Art and Craft: the Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference

July 26-28, 2012

Registration begins in spring 2012. Join our contact list to be notified when registration is available.

• 2012 Conference Schedule
• Instructor Biographies
• Tuition and Registration
• Location and Parking
• Contact Us

Summer Session is pleased to announce the eighth 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). When you register, 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.
  

Writers' Conference Location

The Northwestern Summer Writers' Conference will be held in Wieboldt Hall on Northwestern's downtown Chicago campus.

Wieboldt Hall
Northwestern University
339 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

Parking

Permits for parking in a campus lot during the conference will be available for purchase after registration. Permits cost $36 for a three-day pass and must be requested by Friday, July 13.

Accommodations

On-campus housing is not available during the Summer Writers’ Conference. The following hotels are conveniently located within walking distance to the Wieboldt Hall. These hotels are not based on any recommendation, but are simply listed for your convenience in finding accommodations during your visit. Some of these area hotels may offer discounted NU rates, so please inquire when making your reservation.

• Affinia Chicago Hotel
• Allerton Hotel Chicago
• Best Western Inn of Chicago
• Chicago Courtyard by Marriott
• DoubleTree Chicago Magnificent Mile
• Embassy Suites Chicago-Downtown
• Fairfield Inn & Suites
• Four Points by Sheraton
• Hampton Inn & Suites
• Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown/Mag Mile
• Hilton Suites Chicago/Mag Mile
• Homewood Suites by Hilton
• James Chicago Hotel
• Marriott Chicago
• Omni Hotel
• Palmer House Hilton
• Radisson Hotel & Suites Chicago
• Red Roof Inn
• Ritz-Carlton Hotel
• The Seneca
• W Chicago - Lakeshore
• Wyndham Chicago

Contact Us

Office of Summer Session and Special Programs
Summer Writers’ Conference
405 Church Street
Evanston, Illinois 60208-4220
847-491-3458
summerwriters@northwestern.edu

School of Continuing Studies MA/MFA in Creative Writing

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