Reclaiming Our Palabras
May 1–3, 2026 | John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NYC
After five years, the Dominican Writers Conference returns to New York City bigger, bolder, and more intentional than ever.
Hosted by the Dominican Writers Association, the conference first launched in 2019 as a historic gathering for Dominican and Dominican-American writers. That inaugural event became a turning point for many attendees; writers found mentors, formed lasting writing communities, gained the confidence to finish manuscripts, and, for some, secured agents and publishing opportunities. More importantly, participants left with a sense of belonging.
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The 2026 conference builds on that legacy, offering three days of programming designed to support writers across genres and stages of their careers. Through workshops, panels, keynote conversations, and manuscript reviews with editors and agents, the conference centers honest conversations about craft, publishing, language, identity, and creative sustainability.
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Grounded in the theme Reclaiming Our Palabras, the conference affirms Dominican stories as essential, complex, and worthy of space told on our own terms. Programming is rooted in cultural specificity, bilingual expression, and community-building, creating an environment where writers feel seen, challenged, and supported.
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The Dominican Writers Conference is a professional development opportunity, a return to community, a space to reconnect with purpose, and a reminder that our voices matter.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
"I deeply appreciate the sense of community that the conference fostered as well as the resources that were made available. Many of my colleagues were in attendance and it was a pleasure to catch up with them in a welcoming environment. "
Conference schedule to be announced
MAY 2nd
Check out the schedule and register for the conference.
MAY 3rD
Check out the schedule and register for the conference.