Clarksville Writers Conference celebrates 20 years of inspiration, collaboration | PHOTOS

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Writers Conference marked its 20th year with a three-day event held at the Austin Peay State University Art + Design Building, with a banquet in the Franklin Room at F&M Bank. The theme for this year was “20 Years: Growing a Garden of Words.”

Writers and readers from around the region came together to attend workshops, learn from guest speakers, and mingle. Director Laurina Lyle said the event brings in people from several nearby counties each year. “This event brings writers from about a six-county area surrounding Clarksville, and we have writers that come year after year, and our whole mission is to empower writers to tell their stories.”

This year’s featured guest was New York Times columnist Margaret Renkl, who received the Patricia Winn Award for Excellence in Southern Writing. Alongside her brother, Billy Renkl, who illustrates her books and is an art professor at Austin Peay. The conference included over 20 sessions led by authors and professors.

Lyle explained that the conference is spread out over three days, each offering something different. The first day is focused on all-day workshops, giving attendees a more in-depth experience. The following two days include shorter classes and group sessions. “Name what kind of genre you want to learn about, and we try to have somebody here that can teach you,” said Lyle.

She said many supporters return each year, whether they help financially or just enjoy being part of the event. The Clarksville Writers Conference is open to everyone, no matter their skill level. “We want to encourage everybody, wherever they’re at on their writing journey, to tell their story,” said Lyle.

To learn more or get involved, visit the Clarksville Writers Conference website.