Moravian University Writers' Conference

03/23/2026

For our final highlight about what’s ahead at the Moravian Story Summit (March 27–28, 2026)✨:
Some Saturday, March 28 Highlights:
📚 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Crafting Stories in an Uncertain World Panel
Join local authors Ruth Setton, Joyce Hinnefeld, and Lee Upton for a thoughtful conversation on how storytelling helps us navigate uncertain times. Together, they’ll explore how creative work can offer clarity, connection, and meaning in a changing world. Books by the authors will be available for purchase.
🥪 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Booksale and Lunch
Stay for lunch and a chance to meet the authors, purchase books, and get them signed!
✍️ 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Writing this Moment: Poems for Current Events (Workshop with Chad Frame)
Explore how poetry responds to the world around us—from global events to personal experience. This interactive workshop includes readings, discussion of craft (tone, form, perspective), and time to write and share your own work.
🎤 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
No River Twice Performance + Q&A
Experience a one-of-a-kind interactive poetry performance where the audience helps shape the reading in real time. No two performances are ever the same—come be part of it!
📖 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Book Sale and Refreshments
Wrap up the day with refreshments and one more chance to browse books by local authors and speakers.
All events are free and open to the public. Whether you’re a writer, reader, student, or simply curious about the power of story—we’d love to have you there.
🔗 Learn more and register at:

This free conference (featuring in-person and online events) will explore writing about health, healthcare, and justice in today’s world.

03/16/2026

One of the hardest parts of writing is dealing with rejection and the feeling of failure. But what if those moments could actually become part of the creative process?

As we continue sharing highlights from the Moravian Story Summit (March 27–28, 2026), we’re excited to feature this upcoming craft talk:

Saturday, March 28
✨ Reimagining Failure — Craft Talk with Lee Upton

In this interactive session, author Lee Upton will explore how experiences with rejection and failure can deepen the emotional power of fiction and open new possibilities in works-in-progress.

Writers and storytellers of all levels and genres are welcome.

Registration and more details about the Moravian Story Summit are in the comments.

03/06/2026

We’re continuing to share highlights from the upcoming Moravian Story Summit (March 27–28, 2026)!.

Friday, March 27 | 5:00–6:10 PM
How to Write Dark with Ruth Knafo Setton

In this craft workshop, Ruth will explore how fear, secrecy, and the shadowed corners of human experience can deepen a story’s emotional impact. Perfect for writers drawn to noir, psychological suspense, or Gothic fiction.

Ruth will draw on her experience writing her brand new novel ZIGZAG GIRL, her mystery novel set in the shadows of Atlantic City and the eerie Pine Barrens, to guide participants through building atmosphere, tension, and complex characters.

Writers of all levels and genres are welcome. More Story Summit highlights coming soon! Registration info in the comments!

03/01/2026

✨ What happens when we invite A.I. into the creative process?

On Friday, March 27, the Moravian Story Summit offers not just a conversation — but an experience.

🕑 2:00–3:10 PM | Panel on A.I. and Creativity
Moravian faculty Randy Ziegenfuss, MaryJo Rosania-Harvie, and Austin Baker will explore how writers, artists, educators, and thinkers might approach A.I. — as a creative partner, a tool, a disruption, or something else entirely. Expect a thoughtful, nuanced discussion about authorship, ethics, experimentation, and possibility.
🕞 3:30–4:40 PM | A.I. & Creativity: Hands-On Session
Stay for an interactive session where you can experiment directly with A.I. tools alongside experienced faculty. Curious? Skeptical? Enthusiastic? Unsure? This is a space to explore and ask real questions in real time.

All events are free and open to the public.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzhvu7-mFH6Y6v20IvuSHHmDsX9COC_CKSWLfshe2JoGsmkQ/viewform
More highlights coming next week — we can’t wait to share what’s ahead.

Formerly known as the Moravian Writers’ Conference, this year’s newly rebranded Moravian Story Summit brings a new name, a new look, and a new theme: Crafting Stories in an Uncertain World. Across two days of readings, workshops, and conversations, the Story Summit invites writers and creatives ...

02/24/2026

We’re counting down to the Moravian Story Summit (March 27–28, 2026) and starting this week, we’ll be sharing a couple of program highlights to give you a fuller sense of what’s in store!

✨Friday, March 27 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM -- Delighted Listening with Mary Wright (Touchstone Theatre). https://touchstone.org/staff/mary-wright/

In this interactive workshop, Mary Wright of Touchstone Theatre will gently guide participants through a creative process of story development rooted in what she calls “delighted listening.” The idea? Stories get listened into existence.

If you’re working on something new — or simply curious about how attentive listening can shape and strengthen creative work — this session is for you.

All Story Summit events are FREE and open to the community.

Stay tuned for another highlight soon — and be sure to register today! Registration Link: https://www.moravian.edu/storysummit

Education Director / Ensemble Member / MFA Faculty

02/16/2026

We’re excited to share that the Moravian Writers’ Conference has a new name and a renewed vision for 2026!

Welcome to the Moravian Story Summit — March 27–28, 2026 at Moravian University (Bahnson Center, Bethlehem, PA).

The new name reflects something we’ve always believed: story belongs to everyone. This year’s theme, Crafting Stories in an Uncertain World, invites writers, artists, thinkers, and community members to explore how storytelling helps us make meaning, navigate change, and stay connected in challenging times.

All events are free and open to students, faculty, and the wider community.
Just a few highlights include:
✨ An interactive “Delighted Listening” session with Mary Wright of Touchstone Theatre
✨ An AI & Creativity panel and hands-on session with Moravian faculty
✨ A panel featuring the fantastic local writers Ruth Setton, Joyce Hinnefeld, and Lee Upton
✨ A live improvisational poetry performance of No River Twice

A link to the full program is the comments. Registration is open -- see comments for the link.

04/06/2025

At this year's writers' conference we've teamed up with the theater department on a very cool immersive "soundscape project". Check out this excellent exhibit that includes an accompanying community art exhibit where participants can respond to their experience with the soundscape.

03/25/2025

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 12:10 PM, The Moravian Writers' Conference will feature "Art Inspired by the Environment", an event co-sponsored by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. This event is online only. Registration link for this event and the rest of the conference is in the comments.

Poet Jerry Wemple, artist Lauren Rosenthal McManus and Moravian's Dr. Theresa Dougal will talk about how nature and the environment have inspired or influenced their creative work and teaching.

Professor Kate Brandes, conference co-director, will moderate this panel discussion.

03/24/2025

One of our featured events at the Moravian Writers Conference takes place on Saturday April 12, from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

This will be a conversation with Susan Phillips and Mark Harris.

Link to event registration is in the comments!

Susan Phillips, a senior reporter/editor covering climate, energy, and environment will be in conversation with Mark Harris, a faculty member at Moravian.

Phillips, as part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, has won multiple awards for her coverage of environmental issues and gun violence. Harris, a former book editor and environmental columnist with the Los Angeles Times Syndicate, authored the acclaimed book on natural burial, Grave Matters. He’s also the advisor for Moravian’s student newspaper, The Comenian.

03/20/2025

The 2025 Moravian Writers' Conference is coming up soon on April 11 and 12! It's FREE!!! See this for the full line up of programming: https://www.moravian.edu/writersconference
Registration is required (see comments below for info!)

This free conference (featuring in-person and online events) will explore writing about health, healthcare, and justice in today’s world.

03/15/2024

Conference founder, Joyce Hinnefeld, will be featured in two different events at next week's Moravian University Writers' Conference. Don't miss it! Registration link is in the comments below.