Bear River Writers' Conference | U-M LSA Bear River Writers' Conference

Bear River Review The reason the Bear River Writers' Conference exists is to encourage new writing. Here we’ve created a space for people who have been a part of the conference to share their writing with their colleagues and with any other reader who may come across the Reviews. For more information on the Bear River Review, visit our Finished Work page.

Camp Michigania Located on the shores of Walloon Lake in Northern Michigan, Camp Michigania provides comfortable accommodations for the Bear River Writers’ Conference in a picturesque and peaceful location.

Online Registration TBA The conference takes place May 30 - June 3, 2019. Our faculty offer workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, as well as in essay-writing. Bear River workshops are distinguished by their emphasis on new work.

Scholarships for 2018 Conference A limited number of full or partial scholarships will be offered to writers who plan to attend the conference. To apply, visit our Scholarships page.

Area Tourism The site of the Bear River Writers' Conference, Camp Michigania, is only minutes from the popular northern Michigan resort towns of Boyne City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and East Jordan.

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Conference Dates Set for 2019!

The 2019 Bear River Writers' Conference will take place on May 30- June 3, 2019. Because conference spots are so coveted, please visit the website in late 2018 for updates on the specific date and time that registration will open. Note: conference registration will open at 9:00 AM on Monday, February 4, 2019. We look forward to being an important part of your summer of literary inspiration and beauty in 2019.

Be a Victor

We strive to support our students and faculty on the front lines of learning and research; to steward our planet, our community, our campus. To do this, Bear River Writers' Conference needs you—because the world needs Victors.

The Bear River Writers’ Conference has attracted writers to Northern Michigan for nearly two decades. Located on the shores of Walloon Lake, the conference offers workshops, panels, readings, craft talks, and good-spirited conversation. Guided hikes and pontoon rides are available, as are canoes and kayaks. Many of our participants have gone on to publish work that they started during the conference; friendships that began in the workshop or around the bonfire have developed and deepened. We’re a community of writers who challenge and support each other, who believe in hard work, camaraderie, and serious play. We hope you’ll consider joining us in 2019!

– Laura Kasischke and Cody Walker,

Co-directors, Bear River Writers’ Conference

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Scholarships Available!

The Bear River Scholarship Review Board works to make the conference affordable for all writers. Please visit our scholarships page for more information.