Literary festival returns to Lipscomb for second year

On Nov. 22, WriterFest Nashville will again host a creative gathering for aspiring writers, published authors, screenwriters, poets and songwriters.

Cate Zenzen | 10/17/2019

WriterFest Nashville will return to Lipscomb University on Nov. 22-23 for its second annual weekend of empowerment, inspiration and connection for members of the literary community. Writers of book, song and film are again invited to learn from and meet world-class writers and support people including literary agents, publishers, producers, directors and managers. The festival is hosted by the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts. 

“Music City overflows with creative talent as well as a collaborative spirit,” says Ami McConnell, WriterFest Nashville founder and festival director. “WriterFest Nashville showcases creatives who are producing books, songs and films -- the best of the best. Connections are sparked across genres, inspiring and empowering everyone.”

A Lipscomb alum, McConnell (‘93) is a former trade book publishing executive and acquiring editor who now writes and edits in Nashville. She has edited numerous New York Times bestsellers and award-winning titles, and co-authored a book with actress and producer Candace Cameron Bure. McConnell’s vision for this event was to create a collaborative environment for the literary community to learn from and help each other. 
 

Sponsored by The Nashville Film Festival, Rockvale Writers Colony, The Porch and William Morris Endeavor, this year’s keynote speakers are:

• Kel Kade, New York Times bestselling author of King’s Dark Tidings Series
• Erin Lee Carr, Filmmaker, At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (HBO) and I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter
• Ruby Amanfu and Sam Ashworth, singers/songwriters and record producer 

Scott Baker, director of marketing and community outreach in the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts, has been working with McConnell to bring WriterFest Nashville to Lipscomb again this year. While the event is beneficial to professional writers, all on-campus sessions are free of charge for Lipscomb students. Baker said he is excited about the impact it will have on aspiring authors. 

“Having WriterFest on campus is an incredible opportunity for our students. The chance to bring world-class writers, filmmakers, editors and other creative literary folk to campus will prove to be an awesome enhancement to the great education that we already offer here,” said Baker. 

The event’s debut last year was a success, and McConnell promises this year to be even bigger and better. Hosted in the new George Shinn Center, the weekend will feature lectures by and conversations with professional writers, world-class editors and agents, filmmakers, and music business professionals. With such a schedule, attendees will choose from 12 breakout sessions on topics such as how to network with literary agents, a comparison of publishing models, and behind-the-scenes stories from songwriters and filmmakers. There will also be a networking reception and an optional add-on literary event with a special guest author at the Lipscomb Spark building in downtown Nashville. 

“This is what we get excited about doing,” said Baker. “We get to introduce students to professionals in the field who can show them a path forward. It’s a chance to make new friends in the creative writing profession.”

Want to know more? Visit https://www.writerfestnashville.com.