Every July, a group of more than 100 students of writing gathers on the idyllic mountaintop campus of the University of the South. During a whirlwind two-week period, these participants talk about the craft of writing with some of this country’s finest novelists, poets, playwrights, and professionals in the publishing field.

In small group workshops, they discuss their work and the craft of writing as a profession. In one-on-one sessions with distinguished faculty members, students hone their manuscripts, benefiting from the experience of established writers who identify strengths and weaknesses and make suggestions for revisions.

Throughout the day, Conference participants attend readings by faculty members, guest writers, scholars, and fellows. During free time, participants can take advantage of the University’s 10,000-acre campus. Squash and tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and a golf course, all within walking distance, are available to faculty and participants. Sewanee’s striking campus is a perfect environment for biking, swimming, jogging, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, or simple strolling and sunset watching.

The schedule varies somewhat from day to day, but the following is typical:

8:00
Breakfast

9:00
Readings, presentations, or one-on-one conferences

10:00
Craft lecture by a faculty member or visitor

11:00
Presentation and discussion with a visiting publisher, editor, agent, or critic

1:00
Lunch

2:00
Workshop (or discussion group) with two faculty members, ten regular participants, three Tennessee Williams Scholars, and two Walter E. Dakin Fellows (meets every other day)

4:15
Reading(s) by a faculty member, guest, or fellows

5:30
Social hour

6:45
Dinner

8:15
Faculty reading

9:15
Informal discussion

For more information on the Conference or to request a brochure, contact Cheri Peters at cpeters@sewanee.edu or 931.598.1141