Admission
Writers in Paradise is a workshop-based conference. Attendance is through application only. Acceptance is based on a writing sample and a statement detailing your writing background. If you have previously attended the Eckerd College Writers’ Conference, your statement should describe what you learned and what you hope to accomplish by attending again.
While admission is selective, we accept writers with early potential, as well as those with strong backgrounds in writing. See below for details on how to apply (via Submittable only).
Eckerd College students are encouraged to contact the Creative Writing faculty to see how they may attend at a discounted rate.
Application Process
To apply to the conference, you must apply to a workshop. The list of workshops offered is on our homepage. To access the application for a specific workshop including its submission guidelines, please visit our Submittable page starting August 1. Once in Submittable, click on the workshop you’d like to apply for and complete the application; funding options are within the application. For a list of fellowships and scholarships available to you, scroll down.
All correspondence regarding receipt of application, notifications, updates, etc., will occur via emails from the Conference Coordinator, Marina Pruna.
If you require disability-related accommodations, please contact Conference Coordinator by at [email protected]. A good faith effort will be made to accommodate all requests.
Deadlines
Applications Open
August 1, 2024
Applications Close
November 1, 2024
(Apply online by 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time)
Notifications
November 15, 2024
On or by this date: Applicants will be notified of their standing, workshops assigned, fellowship and scholarship awards announced, hotel reslink sent to accepted participants
Final Due Dates
November 25, 2024
Due this day: balance of payment, participant registration, and final manuscript to be discussed in workshop
Conference Cost
The cost to attend our conference is $950, which covers a full week of workshop plus all panels, craft talks, readings and gatherings. When offered, the cost of 3-day workshops is $495 (if attending a 3-day workshop, you are considered a full participant and invited to the full week of panels, craft talks, readings and gatherings).
Whether applying to a full week workshop or a 3-day workshop, the cost to apply to the conference is $25 upon completion of the online application via Submittable only. This application fee is non-refundable and will count toward the conference cost if accepted. If accepted, the remaining balance is due 10 days after acceptance. A secure payment link will be sent. Payment by check will also be accepted (to the attention of “Writers in Paradise” and payable to Eckerd College).
For those who are not accepted or who withdraw from the conference, the application fee is nonetheless non-refundable. NOTE: if you apply to multiple workshops, you will be charged the $25-app fee for each application. Please contact the Conference Coordinator for guidance should you have any questions at 727.241.2802 or [email protected].
$950
$25 non-refundable app fee + $925 balance.
If attending a 3-day workshop, the cost is $495 [$25 non-refundable app fee + $470 balance]
Fellowships
Writers in Paradise offers a limited number of fellowships on a competitive basis.
All fellowships are awarded based on the strength of the writing sample and statement of intent, and with consideration of published works in reputable magazines and journals, where applicable. The Sterling Watson MFA Fellowships are awarded to applicants who are currently enrolled in or have graduated from an MFA program within the past five years. The McCartt, Carlson, Standiford and Pruitt-Meinke Fellowships are open to all applicants.
To apply for funding, please go to our Submittable page, choose a workshop and begin applying. The funding options are embedded within the application.
The Larry and Marcia McCartt Fellowship is awarded annually to a woman who has overcome personal hardships and shows talent and a strong commitment to the craft of writing and its ability to heal the human spirit. This fellowship covers the entire cost of the conference tuition ($925) plus a travel stipend ($250).
This James R. Carlson Fellowship honors the spirit of creativity and innovation of the founder of the Eckerd College Theatre Department and is awarded annually. This fellowship covers the entire cost of the conference tuition ($925) plus a travel stipend ($250).
The Standiford Fellowships are named in honor of noted author, teacher, and Co-Director of the conference, Les Standiford. The consummate professional writer, Les Standiford always strives not only to improve his own craft but to help the next generation of writers. These fellowships will be awarded to two applicants who show great promise in their craft (one fiction writer and one nonfiction writer). These fellowships will cover the entire cost of the conference tuition ($925) plus a travel stipend ($250).
The Sterling Watson MFA Fellowships are named in honor of noted author, teacher, and Co-Founder of the conference, Sterling Watson. These 10 fellowships are intended to help support current MFA students as well as recently graduated MFAs (graduation date of 2019-2023) attend Writers in Paradise at minimal costs. These fellowships will be awarded to those who show great promise in the genre to which they apply and will cover the entire cost of the conference tuition ($925).
Named in honor of Eckerd Professor Emeritus and 2016-2020 Poet Laureate of Florida, Peter Meinke, and the late Dr. Crayton Pruitt, the aim of the Pruitt-Meinke Fellowship is to make the conference accessible to as broad an array of writers as possible, paying special attention to applications from members of historically underserved populations as well as those who’ve overcome substantial socioeconomic obstacles. The Pruitt-Meinke Fellowship will cover full conference tuition ($925), 8 nights at the conference hotel, and provide a stipend for travel and meals.
Scholarships
Writers in Paradise offers a limited number of scholarships on a competitive basis.
Scholarships are awarded to applicants who show great promise in the genre to which they apply.
The Alumni Scholarship will be awarded to one alum of Writers in Paradise to help support the cost of attendance. This scholarship will be awarded to an alum who shows great promise in the genre to which they apply and will cover half of the conference tuition ($450).
The AWP Members-Only Scholarships will be awarded to five current AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs) members to help support the cost of attendance. These scholarships will be awarded to those AWP members who show great promise in their craft and will cover half of the conference tuition ($450).
General scholarship funds will be awarded in $100 increments. Awards will be based on need and merit, as determined by the conference director.
Lodging & Dining
Participants are to book their own accommodations from the wide array of hotels, b&b’s and inns to be found in downtown St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach (or with our partner hotel below).
2025 Partner Hotel
Our partner hotel for 2025 will once again be the Residence Inn Tierra Verde. A limited number of rooms at the special discounted rate of $184/night + tax has been secured. The reservation link will be made available to accepted participants only after acceptances are made.
All rooms at the Residence Inn are Queen or King Studios with a kitchenette and sleeper sofa. Hotel amenities include:
- complimentary parking
- complimentary shuttle to/from campus for all conference events
- complimentary wi-fi
- complimentary breakfast
- access to fitness center and business center
- onsite pool, restaurants, and laundry facilities
- mobility accessible rooms available
For more information about the hotel including amenities, rules and guidelines, please visit the Residence Inn Tierra Verde page.
If you would like to share a room with another participant, please notify the conference coordinator, who will compile and distribute by e-mail a list of those looking to room share.
A free participant shuttle operated by Paradise Tours will take participants to/from the Residence Inn and Eckerd College daily for all workshops, plenary events and readings. The shuttle will operate to/from Residence Inn and campus only.
$184/night + tax
limited number of rooms
Dining
Participants may enjoy various dining options throughout campus in the College cafeteria, Triton’s Pub, or dine off-campus.
For further information regarding campus dining options, please view hours and menus here.
Sample Schedule
Participant attendance at afternoon and evening events is not mandatory, but we encourage participants to take advantage of everything we have to offer so that they enjoy the full experience of the conference.
Saturday, DAY 1
- 4-5 p.m. Registration Packet Pickup
- 5-5:45 p.m. Campus Tour
- 7:30 p.m. Wine & Book Browse
- 8 p.m. Evening Readings Series
Sunday, DAY 2
- 9-9:45 a.m. Registration Packet Pickup (continued)
- 10-10:40 a.m. Welcome & Conference Introduction
- 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. Craft Lecture by Keynote Speaker
- Lunch break
- 2-5 p.m. Workshops
- 6:30-7 p.m. Wine & Book Browse
- 7 p.m. Evening Readings Series
- 8:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
Monday, DAY 3
- 8:45-9 a.m. Coffee, Snacks & Schedule Updates (if any)
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Workshops
- Lunch break
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 1
- 3:00-4:30 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 2
- 6:30-7 p.m. Wine & Book Browse
- 7 p.m. Evening Readings Series
Tuesday, DAY 4
- 8:45-9 a.m. Coffee, Snacks & Schedule Updates (if any)
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Workshops
- Lunch break
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 1
- 3-4:30 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 2
- 5 p.m. Participant and Faculty Mingle & Dinner
- 6:30 p.m. Wine & Book Browse
- 7 p.m. Evening Readings Series
Wednesday, DAY 5
(W)REST, (W)REFLECT & (W)RITE
- No activities or shuttle scheduled today.
Thursday, DAY 6
- 8:45-9 a.m. Coffee, Snacks & Schedule Updates (if any)
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Workshops
- Lunch break
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 1
- 3-4:30 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 2
- 6:30 p.m. Wine & Book Browse
- 7 p.m. Evening Readings Series
Friday, DAY 7
- 8:45-9 a.m. Coffee, Snacks & Schedule Updates (if any)
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Workshops
- Lunch break
- 1:30-2:45 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 1
- 3-4:30 p.m. Craft Talk or Panel, Session 2
- 6:30 p.m. Wine & Book Browse
- 7 p.m. Evening Readings Series
Saturday, DAY 8
- 8:45-9 a.m. Coffee, Snacks & Schedule Updates (if any)
- 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Workshops
- 12:30-2:30 p.m. Farewell Brunch & Participant Reading
- 2:30-4 p.m. Craft Lecture by Closing Speaker
- 7:30 p.m. Wine & Book Browse
- 8 p.m. Evening Readings Series
- 9 p.m. Farewell Reception
Refund policy
Please see our refund policy here. Applicants who cancel must do so via email to the conference coordinator. An administrative fee of $55 will apply for all cancellations and the following policies apply: those who cancel 30 days before the start of the conference will receive a full refund. Those who cancel between 15-29 days prior to the start of the conference will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued within 15 days of the conference, or if the participant chooses to leave the conference early.
All courses, speakers, and faculty are subject to change. In order to ensure the safety and comfort of faculty and participants, the right to continued participation in Eckerd College Writers’ Conference is at the sole discretion of the co-directors. A participant who fails to adhere to ordinary standards of collegiality may be required to forfeit one’s place at the conference.
