Foundation. The Whole Novel Workshop is specifically designed for writers of middle-grade and young adult novels. This unique program offers the one-on-one attention found in degree programs, but without additional academic requirements, lengthy time commitments, or prohibitive financial investments. Our aim is to focus on a specific work in progress, moving a novel to the next level in preparation for submission to agents or publishers. Focused attention in an intimate setting makes this mentorship program one that guarantees significant progress. Waitlisted.
Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. August 16- 26, 2017: Ripton, VT. Workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are at the core of the conference. Each faculty member conducts a workshop that meets for five two-hour sessions over the course of the 10 days. Groups are kept small to facilitate discussion, and all participants meet individually with their faculty leaders to elaborate on workshop comments. Faculty members also offer lectures on issues around literary writing and one-hour classes on specific aspects of the craft. Readings by the faculty, conference participants, and guests take place throughout the day and into the night. Participants meet with visiting editors, literary agents, and publishers who provide information and answer questions, individually or in small groups. Applications are due by February 15, 2017. There is a $15 application fee.
Northwestern University Summer Writers’ Conference. August 17 - 19, 2017: Chicago, Illinois. "Join a community of writers at Northwestern University for a three-day institute on writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The program, which is now in its 13th year, includes a diverse array of workshops, panels, keynote speakers, networking events, and literary readings. Learn how to make dialogue pop with Juan Martinez, edit your writing with Rebecca Makkai, and follow the journey from a manuscript to a published book at a panel of publishers and editors. Hear a keynote from acclaimed author Stuart Dybek and enjoy a live performance by You’re Being Ridiculous. You can also schedule an individual manuscript consultation with conference faculty. Writers at all levels of experience are welcome, as are writers of all genres and backgrounds. Come seek a fuller understanding of the craft—and business—of writing."
Writer’s Digest Conference. August 18 - 20, 2017: New York City. Annual Writer's Digest Conference featuring: Pitch Slam, with more than fifty agents and editors in attendance, educational tracks devoted to publishing and self-publishing, platform and promotion, and the craft of writing, speakers and instructors.
Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. August 24 - 27, 2017: Nashville, TN. The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference was created in 2006 by author/filmmaker Clay Stafford in an effort to bring together forensic experts, writers, and fans of crime and thriller literature. "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. Killer Nashville features nine breakout sessions for intense smaller group interaction, an authors’ bar (free for hotel guests), a moonshine and wine tasting, free agent/editor roundtable pitch sessions, a mock crime scene designed by special agents and other law enforcement professionals, cocktail receptions, the Guest of Honor Dinner and Awards Banquet, film previews, live music performances and—of course—all the great activities one can enjoy in downtown Nashville."
A Retreat For Poets 2017. August 27 – August 31, 2017: Honesdale, PA. Sponsored by Highlights Foundation. Join Eileen Spinelli, author of When You Are Happy and numerous other poetry collections, for a poet’s retreat in the woods. You will begin each day with a short writing exercise, followed by hours of individual writing time. In the evenings, you will gather again to share work and discuss the craft of writing poetry. There will be time to talk about wordplay, word choice, writing process, and how to find ideas. Special guest Kathleen Hayes will offer a few points about how poetry fits into today’s marketplace. This retreat serves all poets, writing for any audience.
If you miss your perfect conference this year, you may be able to catch it next year. Many conferences are annual events. Planning ahead may also lower the cost, as quite a few conferences offer scholarships and discounts for early bird registrations. (Note: I include conferences that are sold out so you can plan ahead for next year!)
For a full list of conferences organized by month, as well as links for finding local conferences, see: Writing Conferences
________________________
Mendocino Coast Writers Conference. August 3 - 5, 2017: Fort Bragg, California. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panels and workshops with editors and agents, craft lectures, readings, and discussion forums on publishing and marketing. Keynote Speaker: Michael Krasny. 2017 faculty include: Jody Gehrman, Michael Lukas, Kat Meads, Lewis Buzbee, John W. Evans, Shara McCallum and Lisa Locascio.
Cape Cod Writers Center Conference. August 3 - 6, 2017: Hyannis, Massachusetts. Workshops and craft classes in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as manuscript consultations and mentoring sessions with editors and agents. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: B.A. Shapiro; FACULTY: Lou Aronica; Michelle Clark; Ray Field; Danielle Legros Georges; Kate Klise; Leslie Fishlock; Richard Hoffman; Michelle Hoover; James M. Lang; Ron MacLean; Dale T. Phillips; Janice Pieroni; Marcella Pixley. + Agents.
Florida Authors and Publishers Association Annual Conference. August 4 - 5, 2017: Orlando, Florida. Professional development sessions designed to provide authors and publishers with up-to-date publishing resources. Faculty: Ava Doppelt, Shari Stauch, Tara R. Alemany, John Fleming, Brian Jud, and many more.
Confluence-SFF. August 4 - 6, 2017: Pittsburgh, PA. Located at the birthplace of the Ohio River, Confluence is Pittsburgh’s longest-running literary conference with a strong focus on science fiction, fantasy and horror. Award-winning authors, editors, artists and song-writers gather for three full days.
Willamette Writers Conference. August 4 - 6, 2017: Portland, Oregon. 100 workshops conducted by more than 50 seasoned pros in the areas of fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, manuscript editing, publishing, self-publishing and promotion, pitching, entering writing contests, research and business. Whether you write self-help books, historic fiction, blockbuster Hollywood screenplays, mysteries, romance, magazine articles, sci-fi, plays, children's books, humor, self publish or simply need help marketing yourself as a professional, you'll find helpful guidance and keen insights. Other conference features include advance manuscript critiques, filmlab, silent auction, awards banquet, and group and one-on-one pitch sessions with New York literary agents and editors and Hollywood film agents, managers, and producers.
Revision Retreat. August 5 – 9, 2017: Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Highlights Foundation. In this working retreat, Harold Underdown and editor Eileen Robinson will teach proven techniques for self-editing and revising and help writers try them out on their manuscripts. Mornings will be dedicated to revision techniques and afternoons to model critique groups, individual meetings, and writing time.
Catamaran Writing Conference. August 6 - 10, 2017, Pebble Beach, CA. The conference will be held on the campus of the Robert Louis Stevenson school, and attendees will meet in the elegant Stevenson classrooms, commons, theater, and chapel for workshops, lectures, and presentations. Also available are optional daily literary themed excursions, daily craft talks, nightly special guest readings, and student readings. Cost, including tuition, most meals, and lodging on the Robert Louis Stevenson School campus, is $1,250. Submit five poems totaling no more than 10 pages, or up to 10 pages of prose.
Vermont College of Fine Arts Postgraduate Writers’ Conference. August 7-13, 2017: Montpelier, Vermont. The conference is designed for writers with graduate degrees or equivalent experience. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, craft classes, and individual consultations with faculty members. "At the heart of the Postgraduate Writers' Conference's unique model is the small workshop size, with groups led by acclaimed faculty limited to five or six writers. The intimate format allows for an extraordinarily in-depth, far-reaching discussion of participants’ work. Beyond the daily group sessions, each member has an individual consultation with the workshop instructor. The schedule also features a rich menu of readings by faculty and participants, craft talks, generative writing sessions and social events that galvanize our vibrant, inclusive community."
Worldcon. August 9 - 13, 2017, Helsinki, Finland. This is a huge international scifi event. Each Worldcon selects a small number of Guests of Honor for the highest recognition that the event can grant, essentially a Hall of Fame for the science fiction and fantasy field. MidAmeriCon II chose to honor Kinuko Y. Craft, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Tamora Pierce, and Michael Swanwick.
The 2017 Writers' Police Academy. August 10–13, 2017: Green Bay, WI. The annual Writers’ Police Academy offers an exciting interactive and educational hands-on experience for writers to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and forensics.
Travel Writers & Photographers Conference. August 10–13, 2017: Corte Madera, Calif. Writing and photography workshops in the morning, a full afternoon of panels and discussions, and evening faculty presentations. There are optional, working field trips to explore the resources of the Bay Area. The faculty includes publishers, magazine editors, photographers, travel essayists, food writers, restauranteurs, guidebook writers, and more.
Santa Barbara Summer Poetry Workshop. August 12 - 13, 2017: Santa Barbara, CA. "Time will be spent on all aspects of the practice of poetry: crafting, writing exercises, discussion, publication advice and the art of reading your poems.This workshop is an opportunity for you to grow your poems with thoughtful attention from experienced poets who combine their approaches for you to hone your skills and go deeper into your own creative process."
Murphy Writing of Stockton University: Live Free and Write. August 13 - 19, 2017: Sunapee, NH. "Combine an extended writing retreat with a relaxing summer vacation in the picturesque mountains of New Hampshire. This getaway blends our trademark challenging and supportive workshop experience with plenty of free time for you to write and bask in the refreshing New England summer." 2017/2018 faculty includes Stephen Dunn, Sharon Olds, Gregory Pardlo, Barbara Hurd, Carol Plum-Ucci, James Richardson, Peter E. Murphy and more.
Whole Novel Workshop. August 13 - 19, 2017, Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Highlights Foundation. The Whole Novel Workshop is specifically designed for writers of middle-grade and young adult novels. This unique program offers the one-on-one attention found in degree programs, but without additional academic requirements, lengthy time commitments, or prohibitive financial investments. Our aim is to focus on a specific work in progress, moving a novel to the next level in preparation for submission to agents or publishers. Focused attention in an intimate setting makes this mentorship program one that guarantees significant progress. Waitlisted.
Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. August 16- 26, 2017: Ripton, VT. Workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are at the core of the conference. Each faculty member conducts a workshop that meets for five two-hour sessions over the course of the 10 days. Groups are kept small to facilitate discussion, and all participants meet individually with their faculty leaders to elaborate on workshop comments. Faculty members also offer lectures on issues around literary writing and one-hour classes on specific aspects of the craft. Readings by the faculty, conference participants, and guests take place throughout the day and into the night. Participants meet with visiting editors, literary agents, and publishers who provide information and answer questions, individually or in small groups. Applications are due by February 15, 2017. There is a $15 application fee.
Northwestern University Summer Writers’ Conference. August 17 - 19, 2017: Chicago, Illinois. "Join a community of writers at Northwestern University for a three-day institute on writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The program, which is now in its 13th year, includes a diverse array of workshops, panels, keynote speakers, networking events, and literary readings. Learn how to make dialogue pop with Juan Martinez, edit your writing with Rebecca Makkai, and follow the journey from a manuscript to a published book at a panel of publishers and editors. Hear a keynote from acclaimed author Stuart Dybek and enjoy a live performance by You’re Being Ridiculous. You can also schedule an individual manuscript consultation with conference faculty. Writers at all levels of experience are welcome, as are writers of all genres and backgrounds. Come seek a fuller understanding of the craft—and business—of writing."
Writer’s Digest Conference. August 18 - 20, 2017: New York City. Annual Writer's Digest Conference featuring: Pitch Slam, with more than fifty agents and editors in attendance, educational tracks devoted to publishing and self-publishing, platform and promotion, and the craft of writing, speakers and instructors.
Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. August 24 - 27, 2017: Nashville, TN. The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference was created in 2006 by author/filmmaker Clay Stafford in an effort to bring together forensic experts, writers, and fans of crime and thriller literature. "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. Killer Nashville features nine breakout sessions for intense smaller group interaction, an authors’ bar (free for hotel guests), a moonshine and wine tasting, free agent/editor roundtable pitch sessions, a mock crime scene designed by special agents and other law enforcement professionals, cocktail receptions, the Guest of Honor Dinner and Awards Banquet, film previews, live music performances and—of course—all the great activities one can enjoy in downtown Nashville."
A Retreat For Poets 2017. August 27 – August 31, 2017: Honesdale, PA. Sponsored by Highlights Foundation. Join Eileen Spinelli, author of When You Are Happy and numerous other poetry collections, for a poet’s retreat in the woods. You will begin each day with a short writing exercise, followed by hours of individual writing time. In the evenings, you will gather again to share work and discuss the craft of writing poetry. There will be time to talk about wordplay, word choice, writing process, and how to find ideas. Special guest Kathleen Hayes will offer a few points about how poetry fits into today’s marketplace. This retreat serves all poets, writing for any audience.
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