Aspen Words was founded in 1976 as a literary center in Aspen. Now part of the Aspen Institute, Aspen Words encourages writers and inspires readers, all through the power of stories. Every year, Aspen Words presents:
- Summer Words, a writing conference and literary festival
- Winter Words, a speaker series focused on contemporary literature
- The Aspen Words Literary Prize, a $35,000 award given annually for excellence in fiction with social impact
- Writers-in-the-schools program
- Writers in Residence
- Aspen Writers Network
- The Editing Room
- Story Swap
Summer Words Literary Festival
As one of the nation's most prestigious literary workshop and festival, Aspen Summer Words is a six-day celebration of stories, words, and ideas.
Join authors, literary agents, editors and other prominent literary figures for intimate advanced workshops where they will share their extensive knowledge in topics ranging from and introduction to the craft of writing to develop a manuscript for publication. There will also be a number of public panel discussions, readings and receptions, as well as the Aspen Words Annual Benefit Dinner.
Summer Words 2021
This year's festival has been moved to Sept. 26 - Oct. 1, 2021. Faculty lineup and workshop information will be annouced in early April.