Colgate Writers Conference Program

The Colgate Writers Conference is committed to fostering an inclusive community of writers. Join us for six transformative days of writing, learning, and connection in the heart of Central New York.

Core Programs

Intensive Workshops

Transform your manuscript through focused, intimate workshop sessions limited to just five participants. Receive feedback on your full manuscript from experienced faculty and peers.

Standard Workshops

Meet two hours daily with your cohort and workshop leader. Genres may include: novel, short fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, poetry, playwriting/screenwriting, graphic novel, and nonfiction.

Jumpstarter Workshops

No manuscript needed—just bring your creativity and let our structured workshop experience help you launch your next writing project. Perfect for both new writers and experienced authors looking to start something fresh.

Retreater

Write while in community with other writers and enjoy craft talks, agent and editor panels, and daily write-in sessions with other retreaters. (No workshop.)

Optional Add-Ons

One-on-One Agent Consultations
A session where you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your query letter and first pages with industry professionals.

Post-Conference Manuscript Consultation
Share up to 50,000 words by the end of June and receive written feedback and a virtual meeting.

Note: There are a limited number of offerings available for both agent consultations and post-conference manuscript consultations.

7:30–9:00 a.m. | Breakfast and Early Bird Activities

Breakfast served at The Coop dining hall.
Coffee and tea available throughout the morning.
Activities include campus walking groups, morning meditations, and writing time in the library.

9:00–10:00 a.m. | Craft Talks
Rotating faculty-led discussions on topics such as:

Character development
Plot structure
Voice and point of view
Revision techniques

10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Workshop Sessions

Workshops
Retreater Write-Ins

12:15–2:00 p.m. | Lunch Break

Lunch served at The Coop dining hall.
Time for informal meetings with faculty.

2:00–3:00 p.m. | Panel Discussions

Each day features a different industry-focused panel with 3-4 experts and a moderator. Panels include a Q&A session.

3:30–5:00 p.m. | Your Choice
Participants choose one:

One-on-one agent consultations (pre-scheduled)
Participant readings
Writing sprints
Free writing time
Informal faculty office hours

5:00–7:00 p.m. | Dinner
Dinner served at The Coop, food trucks on the lawn, or Merrill House.

7:00–8:00 p.m. | Evening Programming
Rotating schedule includes:

Faculty Readings
Open Mic Night

9:00 p.m. onward | Late Night Options

Gathering at Merrill House
Writing time in designated spaces
Rotating activities: Literary trivia, game night, participant-led activities

Notes

Schedule varies slightly day-to-day based on special events and programming
All meals and breaks include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Quiet writing spaces are available throughout the day
Coffee, tea, and light refreshments available in common areas
Participants are encouraged to balance structured time with personal writing time

This schedule is subject to adjustment based on conference needs. A detailed schedule for each day will be provided in the conference welcome packet.

Colgate Writers Conference Program

Core Programs

Intensive Workshops

Standard Workshops

Jumpstarter Workshops

Retreater

Optional Add-Ons

Sample Schedule

Notes

Faculty

Nonfiction

Fiction

Poetry