Creative Writing Program to Host 11th Annual Boldface Writers Conference


The 11th annual Boldface Writers Conference will be held from May 20 to 24 at the University of Houston’s MD Anderson Library. Since 2009, the Department of English, Creative Writing Program, and the UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) have collaborated to grow Boldface into America’s leading conference for emerging writers. The Boldface Conference is open to any writer who has not yet published a book through a major publisher or enrolled in an MFA Creative Writing program.

“The Boldface Conference would not be possible without the incredible talent and passion of our creative writing students and faculty,” said Antonio D. Tillis, dean of CLASS. “Each year, their efforts make the University of Houston a premier destination for young and emerging writers to unlock their full potential.”

The conference includes daily group workshops, masterclasses with faculty from the top-ranked University of Houston Graduate Creative Writing Program, craft talks and readings by award-winning Visiting Writers, field trips, and two catered meals each day. On-site housing options and manuscript consultations with Visiting Writers are available for an additional fee.

“We create a writing community for the week—it’s incredibly fun to see writers connect and thrive,” said Audrey Colombe, associate professor of English and faculty advisor for the Boldface Writers Conference. “In the best cases, people form connections with other writers that will last a lifetime. The writers get to see literary Houston in action, too. Publishers, writing centers, magazine editors, freelance writers and more show up for panels to help the writers keep their practice going. It’s all really rewarding.”

The University of Houston’s undergraduate literary magazine, Glass Mountain, supports the Boldface Writers Conference with its annual Write-a-Thon fundraiser. Additional support from an anonymous donor helps to keep costs reasonable so that writers of all socioeconomic backgrounds have the opportunity to attend.

“This year's Visiting Writers are Bryan Washington, Jessica Wilbanks and Jason Koo,” said Cait Wess Orcutt, conference coordinator and doctoral candidate in the Creative Writing Program. “All three bring an outstanding level of insight, empathy, creative passion and pedagogical magic to the event. Every year, our visiting writers astonish us with their commitment to the mission of Boldface, which is to make real, lasting connections with writers and help everyone see their own creative work in a fresh, inspiring light.”

For more information about Boldface Writers Conference programming and registration, please visit the conference’s website.

What: 11th Annual Boldface Writers Conference

When: May 20-24, 2019

Where: MD Anderson Library, 4333 University Drive Houston, TX 77024

Who: Open to all emerging writers who have not published a book through a major publisher or enrolled in a creative writing MFA program