2016 Conference Schedule
Three days to explore all aspects of the genre, from cover to cover—write, revise, and publish!
At the 2016 Creative Nonfiction Writers’ Conference, successful writers of longform journalism, memoir, and narrative nonfiction will share insights about how to find your voice, craft compelling true stories in the first person, and get published.
For the first time, we will offer multiple presentation options throughout the weekend—choose the panel or talk that's right for you. Whether you're just beginning to explore the genre or have a book (or two!) under your belt, this year's conference will give you plenty of opportunities to improve your writing life.
Register for one, two, or all three days.
Online Registration is closed, please register at the door.
See the full schedule for each day:
Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Friday, May 27th
WRITE
Friday will be devoted to master classes designed to help participants of all skill levels improve their writing. All Friday and 3-day Registrants participate in one small-group master class (limited to 15 people or fewer) and one large-group class (35 people or fewer). Registrants will have an opportunity to submit their class preferences after registering.
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LARGE-GROUP MASTER CLASSES
Structure for Longform Nonfiction [FULL] // What Should I Write About? // Writing a Scene.
SMALL-GROUP MASTER CLASSES
Beyond the "Me" in Memoir [FULL] // Flash Essays & the Art of Metaphor [FULL] // Finding Your Story's Shape // Interview Techniques // Pitch-Writing Boot Camp.
Learn more about Master Classes »
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8:30-10 a.m. // Check-in, Breakfast, and Opening Remarks
Pick up your conference materials and join us for hot breakfast, coffee, and tea.
10 a.m. // Writing Master Classes
12 p.m. // Lunch Break
Explore Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. There are many restaurants near the conference venue, or for a quick, convenient meal you can eat at the Wyndham.
2 p.m. // Writing Master Classes
4 p.m. // Literary Happy Hour
Saturday, May 28th
REVISE
Saturday will feature full-group presentations, as well as several panel options. Registrants will be able to decide which panels to attend the day of the event.
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SATURDAY PANELS
Ask an Editor // Better Writing through Research // Following Subjects Over Time–Revisiting a Story // Revising Essays & Short Work // Your Book, Chapter by Chapter.
Learn more about the Saturday panels & presentations »
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8 a.m. Check-in & Breakfast
Pick up your conference materials and join us for continental breakfast, coffee, and tea.
9 a.m. // Make It Better
A panel of authors and editors talks about how work changes through revision, why the revision process is essential, and how to revise effectively.
10:30 a.m. // Your Choice of Panels
12 p.m. // Lunch Break
Explore Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. There are many restaurants near the conference venue, or for a quick, convenient meal you can eat at the Wyndham.
2 p.m. // Your Choice of Panels
3:30 p.m. // Adapting Your Story
Learn how to adapt your nonfiction work for film, radio, and more.
5:00 p.m. // Literary Happy Hour
Sunday, May 29th
PUBLISH
Similar to Saturday, Sunday will feature full-group presentations, as well as several panel options. Registrants will be able to decide which panels to attend the day of the event.
Learn more about the Sunday panels & presentations »
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SUNDAY PANELS
All About Self-Publishing // Ask an Agent // Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch // Platform Building and Self-Promotion // Writing the Book Proposal
Learn more about the Panels »
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8 a.m. // Check-in & Breakfast
Join us for continental breakfast, coffee, and tea.
9 a.m. // Publishing Today
The publishing world is changing rapidly—get the latest insider information on your options and opportunities.
10:30 a.m. // Your Choice of Panels
12 p.m. // Lunch Break
Explore Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. There are many restaurants near the conference venue, or for a quick, convenient meal you can eat at the Wyndham.
2 p.m. // Your Choice of Panels
3:30 p.m. // Literary Magazine Salon and Happy Hour
Get the inside scoop on how literary magazines choose the pieces they publish, how you can increase your chances of publishing your work in a lit mag, and how being published in a literary magazine can become a stepping stone to bigger projects. Followed by a Q&A and a chance to mingle with the editors of local literary magazines and small presses.
Quick links:
Conference Home | Schedule | Presenters | Registration Options
Hotel & Transportation | Venue | Cancellation Policy | Testimonials | FAQs
Questions? Contact us at [email protected].