Author Events & Contests
Author Events & Contests

 

May 21-23, 2010, Houston, Texas
Crowne Plaza Hotel - Downtown Houston

ShoutLife.com - a fresh approach to community websites.

 

 

 

Contests

Deadline: 5th of every month
Writers' Forum Ongoing Short Story Competition
Prizes range from a minimum 1st prize £300, 2nd prize £150 and 3rd prize £100 with an annual trophy and a cheque for £1,000 for the best story of the year. The competition is open to all nationalities but entries must be in English.

Deadline: 15th of every month
Writers' Forum Ongoing Poetry Competition
Poets are invited to enter their unpublished poems for a competition to be held in each issue of Writers' Forum. There will be a first prize of £100 and three runner-up prizes all published in the magazine.

Deadline: November 25, 2009
The 2009 London Book Festival 
The London Book Awards has issued a call for entries for the 2009 competition. Winners recieve a$1,500 and a flight to either London or Los Angeles. There are 13 entry categories for books published after January 1, 2001. Submissions can be in English, Spanish, French, Portugese or Italian. A panel will judge based on the story-telling ability of the author and the potential of the work to win wider recognition.

Deadline: November 25, 2009
The 2009 DIY Book Festival 
The DIY Book Festival has issued a call for entries for self-published books for the 2009 competition. The grand prize includes $1,500 and a flight to the awards ceremony. A panel will judge on the general excellence and passion an author has for telling a good story and the use of guerilla marketing tactics to reach a wider audience. Books must have been published on or after January 1, 2006. All entries myst be in English.

Deadline: November 30, 2009
Creative Arts Council 2010 Annual Self-Published Fiction Book Awards
The Santa Fe Trail Creative Arts Guild, dba Creative Arts Council, is accepting applications for the 2010 Annual Self-Published Fiction Book Awards. The competition is open to self-published fictional books that were published or revised and reprinted between 2000 and 2009. All book submissions must be published in English.

Deadline: November 30, 2009
The William E. Colby Award 
The Tiwani Foundation is now accepting author nominee submissions for the 2010 Colby Award, which is open to first works published between January 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009. The Colby Award recognizes fiction and nonfiction works that have made a major contribution to the understanding of military history, intelligence operations or international affairs.

Deadline: January 4, 2010
The Flodia Book Awards 
The annual Florida Book Awards competition is now accepting applications for fourth year of the contest. Coordinated by the Florida University Library will accept nominations from seven categories; including general fiction, young adult literature, children's literature, florida nonfiction, poetry, populat fiction and spanish language. Book must have been published between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.

Deadline: January 29, 2010
Midwest Book Awards 
The 20th annual Midwest Book Awards is accepting applications for books published in 2009. Winners will be invited to a ceremony in St. Paul, Minn. on May 12, 2010. Applicants must pay a $75 nonmember application fee.

Deadline: March 20, 2010
IPPY Book Awards 
The 2010 IPPU Book Awards are accepting entries for books with 2009 and 2010 copyrights or release dates. Categories include 67 subject national awards and regional awards for 8 U.S. and 2 Canadian regions.

 

Find California literary events

Find events within miles of zip code in the next


Event listings provided by BookTour.com. List my events! . Zip code lookup


Other event info sources

Use the links below to find readings, festivals and conferences in your area.

Venues & Other Listings

From San Diego to Sacramento, browse California’s bookstores to find events in your neighborhood.Independent booksellers:

Commonwealth Club of California: Public affairs group hosts author talks in San Francisco and San Jose.

San Francisco Public Library: The library foundation’s Literary Lecture Series.

LA Times Book Review Calendar: Southland readings and book signings.

Los Angeles Public Library: The Central Library’s ALOUD series is a civic treasure. Run by Louise Steinman, ALOUD attracts top talent and good crowds, so reserve your free tickets in advance.

Town Hall: Public affairs group has teamed us with Writers Blocto host author events in Los Angeles.

UCLA’s Hammer Museum and UCLA Live host author talks and other events on campus.

Inland Arts: Cultural events in the Inland Empire.

Labrainterrain: Calendar of literary happenings in the greater L.A. area.

LA Weekly calendar: LA area events.

Poetry Flash: Calendar of readings, workshops, and literary events.

Beyond Baroque: Poetry and more in Venice.

City Box Office: Lectures in San Francisco.

Sacramento Bee calendar: ­ Area events.

San Francisco Chronicle: Bay Area book calendar.

SFStation: Bay Area literary events.

San Joaquin Valley Town Hall Series: Author talks and other events at Fresno’s William Saroyan Theatre.

Speaking of Stories: Santa Barbara’s Theatre of the Mind. Live theatrical readings.

UC Santa Barbara Arts and Lecture Series. Talks and other performances.

Vermin on the Mount: LA reading series.

Word Theatre: Literary salons in Los Angeles.

Writers With Drinks: Spoken word variety show in San Francisco.

New Short Fiction Series: Held the second Friday of the month at the Beverly Hills Public Library.

 


Book Festivals

Central Coast Book and Author Festival: Held in September in the historic Mission Plaza in San Luis Obispo.

Litquake: San Francisco’s October celebration is a mix of readings, panel discussions, themed events, and general literary mayhem across the city. Litquakes also hosts authors events during the year.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books: One of the nation’s largest book fairs unfolds across the UCLA campus on the last weekend of April.

Santa Barbara Book and Author Festival: The Santa Barbara Library is the scene of this fall festival, which kicks off the annual Santa Barbara Reads program.

West Hollywood Book Fair Held each fall in Weho.

Wordstock: Portland’s annual festival of the book.

Carmel Authors and Ideas Festival: September event.

 


Other Book Events and Conferences

Book Expo America: The book industry’s annual trade shows moves each spring between Los Angeles (2008), New York, Chicago and other cities.

Book Group Expo: Authors and book groups mingle in October in San Jose.

Squaw Valley Community of Writers: Summertime workshops for writers.

Long Beach Literary Women: Women novelists shine at this February book fair.

Mendocino Coast Writers Conference: Summer workshops.

Santa Barbara Writers Conference: June writing workshops on the Central Coast.

Southern California Writers’ Conference: Workshops in various cities.

 

Writing Conferences

Writing Conferences, Workshops, Retreats, Centers, Residencies &
Book & Literary Festivals

 

 

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ID - IN - IL - KS - KY - LA - MA - MD - ME - MI - MN - MO - MS
MT - NC - ND - NE - NH - NJ - NM- NV - NY - OH - OK - OR - PA
RI - SC - SD - TN - TX - UT - VA - VT - WA - WI - WV - WY
Canada - International - Online

 

Sponsored Conference Listings

 

 Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway

 

Energize your writing with challenging and supportive workshops which focus on starting new material. Advance your craft with feedback from our award-winning faculty.

January 15-18, 2010

[Read more about this conference]

 

 

The Kenyon Review Writers' Workshop

Intensely creative, pushing you beyond what you thought you were capable of achieving—you eat, sleep, drink, breathe writing. And all around you are your fellow writers and instructors, cheering you on, encouraging you, word by word.

June 19-26, 2010

[Read more about this conference]

 

 

Algonkian Writer Conferences

Algonkian increases your odds of becoming a published author by showing you how to inhabit that upper percentile taken seriously by pros in the publishing business.

Year-Round, locations vary

[Read more about this conference]

 

 

Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference

The Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference provides the faculty, connections, and tools necessary to set poets with a book-length (including chapbook-length) manuscript on a path towards publication.

Year-Round

[Read more about this conference]

 

 

Alabama

 

Montevallo Literary Festival

 

Readings and workshops with noted writers.

April 23, 2010

 

The Alabama Writers' Conclave

Annual conference of the oldest writers' organization in continuous existence in the United States.

July 16-18, 2010

 

Alaska

 

 

 

Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference

From website: Held in Homer, Alaska, this nationally recognized writing conference features workshops, readings and panel presentations in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and the business of writing.

June 11-15, 2010

 

Wrangell Mountains Writing Workshop

From website: The week's activities include craft talks, seminar discussions and critiques workshops led by [the] visiting writer, along with field excursions, and daily writing circles.

2010 dates TBA

 

Alaska Writers Guild Workshop

Annual workshop where writers can spend two day with authors, agents, editors, publishers and marketing professionals.

2010 dates TBA

 

Arizona

 

 

 

The Grrls Literary Activism Project

We are young women OR female-identified OR trans individuals ages 14-18 participating in Kore Press' Grrls Literary Activism Project. We explore issues, find our voice, write, read out loud, take photographs, and present our words and ideas to the public.

September 9 - December 16, 2009

 

University of Arizona Poetry Center /
Summer Residency Program

From website: Since 1994, the Poetry Center’s Residency Program has offered emerging poets, fiction and non-fiction writers a month-long opportunity to develop their work.

June 1 - August 31, 2010

 

Casa Libre en la Solana

From website: Casa's primary service is to provide writing suites furnished especially to serve the needs of writers and scholars who desire private writing space.

Year-Round

 

Tucson Poetry Festival

Each year the Tucson Poetry Festival hosts readings, panel discussions and other literary events based on themes. 2009 theme: Poetry & Healing

2010 dates TBA

 

Northern Arizona Book Festival

From website: The purpose of the Northern Arizona Book Festival, is to promote the union of literacy and the fine art of literature in a meaningful and relevant way to the people of Northern Arizona and the greater Southwest.

2010 dates TBA

 

Wrangling with Writing

From website: a two day Writers' Conference featuring expert speakers on topics of professional interest to writers of every genre.

2010 dates TBA

 

The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing

From website: The Piper House and its grounds offer a vibrant, nurturing environment in which writers, faculty, students and community members exchange ideas and share an appreciation for literature and writing.

On hiatus for 2010

 

Arkansas

 

 

 

Arkansas Literary Festival

From website: Founded in 2004, the Arkansas Literary Festival introduces readers to nationally & internationally recognized authors' work, as well as the work of emerging writers. By hosting workshops & other events, the Festival strives to serve all levels of readers.

April 8-11, 2010

 

California

 

 

 

SDSU Writers' Conference

From website: Whatever your level or skill and experience, the SDSU Writers' Conference will help you improve your writing and increase your publishing savvy. Meet top level editors, agents, and professional writers of fiction, nonfiction and screenwriting.

January 29-31, 2010

 

Writers Studio at UCLA Extension

From website: What's the Writers Studio, you ask? An intense gathering of writers and their mentors (our distinguished Writers' Program instructors) immersing themselves in their writing for four days in Westwood Village.

February 4-7, 2010

 

Southern California Writers' Conference - San Diego

From website: The SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative critique to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration.

February 12-15, 2010

 

San Francisco Writers Conference

From website: Conference will feature nearly 100 agents, authors and editors in a stellar set of opportunities for writing advancement. Attendees have access to more than fifty "how to" sessions, panels, and workshops taught by authors you know and love.

February 12-15, 2010

 

Big Sur Writing Workshops

From website: We combine exceptional faculty, who enjoy aiding writers, with the beauty and magic of Big Sur, wonderful meals and a wine reception to provide an ideal retreat for children's book writers

March 5-7, 2010

 

International Women's Writing Guild
Early Spring in California "Voices" Conference

March 12-14, 2010

 

Weekend of Poetry

From website: All poets - from aspiring beginners to published sages - are welcome to join us for a weekend of workshops, seminars, and readings.

March 12-14, 2010

 

Fisherman's Wharf Writers Conference

From website: Beside the San Francisco Bay, aspiring authors will study and apply the most effective techniques of craft and style while also learning the necessary facts about the publishing market.

May 12-16, 2010

 

Book Passage Children's Writers &
Illustrators Conference

From website: The Conference will cover all aspects of writing and illustrating for children—from developing ideas to honing skills to finding a publisher.

June 8-11, 2010

 

Santa Barbara Writers Conference

From website: SBWC is proud to have been helping writers become better writers for over 35 years.

June 17-23, 2010

 

Squaw Valley Community of Writers

From website: Our goal is to assist writers to improve their craft and thus move them closer to publication.

July 17-24, July 31 - August 7, 2010

 

Book Passage Mystery Writers Conference

From website: Has a strong tradition of great authors and teachers. It covers everything mystery writers need - from developing ideas and writing skills to finding a publisher.

July 22-25, 2010

 

Mendocino Coast Writers Conference

From website: The Mendocino Coast Writers Conference is committed to writing for social change.

July 29 - August 1, 2010

 

Napa Valley Writers' Conference

From website:The Conference has remained a place to convene for fellowship, serious work with a focus on craft, and a week spent beside the hills and vineyards that have made the Napa Valley famous.

July 2010

 

Santa Barbara Summer Poetry Workshop

From website: Poetry, writing, crafting, and discussion in a setting of inspiration and respect.

August 7-9, 2010

 

Book Passage Travel Writers &
Photographers Conference

From website: The Conference offers an array of workshops, panels, and evening activities. There are many hours of informal interaction between faculty and students during lunch and in discussions.

August 12-15, 2010

 

The Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop

From website: Creating a publishable novel is a multi-layered challenge, requiring intuition and dedication. Join us—learn fiction-crafting from the masters. Our experts will show you how to propel your novel from page-turner to published success!

August 20-22, 2010

 

East of Eden Writers Conference

From website: Our goal for the conference is for everyone who attends to get what they needed to take their writing to the next level, whether that means beginning to write a little poetry, getting a first novel published, or marketing published work. [Biennial]

September 24-26, 2010

 

The Creativity Workshop - Carmel

From website: We will explore ways to expand our creativity through a series of exercises including guided visualization technique, automatic drawing and writing, map making, memoir, and storytelling.

November 5-8, 2010

 

Algonkian Writer Conferences

Algonkian increases your odds of becoming a published author by showing you how to inhabit that upper percentile taken seriously by pros in the publishing business.

Year-Round

[Read more about this conference]

 

Women's Literary Festival

From website: A celebration of women writers promoting literacy, diversity, and social justice in partnership with the Santa Barbara Public Library.

2010 dates TBA

 

Voices Writing Workshop @ USF

From website: Nurturing developing writers through the traditions, perspectives, and aesthetics of writers of color since 2000. Has a series of week-long conferences.

2010 dates TBA

 

Foothill Writers' Conference

From website: the Foothill Writers' Conference continues its tradition of bringing literary arts mentorship and cultural enhancement to the Foothill College community and the San Francisco Bay Area.

2010 dates TBA

 

Idyllwild Arts: Summer Writing Programs

From website: The mission of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation is to promote and advance artistic and cultural development through education in a beautiful, natural environment conducive to positive personal growth.

2010 dates TBA

 

Women Writing the West Annual Conference

A conference devoted to literature and writers writing about women in the west. Hosts workshops and seminars for craft, marketing, publishing and publicity. Also hosts the annual WILLA Award.

2010 dates TBA

 

Southern California Writers' Conference - L.A.

From website: The SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent authoritative guidance to help distinguish material that is ready for market consideration.

2010 dates TBA

 

Central Coast Writers' Conference

From website: 32 workshops covering fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, freelancing, poetry, writing for children and screenwriting.

2010 dates TBA

 

Central Coast Book & Author Festival

From website: The Central Coast Book & Author Festival began in 1999 as a celebration of books and libraries. The festival includes exhibits by authors and publishers, book sales and signings, workshops and lectures, children’s activities, and entertainment.

2010 dates TBA

 

Litquake

From website: Litquake is a San Francisco literary festival with heart, guts and a taste for the wilder side of the literary world.

2010 dates TBA

 

Jack London Writers Conference

Sponsored by the California Writers Club. Spend two days with successful authors and teachers. Agent and speaker appointments available. There is also a contest available for participants.

2010 dates TBA

 

Tomales Bay Writers' Workshop

From website: The event brings aspiring writers into close community with award-winning, nationally-known poets and writers, and respected editors and agents for five days of intensive conversation about craft.

2010 dates TBA

 

 

Colorado
 

Northern Colorado Writers Conference

Enjoy an editors panel, networking, trade show, workshops and seminars with authors and others in the publishing world.

March 26-27, 2010

 

AWP Conference

From website: Each year, AWP holds its Annual Conference in a different region of North America in order to celebrate the outstanding authors, teachers, writing programs, literary centers, and small press publishers of that region.

April 7-10, 2010

 

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

From website: To promote and produce literary events, provide an educational forum for the study of the craft of writing, serve and promote the literary arts and demonstrate the relevance of those arts to contemporary life and culture.

April 22-25, 2010

 

Naropa University Summer Writing Program

From website: Participants work in daily contact with some of the most accomplished and notoriously provocative writers of our time, meeting individually and in small groups, so that both beginning and experienced writers find equal challenge in the program.

June 13 - July 11, 2010

 

Lighthouse Writers Workshop

From website: Our workshops are designed to be a place where writers can learn the craft, engage in productive discussion, and be inspired by others.

Year-Round

 

Aspen Winter Words

From website: Billed as "Après Ski for the Mind," Winter Words is comprised of one-of-a-kind events, bringing authors of all genres to Aspen throughout the winter season to share their words, wit, and wisdom.

2010 dates TBA

 

Aspen Summer Words Writing Retreat &
Literary Festival

From website: Aspen Summer Words is a five-day celebration of words and ideas.

2010 dates TBA

 

Scribes & Scribblers Creative Writing Camps for Kids

From website: We invite young writers to romp through different lands and discover words, pictures, and stories while making new friends.

2010 dates TBA

 

Writing Away Retreats

From website: [A] destination vacation for you and your muse. Aiming to serve writers who need to get away and focus on their projects, we offer maximum feedback with minimal interruptions. Providing ample time to write, discuss your goals, dreams and projects with like minded creative individuals is what we do best.

2010 dates TBA

 

Connecticut
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Wesleyan Writers Conference

From website: The Wesleyan Writers Conference welcomes new writers, established writers, and anyone anyone interested in the writer’s craft.

June 17-21, 2010

 

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival

From website: Since 1992, audiences have enjoyed verse and music among the fragrant blooms of Hill-Stead’s Sunken Garden. Festivities include a plein air café and bookstore and meet-the-poet opportunities.

2010 dates TBA

 

Washington D.C.
 

Split This Rock Poetry Festival

From website: The festival will explore and celebrate the many ways that poetry can act as an agent for change.

March 10-13, 2010

 

Algonkian Writer Conferences

Algonkian increases your odds of becoming a published author by showing you how to inhabit that upper percentile taken seriously by pros in the publishing business.

Year-Round, locations vary

[Read more about this conference]

 

Washington Writers Conference

From website: Experts explore topics ranging from finding your voice to writing poetry in the digital age to maximizing commercial writing. Many panelists touch on writing in the Internet era. Literary agents crack open doors for writers aspiring to publish.

2010 dates TBA

 

The Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival

From website: During eleven days of live events, Washington DC-area book lovers can get inside the minds of both emerging and established writers.

2010 dates TBA

 

Hurston / Wright Writers' Week

From website: Hurston/Wright Writers’ Week is the nation’s only multi-genre summer writer's workshop for writers of African descent with a tuition-free component for high school students.

2010 dates TBA

 

Delaware
 

Writers at the Beach

From website: "Writers at the Beach" is Delaware’s largest writing conference, bringing to Rehoboth nationally-known writers from across the US, as well as participants from nearly two-dozen states.

March 26-28 2010

 

Florida
 

Miami Book Fair International

From website: Miami Book Fair International welcomes hundreds of thousands of book lovers who attend readings and discussions featuring prize-winning, best-selling and emerging authors from the U.S. and around the world.

November 8-15, 2009

 

Key West Literary Seminar

From website: Each January the Seminar explores a different literary theme through lectures, panel presentations, readings, informal gatherings, and discussions.

January 7-10, 2010 (poetry)

 

Writers in Paradise

From website: The tranquil seaside landscape sets the tone for this informal gathering of writers, teachers, editors, and literary agents.

January 16-24, 2010

 

Palm Beach Poetry Festival

From brochure: Work with one of our critically acclaimed poets in a workshop. Enjoy and learn from readings and special events.

Application Deadline: November 2, 2009

January 18-23, 2010

 

Tallahassee Festival of Books & Writers Conference

From website: A full day of practical information for experienced and aspiring writers. Tips on how to fine tune your craft, and how to get your masterpiece published.

March 20-21, 2010

 

Robert Frost Poetry Festival

From website: The festival will feature poetry and haiku workshops, poetry and haiku readings, art & film events and an international poetry and haiku contests.

April 11, 2010

 

Atlantic Center for the Arts

From website: Atlantic Center for the Arts is a nonprofit, interdisciplinary artists' community and arts education facility dedicated to promoting artistic excellence.

Year-Round

 

The Studios of Key West

From website: Imagine attending some of the most innovative artists' workshops amidst swaying palm trees and turquoise waters.

Year-Round

 

The Anhinga Writers' Studio Summer Workshops

From website: Choose an in-depth course of study in mainstream fiction, mystery, romance, poetry, or narrative nonfiction. Meet with literary agents and editors. Learn from the pros about [. . .] the business of writing.

2010 dates TBA

 

FIU/Hutchinson Island Writers Conference

From website: With its fabulous beaches just across the Intracoastal Waterway, Hutchinson Island is a beautiful venue for our program which offers intensive, friendly, hands-on workshops and discussions intended to help writers at all stages of development.

2010 dates TBA

 

Sanibel Island Writers Conference

From website: The conference is open to any aspiring writer who wants to create new work or refine a project already in progress.

2010 dates TBA

 

Other Words

From website: A Conference of Literary Magazines, Independent Publishers, and Writers, will be sponsored by the Florida Literary Arts Coalition and Flagler College.

2010 dates TBA

 

Georgia
 

Edgewood Arts Writer Residency Program

From website: Over the course of the year, Edgewood will offer a competitive fifteen-week residency to six young writers, aged 20-28. We will host two writers at a time in three residency periods: fall session, spring session, and summer session.

September - December, January - April, May - August

 

Scribblers' Retreat Writers' Conference

From website: We offer four sessions of specifically chosen genres throughout the year to provide conference attendees a carefully chosen consortium of experienced teachers, writers, editors and others from the publishing world.

November 12-15, 2009

 

SWA Writers Workshop

From website: Learn from stellar faculty, get up to three manuscript evaluations, enter contests, get to know our agents, editors, and instructors, learn how to market yourself and you book.

June 20-25, 2010

 

Black Writers Reunion & Conference

From website: BWRC exists to help you to improve your writing skill, expand your knowledge of the business of publishing and self-publishing, launch or build your writing career or business, and expand your network of people who can relate to your dreams and inspire you to surpass them.

June 23-26, 2010

 

National Black Arts Festival

From website: We invite you to join us and experience the dance, music, film, theatre, visual arts and literary arts of Africa and the African Diaspora.

July 14-18, 2010

 

Georgia Literary Festival

From website: The Georgia Literary Festival is a "moveable feast" celebrating the state's finest writers at the locations they call home. 2010 destination: Statesboro, GA

October 22-23, 2010

 

Agnes Scott College Writers' Festival

From website: For almost 35 years the Writers’ Festival has brought renowned novelists, poets, playwrights and essayists to the campus.

2010 dates TBA

 

Blue Ridge Writers' Conference

From website: Some of the most renowned authors in the southeast teach the "tricks of the trade" to potential authors.

2010 dates TBA

 

Southern Women Writers Conference

From website: The conference is devoted to showcasing the works of well known and emerging southern women writers, expanding the literary canon, and developing critical and theoretical understandings of traditions and innovations in southern women’s writing.

2010 dates TBA

 

Chattahoochee Valley Writers' Conference

From website: Providing an opportunity for literary and cultural bonding through the shared experiences of learning from and meeting established, professional authors in a series of workshops and social situations.

2010 dates TBA

 

Dahlonega Literary Festival & Writer's Conference

From website: Begun in 2004 by Kate Quigley McElliott, the Dahlonega Literary Festival celebrates books, writers, literacy, storytelling, and literary performance art.

2010 dates TBA

 

Hawaii
 

Writing For Power, Heart & Vision

From website: Join an intimate community of writers in a focused weekend of writing, sharing, and inspiration. Improve the emotion, depth, and potency of your work via extensive writing exercises, friendly reading of work, and engaging group discussion.

February 19-21, 2010

 

Hawaii Writers Conference & Retreat

From website: "The Maui Writers Conference is where magic happens, it's unlike any other writers conference in the world." - Jacquelyn Mitchard

August 27 - September 6, 2010

 

Idaho
 

Sun Valley Writers' Conference

From website: Anchored by important literary figures, the conference brings discerning readers and writers together in a congenial environment to consider ideas set forth in fiction, nonfiction, journalism, poetry and filmmaking.

2010 dates TBA

 

Rocky Mountain Writers' Festival

From website: Although the festival continues to grow and change with each new year, the integrity of the original festival remains: writers from the Rocky Mountains getting together as one community to share their work and celebrate the written word together.

2010 dates TBA

 

Writers' Master Class Weekend

From website: The master class weekend is for writers of mystery, thriller, and romantic suspense fiction. The weekend features two day-long workshops that will give in-depth instruction on key areas to enhance your writing.

2010 dates TBA

 

Illinois
 

Writers in the Heartland

From website: A residency program in Central Illinois founded to nurture emerging and established writers. Our Mission is to provide a tranquil environment conductive to artistic production and intellectual exchange. Week to month-long residencies available.

September - October

 

The Ragdale Foundation

From website: Ragdale is an artists' retreat located on the grounds of Arts and Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw's 1897 summer home in Lake Forest, IL.

Year-Round

 

Writer's Studio

From website: Take your writing to the next level in courses taught by working writers with a gift for sharing insights into their craft. Get reenergized by discussions with others as passionate, serious, and smart as you are about writing.

Year-Round

 

Gwendolyn Brooks Conference
for Black Literature and Creative Writing

From website: Founded in 1990, the conference has consistently attracted nationally known award-winning authors and aspiring writers, and is one of the pre-eminent events on the literary calendar.

2010 dates TBA

 

DePaul Summer Writing Conference

Lectures by esteemed writers, craft classes taught by some of the country's best writers and panel discussions on literary and practical topics make up the program of this new three-day conference.

2010 dates TBA

 

Writers & Editors / One-on-One

From website: The premiere freelance writers’ conference [. . .] brings together 60 national magazine writers with eight national magazine editors for a weekend of dialogue, deep dish and pitch sessions.

2010 dates TBA

 

Northwestern University Summer Writers' Conference

From website: Summer institute in creating and revising novels, short stories, nonfiction, and writing for children. This three-day conference is tailored to new writers, established writers, and anyone seeking a fuller understanding of the craft—and business—of writing.

2010 dates TBA

 

Pilcrow Literary Festival

For one week, Pilcrow Lit Fest brings authors, writers, poets, librarians, booksellers, and publishers from around the country together in support of small presses and independent media through small workshops, panel discussions, lectures and author readings in Chicago.

2010 dates TBA

 

Millikin University Literary Festival

From website: Come write with the pros. Read poems, short stories, novels and essays with some of today's leading writers. Join a workshop for feedback on your own work. Have fun wit words!

2010 dates TBA

 

Indiana
 

RopeWalk Writers Retreat

From website: The weeklong RopeWalk Writers Retreat gives participants an opportunity to attend workshops and to confer privately with one of four prominent writers.

June 13-19, 2010

 

Midwest Writers Conference

From website: These networking experiences, the manuscript evaluation scheme, the agent pitch sessions, and the class sessions make the Midwest Writers Workshop a must for all writers.

July 29-31, 2010

 

Indiana University Writers' Conference

From website: Participants in the week-long conference join faculty-led workshops in fiction and poetry, and take classes on fiction writing, poetry, creative nonfiction and attend a variety of readings and social events.

2010 dates TBA

 

Iowa
 

Iowa Book Festival

Bringing books & book lovers together.

2010 dates TBA

 

Iowa Summer Writing Festival

From website: The Iowa Summer Writing Festival is an opportunity for you to share your work in a community that wishes it well. There are one-week workshops and weekend workshops available.

2010 dates TBA

 

David R. Collins Writers' Conference

A national writing conference with novel, nonfiction, and poetry workshops, panel discussions, and readings.

2010 dates TBA

 

From website: It is a multi-venue event bringing fiction, non-fiction, culinary, drama, poetry, science, children's literature (and other genres) all together in one event, and then explores how they exist in other art disciplines.
May 2010
 
Annual science fiction conference with differing themes offered from year to year. Events include book signings, readings, panel discussions and more.
July 16-18, 2010
 
From website: A Celebration of "Small Town" mysteries
2010 dates TBA 
 
From website: an intensive learning experience for small groups of serious-minded writers who are committed to improving and completing their novels for submission.
June 10-19, 2010
 
From website: One weekend the best women artists from around the world venture to this place to exchange ideas, process, performance- calling us to newly imagine what it means to be a writer.
September 11-12, 2010
 
From website: We offer seasonal classes in Writing, Computer Literacy, and Foreign Language; tutoring for students ages 6-16; vibrant youth and family programs and exhibits, readings, and other arts-related events.
Year-Round
 
From website: Programs include panel discussions, theatrical performances, a one-act play competition, lectures, literary walking tours, musical performances, a bookfair, and more.
March 24-28, 2010
 
From website: The festival presents panel discussions and master classes around literary topics to provide a forum for authors and editors to talk about their work for the benefit of emerging writers and the enjoyment of fans of LGBT literature. 
May 13-16, 2010
 
From website: The experiential education programs of the Salt Institute collect, communicate and preserve non-fiction stories about Maine people, culture and landscape.
September - December, February - May
 
From website: Writers from diverse cultures and ethnic experience, whose award-winning novels, non-fiction and poetry are astounding readers and critics with their beauty, insight and reflection, will participate in the [. . .] Maine Literary Festival.
November 6-8, 2009
 
From website: Let inspiration bite. A rustic getaway for writers situated at the beautiful Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Isle, the Blackfly Writers’ Retreat provides an opportunity for writers to immerse themselves in their work far from the distractions of home.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: We offer intensive workshops in each of four genres: poetry, short fiction, novel, and nonfiction. Daily lectures and nightly readings give students the opportunity to meet other writers and to explore work that expands and challenges our understanding of literature.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: MWPA’s Fall Writing Retreat—a weekend devoted solely to the pursuit of creativity with wise teachers available to help hone skills while offering specific techniques and an abundance of gentle feedback.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The mid-Atlantic's premier celebration of the literary arts offers well-known authors, local bookstores, publishers, children's writers, storytellers, author signings, crafts, refreshments and entertainment.
September 24-26, 2010
 
From website: America's premier independent literary center, founded in 1976, promotes the art of contemporary writing by building a community of writers, workshop leaders, publishers and audiences.
Year-Round
 
From website: Festival will feature novelists, journalists, poets, a poetry slam, adult and youth writing contests and a comedy night! All events are free and are held at various locations throughout downtown Bethesda.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: [O]ffers the unique opportunity for aspiring writers to have their work critiqued by accomplished writers in the specialty field of their choice, be it fiction, poetry, memoirs, creative non-fiction, travel, mystery, screenwriting or children’s literature.
2010 dates TBA
 
Writing workshops from poetry to travel writing to blogging. Also conducts workshops in various other fine arts.
Spring - Summer
 
From website: The Newburyport Literary Festival is a celebration of literature, authors, and readers.
April 23-24, 2010
 
From website: Juniper Institute participants form a community of writers committed to exploring the creative process and advancing their craft.
June 20-26, 2010
 
From website: Four day writing, yoga and movement retreat at Stump Sprouts in the beautiful Berkshires.
September 30 - October 3, 2010
 
From website: Amherst Writers & Artists is a non-profit corporation with four programs. We continue to support and run Outreach writing groups for traditionally silenced populations, and we continue to operate Training programs on the east and west coasts of the U.S.
Year-Round
 
The Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference provides the faculty, connections, and tools necessary to set poets with a book-length manuscript on a path towards publication.
Year-Round
 
From website: The faculty includes Vietnam veterans and others whose lives have been altered by the experience of war, but applicants with diverse interests and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Evocative of renewal, rebirth, and fertility (in the literary sense, of course), “Solstice” is the name of one of the most rejuvenating and welcoming writers’ conferences in the country.
2010 dates TBA
 
The Multicultural Writers Conference at Emerson College is a two-day event composed of workshops, readings and panel discussions. Focus is on becoming published, the literary community, and the impact of writers of color on the industry.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Lesley's conference supports writers in a collaborative environment that will provide rich stimulation for anyone interested in fiction, nonfiction, children's book writing, and poetry.
2010 dates TBA
 
Offers a variety of workshops in creative writing and the visual arts. Workshops are a week long and go from June through August.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Cape Cod Writers' Center is where writers gather to share their thoughts and skills with other writers - those who are published, those who want to be, and those who simply love to write.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: A three-day celebration of the poets, poetry, and literary heritage of a state whose contribution to American poetry is unsurpassed in the nation. Join us as we pay tribute to the poets and writers of the past while experiencing the creative energy of today’s literary artists.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Annual mystery conference for writers and readers.
2010 dates TBA
 
Held annually in Somerville, the Writers Festival hosts readings and a book fair. Held during the event is Ibbetson Street Press's annual poetry contest.
2010 dates TBA
 
Annual symposium of the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature. For more information visit www.ssml.org/symposium
May 13-15, 2010
 
From website: This is the singular experience of Bear River — the fabric of the conference woven from twin loves, for the worlds of words and nature. Bear River is a place of diverse community that welcomes all of the individual voices of its many participants.
June 3-7, 2010
 
From website: The Berrien Artist Guild, through its multi-use facility, the Box Factory for the Arts, chooses to create an outstanding place to practice and celebrate artistic diversity.
Year-Round
 
From website: Recharge your batteries, pick up new ideas and techniques, make friends and influence people, write and work with a discerning group of peers at Rustbelt Roethke, a professional-level writers’ retreat and peer workshop with a comfortable, egalitarian atmosphere at a modest cost.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The conference will focus on your work, with intensive workshops in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and screenwriting. as well as faculty and participant readings, panel discussions, and informal gatherings.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Ann Arbor Book Festival’s mission is to promote reading, heighten awareness of literacy challenges, and showcase the rich culture of the written word in Michigan and beyond.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Walloon Writers' Retreat is produced by Springfed Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the craft of writing, be it prose or song, the performance of works, be it spoken or sung.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Inspirational talk/presentations. Discussions on craft and the creative process of songwriting. Plenty of open mic time. Song assignments - everybody writes one.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Ann Arbor Book Festival is pleased to bring you a fall Writer's Conference this year that will be a full-day experience where attendees can hone their skills in sessions led by a noted group of writers.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Programs include readings by acclaimed local and national authors, classes, weekend genre festivals, competitions and grants, open groups, writer’s studios, and much more.
Year-Round
 
From website: The Split Rock Arts Program is comprised of two entities: Summer Workshops and Online Mentoring for Writers, both of which offer intensive learning opportunities with outstanding faculty from throughout the world.
2010 dates TBA
 
Two-day conference held every year with six renowned speakers teaching on the craft of writing and the publishing industry. Opening and Closing speakers, panel discussions, open mic night, bookstores, and autograph sessions. Perfect for novice and experienced writers.
August 13-14, 2010
 
From website: Since 1937 the festival has been held at various member institutions and the membership has grown to include many colleges and universities across the South. Over the years, a veritable “who’s who” of Southern writers have given readings, conducted workshops, and participated in panels.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: he Yoknapatawpha Summer Writers’ Workshop is designed to give and fiction and creative non fiction writers experience in the art of writing. The workshop features writing advice, exercises, and personal critiques, as well as readings, panels, and talks on craft.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: [G]ives writers the opportunity to hear outstanding speakers and to receive information on marketing, research, and writing techniques.
April 15-18, 2010
 
From website: Usually the first session includes the entire group for faculty and guest presentations, the second session breakout workshops, and the third session question and answers. The full schedule will become available at the workshop.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: You’ll experience a whirlwind weekend of writing, coached by true professionals, conducted in a gorgeous city venue.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: We host the The Annual Flathead River Writers Conference - a nationally acclaimed five day event giving members and guests the opportunity to learn from and mingle with published authors, agents, editors and publishers from all over the country.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Montana Festival of the Book will bring together the region’s finest writers to celebrate reading and writing in one of the Inland Northwest’s biggest cultural events.

2010 dates TBA

 
From website: The Environmental Writing Institute was one of the first writing conferences in the country to focus entirely on nature and environmental writing, issues, concerns, and approaches.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The conference offers workshops that are designed to benefit both the inexperienced and the experienced writer. We even offer master classes for writers who've completed book-length manuscripts and want their entire novels, memoirs, or poetry collections read by acclaimed authors.
June 12-18, 2010
 
From website: Offers up to fifty juried residencies per year to working artists from across the country and around the world. Residencies are awarded to visual artists, writers, composers, interdisciplinary artists, and arts or arts education scholars.
Year-Round
 
From website: Join writing professionals, agents, industry experts and your colleagues for three days in Las Vegas, Nevada, as they share their knowledge on all aspects of the writer’s craft.
April 15-17, 2010
 
From website: The conference is open to anyone writing crime and mystery fiction or non-fiction, technical writing for public safety magazines in print or online, or anyone interested in writing.
June 17-20, 2010
 
From website: The workshop, held annually on the campus of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, runs for six weeks, and combines an intensive learning and writing experience with in-depth feedback on students' manuscripts.
Deadlines: January 30, 2010; April 8, 2010
June 7 - July 16, 2010
 
From website: Offers Conference on Poetry and Teaching, Festival and Conference of Poetry, and Frost Place Seminar. In July and August, The Frost Place hosts a poet-in-residence who lives and writes in Frost's farmhouse.
June 27 - July 1, July 8-14, August 8-13, 2010
 
Annual retreat hosted by WriteLines on Star Island off the coast of New Hampshire
2010 dates TBA
 
Join Peter E. Murphy and Mimi Schwartz for a relaxing writing retreat which will energize and inspire you. Workshops in poetry and creative nonfiction will include writing time, supportive feedback sessions, good meals and good company.
2010 dates TBA
 
Energize your writing with challenging and supportive workshops which focus on starting new material. Advance your craft with feedback from our award-winning faculty.
January 15-18, 2010
 
From website: Join us this year for a day of workshops and readings in creative writing and literature.
April 17, 2010
 
From website: The mission of the Poetry Center is to: provide poetry events and workshops to a diverse audience and to provide opportunities for poets through offering contest, awards, a journal, anthologies, reference materials, and conferences.
Year-Round
 
Annual conference covering all types of mystery writing with book sales, key speakers, and professional authors.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: An intensive program of workshops and readings, featuring a staff of nationally-known writers, poets and editors. The series of workshops, lectures and lunch meetings is open to both Rutgers students and the community, though some prior workshop or professional experience is required.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Designed to teach the art and craft of writing a screenplay that is saleable to Hollywood. This extraordinary learning experience is a unique opportunity to learn from some of Hollywood's most successful screenwriters and screenwriting teachers.
June 1-6, 2010
 
Hosts several week-long workshops and master classes with a few weekend-long courses. Genres include fiction, memoir, and poetry and various craft classes.
July 11-18, 2010
 
From website: The Glen Workshop combines an intensive learning experience with a lively festival of the arts.
August 1-7, 2010
 
From website: Too often in hospitals and clinics, in busy professional lives, there is no time for reflection. But here, left-out stories are told, shared, written. 
August 1-7, 2010
 
From website: Through our generous grant program and unique retreat experiences, A Room of Her Own Foundation works to educate the community about the work of female artists and writers.
2011 dates TBA
 
From website: The Millay Colony for the Arts offers one-month residencies to visual artists, composers and writers.
 
April - November
 
From website: The Edward F. Albee Foundation exists to serve writers, visual artists, and composers from all walks of life, by providing time and space in which to work without disturbance.
May - October
 
From website: Hear an honest and full critique of your manuscript submission from publishing professionals, enjoy meals and lectures with those in the business, and learn firsthand the intricacies of the publishing world.
November 18-21, 2009
 
From website: Teaching people ways to develop their creativity and use it in life, work, and creative expression. We do this through a unique series of exercises in creative writing, drawing, memoir and storytelling.
March 12-15, June 18-21, 2010
 
From site: Black Writers Reading and Writing to Transform Their Lives and the World.
March 25-28, 2010
 
From website: Great seminars and individual opportunities to work with editors, established writers, and other experts to help you sharpen your writing, marketing and technological skills.
April 24-25, 2010
 
From website: Backspace Writers Conference brings together literary agents, acquisitions editors, best-selling authors, and publishing professionals for a two-day, two-track program of workshops, panels, and networking.
May 27-29, 2010
 
From website: By fostering meaningful collaboration between young artists we hope to build an apprentice company-actors, directors and playwrights all working together to form their own company within the framework of the larger professional theater company.
June 26 - August 1, 2010
 
A full day conference featuring over 60 authors, agents, and editors.
June 3, 2010
 
Annual conference hosted every summer at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.
June 12-18, 2010
 
From website: The Chautauqua experience includes powerful whole-group seminars, compelling small workshops, intensive one-on-one sessions, and a host of informal activities to put writers in close touch with many mentors.
July 17-24, 2010
 
From website: A huge, free public event presenting an array of literary stars and emerging authors who represent the exciting world of literature today.
September 12, 2010
 
Biannual conference with writing workshops, panels, book fairs, and Meet the Authors/Agents events.
October 17-18, 2010
 
Algonkian increases your odds of becoming a published author by showing you how to inhabit that upper percentile taken seriously by pros in the publishing business.
Year-Round
 
From website: The DWC hosts more than 40 different creative writing workshops each year. Classes vary from season to season, and typically include workshops in poetry, fiction, memoir, drama, non-fiction and screenwriting.
Year-Round
 
From website: Teaching more than 6,000 students a year, Gotham Writers' Workshop is the largest and most comprehensive private creative writing school in New York City and online.
Year-Round
 
From website: The North Country Institute and Retreat serves a dual purpose: to provide a writer's retreat for emerging writers of color and to enhance the literary and cultural arts of northeastern New York.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The annual, weekend-long Festival features both daytime and evening readings by the finest poets writing today, as well as some of the East Coast's most innovative student work.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The PEN World Voices festival of International Literature will bring together more than 150 writers from across the globe for an exciting week of cross-cultural literary exchange.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Take part in workshops and literary salons with renowned New School faculty members, visit legendary literary venues, and meet authors, editors, and agents at the center of the contemporary American literary scene.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: For four days and three nights, live and write in a community of writers on the beautiful grounds of the historic Chautauqua Institution on the shore of Chautauqua Lake.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Sarah Lawrence College Summer Seminar provides published and unpublished adult writers the opportunity to explore their chosen subject matter and deepen their craft.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Our senior staff is here to talk with you about writing and the writing life, and to work with you on your fiction, poetry, novel, or memoir.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Manhattanville’s Writers’ Week program offers the opportunity to spend an intensive week of writing and working closely with some of the country’s finest writers and teachers of writing.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Institute offers courses for undergraduate and graduate credit and may be taken on a non-credit basis as well.  Students may enroll for two weeks or for the entire four-week session.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Group and individual sessions included in each workshop, which total more than 35 contact hours in a genuine workshop environment.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Ever dreamed of writing or illustrating children’s books? We’re inviting writers, illustrators, teachers and readers to spend a few days in the Hamptons to celebrate books, plays and television programs for children.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Located in a resort area of natural beauty, the conference offers instruction that is friendly, rigorous, professionally useful, and intellectually challenging.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Understand the art of the screenplay in hands-on workshops, panels and seminars located in the relaxed, natural beauty of Southampton. Study with professional screenwriters drawn from the most distinguished film programs in the country, as well as from the rich pool of talent in New York and the Hamptons.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Southampton Playwriting Conference provides the rare opportunity to develop work in an intensive collaborative laboratory setting, with professional actors and directors standing by. Emerging and established playwrights alike may apply to any one of our three sessions.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Six weeks of outdoor creative writing workshops for young people culminates in an afternoon of NYWC workshop participants sharing the stage with literary luminaries in Fort Greene Park.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Writing By Degrees is truly an extraordinary conference--put on by graduate students, for graduate students, it combines a sophistication about the art of creating literature with a fresh passion for the subjects it embraces.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The &Now Festival explores intersections between creative and critical praxes, examines innovative and experimental acts of writing, and advances a serious inquiry into theories of language.
2010 dates TBA
 
New annual festival sponsored by the Asian American Writers' Workshop.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Network sponsors two conferences each year -- a Spring Conference [. . .] and and a Fall Conference. These conferences bring together hundreds of writers for workshops, readings, networking, and lively discussion.
Spring: 2010 dates TBA; Fall: November 20-22, 2009
 
From website: Western Carolina University's Visiting Writers Series, the oldest such series in North Carolina, has a long tradition of bringing the best of both established and emerging literary talent to the mountains of Western North Carolina.
March 22-25, 2010
 
From website: Wildacres Writers Workshop is one of the finest residential writing workshops in the country - and the least expensive! It features a weeklong retreat and a weeklong writers workshop.
July 3-9, 10-17, 2010
 
From website: Donald Maass leads participants through practical writing exercises that plumb depths of character, add plot layers, heighten sense of time and place, and develop the brainstorming skills that produce consistently original stories.
September 13-19, 2010
 
From website: Our programs include classes in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, playwriting, journal writing, children’s books, screenwriting, and more. Programs are held in Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Year-round
 
ClarityWorks' first in-town writing workshop for women open to both commuters and out-of-town visitors. This 6-day workshop combines writing in community, solitude for personal writing, and discussion on writing craft as well as time to explore Asheville and environs.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The NCWN’s Squire Summer Writing Residency offers an intensive course in a chosen genre, as well as a panel discussion on publishing and bookselling, and readings by faculty and registrants.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Join us for a festival [of] ideas as expressed through good literature.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: This 6-day retreat provides ample time to sink into your writing. Here is the answer to all those times you've said, "If I only had the time!"
2010 dates TBA

 

 

From website: The Conference enjoys a national reputation among writers as one of the best run, most interesting events of its kind, especially because of its strong public audiences, attracted by its free and open format.
March 23-27, 2010
 
From website: Since 1986, The Spring Literary Festival has featured some of the world's finest, most distinguished writers of poetry, fiction and non-fiction.
May 5-7, 2010
 
From website: The Jonathan R. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop is designed to give beginning poets and writers an opportunity to develop their talents and visions. Our Writers Workshop puts you in touch with the variety a life in writing has to offer.
Application Deadline: April 9, 2010
June 13-20, 2010
 
Intensely creative, pushing you beyond what you thought you were capable of achieving—you eat, sleep, drink, breathe writing. And all around you are your fellow writers and instructors, cheering you on, encouraging you, word by word.
June 19-26, 2010
 
From website: The Antioch Writers' Workshop is a nationally renowned community of writers that encourages creative writers at all levels by providing inspiring, unique, and inclusive opportunities for professional and personal growth.
July 10-16, 2010
 
From website: Young Writers is an intensive two-week workshop for intellectually curious, motivated high-school students who value writing. Our goal is to help students develop their creative and critical abilities with language—to become better, more productive writers and more insightful thinkers.
June 27 - July 10; July 18-31, 2010
 
From website: This is a conference about strong, imaginative writing spanning five genres: fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwriting and screenwriting.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The conference features approximately 25 authors, editors, and agents offering 40 informative programs to help writers learn to write better and get published.
April 29 - May 1, 2010
 
From website: The Margery Davis Boyden Wilderness Writing Residency is a unique opportunity for a writer or pair of writers seeking a lengthy spell of unparalleled solitude for work and personal refreshment.
April - October
 
From website: Donald Maass leads participants through practical writing exercises that plumb depths of character, add plot layers, heighten sense of time and place, and develop the brainstorming skills that produce consistently original stories.
April 12-18, 2010
 
From website: The program combines morning workshops with afternoon craft seminars and career panels. Evenings are reserved for author readings.
July 11-18, 2010
 
From website: we have a full week of lectures, workshops and critique sessions that focus on picture books, historical fiction, mysteries, and biography for children.
July 12-16, 2010
 
From website: We can get you that face time with an agent or editor, get you prepped for success with workshops for every type of writing, buoy you up during the inevitable (and temporary) rejections that are part of the writing life, and help you celebrate your victories.
August 6-8, 2010
 
Fiction Collective 2 and American Book Review introduce the only writer's workshop dedicated to innovative writing.
Summer 2010
 
From website: Readings, workshops, classes, conferences, Fellowships, residencies! Fishtrap is about "Writing and the West."
Year-Round
 
From website: Wordstock features ten author stages, a book fair with over 150 exhibitors, a special children's area and children's literature stage, a series of workshops for writers and for K-12 teachers, a special broadcast of Live Wire!, and more.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Central Oregon's premier literary event [created] to foster an appreciation of the literary arts in the region through readings, workshops and panel discussions conducted by nationally and internationally recognized writers.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Evening and full day writers conference offering a variety of concurrent workshops plus appointments with agents and editors.
March 27-28, 2010
 
From website: Join us at the Parkway Central Library for two days full of stimulating talks by award-winning writers, live music, children’s entertainment, and a bustling literary marketplace thronged with booklovers and booksellers.
April 17-18, 2010
 
From website: A three-day celebration of the work of talented and promising younger American writers. Each year, the Festival brings five fine younger writers to campus all at once for three days, giving them opportunities to mix often and informally with students and with one another.
April 2010
 
From website: Designed to equip the writer to build a stronger story, book, or career by offering a variety of workshops with speakers from a host of backgrounds and genres. Agents and editors offer attendees an opportunity to personally pitch their ideas.
May 14-16, 2010
 
From website: The Seminar provides an extended opportunity for undergraduate poets to write and to be guided by established poets. Staff and visiting poets conduct writing workshops and offer lecture/discussions, present readings of their own work.
June 6-27, 2010
 
Annual conference hosted by West Chester University with poetry readings, special events, and workshops.
June 9-12, 2010
 
From website: We invite you to join us in creating a community of writers in a bucolic, convivial, and historic setting. Small workshops (maximum ten people per workshop) will be led by award-winning writers who have dedicated their lives to the teaching of poetry and prose.
June 9-14, 2010
 
From website: Whether you want to spend a long weekend immersed in a topic, retreat for a week to finish your novel, or dive into an intense week-long retreat guided by award-winning authors, we have the perfect workshop for you.
Year-Round
 
The annual Writers' Retreat offers writers much-needed time apart from the stresses of daily life to hone their craft through sessions with published authors, daily readings, a how-to publish workshop, time to relax with other writers, and daily yoga.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Readings by Award Winning Poets, workshops for students, teaches, one and all, acoustic jazz, all under a revival style tent amongst the beauty of Fishing Creek Valley.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Writers' Symposium is an intensive examination of the craft of writing creative nonfiction.
2010 dates TBA
 
 
From website: The HUB-BUB Artist-in-Residence Program provides three pre-professional and emerging young visual artists and one creative writer the opportunity to "live free and create" for 11-months in downtown Spartanburg, SC.
2010-11 Deadline: February 15, 2010
June 1, 2009 - April 30, 2010
 
From website: What is bliss if not 7 days writing at the beach? Think of mornings writing in group with the meeting room doors open onto the deck. Limit 12 women
April 18-25, 2010
 
From website: Conference events will include readings and book signings by featured authors, scholarly panel sessions exploring the conference theme, as well as creative writing panels and pop culture sessions.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Festival annually welcomes more than 200 authors from throughout the nation and in every genre for readings, panel discussions and book signings.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Over 40 panels & discussions available on mysteries, thrillers, and general writing and promotion techniques applicable to any genre.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Festival has grown every year and we trust that it is having a positive influence on the thriving, living literature of Appalachia. We started the Mountain Heritage Literary Festival at Lincoln Memorial University because our school has such a rich literary tradition.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Conference will gather a distinguished faculty to provide instruction and criticism through workshops and craft lectures in fiction, poetry, and playwriting.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: [O]ffer[s] a serious course in creative writing, not just a “get your feet wet” introduction. Students spend most mornings in workshops, and most evenings in discussions or readings by faculty, special guests, and fellow participants.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Writers' Festival is hosted by the literary journal Windhover at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Traditionally, about 75 writers gather at this annual conference.
January 6-9, 2010
 
From website: For a dozen years, HPHS students have enjoyed meeting, working with, and learning from distinguished writers
February 18, 2010
 
From website: The DFW Writers' Workshop is proud to present a special conference for writers. Meet other writers, learn the tricks of the trade from experts, and pitch your work to literary agents -- it's going to be a fantastic two days!
April 10-11, 2010
 
The Austin International Poetry Festival (AIPF) is the world's largest non-juried poetry festival. All events are free and open to the public unless noted. Come enjoy poetry's biggest party!
April 15-18, 2010
 
From website: Four-day writing and yoga retreat in the Bluebonnet Heart of Texas.
May 20-23, 2010
 
From website: The Writers' League of Texas promotes literacy and elevates the art of writing.
June 25-27, 2010
 
From website: boldface emphasizes the work of young, new, and aspiring writers. We invite you to apply, whether or not you are published, and whether or not you have an undergraduate degree in creative writing.
June 2010
 
From website: Provides a forum for journalists, writers, readers, students, educators and the general public to listen to, be inspired by and practice their craft at the highest possible level.
July 23-25, 2010
 
From website: Students sign up for one workshop in fiction, nonfiction, or poetry taught by one of four top authors. Small class sizes and personalized instruction will help you develop as a writer and hone your craft.
July 2010
 
From website: The organization continues to grow at a rapid pace and currently includes four component programs: University Without Walls, Writers in Communities, Dramatic Readers Theater, and The Autograph Series.
Year-Round
 
From website: WRITING IS A DREAM. Writing is also work. It fulfills and frustrates and fascinates. At SMU, you don’t write alone.
Year-Round
 
From website: The Adult Conference includes morning workshops (3-hours/day) in Novel, Advanced Fiction, Generative Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Young Adult Fiction, or Children's Writing.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Led by one of the writers on the NEYWC staff , the small, intimate workshops (usually 10 to 12 students per workshop) form the core experience for high school students participating in the conference.
May 13-16, 2010
 
From website: A Five-day working conference for playwrights and screenwriters of all levels.
June 11-17, 2010
 
From website: The annual Vermont College of Fine Arts of Union Institute & University's Postgraduate Writers’ Conference is open to all experienced writers, with or without graduate degrees.
August 9-15, 2010
 
From website: Bread Loaf provides a stimulating community of diverse voices in which we test our own assumptions regarding literature and seek advice about our progress as writers.
Deadline: March 1, 2010
August 11-21, 2010
 
Various workshops in different forms of literary and visual arts. Programs change from year to year and range from print making to book binding to poetry.
Year-Round
 
From website: The Wildbranch Workshop is for writers who want to improve and market their outdoor, natural history, and environmental writing, as well as environmental educators and activists who want to bring better writing skills to bear on their work.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Located at the Tinmouth Pavilion on a pristine private lake, the conference site is, in itself, conducive to freeing the mind from the stresses and troubles of contemporary life.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Celebration of the written word will feature readings, signings, panels, workshops, demos, musical performances, family activities and special events featuring literary luminaries from around the world-and just around the corner.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Festival includes readings, panel discussions, and special events, featuring emerging and established authors.
2010 dates TBA
 
Annual literary festival hosted by Hollins University in Roanoke with readings, poetry panel, and literary prizes.
March 6, 2010
 
From website: The mission of the Virginia Festival of the Book is to bring together writers and readers and to promote and celebrate books, reading, literacy, and literary culture.
March 17-21, 2010
 
From website: An unparalleled opportunity to see literature in action, to interact with authors and exhibitors of acclaimed national renown as well as our own gifted faculty and students, to participate in intimate panel discussions, and to sit back and simply satisfy the literary cravings within us all.
April5-8, 2010
 
From website: Want to be a writer who makes people think, ponder, and listen? Then this is the place for you.
June 13-18, 2010
 
From website: Our mission is to provide writers uninterrupted time in a unique historical space within an environment of natural beauty.
Year-Round
 
From website: The rock stars of writing, the chroniclers of our age. Reading and talking about writing.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Electrify Your Writing.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The festival has honored a living writer with strong ties to the Appalachian region, an author who comes to campus for a reading and a public interview and who listens to two or three papers about her/his work.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Offers events for people of all ages-lectures, readings, and book signings, workshops and panel discussions, visits by festival authors to local colleges/universities, poetry slams, the KPBX Kid's Concert, and other youth events.
April 14-21, 2010
 
From website: Whether you are experienced or new to writing, have a special project in mind, need a jumpstart or are switching genres, our conference provides the professional guidance you are looking for in writing and publishing memoir, non-fiction, fiction and poetry.
April 23-25, 2010
 
From website: You'll have the opportunity to not only create and revise works, but also to engage creatively and critically with writers who work beyond the bounds of well-behaved American literature.
July 18-25, 2010
 
From website: Network with fellow writers, improve your craft, and meet agents and editors.
July 22-25, 2010
 
From website: This well-established conference, focused on the craft of writing, offers an affordable experience for writers of all levels, with a variety of intimate high quality workshops at the Frances Anderson Center in Edmonds
October 1-3, 2010
 
From website: We invite you to join with us as we create a cultural environment for writers that provides the best possible combination of literary resources and inspiring surroundings.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: LitFest will host an impressive list of authors covering a wide range of styles and approaches. They will include author presentations, book signings, workshops, readings, and much more.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The conference includes break-out sessions, hands-on workshops, a delicious salmon buffet lunch, and plenty of time to meet and discuss the writing life with fellow writers.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: We’re a small festival focused on developing our craft while networking with like-minded folks. We believe true education should offer an opportunity to grow and change. So we’ve structured our program for hands-on experience and cooperative dialogue, not info-loading.
2010 dates TBA
 
Annual conference with three days of writing workshops, competitions, informal discussions, bookstore, and silent auction. Open to people in West Virginia.
June 11-13, 2010
 
From website: All participants will meet individually with workshop faculty for intensive one-on-one conferences. These are intended to focus and refine the work being done around seminar tables and in classrooms. 
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Each year the festival offers something for book lovers of all ages and interests: authors, publishers, book vendors, the Festival Marketplace, a special section just for children, a used book sale, meet the author events, workshops and panel discussions.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: This three-day conference includes workshops, panel discussions, manuscript reviews and more to help you succeed as a writer. Take this opportunity to network and get inspired by other writers.
March 5-7, 2010
 
From website: The new, aspiring writer as well as the advanced writer. Writers of poetry, screenplays, novels, nonfiction books, and freelancers aching to mine the Internet for dollars—we have something for all of you.
April 23-25, 2010
 
From the website: Immerse yourself in a focused, intensive and exhilarating writing experience this summer when you "Write by the Lake."
June 13-18, 2010
 
From website: The School of the Arts at Rhinelander is a multidisciplinary, hands-on arts program for adults.
July 25-30, 2010
 
From website: Whether you are experienced or new to writing, have a special project in mind, need a jumpstart or are switching genres, our conference provides the professional guidance you are looking for in writing and publishing memoir, non-fiction, fiction and poetry.
October 15-17, 2010
 
From website: Every fall, in the Wisconsin River Valley near Spring Green, nationally renowned authors and poets meet with area wide lovers of books and writing to explore the importance of the literary arts to human understanding.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The annual event [. . .] provides seasoned and emerging writers the opportunity to talk with peers, to discuss their work, and to learn from the pros in workshops.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The program aims to encourage fresh and innovative thinking in the arts and literature by providing residencies and work space for individual artists and writers whose work indicates both involvement in individual creative exploration and significant future accomplishments.
Deadlines: March 1 (Fall), October 1 (Spring)
Fall / Spring
 
From website: Every summer, passion for the written word brings writers together in Grand Teton National Park's backyard. Jackson Hole Writers Conference attendees are young and old, veterans and tenderfoots who all share one common denominator: they all love writing.
June 24-27, 2010
 
From website: The goal of the festival is to engage the community in this country’s rich and diverse literary culture and to bring attention to local writers.
April 8-11, 2010
 
From website: Writing With Style is a unique opportunity for writers of all levels to participate in a week-long workshop at The Banff Centre, a setting for artists that is both inspiring and productive.
Deadlines: February 5, 2010 (Spring); May 14, 2010 (Fall)
April 19-24, September 13-18, 2010
 
From website: Brings you words worth writing, works worth reading, writers worth quoting, texts worth teaching – all kinds of words that can make the world a better place. And what are those words? Inclusion and diversity, for a start. Fighting words. Respect, commitment, quality, innovation. And fun!
April 21-25, 2010
 
From website: [We celebrate] the world’s best writing from home and abroad with an eclectic program that presents interactions with leaders in the worlds of science, history, poetry, politics, spoken word, economics, drama, fiction, biography, music, religion, spirituality and more.
April 22-27, October 21-26, 2010
 
From website: Offers special working & learning opportunity to writers at different stages of development. Top quality instruction, low instructor-writer ratio, & the rural Saskatchewan setting offer conditions ideal for the pursuit of excellence in the arts of fiction & poetry.
May 7-20, 2010 (poetry colloquium)
 
From website: The Summer Literary Seminar programs are premised on the idea that creative writing benefits considerably from the keen sense of temporary displacement created by an immersion in a thoroughly foreign culture and street vernacular.
June 13-27, 2010
 
From website: The Lakefield Literary Festival celebrates its rich literary history each July on the weekend closest to Margaret Laurence's birthday (July 18th) and showcases many current Canadian authors.
July 16-18, 2010
 
From website: An event to celebrate excellent Canadian authors and literature on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. Held in various Bayfield Heritage Settings with author readings and discussion times with the audience. Book signings follow.
June 26, 2010
 
From website: Invites mid-level writers to engage in small-group sessions in one of four categories: fiction, memoir, playwriting, and poetry.
June 29 - July 4, 2010
 
From website: The SFU Summer Publishing Workshops offer you a chance to learn from and work with more than 100 of Canada’s top editors, writers, marketers, designers, publishers, and new media moguls.
July 1-2, 2010
 
From website: Join Canada's longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices... with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood's heritage gardens.
August 12-15, 2010
 
From website: Join us for a fabulous weekend filled with readings, fun, music, and great traditional Newfoundland food.
August 13-15, 2010
 
From website: “To inspire, educate and motivate aspiring and experienced writers alike” has been the goal of the Surrey International Writers’ Conference since its humble beginnings. It is a goal that everyone involved with the conference today continues to embrace.
October 22-24, 2010
 
From website: [P]rovide[s] a forum for participants in the book publishing industry, librarians, researchers and teachers from around the world to discuss the past, present and future of the book.
October 14-16, 2011
 
From website: This department is devoted to all aspects of literary arts, and to developing a forum for the exchange of ideas in contemporary art and literature. Rigorous, innovative, and critical approaches in writing and publishing are developed through programs that support professionals at various stages in their careers.
Year-Round
 
Annual festival hosted in Yellowknife to celebrate northern and aboriginal writers. Each year there are readings, a writing contest, and workshops. 2009 theme: Many Visions, Many Paths
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Puts the spotlight on Calgary's innovative writing & arts community with [. . .] readings, performances, concerts, art, film and more!
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: A celebration of the vast amount [of] literary activity happening every day in this country. It is an affirmation of our indebtedness to everyone who reads, writes, publishes, discusses or gathers in the name of literature.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: We will feature a line-up of wonderful writers with world-wide audiences and a weekend of non-stop literary delights. If you want to improve your own writing skills you’re in luck [. . .] we will offer a wide variety of workshops by renowned teachers.
2010 dates TBA
 
Events include workshops, reading sets and seminars. So, sign up for our monthly e-news to receive all the latest festival news and contest announcements.
2010 dates TBA
 
One day of author readings, public readings, workshops, panel discussions and storytelling including poetry with music and art will allow you to travel with new voices to different lands and have the opportunity to become a part of their human experience.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Whitehorse Poetry Festival takes place every two years and features writers from across Canada and the US. The festival consists of readings, panel discussions and craft talks devoted to poetry and poetics.
2011 dates TBA
 
From website: A four-day writing experience at beautiful Kilmory Resort [for] emerging and mid-level writers.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Festival presents an eclectic series of events, including: readings, poetry, spoken word, musical cabaret, current events, youth and Francophone programming and conversational-style discussions.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Internationally renowned and undiscovered authors mingle with 14,000 readers of all ages in intimate, interactive and informal settings on Granville Island, an urban oasis in the heart of Vancouver.

2010 dates TBA

 
From website: LitFest is Canada's only Creative Non-Fiction Festival. It brings together some of the world's best selling, award winning and emerging authors, writers, filmmakers, and artists with audiences at readings, panel discussions and presentations.
2010 dates TBA
 
 
From website: Summer Literary Seminars in Kenya (SLS-Kenya) is the only creative-writing and cultural program of its kind in East Africa.
December 13-28, 2009
 
From website: Write and practice yoga twice each day. Swim, kayak, hike. Boat to traditional Mayan villages, market towns, weavers of gorgeous fabrics. Experience Guatemala's rich culture and learn about its history and sacred traditions.
February 13-20, 2010
 
From website: The VCCA is pleased to offer two workshops for writers at our beautiful new facility in Auvillar, a tiny unspoiled village in the south of France.
May 17-14, July 15-21, 2010
 
From website: Annual summer fiction-writing seminar in historic Sozopol in Bulgaria. The seminar consists of intensive daily fiction workshops, roundtable discussions, and readings/lectures by faculty and participants.
May 27 - June 1, 2010
 
From website: Writers, comedians and musicians that have the capacity to change our lives, to share new visions of the world, and to do that incredibly sexy thing – to renew our sense of wonder.
May 27 - June 6, 2010
 
From website: The aim of the workshop is to set a course for revision through a deep and detailed analysis of the text, with honest, practical feedback.
June 13-20, 2010
 
From website: Teaching people ways to develop their creativity and use it in life, work, and creative expression. We do this through a unique series of exercises in creative writing, drawing, memoir and storytelling.
June 26 - July 4, 2010
 
From website: In addition to taking classes and amassing writing portfolios, students will participate in one-on-one critiques with professional writers, give readings in Parisian bookshops, and receive "survival" French lessons.
July 1-28, 2010
 
From website: Study abroad with some of the finest writers, poets, playwrights, visual artists and scholars from America and Central Europe. 2009 Theme: The Nature of Mother Nature
July 3-30, 2010
 
Experience writing in the heart of Mexico near many important literary and artistic sites. Sponsored by the UNO, these writing workshops offer help from experienced writers and teachers with other writers and scholars giving readings.
July 3-30, 2010
 
From website: We will explore ways to expand our creativity through a series of exercises including guided visualization technique, automatic drawing and writing, map making, memoir, and storytelling.
July 5-13, 2010
 
From website: Teaching people ways to develop their creativity and use it in life, work, and creative expression. We do this through a unique series of exercises in creative writing, drawing, memoir and storytelling.
July 14-22, 2010
 
From website: Under the direction of Edith Isaac-Rose and Bea Kreloff, artists and writers are invited to join committed adults in an atmosphere of serious study and enjoyable play.
July 23 - August 19, 2010
 
From website: There will be lectures on Lithuanian Literature and Culture, travel writing, and folk arts as well as other writing-themed and cultural lectures. Readings, roundtable discussions and tours of the city and its outlying areas will also be included.
August 1-14, 2010
 
From website: Peter Murphy will be leading this Wales Getaway. He will challenge you to stretch your imagination by exploring your personal myth to produce new poems or prose based on life experiences, fantasies and dreams.
August 14-20, 2010
 
From website: [P]rovide[s] a forum for participants in the book publishing industry, librarians, researchers and teachers from around the world to discuss the past, present and future of the book.
November 6-8, 2010
 
From website: Abroad Writers' Conferences are devoted to introducing our participants to world views here in the United States and Abroad. Throughout the world we invite several authors to come join us to give readings and to participate on a panel.
Year-Round, locations vary
 
From website: At each workshop you will learn the techniques you need to write with power and passion, in your own voice, regardless of genre.
Year-Round
 
From brochure: Travel to the historic artists' colony of Pont-Aven for an intensive workshop in Travel Writing. The immersion setting and individual attention from the instructor make this an ideal opportunity for students to enjoy an international learning experience.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The IAWW serves people interested in exploring their creativity through artistic expression and looking for a secure, hassle-free way to visit exotic destinations and take classes from award-winning artists.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: Il Chiostro brings Italy to people. We do it in a unique and intimate way with a focus on the arts. We offer workshops in photography, painting, cooking, writing and more.
2010 dates TBA
 
From website: The Paris Writers' Workshop welcomes all adults seeking to improve their writing skills – newcomers as well as the more experienced. Courses and lectures are conducted in English.
On hiatus for 2009
 
From website: Travel to the flower-bedecked, haunting island of Bali and, amid the tropical breezes and the terraced rice paddies, write, write, write.
2010 dates TBA