29th Annual Writers' Conference

29th Annual Writers' Conference

By: Eve Odum Staff Writer

Dr. Elizabeth McDermott of the USF English department has done it again! She organized USF’s Annual Writers’ Conference even amid a pandemic. This is a special year because it’s the first time in the conference’s 29-year history that it will be hosted virtually. The conferences will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 11 and Thursday, Nov. 12 from 6-8:30 P.M.

McDermott’s goal is that attendees foster connections that last beyond the two-day event. This will be encouraged by “promoting dialogue among presenters and allowing for more audience interaction,” says McDermott. Normally, everyone is dispersed in different classrooms but the virtual setting will allow everyone to stay together and build deeper relationships.

The conference will open with guest speaker Anya Davidson. Davidson is a cartoonist, musician and printmaker residing in Chicago. She has authored several graphic novels and has appeared in numerous publications. McDermott encourages students interested in the visual arts, creative writing, teaching, business or music to attend, as Davidson will appeal to a vast audience due to her many talents and knowledge of different fields.

Following the guest speaker, USF students will be presenting their writing and research on a broad range of topics. In the past there have been presentations on transcendental poetry, original short stories, musical compositions, science studies, and English in the secondary classroom—just to name a few. Drop in to support and hear what your fellow classmates are working on!

Have something you're working on? Consider submitting it for next year's conference. A full program and how to attend virtually will be sent to your USF email within the coming weeks. We hope to see you there!