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MTSU Write

MTSU Write

Fall 2024 Conference: Light & Shadow

Each Fall, MTSU Write celebrates its mission by hosting the Creative Writing Conference on the MTSU campus.  The Conference brings together students, mentors, alumni, and members of the community for learning, networking, and recognizing program graduates.

We are working on our fall conference schedule and will be sharing details here as they are confirmed.

Conference Theme

The 2024 conference theme is Light & Shadow and will feature classes and presentations that will invite you to write both toward the joyful and challenging parts of life. This year’s conference will take place Friday, September 27 (virtual) and Saturday, September 28 (on MTSU’s campus).

Keynote Speaker

We are excited to share that our Fall 2024 Keynote Speaker will be acclaimed writer Darnell Arnoult!

Darnell Arnoult is author of the novel Sufficient Grace, poetry collections What Travels With Us, Galaxie Wagon, and most recently Incantations: Poems. Her shorter works have appeared in a variety of journals and anthologies. She holds an MFA from University of Memphis and MA from North Carolina State University and offers a constellation of workshops and services for writers and writing communities. She is the recipient of the SIBA Poetry Book of the Year Prize, Weatherford Award, Chaffin Award, and Hobson Award in Arts and Letters. A former resident of Tennessee, she now lives with her family in Mebane, NC. For more about Darnell, visit darnellarnoult.net.

Conference Schedule

Noon-1:00pm (CT): Readings from MTSU Write Community

Info TBD.

1:00pm-3:00pm (CT): For our afternoon virtual programming, you will be able to choose from among the three following sessions:

Info TBD.

Friday, September 27: Kick-off Gathering & Reading 

Please join us for a kick-off reading! This reading, cosponsored by Poetry in the Boro, will feature work by some of our conference presenters. More information and location details coming soon!

8:00am-9:00am: Continental Breakfast, Registration, & Welcome from MTSU Write Director Mary Leoson

Session 1 Options: 9:00am-10:30am

Session 2: 10:45am-12:15pm

12:15-2:30pm: Lunch & Keynote Address from Darnell Arnoult

We will have lunch in ACB 106, followed by readings from MTSU Write mentees who have earned their certificates and a keynote address from Darnell Arnoult. There will be time to buy books (and get them signed) after the keynote!

Session 3: 2:30pm-4:00pm

Roundtable Discussions: This year after lunch we’ll be offering a selection of roundtable discussions, for a more informal, interactive way to end the day.

Registration: 

Conference Registration will open at the beginning of July and early bird pricing will be available until August 31, 2023.  Registration is FREE for MTSU Write mentees and mentors. Limited free registration will be offered to MTSU students through 9/11/23.

  • Virtual Programming (9/27/24): $50 for community members
  • In-Person Programming (9/28/24): $100 for community members
  • or register for BOTH for $125 for community members

Questions? Email [email protected].

Questions or Comments

Please send an email to [email protected].