23 Awesome Writing Conferences in April 2022

This April there are nearly two dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but some will be held in person as pandemic restrictions ease. Virtual events still offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions - there is something for everyone.

For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences. Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early.

(Image: Piqsels)

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WonderCon. April 1 - 3, 2022 Anaheim, CA. HUGE comic book convention. 

West Chester University Poetry Conference. April 6 - 10, 2022: West Chester, PA. The conference offers poetry workshops and features a keynote speaker, critical seminars, panel discussions, faculty readings, and an opportunity for participants to have conferences with workshop leaders and resident poets. Will be held online and in person.

Las Vegas Writer’s Conference April 7 – 9, 2022: Las Vegas, Nevada. Join writing professionals, agents publishers and marketing experts for a weekend of workshops and enlightening discussions about the publishing industry. A chance to pitch your manuscript and ideas to agents. Will be held online and in person.

Tennessee Mountain Writers Annual Conference. April 7 – 9, 2022: Oak Ridge, TN. Speakers and session leaders include Lisa Coffman, Pamela Duncan, Shawna Kay Rodenberg, and more! 

Chanticleer Authors Conference. April 7 - 10, 2022: Bellingham, Wash. Sessions with a special focus on the business of being a working writer on topics such as marketing, publicity, platform, sales tools & strategies, publishing, production, distribution, organization, storycraft, editing, and more. Will be held online and in person.

Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. April 8 - 11, 2022. The Colrain Manuscript Classic is a highly focused, 3-day conference designed for poets with manuscripts in progress–book-length or chapbook-length. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally-known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on the pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop and editor sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session. Will be held virtually.

Rally of Writers Conference. April 9, 2022: Lansing, Michigan. Michigan authors and educators in 15 breakout sessions and workshops on all aspects of writing, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, the Nuts & Bolts of manuscript submissions, and more. 

Norwescon. April 14 - 17, 2022: Sea Tac, WA. Norwescon is one of the largest regional Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions in the United States. 

The Monterey Writer Retreat in California. April 14 - 18, 2022: Monterey, CA. Participants in the Monterey Writer Retreat will work one-on-one with two of the best literary "closers" in the business: Gina Panettieri and Michael Neff combine 38 years of working with aspiring authors and ushering them to publication. They will be available for multiple private consultations from 9 AM to noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day of the retreat. Choice of sessions and focus will be up to each individual writer. Additionally, as circumstances permit, Gina and Michael will also join retreaters in their quest for superb dining and festivity opportunities in the Monterey and Carmel area.

Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0. April 18 - 24, 2022: Hood River, Oregon. "Writers of commercial fiction who wish to soar out of category, as well as literary novelists who want to learn how to make powerful story principles work for them, will find the Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0 an idea-packed and career enriching experience. 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. Breakout fundamentals are also covered: strong characters, inner conflict, personal stakes, plot layers, powerful scenes, micro-tension, practical theme techniques and much more."

Grub Street Muse and the Marketplace Conference. April 22 -  May 1, 2022, Boston, Massachusetts. The Muse and the Marketplace is a three-day literary conference designed to give aspiring writers a better understanding about the craft of writing fiction and non-fiction, to prepare them for the changing world of publishing and promotion, and to create opportunities for meaningful networking. On all three days, prominent and nationally-recognized established and emerging authors lead sessions on the craft of writing—the "muse" side of things—while editors, literary agents, publicists and other industry professionals lead sessions on the business side—the "marketplace." Will be held virtually and in person.

Writeaway in New Mexico. April 23 - 30, 2022: Casa Bellisima, New Mexico. $2,100 for private room; $1,650 each for friends or couple sharing a room Includes writing consultations and daily writing workshops, all meals, wine and cocktails, plus a cooking class and excursion. 

IBPA Publishing University. April 20 - 21, 2022 online, April 29- 30, 2022, Orlando, Florida. The Independent Book Publishers Association offers 30+ educational sessions including experiential learning labs, insightful keynotes, a gala book award ceremony, networking events, and more! Cost: $195-$475. 

Nebraska Writers Guild Annual Conference and Writing Retreat. April 21 - 23, 2022: Omaha, NE. Workshops, pitch sessions with an agent and writing sessions followed by evening keynote speakers.

Ozarks Writers League Conference. April 22 - 23, 2022: Branson, MO. The Ozarks Writers League is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting writing, literacy, photography, and art. Since 1983, OWL has welcomed individuals at all stages of their development. 

North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. April 23, 2022: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina. Features intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as publisher exhibits, on-site "lunch with an author" readings, and an open mic. Will be held online.

Poetry at Round Top Festival. April 23 - 24, 2022: Round Top, Texas. Past faculty includes Mark Doty, Allison Joseph, Alicia Ostriker, ire’ne lara silva, Mary Szybist, Edward Vidaurre, and Jenny Xie. The cost of the conference is $150 ($50 for students) or $75 for Saturday only. Workshops are an additional $40. Private manuscript consultations are available for an additional $70. 

Writing on the Door: "Memoir," with Paul Lisicky. April 25 - 29, 2022: Fish Creek, WI. "What does it mean to write creative nonfiction and memoir in 2022? How to write out of our personal urgency while also asking questions about community, survival, isolation, and power—all that is wrong with the world and all we’d like to make better? How does it feel to be alive right now? We’ll think about those questions, and more. alongside all the matters of craft: voice, structure, focus, aboutness, sonics, description, polarity, openings, closings. We’ll look at some excerpts of outside work, but your writing will be our primary text. There will be time for exercises. Along the way we’ll work hard, take care of each other, and make sure that joy and seriousness share the same space." Deadline: February 15.

Northern Colorado Writers Conference. April 28 -  April 30, 2022: Fort Collins, CO. Workshops, seminars, speakers, entertainment, agent roundtables, pitch sessions, networking with authors and industry professionals. Will be held online and in person.

Chicago-North RWA's Spring Fling. April 28 - 30, 2022: Oak Brook, IL. Three day Biennial writer's conference geared towards both aspiring and established writers of any genre but focused on romantic fiction. Bookseller/Blogger/Librarian event, Masterclass in Craft and Marketing, Closing Gala. 

The Pikes Peak Writers Conference. April 29 -  May 3, 2022: Colorado Springs, Colorado. "The three-day conference is full of topical, in-depth workshops, dynamic keynote speakers, opportunities for one-on-one time with agents and editors, the chance to read your work aloud for constructive critique, plus time to socialize with fellow writers. Will be held online and in person.

Write Now!  April 30, 2022, Raleigh, NC. One day writing conference hosted by Triangle Association of Freelancers. Sessions include screenwriting, financial tips for writers, pillars of freelance success, copyediting, trade pubs, column writing, publishing tips and more. Cost: $89; $75 for students with ID, seniors 65+ and retired/active duty military; $109 at the door. 

Northeast Texas Writers Organization. April 30, 2022, Jefferson, TX. One-day bootcamp. 

24 Marvelous Writing Conferences in March 2022

Writing conferences usually start to pick up in March. Like last year, many conferences and workshops will be held online, but some will be held in person as pandemic restrictions ease. Virtual events still offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions - there is something for everyone.

For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences. During the pandemic most of these are being held virtually at reduced rates. Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early.

Image: Briton Rivière: Una and the Lion, Wikimedia Commons

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Keep Writing Virtual Nonfiction Writers Conference. MAR/APRIL 2022 (5 weeks) meeting Wednesdays from 2 to 4PM EST. "Are you a nonfiction writer working on a memoir? For 5 weeks this spring just 6-8 writers will gather via ZOOM -- at each workshop two writers will workshop 10 to 16 pages of a work of creative nonfiction/memoir. The sessions include discussions on the business of being a writer i.e. publishing, legal issues, agents and self promotion. The Kaz Conference was founded by award winning author Donna Kaz (UN/MASKED, Memoirs of a Guerrilla Girl) and is committed to diversity. Our conference faculty, mentors and cohorts reflect an all-encompassing and equal world and our goal is to challenge, inspire and foster a writers community that continues beyond the workshop because the stories we tell become the world we live in. In this workshop you will discover what is working in your pages, where your readers have questions, and what your peers want to see more of. These responses will spark fresh ideas about how you can strengthen your story and inspire you to return to your desk to complete and publish your work. Virtual workshop tuition: $375 for 5 weeks - includes at least two reviews of your writing samples from Donna Kaz and your cohort." Will be held online. Apply by February 2, 2022.

The Furious Flower Poetry Center Collegiate Summit. March 3 - 4, 2022. Harrisonburg, VA. Open to undergraduate and graduate students from any college or university program, this three-day summit invites participants to explore how poetry reaches across geographical borders and beyond conventional literary and ideological boundaries. This year's summit attendees will explore the theme of “Power, Presence, and Performance” through workshops, panels, and discussions that examine ways of engaging audiences and maximizing the reach and impact of their words. The registration is free. 

Atlanta Writing Workshop, March 4 - 5, 2022, Atlanta, GA. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome." Will be held virtually.

California Creative Writers Conference. March 4 - 6, 2022: Los Angeles, CA.  Educational and inspirational guidance from more than 40 literary agents, veteran educators, industry professionals, professional editors, and publishers in the craft and business of writing fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting taught by Hollywood veterans. Over three days, you can learn how to take your writing to the next level and what it takes get published. 

Futurescapes. March 4 - 6, 2022: Salt Lake City, Utah. Futurescapes Workshop of Utah Valley University, is an intensive, exclusive workshop, offering writers an unparalleled chance to work with top authors and agents in speculative fiction (science fiction, horror, fantasy, paranormal). Each participant will work with three workshop faculty mentors on the first 3,000 words of their manuscript, while receiving substantive feedback on the overall structure of their work in progress and query letters. Will be held virtually.

Bay to Ocean Writers Conference. March 5, 2022: Wye Mills, Maryland. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association. "Featuring eight tracks and over 30 sessions sure to fit all your writing needs, this year’s Bay to Ocean Writers Conference celebrates a quarter of a century of helping writers develop their craft, edit, publish, and market their writing.  This year’s sessions, all 90-minutes in length, are carefully designed to help you generate solid writing, hone your craft, and ask pointed questions from published and award-winning presenters about the process."

Redrock Creative Writing Seminar. March 5, 2022: St. George, Utah. Classes and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes Lola Haskins, Tim Keller, and Denis Feehan.

Get Away to Write. March 8 - 13, 2022: New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Spend an inspiring week working on your memoir or poetry. Enjoy plentiful writing time, insightful feedback, homemade meals and time to relax. ach workshop will offer craft discussion, writing prompts, writing time, feedback, motivation and inspiration. By spending the entire week in one workshop, you will venture deeper into your writing, making more progress than you thought possible.

Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference. March 10 - 13 (online, Zoom) March 17 - 20, 2022: NY, NY. "The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals. More importantly though, it is also a diagnostic method for workshopping the plot, premise, and other elements of the story to determine quality and marketability. Simply put, you cannot successfully pitch a viable commercial novel if you don't have a viable commercial novel. Our goal, therefore, is to set you on a realistic path to publication." Will be held online and in person.

Ossabaw Weekend Writer’s Retreat. March 11 - 16,  2022: Ossabaw Island, GA. Workshops and seminars led by nationally recognized faculty, and evening readings (special emphasis on ghost stories) by faculty and participants. Application deadline: January 15.

Virginia Festival of the Book, March 16 - 20, 2022. "The Festival is the largest community-based book event in the Mid-Atlantic region and has attracted audiences of more than 20,000 for each of the past thirteen years. We have presented a captivating list of authors, ranging from international bestsellers to topical specialists to debut authors." Book exhibits, talks by authors, readings, workshops on book promotion, finding an agent, poetry, publishing, agents roundtable - you name it, this conference has it. Will be held virtually.

Writing Nature: Writing, Health, and Justice March 18 - 19, 2022: Bethlehem, PA. sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Engaged Humanities Consortium’s Writers’ Community and the Moravian College Writers’ Conference.  Keynote speaker: Porochista Khakpour. Plus additional workshops and a writers’ roundtable featuring area writers on Friday, March 27. FREE

Writing on the Door: Young Writers Conference. March 18-19, 2022: Sturgeon Bay, WI. "This conference, taking place at Sturgeon Bay High School in Sturgeon Bay, WI, is for middle school and high school students who want to explore options for becoming a writer. Sessions will include poetry, fiction, journalism, song writing, plays, and writing for games/digital media. The conference will consist of three keynote presentations with Wisconsin Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton, internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Cathy Grier, and award-winning children’s author John Coy. Between keynotes, students will have the opportunity to work with established writers in small, interactive groups on a variety of subjects."

Power of Narrative. March 19- 19, 2022: Boston, MA. Over 30 journalists, directors, producers and editors lead three days of lively discussions geared to advance the knowledge of narrative storytellers. Approximately 500 persons attend. Early registration is encouraged. Will be held online and in person.

Writing By Writers Boulder Generative Workshop. March 18 - 20, 2022: Boulder, Colorado. Lectures, craft talks, writing exercises and class discussions. Each participant will have the opportunity to work in a small group setting with all three faculty members.

Authors' Salon at Clockwork Alchemy. March 18 - 20, 2022: Burlingame, California. Clockwork Alchemy is the San Francisco area's own steampunk convention. Originally a part of FanimeCon, Clockwork Alchemy is now its own independent event celebrating music, makers, dancing, writing, crafting, fashion, and fun related to steampunk!

Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference. March 23 - 26, 2022: Philadelphia, PA. "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. The 2016 conference featured over 2,000 presenters and 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures. The bookfair hosted over 800 presses, journals, and literary organizations from around the world. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America." Will be held virtually and in person.

Algonkian Novel Retreat, Sterling. Virginia, March 23 - 27, 2022. "In keeping with the spirit of this place and the goals of this retreat, you can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review of your short stories or flash fiction? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?" Registration is first come, first served.

University of North Dakota Writers Conference. March 24 - 26, 2022: Grand Forks, North Dakota. Founded in 1970 and held every year since, the UND Writers Conference is a three day event featuring six to eight authors annually. Authors ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks and August Wilson to Tommy Orange and Colson Whitehead, the UND Writers Conference is committed to community outreach, engagement, and finding ways to increase audience access to literature. The conference is free, but workshop space is limited to twenty participants; registration is first come, first served. Will be held online and in person.

Write Stuff Writers Conference. March 24 - 26, 2022: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 20 workshops, Agent./Editor pitch sessions, marketing consults plus lunch and Keynote address, Book Fair, Flash Literature Writing Contest, Door Prizes. Featuring Juilene McKnight. Will be held virtually.

Meet the Publishers! March 26, 2022: Tulsa, OK. Meet different publishers, traditional to self-published, magazines, newspapers, etc. Learn what they are looking for and how the industry is changing. FREE.

Beall Poetry Festival. March 30 - April 1, 2022, Waco, TX. The festival features readings, panel discussions, and the Virginia Beall Ball Lecture on Contemporary Poetry. Participating poets include Todd Hearon, Vievee Francis, Ilya Kaminsky, Chad Bennett, and a Poetry Panel. All events are free and open to the public.

2022 National Black Writers Conference. March 30 - April 2, 2022, Brooklyn, NY. This year’s theme is The Beautiful Struggle: Black Writers Lighting the Way. "Conference participants will examine the ways that texts by Black writers document struggle and persistence and light the ways for overcoming obstacles and surviving in a racially constructed society. The 16th National Black Writers Conference will be a virtual public gathering of writers, readers, scholars, literary professionals, students in the United States and from a larger international community of artists and literature lovers. As a four-day online event, NBWC2022 will feature panel discussions, readings, and much more. The Conference aims to broaden the public’s appreciation of Black literature and Black life."

Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference. March 31 - April 2, 2022: Weber State University, Ogden, UT. "Each year, nearly 200 undergraduate writers and poets throughout North America, and sometimes beyond, come to Weber State University to present their work and learn from some of the most important writers in contemporary literature." 

8 Fabulous Writing Conferences in February 2022

February is a short, dark month, but you can liven it up with writing workshops and conferences. This February there are eight writing conferences and workshops covering every aspect of writing, from poetry, to memoir, to how to get published. There is something for everyone.

For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences. During the pandemic most of these are being held virtually at reduced rates. 

Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early.

(Image: Max Pixel)

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Keep Writing Virtual Nonfiction Writers Conference. MAR/APRIL 2022 (5 weeks) meeting Wednesdays from 2 to 4PM EST. "Are you a nonfiction writer working on a memoir? For 5 weeks this spring just 6-8 writers will gather via ZOOM -- at each workshop two writers will workshop 10 to 16 pages of a work of creative nonfiction/memoir. The sessions include discussions on the business of being a writer i.e. publishing, legal issues, agents and self promotion. The Kaz Conference was founded by award winning author Donna Kaz (UN/MASKED, Memoirs of a Guerrilla Girl) and is committed to diversity. Our conference faculty, mentors and cohorts reflect an all-encompassing and equal world and our goal is to challenge, inspire and foster a writers community that continues beyond the workshop because the stories we tell become the world we live in. In this workshop you will discover what is working in your pages, where your readers have questions, and what your peers want to see more of. These responses will spark fresh ideas about how you can strengthen your story and inspire you to return to your desk to complete and publish your work. Virtual workshop tuition: $375 for 5 weeks - includes at least two reviews of your writing samples from Donna Kaz and your cohort." Will be held online. Apply by February 2, 2022.

Michigan Writers Conference, February 4 - 5, 2022: Detroit, MI. This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. Will be held virtually.

Getting Started with Memoir. February 16 – Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Each Wednesday, 7:00-9:00pm EST/EDT. "Everybody has a story to tell. It does not need to be earth-shattering to be compelling; it just needs to be well written. We will start with a “snapshot” of memory—a recalled taste, sound, texture or smell—and learn to make it rich with sensory details, well-chosen words and a clear point of view. We will examine memoir excerpts to discuss how these authors create dialogue, move around in time or capture a sense of place. You will write in response to prompts that guide you to tap into your memories, experiences and ideas, practice new storytelling techniques and learn how fictional tools help the memoir writer. As we share our developing stories, we will also discuss how to expand them into publishable pieces." Led by Constance Adler. Limited to 12 participants. Cost: $350-$450. Will be held virtually.

Extending the Document: An Online Poetry Workshop. Thursday, February 17 – Thursday, March 17, 2022 Each Thursday, 7:00-9:00pm EDT/EST. "Join us for this five-week online poetry workshop focused on documentary poetics. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers." Led by Stephanie Cawley. Limited to 12 participants. Will be held virtually.

San Francisco Writers Conference, February 17 - 20, 2022: San Francisco, CA. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writer’s conferences anywhere. "Our goal is to help writers become published authors as we help them become better at the craft and business of writing. The SFWC is also one of the friendliest conferences. Presenters this year will include bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers from major publishing houses. There will be experts on self-publishing, book promotion, platform building, social media, and author websites. The San Francisco Writers Conference has one of the largest faculties of any writer’s conference to ensure the best networking with the people who can help you get published." 

Southern California Writers’ Conference (and Retreat). February 18 - 20, 2022: San Diego, CA. Faculty: 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. "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." Cost: $350-$425. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional. Limited to 175 conferees.

The Writers Studio, sponsored by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, February 24 - 27, 2022, Los Angeles, CA. The conference offers workshops in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as writing for television and film. Offered by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the Writers Studio brings together a community of writing students to workshop with some of Southern California’s most accomplished writers and teachers. From among the 10 offered, participants choose one workshop in which they work closely with a professional writer in classes limited to no more than 15 people. Will be held online.

Wild Seeds Writers Retreat. February 24 - 27, 2022. The Wild Seeds Writers Retreat (formerly the North Country Institute & Retreat for Writers of Color), a collaboration with the Center for Black Literature, the English Department at SUNY, Plattsburgh, and the Paden Institute and Retreat for Writers, provides a writing community where established and newly discovered writers of color can focus on the craft of writing and create cross-cultural conversations around the literature created by writers of the African diaspora. The cost of the Retreat is $500 and there is a one-time nonrefundable $25 application fee.

13 (Warm) Writing Conferences in January 2022

It's no accident that so many writing conferences are held in warm places during the coldest month of the year. We all dream of sunshine during those chilly, dark days. And wouldn't it be nice to spend those dark days doing what we like best - writing?

Fortunately for us, there are a dozen delightful conferences this January held in places we would rather be. 

If you miss your ideal conference this year, don't worry. Many of these are annual events, and quite a few offer scholarships. (Apply early!) 

You can find a full list of conferences here: Writing Conferences.

(Image: Flickr)

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Kaz Conference Keep Writing Nonfiction and Memoir Cohort – JANUARY/FEB 2022 (5 weeks) meeting Wednesdays Jan 5 - Feb 2 from 2 to 4PM EST. Are you a nonfiction writer working on a memoir? For 5 weeks beginning 2022 just 6-8 writers will gather via ZOOM -- at each workshop two writers will workshop 10 to 16 pages of a work of creative nonfiction/memoir. Virtual workshop tuition: $375 for 5 weeks - includes at least two reviews of your writing samples from Donna Kaz and your cohort. Apply by December 4, 2021.

Key West Literary Seminar. January 6–9, 2022 (seminar) and  January 10–14, 2022 (workshop), Key West, Florida. The seminar offers readings, lectures, and conversations with poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers on the topic of “A Seminar Named Desire.” For “A Seminar Named Desire” we’re interested in literary explorations of the profane and the profound, the inventive, the graphic, and the deeply felt. This will be a unique gathering of some of today’s most acclaimed writers in conversation about the elemental urge at the center of human activity: desire.

Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference. January 6 - 16, 2022: Seaside, OR. January 16 - 26, 2022: Forest Grove, Oregon. 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 10 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.

Kaz Conference Writing Workshop is a 5-week playwriting / screenwriting intensive for women writers. The intensive takes place via ZOOM. Each week we will read and discuss two to three submitted plays/screenplays using the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process as a base for our critique. Writers receive two critiques of 10 to 30 pages from Kaz and the rest of the cohort. COST: $375.00. For women writers only. DATES: The Intensive will meet from 1-3PM on Thursdays beginning January 6, 2022.  To APPLY - GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION: 1) Submit 5 to 10 pages of your best piece of playwriting. Apply by November 30, 2021. 

Palm Beach Poetry Festival. January 10 - 15, 2022: Delray Beach, Florida. Workshop Faculty Poets: Kim Addonizio, Laure-Anne Bosselaar, Chard deNiord, Mark Doty, Yona Harvey, John Murillo, Matthew Olzmann, and Diane Seuss. Will be held online.

TMW January Jumpstart. January 14 - 15, 2022. “We will have a “Meet and Greet” session Friday from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern. On Saturday there will be concurrent Poetry and Fiction morning sessions from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Eastern, and afternoon sessions from 1:30 – 4:30 Eastern. Zoom access will be made available in January after registration fees are paid." Registration $60.

Colrain Classic. January 14 - 17, 2022: Arlington, Vermont. "The Colrain Manuscript Classic is a highly focused, 3.5 day conference designed for poets with manuscripts in progress. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally-known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop and editor sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session." Will be conducted online.

Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway. January 14 - 17, 2022, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft talks, one-on-one tutorials, featured readings, and open mics. Tuition, which includes some meals, ranges from $490 to $690, depending on the workshop; lodging is not included. 

Eckerd College Writers in Paradise Conference. January 15 - 22, 2022, St. Petersburg, FL. Workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, Q&As, readings book signings, and receptions. The faculty includes Emily Bernard, Laura Lippman, Ann Hood,  Andre Dubus III, Michael Koryta, Stewart O’Nan, Ana Menéndez, and many more. Required mask wearing while indoors.  All faculty, staff, and volunteers must show proof of vaccination, while students must either show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. Application period runs from August 1 to November 1.

Breakout Novel Graduate Learning Retreat. January 17 - January 23, 2022: Tampa, Florida. An intensive week of critiques, one-on-one sessions, query clinics, brainstorming and writing. Limited to 16 students. Will be held virtually.

Writing By Writers GET THE LEAD OUT! January 21 - 23, 2022, Online. This workshop brings all levels of writers together for a weekend of inspiration, craft and the generation of new work. Faculty: Gina Frangello, Pam Houston & J. Drew Lanham. Tuition: $750 includes one three-day workshop, admittance to all craft talks and readings.

Kaua’i Writers’ Retreat. January 23 - 29, 2022: Kaua'i, Hawaii. Live and write among the plumeria, hibiscus, and beauty of Po’ipū, Kaua’i. Once you arrive on-island, each day is designed to provide inspirational, intensive craft instruction in the morning, followed by afternoons to read, write, explore, and enjoy the island, and evening gatherings to attend as you see fit. All residency events are optional: your time is your own, to read, write, revise, and be.

Sunshine State Book Festival. January 29 - 30: Gainesville, Florida. "Meet and engage in person with nearly 100 authors who will be happy to sign your books at our 2022 festival, being held at the spacious Oaks Mall in Gainesville, Florida." Admission is free.

Also see:

Kaz Conference Keep Writing: Playwriting Intensive for Women Writers. February 2022. Workshops include developmental workshops as well as talks on the practical training of writers with input from editors, publicists, agents, social media experts and productivity coaches. Because reading and reviewing other work helps to strengthen ones own writing, peer review is a requirement of all sessions. Just 10 to 16 writers are accepted for each cohort. Will be held online. Apply by January 23. 

44 Fabulous Writers' Conferences in June 2016

June is bustin' out all over! This month features a truly impressive number of conferences stretching from coast to coast.

Writing conferences offer so much to writers - master classes, opportunities to talk to authors, pitch sessions with agents, as well as workshops covering every aspect of writing and publishing. In addition, you get to share experiences with other writers - in the flesh! (Nothing beats actual face-to-face contact.) If you can find the time to attend a conference, you won't regret it.

Note: For a month-by-month listing of conferences, as well as how to find upcoming conferences in your area, see Writing Conferences. Many of these are offered annually, so if you missed a conference you'd like to attend, you can always plan to attend next year.

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Iowa Summer Writing Festival. June - July, 2016, Iowa City. Featuring 138 workshops with 60 instructors. Registrations for weeklong and weekend workshops are accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Class size is limited to twelve. It is a good idea to register early.

Bear River Writers’ Conference. June 2 - June 6, 2016: Camp Michigania on Walloon Lake, near Petoskey, Michigan. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, discussions, nature walks, and time to write. The faculty includes poets Stephen Dunn, Laura Kasischke, Jamaal May, and Richard Tillinghast; fiction writers Nami Mun, Antonya Nelson, and Thisbe Nissen; and creative nonfiction writers Jerry Dennis, Thomas Lynch, and Sue William Silverman. Conference is full.

Clarksville Writers Conference. June 2-3, 2016, Clarksville, TN. Two days of writing workshops and presentations, a keynote banquet with the authors, and manuscript consultations.

Books-in-Progress Writers Conference, June 2-4, 2016, Lexington, KY. The conference will offer craft & business workshops led by authors Silas House, A.J. Verdelle, Marcia Thornton Jones, Writer’s Digest editor Jessica Strawser, and more.  Enjoy small break-out sessions & personal attention. Topics include place, character, revision, marketing your book, children’s literature, and more. The Carnegie Books-in-Progress Conference also offers participants the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch their book ideas to literary agents from New York City. Other optional add-ons include a pre-conference retreat on June 2 and one-on-one mini-sessions with bibliotherapist Alison Courtney.

Chautauqua Writers’ Festival. June 2-5, 2016, Chautauqua, New York. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as readings, panel discussions, individual conferences with faculty members, open mics, and time to write. The faculty includes poets Stephen Dunn and Dorianne Laux; fiction writers Derek Green and Pamela Painter; and creative nonfiction writers Philip Gerard and Nancy McCabe. The cost of tuition is $475. The fee for lodging in the nearby Athenaeum Hotel, which includes meals, ranges from $343 for college students to $537 for a private room. Registration deadline is May 31.

River Teeth Nonfiction Conference. June 3 - 6, 2016: Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. Individual manuscript consultations, seminars, readings, open mics, and book signings. Participating creative nonfiction writers include Jill Christman, Steven Church, Valerie Due, Steven Harvey, Kate Hopper, Sonya Huber, Joe Mackall, Ana Maria Spagna, Cheryl Strayed, Ginny Taylor, Jerald Walker, and Sarah M. Wells.

Shore Thing Writing Getaway: A One Day Retreat for Poets and Writers. June 4, 2016, Atlantic City, NJ. "Join us for this boardwalk-inspired getaway, designed for writers of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Trigger your imagination and compose new work that will surprise and please you. Spend the day immersed in the literary life: discussing writing, doing your own writing and sharing some of your new drafts." Faculty: Peter E. Murphy. Cost: $80.

The Cleveland Writing Workshop. June 4, 2016, Cleveland, OH. A full-day “How to Get Published” writers conference. "One day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome." Attending agents: Kimiko Nakamura (Dee Mura Literary); Moe Ferrera (BookEnds); Mallory Brown (TriadaUS); Vicki Selvaggio (Jennifer De Chiara Literary); Kaylee Davis (Dee Mura Literary); and Fred Tribuzzo (The Rudy Agency).

Indiana University Writers’ Conference. June 4 - 8, 2016, Indiana University in Bloomington. The conference features workshops in poetry and fiction, as well as craft classes, readings, and panels for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. The faculty includes poets Gabrielle Calvocoressi and Amelia Martens; fiction writers Dana Johnson and Salvatore Scibona; and nonfiction writers David Crabb and Walton Muyumba. The cost of the conference is $375, or $625 with a workshop. Lodging and meals are not included; lodging is available in campus dormitories and in the campus hotel. The registration fee is $30; general registration is first come, first served. To attend a workshop, submit 8 to 10 pages of poetry or 15 to 25 pages of prose; admissions are made on a rolling basis.

The Santa Barbara Writers Conference, June 5–10, 2016, Santa Barbara, Calif. "Every summer, writers in many genres from around the world gather to participate in a magical week of intensive work focused on story, voice, craft, marketing, and networking with fellow writers and publishing professionals."

Algonkian Retreat for Aspiring Commercial Novel Authors, Short Fiction Writers and Memoirists, June 8 - 12, 2016. Algonkian Park, Virginia. "You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review of your short stories or flash fiction? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?"

Appalachian Heritage Writers Symposium. June 10 - 11, 2016, Richlands, Virginia. Focus: Autobiography/Memoir, Children's, Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Cost: Before May 22, 2016, $60/2 days includes continental breakfasts, Saturday luncheon. Optional college credit available. After May 22, 2016, $70.

68th Annual Philadelphia Writers' Conference. June 10 - 12, 2016, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Features workshops, contests and awards, critique and feedback sessions, and agent and editor speed dates. Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Horror, Journalism, Marketing, Non-fiction, Playwriting, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Screenwriting, Young Adult.

West Virginia Writers Conference. June 10 - 12, 2016, Ripley, West Virginia. Author readings, contests and sharing your love of writing with others.

The 21st Century Children’s Nonfiction Conference. June 10 - 12, 2016, New Rochelle NY. This conference is designed for writers, illustrators, publishers, editors, designers, educators and students of publishing and graphic design courses. Cost: $425 early registration; $470 standard registration

Mountain Heritage Literary Festival. June 10 - 12, 2016, Cumberland Gap, TN. Ed McClanahan is the guest writer-in-residence, keynote speaker is Georgia author Mary Hood, fiction instructors are George Singleton and Crystal Wilkinson, poetry instructors are Jesse Graves and Rose McLarney, and nonfiction instructor Jeremy B. Jones. Interesting presentations, panels, readings, music and more.

Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. June 10 - 13, 2016, Truchas, New Mexico. The conference features evaluation and discussion of book-length and chapbook-length manuscripts with poets, editors, and publishers. The faculty includes editor Jeff Shotts (Graywolf Press) and poets and editors Joan Houlihan, Rusty Morrison, Hilda Raz, Martha Rhodes, and Ellen Doré Watson. The cost of the conference is $1,375, which includes lodging and meals. Using the online submission system, submit a brief bio and three to four poems.

Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference. June 10 - 14, 2016, Homer, Alaska. Faculty: Natasha Trethewey, Keynoter; Miriam Altshuler, Dan Beachy-Quick,Richard Chiappone, Jennine Capo Crucet,Alison Deming, Lew Goodman, Forrest Gander, Richard Hoffman,Erin Coughlin Hollowell,Sarah Leavitt, Frank Soos, Nancy Lord,Jane Rosenman, Sherry Simpso. Costs: $375 ($325 early bird by 5/2). Includes luncheons, opening dinner; manuscript review $65. Post-conference workshop $400

Colgate Writers’ Conference. June 12-18, 2016, Hamilton, New York. Morning craft talks & workshops. Individual consultation with workshop instructor in the afternoon. Late afternoon participant readings and talks on publishing, storytelling. Evening readings by instructors & guests. Late night social events. "Bring a story, a book in progress, some poems, or a novel, and work with us on developing narrative strategies, verse techniques, and methods of research. Members of the publishing profession will also be here to discuss marketplace tactics." Retreat application deadline: May 18, 2016.

Fine Arts Work Center Summer Workshops (poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction). June 12 - August 26, 2016, Provincetown, Massachusetts. The faculty includes poets Richard Blanco, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Natalie Diaz, Nick Flynn, Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Marie Howe, Ada Limón, John Murillo, Eileen Myles, Gregory Pardlo, Rowan Ricardo Phillips, Robert Pinksy, and Alan Shapiro; fiction writers Julia Glass, Pam Houston, Fanny Howe, Naomi Jackson, Reif Larsen, Benjamin Percy, Salvatore Scibona, and Justin Torres; and creative nonfiction writers Brian Turner, Stephen Elliott, Eric Fair, Lacy M. Johnson, Ariel Levy, and Dani Shapiro. Tuition ranges from $600 to $725.

Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop. June 12 - 17, 2016, Roanoke, Virginia. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft seminars, individual conferences with faculty members, and readings. The faculty includes poets Thorpe Moeckel and Emilia Phillips; fiction writers Laura Benedict, Pinckney Benedict, Sarah Bowlin, Fred Leebron, and Daniel Mueller; creative nonfiction writer James McKean; and agent Jeff Kleinman (Folio Literary Management). The cost of tuition is $795.

Interlochen Writer’s Retreat. June 13 - 16, 2016, Interlochen, Michigan. The retreat features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft talks, readings, time to write, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and a dinner. The retreat also offers a practicum on June 17 that includes additional consultations, lectures, and panel discussions on publishing. The faculty includes poet Michael Delp, fiction writers John Mauk and Mary Kay Zuravleff, and nonfiction writer Mardi Jo Link. Participating writers include poet-in-residence Fleda Brown; and fiction and nonfiction writer-in-residence Anne-Marie Oomen. The cost of the conference is $495; the cost of the June 17 practicum is an additional $45 (or $115 to include a one-on-one consultation). Lodging and meals are not included; lodging on campus is available for discounted rates. Registration is first come, first served.

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers. June 13 - 17, 2016, Sandy, Utah. Offers one-, two-, three- and five-day workshops. Morning workshops devoted to individual work; afternoon talks on market, craft, publication; chats w/ editors and agents; keynote; book signing. For those interested, specialized workshops--Boot Camp and Full-Novel classes. Single day programs as well.

Minneapolis Young Writers Workshop. June 14 - 16, 2016, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For young writers ages 13-19. Program Focus: Fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult. Faculty: Ally Condie, Jay Asher, Jennifer Nielsen, Jonathan Friesen, Jacqueline West, Serena Chase. Cost: $300 for workshop. Evening keynote addresses are free and open to the public. Registration closes June 5.

Writers at Work Conference. June 15-19, 2016, Alta, Utah. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft lectures, panel discussions, hikes, and time to write. The faculty includes poet Tarfia Faizullah, fiction writer Peter Ho Davies, and nonfiction writer Kerry Howley. Consultation faculty includes poet Sara Eliza Johnson, fiction writer Morris Collins, and creative nonfiction writer David Stuart MacLean. The cost of the conference is $730, which includes tuition and all meals. Individual consultations with an agent or editor are available for an additional $50. Lodging is available at the Alta Lodge, and ranges from a total of $115 for a shared dorm to $285 for a private room. Registration deadline is June 3.

Wesleyan Writers Conference. June 15 - 19, 2016, Middletown, CT. The conference offers workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as master classes, craft sessions, panel discussions, readings, lectures, and manuscript consultations with agents and editors. The faculty includes poet Honor Moore; fiction writers Amy Bloom, Alexander Chee, Michael Reynolds, and Roxana Robinson; nonfiction writers William Finnegan, Lis Harris, and Hirsh Sawhney; translator Ann Goldstein; and publishers Johnny Temple (Akashic Books) and Pamela Dorman (Pamela Dorman Books). Tuition is $850. The conference also offers a one-day program on June 18 for $225, which includes lunch and dinner. Lodging is available on and off campus; on-campus housing is $50 per night or $170 for four nights. A meal plan for the full conference is available for $275. Scholarships and teaching fellowships are available; submit a writing sample of any length, a letter of interest, and résumé by March 18. To register for a manuscript consultation, submit 10 poems or up to 35 pages of prose by May 13. For general registration, submit a nonrefundable $100 deposit. Registration is first come, first served.

Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. June 16 - 19, 2016, Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The conference offers workshops on writing and selling fiction and creative nonfiction manuscripts, as well as agent pitch sessions. The faculty includes fiction writers Susan Breen, Ann Garvin, and Michael Neff; editors Caitlin Alexander, Ibrahim Ahmad, Adrienne Avila, Tom Colgan, and Dana Isaacson; and agents Paula Munier and Katharine Sands. The cost of the conference is $795 until June 10, and $895 thereafter. Submit a bio and a brief manuscript synopsis.

Poetry at the Frost Farm. June 17 - 19, 2016, Derry, New Hampshire. The retreat offers workshops, readings, and one-on-one consultations for formalist poets. "Join a small community of people at the historic Robert Frost Farm learning, reading and writing formal poetry with contemporary award-winning poets. Choose your focus from a series of offerings designed to provide tools for beginning poets as well as perfect the mastery of published poets."

The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference, June 17 - 19, 2016, West Coast Writers Conferences presents a full weekend of panels, workshops and presentations by educators, noted speakers, and industry professionals focused on the craft and business of writing.

Get Published Conference. June 18, 2016, Bozeman, Montana. This conference is devoted to book writing, marketing and getting published. This year topics include Self Publishing Q&As.

Institute for Young Writers. June 18 - 26, 2016, Amherst, MA. For high school students. Daily workshops in poetry, fiction, & nonfiction; interactive craft sessions that include discussions & writing exercises; evening readings by faculty & writers-in-residence. Faculty 2016: Heather Christle, Chris Dombrowski, Arthur Flowers, Amelia Gray, Noy Holland, Mitchell S. Jackson, Paul Lisicky, Eileen Myles, Emily Pettit, Zachary Schomburg, Evie Schockley, Betsy Wheeler, Dara Wier, Joy Williams, Matthew Zapruder. Costs: Adults: $1,500; Young Writers: $1,700; Young Writers includes 3 meals/day. Adult includes lunches, welcome & farewell dinners. Scholarships available.

Kenyon Review Writers Workshops. June 18 - July 3, 2016, Gambier, Ohio. Workshops in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction led by an accomplished faculty. Genre workshops (Fiction, Literary Nonfiction, and Poetry) are held for three hours each morning. (See individual workshops for dates.)

Aspen Summer Words. June 19-24, 2016, Aspen, Colorado. Workshops, panels, and readings in fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. "Aspen Summer Words is the Rocky Mountain gateway to the literary world. Recognized as one of the country’s pre-eminent literary conferences, Summer Words welcomes visitors and locals alike to celebrate writing and writers in Aspen for a week each June. The exceptional faculty and awe-inspiring mountain scenery combine to make this a writing retreat like no other."

Juniper Summer Writing Institute. June 19 - 26, 2016, Amherst, MA.The program offers readings, craft seminars, manuscript consultations, as well as workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The faculty includes poets Heather Christle, Emily Pettit, Zachary Schomburg, and Evie Shockley; fiction writers Noy Holland, Mitchell S. Jackson, and Joy Williams; and creative nonfiction writer Paul Lisicky. Writers-in-residence include poets Chris Dombrowski, Eileen Myles, Betsy Wheeler, Dara Wier, and Matthew Zapruder; and fiction writers Arthur Flowers and Amelia Gray. Tuition is $1,500, which includes some meals; dorm lodging is available for $45 per night. Manuscript consultations are available for an additional $150.

Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference. June 20-26, 2016, Bemidji, Minnesota. Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. Faculty: Mark Doty, David Gessner - Creative Nonfiction. Tayari Jones - Fiction. Aimee Nezhukumatathil - Poetry. Matt de la Peña - YA Fiction. Joni Tevis - Creative Nonfiction. This conference is full.

Western Writers of America Convention. June 21-25, 2015, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Children's, Fiction, Marketing, Non-fiction, Publishing, Young Adult. History presentations at the convention include Buffalo Soldiers, the Alamo, Comanche Indians, and frontier ranch women. Other sessions will take place related to the craft of writing, book marketing, and research sources and techniques.

Jackson Hole Writers Conference, June 23 - 25, 2016, Jackson Hole, WY. You will have ample opportunity to share your work with a distinguished faculty as well as writers from Massachusetts to Florida, from Texas to Washington.Serious writers pour into Jackson Hole each June looking for a fresh, but critical eye on their work. This event usually has at least 4 agents to pitch.

DRC Conference Faculty & Workshops 2016. June 23 - 25, 2016, Davenport, Iowa. Daily workshops, critiques, pitches, evening events, keynote. Workshop topics include Monetize Your Writing, Writing the Great Mystery, Short Short Fiction and Nonfiction, and more. Faculty: C. Hope Clark, Kathleen Rooney, Felicia Schneiderhan, Brittany Cavallaro, & Ryan R. Collins.
Costs: $240 ($210 early bird) for entire conference, critiques $35, pitches $25, College dorm lodging $42 per night. Pricing for less than full conference available

North Carolina Writers' Network Squire Summer Writing Residency. June 23 - 26, 2016, Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as a presentation and readings. The faculty includes poet Morri Creech, fiction writer Sarah Creech, and creative nonfiction writer Cynthia Lewis. The cost of the residency is $650 ($550 for NCWN members), which includes tuition and shared lodging; the cost is $550 ($400 for NCWN members) for commuters.

Chuckanut Writers Conference. June 24 - 25, 2016. Bellingham, Washington. Writers conference that includes speakers, panels, breakout sessions, authors' readings, reception with authors, pitch sessions with literary agents, book signings, open mic for attendees. Autobiography/Memoir, Children's, Fiction, Nature, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing. 

Writing Popular Fiction Workshop. June 24 - 26, 2016, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Workshops on writing, editing & pitching; guest speaker presentations. Faculty: Guest Agent Kimberly Brower, Guest Agent Eric Ruben, Guest Editor Diana M. Pho, Guest Author Daniel José Older.

The Writers’ League of Texas 2016 Agents & Editors Conference. June 24–26, 2016, Austin, Tex. The conference features panels, lectures, networking opportunities, and receptions. Individual manuscript consultations with agents or editors are available. Participating agents include Ethan Bassoff (Lippincott Massie McQuilkin), Jenni Ferrari-Adler (Brick House Literary Agents), Mark Gottlieb (Trident Media Group), Jessica Papin (Dystel & Goderich Literary Management), and Michelle Tessler (Tessler Literary Agency). Participating editors include Michelle Howry (Simon & Schuster) and Jodi Warshaw (Amazon Publishing). The cost of the conference is $398 for Writers League members, and $449 for non-members through March 28; $429 for members and $489 for non-members from March 29 through May 23; and $469 for members and $509 for non-members thereafter and on-site. Meals are included. Lodging is available in the conference hotel for discounted rates.

Annual Conference on Creative Writing at Pacific. June 24–26, 2016, Stockton, California. Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Humor, Journalism, Marketing, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy. Agents and editors will be available for pitch sessions.

Publish & Promote Your Book Conference. June 25, 2016, Bronxville, New York. "If you’re ready to find an agent and present your book to the marketplace, come join our community of educators, writers, agents, editors, and publishers at a one day conference designed to help you succeed in your publishing ventures."

Green Mountain Writers Conference. June 27 - July 1, 2016, Chittenden, Vermont. The program features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as one-on-one consultations, lectures, publishing discussions, and readings. The faculty includes poets Kevin Pilkington and Verandah Porche; fiction writers Jon Clinch, Ethel Rohan, and Elizabeth Rosner; and creative nonfiction writers Chuck Clarino and Yvonne Daley. Tuition is $575 before May 15 and $600 thereafter.

Rutgers-Camden Summer Writers’ Conference. June 27 - July 7, 2016, Camden, New Jersey. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft classes, agent and editor presentations, readings, and walking tours. The faculty includes poets J. T. Barbarese, Phillis Levin, Patrick Rosal, Lisa Sewell, and Tom Sleigh; fiction writers Pam Jenoff, Diane McKinney-Whetstone, Chinelo Okparanta, Daniel Torday, and Lisa Zeidner; nonfiction writers Ada Calhoun, Robin Hemley, and James Marcus; and editor Tom Mayer of W. W. Norton. The cost of the conference is $750. Lodging is available at area hotels and in campus dormitories. Deadline: Submit 4 to 8 pages of poetry, or 7 to 17 pages of prose by June 3.

19 Writing Conferences in May 2016

Writing conferences offer so much to writers - master classes, opportunities to talk to authors, pitch sessions with agents, as well as workshops covering every aspect of writing and publishing. In addition, you get to share experiences with other writers - in the flesh! (Nothing beats actual face-to-face contact.)

If you can find the time to attend a conference, you won't regret it.

Note: For a month-by-month listing of conferences, as well as how to find upcoming conferences in your area, see Writing Conferences.

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Mokulē‘ia Writers Retreat. May 1 - 6, 2016 in Waialua, Hawaii at Camp Mokulē‘ia, Oahu. Offers workshops in fiction and nonfiction, readings, one-on-one consultations, publishing panels, yoga sessions. The retreat is led by North Shore native Constance Hale, the author of Sin and Syntax, the editor of more than two dozen books, and a journalist whose stories about Hawai‘i appear on CD liner notes, as well as in publications like The Los Angeles Times and Smithsonian magazine. Hale invites a mix of writers, editors, and agents from both the islands and the mainland to lead various workshops and appear on panels.

Writing By Writers Methow Valley Workshop: May 4 - 8, 2016, Winthrop, WA. Faculty: Andre Dubus III, Ron Carlson, Pam Houston, Lidia Yuknavitch. Tuition:  $1,450 (before November 1) $1,550 (after November 1) includes one four-day workshop, admittance to all panels and readings, and all meals (dinner on Wednesday; three meals Thursday through Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Sunday) and lodging for four nights.

Windsor International Writers Conference, Canada: May 5 - 8, 2016, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Faculty: Sheryl WuDunn, Tara Beagan, Lev Raphel, Yale Strom, Tracy Beckerman, Marcia Fine, Carol McAdoo Rehme, Suzette Martinez Standring, Nick Cutter, Brian Henry, Andrew Pyper, Rick Sykes and over a dozen agents and publishing firms. Registration includes most meals, Meet and Greet reception: $400.00; At door: $600.00; Pre-conference intensive round-tables: $125.00; Post-conference Screenplay master class with Elliot Grove: $125.00.

Idaho Writers Guild Pitchfest: May 7th, 2016, Boise, Idaho. "Four outstanding literary agents will be in Boise taking your pitches. Your registration - $150 for IWG members, $195 for non-members - provides you two, 10-minute, 1-on-1 pitches. You'll also enjoy insider panel discussions and an exciting keynote speaker at our IWG Writing Contest Awards Luncheon. You may meet all the presenters in person at an exclusive cocktail reception on Friday evening, May 6th."

Life in the Spotlight: Author Opportunities After Publication: May 10 - 13, 2016, Honesdale, Pennsylvania. "It’s for the published author to determine how much time and energy should be invested in selling self and product, but if the most is to be made of a book and author in the marketplace, then personal efforts must follow that publication date. This workshop not only introduces the participants to publicity techniques and the fine points needed to create fruitful relationships with the media, but it offers instruction, practice, and a real-life school experience for each enrollee in the development of public speaking and presentation skills."

Writers Retreat Workshop 2016: May 12 - 19, 2016, San Antonio, TX. Featuring Joe Lansdale (Edgar Award, 8 Bram Stoker Awards); author/instructor Les Edgerton, author/instructor Arianne "Tex" Thompson, author/instructor Jason Sitzes, editor-in-residence/instructor Carol Dougherty and agents/editors.

Lakefly Writers Conference. May 13 - 14, 2016: Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Workshops, talks, and a bookfair for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. Keynote speaker is Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff, author of "The Missing Kennedy Rosemary Kennedy and the Secret Bonds of Four Women." Many speakers and presenters.

Big Sur on Cape Cod: May 13 - 15, 2016, North Falmouth MA. Faculty: Andrea Brown and four of her agents, four editors and four authors.

Chicago Writing Workshop, May 14, 2016, Chicago, IL. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at the historic Congress Plaza Hotel, just south of the downtown area. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome." Features over two dozen attending agents.

Seaside Writers Conference. May 14 - 21, 2016: Seaside Assembly Hall in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. "The Seaside Writers Conference is an annual gathering of creative writers from all over the nation, and features award-winning writers in poetry and fiction and screenwriting who will offer a full week of intensive writing workshops, one day seminars, school outreach programs, and social events." Many authors, agents, editors.

Writing Jewish-Themed Children’s Books: May 15-18, 2016, Honesdale, Pennsylvania. "A hands-on workshop specifically designed for writers of Jewish-themed content. Whether your manuscript has slight or overwhelming Jewish content, this is the workshop for you. Unlike a one-day conference, this workshop includes one-on-one manuscript critiques with a literary agent or editor and time to revise. There’ll also be two group critiques."

Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp. May 15-21, 2016: West Bend WI. 6-day, residential workshop-retreat for writers in all genres working on a novel or creative nonfiction book. Workshops in Autobiography/Memoir, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Publishing, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult. Registration is limited to 30 people.

Novels in Verse — More than a Novel, More than Poetry: May 21 - 25, 2016, Honesdale, Pennsylvania. "The Novel in Verse Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel read and critiqued. At the workshop, you’ll get a letter with overall comments as well as a marked-up manuscript. (Depending how far in advance you submit your novel, you may receive the letter and manuscript beforehand.) We’ll discuss the letter and manuscript in person at the workshop where we can get your feedback and we can explain our suggestions to help you make your novel what it wants to be." Please note: application deadline is April 25, 2016.

ASJA (American Society of Journalists and Authors) Writers Conference, May 20 - May 21, 2016. NYC, NY. Focus on Autobiography/Memoir, Business/Technical, Humor, Journalism, Marketing, Nature, Non-fiction, Publishing, Religion, Screenwriting, Travel. Attending: more than 100 editors, authors, literary agents, and publicists.

Pennwriters Conference, May 20 - 22, 2016, Pittsburgh, PA. Friday evening keynote Jonathan Maberry; Saturday afternoon keynote Kathryn Craft; and 20+ authors, literary agents & editors, writing industry pros. Costs: $300 for 3-day registration. One-day registration available (price TBD)

Hedgebrook VORTEXT Salon. May 20 - 22, 2016: Whidbey Institute on Whidbey Island, about 35 miles northwest of Seattle. Workshops, panel discussions, lectures, open mics, and time to write in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for women writers.

Spring Writing Intensive: May 21, 2016, Annapolis MD. "In this one-day writing intensive, participants will have the opportunity to join other writers for a day devoted to writing instruction, discovery, and inspiration. Working under the guidance of award-winning authors, attendees may select four workshops from seven choices. By choosing from a menu of craft options that will include memoir, fiction, nonfiction, and publishing advice, participants will select the subjects that address their most challenging writing issues and will leave armed with new skills, understanding, and motivation. All levels are welcome." Tuition: $175.

North Words Writers Symposium: May 25 - 28, 2016, Skagway, Alaska. Faculty: Keynote author Brian Doyle - Portland, Oregon novelist/essayist/editor. Alaskan authors include: Kim Heacox, Eowyn Ivey, Heather Lende, Lynn Schooler, John Straley, and Emily Wall. Costs: $375 includes most meals. College credit extra for $90.

Creative Nonfiction Writers' Conference. May 27 - 29, 2016: Wyndham University Center in Pittsburgh, PA. Master classes, craft discussions, publishing talks, pitch sessions, and readings for creative nonfiction writers. In just three days you can meet one-on-one with a literary agent or publishing consultant, get concrete advice from professional writers, hear what different kinds of editors are looking for, and hone your skills in an inspiring small-group session. You’ll also meet and mingle with writers from across the country who share your excitement about the writing process.

30 Writing Conferences in April 2016

Spring has sprung, and writers are thawing out!

There are conferences springing up all over the country in April. Topics range from the nuts and bolts of how to get published, to how to write fight scenes, to how to write science for children. There are workshops with authors and industry professionals, as well as critique groups, pitch sessions, and informal schmoozing.

For writers, who spend so much time in solitary pursuits, writers' conferences are exciting and rewarding experiences. I encourage you to attend one. Even if it's a one-day workshop, you will be invigorated.

Note: For a month-by-month listing of conferences, see Writing Conferences.


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University of North Dakota Writers Conference. April 6 - 8, 2016. Grand Forks, North Dakota. This year’s theme is “The Art of Science.” The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as panel discussions and readings. Participating authors include poet Katharine Coles; fiction writers Frank Huyler, Tania James, and Kim Stanley Robinson; and nonfiction writer Brian Greene.

Tennessee Mountain Writers Annual Conference, Apr 7 - 9, 2016, Oak Ridge, TN. Speakers and session leaders include Sonja Livingston, Michael Knight, Jesse Graves, Courtney Stevens, Denton Loving, Beverly Connor, Judy DiGregorio, Robert Gipe, Saundra Kelly, Cathy Kodra, and Bob Mayer.

Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group, Apr 7 - 9, 2016, Bethlehem PA. Keynote Speaker: Robert Liparulo. Pre-conference workshops: Robert Liparulo, Suzy Kuhn, Bonnie Calhoun, Catherine McLean. Additionally on Saturday will be the above plus Shawn Smucker, Ramona D. Long, Hana H. Caye, Jon Gibbs, and Kelly Simmons.

Authors Combat Academy. April 8 – 10, 2016, Nashville TN. Writers, Authors, pre-published or published who want to learn how to write better fight scenes. Special guests, lectures, group participation, banquet. Presenters: Liliana Hart, CJ Lyons, Jack Dagger, and more! Fighting experts from all different styles (martial arts, military, boxing, MMA, space battles, lovers quarrels, fantasy, and more) as well as writing experts and industry experts.

New York Writers Workshop Fiction Pitch Conference, April 8 – 10, 2016, Ripley-Grier Studios (NY Spaces) 520 Eighth Ave (36th/37th), 16th Fl. Participants polish their pitches with the help of conference leaders who are members of the New York Writers Workshop faculty, then they present them to three different editors from major New York publishing houses. Editors provide feedback and may request proposals and manuscripts after the conference. Cost: $450 for 3-day Fiction Pitch Conference, including Agents Panel.

Writing By Writers Workshop. April 8 – 10, 2016, Boulder, Colorado. Faculty: Craig Childs, Pam Houston and Luis Alberto Urrea. "Each day will start with a craft talk by one of our faculty members and then participants will split into small groups where they will dissect the art and craft of writing through lectures, writing exercises and class discussions. We won’t be reading and critiquing manuscripts, but rather closely examining elements of craft with the intention of allowing participants to see their work with deeper insight while also generating new material.  Each participant will have the opportunity to work in a small group setting with all three faculty members."

Rally of Writers Conference. April 9, 2016. Lansing, Michigan. Features workshops, craft talks, and author readings in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Participants include poet Michael Lauchlan and Rosalie Petrouske; fiction writers Bonnie Jo Campbell, Susan Froetschel, Jim Hines, and Lev Raphael; and nonfiction writers Rosa Morales, Robin Silbergleid and Bob Tarte. Cost: $85 ($60 for students) in advance, and $100 ($70 for students) on-site.

The Philadelphia Writing Workshop. Saturday, April 9, 2016, at the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel, in downtown Philadelphia. "This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome." Thirteen agents will be attending. Cost: $129 — final registration pricing. This is the complete base price for registration and access to all workshops, all day. Add $29 to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of the literary agents in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.)

Antioch Writers' Workshop "The Writing Life," April 9, 2016, Yellow Springs, Ohio. "From finding the inspiration and time to write, to crafting outstanding query letters, to managing finances... how can you make everything happen that you need to as a writer and balance it all with the rest of your life?" Cost: $150.00.

Nuts and Bolts of Science Writing 2016 is sponsored by Highlights. April 10-14, 2016. Honesdale, PA. Workshop Faculty: Jennifer Swanson, Miranda Paul, Emily Feinberg, Paige Hazzan. "You love science and our world—and want to share your knowledge and passion with kids. How do you accomplish it? Learn the dynamics of engaging science-based writing for children and teens—whether you’re published already or just beginning. Faculty will demonstrate how to energize readers through active fiction and nonfiction writing that shines the light on exciting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. Through presentations, hands-on workshops, one-to-one manuscript critiques, ample writing time, and sessions with acquiring editors, this workshop will give you the tools and insights you need to advance on your path to success."

Arkansas Literary Festival. Apr 14 - 17, 2016, Little Rock, Arkansas. "Prestigious award-winners, screenwriters, comedians, an expert witness, artists, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet are among the diverse roster of presenters who will be providing sessions." Free.

The Pikes Peak Writers Conference, April 15 - 17, 2016. Colorado Springs, Colorado. "The three-day conference is full of topical, in-depth workshops, dynamic keynote speakers, opportunities for one-on-one time with agents and editors, the chance to read your work aloud for constructive critique, plus time to socialize with fellow writers."

Poetry at Round Top Festival. April 15 - 17, 2016. Round Top, Texas. Features readings, lectures, craft talks, panel discussions, and workshops with poets Rosemary Catacalos, Robert Hass, Terrance Hayes, Dorianne Laux, Maurice Manning, Dunya Mikhail, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Carmen Tafolla, and Sasha West. Cost: $100 ($50 for students) or $75 for Saturday only. Workshops are an additional $35. Private manuscript consultations are available for an additional $60.

Stories From the Heart Women Writers’ Conference. April 15 - 17, 2016. Austin, Texas.Features workshops in fiction and creative nonfiction for women writers, as well as panel discussions, publishing seminars, and readings. The faculty includes poet Jan Seale; fiction writers Susan Wittig Albert and Noelle Sickels; and creative nonfiction writers Ruth W. Crocker, Cindy Eastman, and Linda Joy Myers. Cost: $405 for Story Circle members, and $460 for non-members.

Duck River Writers’ Conference. April 16, 2016. Columbia, Tennessee. Features workshops, craft talks, manuscript consultations, and a featured reading. The faculty includes poets Joseph Cook, Jeff Hardin, and Carrie Jerrell; fiction writers Adria Bernardi and Dana Carpenter; and nonfiction writer and translator Beverly Mitchell. Poet Mark Jarman will give a featured reading. Cost: $10 (free for Columbia State students with a valid I.D.) before February 29, and $15 on-site. To enroll in a workshop, e-mail three to five poems, or 10 pages of fiction, by March 18. An additional reading fee of $15 is required to attend a workshop.

Honolulu Writers' Conference 2016 – NLAPW. Apr 22 - 23, 2016, Honolulu HI. Features a dozen presenters and workshop sessions on every aspect of writing.

Northeast Texas Writers Organization. Apr 22 - 23, 2016, Mt. Pleasant, TX. Workshop sessions, breakouts, Q&A sessions, personal interaction with authors. Cost: $125.00.

Northern Colorado Writers Conference. Apr 22 - 23, 2016, Fort Collins CO. Faculty: Todd Mitchell, Laura Resau, and Kerrie Flanagan, Melanie Crowder, Judith Briles, and Shane Kuhn, Grant Blackwood, #1 NYT Bestselling author of the Briggs Tanner series, and co-writer with Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy. Agents: Paula Munier, Jody Rein, Stacey Graham, Jennifer March Soloway.

North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference. April 23, 2016. Newport, Rhode Island. Greensboro, North Carolina. Features intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as publisher exhibits, on-site "lunch with an author" readings, and an open mic. The faculty includes poets Vievee Francis, Matthew Olzmann, and Jennifer Whitaker; fiction writers Quinn Dalton and Travis Mulhauser; and creative nonfiction writers Jim Minick and Mylene Dressler. The keynote speaker is fiction writer Michael Parker. Cost: $150 ($99 for members) until April 17 and $165 ($135 for members) thereafter and on-site.

Rochester Writers' Spring Conference. Apr 23 2016, Rochester Hills, Michigan. Lectures, Workshops and Panel Discussions in fiction, non-fiction and business of writing presentations. Open to new, working and published writers of all genres. Attendees select four presentations from a dozen to tailor fit their needs.

DFW Writers Conference. Apr 23 - 24, 2016, Fort Worth TX. Featuring pitch sessions with literary agents, advanced classes, engaging panels, interactive workshops.

Writers' Day, April 23, 2016. Hooksett, NH. Workshops and seminars led by professional writers, editors, agents, and publishers. The conference includes the option of face-to-face manuscript critiques and agent/publisher one-on-one pitch sessions.

Mystery Writers of America (MWA) Edgar Week Symposium. Apr 27, 2015, New York City, NY. Panels, discussions. Cost: $95 members, $125 non-members – with a $10 retroactive discount for those who join Mystery Writers of America within 30 days after Symposium.

Las Vegas Writer’s Conference sponsored by the Henderson Writers’ Group, Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada. April 28 – 30, 2016. Join writing professionals, agents publishers and marketing experts for a weekend of workshops and enlightening discussions about the publishing industry. A chance to pitch your manuscript and ideas to agents.

Grub Street Muse and the Marketplace Conference. April 29 - May 1, 2016. Boston, Massachusetts. Features craft classes, interactive discussions, and meetings with agents and editors. Participants include fiction and nonfiction writers Charles Baxter, Robin Black, Alexander Chee, Angela Flournoy, Garth Greenwell, Jennifer Haigh, Ann Hood, and Pagan Kennedy; agents Regina Brooks (Serendipity), Robert Guinsler (Sterling Lord Literistic), Gail Hochman (Brandt & Hochman), and Kathleen Nishimoto (William Morris Endeavor); and editors Emi Ikkanda (Holt), Jenna Johnson (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Fiona McCrae (Graywolf Press), and Tracy Sherrod (Amistad). Cost: $295 for a single day, $500 for the full conference. For a one-on-one manuscript consultation with an agent or editor, submit up to 20 pages of prose with a $195 registration fee by April 6. Registration deadline is April 25.

Chanticleer Authors Conference. April 29 -May 1, 2016. Bellingham, Washington. Sessions with a special focus on the business of being a working writer on topics such as marketing, publicity, platform, sales tools & strategies, publishing, production, distribution, organization, storycraft, editing, and more. Faculty: Robert Dugoni, Kathy L. Murphy, Diane Isaacs, Toby Neal, Kiffer Brown, Pamela Beason, Sara Stamey, Chris Humphries, James R Wells,and Shari Stauch.

Monadnock Pastoral Poetry Retreat. Apr 29 - May 1, 2016. Greenfield, NH.  Includes workshops, individual conferences, participant & mentor readings; hiking & kayaking (weather permitting). Each workshop uses dual mentors.

Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference. April 29 to May 2, 2016. Naples, Maine. Features evaluation and discussion of book-length and chapbook-length manuscripts with poets, editors, and publishers. The faculty includes editor Jeff Shotts (Graywolf Press) and poets and editors Joan Houlihan, Rusty Morrison, Hilda Raz, Martha Rhodes, and Ellen Doré Watson. Cost: $1,375, which includes lodging and meals. 

Write Now! Apr 30, 2016, Raleigh NC. One day writing conference hosted by Triangle Association of Freelancers.Sessions include screenwriting, financial tips for writers, pillars of freelance success, copyediting, trade pubs, column writing, publishing tips and more. Faculty: Brian Klems, Linda Formichelli, Mark Cantrell, Donald Vaughan, Laura Poole, Connie Gentry, Frank Hyman, Tom Welch, Scott Myers. Cost: $69; $59 for students with ID and seniors 65+; $80 at the door.

Ontario Writers’ Conference. April 30 to May 1, 2016. Ajax, Canada. Features workshops, craft talks, master classes, readings, and meetings with agents and editors. The theme of this year’s conference is Diversity in Publishing. Participants include fiction writers Wayson Choy, Donna Morrissey, Alison Pick, and Amanda Sun; agents Sam Hiyate and Alison MacDonald, both of the Rights Factory; and editors Allyson Latta and Ruth E. Walker. Cost: $260 Canadian (approximately $215). The fee for a master class is $99 Canadian (approximately $82), and a one-on-one meeting with an agent or editor is $35 Canadian (approximately $29). Registration deadline is March 31.