The Writer’s Center CraftCon now accepting panel proposals!

Do you have new ideas about the art and methods of writing that you can’t wait to share? If so, The Writer’s Center is now accepting panel proposals for CraftCon, a one-day virtual conference on the future of the craft of creative writing.

We’re looking for writers and/or educators with ideas for new approaches to the craft of writing in and across all genres. Panel proposals should highlight new conceptualizations of craft or new angles on the old standards. We’re also interested in panels that propose new approaches to creative writing pedagogy. In short, we want topics that we haven’t quite encountered before.

CraftCon offers a unique opportunity for writers to create and present rigorous panels, build their CVs, and refine their understanding of literary writing.

Panel Details:

• Panels should consist of 3-5 panelists, including a moderator.
• Panels will be scheduled for 60 minutes, with the final 10 minutes open for audience Q&A.
• We’re looking for presentations of topics that are artistically and academically rigorous, including but not limited to literary analysis, methods and pedagogy, and historical context.
• We want panels that advance how we think about craft.
• Panels that present diverse viewpoints are strongly encouraged.
• This conference is not for discussions about publishing.
• Panels will be selected by qualified TWC staff and volunteers, and will be evaluated based on merit and the specific needs of the conference.
• Current MFA students, faculty, and alumni are encouraged submit proposals.
• To submit, please complete the Google form, linked below.

Sample Topics:

There’s no one topic/approach we’re looking for, but we want new, forward-looking ideas. We want topics that surprise us (and maybe surprise you, too!). Here are a few sample panel titles that would get our attention:

• New Shapes for Plots
• Recursive Writing for Forward Motion
• Alternative Models for the Creative Writing Workshop

The panel proposal should include:

• Panel Title
• One paragraph describing the topic and scope of the panel.
• One paragraph explaining how the topic is a new approach to craft or a new angle on a standard concept of craft.
• Bios for all panelists (80-word maximum/each)
• Moderator name and email.

Click Here for the Panel Proposal Form »

• Proposal Deadline: Monday, October 26
• Proposal Acceptances announced by Friday, November 20
• Accepted panel moderators will be required to provide supplementary digital documents (to be distributed to attendees) that outline the basic information to be presented in the panel.

Please note that to participate, accepted panelists will be required to register for the conference at the early-bird rate of $100. Submitting a panel proposal is free.

Have questions? Email zach.powers@writer.org

About CraftCon

CraftCon brings together dozens of featured writers on 16 innovative panels that aim to advance the craft of writing and the methods used to teach it. This first-of-its-kind conference combines artistic and academic rigor, investigating the practices, history, and pedagogy of literary craft. As an attendee, you’ll encounter brand new conceptualizations of craft and new angles on the old standards. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own writing practice and, hopefully, come away feeling inspired to approach your work in fresh ways.

Conference Schedule
Friday, February 5, 2027
All Times Eastern

11am-12:15pm – Session A (Welcome & 4 Concurrent Panels)

12:30pm-1:30pm – Session B (4 Concurrent Panels)

1:45pm-2:45pm – Session C (4 Concurrent Panels)

3:00pm-4:15pm – Session D (4 Concurrent Panels & Closing Remarks)

Early bird registration now open for The Writer’s Center CraftCon!

Register now for a $25 DISCOUNT through December 15. After that, the total registration price will increase to $125.

Registrants will get live access for the 4 panel sessions (with 4 concurrent panels per session) and access to all 16 panel recordings.

Full panel details will be posted to the website the first week of December.

If you need an accommodation for this event, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.