DFWCon 2026: Full Schedule

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8:30am CDT

✅ [START HERE] A FIRST-TIMER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE TO CON

Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

Your first writers conference can feel like landing somewhere with no map. What do I say during my free agent pitch session, why is everyone buzzing about the Gong Show, and how does Read & Critique work? This survival guide session breaks down the conference’s structure, turns networking into something natural instead of forced, covers do’s and don’ts for pitching, and shows how to turn Con into real momentum for your writing. Taught by someone who was lost in your exact seat three years ago. Bring your questions!

Classes with ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Hayley Bell Parker

Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Room 5

Event

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

9:30am CDT

✅ Understanding and Utilizing Narrative Position

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

Room 3

Narrative position is one of the fundamental building blocks of storytelling, yet many authors struggle with to grasp it. Going beyond a simple matter of point-of-view, narrative position adds incredible layers to a story. In this class, I will teach narrative position by studying examples of effective and ineffective narrative position and equipping authors with the tools they need to deepen their story through their narrative position.

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Meg Blasingame

Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 3

Craft

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

10:30am CDT

✅ Mind Your Mannerisms

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Room 1

When first writing, everyone imitates, but how do we get past that to create interesting stories? What’s the difference between an homage, a pastiche, a ripoff? Everybody borrows. Discover how to put your own spin on tired old cliches.

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

A Lee Martinez

Sally Hamilton

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 1

Craft

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

10:30am CDT

✅ Read Like You Write: Unlocking the Wisdom of Your Literary Heroes

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Room 2

We all recognize writing that makes our hearts soar and our pulses race, but how do we make that happen on our own page? Set the craft books to the side for an hour, and let's talk about strategies for finding practical answers to your thorniest writing questions, all within the pages of your favorite books.

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Laura DuPuy

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 2

Craft

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

11:30am CDT

✅ Treat Every Book Like a Thriller: Tips for Writing Page-Turners in Any Genre

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT

Room 3

Join NYT bestselling author Katie Bernet for tips on how to write an “unputdownable” story in any genre.

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Katie Bernet

Katie is The New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Indie bestselling author of Beth Is Dead. She’s an award-winning creative director and a long-standing member of the DFW Writers’ Workshop. As the oldest of three sisters, she’s a diehard fan of Little Women.... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT
Room 3

Craft

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

2:10pm CDT

✅ Book Balderdash: Play a Game, Fool Your Friends & Improve Your Writing!

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 3

Bluff your way to convention glory in a big game of book-themed Balderdash! Write short descriptions of imaginary plots and attempt to convince others you’re describing real, published books. The goal? Become a more concise writer who communicates ideas effectively, and explore how simple, direct writing makes for stronger storytelling. Oh, and be sure to bring your A-game because there will be PRIZES!!!

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Sarah Mensinga

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 3

Craft

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

2:10pm CDT

✅ Workshop: Top 5 Lessons from Self-Editing for Fiction Writers and How to Implement Them Now

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 5

Not every craft book is created equal, and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King is a treasure of a book loaded with advice that can transform your book on every level. Bring a scene and work with a partner under the guidance of Kate Khavari, USA Today Best selling author and craft book snob, whether you think it just needs polishing or a total overhaul.

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Kate Khavari

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 5

Craft

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

3:10pm CDT

✅ Writing in the Margins

Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT

Room 3

We've all seen how writing looks in the movies—aesthetic writing desk, soothing soundtracks, and perfect weather. But what happens when real life (neurodivergence, disabilities, parenthood, night shifts, etc.) gets in the way? This session explores practical ways to build a writing practice that fits your brain, your schedule, and your reality so you can hit your writing goals.

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Madeline Warthan

Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 3

Craft

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

4:10pm CDT

✅ Long Story Short: Tips On Writing The Synopsis

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT

Room 5

If you’ve struggled to explain your many thousand word book in a few hundred words, you’re not alone! This workshop will cover tried and true tricks on getting the most important story beats into your synopsis.

Is this your first writers conference? Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.

Speakers

Eva Scalzo

Eva Scalzo is the Agency Director and Senior Literary Agent at Speilburg Literary. A lifelong romance reader—ever since discovering Sweet Valley High in the fifth grade—she proudly inherited her grandmother’s collection of vintage Harlequins and never looked back.

She gravitates toward voice-driven YA and romance with heart, humor, and hope—stories where falling in love leads to self-discovery. She loves high-concept premises, lush and escapist settings, sharp banter, and joyful tones that embrace emotional depth. Eva actively... Read More →

Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 5

Business

Skill Level ✅ New Attendees

8:30am CDT

9:30am CDT

10:30am CDT

10:30am CDT

11:30am CDT

2:10pm CDT

2:10pm CDT

3:10pm CDT

4:10pm CDT

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