If you write, or read, books that matter – books with substance and soul – then this is the place for you.

Writing for Your Life welcomes you to the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta for our next Writing for Your Life Spiritual Writers’ Conference on March 6-7, 2023! The conference is open to all who are interested in spiritual writing (and reading!).  Speakers include authors Barbara Brown Taylor, Patricia Raybon, Carl McColman, Luther E. Smith, Kate Rademacher, and Kathy Izard, literary agent Barb Roose, David Morris from Lake Drive Books, and Brian Allain from How to Heal Our Divides.  You can learn more about each speaker here.

Tuition for the main conference is $349 and includes all General Sessions and Breakout Seminars, panels, morning refreshments, small group meetings with speakers, book readings with Q&A, and an open-mic session.

Registration Now Open! Click on the link below to pay for your registration (credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal are accepted; all payments are processed through PayPal). After you pay, an email confirmation will be sent to the name and email address you enter into PayPal (or the one associated with your PayPal account) within a day or so. If you need to change the name or email address please let us know.

CLICK HERE to pay for your registration. By registering, all conference participants agree to abide by our Code of Conduct and Release Agreement, as well as the Emory University Visitor Policy.

Conference Schedule

Breakout Seminar Descriptions

Conference Speakers

Additional conference features:

  • Small group meetings with speakers – In addition to Q&A within each speaker’s presentation time, all attendees can also attend small group meetings with our speakers.  These meetings are come-and-go “get to know you” meetings where writers can convey information about their project and ask questions. They are NOT manuscript review sessions, and the speakers are under no obligation to follow up with you after your meeting. No sign-up necessary.
  • Submit Your Pitch! – Within two months afterwards, submit your book proposal or pitch to the conference’s industry speakers (email it to Brian Allain, who will forward it)
  • Panel discussions
    • Industry panel: “How to break into getting published”
    • Author panel: “Tips on the craft of writing”
  • Open mic session – Attendees will have the opportunity to present a short excerpt of their writing to other conference attendees.  Each speaker will have 5 minutes, including their introduction and reading. Don’t miss this important, but optional, opportunity to gain experience reading your work, and to support your fellow writers! Each speaker will be limited to 5 minutes. Sign-up will be available at the conference – first-come, first-served.
  • Elevator pitch practice – Practice delivering your 50-word elevator pitch, and get feedback from other attendees and Brian Allain. No sign-up required.
  • Conference Contact List – We will maintain an online spreadsheet where attendees can (optionally) share their name, email address, website, and social media info if they would like to share it with conference attendees.
  • Private Facebook Group for WFYL conference attendees – stay in touch before, during, and after the conference
  • Conference bookstore

Optional Wednesday seminar: The Business of Being a Spiritual Writer (separate registration required; additional 0.6 CEUs available)

Lodging suggestions

Restaurant suggestions

Parking – the most convenient parking is at the Peavine Parking Lot; all parking info can be found here. If you are taking a ride service, the conference location is the Candler School of Theology at 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322

With special thanks to our event sponsors: 

Alma College MFA in Creative Writing
Niki Hardy
T.A.L.K. Consulting
Women | Faith & Story

Registration Now Open! Click on the link below to pay for your registration (credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal are accepted; all payments are processed through PayPal). After you pay, an email confirmation will be sent to the name and email address you enter into PayPal (or the one associated with your PayPal account) within a day or so. If you need to change the name or email address please let us know.

CLICK HERE to pay for your registration. By registering, all conference participants agree to abide by our Code of Conduct and Release Agreement, as well as the Emory University Visitor Policy.

You may also be interested in our free download: “Getting The Most Out Of A Writers Conference”

Writing for Your Life is pleased to offer 1.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for pastors for this writers’ conference. Writing for Your Life is a member of the Association of Leaders in Lifelong Learning for Ministry (formerly the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education for Ministry).

All conference and seminar information are subject to change.