North Carolina Writers’ Network Fall Conference

The 2026 North Carolina Writers’ Network (NCWN) Fall Conference will be held from November 6 to November 8 at the Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville Center in Asheville, North Carolina, and at other sites nearby. The conference features classes in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as conversations and panel discussions on the craft and business of writing, open mic sessions, faculty readings, and one-on-one manuscript critiques with agents or editors. The faculty includes poets Clint Bowman, Luke Hankins, Raye Hendrix, and Laura Hope-Gill; fiction writers Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Tommy Hays, Van Jensen, Alice Martin, Ashleigh Bryant Phillips, Mark Powell, Jamieson Ridenhour, and Taylor Sykes; and creative nonfiction writers Nic Brown, Thomas Calder, Tessa Fontaine, and Denise Kiernan. Participating publishing professionals include agents Andrea Hurst (Andrea Hurst & Associates) and Elizabeth Pratt (Trellis Literary), editor Andrew Mack (Loblolly Press), and publicity consultant Catherine Campbell (One for the Books, LLC). The cost of the full conference is $299 ($199 for NCWN members). Lodging is available at the conference hotel at a nightly rate of $185. General registration is available through October 30. To apply for a manuscript critique, submit up to 20 pages of poetry or prose with an additional $175 by October 23. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available; to apply, submit a curriculum vitae and a statement of intent along with the standard application materials by October 16. Visit the website for more information.

Accessibility accommodations include accessible sidewalks, pathways, and doorways; accessible restrooms and event spaces; accessible parking; closed captioning for online programming; and ASL interpretation and conference materials in Braille or large print with advance request by October 23. Contact the NCWN staff at [email protected] for additional accessibility details.