Ready, set, register!
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Continuing Studies in Writing’s 30th Annual Writers’ Institute has now opened registration for its April 2019 conference.
What’s the Writers’ Institute?
The Writers’ Institute is the Midwest’s premiere writing conference. Every year, it brings in hundreds of attendees from across the country and all corners of the industry, including published and pre-published authors, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals.
Over the course of four days, attendees have the opportunity to attend dozens of sessions on the craft of writing, as well as book marketing, publicity, and other creativity-inducing endeavors. As an Institute attendee, you’ll also have the chance to meet and network with others who share your passion for storytelling. There are also opportunities throughout the conference to schedule time to pitch your work to literary agents!
When is the Institute?
April 4 – 7th, 2019
Where is it?
The Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin.
Why should I register?

Matt Forbeck (right) and I (left) pose for a photo during a book signing event at the 2018 Writers’ Institute.
Writing is often a solitary venture, but it doesn’t have to be. Some of my longest-standing friendships in the world of writing have come out of this conference, which has kept me coming back year after year.
Aside from that and everything mentioned above in the What’s the Writers’ Institute? section, the Institute is an extraordinary once-a-year opportunity to learn from others while sharing your own perspectives as a writer.
Not only that, but at this year’s event I’ll be leading four sessions, the details of which can be found at the links below.
- “I don’t know what to do with my hands” – Touching Up Scenes for Characterization, Theme, and Backstory
- “Yes, and—” Improvisation and the Page
- Podcasts as Portals: Platform, Publicity, and Passive Learning
- The Dreaded Sag: Facelift Your Scenes with the Five Core Components of Scene Structure
I’m not, of course, the only person speaking at the conference. This year’s installment will also feature other wonderful speakers like those listed below, including some who have appeared on the r. r. campbell writescast!
Other Speakers to Look Forward To
- Jennie Nash
- Jane Friedman
- Barbara M. Britton – Writescast Network Guest
- Nick Chiarkas
- Christine DeSmet
- Ann Garvin
- Kristin Oakley – Writescast Network Guest
- Angela Rydell
- Sarah Sadie – Writescast Network Guest
- Laurie Scheer – Writescast Network Guest
- Tim Storm – Writescast Network Guest
For the complete list of speakers and session leaders at this year’s event, be sure to visit this page.
How do I register?
You can register online at this address. And don’t forget to take advantage of the Special Offers listed about halfway down the page!
Questions about the conference? Contact Laurie Scheer or Laura Kahl at laurie [dot] scheer [at] wisc.edu and laura [dot] kahl [at] wisc.edu, respectively.
Have questions about the sessions I’m leading or interested in having me speak at your event? Reach out to me here through my contact page.
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