By Jama Kehoe Bigger—
MUNCIE, Ind. – Since 1973, Midwest Writers Workshop (MWW) has offered a summer conference to help writers improve their craft and become published authors. This year’s 50th conference is July 19-22 and offers two registration options. Participants can register to attend in-person at the Ball State Alumni Center, Muncie, IN, or they can register for a virtual option via Zoom technology. This hybrid version of MWW provides plenty of instruction, networking, and the sense of community that makes MWW so special.
“The vision behind our mission statement and our passion is to help writers. MWW is dedicated to maintaining and building a writing community to nurture writers at every stage of their journey, giving them the tools they need to improve their craft and achieve their publishing goals,” explains longtime director Jama Kehoe Bigger (who is retiring after the conference). “Wherever you’re located, plan to attend our milestone 50th writers’ conference!”
In celebration, Midwest Writers is also offering a Free Day of Workshops led by MWW alumni. On July 19th, MWW welcomes a slate of bestselling and award-winning alums to teach sessions on the craft of writing, sign books, and celebrate the anniversary with birthday cake. Throughout the Homecoming Day, panelists, attendees, and community activists will focus on why “Writing Matters” to each of us, our communities, and our society. This one-day event is free and open to the public thanks to a grant from Indiana Humanities, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The four-day conference includes a remarkable faculty of top-notch instructors presenting interactive sessions and enlightening panels on vital topics for aspiring writers at all stages of their journey.
The renowned faculty includes bestselling and award-winning authors in fiction: Lori Rader-Day, Jess Lourey, thriller: John Gilstrap, Matthew Clemens; fiction/young adult: Barbara Shoup; nonfiction: Michael Martone, Jill Christman, Kelcey Ervick, Brent Bill, Lou Harry; poetry: Mark Neely, Liz Whiteacre; children’s: Chadwick Gillenwater; publicist: Dana Kaye.
The Friday afternoon keynote is Jane Friedman who has 25 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers, and author of The Business of Being a Writer. On Friday evening, #1 New York Times bestselling author Haven Kimmel, (A Girl Named Zippy) is the keynoter.
“This MWW conference allows writers to connect with fellow writers and gain insight from published authors who will help them move forward in their writing career, regardless of whether they’re currently a beginner or a veteran of several books,” says Bigger. “Wherever they are in their writing careers, there is always something new to learn, to help them grow in their craft and stretch their vision. The networking is incomparable to anything else, and it will equip and motivate writers to take the next step in their writing journey.”
Midwest Writers Workshop, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit and its mission is to nurture aspiring and accomplished writers to improve their craft and achieve their publishing goals in a welcoming community.
The complete schedule and online registration (closes July 17) are available at www.midwestwriters.org.
Jama Kehoe Bigger is MWW Director at midwestwriters.org
