Nonfiction Fest is nearly upon us, and we at Lighthouse are so excited. Whether we read or write memoirs, check in on the morning news, or even listen to a podcast or record one ourselves, our daily lives are filled with nonfiction. This weekend is your chance to investigate questions designed for nonfiction writers: what counts as “true”? How can we write about real people and difficult topics in meaningful, ethical ways? Where are the lines between journalism and creative nonfiction, or autofiction and memoir? And how does research and reporting fit into the picture?
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this festival: we’re offering craft seminars, lunchtime panels, afternoon workshops, and evening specials. These events offer different ways for participants to engage in the content presented by the instructors. Panels and evening workshops are larger groups with multiple instructors, whereas craft seminars and workshops feature one instructor doing a closer reading of a text or a generative craft lesson. Knowing your learning style is important when registering for these classes and events. We want to make sure you get your money’s worth! Looking to maximize your time and money at the fest? Consider an all-inclusive pass.
Speaking of finances, there are ways to help alleviate the stress that the cost of classes can induce. While we understand that cost may be an obstacle for individuals looking into this program, we never want it to prohibit creative minds from finding an outlet, which is why Lighthouse offers Writerships for select writers looking to learn without the stress of cost. More information on writerships and how to apply can be found on our website. Note that they apply to this festival!
Lighthouse is very excited for this weekend, and we have so much to offer you. Whether you take one of our morning craft seminars like The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but Speculation with Harrison Candelaria Fletcher, or one of our afternoon workshops like Get Real: Writing Ambitious Nonfiction with Erika Krouse, our instructors are here to inspire you and help you get your work on the right path. Our lunchtime panels, Shifting Sands—The Nonfiction Publishing Landscape and Spec, Lyric, Auto—New Forms of Nonfiction are excellent ways to interact with a broader array of instructors and real industry professionals who are ready to answer any of your questions. Even our happy hours are great opportunities to mingle with fellow writers and get to know their respective processes. Overall, you can’t go wrong with Nonfiction Fest, regardless of what you register for.
We realize that writers are busy creatures and that everyone has lives that they can’t just drop to attend a class (even if it is amazing). That’s why Nonfiction Fest is perfect—it takes place over just two weekend days so that you can absorb as much information as possible and get back to the grind right away! Browse our catalog with our full offerings here, and we hope to see you soon!
