Each summer, writers with a passion for the word come to Wyoming and to Grand Teton National Park's backyard for the Jackson Hole Writers Conference. Writers drive in from the neighborhood, states like Utah, Idaho and Montana, and fly in from as far away as Florida and Alaska. Writers come to Jackson Hole for the spectacular mountains and amazing wildlife, but we like to think that writers come to our conference because they know they are going to get something special. Because of our intimate size, attendees at the Jackson Hole Writers Conference meet each other and the faculty, sharing ideas along with their beer, making new contacts in a workshop, finding a mentor on a walk. Whether you have pursued the craft of writing for decades or only recently have set yourself on the journey to share your words with others, this writers conference won't put you off.
For the 22nd Jackson Hole Writers Conference we are bringing authors who have a proven track record, such as Craig Johnson and Sarah Bird, as well as critically acclaimed writers, like Justin Torres, James Magnuson, and Julene Bair who push us to understand the world. Joining them will be senior poet, Bill Ransom, and Mary Austin Speaker, representing a new wave of poetry.
Each year distinguished speakers, editors and agents join our resident faculty to deliver three days of engaging dialogue, collaboration and the opportunity for all of us to raise the stakes on our work.
As in recent years, the conference venue will be the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts, a modern setting in Old West Jackson Hole. It is within walking distance of the town's many amenities.
Manuscript critiques are an important part of our conference, providing a way for you, the writer, to discuss your work one-on-one with experienced writers, editors and agents.
Jackson Hole’s writing community began with the likes of Struthers Burt and Owen Wister who came out West to enliven their spirits with open spaces and nature’s untainted wonders. Over the years, many writers have passed through this area and many more have stayed. Since the 1970s a noticeable literary undercurrent feeds the intellectual and arts community. Check out our resident writer faculty.
At the Jackson Hole Writers Conference you will have ample opportunity to share your work, whether in the critiques or workshops, or at the open mic event! Writers from Massachusetts to Florida, from Texas to Washington know their fellow attendees will listen well. Serious writers pour into Jackson Hole each June looking for a fresh, but critical eye on their work. We think they get that, and that's why they come back year after year. The collective story of the Writers Conference grows alongside the achievements of our guests. This year, that could be you starting a new tradition. Make the most of it!
