31 Spectacular Writing Conferences and Workshops in September 2023

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

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

I've included conferences that have early application dates on my list. So, if you have missed a conference that is ideal for you, put the application deadline on your calendar for next year. (Many conferences are annual events.)

(Image: Tutka Bay, Alaska: Flickr)

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Kaz Conference Keep Writing Virtual Nonfiction Cohort. Sept - Oct, 2023. Are you a nonfiction writer working on a memoir? For one month this fall just 6-8 writers will gather via ZOOM -- at each workshop two writers will workshop 10 to 20 pages of a work of creative nonfiction/memoir. The sessions include discussions on the business of being a writer i.e. publishing, legal issues, agents and self promotion.  Will be held online. Apply by August 24, 2023.

WriterCon. September 1 - 4, 2023: Waterford, Oklahoma. Last year's conference featured over 70 presentations from authors, editors, agents, and publishers, opportunities for pitching and private consultations, manuscript review, workshops, master classes, and open mics for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. The faculty included fiction writers Yasmin Angoe and Amy M. Le, and fiction and nonfiction writer Barry Friedman. Poet Billy Collins, novelists Robert Dugoni and Steven James, and literary agent Elizabeth Kracht (Kimberley Cameron & Associates) delivered the keynote addresses. Participating publishing professionals included agents Blythe Daniel (Blythe Daniel Agency) and Abby Saul (Lark Group), and publishers Jeanne Devlin (RoadRunner Press) and Ally Robertson (Wild Rose Press).

The Gathering. September 2 - 4, 2023. Workshops in poetry as well as readings. 2-hour Workshops & Readings Friday night, Saturday , and Sunday. Participant Open Mics Friday and Saturday night. Will be held on Zoom. 

Honing the Muse: An Online Poetry Workshop. September 7 - October 5, 2023. Each Thursday, 7:00-9:00pm EDT. Online. "The major components of our five-week workshops typically include variations of the following elements: inspiring craft models, writing assignments, discussions and sharing. The organization and emphasis of these elements is dependent on the workshop leader’s vision. Their goal is to get you inspired and writing!"

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference. September 8 - 10, 2023: Denver, CO. Round Table Critiques, Pitch-Prep Coaching, and One-on-One Mentor appointments, as well as keeping the Saturday Publishing Professionals Panel Luncheon and the Sunday Gold Rush Winners Reading Brunch.

Creatures, Crimes & Creativity. September 8 - 10, 2023: Columbia, MD. A writer's and fan's conference for genre fiction covering mystery, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk & horror.

The Alabama Writers' Conclave. September 8 - 10, 2023: Mountain Brook, Alabama. The Conclave is today one of the oldest continuing writers' organization in the United States. Writers, aspiring writers and supporters of the writing arts may join. Sharing information, developing ideas, honing skills, and receiving practical advice are hallmarks of the annual meeting. 

EPIC: Michele Bombardier Poetry Workshop. September 9, 2023. You won't want to miss this two-hour workshop presented by Award-Winning Poet Michele Bombardier. We will explore the role of vulnerability in the writing process: what kills it, how to connect with it, and how to bring power to the page. We will read examples and discuss aspects of craft. This workshop is for all levels of writers. For EPIC members only. Will be held virtually.

Letters & Lines Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference. September 9 - 10, 2023: Golden, CO. This conference offers you opportunities to learn your craft, boost your career, and get feedback on your work. The schedule includes three keynotes; a industry professionals panel; 33 breakout sessions on writing, illustrating and professional development; intensives on picture books, novels and illustration; as well as critiques, portfolio reviews and showcase, a virtual bookstore of faculty titles hosted by BookBar, and more. 

Orion Online Creative Nonfiction Workshop. September 9 - October 14, 2023: Online. Course: Nature and the Archive. In this class, we will observe ourselves as natural and consider how our relationships with the natural world were formed. Writers will spend time making meaning at the intersection of our lived experience and the historical record. We will consider the role of nature in our sense of self by troubling dominant narratives about nature and ourselves, crafting nature writing from new perspectives. This course is primarily generative and oriented toward creative nonfiction writers but open to all genre expressions. Duration: This class meets over six consecutive Saturdays from 1-4 pm ET from September 9 to October 14, 2023. Apply by August 10th.

Writing by Writers: Lake Superior Writing Adventure. September 10 - 15, 2023: Bayfield, Wisconsin. The Lake Superior Writing Adventure is a week-long workshop with Pam Houston and Luis Alberto Urrea where writers will work with both faculty members to generate new work while hiking, kayaking and exploring the pristine beauty of the Lake Superior and Apostle Islands region. The workshop is limited to 20 participants to ensure an intimate setting, plus plenty of time to write and explore all the outdoor wonders Lake Superior has to offer.

A Weekend For Words. Sept 15 - 17, 2023: Irvine, CA. 60+ working, professional authors of fiction, nonfiction & screen, editors & agents. Manuscript critique & one-on-one consultation additional.]

49 Writers Tutka Bay Retreat. September 15 - 17, 2023: Tutka Bay, Alaska. Guest Instructor: Amy Butcher.

Okoboji Writers' in-person Retreat. September 17 - 20, 2023: West Lake, IA. The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, founded in 2021, is open to all skill levels. Columnist Julie Gammack is the producer. Over 30 faculty resources will be on hand to work with participants in small-group settings. Whether you come to find out how to get started or land a book deal, this retreat is a welcoming event for all.

Breakout Novel Graduate Learning Retreat. September 18 - 24, 2023: Sarasota, Florida. An intensive week of critiques, one-on-one sessions, query clinics, brainstorming and writing. Limited to 16 students. "For graduates of our Breakout Novel Weeklong Intensive." Will be held in person.

Orion Online Creative Nonfiction Workshop. September 18 - November 6, 2023. Online. Course: Writing About Food. Just as the climate, soil, and landscape of a place impart unique flavors to traditional foods (if we are wine people, we call this terroir; if we aren’t, we’re still looking for a better word for it), writing about food becomes more than just food writing when it, too, is deeply tied to the places, ecosystems, cultures, and individuals who nurture what we eat. When food is on the table, what ideas can writers have, what worlds can they reveal, what relationships can they probe? How does writing about food help us explore the personal and political forces that tie us together and tear us apart? Throughout the semester we’ll read, research, and write our own food-focused personal essays. Classes will be discussion-based and generative, with time to share work. Readings may include Ligaya Mishan, Rebecca Solnit, John McPhee, Alice B Toklas, Naben Ruthnum, Bill Buford, Ruby Tandoh, and Maya Jewell Zeller. Duration: This class meets over eight consecutive Mondays from 7-9 ET (4-6 PT) from September 18 through November 6th. Apply by August 10th.

The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop. September 20 - 24, 2023: Algonkian Park, Virginia. "You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, clear your head, have your work read by our writer mentors, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. You discuss with us ahead of time via the Algonkian Writer Retreat Application the goals you wish to accomplish, and we'll work with you to make it happen. Do you desire a review? A line edit? Do you wish to discuss the reality of the current fiction market, your novel project, plot and characters, or perhaps get feedback on the opening hook or a few sample chapters? Or would you simply like a relaxed and productive dialogue about your goals as a writer?"

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall). September 20 - November 8, 2023: Online. OVERVIEW: Multi-Week Online Course Join novelist Jennifer Gennari for this six-week online course to build the skills needed to revise and enrich your novel. The course features live sessions with faculty, structured assignments, community interaction, and goal-setting. Live Lectures (with closed captioning).

Writing On The Door: Washington Island Literary Festival. September 21 - 23, 2023: Washington Island, Wisconsin. "The Washington Island Literary Festival is a moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island. Participants have a unique opportunity to share time with prominent authors and dedicated readers in the intimate, friendly setting of Washington Island, a half-hour by ferry from the Door County mainland, in September’s color and warmth." 

PNWA Conference. September 21 - 24, 2023: Lake Washington, Washington, Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. More than 50 seminars, editor/agent forums & appointments, practice pitching, keynote and featured speakers, reception, awards ceremony. Many agents and editors attending. Will be held in person.

LiTFUSE Poets’ Workshop. September 22 - 24, 2023: Tieton, WA. The workshop features readings, performances, and meditation for poets. The past faculty included poets included Ching-In Chen, Christopher Howell, Brooke Matson, Diana Khoi Nguyen, Dennis Nurkse, Kelly Schirmann, Chad Sweeney, Dujie Tahat, Alexandra Teague, and Tobias Wray. 

8th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference. September 23 - 24, 2023: Dunwoody, Georgia. "With one of the strongest list of authors you will ever find at a conference, we’ve added even more agents, editors and publisher representatives than ever before! Combined with educational sessions and workshops, the 8th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will offer you all that you need to refine and improve your craft." 

UCLA Extension Writing Retreat at Lake Arrowhead. Sept 24 - 29, 2023: Lake Arrowhead, CA. Join a small group of committed writers for four full days of uninterrupted writing time at UCLA’s beautiful conference center at Lake Arrowhead. Participants will enjoy private bedrooms, private baths, and three gourmet meals each day, along with complimentary beverages all day long. The Writers’ Program will coordinate some structured activities, including pre-dinner social hours and nightly open mic events, but your time will ultimately be yours to accomplish your writing goals at your own pace. 

Brooklyn Book Festival. September 24 - October 2, 2023: Brooklyn, NY. This year’s Festival Day and Literary Marketplace, a day-long celebration of authors and books, will take place in person in Downtown Brooklyn as well as virtually. At our live BKBF Children’s Day, families will enjoy a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, yoga, and art projects with favorite authors and illustrators.  All events are free and open to the public.

Six Bridges Book Festival. Septmeber 25 - October 1, 2023: Little Rock, Arkansas. "Prestigious award-winners, screenwriters, comedians, an expert witness, artists, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet are among the diverse roster of presenters who will be providing sessions." Free. 

Vermillion Writing and Literature Conference. September 28 - 30, 2023: Vermillion, South Dakota. The 2023 conference theme, “Beginnings: New Approaches in Creative Writing, Literary Studies, and Pedagogy,” looks with hope to possibilities for new voices, ideas, forms, and projects in the literary arts. VWALC’s panel sessions and public readings will address these and other overlapping concerns.

Hedgebrook Writers Conference 2023. September 28 - October 1, 2023, Whidbey Island, WA. "Hedgebrook is a community of visionary women writers whose stories and ideas have shaped our culture in the past, now, and for generations to come. We have tapped into this community to collectively build Hedgebrook’s first-ever Writers Conference – a three-day (virtual) intensive for writers across the globe. If you aspire to improve your craft, come learn from seasoned writers that are equipped to challenge, engage, and inform.  Our illustrious alumnae instructors craft and guide participants through interconnected lessons over the course of three days, proving “No Writer Is An Island.” Will be held online and in person.

Native Creatives: An In-Community Retreat. September 28 - October 1, 2023: Boyds Mills, PA. OVERVIEW: In-person 4-Day/3-Night, In-Community Retreat “Time with fellow Native creatives helps sustain me along this author’s journey. I look forward to a weekend together to share our stories, write, create art, and talk practically about how we navigate the publishing industry.” —Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation) This in-community retreat is for Native writers and illustrators with host Traci Sorell and special guests, author Monique Gray Smith and senior editor Karen Boss.

Algonkian Writer Conference–New York City Pitch. September 28 - October 1, 2023: Ripley-Grier Studios in New York City. The New York Pitch Conference and writers workshop is held four times a year and features publishing house editors from major houses such as Penguin, Random House, St. Martins, Harper Collins, Tor and Del Rey, Kensington Books and many more who are looking for new novels in a variety of genres, as well as narrative non-fiction. The event focuses on the art of the novel pitch as the best method not only for communicating your work, but for having you and your work taken seriously by industry professionals.

Flathead River Writers Conference. September 29 -  October 1, 2023: Kalispell, MT. Writers help writers in this two day conference packed with energizing speakers and workshops. Features: Workshops, MS preparation & submission, working with agents, movie deals, media use, & children's book publishing.

The Creativity Workshop in New York. September 29 - October 2, 2023: NY, NY. "The Creativity Workshop is an experiential course of doing and experimenting. Our exercises and instructors’ talks focus on helping you learn practical techniques to stimulate your imagination and innovative thinking."