We will accept regular applications through our online application system beginning March 1, 2021. Applications and registrations are processed first-come, first-served on a weekly basis.

Conference Fee with Workshop: $500 Early Bird registration; $575 after April 1.

Application Requirements for:
Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Nonfiction Workshops

• For writers at any stage of development who work hard at their writing and want to better understand the creative act.
• All applicants are required to submit five to ten pages of poetry (single-spaced, one poem per page) or ten to twenty pages of prose (double-spaced) in chosen genre through the online application system. Include your name on your submission.
• If you plan to use your application submission for a manuscript consultation with workshop faculty, please see the style guide on the Manuscript Consultations page.
• Participants are selected on the basis of literary promise or accomplishment in the writing sample.
• Applications are processed first-come, first-served on a weekly basis until the workshop cap is reached.
• Applications will be acknowledged promptly and applicants will be notified of their workshop status within 2 weeks or sooner.
• If workshops fill quickly, applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

 

General Information

• All workshops are limited to twelve participants.
• Applications and registrations are processed first-come, first-served on a weekly basis.
• If a workshop is filled, you may have the option of joining another workshop.
• Applications and writing samples must be submitted electronically through the Online Application.
• Manuscripts for the manuscript consultation option may be submitted post-application (up until the May 10 deadline) by clicking this link (under construction).
• Questions regarding the status of a submission should be directed to the Conference Coordinator by e-mailing writersconference@bemidjistate.edu.
• Payment information is sent to you once your application has been accepted.

Workshop Registration Process

You will receive a response within two weeks and, if you are accepted, it will include  a link to Bemidji State University’s online payment system to pay with a credit card (or you may mail us a check). At this point your seat in the workshop is held for two weeks. If we do not receive your completed registration and full payment of your conference fee we then send you a reminder. If you don’t register after that, we place you on a waiting list and open the seat to someone else.

When we receive your paid registration we guarantee your seat for the conference. We will send you a confirmation letter and orientation packet with additional information (links, logins, etc.).

 

Apply Online – or contact writersconference@bemidjistate.edu.

Auditors Track: only $80

This  option does not include participation in a workshop. It does include access to Faculty Craft Talks and Readings, Participant Readings, Editor’s Talk/Q&A, Faculty Publishing Panel, Social Hours, Yoga for Writers (see daily schedule). This option is for writers at any stage of development who work hard at their writing and want to better understand the creative act. You will be exposed to and benefit from the knowledge and experience our teaching artists share in their morning craft talks and be inspired by their work at the evening readings. Auditors are also provided a space to gather and workshop with each other if they choose. Set aside the week for yourself in an incredibly affordable writer’s retreat.  Be a part of the writers’ conference community!

Apply Online – or contact writersconference@bemidjistate.edu.

 

Manuscript Consultation: Due May 10

• $60 for a half hour conference with your workshop’s faculty member on a manuscript (up to 10 pages of poetry or 20 pages of prose).
• Please submit your manuscript through the online application system no later than May 10, 2021 or indicate if you desire to use your workshop application submission.
• There are only 8 manuscript consultations per workshop. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for participants in each workshop.

Optional CEUs:

• There is a $25 fee for 26 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for workshop participants.
• A certificate from Bemidji State University will be provided upon completion of the conference.

Scholarship & Partnership Opportunities:

• We will begin accepting scholarship applications on February 1, 2021. The scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2021..
• Scholarships are awarded based on need and literary merit to lower financial barriers for those who want to engage in this unique arts learning opportunity.
• One $500 scholarship is awarded toward the conference fee in each of the following genres: creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. A $500 scholarship will also be offered to a Minnesota resident. The participant pays the balance.
• Honorable Mention scholarships will also be offered.
• To Apply: include in conference application a one-page (double-spaced) statement of what you hope to gain from the conference. There is no application fee.
• Scholarship recipients are ineligible for other discounts.
• Partnership Opportunities
  
  • MNWC works with educational, institutional, and tribal partners to help bring aspiring writers who show promise to work with our award-winning writers.
  • We offer matching funds to potential attendees who are sponsored by a qualifying institution. We have collaborated with MFA programs of national stature, regional tribal governments, local writing groups, and regional arts organizations to help fund worthy candidates.
  • Individuals or institutions should contact MNWC Coordinator Mathew Hawthorne at writersconference@bemidjistate.edu for more information.

Refunds for Cancellations

Before May 10, 2021: A $50.00 cancellation fee will be deducted from the conference fee. The remainder of the fee will be refunded. All other fees will be fully refunded.

After May 10, 2021: Absolutely no refunds for the conference and housing fees will be made after May 10.