The Writer

MARKETS

Virtual & future events for writers

Writing conferences, retreats, and festivals are some of the best places to hone your craft and learn from some of the top names in the field, but they also offer the unique opportunity to meet fellow writers. In what can often be a solitary career, it’s important for you to network and get feedback on your writing. Here are three perks you should take advantage of at any conference, whether virtual or in person:

1. Make a friend. Finding a like-minded, or maybe not-so-like-minded, writer to bring into your inner circle can be priceless. You can each help each other brainstorm, get through rough writing patches, and read new work.
2. Learn a lot. Attend workshops that speak to you — and as many of them as possible. Getting advice from writers who have been in your shoes and learning the methods that work for them can make your entire conference experience worthwhile.
3. Write. The whole point of attending a conference is to discover more about your own writing style. Use the energy surrounding the event as inspiration, and maintain that momentum once you are back to the lonely task of working solo.

The following conferences, retreats, and festivals are a small sampling of what the industry has to offer. You’ll find more market listings at writermag.com.

With the global COVID-19 pandemic, many conferences have been canceled or moved online. The information here was current when we went to press. Be sure to

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from The Writer

The Writer18 min read
Why Are Writers So Prone To SELF-DOUBT?
Back in October of 2020, I read a blog post by a writer who lamented being distracted by his own negative self-talk: Everything I want to write has already been written. I have nothing original to add. My prose is limp. Etcetera. I read the post to m
The Writer5 min read
PONDER YOUR WORDS: How to Wield the POWER OF LANGUAGE
“A word after a word after a word is power,” says novelist Margaret Atwood. Part of that power is the power writing bestows upon its author – the power not only to reflect our emotions but to impact them. But we usually want more from our writing tha
The Writer3 min read
7 Reasons This Writer May Unfollow You On Twitter
I HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE: I am sorely tempted, much more often than I feel comfortable admitting, to “unfollow” an ungodly number of people on Twitter. Friends. Family members. Idolized authors whose tweets, for various reasons, send them floor-wa

Related