Planning a literary getaway -- down Mexico way!

Earlier this week, I chatted with writing friends who just returned from a jaunt to the Mexican World Heritage city of San Miguel de Allende. Gorgeous town, wonderful weather, and shopping to die for, they said. So I asked, had they ever been to the equally gorgeous, wonderful and to die for writers' convention the city hosts each February? No? Well, why not?

Usually I confine literary discussions at this site to those in Texas -- preferably the North Texas area where I live. But my friends' discussion made me long to open the door to events further afield, especially since I can speak about the San Miguel Writers Conference from experience. Actually, I did, following my own trip there in 2016.

Winter in San Miguel

The February 13-17, 2019, conference boasts world-class keynote speakers, multiple writing workshops (I was lucky enough to catch one with nonfiction author/editor Gerard Helferich) for adults and teens, panel discussions, and literary agent pitch sessions. Oh, and there's an artisans marketplace, a bookstore, excursions through the historic city, and much, much more.

This year's keynote speakers include novelist/travel writer Paul Theroux, Canadian historical author Sandra Gulland, Mexican writer Cristina Rivera Garza (speaking in Spanish with simultaneous English translation), New Yorker staff writer/novelist Susan Orlean and others.

The Writers Package rate for the conference is $345 (less than many comparable U.S. conferences). Other options vary in cost from the aptly-named Whole Enchilada package that includes non-writing events for $875 to the party-only package at $105. Tickets are also available individually for the keynote speaker addresses.

The easiest (and quickest) way to visit San Miguel is by air. The closest large airport is in the neighboring city of Leon, approximately an hour's flight from Dallas-area DFW International Airport. Shuttle service from Leon is easy to arrange, and can bring you to the door of your destination in San Miguel in about another hour. (Remember to tip the helpful drivers!) I've found that for significant purchases abroad, credit cards are the safest means, but for my trip I also changed about $100 into peso before leaving the U.S. -- which covered small purchases, taxis, tips, and customs fees for some items brought for a family member.

Many of San Miguel's historic and architectural treasures are within walking distance of the conference's location at Hotel Real de Minas, whose courtyard garden boasts tree-size poinsettias in full bloom in February, proof of the city's balmy winter climate, thanks to its location in subtropical central Mexico.

The city is easily explorable even with minimal guidance. When I attended in 2016, local groups conducted walking tours of the city's historic central district, including its amazing baroque-style cathedral of pastel-pink stone for a modest fee. Taxis are also plentiful -- and inexpensive.

Admittedly, the city's altitude -- it's located in a 6,000-plus foot high mountain valley -- may require some adjustment. Although I hadn't suffered any problems during my own visit, one of my friends reported some initial shortness of breath. If you suspect the altitude may be a problem, consider arriving a few days early to acclimate yourself as well as take advantage of pre-conference excursions as well as the city's many wonderful restaurants and, of course -- shopping!

One more tip about getting around in San Miguel: wear comfortable shoes. The city is quite hilly -- more especially on the outskirts than in the city center, and its cobbled streets aren't high-heel friendly.

Sounds great, you say, but does the conference have a writing contest? Glad you asked! Yes, there is a contest, whose November 1 deadline is fast approaching. Submissions can be made for poetry, creative nonfiction and fiction (in English). For the new category of "International Short Story" submissions must be written predominantly in Spanish. Entry fee is $30 ($20 for the international short story category).

Four winning writers will receive the five-day full conference package as well as housing during the conference and a pitch session with a literary agent. See the site for details.

Happy writing! And maybe I'll see you there!