Sinclair Lewis Writers’ Conference

“I think the Sinclair Lewis Writers Conference in Sauk Centre is one of the best values going in the Midwest. It allows aspiring writers to plug in for a day with well-known authors and fellow book lovers. You’ll learn a lot, and it’s downright fun.”   Will Weaver

One of the longest-running, most respected writers’ conferences in the Midwest is back in Sauk Centre for its 33rd year! 

This year’s conference keynote speaker will be Marcie Rendon. Oprah included her on the 2020 list of 30 Native American authors to read. Marcie is the award-winning author of the popular mystery series featuring Cash Blackbear, a young Ojibwe woman. Her keynote talk is entitled “We Are Still Here—Telling Our Stories Through Poetry, Fiction and Non-fiction.”

Three other presenters will join Marcie during the day-long conference, digging into the process of writing as well as selling what you write. Danny Klecko, poet, baker and author, will talk about How To Find An Audience For Your Poems. Julie Pfitzinger, founder of Paris Morning Publications, will focus on Telling Your Story: The First Keystroke to the Final Product. Thomas R. Smith, essayist and poet, will speak about A Year of Writing Dangerously.

This highly praised conference has, in past years, attracted such renowned keynote speakers as Frederick Manfred, Robert Bly, Jon Hassler, Carol Bly, Leif Enger, Bill Holm, Bart Sutter, Patricia Hampl, Jim Klobuchar, Kevin Kling, Don Shelby, James Bradley, Faith Sullivan, Will Weaver and Gary Paulsen. 

The conference is on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Sauk Centre High School auditorium in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.  Cost is $85, including a catered lunch and breaks.  College students and senior citizens may register for $80; high school students may attend for free, but must register and pay $25 for lunch and breaks.  The conference day ends with a reception at the local Palmer House Hotel (door prizes and cash bar).

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