What People Are Saying
“It was a real privilege to participate as a panelist at WriterFest. Face time with authors and other industry people is a real treat, and I loved every minute, especially getting to catch up with two of my clients and talk strategy in person, reconnect with a former writer client I hadn’t seen in six years, and meeting an author I’ve long admired from afar. The panels I attended were informative, spirited and thought-provoking, often sparking fun and lively discussions. I walked away from the conference feeling energized about where publishing is going, as well as reinvigorated about my love of books and writers—I truly have a dream job!”
— Rachel Beck, Literary Agent, Liza Dawson Associates
"WriterFest is a premier event where writers in different avenues of the craft—for two days of immersive study and community—find ourselves traveling the same road. I'm a repeat attendee for the exceptional talent involved, the fellowship offered, and the fundemental building blocks it lays for a growing career. Bonus: the creative energy is unmatched!"
— Kristy Cambron, bestselling author for HarperCollins, and Vice President and literary agent for Gardner Literary
"WriterFest 2021 was a huge morale boost. Keynotes were great. Panels were great. But networking with like-minded professionals was the lingering warm blanket. Thank you, Ami McConnell, for creating such a rich writing circle and inviting us all to participate."
— Leanne W. Smith, author of Alone in a Cabin, the story of a woman discovering what it means to be a writer
“The energy and enthusiasm at WriterFest was not only refreshing, but much needed after 18 months of not being able to connect together in person. I can’t wait to speak at the conference again in the future, and to once again walk away inspired and motivated to continue sharing our stories with the world.”
— Clark Buckner, Relationary Marketing, Podcaster & Marketer
“I had a blast at WriterFest. Being able to teach a deep dive and get to know young writers was heartening, and sitting on the panel I was on was an absolute pleasure. What's more, I made connections that will help me develop professionally, too. Can't wait for next year!”
— Sarah Hannah Gómez, Senior Editor, Cultural Accuracy Reading Services, Kevin Anderson & Associates
“WriterFest sets the standard for events like this. I really enjoyed participating in panels and meeting so many talented writers. I left on a creative, inspiring high.”
— Julian R. Vaca, novelist, The Memory Index
"WriterFest is my go-to writer's conference every year. Not only does it offer an array of panels for new writers; it also offers a variety of helpful panels for established writers or those looking to network and further their careers."
— Rea Frey, novelist
“The audience was active, engaged, and made presenting fun. The panelists were all professionals. Each one had at least one gem to take away.”
— Meredith R. Lyons, novelist
“WriterFest is a wealth of writing tips, publishing advice, and stories from the trenches from all genres and mediums -- screenwriters, novelists, songwriters, and even book bloggers. I was thrilled to hear from so many talented storytellers as they talked about their journeys and their craft. I'd highly recommend WriterFest for writers at any stage, from those just starting out to professionals with years of experience.”
— Adam Rosenbaum, author of The Ghost Rules
“I am incredibly grateful for the invitation to WriterFest. I made some great connections and was very impressed by the comprehensiveness of the panels and how much value you were able to fit into the schedule.“
— Macey Howell, Literary Agent, WordLink
"I almost gave up but then I came to WriterFest."
— Nick Poe
"WriterFest is the destination for writers of all kinds. There are keynotes with amazing thought leaders, workshops and breakout sessions with experts from all corners of the writing world. You're guaranteed to 'find your people' at WriterFest, learn a lot, and return to your keyboard with a full cup, inspired to continue on your writing journey."
— Honorée Corder, Book Strategist and Author, You Must Write a Book
"Well run, great variety of speakers, such a relaxed and inviting environment for novices and experts."
— Carey Nelson Burch, founder and president of My Own Shingle, board member for Nashville Film Festival and Nashville’s Film-Com
"WriterFest Nashville offers so many opportunities to meet, network and socialize with authors, editors, literary agents, and other publishing professionals. I learned so much from the panels and made so many new friends and connections. I loved every minute of it!"
— Catherine B. Hooper, Debut Author
"I had such a wonderful time at WriterFest and met so many wonderful people. It really was beautifully done and the speakers were amazing."
— Whitney Boole, MA, LMFT, Beach Cities Psychotherapy
“From a podcast with industry experts to panel sessions making insider knowledge accessible, and to the community of professionals coming together to hone and share their stories. . . WriterFest is your next career destination for all-things-writing. I was thrilled to attend and left inspired by the next generation of writers so passionate about their craft. See you next year!"
— Kristy Cambron, Christy Award-winning author of The Paris Dressmaker
“Whenever writers join together to learn and grow their craft, the magic is set in motion. It has been a blessing to be a part of WriterFest and learn from publishing professionals about the multiple facets of bringing story to book form. Thank you to Ami McConnell for having the vision for bringing all of us together to enjoy such a feast.”
— Dave Schroeder, Literary Agent at WTA Media and K-LOVE Books Publisher
"I am grateful to have been a part of WriterFest. Ami and the WriterFest team invited writers and artists from an array of environments and influences to speak on the craft, and it was a gift to be able to contribute to and to witness."
— Jessica Anderson, actress and writer, Land of Tomorrow, Oil & Martyr (2017) and 13 Slays Till X-Mas(2020)
“Writerfest opened my eyes to how the world of publishing is evolving into a broad network of artists and creators who are telling their stories not only through their books, but also through digital platforms, movie screens, song writing, podcasting and more. So insightful!”
— Gini Wietecha, DaySpring Managing Editor
“WriterFest was the best conference I've been to in a long time. Supportive, upbeat, informative... I made some new friends and learned a lot. A great weekend, and I can't wait for next year's gathering!”
— Steven Womack, Edgar Award-winning author of Dead Folks' Blues
“WriterFest is an extraordinary experience for the veteran and the beginning writer, a chance to connect with other professionals, be inspired, learn and trade ideas. I hope to make it every year!”
— Joy Jordan-Lake, novelist
“As a speaker, one of the highlights of WriterFest was the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. I had the chance to connect with both fellow writers and professionals from the publishing and music industry. There were ample opportunities to network, from scheduled events to casual meet-ups. The sense of community was palpable, and I left with a list of new contacts and collaborators I can’t wait to work with.”
— Anne Brooks, award-winning, bestselling author, book coach, and editor.
“After the deep dive session with Rea [Frey] on Thursday, you asked us to send you an email on how we felt about it. I thought the workshop was so well done, helpful, and informative. I would absolutely attend again in the future. Rea Frey shared a wealth of information and did so giftedly. It was a fantastic experience, and at a beautiful venue to boot.”
— Brandi Miller, Attendee
“A conference you can't afford to miss as a writer! Learning from industry giants, being inspired by compelling keynote speakers & connecting with other writers will fill your creative cup and sharpen your skills. I love the mission and your passion for writers, it was felt, sensed and seen in every little detail of the weekend!”
— Meredith Boggs, author, The Journey Home
“WriterFest is amazing! There is no better way to connect to the literary community. I've made lifelong connections in book writing, book agenting, book publishing, and book selling. The workshops and educational sessions are tremendously valuable and so worth the ticket cost. I can't recommend WriterFest more highly and can't wait to attend again in 2025!”
— Cat Hooper, Debut Author
"As a panelist at WriterFest 2021, I was blown away by the caliber of attendees and speakers. It was a much-anticipated reunion of colleagues and experts in the field of publishing and songwriting. Nashville was in dire need of a conference like this for writers and I highly recommend attending each year."
— Morgan Canclini-Mitchell, CEO of two|pr
“You can't imagine the trepidation I felt when my daughter sent me a link to WriterFest. A waste of time and money, I protested, I'm not published yet! Go any way, she insisted, and I'm so grateful I listened. For three glorious days I hobnobbed with award winning authors, screenwriters, songwriters, and grizzled veterans from the trenches of the publishing world. It's hard to say which was more valuable: the inspiration of the artists or the insight of the industry professionals....WriterFest has had a profound impact on the trajectory of my career as a writer.”