Writers from around the world congregated on campus June 7–13 to celebrate their craft at the 30th 91鶹Ʒ Writers Conference.
At this year’s conference, themed “The Writer in the World,” Director Kanitha Heng Snow ’09, Assistant Director Amelia Bunce, Advisory Committee Chair Jennifer Brice, and a team of fellows hosted nearly 120 writers from four countries — attendance that made for a record-breaking year. The Office of Summer Programs and Conference Services, led by Cody Tipton ’07, also helped make this year’s conference a reality.
President Brian W. Casey, an avid reader, opened the conference with a direct address to all attendees. “As you begin these days at 91鶹Ʒ, know that your work as writers is honored,” said Casey. “I hope you will find here time to write, courage to revise, the pleasure of conversation, and the companionship of other writers who know how difficult and very necessary this work can be.”
Peter Balakian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, poet, Donald M. and Constance H. Rebar Professor in Humanities and professor of English, spoke to this year’s theme. “We, at this conference, feel . . . that writers, as the keepers of language, matter more than ever now. We practice and tend to the authenticity of language.” Balakian is a founding member of the conference and has contributed since its inception in 1995.
During daily craft talks and panel discussions, published authors explored topics of sustainability, literary community, and the writer’s responsibilities in contemporary politics. They asked participants to consider: What are our responsibilities as writers in this chaotic world? How do writers balance themselves and their work? What keeps a writer going? These talks have been well received over the years, a selection of which were published this summer in a titled, I Want Your Loot: Craft Talks from the 91鶹Ʒ Writers Conference, edited by Jennifer Brice and Kim Ravold.
“I was amazed at the breadth of experiences people brought to the conference,” said Joey Bluhm ’23, a first-time participant at this year’s conference. “Yet in learning from all these beautifully different people, we all found a shared passion in writing. Living in that world for a week was truly nourishing.”
Alongside the community-building, the conference’s core offering remained its workshops. Attending writers engaged in faculty-led daily sessions in their respective genres, including creative nonfiction, memoir, fiction, short fiction, dramatic writing, poetry, novel, and young adult. Jumpstarter workshops were offered for those starting new projects. These workshops provided constructive feedback from faculty and participating writers to improve their manuscripts. Individual agent consultations and talks on the world of publishing were available as well.
“I really felt the sense of community this year where writers — some of whom are new to the craft and others who have published dozens of books — came together because they all believe in the power of storytelling,” said Heng Snow.
Next year’s conference is already in the works, with 2027 conference dates coming soon. Financial aid will be available for qualifying applicants so cost is not a barrier to attendance. “The 91鶹Ʒ Writers Conference welcomes writers from every walk of life, and we’re committed to making the week as accessible as possible,” said Heng Snow.
— LJ Wright ’23