The University of North Dakota’s 57th annual Writers Conference, held Mar. 25-27, 2026, brought together students, faculty, and nationally recognized authors for a three-day exploration of storytelling. Centered on the theme “Fables and Futures,” the event encouraged attendees not only to rethink traditional narratives, but also to leave with a deeper sense of confidence, creativity, and purpose in their own writing.
Featuring acclaimed authors and artists George Saunders, Maria Dahvana Headley, Amber Sparks, Anna Maria Hong, Ananda Lima, Roque Raquel Salas Rivera, Megan Kamalei Kakimoto, and Beatriz Cortez, the conference offered a wide range of perspectives on fiction, poetry, and storytelling across genres. Through panels, readings, workshops, and open mic sessions, participants were able to engage directly with professional writers while reflecting on their own creative journeys.
While the conference highlighted literary craft and innovation, many attendees said the most meaningful takeaway was simple: growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. For returning attendee and educator Robert Moore, that message was reinforced in nearly every aspect of the conference. From speaking with literary agents to preparing for public readings, he emphasized the importance of actively participating rather than just observing.
“Always take advantage of workshops,” Moore said. “Those are connections you can make. If nothing else, it’s advice you can take away.” Moore also pointed to open mic events and public readings as some of the most impactful experiences for writers, even if they are intimidating. “Getting up in front of people is not natural to most people,” he said. “But you have to practice it. Put yourself out there.” That willingness to take risks, he explained, is essential not only for building confidence but also for developing as a writer.
For attendee Brenden Kimpe, who attended nearly every panel, reading, and open mic session, the conference delivered both inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. He described the overall atmosphere as “enlightening and hopeful,” noting that the variety of events encouraged him to think beyond traditional boundaries.
“The whole point of the conference is to get stories out there, get people reading, and get people thinking outside the box,” Kimpe said. One of Kimpe’s most impactful experiences came from attending sessions with George Saunders, including a smaller, more intimate discussion. While Saunders is one of the most recognized names at the conference, Brenden said the interaction helped demystify the idea of the perfect professional writer. “He’s probably the biggest name here, but he’s just another person. He’s funny, kind, and really engaging.”
More importantly, Saunders’ advice challenged a long-standing piece of writing guidance that many attendees had grown accustomed to hearing: “write what you know.” Instead, he encouraged writers to pursue what excites them creatively, even if it means entering unfamiliar territory. “You don’t have to know it beforehand,” Brenden said. “You can learn as you write.”
For many participants, that idea was both freeing and empowering. Rather than feeling limited by personal experience, writers were encouraged to explore new genres, ideas, and perspectives, an approach that aligns closely with the conference theme.
Moore connected “Fables and Futures” directly to his own creative work, describing it as an opportunity to revisit familiar stories while reimagining them for modern audiences. Drawing inspiration from traditional tales like Little Red Riding Hood, he explained how writers can take established frameworks and transform them into something fresh and unexpected. “These stories are popular for a reason,” Moore said. “Use that but put your own spin on it.”
Beyond individual sessions and writing advice, attendees emphasized the importance of community and connection. The conference created an environment where students could interact with established authors, share their work, and build relationships within the literary world.
The event, organized under the direction of Patrick Henry, has been a staple at UND for more than five decades. Its longevity is a testament to its continued relevance and its ability to adapt to changing literary landscapes while remaining accessible to all. With free admission and a wide range of programming, the conference allows participants to engage at their own pace, whether attending a single session or immersing themselves in the full experience. For many, accessibility plays a key role in making the event both welcoming and impactful. “It’s free, it’s informative, fun, and really enjoyable,” Kimpe said. “If you want to learn, explore, and meet people, this is the place to be.”
Opportunities to interact with literary professionals extended beyond authors as well. Attendees were able to gain insight into the publishing process, including conversations with industry figures such as literary agents, offering a broader understanding of how stories move from idea to publication.
As the 2026 Writers Conference concludes, its impact is evident not only in the conversations it sparked but in the perspectives it shifted. Attendees are leaving with more than notes or signed books. They are leaving with a willingness to take creative risks, experiment with new ideas, and engage more deeply with their own storytelling. Ultimately, “Fables and Futures” was not just a theme, but a call to action. By blending the familiar structures of classic storytelling with forward-thinking approaches, the conference encouraged writers to imagine new possibilities and to have the courage to bring those ideas to life.
Rachel Held is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
