Est. 1935
2026 KEYNOTES
Alexandra Rowland
Author of A Taste of Gold and Iron
Alexandra Rowland is the author of A Taste of Gold and Iron, Yield Under Great Persuasion, Running Close to the Wind, and many other works of fantastical fiction. They are a cohost of the Hugo Award nominated podcast Be the Serpent. They hold a degree in world literature, mythology, and folklore from Truman State University.
Get to know Alexandra Rowland ahead of Quills Conference:
Sunni Brown Wilkinson
Award-winning poet and essayist
Sunni Brown Wilkinson is a poet and essayist. Her newest book, Rodeo, was selected by Patricia Smith as winner of the 2024 Donald Justice Poetry Prize. Other books include The Marriage of the Moon and the Field and The Ache & The Wing (winner of the Sundress Chapbook Prize). Her poetry has also been awarded New Ohio Review’s NORward Poetry Prize, the Joy Harjo Prize, the Association for Mormon Letters award in Poetry, and the Sherwin Howard Award.
Get to know Sunni Brown Wilkinson ahead of Quills Conference:
What writers are saying about Quills:
"I learned SO MUCH. Way more than I ever learned working on my English degree. I really loved learning all the little nitty gritty details to things I didn’t know that I didn’t know. These classes are vital for that information."
"You guys rock! Best conference I've been to, and I've been to A LOT!"
"The people and the community and how willing everyone is to talk about their writing struggles and remind each other that we're not alone in this weird lil hobby/career of ours."
BE PART OF
#QUILLS2026
Are you looking to sharpen your quill and grow confidence in your writing? Learn from experts in a variety of genres, pitch to agents and editors, collaborate with your local community, and hone your craft at Quills Conference!
Writers of all genres and experience levels are welcome. To allow all guests to learn in a professional atmosphere, children under 18 are not permitted.
MEET THE AGENTS & EDITORS
Matt Belford
Literary Agent at The Rights Factory
Callie Hansen
Senior Acquisitions Manager, Shadow Mountain Publishing
Lisa Mangum
Managing Editor at Shadow Mountain Publishing
Katie Ferriello
Literary Agent with Mansion Street Literary Management
Angie Hodapp
Director of Literary Development
Bernadette Marie Soehner
CEO, 5 Prince Publishing
Ronald Gerber
President, Lowenstein Associates
C.R. Langille
Timber Ghost Press
Michelle Witte
Literary Agent, Mansion Street Literary Management
What writers are saying about Quills:
"Really good classes and wonderful people. So much good stuff!"
"I love the community, the atmosphere, and the comaraderie of the conference and league. It provides a space to refocus and recommit to my writing. It also provides an opportunity to be inspired by attendees and presenters alike and enjoy the excitement of sharing our passions."
"Incredible experience. Everyone was so excited to talk shop and so open and vulnerable. It was extremely comfortable."
Book your room at the Marriott
To improve your conference experience, we've negotiated a discounted rate with our host hotel, the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park.
Please note that this rate is only available until July 16th, 2026 - but since rooms tend to fill up early, be sure to get your reservation ASAP.
You can also call 1-800-228-9290 and reference the League of Utah Writers Quills Conference with a reservation agent to get the same discount.
This event proudly brought to you by
