The 2014 Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Conference (Archived Landing Page)

Three days dedicated to the art and craft of memoir, magazine writing, personal essays & more.

Find inspiration and pick up new tips for polishing and publishing your work, whether you're new to creative nonfiction or further along in your writing career. Our down-to-earth, accessible faculty of editors, writers, and agents will discuss contemporary nonfiction in depth, give you the real scoop on the marketplace for creative nonfiction, suggest techniques for keeping yourself motivated, and provide concrete suggestions that will help you submit your best work for publication. Plus, get individual feedback on your work in a small-group writing workshop on Sunday.

May 23 – 25, 2014 // The University Club, Pittsburgh, PA

Presenters & workshop instructors include: Lee Gutkind, Jane Bernstein, Hattie Fletcher, Larry Levitsky, Emily Loose, Dinty W. Moore, Leslie Rubinkowski, Anjali Sachdeva, Michael Simms & Peter Trachtenberg

Conference attendees have the option of purchasing one-, or three-day passes.

Pricing & Registration Options »

Please follow the links below for more information on:

Registration Options

2-day Pass

May 23 – 24, 2014

Friday – Saturday
Publishing & Craft

Attend two days of the conference where you can explore new ideas and get excited and motivated about the world of nonfiction writing and publishing. Learn about the changing publishing landscape and different ways of approaching creative nonfiction writing with some of the genre's best writers.

Fri & Sat | $325

ONLINE REGISTRATION
IS NOW CLOSED.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION
WILL OPEN AT
11 AM FRIDAY &
9 AM SATURDAY

Friday, May 23rd

11 a.m – 7 p.m.
The New World of Publishing

Presentations will provide an in-depth exploration of the changing publishing landscape by experts in the industry, with a reading by some of the best writers in the genre. PLUS: a chance to socialize with the presenters, CNF staff, and other attendees at a cocktail hour.

Friday Only | $125

ON-SITE REGISTRATION
WILL OPEN AT 11 AM

Saturday, May 24th

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Style & Substance: The Craft of Creative Nonfiction

We'll kick off the day with a conversation about the history and evolution of both the genre and the magazine, as well as the challenges and rewards of the writing life; then we’ll delve into the craft of creative nonfiction, exploring techniques and best practices for writing both short and long-form nonfiction, the power of research, and the art of the memoir. PLUS: a second opportunity to socialize with the presenters and other attendees at a literary happy hour.

Saturday Only | $250

ON-SITE REGISTRATION
WILL OPEN AT 9 AM

Sunday, May 25th

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Small Group Workshops

Receive personalized feedback on your writing, and gain motivation and inspiration to help you generate new work—Boot Camp style.

Sunday Only | $300

SUNDAY REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

View full conference schedule »

PLEASE NOTE: The last day to register for Sunday workshops is Friday, May 9th by 5 pm EST, and participants must also have their materials for the workshop (their own essay, chapter, or essay/book excerpt of 3,000 words or less) posted by midnight on Sunday, May 11. (You will receive instructions for uploading material after we've processed your registration.) This will allow your workshop instructor and fellow group members time to read your work before the conference begins. Instructions for posting materials will be sent after participants have registered for the conference.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION: Online registration for Friday and Saturday events will remain open until 5 pm EST on Thursday, May 22. On-site conference registration for the Friday and Saturday talks will be available at the University Club on Friday (5/23) and Saturday (5/24). On-site registration prices are $150 for Friday, $275 for Saturday, and $350 for a 2-day pass. No discounts or coupon codes will be honored for on-site registration.

Questions? Contact the conference coordinator Kristina Marusic at [email protected].