A creative-writing professor at George Washington University and a regular contributor to the Atlantic, the Washington Post, Longreads, and other outlets, Samuel Ashworth is also the author of the debut novel The Death and Life of August Sweeney, which was longlisted for the Dzanc Prize for fiction.

Hear what Ashworth has to say about crafting your own award-winning fiction during the 2026 Washington Writers Conference! He’s just one of the dozens of publishing pros and literary agents who’ll be on hand to share their expertise.

Wherever you are on your creative path, don’t miss this chance to let the Washington Writers Conference move you farther along it. Register NOW!

The 2026 Washington Writers Conference happens May 1-2 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Rockville, MD. Learn more here.