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Dodge PerformingWrite, connect, and grow—where creativity meets community on the St. Mary’s River.
From June 21–27, the Chesapeake Writers’ Conference gathers writers on the St. Mary’s River at St. Mary’s College of Maryland for a dynamic week of intensive workshops, craft talks, and readings. We invite writers of all levels—including high school students in our dedicated Youth Workshop—to join us for our thirteenth season of craft, artistic connection, and shared discovery.
Led by a distinguished faculty and complemented by resonant guest speakers, the conference fosters a community dedicated to the practice of creative inquiry. Each year, we also feature publishing professionals who provide insight into the world of literary citizenship.
Recent workshop faculty include Karen Leona Anderson, Liz Arnold, Matt Burgess, Jerry Gabriel, Heather Green, Patricia Henley, Tremaine Johnson, Phillis Levin, Angela Pelster, Eva Freeman, Robin McCullough, Melissa Scholes-Young, and Nadeem Zaman, among others.
Registration & Fees
Application Guidelines
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Enrollment is limited. Please follow the directions for applications on Submittable.
- You may apply to more than one workshop genre (fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction). Ultimately, though, if you are accepted into more than one workshop, you will have to choose a genre.
- For poetry submissions, upload 4-6 poems (in one document).
- For prose, include no more than 15 pages (double spaced) of a story, essay or novel. Please include a short synopsis if your manuscript is excerpted from a longer project. It is fine to include more than one piece (either complete or excerpts). Again, please upload just one file/document per genre.
- Please do not include your name anywhere on your writing sample itself.
- If you plan to apply to the conference as a college student wishing to pursue the course credit option or intend to receive course credit (and Professional Development Credit) for the teachers’ workshop, please check the appropriate box in your Submittable application.
People
The Chesapeake Writers’ Conference at St. Mary’s College of Maryland brings together a diverse and accomplished group of writers, educators, and artists dedicated to creative expression and literary excellence. The program features award-winning faculty across poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and songwriting, offering students the opportunity to learn from published authors, experienced professors, and working creatives. With a strong emphasis on community, mentorship, and artistic growth, SMCM fosters an environment where emerging writers can develop their voice and engage deeply with the craft.
Workshop
Explore a range of dynamic, hands-on workshops designed to strengthen your voice across genres, including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and food writing. Led by accomplished writers and educators, each workshop blends close reading, in-class writing, and thoughtful discussion to help you generate new work and refine your craft. With an emphasis on creativity, community, and personal growth, participants are supported in developing their unique perspective while engaging deeply with the art of storytelling.
Lectures, Talks & Readings
Engage with a dynamic lineup of lectures, craft talks, and readings designed to deepen your understanding of the writing process and creative life. Featuring accomplished faculty, these sessions explore topics like building writing habits, shaping narrative, and finding meaning in everyday experiences. Participants will gain practical tools, fresh inspiration, and the opportunity to hear both faculty and peers share their work, fostering a vibrant and supportive literary community.
Publishing Professionals
Gain insight into the world of publishing through conversations with experienced editors, agents, and industry professionals. This panel offers an inside look at how publishing works, from breaking into the industry to navigating the submission process, along with valuable advice on what to do—and what to avoid. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with panelists, making meaningful connections and receiving personalized guidance on their writing and publishing goals.
Continuing Professional Development For Teachers
Enhance your teaching while deepening your own writing practice through this graduate-level seminar offered alongside the Chesapeake Writers’ Conference at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Designed for educators, this MSDE-approved CPD course (EDUC 790) provides the opportunity to earn graduate credit, connect with fellow teachers, and develop practical strategies for bringing creative writing into the classroom. Blending workshop participation with focused discussions on pedagogy, the seminar empowers teachers to inspire student engagement while continuing to grow as writers themselves.
Youth Workshop
Designed for high school students, the Youth Workshop offers a supportive and creative space to explore writing across genres, including memoir, fiction, and poetry. Led by experienced instructors, participants engage in hands-on exercises, build a portfolio of original work, and connect with a vibrant community of young writers. With opportunities to join broader conference events, enjoy campus life, and receive mentorship, students gain both creative confidence and a deeper understanding of the writing process.