Del Shores Foundation Writers Search

It's safe to say that I had no idea what to expect going into the Del Shores Writers Festival, but I could not have had a better time. From the informative and practical panels, to the nights spent bonding with my fellow finalists and attendees over drinks at the local gay bar, I learned and celebrated in equal measure.

There's a special thing (moxie? hospitality? a penchant for chaos?) that unites us Southern queer writers, and it was so affirming to make fast friends with such talented, passionate individuals. Special shout out to Emerson Collins and Del Shores for organizing a weekend I can genuinely describe as life-changing. And that is not hyperbole!

Attending the Del Shores Writers Festival was an unparalleled experience! It wasn't just another networking event; it was a unique opportunity to build a lasting support network of queer writers and industry professionals to learn from and lean on, especially at a time when LGBTQ+ stories are under attack. Finalists, winners, and panelists were brought together as a true community — we ate meals together, danced together, and celebrated the winning scripts together! The human aspect of our art and identities was brought to the forefront by the authentic attitude of Del, Emerson, Mat, Erica, and everyone involved in the Foundation.

The weekend featured career workshops, panels with writers/producers in film, television, and theater, and social events that allowed us to bond as like-minded artists. As a finalist, my travel and accommodation expenses were fully covered, and all meals for the weekend were gratis. There was a distinct sense of Southern hospitality in the welcoming, joyous environment cultivated by the organizers and participants. I would recommend this contest to any LGBTQ+ writer from the South looking to connect with others who share pride in the history and future of queer southern storytelling.

I would encourage any LGBTQ+ playwright or screenwriter to overcome any feelings of not being good enough, perfectionism, and procrastination and submit their work to the Del Shores Foundation Writers Festival. You owe it to your community to be seen and heard. Your stories matter.

Overall, the attention, care, love, and support I felt not only as a writer but as a person while attending this festival changed how I see myself, my purpose, and my writing.

The quality, care, and hospitality Del Shores and Emerson Collins dedicated to this festival surpassed my and the other attendees' expectations. This is a labor of love for them, and the attention to every detail showed.

As a finalist, all expenses were paid for me to fly to Birmingham, Alabama, stay in a nice hotel, eat delicious meals, attend helpful panels with industry panelists, and network with other writers. I received so many insights and so much inspiration that I wrote during breaks between panels, meals, and events. The communication of all travel, hotel, meals, and festival details was excellent and allowed me to plan easily and be where I needed to be at all times. Emerson's thoughtfulness allowed me to focus on learning and networking.

Del, Emerson, and the industry panelists made themselves available for questions and conversations throughout the festival, not only as professionals but also as people. I felt seen and heard and that I mattered and have stories that need to be shared. Spending so much time together over four days allowed me to bond with the other writers and cultivate a meaningful community.

I highly recommend the Desl Shores Foundation Writers Search and Festival to any aspiring and/or emerging Southern LGBTQ+ playwright or screenwriter.

The Del Shores Foundation Writer’s Festival was an unforgettable experience—thoughtfully curated, deeply inspiring, and genuinely welcoming. Designed to uplift and support queer Southern writers, the festival fills a vital and too-often overlooked space in today’s creative landscape. From intimate workshops with industry pros to public panels filled with insight and heart, the weekend was packed with opportunities to grow as a writer and connect with an incredible creative community. I left feeling both creatively recharged and personally supported.

The Del Shores Foundation Writers’ Festival is a truly unique and transformative experience for Southern queer writers. This festival goes beyond traditional workshops and panels by fostering a deeply supportive and affirming space for writers to share their work, ask questions, and connect with one another on a personal level.

I am incredibly grateful to Del, Emerson, and the entire team for creating such a safe, welcoming environment. It’s a rare gift to be in a room where your identity and voice are not just accepted but celebrated—where the complexities of being queer in the South are understood instinctively by everyone around you. This shared understanding breaks down barriers, making it easy to engage openly in discussions and seek meaningful feedback.

The festival’s programming is thoughtfully curated, featuring panels and workshops led by accomplished writers and industry professionals. Each session offered valuable insights and practical advice, while also encouraging deep reflection on the unique stories we carry as Southern queer writers. The panelists were approachable, generous with their knowledge, and deeply invested in uplifting the voices of emerging writers.

One of the festival’s greatest strengths is the sense of community it cultivates. I left feeling firmly rooted in a network of talented, passionate, and supportive writers—people I can turn to for advice, collaboration, and friendship. The connections I made and the conversations I had will stay with me for years to come.

This experience was truly life-changing, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who has the chance to attend. Whether you’re an emerging writer or a seasoned professional, the Del Shores Foundation Writers’ Festival provides a rare and invaluable opportunity to grow as an artist and find a community that feels like home.