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Teachers’ Choice: How we teach creative writing
Want to inspire the next generation of Hemingways without the eye-rolls? Join our panel of local educators where we trade the classroom chalkboard for real-world tips. Ever wondered how to get students to write anything besides a five-paragraph essay, or how to handle that one student who only wants to write epic space battles?…
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Publishing talk: What next? Paths to publishing and selling your book
So, you’ve finally typed “The End,” but now you’re staring at your manuscript thinking, “Now what?” Welcome to the terrifying, glorious world of publishing! Whether you’re wondering if you need a literary agent to survive, how self-publishing works without losing your mind, or why your query letter hasn’t started a bidding war yet, we’ve…
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Panel Discussion: The Business of Writing
Writing a great book is only half the battle; navigating the industry is the other. In “The Business of Writing,” we strip away the mystery and talk shop about the real-world side of a literary career. Ever wondered if you really need an agent, how book advances work, or if self-publishing is the right…
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Panel: Advice from Published Authors (Ask Me Anything)
Ever wonder what it’s actually like to hold your own book in your hands? Join us for a super casual, open-floor panel where local and visiting authors pull back the curtain on the writing life. Whether you are curious about how to beat major writer’s block, wondering how to find a literary agent, or…
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Craft talk: How to write for young audiences
Capture the imagination of the next generation in “How to Write for Young Audiences.” This session explores the nuances of crafting stories that resonate with middle-grade and young adult readers, focusing on voice, pace, and emotional authenticity. We will examine how contemporary top-sellers like The Very Hungry Caterpillar (a perennial classic) and recent hits…
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Craft talk: Writing Romance in the 21st Century
Explore the evolution of modern love in “Writing Romance in the 21st Century.” This panel examines how contemporary authors navigate shifting social norms, digital intimacy, and diverse representation to create compelling, authentic stories. We will analyze how top-selling hits like Happy Place by Emily Henry and The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston capture…
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Craft Talk: Building worlds and settings in SF and Fantasy
Construct believable, immersive universes in “Building Worlds and Settings in SF and Fantasy.” This panel examines the architecture of speculative fiction, analyzing how authors build the rules, cultures, and landscapes that define bestselling works like The Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. We will explore…
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Writing romance and romantasy
Dive into the enchanting world of love and magic with “How to Write Romance and Romantasy.” This session explores the essential beats of contemporary romance and the high-stakes world-building required for the booming romantasy genre. We will discuss how to balance internal character growth with the external plot demands of top-selling hits like Fourth…
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How to Write a Plot and Characters that are Sticky
Unlock the secrets to crafting unforgettable narratives with “How to Write a Plot and Characters That Are ‘Sticky’.” This session dives into the mechanics of creating emotional resonance that keeps readers turning pages long after they finish your book. Our panelists will share industry-proven strategies to build high-stakes tension and complex characters that haunt…