Arkansas Writers' Conference

The Arkansas Writers’ Conference (AWC) was an annual two-day conference and workshop that brought together writers and editors of all genres from across the state and beyond. The event began in 1944 when the head of the journalism department at Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) in Conway (Faulkner County), Helen Hall, persuaded the department to develop a conference for Arkansas writers. An agreement was reached with the leaders of the Arkansas branch of the National League of American Pen Women to co-sponsor the first conference, which was held on July 16–22, 1944. Hall became the first executive director of the conference. Bernie Babcock, founder of Arkansas’s first branch of the National League of American Pen Women, was also an important leader in the conference’s founding. The Arkansas Pioneer Branch of the National League of American Pen Women continued to sponsor the conference into the twenty-first century.

Later held on the first Friday and Saturday of June, the AWC changed locations over time; the event was usually held in a central location and, later in its history, partnered with University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College as a co-host. A member of the Arkansas Pen Women served as the director, sometimes for multiple years. Directors have included Helen Hall, Bernie Babcock, Anna Nash Yarbrough, Roberta Allen, Clovita Rice, Peggy Vining, Barbara Mulkey, Janis Kearney, and Brenda Iannacone.

The conference charged a nominal registration fee and, in return, provided presentations and panel discussions on the writing and publishing of poetry, fiction, drama for stage or screen, and creative nonfiction for writers of all levels. Audience participation was encouraged, and attendees had time to speak with presenters one-on-one. Some topics included the importance of place in poetry and prose, the move to e-publishing, and what editors expect from writers.

Writers and publishers attending the conference also had the opportunity to reserve display space. At these tables, writers and publishers sold their books, and many publishers used the conference as an opportunity to take pitches from authors with books ready to be published.

Starting in 1946, the AWC held annual writing contests to correspond with the awards banquet that closed the conference. These contests required a small entrance fee; however, winners received a cash award.

In 1989, the AWC instituted the Arkansas Writers’ Hall of Fame, with at least one Arkansas writer being named to it each year. A luncheon on the first day of the conference celebrated the Hall of Fame honoree for the year. To be eligible, an author was required to have a strong Arkansas connection. Additionally, an author needed to have published at least three books, won a significant literary award, or demonstrated exceptional ability in column writing, editing, screenwriting, or playwriting.

The last Arkansas Writers’ Conference was held in 2024. The White County Creative Writers took over the management of the Arkansas Writers’ Hall of Fame.

For additional information:
Hancock, Orville. Dream Weavers: A History of the Arkansas Writers Conference, 1944–1998. N.p.: 1998.

Withers, Ellen E. “A Tradition Ends.” White County Creative Writers, June 10, 2024. https://whitecountycreativewriters.org/a-tradition-ends/ (accessed November 26, 2025).

Sandy Longhorn
Pulaski Technical College