Conference | Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing

Iconic Stories: Today and Tomorrow

At Desert Nights, Rising Stars (DNRS) Writers Conference you will find a nurturing caring community of writers and stellar faculty to help you discover and tell your story.

Our 2025 keynote speaker is legendary author Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street.

View last year's schedule

FAQ

Registering for the conference

Registration opens June 1 | Register before July 15 to save $50

Our conference has a number of ways to participate and engage so you can create the experience that works best for you:

Earlybird registration is $250 through July 15
Standard registration is $300
Single-day passes are available for $150

We offer several discounted rates:

Seniors (65+), Arizona educators, active or retired military - $135
People with disabilities - $95
ASU student - $50
ASU faculty and staff - $95
Non-ASU student - $75

We offer a registration rate of $50 under MFA Presents and Community Writers for those interested in presenting at the conference. Emerging writers can also apply for the Conference Teaching Fellowship, which offers the opportunity to teach alongside conference faculty and receive free registration.

The Piper Center is committed to making all reasonable accommodations that will allow all attendees to participate in conference events. ASU and the Piper Center comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and strive to make our conference accessible to all participants.

View our accessibility page

What last year's attendees are saying:

“Lovely sense of community.”

“I have so many new ideas, bits of writing that were generated in the workshops. Inspirations!”

“Great speakers. I loved the intimate setting.”

“I love the size of the event, not too big, not too small.”

“I must say the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference was a rather splendid affair.”

“Springboarded me into specific ideas for works now in progress.”

Our sponsors

Putting together a creative writing conference is a monumental endeavor, one we couldn't possibly accomplish without support. We're deeply grateful to all of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who donate to the conference for their graciousness, generosity, and commitment to the literary arts.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Beyond recognition, sponsors receive special registration rates, exhibitor space, advertising, promotional opportunities and more. Your investment allows us to continue improving the lives of individual writers and giving back to the larger community. Learn more about becoming a sponsor today!