About NWS
Our Mission
The National Writers Series is a nonprofit organization engaging today’s most compelling writers and thinkers into intimate, thought-provoking conversations with our community while inspiring the next generation of readers and storytellers.
About Us
The National Writers Series brings world-renowned authors and influential voices to Traverse City for engaging conversations about books, ideas, and the world we share.
Through live events, we create opportunities for audiences to encounter remarkable writers up close—exploring the stories, questions, and perspectives that shape our time. Our programs are designed to be welcoming and accessible, offering an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply human.
Since 2010, the National Writers Series has hosted more than 300 authors, including Alice Walker, Margaret Atwood, David Sedaris, Tayari Jones, Jodi Picoult, Vince Gilligan, and Anthony Doerr, drawing more than 100,000 attendees to events across Northern Michigan. Through our partnerships with local bookstores, these events have also helped put thousands of books into the hands of readers. Our events are livestreamed nationally and replayed on NPR affiliates across the country.
At its heart, the National Writers Series is about connection—between writers and readers, between ideas and lived experience, and between people in our community who come together to listen, learn, and reflect.
Raising Writers: Inspiring the Next Generation
Our Raising Writers programs extend the impact of the National Writers Series beyond the stage.
Through creative writing workshops, our Battle of the Books competition, and other educational initiatives, we encourage students to develop their voices, expand their imaginations, and explore the world through reading and writing.
These programs are designed to build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking—skills that empower young people to see themselves not only as readers, but as writers, leaders, and thoughtful participants in their communities.
What Authors Say
Here’s what New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani shared about her experience with the National Writers Series:
“The National Writers Series is a magnificent program that brings writers and readers together on the glorious shores of Lake Michigan in Traverse City. Their hospitality, insight as fellow authors, and the in-depth conversation about the things that matter is a celebration of books, reading and ideas where the audience and participants leave inspired.”
– Adriana Trigiani, New York Times Bestselling author of Big Stone Gap
“This program is a national treasure—one of the best of its kind, anywhere. The National Writers Series brings together wonderful writers and big, highly engaged audiences—all in support of student writers. Amazing! I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”
– Jonathan Eig, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of King: A Life
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The National Writers Series is committed to creating programs that reflect the diversity of voices, perspectives, and experiences that shape our world.
We actively seek to include authors and speakers from a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints, and we strive to ensure that our organization—our events, classrooms, staff, volunteers, and leadership—is welcoming and accessible to all.
We also recognize that economic barriers can limit access to educational opportunities. In our 10-county region, an estimated 44 percent of schoolchildren live near or in poverty. For this reason, all Raising Writers programs are free of charge, and we prioritize partnerships with at-risk schools and underserved communities to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to participate.
Accessibility
The National Writers Series is committed to ensuring that our programs and activities are accessible to everyone. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission, access, or employment, and we work with our venues and partners to provide accessible experiences for all attendees.
