12 Tennessee Writing Resources
Posted by David Duhr in 
Today our State Writing Resources series takes us to Tennessee. But first it takes us to Milwaukee, my hometown and birthplace of R&B artist Speech, co-founder of Arrested Development (the band), whose first major hit was “Tennessee,” a song I can’t help but think of nearly every time I hear the name of this fine state.
Tennessee writing has an impressive history and present. Among the more famed writers who were born or grew up in Tennessee are Alex Haley, Ann Patchett, Cormac McCarthy, and Jo Carson. Dorothy Dix, at one time the U.S.’s most widely read female journalist, was born on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky. James Agee was a Knoxville boy, and Elizabeth Kostova is a Knoxville gal. And last but not least, Tennessee Williams was born and raised in … Mississippi.
Presented in no particular order, here are 12 Tennessee writing resources, from conferences to local critique groups to literary magazines. If you are a Volunteer Stater or are planning to become one, these are some organizations you might want to take a peek at.
1) Sewanee Writers’ Conference
This annual conference is one of the most highly-regarded of its kind. Offers discussions, seminars, readings and workshops.
An annual conference offering intense study, critiquing, networking and opportunities to speak with editors and agents.
Earn a non-residency certificate in creative writing, working one-on-one with a mentor to hone your writing skills, and produce a publishable manuscript.
Offers focused regular meetings for specific genres.
A nonprofit organization aimed at supporting the work of Tennessee writers and enhancing the role of literary arts in the state of Tennessee. Offers regular meetings, contests and other events.
Offers many events and programming for both adult and youth writers. Based in Chattanooga.
Each fall and spring, this workshop is free and open to the public. The program consists of readings, discussion sessions and group conferences.
A quarterly online publication of new poetry, fiction, essays and art.
9) Grist
An annual literary magazine, each issue features 200 pages of stories and poems, as well as interviews with writers and creative nonfiction devoted to discussions of craft.
10) Now and Then
Published twice annually in June and December, the magazine presents a fresh, revealing picture of life in Appalachia, past and present, with engaging articles, personal essays, fiction, poetry, reviews and photography.
One of the longest-running literary journals in the country. Fiction, poetry, nonfiction and artwork. Based at the University of Memphis.
12) Sewanee Review
America’s oldest continuously published literary quarterly. Fiction, poetry, essays and reviews.
Help us add to this list, Tennesseeans! Do you run a local writing group or a lit journal we should be aware of? Feel free to share info and links in the comments section below.