Whether you dream of penning the great American novel or simply want to hone your writing skills, the 2018 Fall Creative Writing Conference at MTSU is the place to be.

The gathering is slated for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, in the Student Union Building.

"The conference helps fulfill MTSU Write's mission to nurture the creative writing community," said Jennifer Kates, director of MTSU Write and instructor of English. "It brings together writers in any genre and at any level for a full day of creative inspiration."

Kates said session topics will include elements of craft in all genres, as well as community, submission and publication, writers' retreats and colonies, processes and habits.

"It's a great way to connect with fellow writers, and most participants leave with a new poem, scene or story idea in hand," Kates said.

Historical novelist Ruta Sepetys will deliver the keynote address titled "The Writer's Suitcase." Sepetys won the prestigious Carnegie Medal for her latest work "Salt to the Sea."

Her other bestsellers include "Between Shades of Gray" and "Out of the Easy." The daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, Sepetys recently was awarded the Cross of the Knight of the Order by Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite.

Additional speakers include Sybil Baker, Jen Chesak, Dorin Schumacker, Sandy Spencer Coomer, John Goslee, Marcus Jackson, Corabel Shofner, Kenley Smith, Nathan Spoon and Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder.

Registration is $60 for the general public and $40 for MTSU faculty, staff and students. The fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch and all sessions. MTSU Write students and mentors may attend at no cost.