March - April 2024
The Summer Conference
Week One: May 26 - May 31
Week Two: June 16 - June 21
What Is it?
The Martha’s Vineyard Summer Writers’ Conference brings together writers from around the world with the central belief that we can all learn from one another. Our program offers week-long classes on the craft of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, evening readings, panel discussions, and individualized manuscript sessions. Attendees study with award-winning Visiting Authors & Poets and celebrate writing on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard.
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For those interested in individualized feedback, we offer Manuscript Sessions with our Visiting Authors and Poets. These one-on-one sessions allow attendees to get individualized feedback on their works-in-progress as well as advice on how to seek publication.
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Our goal is to provide a nurturing place to create. While our panel discussions and Literary Journal Seminar address the process of seeking publication, the central focus of our conference is on generating new work and exploring the projects you’ve been longing to complete. For this reason, we do not offer classic workshops or agent-pitch sessions.
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​The Structure
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Generative Seminars: Generate new work with our two-hour, craft-based classes held Monday through Thursday. Instructors lead discussions on craft topics and provide in-class generative exercises. Classes are offered in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry so you can strengthen your preferred genre or explore new ones.
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Manuscript Sessions: Receive advice and personalized feedback on your manuscript during a 45 minute one-on-one meeting with one of our visiting writers.
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Panel Discussions: Join a panel of Visiting Writers as they discuss their lives as authors and poets, how they deal with rejection, and how they've built their lives around the craft and art of creative writing.
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Evening Readings: Attend intimate reading of new and published work from our Visiting Writers.
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Literary Journal Session: Find out about the world of national literary journals, editing, and publication from a writer's persective. This Friday session will provide editing tips on how to prepare your work for publication as well as how to build your work into larger collections and novels so to seek publication.
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Attendee Readings: Form deep connections within the community by sharing your own original work during our evening Attendee Reading celebration on Thursday and Friday night.
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Want to Join Us?
We'd love to have you join us this summer! Spaces are limited, so we recommend registering early.
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The program fee for the Summer Writers’ Conference is $2000 for the week. Registration covers participation in all seminars, panel discussions, readings, and a one-on-one manuscript session.
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This was one of the most meaningful weeks of my life. Being surrounded by women writers and the support and love was the best part! This has changed my identity—I now see myself as part of a community of writers!
— 10th Anniversary Attendee
The setting was spectacular, the teaching incredibly helpful, insightful, thought provoking, and kind. The balance of craft classes, readings, and writing time worked perfectly. Just a big thank you! Thank you for honoring and valuing the voices of parents and people of color. Thank you for the guidance and fun!
— Quinn R., Attendee
This week has been so validating. I struggled my whole life to claim the identity of 'writer.' Being here has allowed me to feel affirmed and supported as I engage in the work.
— Gina E., Attendee
This was truly one of the best writing conferences I've ever attended—a perfect balance of creative rigor and creative leisure. The feeling of fellowship among faculty and students was infectious, electric even.
— Matthew G. Frank, Nonfiction Faculty
More Testimonials
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