Alabama Writers Cooperative Conference (Sept. 11-13) in Homewood, Alabama

The Alabama Writers Cooperative (AWC) welcomes writers from all over the state to its 2026 conference at Homewood Public Library. Faculty representing a variety of genres and publishing backgrounds will offer practical information, workshops, and inspiration for emerging and experienced writers. There will be networking opportunities plus a social and open mic night at Little Professor Bookstore. Birmingham Poet Laureate Salaam Greene will deliver the keynote address: The Courage to Write Now. Participants may register for three days or individual days.

Registration details, schedule, and faculty bios: https://alabamawriterscooperative.org/2026-conferenceinformation

Friday, September 11, 2026

Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209

11 a.m. – Registration and Bookstore Opens

12:45 p.m. – Welcome

1 p.m. – Using Dream Imagery in Writing (Miriam Calleja)

2 p.m. – Panel Discussion: How to Write Stories People Can’t Stop Reading (Audrey Atkins, Mary Dansak, TK Thorne, Javacia Harris Bowser)

3 p.m. – Creating Poetry Collections Readers Will Love (Kwoya Fagin Maples)

4 p.m. – What Authors Should Know about AI (Carrie Rollwagen)

6–8 p.m. – Wine Down Social & Open Mic (Little Professor Bookshop, 2738 18th St South, Homewood, AL 35209)

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209

8 a.m. – Registration and Bookstore Opens

8:30 a.m – Welcome

9 a.m. – The Business of Writing (Bob McGough)

10 a.m. – What Comes After: Responsible Practices for the “After” Poem (Jermaine Thompson)

11 a.m. – Getting Started as a Writer? How to Get Published (Catherine Hamrick)

2 p.m. – A Soulful Approach to the Creative Process (Charlotte Donlon)

3 p.m. – Changing the world through children’s literature (Tanisa Moore)

4 p.m. – Steps to Traditional Publishing: The Manuscript is Completed, What Now? (Hallie Christensen)

 Sunday, September 13, 2026

Vulcan Park & Museum, 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209

8 a.m. – Awards Brunch and Keynote Address

Keynote Speaker: Salaam Green, Birmingham Poet Laureate

Keynote Address: The Courage to Write Now