David R. Collins Virtual Writers’ Conference
June 24, 25, and 26, 2021 (all times CST)
Workshops & Classes via Zoom | Public Events via Livestream
**Login info for the private workshops and master class will be sent to all registrants the week of the Conference**
The David R. Collins Writers’ Conference is back! With five three-day workshops, book pitches with multiple publishers, faculty reading, master class, and keynote event, there’s something for everyone. Register before June 12 to receive the early bird discount on workshops!
*Downloadable copy of the DRC Conference Brochure available here*
Please call MWC at 309-732-7330 for more information.
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A Note on the Writers’ Conference and the Response to COVID-19
As we continue to do our part to help keep the community safe during the pandemic, MWC has decided to hold the Collins Writers’ Conference entirely in a virtual space again for 2021. Class meetings will be held via private Zoom meetings, and MWC staff will work with students and faculty to utilize email and Google applications for file sharing, posting assignments, group discussion, etc.
The free public events will be available via livestream on Zoom and YouTube, where the recordings will be archived. Book Pitches and 1-on-1 Critiques will be scheduled between students and instructors in advance.
We understand that this format can be more challenging for some, and we are available to help Conference participants get access to and familiarity with this format in advance of the first day. If you are interested in participating in the Conference, but are new to video conferencing and/or if internet access is an issue, please contact us and let us know—we will do whatever we can to help make participation as easy and as comfortable as possible.
We will continue to offer scholarships to students, veterans/active duty service members, and those with financial need.
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Please register via PayPal below. A new browser window should open where you can see your selection in the PayPal shopping cart, which should update with each selection you make. You can pay with a credit card if you do not have a PayPal account.
If you have any issues registering online, please call MWC at 309-732-7330 and we will be happy to take your registration over the phone.
For details, including workshop description and faculty bios, click here.
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IMPORTANT: Please follow the registration steps in order, and please see notes in BOLD/ITALICS to ensure your registration is received properly. Thanks!
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ONLINE REGISTRATION,
PLEASE CALL RYAN COLLINS AT (309) 732-7330, OR EMAIL HIM AT mwc@midwestwritingcenter.org. THANKS!
STEP 1. Registration Fee — REQUIRED
If you are taking workshops and/or signing up for a critique or a pitch, you MUST pay the non-refundable registration fee, which includes the Poetry Master Class with Allison Joseph on Friday, June 25, and a copy of MWC’s 2020 Writer’s Block e-magazine.
Please note: If you are only attending the Poetry Master Class with Allison Joseph, you do not need to pay the registration fee.
You do not have to pay the fee if you are only attending free events (6/24 and 6/25).
STEP 2. Workshop Selections – Early Bird (before June 12)
Please choose either the Full Conference Registration (all 4 workshops) for the first PayPal menu below…
OR, if you are not registering for the full conference, please skip the Full Registration PayPal button above and proceed to the second Registration Menu below to select individual workshops
You can select your workshops here, up to 3 workshops total. Please note: there is only one workshop per time block.
STEP 3. Allison Joseph Master Class – Friday 6/25 (Optional) – Free with paid registration fee // $30 without paid registration fee
Featuring a discussion about writing poetry, with Q & A, led by award-winning writer, teacher, and mentor Allison Joseph. Included with registration fee; if you are not registered for the Conference and would like to attend, the cost is $30 and we ask that you register on or before June 24 (Optional):
STEP 4. 1-on-1 Manuscript Critiques (optional)
Manuscript Critiques – Writers can have up to 10 pages of a manuscript reviewed in a 1-on-1 meeting (30 minutes) with the instructor during the conference (meetings scheduled between instructor and writer in advance of, or during, the Conference for their convenience and to avoid schedule conflicts).
Critiques are $50. Faculty offering critiques and the number each have available are listed below (Optional):
Tariq Shah – 6 3
Joe Meno – 3
Gale Marie Thompson – 2 1
STEP 6. Pitch Sessions (optional)
Pitch Sessions – 6/26. Scheduled in advance of, or during, the Conference for their convenience and to avoid schedule conflicts. During the allotted times prior to the first day of the Conference. $15/pitch (Optional):
Conference Sponsors:
Modern Woodman of America,
Founding Sponsor of the David R. Collins Writers’ Conference
Regional Development Authority
The Figge Art Museum
St. Ambrose University English Department
Illinois Arts Council Agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts
Illinois Humanities
Rozz-Tox
