Workshops & Retreats…MWG Writers Conference & Spring Retreat

This column briefly profiles writers' workshops, retreats, seminars and conferences. Inclusion in this column is not an endorsement.

What is MWG?

MWG is the Mississippi Writers Guild. The group has chapters in 11 cities throughout the state. It sponsors two events this spring and summer: the Spring Retreat, April 4-5, in Gulfport and the MWG Writers Conference, August 15-16, in Vicksburg.

The Spring Retreat features an Open Mic Night on April 4, then two two-hour writing workshops, plus lunch on April 5. There is also an additional lecture by workshop facilitator John M. Floyd after the workshops.

The Writers Conference begins in the mid-afternoon on August 15 with a book sale/registration, then a reception and dinner followed by an Open Mic Night. The next day is full with four workshops, panel discussions, an award ceremony, an autographing and book sale and critique sessions.

Who are the instructors?


John M. Floyd is the only announced faculty for the Spring Retreat. He is the author of more than 600 short stories, plus a collection of short stories, Rainbow's End and other stories, published in 2006. He won the 2007 Derringer Award and has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.

The Writers Conference has six announced faculty members:

1. Novelist Howard Bahr - author of Black Flower, The Year of Jubilo, and The Judas Field;

2. Novel/screenwriter/playwright Tom B. Sawyer - Head Writer of 15 network TV series, including "Murder She Wrote," author of two novels, one of which is due out this year;


3. Agent Gary Heidt - with the FinePrint Agency, which represents both nonfiction and fiction for adults and young adults;

4. Poet/publisher Sue Brannan Walker - internationally known for her own poetry and for her writing on other poets and writers, her publishing company Negative Capability Press has published both famous and new poets in writers, earning a ranking of third out 2700 poetry markets by Writer's Digest;



5. Freelance writer/journalist Cheryl Sloan Wray - author of six books, including Writing for Magazines: A Beginner's Guide, and over 100 magazine and newspaper stories;

6. Playwright/actress Rebecca Jernigan - playwright of numerous plays produced throughout the Southeast, including Actor's Theatre of Louisville, taught at playwrititng and scriptwriting at Yoknapatawpha Writing Seminar and The Mississippi Governor's School among others.

What are the fees for these events?


For the Spring Retreat it is $50 for the 2-day retreat. If you're not attending the Retreat but want to take in a lecture/workshop with Floyd, there's a $10 fee for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

For MWG members, the conference breaks down like this: Early Bird (before June 30) $115, Regular $135 and critique $35. Nonmembers: Early Bird $135, Regular $155 and critique $40

The Details:

The Spring Retreat: April 4-5 at Magnolia Plantation, Gulfport MS, with Open Mic at Mockingbird Café Additional John M. Floyd Lecture: 4:00-600 April 5 at Magnolia Plantation

The Writers Conference: August 15-16 at Battlefield Inn, Vicksburg MS


See the MWG website for complete guidelines, bios, registration forms.