How is Algonkian Different From Other Conferences?
In several fundamental ways. First of all, the emphasis is not simply on hawking the ms, but on beginning the novel or working to improve the novel-in-progress. Second, the percentage of actual workshop time is far higher. Students spend an average of seven hours per day in workshops that address all the major conflict/complication, plot, theme, narrative/voice, dialogue, scene construction, and character arc-and-development issues. Third, students are prepped in advance for their interactive pitch sessions with literary agents; and the sessions are not rushed, the agents relaxed during the sessions and not bombarded by a hundred or more conference goers. Fourth, all interactions with faculty (including agents) are generally informal. This is because our workshops are limited to 15 students total. Fifth, Algonkian Writer Conferences require the student to complete writing exercises far more advanced and beneficial than those conducted at other conference workshops. In addition, amateur
