Spencertown Academy Arts Center presents All Write, Columbia: Creative Nonfiction Writers Conference beginning Thursday, November 7 through Sunday, November 10. This four-day intensive writing conference will focus on both the craft and the business of writing nonfiction. Award-winning authors Donna Kaz and Mardi Jo Link will serve as workshop leaders, with additional acclaimed faculty including essayist Chloé Caldwell, memoirist and filmmaker Déjà Vu Prem, and story coach and the author Lisa Cron. Workshops, readings, and other events will be held in person at Spencertown Academy, while guest teachers are zoomed in.
“If you have always wanted to tell your story or turn a personal experience into an essay, this conference is for you. We look forward to gathering a mix of both emerging and veteran writers for this intimate, inspiring, and unique conference,” says Conference Director Donna Kaz. “All you need to apply is a short nonfiction writing sample and the willingness to join together with others who share a passion for putting their life experiences onto the page.”
“Spencertown is a welcoming literary community and the All Write, Columbia conference is the place to meet, share, edit, collaborate, and be inspired to keep writing,” says Adriana Tampasis, 2022 alum.
The conference is open to all levels of writers ages 18+—from beginners who are just starting to write flash nonfiction to more advanced writers with a memoir manuscript. Tuition is $500, including all workshops (plus an individual 45-minute consultation about 15-to-20 pages of each participant’s writing), opening night reception, guest author talks, publishing/PR panel, craft workshops, and most meals. The conference will be limited to a maximum of 20 participants. A limited number of scholarships will be available for local writers from Columbia and Greene Counties.
The deadline to apply is Monday, September 30. For submission guidelines, schedule, and faculty bios, see spencertownacademy.org/all-
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Founded in 1972, Spencertown Academy Arts Center is a cultural center and community resource serving Columbia County, the Berkshires, and the Capital region. Housed in a landmark 1847 Greek Revival schoolhouse, the Academy is located at 790 State Route 203 in Spencertown, New York. For more information, please contact info@spencertownacademy.org.
