Save the Date!
March 9, 2027
ASU-Beebe's McKay Student Center
610 N Pecan St.
Beebe, AR 72012
About the Conference
Central Arkansas Writers Conference (CAWC) is an opportunity for emerging and accomplished writers to develop their craft. The conference is sponsored by the ASUB Publishing Studio, the student group responsible for publishing the Uncharted literary and art magazine.
The ASUB Publishing Studio and the Arts & Humanities Division invite writers at all skill levels to CAWC 2027 for engaging presentations, enrisching conversation, lunch, door prizes, writing contests, and practical tips on writing and publishing. Book tables will be available on site as well to purchase from local writers.
Keynote Speaker – Dr. Clarissa Willis
Dr. Clarissa Willis is an author, consultant, and professional developmental specialist. She provides workshops, keynote addresses, and customized professional development both nationally and internationally. In her time at the Central Arkansas Writers Conference, she will demystify the Indie Publishing (independent publishing) by sharing practical advice found in her recent book, The Elephant in the Room: A Guide to Indie Publishing.
Breakout Presenters
T.L. Simpson, award-winning novelist and journalist
Writing Young Adult Fiction
Dr. Amber Bramlett, Unexplained America
Using Social Media to Promote Your Writing
Dr. Femina Varghese, Dr. Anna Park, Dr. Nick Zaller, Dr. Ben Rider, Ben Udochi, Faye Shepherd
The Why and The How of a Writing Group
Poetry Lounge, live poetry reading
If you would like to read your original poetry in the Poetry Lounge, send your poem, your name, and your contact information to cawc@asub.edu. Put "Poetry Lounge Submission" in the subject line. If your poetry is accepted by the ASUB Publishing Studio, you will receive an acceptance email with a time for your poetry reading.
Contests
The Unreliable Narrator
A short story written in first person with an unreliable narrator.
Awards: 1st: $30/ 2nd: $15/ 3rd: $10
Word Limit: 750
Sponsor: ASU-Beebe Creative Writing Class
Romance in an Uber
Any form of writing (short story, creative nonfiction, or poetry) that involves romance and an Uber ride.
Word Limit: 1000
Awards: 1st: $30/ 2nd: $15/ 3rd: $10
A Novel Killer
A short story about a novelist killed in the same way as the main character of his/her latest novel.
Word Limit: 1000
Awards: 1st: $50/ 2nd: $35/ 3rd: $20
Sponsor: Dr. Jodi Whitehurst, Associate Professor of English
Scream in the Script
A script involving a murder and an unlikely ending.
Word Limit: 1500
Awards: 1st: $25/ 2nd: $15/ 3rd: $10
Uninvited
A creative nonfiction essay about a time you were not invited.
Word Limit: 1000
Awards:1st: $25/ 2nd: $15/ 3rd: $10
Veterans & Hippotherapy
A nonfiction profile of an Arkansas veteran who has been helped by equine therapy.
Word Limit: 750
Awards: 1st: $100/ 2nd: $75/ 3rd: $25
Sponsor: Suzanne Lindsey, Assistant Professor of English
Some Things Lost
A Villanelle poem (traditional 19-lines) about items or ideals or people you lost.
Awards: 1st: $25/ 2nd: $15/ 3rd: $10
Empowerment over Enabling: Building Student Self-Efficacy
An op-ed article explaining the line between enabling and empowering (holding accountable) students. This should pertain to education, teaching, and student behaviors.
Awards: 1st: $50/2nd: $30/ 3rd: $ 20
Sponsors: Dr. Dava Borck, Dean of Arts and Humanities, Mr. Korey Davis, Assistant Professor of Psychology, and Mr. Benjamin Duff, Instructor of Psychology
Speaking of Friendship
A poem (any form) about friendship.
Awards: 1st: $50/ 2nd: $30/ 3rd: $20
Sponsors: Ms. Cindy Beck, Associate Professor of English and Dr. Stephanie Eddleman, Associate Professor of English
CAWC Grand Prize Mashup
A mashup of poetry and photography. This can be any form and any topic as long as the poem and photo relate in some way.
Award: Certificate and Publication in Uncharted Magazine
Sponsor: ASUB Publishing Studio
Submissions
Writing contest submissions are covered in the registration fee. The $20 registration fee includes conference participation, lunch, and up to one submission for each writing contest.
The deadline for entries is Feb. 1, 2027. Late submissions and those not adhering to contest guidelines will be disqualified. Any use of AI in contest submissions will also result in disqualification.
Send all contest submissions (saved as a .doc or .docx file) by clicking the button below.
PLEASE NOTE: All submitters who are not registered and present at the conference will be disqualified from the contest.
Register
Registration includes one day of conference presenters, lunch, and up to one submission for each contest.