MWW’s primary goal is to nurture aspiring and accomplished writers to improve their craft and achieve their writing and publishing goals in an inclusive community that welcomes and uplifts all voices. At our annual hybrid summer conference, you’ll find a thriving and lively community eager to welcome new faces and catch up with old writer friends from across the Midwest–and beyond! We offer sessions and panels covering a wide array of genres, topics, and approaches to craft, all led by top-notch faculty.
MWW25 Faculty:
MWW Alumni instructors: A.D. Nauman and Shel Harrington
Literary Agent Jessica Berg
Thomas Kneeland, poetry
Robin Lee Lovelace, short stories
Rebecca McKanna, fiction and mystery/thriller
Kay Shanee, romance writing and childrens books
Ania Spyra, creative nonfiction
Kelsey Timmerman, structure and research
Francesca Zappia, YA and writing mental health
Keynote speakers: Brando Skyhorse and Jane Friedman.
Join us this July 10 – 12, 2025 at the Ball State Alumni Center in Muncie, Indiana—or virtually, from the comfort of your own computer—and see for yourself the wonderful things MWW has to offer!
*23 sessions These include sessions on short stories, poetry, revision, research, structure, marketing, query letters, creative nonfiction, historical fiction, mystery/thriller, romance, young adult, children's, and more! Also, there are panels about the creative process, writing life, and publishing industry
*An Evening with Author Robin Lee Lovelace -- attend a special reading and signing event sponsored by the Indiana Author Awards
*NEW! – "Power Hour" There are too many topics to cover in one conference, even when it’s three days! In this bonus session, faculty will deliver mini spiels of condensed wisdom on a topic of their choosing. Get ready for rapid-fire inspiration and practical advice!
*NEW! – Quiet Writing Space Attending all of these sessions, surrounded by such creative people…need a place to capture some of that inspiration, or just to catch your breath? We’ll have a small space dedicated to peace and quiet; optional prompts available. In-person only
*NEW! – Alumni Hour We're happy to introduce two sessions taught by successful MWW Alumni
*Author Office Hours Have you ever wanted to sit with a published author and pick their brains on topics like: publishing, revising, or anything that relates to becoming an author? This is your opportunity. You don’t need an appointment, just drop in for this informal session with an author. Available for all in-person attendees. In-person only
*Late-Night Talk-Abouts This is a great time for the in-person attendees to hurry back to their hotel rooms, jump into their pajamas, and join the online attendees for a late night gabfest about everything we saw and heard during the day. We can also share work and ask questions, and finish the evening with a writing sprint to get ready for the next day of writing and learning.
*Manuscript Evaluations Submit your first five pages plus a one-page synopsis of a manuscript, completed or in progress. The $50 fee covers a 15-minute one-on-one in-person appointment during the conference. Now available for Virtual Attendees, too!
limited quantity; materials deadline July 1, 2025
*Ball State University Bookstore on-site vendor: Purchase books by our MWW25 faculty and Board. Get them autographed! In-person only
*MWW Consignment Bookstore: If you’re a published author attending in-person, you can sell your books at our consignment bookstore. Now available for Virtual Attendees, too!
*Private Facebook Group for camaraderie, to ask questions and make comments, and to build connections with other attendees and faculty
*ALL attendees have access to ALL of the sessions for up to 90 days after the conference
Student Rate available: $259. Must have a valid .edu email address. Contact
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Also check out other Arts events in Muncie, Literary Art events in Muncie, Business events in Muncie.
