A Conference Forum for Writers Devoted to the Art and Craft of Narrative Nonfiction
The Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference is a forum for journalists, writers, readers, students, educators and the general public to listen to, be inspired by and practice their craft at the highest possible level.
Every year, the Mayborn Conference gathers some of the most talented storytellers in the country to share their stories, life-changing experiences and expertise with aspiring writers through three days of lectures, panels, one-on-one sessions, student classes and keynotes. Aspiring and established storytellers, reporters, photographers and narrative nonfiction writers from all walks of life come together to learn, engage and network with the nation's best authors, journalists, editors and agents.
In addition, the conference includes a variety of writing contests for anyone from high school students to Pulitzer prize winning professionals. More than $26,000 in cash prizes and trophies are awarded across several competitions. Winners in our reported narrative and personal essay contests also have their work published in the Mayborn's journal, Ten Spurs. Winners in our longform narrative contest for previously published newspaper works are included in our anthology, Best American Newspaper Narratives.
Our 2018 Theme: 'Are You Not Entertained? Real People, Real Stories, Real Storytelling'
With its 2018 theme, "Are You Not Entertained? Real People, Real Stories, Real Storytelling," the 14th annual Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference will demonstrate how, on an every day basis, journalists are addressing the pressure to tell compelling, newsworthy stories that inform and – now, more than ever – entertain. No longer can journalists count on the routine story. They must cast their nets wide, writing about the usual issues – crime, courts and politics – but also athletes, entertainers and internet celebrities.
This type of storytelling, when done well, requires good reporting combined with rich, interactive graphics, videos and podcasts that lead to informative stories that engage readers in print, online and on air. The 2018 conference will address storytelling in an era where journalists must not only inform, but entertain.
Make plans now to be entertained and informed at the 14th annual Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, July 20-22, 2018, in Grapevine, Texas.
