October 21 - 23, 2026

Join renowned authors and professional park educators for a writers conference like no other set on a lush, secluded campus nestled within America’s most-visited national park. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont partners with Smokies Life to bring this five-day intensive retreat to a small group of selected writers.

Apply by May 15 to be a part of your chosen cohort: fiction, nonfiction, or poetry—and enjoy the benefits of award-winning author workshop leaders dedicated to focusing on you and your work. Days will be dedicated to learning and writing in small groups with meals and lodging provided; evenings will be focused around community dinners, some off campus, where you’ll enjoy faculty author readings.

“Most writers are introverts, but conferences allow us a chance to be with people who are like us. I really enjoy it—the sense of fellowship, being in a place where you’ve got this shared sense of something that we not only want to do well but are celebrating too. That’s pretty wonderful.” ~Ron Rash

“[As a workshop leader] I want to create a space where people can feel free to be themselves and make connections. I want to facilitate a space that’s encouraging and positive and still rigorous, where we’re pushing each other, but in the spirit of growing and supporting”

~Kelli Jo Ford