2019 Chesapeake Writers' Conference

The Chesapeake Writers’ Conference, located on the campus of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, is in its eighth year. Each summer, we host writers at all levels of experience for a rich week of lectures, craft talks, readings, and panel discussions (including an entire day with publishing professionals), as well as daily workshops in the genre each participant has applied in–fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction.

We offer a multi-genre course in which high schoolers get the chance to try their hand at a range of genres and styles. We also offer a two-credit hour graduate course for teachers, the focus of which is connecting one’s pedagogy and writing practice. This is an excellent opportunity for teachers to gain Continuing Professional Development credit. The workshops, as well as the other events, are led by exemplary faculty, including National Book Award finalist, Patricia Henley, and PEN/Diamondstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay finalist, Angela Pelster.

St. Mary’s College sits at the bend of the St. Mary’s River, just upstream from the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. The place has a quiet, pastoral beauty. Accommodations will be in townhouses on the campus. Excellent food is served each day in the college’s “Great Room.”

To apply, visit go.smcm.edu/chesapeake and click on “Apply Now.” Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Enrollment is limited.