Sinclair Lewis Writers’ Conference

“I think the Sinclair Lewis Writers Conference in Sauk Centre is one of the best values going in the Midwest. It allows aspiring writers to plug in for a day with well-known authors and fellow book lovers. You’ll learn a lot, and it’s downright fun.”   Will Weaver

One of the longest-running, most respected writers’ conferences in the Midwest is back in Sauk Centre for its 31st year on October 2nd, 2021! 

Read more below!

The conference is open to all interested writers. Each participant will be able to choose three workshops and a panel discussion to attend (one hour each), plus the keynote talk. Lunch will be served to those registering up to three days before the conference and will give participants an opportunity to chat with other writers and with the presenters.

Sinclair Lewis, the first American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, was a mentor to many aspiring writers during his career. This conference, held in Lewis’ hometown of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, is a tribute to a writer who took the time to help other writers hone their craft. This is our 31st annual writers' conference and, based on the enthusiastic response following the previous 30, we will continue our purpose of encouraging and inspiring writers of all ages and abilities. This year’s conference features Freya Manfred, award-winning poet. She is joined by four presenters, including a novelist, a screenwriter and a producer and playwright who will co-present their collaborative topic.

As a special treat to celebrate 30 years of the conference and the (belated) centennial of Sinclair Lewis’s breakthrough novel, Main Street, we are hosting an entertainment event on Saturday evening, following the conference. Join us for two acts: Stevie Ray’s Improv Company and the popular sing-along troubadour, Dan Chouinard.

This highly praised conference has, in past years, attracted such renowned keynote speakers as Frederick Manfred, Robert Bly, Jon Hassler, Carol Bly, Leif Enger, Bill Holm, Bart Sutter, Patricia Hampl, Jim Klobuchar, Kevin Kling, Don Shelby, James Bradley, Faith Sullivan, Will Weaver and Gary Paulsen. 

The conference is on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Sauk Centre High School auditorium in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. In-person cost of the day-long conference (including lunch, breaks, and evening entertainment) is $85. College students and senior citizens can register for $75. High school students may attend for free, paying $20 for the cost of their lunch.  Virtual event registration is $65, which includes a streaming of the conference and evening entertainment event. The conference day ends with a reception at the local Palmer House Hotel (door prizes and cash bar).

The Sinclair Lewis 2021 Writers Conference is made possible by the financial sponsorship of the following organizations: Minnesota National Bank of Sauk Centre, First State Bank of Sauk Centre, Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Stearns Electric Association, and the Sinclair Lewis Foundation. Private donors include Pat Hanauer and Dick and Pat Lewis. Sauk Centre Community Education is a co-sponsor of the event.