Emerging Writers Festival
A hallmark literary tradition on campus, the Emerging Writers Festival is a three-day
event that invites the country鈥檚 most exciting emerging authors to F&M to host readings,
craft talks, and writing workshops.
Championing the Work of Rising Writers
Each spring, the English department at Franklin & Marshall College hosts its annual Emerging Writers Festival,
dedicated to championing the work of writers early in their careers. Since its inception
in 2002, the Festival has been a collaborative effort between students and faculty,
bringing people together across the campus community and beyond for readings, workshops,
and the opportunity to mix, formally and informally, with some of the country鈥檚 most
exciting new literary talents. The Emerging Writers Festival is generously supported
by Edna Hausman P'85 and Richard D. Hausman '50, P'85 and the Philadelphia Alumni Writers House.
Readings
Readings offer the opportunity for you to join our emerging writers as they give readings
of their works. You can also engage with the writers during a Q&A session.
Craft Talks
Get a peek behind the curtain and discuss writing techniques, processes, and more
with our emerging writers. Craft talks offer the opportunity to practice and get feedback
on your own craft as you work side-by-side with our emerging writers through writing
prompts and exercises.
Panel Discussion & Closing Events
The EWF wraps up with a panel discussion with all emerging writers. 鈥嬧�婣 Bye Bye BBQ celebrating
the end of the festival begins immediately after the conclusion of the panel.
Student Organizing Committee
An Emerging Writers Festival student organizing committee is formed each year, offering
students hands-on experience in bringing a literary festival to life. Two students
are assigned as "shadows" for each writer, tasked with coordinating visits and handling
audience introductions prior to readings.
鈥淓WF was one of the main reasons why I decided to attend F&M.鈥�
鈥淚 loved the idea of EWF, an event to celebrate talented writers, and allowing F&M
students and Lancaster locals to hear their stories and the reasons why they love
to write. So when I was selected to join the 2024 EWF Committee, I felt so honored.
I had the opportunity to work alongside amazing students who share the same deep appreciation
and love for storytelling. I was so excited to bring the EWF festival to life with
my peers and F&M faculty to give every attendee a rewarding and fun experience!鈥�
鈥� Gyana Guity 鈥�24, 2024 EWF Student Organizing Committee
鈥淭he most meaningful aspect was getting to learn directly from a published author
throughout the process.鈥�
鈥淎s a part of the committee, I made all of the graphics and marketing content. This
included Instagram posts, posters, and even our t-shirts. Of course, the most meaningful
aspect was getting to learn directly from a published author throughout the process.鈥�
鈥� Ella Peeples 鈥�26, 2026 EWF Student Organizing Committee
After a final panel discussion with all emerging writers, the traditional Bye Bye
BBQ celebrates the end of the festival.
After a final panel discussion with all emerging writers, the traditional Bye Bye
BBQ celebrates the end of the festival.
An Emerging Writers Festival student organizing committee is formed each year, offering
students hands-on experience in bringing a literary festival to life. Two students
are assigned as "shadows" for each writer, tasked with coordinating visits and handling
audience introductions prior to readings.
An Emerging Writers Festival student organizing committee is formed each year, offering
students hands-on experience in bringing a literary festival to life. Two students
are assigned as "shadows" for each writer, tasked with coordinating visits and handling
audience introductions prior to readings.
Panel discussion with Sarah Perry, nonfiction; Ada Zhang, fiction; Michael Torres,
poetry; and Maggie Millner, poetry; Emerging Writers Festival 2024.
Bye Bye BBQ, Emerging Writers Festival 2024.
Craft talk with Angelique Stevens, nonfiction, Emerging Writers Festival 2023.
Craft talk with Tyler Barton, fiction, Emerging Writers Festival 2023.
Craft talk with Julia虂n Delgado Lopera, fiction, Emerging Writers Festival 2022.
Craft talk with F&M alumna Mandy Berman '09, fiction, Emerging Writers Festival 2018.
Craft talk with Derrick Austin, poetry, Emerging Writers Festival 2019.
Craft talk with Edgar Kunz, poetry, Emerging Writers Festival 2023.
F&M students engaging in an Emerging Writers Festival craft talk.
F&M students engaging in an Emerging Writers Festival craft talk.
