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Belmont University

November 22-23, 2024

Apply now for an exclusive, relaxing, creative writing retreat led by publishing professionals Ami McConnell and Sara Wigal. Brunch and Bookmapping will include mimosas, brunch, one-on-one coaching, proprietary methods for creating book content, and more! This event will take place January 25, 2025 and is a limited event. Applicants will be hand-selected by Ami McConnell.

What to Expect

  • 25+ Expert Panel Sessions and presentations

  • 50+ industry professionals

  • 3 keynote addresses

  • "Ask the Expert" 1-on-1 Appointments

  • 1 “practice your pitch” session for aspiring authors

  • 2 lunch with networking opportunities

  • Optional dinner group networking opportunity at local Nashville restaurants

  • Two-day ticket holders gain included access to “A Dolly Good Time”

  • 4 Belmont Student Symposium presentations

WriterFest 2024 Keynotes:

  • New York Times Bestselling Novelist

    Author of The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve, and Lies We Believe About God. The film adaptation of The Shack debuted in theaters nationwide and is now streaming. The soundtrack includes performances by Dan + Shay, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, LeCrae and more.

  • Podcaster, Author

    Anne Bogel is the creator of the literary podcasts What Should I Read Next? and One Great Book, as well as the long-running blog Modern Mrs Darcy and its associated bookclub. She is also the author of several nonfiction books.

  • Screenwriter, Podcaster

    Aaron Covington co-wrote the Rocky sequel blockbuster, Creed, directed by Ryan Coogler. He is a writer on NBC's Grand Crew, the writer and director of the short film The Last Real Magical Negro, and creator/co-host of the podcasts Black Guys on White Movies and The 40, Black, and Dad Show. 

Former Keynote Speakers Include:

  • Patti Callahan Henry

    New York Times Bestselling Author & Podcast Host

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  • Tyler Merritt

    Author, Actor, Speaker, Musician, & Content Creator

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  • Julia Whelan

    Bestselling Author, Actor, & Audiobook Narrator

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  • Tara M. Stringfellow

    Poet, Attorney, & National Bestselling Author

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  • Tim Reid Jr.

    SVP at BMG Music

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  • Tom Douglas

    Nashville Hall of Fame Songwriter & Author

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  • JT Ellison

    New York Times Bestselling Author & Emmy-Award Winning Host of A Word on Words

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  • Aimee Nezhukumatahil

    New York Times Bestselling Author

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  • Ruby Amanfu

    Grammy & BET-Nominated Songwriter & Performer

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  • Liz Cackowski

    Comedian, SNL Writer, & Screenwriter

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  • Alice Randall

    Songwriter, Screenwriter, & Novelist

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  • Liane Moriarty

    New York Times Bestselling Author

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WriterFest Presents:

A Dolly Good Time

A Benefit for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Join us for a fun-filled evening celebrating Dolly Parton's Imagination Library with music, food, cash bar, silent auction, and more!

November 21, 2024 6-8pm

Acme Feed & Seed

Connect with book, music, and film industry leaders to elevate your craft and career.

  • “A truly peerless conference. I loved the interdisciplinary aspect, which welcomes writers and creators across three mediums that don't often find opportunities to intersect. The size is perfectly intimate, allowing the time and space for every attendees' questions to be answered while still providing bountiful networking and mingling. There's not another conference like WriterFest Nashville.”

    Julia Whelan, actor, award-winning audiobook narrator, internationally bestselling novelist, WriterFest 2023 Keynote Speaker

  • "WriterFest Nashville is the most amazing writing festival. I've met so many fabulous genuine, good writers here. I've had the time of my life."

    - Tara Stringfellow, Bestselling author of Memphis, WriterFest 2022 Keynote Speaker

  • “WriterFest sets the standard for events like this. I really enjoyed participating in panels and meeting so many talented writers. I left on a creative, inspiring high.”

    - Julian R. Vaca, author of The Memory Index

  • "WriterFest is a premier event where writers in different avenues of the craft—for two days of immersive study and community—find ourselves traveling the same road. I'm a repeat attendee for the exceptional talent involved, the fellowship offered, and the fundamental building blocks it lays for a growing career. Bonus: the creative energy is unmatched!"

    Kristy Cambron, bestselling author for HarperCollins, and Vice President and literary agent for Gardner Literary

  • “Well run, great variety of speakers, such a relaxed and inviting environment for novices and experts.”

    Carey Nelson Burch, founder and president of My Own Shingle, board member for Nashville Film Festival and Nashville’s Film-Com

  • “WriterFest is an extraordinary experience for the veteran and the beginning writer, a chance to connect with other professionals, be inspired, learn and trade ideas. I hope to make it every year!”

    Joy Jordan-Lake, bestselling author

  • "WriterFest is my go-to writer's conference every year. Not only does it offer an array of panels for new writers; it also offers a variety of helpful panels for established writers or those looking to network and further their careers."

    Rea Frey, award-winning, bestselling author, CEO of Writeway

  • “The audience was active, engaged, and made presenting fun. The panelists were all professionals. Each one had at least one gem to take away.”

    Meredith R. Lyons, award-winning author, narrator, and actor

  • "WriterFest Nashville offers so many opportunities to meet, network and socialize with authors, editors, literary agents, and other publishing professionals. I learned so much from the panels and made so many new friends and connections. I loved every minute of it!"

    Catherine B. Hooper, author

WriterFest partners help create a safe and diverse space for book, song, and screenwriters to grow, learn, and find community.

WriterFest is proudly Women Owned.

Meet founder/director Ami McConnell and director Sara Wigal as well as their amazing team of WriterFest Women who help operate the conference and all other WriterFest endeavors.