We are particularly interested in the questions that shape creative writing now. How do we teach creative writing effectively? What does meaningful assessment look like? How can creative writing curricula respond to changing technologies, including generative AI? How do we create inclusive classrooms and support diverse writers? What does a creative writing education prepare students to do, and how can universities build meaningful connections with the writing and publishing industries?

The conference also recognises that creative writing does not belong exclusively to the university. It brings together academic and creative communities, welcoming conversations between higher education, schools, writers, publishers and the wider creative industries.

Alongside research papers, Creative Writing Matters welcomes creative-critical work, readings, practice-led and practice-based research, work-in-progress, teaching innovations, case studies and conversations about craft and pedagogy.

Why attend?
You do not have to be presenting to belong here, but we highly recommend it. It’s a chance to share your practice, research, reflections, and creative works. Hear from writers and teachers, share creative and critical work, discuss craft and pedagogy, explore assessment and publishing and the writing industry, meet international colleagues, and discover approaches you can take back into your own writing or teaching. The conference, held in Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia, is an opportunity to learn, share, question, collaborate, network and be inspired. 

At its heart, Creative Writing Matters is about taking the discipline seriously in all its forms: how we teach it, how we practise it, how we research it, how we assess it, and where it can take writers and publishers next.