The West is more than just a place, just as Western writing is more than cowboys or plains or big skies. West Fest is a celebration of the expansiveness of western writing; an exploration of what it means to be writing “the West.” Join us to touch grass in ecowriting, to discuss how this particular setting affects character, to play in the borderlands, and more.
Attendees can purchase passes for a bundled, all-inclusive experience; or register á la carte for any event. Can’t make it in person? Check out virtual options, which feature seminars from Claire Boyles and Perrin Pring. And anyone, local or not, can attend our guest workshops with Claire Vaye Watkins and Deborah Taffa, all panel talks, and the keynote events.
Select from several craft seminars to dive deep into the tropes and grit of western writing, or generate new work informed by our beloved landscape. Attend panels to glean a blend of personal anecdotes, practical writing advice and industry knowledge that will educate and invigorate your creative process. As always, this Fest will mix craft with fun: stick around for happy hours to mingle with fellow writers of the West and have the chance to win prizes. In the evening attend one of our events, be it a reading or an exclusive roundtable, to broaden your horizons and leave you enlightened, inspired, and energized to get back to work.
West Fest welcomes special guests Claire Vaye Watkins, The Story Prize winning author of Yellow Pine, and Deborah Taffa, author of the memoir Whiskey Tender, a finalist for the National Book Award. We’re also pleased to welcome Nina McConigley (Cowboys and East Indians), Claire Boyles (Appraisals), and of course Lighthouse faculty favorites such as William Haywood Henderson (Augusta Locke), Erika Krouse (Tell Me Everything), Helen Thorpe (The Newcomers), Benjamin Whitmer (Cry Father), and more!
Passes
For those looking for the fullest experience, a pass gets you discounted and exclusive access to multiple events and craft classes.
Craft Seminars
Dive deeper into the craft of writing the West with some of Lighthouse’s favorite instructors.
Panels
Join panels of experts as they discuss the evolution of the Western genre, and what it looks like to publish when living in the West.
Evening Events
Connect even further with writers and readers of the West through exclusive readings and intimate roundtable discussions.