The Writers' Institute: A yearly writing conference for fiction and nonfiction writers.
“It is said that a writer usually works in a solo environment, happy when words flow effortlessly. It is my hope that writers will take a break from their writing to join other writers to discover some new information, perhaps reinforce an old useful habit, or become inspired through their experience at our Writers’ Institute. By joining others in the pursuit of knowledge and inspiration, their solo work will be enhanced so those words can continue to flow effortlessly on and on.” - Laurie Scheer, director, 23rd Annual Writers’ Institute
This year’s theme is Happy Writing! Join us on April 13-15, 2012 for three days of writing inspiration, education, and entertainment.
- Tried & True: Agent pitches, workshops, speakers, networking, practice pitch sessions
- New This Year: Book Signing Event, “Inspired Ideas” Forum, return of keynote speaker. Get the scoop on the new and good page.
- BONUS: Free Thursday Night Practice Pitch Session to those who sign up to attend all three days of the event. Don't forget to check out all of our optional extras that will enhance your Writers' Institute experience.
About the Writers' Institute
Beginner or advanced, fiction or nonfiction, you have three days to mingle with other writers and agents and to talk about what matters—your writing and the writing life.
There’s a lot that’s new every year at Writers’ Institute, thanks to you. Each year we take your suggestions and build the next year’s event. And because of you, we’ve continued to build this award-winning program for 23 years now.
“Happy Writing!”
This year’s event focuses on the theme of “Happy Writing!” whether through seminars, panels, critique feedback, a private pitch session or attending one of our “Inspired Ideas” forums - and many other opportunities during this Springtime event. This year’s conference continues to address the many changes that are happening in the publishing industry as writers translate their craft and work to web-based and digital scenarios. E-books, marketing and promotion via the web and an overall look at the state of the publishing industry are examined. Don’t miss the 23rd Annual Writers’ Institute Conference.
The Wisconsin Idea
Also included in this year’s Writer’s Institute is the recognition of The Wisconsin Idea - UW-Madison's longstanding commitment to providing service to the families, businesses and communities of Wisconsin and beyond. The concept is being celebrated during 2012 as the university observes the Year of the Wisconsin Idea.
Although the concept reaches back well into the 19th century, the Wisconsin Idea took its name from a 1912 book hailing the progressive era reforms enacted by the 1911 session of the state legislature, many of which were developed by or in consultation with UW professors.
"While many colleges can boast of their public service, UW-Madison stands out because of its long history of making service to the people an essential reason for its existence. The Wisconsin Idea motivates faculty and staff and inspires students and alumni to carry the benefits of their teaching, learning and research past the boundaries of campus to serve their state, nation and world," says Interim Chancellor David Ward.
We here at the Writing Department of Continuing Studies reach out to our community on a daily basis. The Writers’ Institute is just one of many programs we offer to our nearby, national and international writers and this year’s conference feature a preponderance of speakers and professionals with ties to the great state of Wisconsin. We are proud of our Wisconsin talent and professionalism and this conference will celebrate this fact. We hope you’ll join us and be part of the community that benefits from the ongoing work of the Wisconsin Idea.
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list to receive information about the 2012 program. Be the first to hear about all writing programs by subscribing to The Writing News by sending a blank email to join-writing-news@lists.wisc.edu.
Any questions you may have about the Writers' Institute can be answered by Laurie Scheer, director, 608-265-3972, e-mail: lscheer@dcs.wisc.edu
Check out more continuing education for writers at http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/writing.
Who is this conference for?
All writers. The new, aspiring writer as well as the advanced writer. Writers of poetry, novels, nonfiction books, blogs, and freelancers aching to mine the Internet for dollars—we have something for each of you. If you have questions about which workshop best fits you, email or call the conference director at anytime.
What attendees said about previous editions of this conference
“I think I’m not exaggerating if I say (the conference) changed my life, and not only because I found a wonderful agent in Victoria Skurnick. It was just pure heaven, heaven by the lake. From the watermelon to the mustard to meeting wonderful people to walking up and down State Street and discovering Paul’s Books and meeting all of you—sheer heaven.” - Cecile Somers, Wellenstein, Luxemburg
“This was my first conference—it was excellent, the speakers, the topics, the openness, and how the speakers are so understanding and patient with us.” - Rachel Frye, New Glarus, WI
“The past few days have me over-flowing with some new thinking, some new energy, and certainly a new direction. The presenters were top-notch, and engine-starting! You and the staff gave us a smooth Institute…” - Bob Hale, Park Ridge, IL
“…Thank you for a wonderful conference. It was worth flying from the easternmost point of Canada to be there.” - Clifford Grinling, Newfoundland, Canada
“I attended all three days of the conference…. First of all, I really appreciated the packet containing notes for all of the speakers…secondly, I just want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the conference come together so beautifully. It was fantastic!” - Beverly Yahr, Madison, WI
“I had an incredible time at the conference. It well exceeded my expectations. Thank you for everything you’ve done, for the conference, for the other attendees and especially myself.” - Ronnell Gibson, Fond du Lac, WI
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