7 Great Writing Conferences in February 2019

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Conferences are not only the best way to meet agents, get tips from other writers, and learn about the publishing industry, they make you feel like a writer. We all need community, and this is how we, as writers, get the necessary incentive to keep writing.

All of these conferences and workshops charge tuition, but some offer financial assistance. There are deadlines for applying for aid, so make sure you plan ahead.

For a month-by-month list of conferences throughout the year see: Writing Conferences. (You will also find links to resources that can help you find conferences in your area on that page.)
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The Writers Studio, sponsored by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, February 7 - 10, 2019, 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.

Get Away to Write. February 10 - 15, 2019: 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. Workshops and faculty:  Recasting Memory: Choice and Allegiances in Memoir with Barbara Hurd; Finding Your Authentic Voice: A Poetry Workshop with Peter E. Murphy; Plus Special Guest Pulitzer Prize Winner Stephen Dunn will offer one-on-one tutorials.

San Francisco Writers Conference, Feb. 14 -18, 2019, 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 15 - 17, 2019, 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.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference. February 22 - 23, 2019: Tempe, AZ. "The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference creates a unique and intimate creative writing experience where writers of all backgrounds, genres, and skill levels gather together and connect through the celebration and study of literary craft, culture, and community. Featuring over 25 faculty members teaching more than 50 sessions, we seek to create a warm and welcoming environment that meets people wherever they are, where writers can learn from and support each other as they work toward their goals. Beyond regular programming, we also feature advanced pre-conference workshops, an exhibitor fair, scholarships, and fellowships. We also offer opportunities to advertise with or sponsor the conference as well."

Genre-LA™ Creative Writing Conference. February 22 - 24, 2019: Van Nuys, CA. More than 30 best-selling authors of genre novels, literary agents, editors, publishers, industry experts, Hollywood veterans, educators, and publishing professionals will share their wisdom and experience to help take your writing to the next level.

St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop, Feb 28 - March 3, 2019, St. Augustine, Florida. "The St. Augustine Author-Mentor Novel Workshop creates an intimate and professional environment that combines private meetings with small-group workshops, thus enabling aspiring authors to wisely approach the writing and publication of their novel. At the St. Augustine event, aspiring authors will:

1) Work one-on-one with top authors and savvy market professionals.

2) Apply advanced story and narrative technique to their novel-in-progress.

3) Hone and improve their writer voice and style.

4) Learn the necessary inside mechanics of the publishing business.

5) Leave the workshop with a detailed plan to work towards publication of their novel.

Group workshop sessions will be interspersed with agent and author consultations, workshop assignments, as well as consults with workshop leaders."