The Ocean State Writing Conference consists of three days of concentrated workshop sessions in fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. In our workshops, participants have the opportunity to write and to share their work with the same instructor and small group of fellow participants. Some reading and writing may be assigned for homework before and between the three workshop sessions. Along with the workshop sessions, we offer reading, craft sessions, a publishing panel, and one-on-one consultations.

This intimate conference allows you to meet and talk with fellow writers. You will listen. You will share your work. You will offer advice and be given constructive feedback that will open new paths in your writing. You will hear about new trends in publishing, and develop a strategy for your own writing career.

See below for special rates and combination discounts.

Due to the mature topics discussed during the workshops and main conference, we cannot admit anyone under the age of eighteen.

CONFERENCE FEE: $425

Three-Day Writing Workshops Thursday 10/25, 12:30-3:00pm; Friday 10/26, 9:00am-12:00pm; and Saturday 10/27, 9:00am-12:00pm
Includes:
-Eight-plus workshop hours
– Craft Sessions and Discussion Panels
– Readings and Book Signings by Featured Writers
– Friday & Saturday Lunches

Special Discounts

URI Alumni / Members of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute – URI) Discount (OLLI members must present their membership cards at the conference): $375

Current URI Student Discount (Must present a valid URI ID at the conference): $250

URI Faculty / Staff (Must present a valid URI ID at the conference): $375

Scholarship Information: A limited number of scholarships are available. Click here for scholarship application.

OPTIONAL EVENTS AND FEES:

• Friday Night Dinner: $30
  October 26 from 6:00-7:30pm Enjoy dinner with presenters and a reading by Lee Briccetti. Cash bar available. (Limited number of seats.)
• 30 Minute One-on-One Consultation: $125
  Consultations are a wonderful way for you to learn from some of our most accomplished conference faculty in a personalized, unique way. You are required to submit a short manuscript (no more than 10 pages or 5 poems) by October 15, 2018 and sign up for a 30 minute consultation. During the consultation, the faculty member will discuss your manuscript, offer suggestions for improvement, develop a strategy for getting the most out of your writing, and brainstorm ways to get you to the next level. You can also come to the consultation with specific questions about roadblocks or trouble spots. Limited space available.

DAY PASSES:

For writers who want to join the conversation and participate only in the craft sessions and panel discussions. These passes do not include participation in the workshops. With day passes, you can also attend all featured readings, which are free and open to the public.

Three-day Day Pass, $125

Along with the featured readings, the 3-day pass includes:

• Thur 10/25: In Conversation: First Fiction with Mira T. Lee, Maria Mutch, and Dariel Suarez (5:00-6:00pm)
• Fri 10/26: In Conversation: Poetry: Public and Private with Lee Briccetti and Tina Cane (2:30-3:30pm)
• Fri 10/26: Craft Session: Memoir Writing with Vikki Warner (3:30-4:30pm)
• Fri 10/26: Conference Reception
• Sat 10/27: In Conversation: Trends in Publishing (2:30-3:30pm)
• Sat 10/27: Participant Reading, featuring readers from the 2018 Ocean State Review and Write RI Winners (4:00-5:00pm)

Single Day Passes, $40 each day

Option 1:

• Thursday 10/25 – along with the Featured Reading by Dawn Raffel, (3:30-4:40pm), pass includes:
• In Conversation: First Fiction with Mira T. Lee, Maria Mutch, and Dariel Suarez (5:00-6:00pm)

Option 2:

• Friday 10/26 – along with the Featured Reading by Dorianne Laux (1:00-2:30 pm), pass includes:
• In Conversation: Poetry: Public and Private with Lee Briccetti and Tina Cane (2:30-3:30pm)
• Craft Session: Memoir Writing with Vikki Warner (3:30-4:30pm)
• Reception (5:00-6:00pm)

Option 3:

• Saturday 10/27 – along with the Featured Reading by Martha Southgate (1:00-2:30pm), pass includes
• In Conversation: Trends in Publishing  (2:30-3:30pm)
• Participant Reading, featuring readers from the 2018 Ocean State Review and Write RI Winners (4:00-5:00pm)

There is no on-campus housing available.

We wish to thank our supporters throughout the University of Rhode Island, whose generosity allows us to offer such affordable rates.