Boston Summer Writers Conference

June 24–30, 2012

Emerson College is proud to debut the Boston Summer Writers' Conference. Located in the heart of historic downtown Boston, adjacent to the breathtaking Boston Public Garden and Boston Common, Emerson College is in close proximity to world-class museums, historic sights, and casual and fine dining. At Emerson, writers of all levels are welcome to study the craft of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and playwriting in an invigorating and inspiring community.

Our acclaimed authors offer a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and readings, in addition to being available for informal conversations. Publishers, editors, and literary agents also will be on hand to offer invaluable advice about how and where to place your work in today's fast-changing and competitive marketplace.

Class sizes are restricted to 12 participants to ensure individualized attention. Proven masters of the genre will offer specific advice about craft to help writers develop their own unique voice and style.

Conference Faculty

Featured Speakers

Ann Beattie, keynoter
Robin Hemley, special guest
Paul Harding, special guest

Workshop Leaders

Adam Bock, playwriting
David Lehman, poetry
Phillip Lopate, essay and nonfiction
Jill McCorkle, fiction

Panelists: *Jabari Asim, *Richard Hoffman, Ginger Lazarus, *Kim McLarin, *Pablo Medina, Cliff Odle, *Pamela Painter, *John Skoyles, *Steve Yarbrough, Helene Atwan, Katherine Flynn, Rebecca Morgan Frank, and *Ladette Randolph

*Emerson College Creative Writing faculty member

Conference Highlights

• Exclusive conference reception and banquet featuring a keynote address by author Ann Beattie
• Intensive 2-1/2 hour morning writing workshops conducted by nationally prominent authors Adam Bock, David Lehman, Phillip Lopate, and Jill McCorkle
• Lively afternoon discussions on creative writing with Emerson's distinguished faculty, publishers, editors, and agents
• Readings by Pulitzer-prize winning novelist Paul Harding and multi-genre author Robin Hemley
• A reception to honor Ploughshares
• Social gatherings every afternoon
• Two afternoon open mic events

How to Apply

You must apply for admission and acceptance to participate in the Boston Summer Writers' Conference, and you must attend the program the year in which you are selected.

Note: We are no longer accepting applications for the 2012 Boston Summer Writers' Conference.
Please visit this page in the future for information about upcoming writers conferences, workshops and courses.

If you are a writer interested in developing publishing skills to start your own literary magazine or book venture, read about our Literary Publishing Certificate Program.

Fees

Cost per person: $1,995

The total cost of the conference includes workshop tuition, housing and meals, and access to all panels, readings, and social events. Participating Emerson College alumni will receive a 10 percent discount on the tuition. Tuition and fees are non-transferrable, may not be shared by two or more individuals, and will not be prorated. Space is limited. Please apply early.

For only $50, participants can stay an additional night in the residence hall on June 30, departing July 1. Lunch and dinner on Saturday, June 30 are not included in this additional charge.

Participants must check out of the residence halls by noon.

Housing

To ensure a closely knit writing community, the program strongly recommends that all participants reside on campus. Participants will be housed in either a single or double room, based on availability, with a shared bathroom. Rooms are air-conditioned and have Wi-Fi services. The residence hall is located near Boston Common and within walking distance of major attractions. For only $50, participants can stay an additional night in the residence hall on June 30, departing July 1. Lunch and dinner on June 30 are not included in this additional charge.

Master of Fine Arts

Read about Emerson's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing.

About Participating in the Writers' Conference

The Boston Summer Writers' Conference is a non-credit program and separate from admission to degree programs at Emerson College. Emerson College reserves the right to change any provision of the Boston Summer Writers' Conference at any time. The College specifically reserves the right to change its tuition rates and any other financial charges. The College also reserves the right to rearrange its courses and class hours, to drop courses for which registration falls below the minimum required enrollment, and to change instructor assignments.

If you are selected to participate in the Boston Summer Writers' Conference, a nonrefundable fee of $450 is due by April 27, 2012. The fee will be applied to the total cost of the conference. The balance of $1,545 is due by May 15, 2012. Participants who stay in the residence hall the night of Saturday, June 30 and depart Sunday, July 1 will pay an additional $50. Lunch and dinner on June 30 are not included in this additional charge. Please make checks payable to Emerson College. A 50 percent refund of the total tuition (minus $450 deposit) will be made to registrants who withdraw from the Conference in writing before May 31, 2012. After that date, no refunds will be made.

At the present time, Emerson College is not authorized to issue I-20's for study in its Professional Studies and Special Programs ("PSSP") courses, workshops, and conferences. Depending on an international student's immigration status and personal circumstances, enrollment in a PSSP course or conference may be permissible or may result in an immigration status violation. Maintaining valid immigration status while in the United States is the responsibility of the individual, not Emerson College. PSSP staff cannot advise individuals about their immigration status. If you have any questions about the requirements for maintenance of your specific immigration status, please contact the U.S. Consulate in your home country prior to enrolling in a PSSP program.