Join renowned authors and professional park educators for a writers conference like no other set on a lush, secluded campus nestled within America’s most-visited national park. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont partners with Great Smoky Mountains Association to bring this five-day intensive retreat to a small group of selected writers with financial aid available. Applications to participate in the event may be submitted online now through April 30 at writers.gsmit.org.

Apply today to be a part of your chosen cohort: fiction, nonfiction, or poetry—and enjoy the benefits of award-winning author workshop leaders dedicated to focusing on you and your work. Days will be dedicated to learning and writing in small groups with meals and lodging provided; evenings will be focused around community dinners, some off campus, where you’ll enjoy faculty author readings.

Small-group morning workshops in fiction, nonfiction and poetry will take place outdoors, led by faculty members Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (fiction), Janet McCue (nonfiction) and Frank X Walker (poetry). Guest novelist Richard Powers, a MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction writer, willlead several sessions for the entire group, including a craft talk with conversation. Each afternoon, writers will join experienced Tremont naturalists for guided explorations that spark curiosity and wonder through hands-on experience with the region’s cultural and natural history. Evenings will conclude with hearty dinners, fellowship with peers, and readings by writing faculty. Meals and lodging are provided.

Learn more and apply

Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Association.