January 17-18, 2025
Details
A Message from the Director
Welcome to the 16th Annual Roanoke Regional Writers Conference! It’s a privilege to gather once again with writers of all levels and backgrounds here at Hollins University in Roanoke. Our conference is set for January 17-18, 2025, with a snow date of the following weekend. We’re thrilled to bring you two days packed with inspiration, skill-building, and the chance to connect with fellow writers in our region.
This year, we’re honored to welcome Nelson Harris as our keynote speaker. A former mayor of Roanoke, Harris is a respected historian and author who has dedicated much of his career to capturing the unique history of our region through his writing. Currently the pastor at Heights Community Church and an instructor at Virginia Western Community College, Harris brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for storytelling that reflects our community’s vibrant past. His keynote will undoubtedly inspire us all to explore the powerful role of place and history in our own work.
The conference will open on Friday evening at 7 p.m. with introductions, our scholarship presentation, and Harris’s keynote address. Saturday registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a full day of sessions starting at 9 a.m. With diverse classes on fiction, nonfiction, journalism, poetry, publishing, and more, there’s something for every writer. We suggest having backup options for each session, as popular classes can fill up quickly. Be sure to bring writing tools, any work you’d like to share, and an open mind for collaboration and learning.
This gathering is more than a weekend—it’s an opportunity to deepen your craft and to build meaningful connections in our writing community. I encourage everyone to stay involved throughout the year, including through our Facebook group, where members can share successes, offer support, and keep the energy going long after the conference ends.
Here’s to a weekend of learning, inspiration, and new friendships. We’re excited to see what we’ll create together!
Liz Long
RWWC Director
Questions?
For questions, please reach out to roanokewriters@gmail.com.
Our Partners
RRWC is proud to partner with local literary sponsors: Book No Further and Book City Roanoke!