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This is the logo for the Creative Nonfiction Writers' 2017 Conference 2017. | Logo designed by Morgan Kelly

Creative nonfiction - and the art, craft and business behind it - will be explored at the 2017 Creative Nonfiction Writers' Conference, May 26-27, at Point Park University and its Center for Media Innovation in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Authors, agents, book publishers and editors from renowned magazines including Esquire, Harper's, New Yorker, Paris Review, Creative Nonfiction and The New York Times Magazine are among the presenters at this year's conference.

The annual conference, a collaboration this year with Point Park's Department of Literary Arts and Center for Media Innovation, is led by The Creative Nonfiction Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in Pittsburgh by American writer and literary innovator Lee Gutkind. Gutkind has been recognized by Vanity Fair as "the Godfather behind creative nonfiction."

This conference provides opportunities for writers of all levels to meet individually with literary agents, get advice from publishing professionals, hear what different kinds of editors are looking for and learn to hone their skills in inspiring small group sessions. Conference attendees can also network with writers from across the country who are passionate about the writing process.

"We are fortunate to have this conference on our campus. Creative nonfiction is a vast subject, and it has its tentacles firmly established in Point Park's literary arts, journalism and cinema departments, as well as other areas. This conference helps bring these fields all together," said Chris Girman, Ph.D. J.D., assistant professor in the Department of Literary Arts.

According to Girman, the 2017 conference schedule includes a variety of panels and breakout sessions covering the crafts of publishing and marketing creative nonfiction.

"These panels will be led by some of the top names in the creative nonfiction world, such as Dinty Moore, editor of Brevity. Previous conferences have led to book deals, article publications and new editor and writer relationships. It's a really cool place to be," Girman explained.

Girman added: "Our students are learning from the experts about what it takes to write good creative nonfiction and get it published. For faculty, it's an opportunity to talk shop with the best, sharpen our skills and seek new ventures. Students and faculty will gain a great deal from this event."

Conference Registration

Point Park University students and faculty can attend the conference at a highly-discounted rate of $125. For free admission, volunteer opportunities are available to Point Park students. Additionally, students and faculty have the option to attend only the Friday night keynote panel session from 5 to 7 p.m. for $7.

For more information and to register, visit the 2017 Creative Nonfiction Writers' Conference registration page.

Follow #cnfwc17 on social media to stay updated on the 2017 conference.

Learn More

Learn more about the creative writing/English program in the Department of Literary Arts at Point Park University. Request information, schedule a campus visit or apply online.

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More About: English, creative writing, Department of Literary Arts, School of Arts and Sciences, Center for Media Innovation, faculty