2026 FEB Workshops & Conferences

ALL links will be active.  Links will be the following colors:
█ New Listing  | █ Added after mailout. | █ CLOSED or not accepting
2026 THEME: MYSTICAL AND MAGICAL

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█ 10th Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference

September 20 – 21, 2025: Decatur, Georgia. “With one of the strongest list of authors you will ever find at a conference, we’ve added even more agents, editors and publisher representatives than ever before! Combined with educational sessions and workshops, the Annual Broadleaf Writers Conference will offer you all that you need to refine and improve your craft.”
https://broadleafwriters.com/10th-annual-broadleaf-writers-conference/

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49 Writers Tutka Bay Retreat

September 26 – 29, 2025: Tutka Bay, Alaska. Join us for a one-of-a-kind writing retreat set against the stunning backdrop of remote coastal Alaska. The Tutka Bay Writers Retreat allows writers of all genres, backgrounds, and experience levels to take a break from their day-to-day lives, reconnect with their creative selves, and dive deeper into their writing practice. At this generative writers retreat, you and a small group of other writers will enjoy craft talks, in-class writing exercises, readings, and discussions led by Ramona Ausubel, acclaimed author and teacher. In between instructional sessions, you and other retreat participants will have plenty of unstructured time to write, rest, dream, and socialize. The retreat is limited to 12 participants.
https://49writers.org/classes-workshops/

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AWP Conference & Bookfair

March 4–7, 2026 – Baltimore Convention Center
Join thousands of writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers at the AWP Conference & Bookfair—the premier annual gathering of the literary community. With hundreds of events and exhibitors, four days of connection, inspiration, and celebration await you in Baltimore.
https://conference.awpwriter.org/index.cfm

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█  A Public Space’s Weekend Writers’ Retreat

The Novel Workshop – Elizabeth Gaffney
Mondays, February 2, 2026 – May 4, 2026
The Novel Workshop is an intensive class for writers with a substantially (at least 50%) or fully complete draft of their manuscript. Novels of all genres are welcome, as are manuscripts of linked stories, literary nonfiction, memoir and hybrid works. Each writer will have their entire book (up to 100,000 words or 400 double-spaced pages) read and critiqued by the instructor and all fellow participants. This is a lot of reading, but, in return, you’ll get copious feedback on your book’s plot, arc, and structure, as well as close reading and line editing. In addition to this comprehensive critique of your manuscript, you will also receive an editorial letter from the instructor.

Artistic Looking: Character Studies Using Portraits in Fiction – Ada Zhang
Wednesdays, February 4, 2026 – February 25, 2026
Over the course of this four-week workshop, we will do several character studies to determine how different authors, in a variety of styles, use description to capture not only physical appearance but also countenance, that quality lying beneath the surface that speaks to surface as well as depths, offering a glimpse into a character’s soul. I believe this is what makes certain characters come across as real, in other words alive. Our study will focus primarily on descriptions of faces, a unit of inquiry like the portrait in visual art. What do these faces betray? Withhold? What does the author give precise attention to? Where do we see evidence of care and respect? How is language being used not just to represent but to evoke? And how can we apply these techniques to our own practice of artistic looking?

Visualizing Fiction – Sara Majka
Sundays, March 1, 2026 – April 12, 2026
In this six-week workshop we will explore how this phenomenon works. We’ll do so through reading, discussion, some generative writing, and peer workshop. A central text will be Elaine Scarry’s essay “On Vivacity: The Difference Between Daydreaming and Imagining-Under-Authorial-Instruction.” We’ll also read a range of fiction by both classic (Julio Cortázar, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway) and contemporary writers (Yoko Ogawa, John Edgar Wideman, Brian Evenson, Tessa Hadley). And look at some illustrated works, from Donald Barthelme to fairy tales. Our discussions in class about visualizing fiction will look not just at internal pictures as they’re often portrayed—as movies playing in our minds—but also at elements like color, pattern, still life, and visual tricks.

https://apublicspace.org/academy/category/workshop

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The Alabama Writers’ Conclave

View the 2026 Events List.
https://apublicspace.org/academy/category/workshop

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The Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop

Best Little Novel Workshop Retreat in the East – March 18 – 22, 2026
This workshop retreat takes place at Algonkian Park in Virginia–a pristine and rather enormous expanse of state park beside the Potomac River, yet only minutes from quality restaurants and shopping in Sterling. The local wildlife and deer families, the many hiking trails, and scenic walks along the river, all combine to provide you with an environment conducive to creativity and productive writing.
http://algonkianconferences.com/AlgonkianWriterRetreat/

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The 2026 Aspen Literary Festival

2026 Dates: September 25-27 – More info to follow
https://www.aspenliteraryfestival.org/

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█  Author Media

Announcing the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference – A couple of years ago, I set out to create something special. I wanted to create a writers conference that wasn’t focused on learning how to write a book but instead focused on how to sell the book, and the Novel Marketing Conference was born. I’ve been speaking at writers’ events for fifteen years. I’ve spoken to writers all around the world. During those years, I had a lot of ideas.
https://www.authormedia.com/announcing-the-2026-novel-marketing-conference/

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Brooklyn Book Festival

• Festival Day & Literary Marketplace – Brooklyn Borough Hall and surrounding venues
  Sunday, September 27, 2026 – 10am – 6pm
• Children’s Day – Brooklyn Borough Hall (209 Joralemon St.)
  Saturday, September 26, 2026 – 10am – 4pm
• Virtual Festival Day
  September 20, 2026 – 1pm – 6pm
• Bookends
  September 20, 2026 — September 28, 2026
  Locations in all 5 boroughs
  http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/

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Central Coast Writers’ Conference

September 25-26, 2025: Mark your calendar now and join us for two full days of inspiration, creativity, and connection at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Details coming soon!
https://www.cuesta.edu/writers-conference/

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Colorado Gold Writers Conference

October 1–4, 2026: Aurora, CO. An intensive three days of workshops, presenters, agents, master classes, intensives, and more!
https://rmfw.org/conference/

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Creatures, Crimes & Creativity CON

September 18-20, 2026: Doubletree Hilton Hotel Columbia MD. A writer’s and fan’s conference for genre fiction covering mystery, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk & horror. Our purpose is to gather readers and writers of genre fiction–mystery, suspense, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal – to meet in an informal atmosphere so that everyone can have fun connecting, and learning about writing, the authors and their books. The conference offers panels on the craft and business of writing as well as panels tailored to engage and entertain fans. The registration fee includes Friday’s dinner, 3 meals Saturday and Sunday breakfast, so readers and writers dine side-by-side. Plus: keynote addresses, author interviews, an onsite bookstore, two giant book signings and readings open to the public.
https://creaturescrimesandcreativity.com/

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Boyds Mills

From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course
September 2 – October 7, 2026: Online. If you are illustrating AND writing your own book, and wondering how to prepare your submission, this is the course for you. You will focus on the craft of writing and illustrating a picture book with an intense level of feedback from faculty Courtney Pippin-Mathur and special guests, Natasha Khan Kazi and Aram Kim. Participants who complete all assignments should be able to finish or revise a working dummy (mocked up book) in its entirety during the course, preparing for submission to editors, agents, or art directors. 24 participants max.
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/from-idea-and-sketch-to-dummy-and-submission/

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Futurescapes

March 12-15, 2026 Online. The Spring Futurescapes Workshop is an immersive writing program designed for aspiring authors ready to take their manuscripts to the next level. Participants will submit a 3,500-word excerpt, a 1-page synopsis, and a query letter prior to the workshop. Each writer will be placed in a small cohort and will rotate through sessions with experienced faculty, receiving tailored feedback on their work. In addition to receiving critiques, participants are expected to read and provide thoughtful feedback on the submissions of their cohort members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
https://futurescapes.ink/

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█  Georgia Romance Writers: Moonlight and Magnolias

September 25 – 27, 2025: Atlanta, Georgia. Includes keynote speakers, workshops, editor/agent appointments, autographing & bookfair, awards banquet.
https://www.garomancewriters.org/moonlight-and-magnolias

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Haiku North America Conference

September 24 – 28, 2025: San Francisco, CA. “Haiku North America is designed for, and open to, everyone—beginners and seasoned specialists alike. Haiku North America (HNA) is a biennial conference in celebration of haiku poetry. Every two years we offer five stimulating days of papers, panels, workshops, readings, performances, book sales, cultural outings, and much socialization with fellow poets, translators, scholars, editors, and publishers. Our first conference was in 1991 and subsequent conferences have taken place in the United States and Canada, focusing on North American poets, their haiku, and related arts. Everyone is welcome to attend HNA, the largest and oldest gathering of haiku poets outside Japan.” Biennial.
http://www.haikunorthamerica.com/

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█  Hedgebrook Writers Conference 2025

September 18 – 21, 2025: Seattle, WA. “Hedgebrook is a community of visionary women writers whose stories and ideas have shaped our culture in the past, now, and for generations to come. We have tapped into this community to collectively build Hedgebrook’s Writers Conference – a three-day intensive for writers across the globe. If you aspire to improve your craft, come learn from seasoned writers that are equipped to challenge, engage, and inform. Our illustrious alumnae instructors craft and guide participants through interconnected lessons over the course of three days, proving “No Writer Is An Island.”
https://www.hedgebrook.org/calendar/2025-hedgebrook-writers-conference

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Highlights Foundation

Whether you’re just starting out, or continuing to navigate the complexities of the children’s publishing industry—if you believe in the power of story for kids, we’re glad you’re here. Featuring In-person Programs, Online Courses, On-Demand (Self-paced online), The Whole Novel Workshop, Summer Camp, Free #HFGather Webinars.
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/learn-more-about-our-programs/

Upcoming Workshops
Explore 2026 Workshops – Our 2026 in-person and winter online workshops are live now! Additional online workshops will be added in the coming weeks and throughout the year.
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/upcoming-workshops/

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Inkubator Writing Conference

Cleveland, OH. Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator Writing Conference is one of the largest free writing conferences in the country, providing workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, readings, and more to empower writers, celebrate literary excellence, and amplify diverse voices.
https://inkubator.litcleveland.org/conference-info

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█  Kotobee Blog

Must‑Attend Writing Conferences in 2026 Around the World  –  As a writer, you can attend helpful seminars and workshops that improve your skills, while meeting other writers and connecting with people who share your passion for writing. To help you along the way, we have gathered for you the best writers’ conferences and workshops in 2026. You can use our filtering tool to find the ones that best suit your needs.
https://blog.kotobee.com/writing-conferences-2026/

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Medium

Writing Conferences and Workshops in 2026 – This January there are a dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but most will be held in person or use a hybrid format. These writing events offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, how to market your books, discussions — there is something for everyone.
https://medium.com/tag/conference

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█ NYC Write to Pitch Conference

Three Acts of Schedule and the Four “P”s – Premise, Plot, Prose, and Pitch – MARCH 26 – 29, 2026
Aside from the nuances of creating an artful and realistic novel pitch, you will discover an even stronger emphasis on developing and writing a novel that is pragmatically pitch-worthy in the first place. To elaborate, an emphasis on the fundamentals of premise, plot, and prose narrative execution—three of the most crucial elements prone to causing novel rejection if not displaying sufficient expertise and verve.
https://newyorkwritetopitch.com/NYWP-Schedule.htm

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Okoboji Writers’ Retreat

September 28 -30, 2026: West Lake, IA. The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, founded in 2021, is open to all skill levels. Columnist Julie Gammack is the producer. Over 30 faculty resources will be on hand to work with participants in small-group settings. Whether you come to find out how to get started or land a book deal, this retreat is a welcoming event for all.
https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/

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PNWA Conference

2026 Fall Conference – September 10-30, 2026  More opportunities to pitch to agents and editors, more workshops, more master classes.
https://www.pnwa.org/event/PNWA2026

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Poets & Writers

Conferences and Residencies Database
Looking to meet up with agents and editors? To join a supportive writing community? Or to find the perfect environment to fuel your writing practice? The Conferences & Residencies database includes details about over two hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals.
https://www.pw.org/conferences_and_residencies

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Published to Death Writing Conferences

2026 Conferences are not only the best way to meet agents, get tips from other writers, and learn about the publishing industry, they make you feel like a writer. We all need community, and this is how we, as writers, get the necessary incentive to keep writing. All of these conferences and workshops charge tuition, but some offer financial assistance. There are deadlines for applying for aid, so make sure you apply early.
https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/p/writers-conferences.html

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Romance Writers of America Chapter Workshops & Webinars

RWA Conference July 15-18, Albuquerque, NM
https://www.rwa.org/rwa-annual-conference

• Chapter Conferences
• Online Chapter Workshops

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█  Six Bridges Book Festival

September 28 – October 5, 2025: Little Rock, Arkansas. “Prestigious award-winners, screenwriters, comedians, an expert witness, artists, and a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet are among the diverse roster of presenters who will be providing sessions.” Free.
https://cals.org/six-bridges-book-festival/

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█  Star Island Retreats

September 1 – 5, 2025: Star Island, Portsmouth, NH. During our four and one-half days together, we write from prompts
designed to awaken creativity you didn’t even know you had. We write by candlelight in a stone chapel. We write in rattan rockers on a wraparound porch. We write with a view of the ocean in all directions. We gather on the porch for magnificent sunsets. We write with the sound of waves and gulls. We pick up writing techniques from other writers, from the collection of articles prepared by the presenter, and from the presenter’s personal experience.
https://writelines.net/writing-retreats/

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█  Travel & Words: Northwest Travel Writers Conference

September 21 – 23, 2025: Medford, Oregon. TRAVEL & WORDS offers a multi-faceted conference for travel journalists interested in exploring Northwest destinations. The primary focus of the conference is to connect journalists with destinations throughout the Northwest. Attendees will have one-on-one meetings with destination marketers to learn about their destination and lay a foundation for productive working relationships. In addition, attendees will enjoy expert presentations about current topics in travel content publishing and have plenty of opportunities for networking and exploring the host destination. In more than a decade of conferences, Travel & Words has become an important force in the Northwest travel industry. Travel & Words is by invitation only. There is no registration fee for journalists.
https://travelwritersconference.com/

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Westwind Communications

The Top Writers’ Conferences for 2026 by Book Publicist Scott Lorenz – Westwind Communications – If you are a serious writer with high aspirations, then you’ll want to go to a writers’ conference. Want to meet authors and exchange ideas, tips and techniques? Then sign up for a writer’s conference today.A writers’ conference is a think tank for authors to build on each other’s ideas and inspire new achievements in their own work. For the cost of lodging and registration, the payoff for attending a writers’ conference could be tremendous.
https://book-publicist.com/the-top-writers-conferences-for-2026-by-book-publicist-scott-lorenz/

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Wintering With Women Writing the West

January, February and March, 2026 – In 2026, Women Writing the West will bring back the popular Wintering With WWW Speakers Series. The Zoom meetings will take place on the third Wednesday of January, February and March for a time to learn, ask questions, visit and have some fun. Meetings will start at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Each featured presenter will speak for approximately one hour, including time for Q & A. The meeting will stay open for an additional 30 minutes (a total of 1 1/2 hours), so we can socialize, share ideas and banish that Cabin Fever!
https://www.womenwritingthewest.org/education/

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Write on the Sound Writers’ Conference and Pre-Conference

October 2-4, 2026 –  Edmonds, WA. Founded in 1985, Write on the Sound writers’ conference (WOTS) is a small, affordable conference focused on the craft of writing. A variety of sessions, workshops and panel discussions are available for all levels and interests, including valuable information regarding today’s writing and publishing industry.
https://www.edmondswa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=16495016&pageId=19108995

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The Writer’s Center Workshops

The Writer’s Center offers hundreds of writing workshops and classes every year. Workshops cover all genres and all experience levels. Join us in person and online.
https://writer.org/workshops/

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Writing and Publishing Books for Young Readers

Murphy Writing Stockton University – Filled. Wait list available. Sign up for our email list to be notified about future dates and our other writing retreats. Join us for this five-week online writing workshop. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers.
https://murphywriting.com/workshops/writing-and-publishing-books-for-young-readers-online-workshop/

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Writing On The Door: Washington Island Literary Festival

September 17-19, 2025: Washington Island, Wisconsin. “The Washington Island Literary Festival is a moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island. Participants have a unique opportunity to share time with prominent authors and dedicated readers in the intimate, friendly setting of Washington Island, a half-hour by ferry from the Door County mainland, in September’s color and warmth.”
https://writeondoorcounty.org/2025-washington-island-literary-festival-2/

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