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MISSION

S imply put? The faculty at this conference offer a wealth of writing, publishing, and new media expertise, and we are dedicated to helping emerging writers achieve their goals. If you’re a more established writer, but you’re looking for some inspiration, or to emerge from a rut, we encourage you to join us, too. It’s all about nurturing our writing selves, dedicating time to work at our craft—and getting some necessary and honest feedback.

No hierarchy. No cliques. No BS. Just five days to gather, learn from each other, and make some progress.

PROGRAM

U nlike many of the larger summer writing conferences, the Beaver Island Writers Gathering is a chance to spend significant time with our entire faculty. You won’t get assigned to one class and only see other faculty in passing, at a reading–or at some distant table in a cafeteria. This is a small, intimate retreat at a beautiful, historic farm on a remote island. Sound good?

You will have class time with all three workshop moderators, our featured writers and a literary agent. You will have the opportunity to take part in discussions about writing both fiction and nonfiction–and how to get your work published and marketed. That’s right. We figure if you’re dedicating your time to writing, it’s because you have something to say that you’d actually like the public to read.

Workshops will be held in the mornings. Classes will consist of 15 students each, and will treat three to four manuscripts per session. Afternoon sessions will be dedicated to craft, industry, and creative instigation seminars. Author readings in the barn will round out each day. There will also be plenty of occasions for you to gather with faculty members and your fellow attendees informally, as well as time to write and explore Beaver Island. Please check back for more detailed information about the various workshops and seminars.

Brown-bag lunches will be offered at the conference (at $5 a piece), and you’ll be free to sample the island’s offerings for dinner most nights. We will, however, have a closing night shindig on August 8, which may lead to Open-Mic Night at a local pub–so bring your instruments if you play. As the islanders say: "This ain’t karaoke, folks!"