Writers' Workshop

JULY 26-31, 2026

The Premier Literary Gathering of the Mountain South

Make plans to join us for the 49th annual Appalachian Writers’ Workshop. This week-long residency welcomes published and unpublished writers alike, all learning alongside one another in a supportive environment guided by the region’s unique tradition.

The Workshop provides an opportunity to study craft in structured workshops, attend special topic sessions, and enjoy captivating readings by our award-winning faculty. This historic gathering is known for providing rigorous instruction in a family-like atmosphere, where writers of place come together at the banks of Troublesome to meet a year-round community. Beginning, emerging, and established writers are all encouraged to apply.

Jim Wayne Miller/James Still Keynote Lecturer Silas House is the New York Times bestselling author of seven novels, a former Kentucky Poet Laureate, and a recipient of the Southern Book Award and the Duggins Prize, the largest award for an LGBTQ writer in the nation. Most recently, in 2025, he released two books: a poetry collection called All These Ghosts and–under a slight pseudonym–a murder-mystery called Dead Man Blues.

Offering immersive workshops, including one-on-one feedback session, by renowned faculty for the genres of:

creative nonfiction (Neema Avashia and Charles Dodd White)
novel (Angela Jackson-Brown, Christopher Rowe, and Carter Sickels)
short story (Holly Goddard Jones)
poetry (Bernard Clay, Jesse Graves, and Raye Hendrix)

Pre-retreats facilitated by Marianne Worthington, Jim Minick, and the duo of Matthew Parsons and Sarah Kate Morgan

Multiple special topic sessions and panels to enhance your experience

Special events including a character ball, trivia night, and a book signing reception

Evening readings by faculty

MANUSCRIPT REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must submit a manuscript (original, unpublished) with their application. Manuscripts should be formatted with one-inch margins, 12-point type with no unusual fonts. Please submit your best work in your chosen genre. Limit your manuscript submission to the following number of pages:

Nonfiction | Novel | Short Story: (5,000 words or less)
 Poetry: (10-15, single-spaced; 1 per page)

Please do not include your name or any identifying information on the manuscript. Use the following protocol to name your manuscript file: Genre_Year_FirstName_LastName.doc (or .docx). For example: ShortStory_2026_Josh_Mullins.doc

A $25 non-refundable fee is due at time of application and is not applied towards any balance due, if admitted.

The cost for tuition, which includes all sessions and special events, is $450.

For those opting to utilize shared campus housing in one of our historic cottages, the cost is $225 for the duration of the Workshop. We will strive to honor all housing and roommate requests. Additional lodging may be available in area hotels for those wishing to commute.

Meal plans are also available for the week, beginning with dinner on Sunday and concluding with lunch on Friday. The cost is $250. Our kitchen accommodates vegan (including vegetarian) or gluten-free diets.

Deadline to apply: March 1

For those with financial need, please explore scholarship opportunities available thanks to our generous donors.

SARA HENNING - HUNTINGTON, WV

The Workshop offers participants an opportunity to hone their craft and build a tightly woven network of peers across the Appalachian region.

“It felt meaningful to me to be in a space with writers and artists who care about the artistic journey and human dignity of all conference participants, writers and artists generous enough to provide advice and extend friendship to those at all levels of artistic development.

As someone who has attended many literary conferences and workshops, I find Hindman unique in being able to provide such a democratic, unpretentious, and nurturing atmosphere. “