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Sinclair Lewis Writers' Conference
The 35th Annual Sinclair Lewis Writers’ Conference is happening Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Sinclair Lewis’ hometown of Sauk Centre!
This year’s lineup includes award-winning poet and Master Bread Baker Danny Klecko as keynote speaker, plus acclaimed novelist Leif Enger, creative writer Lillie Gardner, and screenwriter/non-fiction writer Brenda Hudson. Attendees will enjoy workshops, a panel discussion, and the chance to connect with other writers in an inspiring setting.
On Friday night, October 3, you can also take part in Cocktails & Conversation at Babbitt’s Wine Bar, featuring an open discussion around Sinclair Lewis’s novel Arrowsmith.
Whether you’re an experienced writer, a student, or someone who simply loves books and storytelling, this event is open to you.
Attend in person or join virtually.
Lunch is included for in-person attendees who register early.
High school students attend free (just $25 for lunch).
You can register online, and if you need the link, just send a message here on Facebook and we’ll make sure you get it!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a tradition that has inspired writers for 35 years.Follow the Sinclair Lewis Foundation on Facebook.
The conference is open to all interested writers. Each participant will be able to choose three workshops and a panel discussion to attend (one hour each), plus the keynote talk. Lunch will be served to those registering up to three days before the conference and will give participants an opportunity to chat with other writers and with the presenters.
NOTE: The conference will be held in-person and also as a virtual event for those who choose to attend the conference from the comfort of home!
Sinclair Lewis, the first American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, was a mentor to many aspiring writers during his career. This conference, held in Lewis’ hometown of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, is a tribute to a writer who took the time to help other writers hone their craft. This is our 35th annual writers' conference and, based on the enthusiastic response following the previous 34, we will continue our purpose of encouraging and inspiring writers of all ages and abilities. This year’s conference features Danny Klecko, award-winning poet and Master Bread Baker. He is joined by three presenters, including a novelist, creative writing author and screenwriter/non-fiction writer.
In-person cost of the day-long conference (including lunch, breaks and reception) is $85. College students and senior citizens can register for $80. High school students may attend for free, paying $25 for the cost of their lunch. Virtual event registration is $40, which includes the panel discussion, keynote talk and three presentations.
The Sinclair Lewis 2025 Writers Conference is made possible by the financial sponsorship of the following organizations: Minnesota National Bank of Sauk Centre, Pine Country Bank of Sauk Centre, Magnifi Financial Credit Union, Sauk Centre Area Community Foundation and the Sinclair Lewis Foundation. Private donors include Pat Hanauer, the Dave Simpkins Family and Dick and Pat Lewis. Sauk Centre Community Education is a co-sponsor of the event.
Cocktails and Conversation
Join us for an informative and spirited discussion on Friday evening, October 3 for our seventh annual “Cocktails and Conversation” event! This year, we will be focusing on Sinclair Lewis’s novel, Arrowsmith, published in 1925. This groundbreaking novel follows the life of Martin Arrowsmith, who aspires to be a medical researcher. The story explores the conflict between the ideals of scientific discovery and the realities of medical practice, as Arrowsmith navigates his career, personal relationships and the pressures of the healthcare market. We will gather at Babbitt’s Wine Bar in Sauk Centre at 7pm for a social time with cash bar, followed by a brief book summation and open discussions around some key issues in the novel. Whether you have read the book or not, we hope you will find this gathering and discussion to be both meaningful and fun, while taking away a deeper appreciation of Sinclair Lewis and his writing.
There is no charge to attend Cocktails & Conversations, though free-will donations are appreciated.
Location
Sauk Centre High School Auditorium
Sauk Centre, MN 56378Fees/Admission
- Adults: $85
- Senior Citizens & College Students: $80
- High School Students: $25
