The write stuff: 603 Writers Conference keeps it real

The rise of AI is among the subjects of the NH gathering

If you think artificial intelligence is the path to literary success, Masheri Chappelle has a message for you: Look into the mirror instead.

“The story is you. A writer doesn’t need AI,” says Chappelle, board chair of the New Hampshire Writers’ Project (NHWP). “You are real, you are human and only you have the capability to tell your story.”

This year’s 603 Writers’ Conference, hosted by the NHWP, covers a broad scope, from the challenges of AI to the role of independent publishers and the evolving voice of women in today’s literature. The conference will be held Nov. 14 at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord.

More than 100 writers are expected to attend the event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features a full day of expertled workshops, a moderated panel discussion regarding AI, the signature Pitch Party & Social, catered meals and networking opportunities.

The keynote speaker is No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Chris Bohjalian. Known for his complex and deeply human characters, Bohjalian will present a program dedicated to storytelling, perspective and the changing voice of women in literature. He will also discuss what drives the “emotional depth and candor” that set his characters apart.

Attendees can then further their own writing journey by choosing from 12 workshop sessions — one morning and one afternoon — which explore topics such as craft, character and story development, poetry, revision, pitching, query letters, publishing contracts and marketing. Led by experienced authors and industry professionals, these immersive programs provide practical knowledge that writers can put to work as they pursue their own endeavors.

Chris Bohjalian (Photo by Victoria Blewer)

Chappelle is committed to making sure the conference addresses real issues confronting writers today, and to that end, is providing a moderated panel discussion on “AI in the Literary World.” Moderated by award-winning journalist and author Laura Knoy, the panel includes author and executive leader Dena Stahlheber, award-winning science fiction author James Patrick Kelly, and author and novel coach Jeff Deck.

“There is tremendous concern and controversy over the role of AI in the literary world,” Chappelle says. “The panel brings three very different perspectives together. Jeff Deck is a purist who believes AI has no place in literature; Dena has written about the use of AI and occasionally uses it to aid in different aspects of her work but also supports the rights of writers; and as a science fiction writer, Kelly writes about a universe where AI is commonplace and is integrated into many aspects of daily life, yet he personally does not use it.”

Chappelle has heard “horror” stories of authors losing their work to AI as well as cases of copyright infringement, and has seen would-be authors tempted by the “quick fix” of using AI to assist in editing, refining or even writing their stories.

“It is a tricky and dangerous world for authors right now,” she says. “The guardrails have been taken off, and authors have to be more vigilant than ever to protect ownership of their work. People are profiting off of our creativity, so we need to move quickly to get more safeguards in place.”

Another hot topic is the rise in independent publishers and the pros and cons of their proliferation.

“With the loss of more independent book stores came the loss of many of the smaller publishing houses that would take a chance on new writers,” Chappelle says. “Now, you have authors with great stories and nowhere to go. The major publishing houses are overloaded with submissions, and existing smaller houses have more authors than they can accommodate.”

While self-publishing can be a good alternative for an author to get their story out there, authors should be wary of people offering services who have no legitimate expertise.

“Authors are paying huge fees to be published and getting back books that are not edited, have typos, and in general, are not ready for professional sales,” she says. “Advertised marketing services are often also not valid, and the worst thing is that trusting authors are sometimes signing away rights to their work without realizing it. We support self-publishing, but there needs to be more oversight.”

Assisting authors in getting their work out there is a major part of NHWP’s work and the conference’s Pitch Party & Social allows five author finalists to pitch their fiction and nonfiction work live to a panel of judges before an audience of their peers. This year’s panel includes literary agent Maggie Cooper of Aevitas Creative Management, Laura Knoy, James Patrick Kelly and Chris Bohjalian. The session is moderated by New England radio personality and award-winning author Mike Morin.

Masheri Chappelle

“This event shows what it takes to move a project toward publication and offers real insight into what makes a great pitch, so that all attendees can learn from the experience,” Chappelle says. “The winner not only comes away knowing they have created a successful pitch, but also wins a $250 cash prize.”

While the 603 Writers Conference promises to be packed with information, opportunities and motivation for writers, Chappelle sees an additional purpose.

“The conference is about more than writing; it is about the writing community. We are creating a space where writers feel nurtured, supported, challenged and inspired to take the next step in their work. We all know how difficult it can be to succeed in this field, how long it can take to be recognized. But we also know how rewarding it is to ultimately see that book in print.”

Membership in NHWP has been steadily growing since the pandemic, and Chappelle expects a full house at the conference. Early registration is strongly encouraged. For full event details and to register, visit nhwritersproject.org.