Art and Craft: the Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference

August 12-14, 2009

• 2009 Conference Schedule and Program Descriptions
• Instructor Biographies
• Tuition and Registration Information
• Special Events
• Directions and Parking
  

Summer Session is pleased to announce the fifth annual Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference, a summer institute in creating and revising novels, short stories, nonfiction, and writing for children. This three-day conference is tailored to new writers, established writers, and anyone seeking a fuller understanding of the craft—and business—of writing. Participants have the opportunity to select from a host of panels and workshops, all of which are designed to give participants new perspectives on their work in the supportive company of other writers.

Each day of the conference includes the following:

• Faculty Panels: Faculty instructors and guest speakers will lead morning programs designed to lay the foundation for the rest of the day's activities. Speakers will read from their own works, discuss the writer's craft, and converse about the process of writing and publishing their work.
  
  
• Workshops: Addressing a variety of genres and topics in writing, these workshops will be composed of no more than 15 participants and will be two and a half hours long. In addition to other conference activities, students will have the opportunity to participate in two workshops a day. In these workshops, students will engage in free writing exercises and focus on brainstorming and experimentation.
  
  
• Community: Join writers in a supportive community to share work and ideas with others who understand the passion for writing. Participants will receive constructive critique and encouragement from faculty and peers. This conference will help students gain inspiration, build confidence, and provide many networking opportunities.

Other conference opportunities include:

• Manuscript Consultation: For an additional fee of $125, conference participants may meet individually with an instructor or panelist to discuss work sent in advance. Submitted work must be no more than 15 pages (double spaced, 12 point font). On your registration form please indicate your preference from the list of instructors and panelists. In some instances, a faculty member may not be available. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice.
  

Special Events

Please join us for three special evening events during the Summer Writers' Conference. All three of these events are free and open to the public and will be held at the McCormick Tribune Center Forum on the Evanston campus.

Opening Reception and Conference Keynote by

Patrick Somerville
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The McCormick Tribune Center Forum
1870 Campus Drive, Evanston
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Reception and Author Reading by

Angela Jackson and S.L. Wisenberg
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The McCormick Tribune Center Forum
1870 Campus Drive, Evanston
Reception: 5:00 p.m.
Reading: 5:30 p.m.

Reception and Reading by

Northwestern MA/MFA Graduate Students
Friday, August 14, 2009
The McCormick Tribune Center Forum
1870 Campus Drive, Evanston
Reception: 5:00 p.m.
Reading: 5:30 p.m.

Writers' Conference Location and Accommodations

The Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference will be held in University Hall on Northwestern's Evanston campus, just north of Chicago.

University Hall
1897 Sheridan Road
Evanston Campus
60208

University Hall information is available here.

A downloadable campus map and directions to the Northwestern campus in Evanston are available here.

Parking

Parking in the Evanston campus lots is by permit only from 8 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday. Parking is free on campus after 4pm and on the weekends. Limited 2-3 hour street parking is also available south and west of the campus. Conference attendees and the general public may park at the Church Street Self Park garage that is operated by the City of Evanston. Parking costs $8 for 6-12 hours (the first hour is free). The lot is located on Church Street, just east of Chicago Avenue, and is within walking distance (5 minutes) to University Hall, where the institute will be held. For more information, please visit: http://www.cityofevanston.org/departments/parking/parking.shtml#c

Parking permits for the first two days (Thursday and Friday) of the Writers' Conference will be available for purchase after registration. Permits are $12 and must be purchased by July 20th. A permit is not required to park on campus on Saturday. Participants who request a permit on their registration form must enclose a separate check payable to Northwestern University. If time allows, permits will be mailed prior to July 27th.

Accommodations

There are a number of hotels in walking distance to the Evanston campus which will offer a special rate to Northwestern affiliated guests. Please make your reservations as early as possible to ensure the best rate.

• The Homestead, 1625 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, 847-475-3300, www.thehomestead.net
  
  
• The Hotel Orrington 1710 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, 847-866-8700 or 888-677-4648 (Reservations) www.hotelorrington.com
  
  
• The Hilton Garden Inn, 1818 Maple Avenue, Evanston, 847-475-6400 www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=ORDEVGI

School of Continuing Studies Masters in Creative Writing

Those interested in the Summer Writers' Conference may also be interested in the School of Continuing Studies Masters of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program.