For over two decades, the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference has distinguished itself from other writing conferences by its focus on ideas rather than the “business” of writing and publishing. And this year, its 23rd, the idea in focus is character.
The annual literary festival this year is guided by the theme: A Question of Character. The audience of around 1,000 will hear and learn from renowned writers exploring the ideas and limitations of character.
The conference features award-winning authors across all genres, with presentations from 2017 Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead, former two-term U.S Poet Laureate Billy Collins, PEN/Faulkner fiction award recipient Imbolo Mbue and Kati Marton, author of the nonfiction book “True Believer: Stalin’s Last American Spy.”
These authors, along with 30 other featured writers, will conduct breakout sessions, craft panels and readings over the course of the four-day festival.
And despite its name, the Sun Valley Writers' Conference offers more than just writing. It encompasses current affairs, filmmaking and music sessions, from presenters with occupations like cellist, playwright and scientist.
If you didn’t get tickets to the festival but happen to be in Sun Valley over the weekend, you can attend the free lawn talk featuring Jeffrey Toobin Saturday evening. The famous pundit and lawyer will speak about the Supreme Court in the Age of Donald Trump.
The Sun Valley Writers' Conference kicks off today at the Sun Valley Resort, with events lasting through Monday, July 3.
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