Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a writer to attend the Festival?
Certainly not. The Festival is designed to be a place where readers and writers can come together to participate in the ongoing discussion about faith in our world today. Authors, readers, and anyone interested in religion and spiritual understanding as it relates to literature is invited to join us and be part of the celebration.
How do you decide which authors to invite?
Our mission statement will give you
a good idea of where we stand with that. We are always eager for your
suggestions. Contact us with any comments or ideas for people you'd like to see invited to future Festivals.
How do I get on the mailing list?
Although we do offer a limited number of mailings, a better way to keep updated with the Festival is by subscribing to the Festival e-mail newsletter. The newsletter is sent out on the 15th of each month. If you would like to be added to the newsletter, please fill out the online form or
e-mail us at ffw@calvin.edu.
Are school groups welcome at the Festival of Faith and Writing keynote events?
Yes, we welcome people of all ages to attend talks by our keynote speakers. Tickets will be available through the Calvin College Box Office.
What is the schedule for Festival 2008?
You can view the schedule for Festival 2008 (subject to change).
How much does it cost to attend Festival?
The registration cost is $165 for individuals who register prior to February 29, 2008. (After that, the registration cost will be $180.) Student registration is $80. Scholarships and group discounts are available.
If I am a student but do not attend Calvin College, do I still qualify for the student rate?
Yes. Students from any school qualify for the student registration rate.
How do I register?
You can register by going directly to the secure, online registration form. You may also want to visit the Festival Registration page for more information. If you are having trouble, please call the Festival office at 616.526.6770.
What is included in a Festival registration?
A Festival registration includes all concurrent sessions and all plenaries. The cost of registration does not include the evening concerts or the evening performances of The Women of Lockerbie. To purchase tickets for these events, please call the Calvin College Box Office.
Where can I find a list of the literary editors and agents who are attending the Festival?
Many (but not all) of the publishers coming to Festival 2008 choose to bring their editors. If the editors do come, they arrange their own meetings with aspiring writers during the Festival. For a list of publishers coming to the Festival, please visit our exhibitor page.
The registration form will not let me enter any of my information. Why?
JavaScript must be enabled in order for the registration form to process your information.
When I select "pay by credit card" and try to submit my registration, I receive a message that says "transaction cannot be processed." Why?
In order for your online transaction to be processed, the name entered in the billing information on the form must match the name on the credit card. When you enter your information in the registration section of the online form, the system will automatically enter the same information into the billing section. If you would like to register using a name other than what is on your credit card, you may enter it in the registration section and then scroll down to the billing information and manually change the name to match your card.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please note that if you are unable to attend the Festival and notify us by March 14, 2008, we will refund 85 percent of your registration fee. From March 15 to April 9, we will refund 50 percent. Note, however, that we are unable to issue any refunds after April 9, 2008. Cancellation requests must be received in writing (either by postal or electronic mail). Please include your full mailing address.
How much is registration if I can attend Festival for only one day?
We are not able to provide reduced registrations for people who can attend Festival 2008 for only one day. Full registration is required to attend Festival sessions.
What if I only want to hear one speaker?
Individual tickets
for the keynote lectures (Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday evening) will be on sale through the Calvin College Box Office (616.526.6282). All other sessions will be available only with a Festival registration.
What if I am arriving late to the Festival--can I still pick up my registration materials?
The registration desk will be open every day during the Festival until 6:00 p.m. to answer your questions and distribute registration materials.
Where can I get video/audio recordings of past events?
You may contact the Calvin College Campus Store (1.800.748.0122) to find out if there is a recording of the event.