Writers Association of Northern Appalachia’s Annual Conference

Amy Jo Burns’ keynote speech is being presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the official state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily represent those of the West Virginia Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities. Regular WANA attendees have come to expect an informative, relaxed gathering in the hills of Northern Appalachia. That hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s gotten even better! This year WANA will take place in beautiful Wheeling Park, a 406-acre West Virginia gem with roots as a 1900s amusement park. Since 1925, it’s offered year-round recreation, scenic beauty, and a deep sense of community. The conference will be held in its newly renovated White Palace, which functions as a conference center and banquet hall. We will make use of the grounds, including Good Lake and the picnic shelters, as part of our conference experience. Learn more about the park here: https://oglebay.com/explore/wheeling-park/ In addition to sessions on craft, the business of writing, generative workshops, and more, we have added an environmental writing track that will make use of the park grounds, which will be stunning in mid-October. In all, we will offer participants more than 25 sessions that will help energize us all for the winter writing months ahead. This year’s open mic will be held at Wheeling’s newest venue, Esoterica. (Read more about this labor of love here.) The evening will be kicked off by a collage reading celebrating 40 years of Bottom Dog Press led by retiring press founder, Larry Smith. After a brief intermission, we will invite writers up to read their own work (with a strict two-minute time limit). Of course, we are thrilled to welcome Amy Jo Burns as this year’s keynote speaker. Her latest book, Wait for Me, is a New York Times Bestseller. She will be on hand to sign books before and after her presentation. And if you like the music of the novel, we have a surprise for you, but you’ll have to wait and see. Finally, the other new piece of this year’s conference is a post-conference hangout. The conference will wrap up around 5 pm on Saturday, October 16. For those of you who want to skedaddle back home or explore Wheeling (more info about Wheeling will be provided in the program and on our website), this gives you plenty of time to track down some dinner and be on your way. But, for those of you who want one last chat with a new friend you met at the conference or to volunteer for next year, we will be gathering in the shelter above the park for non-alcoholic libations and snacks (provided by WANA), and you are welcome to BYOB. (There’s more than a few stores nearby to pick up your favorite beverages.) We are looking forward to this laid-back, agenda-free, after-conference gathering, and we hope you will join us. In addition to offering attendees a wealth of new writing ideas, strategies for publishing your work, and so much more, WANA wants all of you to feel at home. Unlike other writing conferences that may seem impersonal or highfalutin’ (yeah, we love that word), WANA strives to be a welcoming gathering of writers throughout the region who genuinely want to support each other through the highs and lows of the writing life. Whether you are writing your first novel or have published your fifth book of poetry, there’s a place for you at WANA. Please join us. In addition to your choice of over 20 sessions, an open mic, the Bottom Dog Press reading, and an inspiring keynote, you will have access to our exhibit hall, which will be bigger and more diverse than ever, have the option to join us for a catered lunch (or have lunch on your own), and so much more. We know times are tough for everyone. As we do every year, WANA works with local organizations to create a one-of-a-kind experience, which often means we can cut costs. This year, through the generosity of our community partnerships (who you will be hearing all about), we were able to reduce our registration fee for WANA 2026. Regular Registration Rate for WANA Members . . . . $145 Regular Registration Rate for Non-Members . . . . $170 Student Registration Rate . . . . $25 WANA 2026 Registration for WANA Members WANA 2026 Registration for WANA Members (Lunch Included) WANA 2026 Registration for Non-Members WANA 2026 Registration for Non-Members (Lunch Included) WANA 2026 Early-Bird Registration for WANA Members WANA 2026 Early-Bird Registration for WANA Members (Lunch Included) WANA 2026 Early-Bird Registration for Non-Members WANA 2026 Early-Bird Registration for Non-Members (Lunch Included) WANA 2026 Students ONLY Registration WANA 2026 Students ONLY Registration (Includes Lunch) Your registration gives you full access to two days of writing, conversation, creativity, and community in downtown Wheeling and at beautiful Wheeling Park in Wheeling, West Virginia. • Access to 20+ conferenc