2023 Desert Nights, Rising Stars: Conference Recap
by Tracy SkochilPictured here: Laurie, Mary, and Mark
A group of POP-sters (our term for folks associated with Phoenix Oasis Press and our various groups and events) attended the Desert Nights, Rising Stars (DNRS) Writers Conference. For some of us, it was a first time attending a conference like this. For others, it was a bucket list item to be crossed off the list of must-try conferences.
About the Desert Nights, Rising Stars (DNRS) 2023 Writers Conference
DNRS is a three-day conference put on by The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University. The conference sells out fast every year – and it’s easy to see why. It’s held in Arizona in October, which means beautiful weather. And the agenda is stacked with sessions appealing to newbie, established, and published writers. Topics include writing craft, practical advice for editing, creative and professional development, and business advice aimed at authors navigating the literary marketplace. There are reading events, networking happy hours, morning yoga to get the blood flowing, a book market on-site, and an inspiring closing keynote. This year’s keynote was internationally renowned poet Joy Harjo, who served three terms as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States.
Conference Tips from POP-sters
Laurie Engle, nonfiction writer:
The session I most enjoyed was Working with an Agent, What Writers Should Know, presented by Serendipity Literary Agency. It was very informative, and I appreciated the candid and straightforward advice on the essential factors to consider when finding and working with an agent.
One tip for anyone attending this conference in the future: Try to be well-rested as you will be working creatively in some sessions.
Will you go back again? Yes!
Mark Prior, fiction and creative non-fiction writer:
The session I most enjoyed was Inventions and Investigation in Speculative Fiction, a panel discussion. I got some very useful tips and information from a wide range of writers and teachers — even a sports coach/teacher.
Keep writing. Don’t stop after the first published item.
Lean into your quirks. Don’t try to be the group “us.”
Treat feedback/criticism as a gift. Don’t get too emotionally attached to your work.
Practice being imperfect.
Stay around writing and writers (classes, library, conferences, readings, etc.).
Prepare for a long haul. There could be much rejection and struggle. Eventually your learning will benefit others.
One tip for anyone attending this conference in the future: I could have used a 5- or 10-minute break during the longer sessions.
Will you go back again? Sure, it pushed me mentally to keep learning and writing!
Tracy Skochil, short fiction, and speculative fiction novelist:
The session I most enjoyed was What is the Why. Building a Backstory for Nuanced Characters and Authentic Conflict with Karen Odden. Her practical approach mixed with the activities and her openness to sharing how her editor told her she had to cut the opening seven chapters of her first manuscript because it was all backstory hit home.
One tip for anyone attending in future: You must pick your sessions when you register — you can't go in and change them after. You can go to different sessions than you picked, but it's easier to research before you register.
Will you go back again? Absolutely.
Mary Cornelius, blogs, personal essays, memoirist:
The session I most enjoyed Reading like a Writer by Peter Turchi because he demonstrated how to read passages with an eye on how simple language is used for dramatic effect.
One tip for anyone attending this conference in the future: Read the descriptions of the sessions carefully but understand that they may be different than what you expect. Be open to learning from all of them. However, you are not taking them for credit or certification so if you tire out, skip them.
Will you go back again? I will definitely consider attending again.
Sue Fulton, poetry, creative non-fiction, short prose:
The session I most enjoyed was: Ephemeral Arrangements: Work with Grief and Joy by TC Tolbert; it was a generative poetry session built on “sculptures” that participants made from things they had in pockets, purses, and backpacks. We laughed, cried, and created. Tips for anyone attending this conference in future:
Choose sessions that apply to YOUR writing goals.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Be prepared for long, busy days.
After the conference ends, look over your notes and integrate your favorite tips/strategies into your writing practice.
Will you go back again? Yes!
Conferences: An Investment in Your Craft
Conferences cost money and take time out of your already busy schedule – but the payoff in terms of inspiration, learnings, and connections can be worth their weight in gold. For the POP-ster team, we know how lucky we are that this wonderful conference is hosted right in our own Arizona backyard.
About Tracy SkochilTracy Skochil’s fiction explores the complications, cruelties, and possibilities at the intersection of technology and humanity. A journalist and B2B marketing strategist, her non-fiction has appeared in dozens of publications. Tracy is a guest judge with the Muskoka Novel Marathon, is a Phoenix Oasis Press board member, and hosts an online critique session found on Meetup. Find her on Instagram @tracy.skochil.author.