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Audience: ✅ New Attendees clear filter
Saturday, October 3
 

8:30am CDT

✅ [START HERE] A FIRST-TIMER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE TO CON
Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Room 5
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
avatar for Hayley Bell Parker
Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Room 5
  Event

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
avatar for Meg Blasingame
Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 3
  Craft

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
avatar for A Lee Martinez
avatar for Sally Hamilton
Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 1
  Craft

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
avatar for Laura DuPuy
Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 2
  Craft

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
avatar for Katie Bernet

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

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
avatar for Sarah Mensinga
Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 3
  Craft

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
avatar for Kate Khavari
Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 5
  Craft

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
avatar for Madeline Warthan
Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 3
  Craft

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
avatar for Eva Scalzo

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
 
Sunday, October 4
 

9:00am CDT

✅ Writing Resources 101
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 6
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.

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


Speakers
avatar for Laura M. Johnson
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 6
  Craft

10:00am CDT

✅ Feed Your Readers: All About Social Media Content For Authors
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 5
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.

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

Speakers
avatar for Sydney Applegate
avatar for Madeline Warthan
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 5
  Craft

11:00am CDT

✅ Scene Structure
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 3
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!

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



Speakers
avatar for Matthew Rollins
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 3
  Craft

1:40pm CDT

✅ Brick House Chapter Building
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 2
Every chapter of a novel should have a firm foundation built on goal-conflict-outcome.

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

Speakers
avatar for BJ Sloan
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 2
  Craft

2:40pm CDT

✅ The Writing Habit: How to Create Routines That Reduce Writing Anxiety and Produce Better Work
Sunday October 4, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
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.

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


Speakers
avatar for Leslie Lutz
Sunday October 4, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA
  Craft

3:40pm CDT

✅ Let's Chat: An Overview & Celebration of DFWCON 2026!
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room E-F
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.

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


Speakers
avatar for Dana Swift

Dana Swift

Dana started making up fantasy worlds when she was eleven years old and hasn’t stopped since. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in English and Advertising. Dana currently lives in Austin with her husband and her two dogs whose... Read More →
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room E-F
  Event
 

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