Emerging Writers Festival

Championing the Work of Rising Writers

Each spring, F&M's English department hosts the annual Emerging Writers Festival, an event 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’s 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. A 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.

“EWF was one of the main reasons why I decided to attend F&M.”

“I 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!”

— Gyana Guity ’24, 2024 EWF Student Organizing Committee

“The most meaningful aspect was getting to learn directly from a published author throughout the process.”

“As 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.”

— Ella Peeples ’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.

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.