Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference

February 18 - 20, 2021 at Arizona State University

While the Piper Center regularly offers creative writing classes and workshops through the Piper Writers Studio throughout the year, the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Virtual Writers Conference brings together over 300 writers from all backgrounds, genres, and levels of experience for three days of literary craft, culture, and community every late February at ASU Tempe.

About our (Virtual) Conference

With COVID cases in Arizona, restrictions surrounding travel around the nation, and ongoing orders against large public gatherings, we want to do what we can to provide a conference that feels safe and enjoyable for everyone during this stressful time. With that in mind, we have made the choice to move Desert Nights, Rising Stars 2021 to a completely virtual conference. In short, we are moving the conference from our house to yours.

This is a whole new world of programming for us, and we wanted to get a head start now instead of waiting and watching throughout the semester. We are so deeply appreciative of the time you spend with us each year at Desert Nights and hope that you will let us bring the desert to you this year, wherever that may be. We always want to do what is right for those who so generously gift us with their time, funding and passion for writing. We couldn’t do anything we do without all of you.

To learn more about the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Virtual Writers Conference, you can:

• Meet our faculty of nationally-recognized and award-winning authors, agents, and other literary professionals here to share their knowledge and help you achieve your goals
  
• View the schedule of more than 50 craft talks, panels, workshops, and other sessions covering a wide variety of genres and forms
• Register for the conference before December 31 and take $50 off. Single-day passes and discounts are available, too.
  

Additional Programs

Beyond our regular conference programming, Desert Nights, Rising Stars features additional opportunities for deeper learning and personal connection, including three-hour advanced workshops with selected faculty before the conference begins.

Get More Involved

If you're looking to get more involved in the conference beyond registering as an attendee, you can:

• Sponsor faculty members, fellows, receptions, rooms, or other parts of the conference or fair
• Advertise in our conference app and reach over 300 writers who are actively investing in their literary careers
• Become a Fellow and teach alongside nationally-recognized faculty while attending the conference for free

Beyond space, exhibitors receive discounted and/or complimentary registrations and have the opportunity to present at the fair. Sponsors receive special registration rates, free advertising, exhibitor space, and more. 

Learn More

To learn more about the conference, you can meet our faculty, view the schedule, or visit other pages using the menu.

If you have any questions, contact Coordinator Ashley Wilkins at 480.965.7103 or Ashley.Wilkins@asu.edu.