I had a great conversation on Tuesday with an African-American literary agent on Plenary Publishing submission needs, as well as the current state of African-American literature and the challenges facing African-American authors. One of the key topics of discussion is the need for writers of color to invest in their craft through attendance at workshops, participation in writing groups and constant reworking of their manuscripts.

The Hurston/Wright Foundation, a resource for writers, readers and supporters of African-American literature, is offering a three-day workshop for aspiring writers on July 24-26, 2009 in Washington, DC. Workshops are offered in the area of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and each course is limited to 12 students. In the Foundation’s own words:

Each class is instructed by a professional who not only knows about writing, but how to teach writing. Whether published or unpublished you will be provided with peer review, instructor feedback, and a community of writers in which to share ideas and solutions.

Join us at the 3-Day and get a fresh set of unbiased opinions, analytical questions, suggestions, and key insights that you may not receive elsewhere. We will provide you with fast feedback that can help you increase your chances of producing a winning manuscript.

Your workshop leader will use his or her hard-earned knowledge to instruct, guide and gently lead you to develop the story you want to tell. Most importantly your instructor and peers will draw out of you what you already have in your heart, but have not given yourself permission to explore, until now.

The tuition is $385, and there is a $15 application fee. The selection deadline has passed, but the Foundation is still considering applications on a space available basis. I’d recommend contacting the Foundation prior to applying to make sure that space is still available.

Other Writing Workshops:

Black Writers Reunion & Conference

June 18-19, 2009 – Las Vegas, NV

Hawaii Writers Conference & Retreat (formely Maui Writers Conference)

Retreat: August 28-Sept. 3, 2009

Conference: September 4-7, 2009