Young Writers' Conference

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The Young Writers Conference at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a two-day program designed to give high school  and Jr. college students the chance to explore and develop their talents in poetry and prose writing. Students will hone their writing skills by participating in sessions led by SIU Carbondale faculty, and by attending panels, readings and craft discussions lead by SIU creative writing faculty, SIU graduate students, and by specially selected guest writers.

During the conference, students will participate in sessions as varied subjects such as forms of poetry, small-press publishing, and narrative techniques. While on campus, SIU students, faculty, Young Writers Workshop participants and guest writers will perform readings from their own creative writing.

Young Writers Workshop Brochure

PROGRAM FACULTY
The program's director is Allison Joseph, a Professor of English in SIUC's School of Literature, Writing, and Digital Humanities. The author of eight books of poems, she travels frequently to read from her work at colleges, universities, and festivals. The assistant director is Teya Reid, who is a MFA candidate in creative writing at SIUC. Joseph and Reid will be assisted by SIUC MFA students, SIUC alumni, and visiting guest writers

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
Camp enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis

FEES: $150

MEALS: Meals will be served in the Student Center

PROGRAM LOCATION: SIU Carbondale Campus

CHECK-IN:
June 20, 2024
When: 9:30 am
Where: Faner Hall, Humanities Lounge, Second Floor

Classes begin at 10 am each morning and conclude at 6 pm each evening.

Parking permit ($8) available at registration.

WRITING SAMPLES:
Writing samples should be typed (no more than 3 poems or 3‐5 five pages of a storyor an essay). These writing samples will help our staff determine the "Best of the Conference" Awards.

AWARDS:
Participants who submit a 3‐to‐5‐page writing sample of poetry or prose (fiction and nonfiction) will be considered for"Best of the Conference" Awards. Awards will be announced at a ceremony on the last day of the Conference. No additional application necessary for award consideration.