BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:dfwcon2026
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com DFWCon 2026//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261002T170000Z
DTEND:20261002T200000Z
SUMMARY:Pre-Con Workshop: Pitch Perfect SOLD OUT
DESCRIPTION:This Class has SOLD OUT\n\nGet a jumpstart on the weekend and come perfect your pitch! Young adult authors\, Katie Bernet and Dana Swift\, will lead a speed-dating style pitch practice class alongside 10 agented members of the DFW Writers’ Workshop. You’ll learn how to pitch your book\, how to query\, then practice your pitch in person and receive feedback in real time.\nKatie and Dana have attended DFWCON for over 10 years and were both agented at the conference. Learn from those who know what it takes to get signed. You could be next!\n We’ll bring the refreshments but there’s limited seating\, so don’t miss out.\nAll proceeds go directly into supporting the nonprofit DFW Writers’ Workshop. \n\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d4f4ab267380c4dbc1b20fafd39837b1
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/d4f4ab267380c4dbc1b20fafd39837b1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261002T220000Z
DTEND:20261003T000000Z
SUMMARY:Attendee Pre-Conference Mixer
DESCRIPTION:It's a proven fact that a few beverages can stamp out the stereotype of introverted writers. Be a part of this amazing transformation at the Friday Night Mixer. Hilarious games\, tasty food and cocktails. Listen for the cowbell for your chance at door prizes. Join host Rebecca Paddock for the fun in the Atrium of the Hilton Garden Inn.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Hilton Garden Inn Atrium\, 1615 Campus Dr\, Hurst\, TX 76054\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:abb6ab5527b7e50515e0b196e92a5908
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/abb6ab5527b7e50515e0b196e92a5908
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T123000Z
DTEND:20261003T221500Z
SUMMARY:Conference Doors Open
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Hurst Conference Center\, 1601 Campus Dr\, Hurst\, TX 76054
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8aed8110c0d4655eb2fbd0bbd85aac1e
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/8aed8110c0d4655eb2fbd0bbd85aac1e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T130000Z
DTEND:20261003T132000Z
SUMMARY:Welcome to DFWCon 2026
DESCRIPTION:We'll kickoff DFWCon 2026 with key information about this year's conference\, hosted as always by horror writer and emcee for the weekend\, Russell Connor.
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Ballroom\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ffe481f6df2a6a218b182b6643df1593
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/ffe481f6df2a6a218b182b6643df1593
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T133000Z
DTEND:20261003T142000Z
SUMMARY:Get Out of the Way: Writing First Person That Pulls Readers In
DESCRIPTION:First-person POV can create an extraordinary bond between character and reader\, but writing "I" doesn't automatically create intimacy. In fact\, common first-person habits can unintentionally push readers away. In this practical\, craft-focused workshop\, literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse explores narrative distance and the techniques that make first-person narration feel immediate\, authentic\, and emotionally compelling. Through examples from popular novels\, writers will learn how to recognize distancing language\, avoid common POV traps\, handle description and interiority more naturally\, and develop a character voice readers will happily follow.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cd5a170c85023645a7246c3425e6caef
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/cd5a170c85023645a7246c3425e6caef
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T133000Z
DTEND:20261003T142000Z
SUMMARY:Growing Up: Moving from Writing YA to Adult Fantasy
DESCRIPTION:While YA books chronicle the trials and tribulations of adolescence\, writing for adult readers has trials of its own\, from exploring a different stage of life\, to what content is allowed and expected and\, especially for fantasy\, making the magic feel 'grown up'. This class will cover a range of topics for those looking to make the switch\, or write their first-ever adult fantasy. (Note\, while my primary expertise in this regard centers around fantasy\, I can and will include topics that cover the differences between the YA and adult genres overall\, regardless of genre.)
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f2d4e941298845e508c85c70a64927d7
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/f2d4e941298845e508c85c70a64927d7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T133000Z
DTEND:20261003T142000Z
SUMMARY:Age Isn't Just a Number: Exploring Age Categories in KidLit
DESCRIPTION:When it comes to kidlit\, age is more than just a number. Our readers span the developmental stages from first steps to leaving the nest (with countless important moments in between) and our writing must keep pace. Understanding age categories is a vital part of our writing and illustrating practice\, especially in the current climate of book banning. In this session\, we’ll discuss the key differences of kidlit age categories\, from board book to young adult\, and why these distinctions matter now more than ever. Then\, we’ll explore relevant examples and do hands-on exercises to practice what we’ve learned.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ab34ecedcf3bb9a90fdc4027482b9a5c
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/ab34ecedcf3bb9a90fdc4027482b9a5c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T133000Z
DTEND:20261003T142000Z
SUMMARY:How to Revise a Chapter: Let's Edit a Chapter Together (Live!)
DESCRIPTION:If you've ever wanted to see how real editor feedback shapes an author's work\, this is the class for you! In this session\, I'll share how the opening chapter of THE GREAT OUTDOORS iterated into its final\, published version—including actual feedback I got from my editor at Simon & Schuster during the revision process! We'll do a live edit during class\, which will include a mix of big-picture issues all the way down to tiny line edit tweaks\, with bonus thoughts on "How do I know which notes I should take?" that you can apply to your own projects.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9af6615975c1ce35ebd1bd1eee290eaa
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/9af6615975c1ce35ebd1bd1eee290eaa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T133000Z
DTEND:20261003T142000Z
SUMMARY:✅ [START HERE] A FIRST-TIMER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE TO CON
DESCRIPTION: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!\n\nClasses with ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c0e592a466fc11e7fff824c1a8e475cd
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/c0e592a466fc11e7fff824c1a8e475cd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T133000Z
DTEND:20261003T142000Z
SUMMARY:Dear Agent: Querying\, Pitching\, And Slush Piles
DESCRIPTION:Ask the agents anything about querying\, pitching\, and how to get "the call."
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:85cb52313ec2b3886efc1c977631ddba
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/85cb52313ec2b3886efc1c977631ddba
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T133000Z
DTEND:20261003T142000Z
SUMMARY:Read & Critique
DESCRIPTION:Read a short piece of your writing\, then get feedback from published writers and industry professionals.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cee358f0f1fdb9752866bd59da28b469
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/cee358f0f1fdb9752866bd59da28b469
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T143000Z
DTEND:20261003T152000Z
SUMMARY:Creating An Online Presence As An Author
DESCRIPTION:One of the most daunting things for authors in today's world of publishing is how to create an online presence. Whether you're still drafting\, already agented\, on submission\, have a book deal\, or are already published\, there will be tips\, tricks\, and suggestions to help you through the process.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:baf15c3e8a779f4a6fa8081ffc89312f
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/baf15c3e8a779f4a6fa8081ffc89312f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T143000Z
DTEND:20261003T152000Z
SUMMARY:Bridge Over Troubled Water II
DESCRIPTION:Last year\, I discussed how using a "Bridge\," like those used in music\, can keep your story from sagging in the middle. This year\, I'm going further. I'm explore the structure holding that bridge up. It's called a Problem Nest: The problems that the protagonist faces as they move from the midpoint to the final act of the story. We'll analyze the Problem Nests of popular movies and\, more importantly\, the archetypes of the allies solving these problems for the protagonists\, as defined in Christopher Vogler's THE WRITER'S JOURNEY. With the aid of these problem-solving archetypes\, the protagonist crosses the bridge\, and enters the climax a character that readers can't wait to cheer for.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:10ce4f8a0cc2b71aaa99677fb3221fc3
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/10ce4f8a0cc2b71aaa99677fb3221fc3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T143000Z
DTEND:20261003T152000Z
SUMMARY:Navigating Literary and Revelatory Poetry
DESCRIPTION:This class seeks to create a distinction between two types of poetry\, the literary and the revelatory\, and how a healthy approach to that dichotomy can benefit all writers. With the former challenging poets to stress the boundaries of the poem and the latter teaching writers to capture the integrity and honesty of a first draft\, the ability to recognize each camp and master their benefits galvanizes all writers towards greatness. This class will feature an educational lecture\, followed by an interactive workshop experience.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d54fb78d05f38897eeb8a15d8f21f1d6
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/d54fb78d05f38897eeb8a15d8f21f1d6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T143000Z
DTEND:20261003T152000Z
SUMMARY:Your First Five Pages
DESCRIPTION:Your first five pages are the seeds of your story—the moments that will hook readers and make them eager to turn the page. In this class\, you’ll learn how to cultivate a compelling opening that sets the stage for an unforgettable narrative journey. We’ll review the essentials of an opening scene\, common pitfalls\, and what goes into a powerful beginning—all while having fun planting ideas you can grow in your own work. We’ll put these techniques into practice through writing prompts. This class is intended for writers who already have a firm story idea and are actively drafting\, rather than those exploring new concepts.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dfd583bd29e3a82f5c5d09877c360b8d
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/dfd583bd29e3a82f5c5d09877c360b8d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T143000Z
DTEND:20261003T152000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Understanding and Utilizing Narrative Position
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e8c4caaaef575d15d2d5aa73076f1dce
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/e8c4caaaef575d15d2d5aa73076f1dce
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T143000Z
DTEND:20261003T152000Z
SUMMARY:Love Hurts: Conflict\, Separation\, And Angst In Romance
DESCRIPTION:How does conflict\, separation\, and emotional tension deepen a romance and make the eventual reunion more satisfying? Panelists will discuss balancing angst with hope\, raising the emotional stakes\, and creating obstacles that strengthen the love story rather than simply delay the happy ending.
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:71c88298a14ef0602050771c172d9cb3
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/71c88298a14ef0602050771c172d9cb3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T143000Z
DTEND:20261003T152000Z
SUMMARY:So Here's My Problem: FIction
DESCRIPTION:Everyone gets stuck.&nbsp\;Ask published writers and industry professionals how they’ve worked through similar problems. \n\nWe have several So Here’s My Problem sessions\, each covering a different topic.\nThis one focuses on Fiction.
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b1db6415c2ec66b90c5a5b56d0cbb258
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/b1db6415c2ec66b90c5a5b56d0cbb258
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Sydney Applegate\, Kayla Olson\, Brian Tracey\, Madeline Warthan
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:27fbb0a8005b7749d31c2c12f6df2251
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/27fbb0a8005b7749d31c2c12f6df2251
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:Reels\, SEO & Carousels\, Oh My! Intermediate Social Media Tips
DESCRIPTION:In this class\, two social media professionals will teach you not what and when to post\, but tips and tools to build your author presence online without wasting all of your time.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5303f7f634130293db83d35b775a78d2
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/5303f7f634130293db83d35b775a78d2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:Character Assassination: How to Torture Your Characters with Their Past
DESCRIPTION:Build likable\, relatable\, and flawed characters who your readers will root for on every page. Use backstory and internals to dive into their troubled pasts without slowing the pace of your novel. Dig deep into why your characters act they way they do.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2405be037884c356edb12d9fbbfe2989
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/2405be037884c356edb12d9fbbfe2989
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:How to Hide Research in Historical Fiction
DESCRIPTION:We love our research\, but when it comes to writing historical fiction\, we have to fight the urge to show it all off. Learn specific strategies for invisibly weaving facts into your fiction so the plot will keep moving\, characters will keep developing and readers will keep reading.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0d28d28c9ceba8db4adaa4630251b7e3
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/0d28d28c9ceba8db4adaa4630251b7e3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Mind Your Mannerisms
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:779688b8588185be3c4e4fb8c1d43947
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/779688b8588185be3c4e4fb8c1d43947
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Read Like You Write: Unlocking the Wisdom of Your Literary Heroes
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5c2e448e7c7a754e4e35a32832d312ce
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/5c2e448e7c7a754e4e35a32832d312ce
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:Beyond The Default: Representation\, Inclusion\, and Authentic Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:How can writers create stories that reflect the richness and complexity of the world around them? Panelists will discuss writing characters across identities\, cultures\, abilities\, and lived experiences\; avoiding stereotypes and tokenism\; researching beyond one’s own perspective\; and approaching representation with empathy\, specificity\, and care.
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ea15f7f274f709e5c9fd6c887f5f7884
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/ea15f7f274f709e5c9fd6c887f5f7884
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T153000Z
DTEND:20261003T162000Z
SUMMARY:Read & Critique
DESCRIPTION:Read a short piece of your writing\, then get feedback from published writers and industry professionals.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:635dbe0c47356e3c6a480223209c470f
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/635dbe0c47356e3c6a480223209c470f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Sean Fletcher\, A. Lee Martinez\, Jennifer Moorhead
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9e0bab4ece10eb7320f47bb0a74e6571
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/9e0bab4ece10eb7320f47bb0a74e6571
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:How To Hook An Agent – From The Query Letter Through The Opening Pages
DESCRIPTION:From the query letter through the opening pages: An agent must sift through hundreds\, even thousands of queries. Learn what makes an effective query letter and how to write a compelling opening for your sample pages. We will discuss how to write a grabby opening while avoiding the dreaded white room and its evil twin\, the cliffhanger opening.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e85563038c7d7d75e4648d319da33d8b
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/e85563038c7d7d75e4648d319da33d8b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:How the Door Swings: A Guide to Writing Romance Heat Levels
DESCRIPTION:Whether you keep the door closed\, leave it cracked\, or blow it off the hinges\, there's an art to mastering the different heat levels in romance novels. This class is all about how you navigate which heat level best fits your brand and how to make it authentic for you and your readers.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7797f71aca6991d28e65bb110767ca9d
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/7797f71aca6991d28e65bb110767ca9d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:Micro Expressions\, Macro Impact: Writing Body Language That Speaks
DESCRIPTION:Facial expressions and body language are some of the most powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal—but they’re also some of the easiest to overuse. In this class\, we’ll talk about how to write meaningful nonverbal communication without falling back on repetitive gestures\, empty actions\, or bloated stage direction. Learn how to assess the emotional undertones of a scene to choose movements\, expressions\, and physical blocking that deepen characterization and tension while keeping prose immersive and natural. We’ll also discuss the fundamentals of stage blocking in fiction and how to choreograph intentional\, organic movement so your scenes feel alive on the page rather than mechanically arranged.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f7f9beef1cb1dfaabb9edc5f326ad25b
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/f7f9beef1cb1dfaabb9edc5f326ad25b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:Writing Human Women
DESCRIPTION:Female characters written to be strong are often swinging a sword\, or wearing a pantsuit\, or girl bossing it up. And that’s wonderful. But we can go further. We can reflect a whole range of female strength in our writing. In this class\, we will explore different forms of strength\, and complex traits\, you can give your female characters. Come learn how to get your leading lady leaping off the page and becoming lifelike.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:105d9f0f9493e8ee7d9fe244ad4ca018
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/105d9f0f9493e8ee7d9fe244ad4ca018
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Treat Every Book Like a Thriller: Tips for Writing Page-Turners in Any Genre
DESCRIPTION:Join NYT bestselling author Katie Bernet for tips on how to write an “unputdownable” story in any genre.\n\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4e5dc224ecf968ab5cdb73a3ab687017
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/4e5dc224ecf968ab5cdb73a3ab687017
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:The Poet’s Eye: How Poetic Techniques Strengthen Every Writer's Work
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3817c1fcd0e88f8077af38565bef43a7
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/3817c1fcd0e88f8077af38565bef43a7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T163000Z
DTEND:20261003T172000Z
SUMMARY:So Here's My Problem: Indie Marketing
DESCRIPTION:Everyone gets stuck.&nbsp\;Ask published writers and industry professionals how they’ve worked through similar problems.\nWe have several So Here’s My Problem sessions\, each covering a different topic.This one focuses on Marketing for Indie Authors.
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f52c98b1aa48db22803bfa477b6ad204
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/f52c98b1aa48db22803bfa477b6ad204
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T173000Z
DTEND:20261003T190000Z
SUMMARY:Lunch: Keynote Speaker Katherine Center
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Ballroom\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e8874bb77a74ba4274901e8b3b76016a
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/e8874bb77a74ba4274901e8b3b76016a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Katherine Center\, Katie Bernet\, Amber Helt
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5fff3608fa27cccd4f4b1e7f4655f82d
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/5fff3608fa27cccd4f4b1e7f4655f82d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:The Art Of The Elevator Pitch (Editor's Edition)
DESCRIPTION:An editor-led workshop and deep dive into how editors pitch their books in-house — from editorial board meetings to formal sales presentations — feat. a group activity at the end of the session\, "Pitch Wars\," in which attendees will split into teams and role play as editors pitching a book internally.\n\nWorkshop goals: Offers insight into the kinds of questions editors ask themselves before pitching a book to an editorial board meeting or sales launch\, and how this informs our acquisitions process. Authors will walk away from workshop with newfound tips/tricks on how to make your pitch stick and stand out on the publisher's side.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:17b63d6665331dd535537666fcb9fa6a
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/17b63d6665331dd535537666fcb9fa6a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:The Art of Truth: Writing Nonfiction They Can't Put Down
DESCRIPTION:This session teaches writers how to borrow narrative techniques from fiction—like pacing\, tension\, and "the hook"—to build a compelling structure that keeps readers turning pages. Learn how to bridge the gap between raw research and a finished manuscript that anchors every chapter.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7a3afcd8d2b4acf357b76d70977ea276
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/7a3afcd8d2b4acf357b76d70977ea276
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:You Think That’s Funny?
DESCRIPTION:Exploring the many styles and uses of humor in writing such as satire\, dark humor\, slapstick\, and sarcasm. How and when each each of these humorous style additions can add depth to make characters unforgettable.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:741cfc772142612be70a1bf195d16ff9
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/741cfc772142612be70a1bf195d16ff9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Book Balderdash: Play a Game\, Fool Your Friends & Improve Your Writing!
DESCRIPTION: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!!!\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:89bc0a724ecf2c443e733e683ed05813
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/89bc0a724ecf2c443e733e683ed05813
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Workshop: Top 5 Lessons from Self-Editing for Fiction Writers and How to Implement Them Now
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9d6a76b8e8fc8455644a3e0c3921cefb
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/9d6a76b8e8fc8455644a3e0c3921cefb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:Literary Smackdown
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cf6859a6c1cd3a1bda09225523004141
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/cf6859a6c1cd3a1bda09225523004141
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T191000Z
DTEND:20261003T200000Z
SUMMARY:Read & Critique
DESCRIPTION:Read a short piece of your writing\, then get feedback from published writers and industry professionals.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3a20cd41c021808b8a3ee055953d918b
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/3a20cd41c021808b8a3ee055953d918b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Kate Khavari\, Sarah Mensinga\, BJ Sloan
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c0f8da12380057c37cdac7e5fa781539
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/c0f8da12380057c37cdac7e5fa781539
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:The Untraditional Choice: Indie Press or Self-Pub?
DESCRIPTION:Lone wolf? Independent spirit? You're not alone! More and more authors begin their publishing careers with something non-traditional. Come learn the whys and why nots of going the indie press or self-published route to publication.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8f43191d51879c07c9d200a54263507e
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/8f43191d51879c07c9d200a54263507e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:Banter and Barbs
DESCRIPTION:Nothing is born from the void--and neither are the fantasy worlds we love to read about and create in our own work. This class is designed to help attendees use the world they know--their homes\, the familiar streets\, and the places they see everyday--to create grounded worlds in their fantasy genre pieces. After all\, authors put in little bits of themselves in everything they create\, and what better way to build a fictional world than one that includes the cracked tiles of their bathroom or the vaulted ceilings of their local city hall.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4870fe1b23fa56bf96c3cc2b8066c3d0
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/4870fe1b23fa56bf96c3cc2b8066c3d0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:Character Driven Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Discover how to use your main character's goal\, motivation\, and conflict to drive and enhance the plot of your novel.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:45ac8e7afefe5636ae3de197cb77b818
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/45ac8e7afefe5636ae3de197cb77b818
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:Me Write Pretty One Day
DESCRIPTION:How do some authors do it? In just a few sentences\, they evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions\, set the mood\, or draw an entire character. After dissecting the work of some incredible authors\, this class will exercise their own writing abilities by workshopping a few underdeveloped passages into powerful ones. In the process\, you’ll fill your sentence structure toolbox to improve your flow\, style\, tone\, and impact.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7ea030fd597dc8b9c7eb9cb771dbaa38
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/7ea030fd597dc8b9c7eb9cb771dbaa38
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Writing in the Margins
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4737d516e73dc10e8a6d445022a87106
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/4737d516e73dc10e8a6d445022a87106
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:Trust No One: Building Dread and Suspense in Thrillers and Mysteries
DESCRIPTION:Explore how thriller writers create unease\, escalate tension\, and keep readers anticipating what might happen next. Panelists will discuss pacing\, atmosphere\, foreshadowing\, psychological pressure\, and the careful release of information that turns danger into dread.
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5fe2e0ed865fc182e5b781bbe926a9c0
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/5fe2e0ed865fc182e5b781bbe926a9c0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T201000Z
DTEND:20261003T210000Z
SUMMARY:So\, Here's My Problem: Querying
DESCRIPTION:Everyone gets stuck.&nbsp\;Ask published writers and industry professionals how they’ve worked through similar problems.\nWe have several So Here’s My Problem sessions\, each covering a different topic.This one focuses on&nbsp\;Query Letters.
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3f840894988ef4e84808dfc9cd2569e2
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/3f840894988ef4e84808dfc9cd2569e2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T212500Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Helen Dent\, Brooke Fossey\, Matthew Rollins\, Shawn Warner
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1b144eaab794006902eb81d40032f9f9
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/1b144eaab794006902eb81d40032f9f9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T220000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Long Story Short: Tips On Writing The Synopsis
DESCRIPTION: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. &nbsp\; \n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2c27306ff0344f169046250385474bd1
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/2c27306ff0344f169046250385474bd1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T220000Z
SUMMARY:Anatomy of the Unreliable Narrator
DESCRIPTION:We all love a good anti-hero character\, but what about the unreliable narrator? What IS an unreliable narrator and why would a writer choose that approach? This class helps writers understand the purpose of the unreliable narrator by looking at successful examples in literature and film and dissecting the methods and outcomes that make it such a compelling point of view.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4548bca5bc932bccc38fe9c065e1fa8a
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/4548bca5bc932bccc38fe9c065e1fa8a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T220000Z
SUMMARY:The Editorial Escape Room: Curse on a Doomed Draft
DESCRIPTION:Something has gone terribly wrong with this manuscript. Legend has it the draft is cursed—and only a team of sharp-eyed writers can break the spell.\n In this hands-on\, fast-paced workshop\, participants will work in small groups to solve a series of editorial “puzzles” designed to rescue a story before time runs out.\n Equal parts craft lesson\, puzzle room\, and collaborative chaos\, this session transforms the editing process into an adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer\, you’ll sharpen your editorial instincts\, learn how to identify (and fix) common manuscript mishaps\, and have more fun editing than you thought possible.\n Break the curse. Save the story. Escape the draft — if you can.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b8d160e5eb6d40a9b6930a375238a735
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/b8d160e5eb6d40a9b6930a375238a735
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T220000Z
SUMMARY:Turn That Spark into a Blaze: 7 Steps to Crafting Compelling Conflict
DESCRIPTION:Conflict ignites every scene in your novel. But how do you stoke those fires to keep your readers engaged and your plot moving?\n In this workshop\, you'll learn that conflict isn't about confrontation\; it's about character choices. This 7-step method will guide you in turning up the heat on your characters with intense stakes and escalating tension.\n Get ready to light up your manuscript with the tools to craft a story so powerful\, it will burn in the minds of your readers long after they turn the final page.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e2e49c50ecd705881475a38997b7c9de
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/e2e49c50ecd705881475a38997b7c9de
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T220000Z
SUMMARY:Writing for Kids These Days
DESCRIPTION:WRITING FOR KIDS THESE DAYS examines current reading/publishing trends in the YA spaces through research data and anecdotes from 7th grade readers. This class is designed to equip authors with the tools needed to create a youthful engaging voice to write a story “kids these days” are interested in reading.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:48148e1f2553efda756181d4ffd73703
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/48148e1f2553efda756181d4ffd73703
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T220000Z
SUMMARY:Here Be Dragons: Making Exposition in Your Fantasy Invisible
DESCRIPTION:How do you pitch fantasy without explaining the whole world? How much does a reader truly need to understand in the opening chapters? What are your favorite ways to reveal worldbuilding through action rather than explanation? What are the clearest signs that exposition has become an info dump? When can dialogue carry exposition successfully\, and when does it sound like characters explaining things they already know?
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:21ceda42491478b2423042c8bb0df522
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/21ceda42491478b2423042c8bb0df522
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261003T211000Z
DTEND:20261003T220000Z
SUMMARY:Read & Critique
DESCRIPTION:Read a short piece of your writing\, then get feedback from published writers and industry professionals.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9a6ae05f7e42bb94080d3f5afa699936
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/9a6ae05f7e42bb94080d3f5afa699936
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T000000Z
DTEND:20261004T030000Z
SUMMARY:Cocktail Reception
DESCRIPTION:Join us in the Hilton Garden Inn grand ballroom for the Saturday night cocktail party. This is your opportunity to rub elbows with our literary agents in a relaxed atmosphere. Listen for the cowbell for your chance at door prizes!
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Hurst Conference Center\, 1601 Campus Dr\, Hurst\, TX 76054
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8b259b56eadd35db0dfcc478441f524a
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/8b259b56eadd35db0dfcc478441f524a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T123000Z
DTEND:20261004T221500Z
SUMMARY:Conference Doors Open
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Hurst Conference Center\, 1601 Campus Dr\, Hurst\, TX 76054
SEQUENCE:0
UID:25e69d95ed07958ff70d71c4aa4e5903
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/25e69d95ed07958ff70d71c4aa4e5903
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T130000Z
DTEND:20261004T135000Z
SUMMARY:Dawn Of The Gong! The Query Gong Show
DESCRIPTION:It’s one of the highlights of DFWCon. What do agents really think about your query letter? \n\nHost Russell C. Connor will be joined by George Goldthwaite\, who will read letters at random in his velvety voice. Author names will be withheld\, so the whole ballroom isn't staring at you. A panel of agents will listen\, and they’ll bang a gong when they've had enough. Three gongs and the letter is out. Agents will explain what problems caught their attention. \n&nbsp\;\nWe've seen agents like a query letter so much — even if it doesn’t make it all the way through — they ask the author to send in the manuscript.\n\nHowever\, beware! if you need a fan and a fainting couch\, this might not be for you. Your letter could get shredded in front of a few hundred people. Bring your A-game\, but remember\, few escape gong-free!\n\nSignups will be available at the conference.\n\n
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Ballroom\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0313f7cd61174bcc353054332c6fde8a
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/0313f7cd61174bcc353054332c6fde8a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T140000Z
DTEND:20261004T145000Z
SUMMARY:Publishing 101
DESCRIPTION:How publishing works: basic jobs\, P&Ls\, advances\, contracts\, royalties\, marketing\, and publicity.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e077401a095b97e2d9a9b61c86031634
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/e077401a095b97e2d9a9b61c86031634
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T140000Z
DTEND:20261004T145000Z
SUMMARY:Home Is Where the Heart Is: Using the Setting Around You to Build Fantasical Worlds
DESCRIPTION:Nothing is born from the void--and neither are the fantasy worlds we love to read about and create in our own work. This class is designed to help attendees use the world they know--their homes\, the familiar streets\, and the places they see everyday--to create grounded worlds in their fantasy genre pieces. After all\, authors put in little bits of themselves in everything they create\, and what better way to build a fictional world than one that includes the cracked tiles of their bathroom or the vaulted ceilings of their local city hall.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0c320008bb8a98283b238a068913a445
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/0c320008bb8a98283b238a068913a445
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T140000Z
DTEND:20261004T145000Z
SUMMARY:Screen to Page: Screenwriting Techniques for Creating Dynamic Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Master the art of cinematic storytelling by applying screenwriting principles like "show\, don't tell\," tight pacing\, and high-stakes dialogue to your prose. This session teaches you how to translate visual storyboarding into rich narrative descriptions\, ensuring your story or novel moves with the momentum and clarity of a blockbuster script.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2f1245633aa1098f0c1bdc026159af6f
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/2f1245633aa1098f0c1bdc026159af6f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T140000Z
DTEND:20261004T145000Z
SUMMARY:You Can’t Always Leave the Past in the Past: Trauma\, Flashbacks\, and the Art of Backstory
DESCRIPTION:The most compelling characters are shaped by what happened to them before the story begins. But how do writers reveal trauma without overwhelming the narrative? In this session\, we’ll explore how memory\, flashbacks\, and emotional triggers can be used to build layered\, psychologically authentic characters. Participants will learn how trauma realistically appears in behavior and relationships\, when to introduce backstory\, and how flashbacks can move the plot forward. Through a trauma-informed lens\, writers will learn techniques for integrating memory and past experience in ways that feel organic\, emotionally resonant\, and dramatically effective. Participants will leave with practical tools for crafting characters whose past continues to shape the choices they make in the present.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c08fe5dcf0d1d3b77f3b8daea889b414
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/c08fe5dcf0d1d3b77f3b8daea889b414
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T140000Z
DTEND:20261004T145000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Writing Resources 101
DESCRIPTION:In this practical session for new writers\, you’ll learn about some of the best educational\, motivational\, editing and business resources to help you succeed as a writer. You’ll leave with a list of the most popular resources used by writers\, a strategy for which tools to use when and suggestions for finding joy in the writing journey.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2f73ec653d2e1cc1e67fc05de413d2c7
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/2f73ec653d2e1cc1e67fc05de413d2c7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T140000Z
DTEND:20261004T145000Z
SUMMARY:On the Same Page: The Author-Agent Partnership
DESCRIPTION:Exploring the author/agent relationship and what to look for in an agent.
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:88800461e61cef68cad79f998670feab
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/88800461e61cef68cad79f998670feab
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T140000Z
DTEND:20261004T145000Z
SUMMARY:Read & Critique
DESCRIPTION:Read a short piece of your writing\, then get feedback from published writers and industry professionals.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9ad040d11c56555c5744df3ffac40194
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/9ad040d11c56555c5744df3ffac40194
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Duygu Balan\, RC Bramhall\, Andy C. Naranjo\, Dana Swift
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c87b0a391f7e91d745f57e0d19a99978
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/c87b0a391f7e91d745f57e0d19a99978
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:The Art of the BookBub Deal
DESCRIPTION:You have only 24 hours to make your Bookbub Deal a success\; will you seize the day or let it go to waste? Learn the do's and don'ts of those hard-to-get spots on the Bookbub newsletter from horror author Russell C Connor\, who jumpstarted his publishing career with one.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dcceb8a567067ecc152b2e3e7a4bb2f3
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/dcceb8a567067ecc152b2e3e7a4bb2f3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:Strategic Dialogue Deployment: Subtext\, Story Beats\, and Other Things You Didn’t Know Dialogue Could Do
DESCRIPTION:We hear a lot about what not to do in dialogue. But then\, how *do* you tell the reader something that Bob already knows? Update the reader on a plot point without mentioning the plot? Give the reader a clue without the detective noticing (and vice versa)? &nbsp\;\nBefore the session ends\, we’ll switch to advanced mode and see how dialogue can control pace and narrative rhythm\, add subtext and characterization\, and maximize story beats.\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0cddff7eef50299ff2bfd5a5a12dec6d
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/0cddff7eef50299ff2bfd5a5a12dec6d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:Writing Middle Grade Books
DESCRIPTION:Bring your questions and inner-child to this workshop where we will explore what constitutes a middle grade novel. Topics include age range\, word count\, voice\, and acceptable (and unacceptable) topics. A recommended middle grade ‘to read’ list will also be provided with specific books within several middle grade genres.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7cb815db604784b0cb328d11d3c33331
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/7cb815db604784b0cb328d11d3c33331
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:Writing Suspense\, Mysteries\, and Thrillers
DESCRIPTION:This class explores which writing elements are most effective when writing in these genres. We break down and explain each one\, emphasizing the reader's expectations and how to best achieve them. Examples from books and movies are used to clarify to the author which techniques work best and why\, to accomplish the desired result.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1be62dc6e3ec466cec9990f95e26d40c
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/1be62dc6e3ec466cec9990f95e26d40c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Feed Your Readers: All About Social Media Content For Authors
DESCRIPTION: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.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:80cca2bbab881e10081048b0d1ff26ef
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/80cca2bbab881e10081048b0d1ff26ef
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:Queerly Beloved: LGBTQIA+ Romance
DESCRIPTION:Why does queer romance matter? &nbsp\;Does every queer romance need to address homophobia? How do you balance queer joy with queer reality? How do you avoid sterotypes? &nbsp\;Who is "allowed" to write queer stories? What are the trends with queer romance in the industry?&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:41be373b42be92241e711b1a680d1048
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/41be373b42be92241e711b1a680d1048
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T150000Z
DTEND:20261004T155000Z
SUMMARY:So Here's My Problem: Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Everyone gets stuck.&nbsp\;Ask published writers and industry professionals how they’ve worked through similar problems.\nWe have several So Here’s My Problem sessions\, each covering a different topic.This one focuses on&nbsp\;Fiction.
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:60895834eb411efe6e6dc0e2ec2f6908
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/60895834eb411efe6e6dc0e2ec2f6908
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Kay Goodnight\, Rosemary Clement
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1d3fee63558878fdebca930a32321489
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/1d3fee63558878fdebca930a32321489
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:Welcome to the Indie Author Trenches
DESCRIPTION:The independent publishing basics\, practical tips\, and tricks to help you get your book out into the world.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:de42b431ecafa27dfc869c5926a87279
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/de42b431ecafa27dfc869c5926a87279
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:Andor: A Study in Adding Politics to Your Plot
DESCRIPTION:Star Wars: Andor is more than just a rebellion story–it’s a masterclass in political fiction that resonates with fans well beyond the galaxy far far away. In this class\, we’ll break down how Andor integrates systems of control\, class struggle\, surveillance\, and revolution into every layer of the narrative–and how you can do the same in your own work. You’ll learn to use political conflict to shape character arc\, turn institutions into narrative engines\, balance individual stakes with systemic commentary\, and make your world’s politics feel real. No matter your genre\, come learn to write stories that interrogate the world around us\, in a way that readers truly connect to. (Don’t worry - you don’t even need to know the show.)
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7155c68abc472650de34fecd5be9580d
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/7155c68abc472650de34fecd5be9580d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:Grammar AMA
DESCRIPTION:(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!
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6d3f582b0337b5e6c19340a8be4ee324
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/6d3f582b0337b5e6c19340a8be4ee324
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:How To Revise Like An Editor
DESCRIPTION:Self-editing tips from macro to micro.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c2fb2c9c10f3579f90b4a48b07b784bd
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/c2fb2c9c10f3579f90b4a48b07b784bd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Scene Structure
DESCRIPTION:A scene can come out of inspiration or careful design. But what should you do when your words aren't working? Come learn the secret ingredients to crafting a compelling scene!\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0bc2c64adc7fc40c68a0c5f8420740a0
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/0bc2c64adc7fc40c68a0c5f8420740a0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:Truth Be Told: Memoir And Creative Nonfiction
DESCRIPTION:Explore how writers shape lived experience\, memory\, and research into compelling narratives. Panelists will discuss finding the heart of a true story\, balancing honesty with craft\, handling gaps or conflicting memories\, and turning real events into meaningful memoir and creative nonfiction.
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0417ed9febbaa9c94be80ccb8fd1f3c9
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/0417ed9febbaa9c94be80ccb8fd1f3c9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T160000Z
DTEND:20261004T165000Z
SUMMARY:Read & Critique
DESCRIPTION:Read a short piece of your writing\, then get feedback from published writers and industry professionals.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:423a42ec035d91c428ce1ad64ca164f1
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/423a42ec035d91c428ce1ad64ca164f1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T170000Z
DTEND:20261004T183000Z
SUMMARY:Lunch: Keynote Speaker Natalie Sue
DESCRIPTION:DFWCon Director Rebecca Seifert will host a Q&A with internationally bestselling author&nbsp\;Natalie Sue. \n\nNatalie's debut novel\, I Hope This Finds You Well\,&nbsp\;was the winner of the 2025 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour and the Alberta Literary Award for Fiction\, and was a finalist for the Amazon Canada First Novel Award.&nbsp\;Her latest book\, You’ll Love It Here\, was released August 11\, 2026. \n\nWhen she’s not writing\, she enjoys bingeing great and terrible TV\, attempting pottery\, and procuring houseplants. She lives in Calgary with her husband\, daughter\, and dog.
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Ballroom\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:05983818b2d6d923d3b3432525a33324
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/05983818b2d6d923d3b3432525a33324
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Natalie Sue\, Matthew Pitt\, Harry Hall
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0e8b91c2611415428b1c7481a08a79bb
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/0e8b91c2611415428b1c7481a08a79bb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:How to Plot a Romance Arc That Complements the External Plot
DESCRIPTION:Everything you've ever wanted to know about how to create a romance arc that feels cohesive with—and essential to—the external plot! In romances that do this well\, the internal emotional arc and external plot are inextricably linked\, each propelling the other. In this class\, we'll talk about practical ways to achieve that goal\, including tips to keep in mind while brainstorming\, writing the first draft\, and going deeper in revision.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:497d20b7faf130df68425c18ef49c0b9
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/497d20b7faf130df68425c18ef49c0b9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:No Small Parts: Big Worlds Built with Minor Characters
DESCRIPTION:Genre SFF authors have no shortage of big ideas\, but they can fall into the trap of hampering their writing's impact by sacrificing depth for breadth in their worldbuilding. In this hands-on session\, Aleese Lin will show how strategic side character development can effect high-impact worldbuilding without padding word count or sacrificing reader interest. This craft discussion will be paired with an audience-participation exercise and an opportunity for attendees to tinker with their own not-so-small side characters.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d332676ece34bbe422ccfcb775bb02a3
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/d332676ece34bbe422ccfcb775bb02a3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:Revision as Momentum Engineering: Building a Revision Roadmap That Actually Works
DESCRIPTION:“Fix the pacing.” “Strengthen the character arc.” “Raise the tension.” Writers often receive revision feedback that identifies a problem without explaining how to practically solve it. In this class\, we’ll break down how to transform broad editorial feedback into intentional revision passes that strengthen the momentum of your story rather than sending you into endless drafting loops. Learn how to evaluate your novel through the lens of setup\, payoff\, escalation\, and genre expectation so that your plot points\, character arcs\, thematic throughlines\, and craft choices build upon one another with purpose. We’ll discuss how to identify the structural pressure points of your manuscript\, revise backward from major payoff moments\, and use tools like the seven-point plot structure to create stories that feel cohesive\, emotionally satisfying\, and earned from beginning to end.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f112b4386af7fe65d41074580e886459
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/f112b4386af7fe65d41074580e886459
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:Write a Picture Book with Me!
DESCRIPTION: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.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5725fadccd384c395f4486e1fd87d638
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/5725fadccd384c395f4486e1fd87d638
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Brick House Chapter Building
DESCRIPTION:Every chapter of a novel should have a firm foundation built on goal-conflict-outcome.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:668bedea3a2fab48fc9836f2a4ff0864
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/668bedea3a2fab48fc9836f2a4ff0864
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:Own The Process: Building a Career in Self-Publishing
DESCRIPTION:Panelists will discuss producing a professional book\, finding readers\, managing the business side of authorship\, and creating a sustainable path that fits each writer’s goals.
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dd25ff87259f50892461702402ce0c0a
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/dd25ff87259f50892461702402ce0c0a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T184000Z
DTEND:20261004T193000Z
SUMMARY:So Here's My Problem: Querying
DESCRIPTION:Everyone gets stuck.&nbsp\;Ask published writers and industry professionals how they’ve worked through similar problems.\nWe have several So Here’s My Problem sessions\, each covering a different topic.This one focuses on&nbsp\;Query Letters.
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:877e09d0965b7d40451a7d4050fd845c
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/877e09d0965b7d40451a7d4050fd845c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Amanda Arista\, CCS Jones\, Aleese Lin
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ce27278962052ed9d05f41156f8b07bb
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/ce27278962052ed9d05f41156f8b07bb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:How to Self-Publish with Amazon: From Start to Finish
DESCRIPTION:Take the guesswork out of Amazon’s KDP publishing platform with this "start-to-finish" technical walkthrough. We’ll cover everything from interior formatting\, cover design\, ISBNs category selection\, and the final upload process. Perfect for the author ready to take full control of their publishing career and see their book live on the world's largest retailer.
CATEGORIES:BUSINESS
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d93e2f14daf03f38350add482306adaa
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/d93e2f14daf03f38350add482306adaa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:The Art of the Breakup
DESCRIPTION: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.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1fcfe4cfbb03ec769e07c5d591a0266f
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/1fcfe4cfbb03ec769e07c5d591a0266f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:The Greatest Duos of All Time: How to Craft Killer Character Foils
DESCRIPTION:Batman and Joker. Mulder and Skully. C3P0 and R2D2. Elsa and Anna. Dive into archetypes\, arcs\, and foils to learn how to craft complex and complementary characters that enrich narratives and bring stories to life.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bd0a4e86bafde1e0243c081a04bf3e54
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/bd0a4e86bafde1e0243c081a04bf3e54
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:✅ The Writing Habit: How to Create Routines That Reduce Writing Anxiety and Produce Better Work
DESCRIPTION:Have you found that your desire to write has plummeted\, even though you have big dreams about publication? Does dragging yourself to the writing desk now feel like a punishment? In this workshop\, learn the brain science behind habit formation and how you can achieve peach through the writing process. By the end of this interactive workshop\, you will have developed a new weekly writing plan that will help you achieve your writing goals and enjoy your craft.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n\n
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:TBA\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:877a121bb1925a93b80ba40fbcf2e866
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/877a121bb1925a93b80ba40fbcf2e866
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:The Speed Editing Event
DESCRIPTION:(capped: 10 submissions\, viewers welcome)\n Is your work ready to be submitted? Have you crossed your T’s and dotted your I’s? Come join Helen Dent and Brooke Fossey to find out. Submit up to three double-spaced pages of your best (or most troublesome) work and watch as they do a fast and furious line-level edit. Beyond writing convention\, you’ll get a fly-on-the-wall opportunity to see how your work is received\, and learn through other’s mistakes and victories. Each submission is guaranteed a five-minute velocity edit. Work must be submitted beforehand at (x). Please include genre and target audience\, and redact your name.
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Room 6\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:69ac79d9128ba43521b9174b5df2e0af
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/69ac79d9128ba43521b9174b5df2e0af
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:The Young and the Restless: Exploring the Heart of Young Adult Fiction
DESCRIPTION:What makes young adult fiction resonate with teen readers? From authentic voice and emotional immediacy to identity\, relationships\, and the uncertainty of becoming\, panelists will discuss writing young protagonists with depth\, balancing universal themes with distinctly teen experiences\, and creating stories that honor who young people are while imagining who they might become.
CATEGORIES:PANEL
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6691e12db27e182a9529a5e3820eff19
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/6691e12db27e182a9529a5e3820eff19
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T194000Z
DTEND:20261004T203000Z
SUMMARY:Read & Critique
DESCRIPTION:Read a short piece of your writing\, then get feedback from published writers and industry professionals.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:TBA\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e096b2cbc10ee505677922b5f5ac7ee1
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/e096b2cbc10ee505677922b5f5ac7ee1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T204000Z
DTEND:20261004T213000Z
SUMMARY:Book Signing: Jalyn Renae Fiske\, Leslie Lutz\, Dr. Kimberlee Mendoza
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION:Bookstore\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4813fda62b0b9ab06fa02360932d9aff
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/4813fda62b0b9ab06fa02360932d9aff
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T204000Z
DTEND:20261004T213000Z
SUMMARY:From Badge to Courtroom: Understanding the Layers of Criminal Investigation
DESCRIPTION:Criminal investigations don't happen in a single office or by a lone detective—they move through distinct layers of responsibility\, each with its own role in building a prosecutable case. This session traces how cases progress through the system: patrol officers who respond first and establish probable cause\, detectives who conduct follow-up investigations and gather evidence\, and district attorney investigators who help prosecutors determine what charges can actually be filed. Drawing on real-world examples from theft to homicide\, we'll explore how responsibility shifts at each stage\, what triggers a case to move from one layer to the next\, and how coordination between these roles determines whether a case makes it to court. Attendees will gain practical insight into the decision-making and accountability that define each phase of the investigative pipeline.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 2\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:533c8252991a45c7961b17743c078c5c
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/533c8252991a45c7961b17743c078c5c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T204000Z
DTEND:20261004T213000Z
SUMMARY:The Art of the Memoir: Telling Your Story
DESCRIPTION: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.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 5\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c9c34f8a71b1c1d709c47fdcd995f452
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/c9c34f8a71b1c1d709c47fdcd995f452
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T204000Z
DTEND:20261004T213000Z
SUMMARY:Time Travels — A Fiction Workshop on the Clock
DESCRIPTION:Time is constant in practice—though not in perception (to readers of fiction\, or fictional characters!). This workshop shines light on exercises and techniques available to writers to advance\, compress\, divide and retreat seasons and seconds to your narrative advantage. Ultimately\, using these strategies effectively rewards our readers\, and makes them more likely to view time spent in our worlds as time well spent.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 3\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b294d955f55a93fba9fff9ee852ab1d8
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/b294d955f55a93fba9fff9ee852ab1d8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T204000Z
DTEND:20261004T213000Z
SUMMARY:When to Rework It and When to Kill It: Revising vs Rewriting
DESCRIPTION:It's said that editing is the real writing\, when a book becomes a draft to something publishable. But how do you know when to revise what's already there\, or when to scrap part (or more!) of your book and start from scratch? This class will go over evaluating signs of where your book's working (or not)\, revision vs rewriting\, and what both looks like.
CATEGORIES:CRAFT
LOCATION:Room 1\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c2aaaf70b01a1765e51b2d5758263702
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/c2aaaf70b01a1765e51b2d5758263702
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T204000Z
DTEND:20261004T213000Z
SUMMARY:✅ Let's Chat: An Overview & Celebration of DFWCON 2026!
DESCRIPTION:Whoo\, it's been a long\, exciting weekend at DFWCon 2026! So let's celebrate and debrief. This class is a community open forum discussion of what attendees learned at DFWCon\, what marketing and craft tactics they plan on implementing\, and overall the biggest take-aways and celebrations of the art of writing. Consider it a nice wrap-up catch all\, where you can ask Dana Swift any last questions about querying\, submission\, book deals\, marketing after release\, etc. All the while she'll be celebrating attendees and the lessons you learned. This might just be the best way to learn about a class or two you missed so have your notebooks ready.\n\nIs this your first writers conference?&nbsp\;Classes with a ✅ in the title like this one are especially good for newcomers.\n\n
CATEGORIES:EVENT
LOCATION:Room E-F\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:35f7b7e92d8e3b46be654248f0a477ea
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/35f7b7e92d8e3b46be654248f0a477ea
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260904T212049Z
DTSTART:20261004T204000Z
DTEND:20261004T213000Z
SUMMARY:So Here's My Problem: Fiction
DESCRIPTION:Everyone gets stuck.&nbsp\;Ask published writers and industry professionals how they’ve worked through similar problems.\nWe have several So Here’s My Problem sessions\, each covering a different topic.This one focuses on&nbsp\;Fiction.
CATEGORIES:READ & CRITIQUE
LOCATION:Room 4\, Hurst Conference Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f5b4afc5a72b36bb79b7f75bcd5c5cc6
URL:http://dfwcon2026.sched.com/event/f5b4afc5a72b36bb79b7f75bcd5c5cc6
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR