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Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference

Every June, writers gather at Bemidji State University on the shores of Lake Bemidji for an enlivening week of literary activity at the Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference. Each morning, participants gather their thoughts, notebooks, and writing utensils and head off to their workshops where their teacher and fellow participants provide constructive feedback and encouragement.

Afternoons can be spent attending a literary event, writing, visiting with new friends, exploring downtown Bemidji, hiking on nature trails, renting a kayak or canoe, or visiting the University Recreation Center.

Each evening, at the Reading Series, a conference faculty reads from his or her work and shares insights on writing.  Participants often gather informally, on their own, for readings, workshops, late into the evening

Conference Features

  • Intimate workshops
  • Accomplished, successful teaching staff
  • May be taken for university credits
  • Evening Reading Series
  • Publishing Seminar
  • Economical Housing

ENDOWMENTS: The Pen Meets the Page

We are grateful for the following endowments:

Workshop Internship:

  • The Fern Birnstihl Poetry Internship
  • The Evan Hazard Creative Nonfiction Internship

Reading Series:

  • The Elaine Hazard Faculty Reading in Poetry
  • The Fern Birnstihl Faculty Reading in Creative Nonfiction