DFWCon 2026

How publishing works: basic jobs, P&Ls, advances, contracts, royalties, marketing, and publicity.

Tired at staring at a blank post wondering what to share? Let’s fix that! This class will help you up your social media game and tackle the creative side of author marketing. We’ll break down your brand, brainstorm content, and craft a content strategy that connects with your ideal audience—without draining your writing time.

(Ask Me Anything) Let’s face it: grammar isn’t everybody’s strong suit. So come field all your grammar questions and concerns with someone who has taught language, usage, and mechanics for over a decade, because I know there’s that one grammar rule you’re ashamed you’ve never learned. Is it the Oxford comma (I’ve used one in this course description)? Is it the proper use of the semicolon? Subjunctive mood? Predicate nominatives? Passive voice? Participles?! We can discuss it all without shame and without judgment, and I’ll give you tips for using these concepts to elevate your writing!

Team up with author/illustrator Sarah Mensinga to write an amazing picture book. As you and other class attendees combine forces to create a brand-new story, you’ll explore theme and plot, craft unique characters, discuss potential illustrations, and consider what makes picture books appealing to young readers… as well as agents, editors, and booksellers. Become a better picture book author through hands-on creative collaboration.

In romance writing, breakups and major conflicts aren’t just dramatic twists; they’re essential turning points that test your characters and make the happily-ever-after truly satisfying. This beginner-friendly class will help you understand how to write emotionally impactful breakups that deepen your story rather than derail it. We’ll explore the role of the breakup in romance: what drives it, how to make it believable, and why it’s crucial for character growth. If you've ever struggled with writing the “breakup beat” or feared pulling your couple apart, this workshop will give you tools to craft breakups that feel earned, while avoiding melodrama or cliché, and you’ll learn how to rebuild the relationship in a way that reflects growth, trust, and lasting connection.

Many aspiring memoirists begin with journals of their personal stories, but a memoir is more than a record of what happened. While a journal is written for the writer, a memoir is crafted for the reader! The difference lies in structure, scene selection, pacing, and emotional resonance. In this class, we'll explore how to transform real-life experiences into a compelling narrative that remains authentic while keeping your reader hooked! Learn how to identify the heart of your story and shape meaningful life events into a cohesive narrative arc that balances vulnerability and authenticity with the craft of storytelling. Whether you're writing about grief, faith, family, healing, or personal transformation, this session will empower you to write a memoir that honors your experience while grabbing your reader.