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Saturday, October 3
 

8:30am CDT

Age Isn't Just a Number: Exploring Age Categories in KidLit
Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Lindsey
Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Room 1
  Craft

8:30am CDT

How to Revise a Chapter: Let's Edit a Chapter Together (Live!)
Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Room 6
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.
Speakers
avatar for Kayla Olson
Saturday October 3, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Room 6
  Craft

9:30am CDT

Bridge Over Troubled Water II
Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Tracey
Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 1
  Craft

9:30am CDT

Navigating Literary and Revelatory Poetry
Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 2
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.
Speakers
avatar for Moon Abbas
Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 2
  Craft

9:30am CDT

Your First Five Pages
Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 6
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.
Speakers
avatar for Jacquelin Cangro
Saturday October 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Room 6
  Craft

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

Character Assassination: How to Torture Your Characters with Their Past
Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 6
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.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Moorhead
Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 6
  Craft

10:30am CDT

How to Hide Research in Historical Fiction
Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 5
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.
Speakers
avatar for Laura M. Johnson
Saturday October 3, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Room 5
  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

How the Door Swings: A Guide to Writing Romance Heat Levels
Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT
Room 6
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.
Speakers
avatar for Sydney Applegate
avatar for Madeline Warthan
Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT
Room 6
  Craft

11:30am CDT

Micro Expressions, Macro Impact: Writing Body Language That Speaks
Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT
Room 5
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.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Helt
Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT
Room 5
  Craft

11:30am CDT

Writing Human Women
Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Caitlin Jacobs
Saturday October 3, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm CDT
Room 1
  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

The Art of Truth: Writing Nonfiction They Can't Put Down
Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kimberlee Mendoza
Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 1
  Craft

2:10pm CDT

You Think That’s Funny?
Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 2
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.
Speakers
avatar for BJ Sloan
Saturday October 3, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 2
  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

Banter and Barbs
Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 5
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.
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 →
avatar for Andy C. Naranjo
Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 5
  Craft

3:10pm CDT

Character Driven Fiction
Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 6
Discover how to use your main character's goal, motivation, and conflict to drive and enhance the plot of your novel.
Speakers
avatar for Madelyn Knecht
Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 6
  Craft

3:10pm CDT

Me Write Pretty One Day
Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Brooke Fossey

Brooke Fossey

Brooke Fossey was once an aerospace engineer with a secret clearance before she traded it all in for motherhood and writing. She’s a past president and an honorary lifetime member of DFW Writers’ Workshop. Her work can be found in numerous publications, including Ruminate Mag... Read More →
avatar for Helen Dent

Helen Dent

Helen Dent's career as a writer began at age nine, when her grandfather paid her a dollar a page for what turned into quite a lengthy story. She studied monster theory (among other things) in graduate school, taught English at a Chinese university, and toured the Scottish Hebrides... Read More →
Saturday October 3, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm CDT
Room 1
  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

Anatomy of the Unreliable Narrator
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 2
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.
Speakers
avatar for Jalyn Renae Fiske
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 2
  Craft

4:10pm CDT

The Editorial Escape Room: Curse on a Doomed Draft
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 3
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.
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.
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.
Break the curse. Save the story. Escape the draft — if you can.
Speakers
avatar for Aubrey Green
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 3
  Craft

4:10pm CDT

Turn That Spark into a Blaze: 7 Steps to Crafting Compelling Conflict
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 6
Conflict ignites every scene in your novel. But how do you stoke those fires to keep your readers engaged and your plot moving?
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.
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.
Speakers
avatar for Dawn Alexander
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 6
  Craft

4:10pm CDT

Writing for Kids These Days
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Meg Blasingame
Saturday October 3, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 1
  Craft
 
Sunday, October 4
 

9:00am CDT

Home Is Where the Heart Is: Using the Setting Around You to Build Fantasical Worlds
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 2
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.
Speakers
avatar for Andy C. Naranjo
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 2
  Craft

9:00am CDT

Screen to Page: Screenwriting Techniques for Creating Dynamic Fiction
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 3
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.
Speakers
avatar for R.C. Bramhall
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 3
  Craft

9:00am CDT

You Can’t Always Leave the Past in the Past: Trauma, Flashbacks, and the Art of Backstory
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Duygu Balan

Duygu Balan

Duygu Balan is a psychotherapist, speaker, and author whose work centers on intimacy, trauma, identity, and the stories we tell about ourselves. She has authored Re-Write: A Trauma Workbook of Creative Writing and Recovery in Our New Normal (Routledge, 2023), Confidently Chill: A... Read More →
Sunday October 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Room 1
  Craft

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

Strategic Dialogue Deployment: Subtext, Story Beats, and Other Things You Didn’t Know Dialogue Could Do
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 2
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)?  

Before 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.

Speakers
avatar for Rosemary Clement
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 2
  Craft

10:00am CDT

Writing Middle Grade Books
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 3
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.
Speakers
avatar for Kay Goodnight
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 3
  Craft

10:00am CDT

Writing Suspense, Mysteries, and Thrillers
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Room 6
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.
Speakers
avatar for Larry Enmon
Sunday October 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am 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

Andor: A Study in Adding Politics to Your Plot
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 2
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.)
Speakers
avatar for Caitlin Jacobs
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 2
  Craft

11:00am CDT

Grammar AMA
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 5
(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!
Speakers
avatar for Mark Dye
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 5
  Craft

11:00am CDT

How To Revise Like An Editor
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 6
Self-editing tips from macro to micro.
Speakers
avatar for Kelsey Evans

Kelsey Evans

Kelsey began as an editor, helping writers shape their work through developmental feedback, query critiques, and revision guidance.

Later, she moved into agenting, interning with Triada US and Creative Media Agency (CMA), where she gained hands-on experience in manuscri... Read More →
Sunday October 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Room 6
  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

How to Plot a Romance Arc That Complements the External Plot
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Kayla Olson
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 1
  Craft

1:40pm CDT

No Small Parts: Big Worlds Built with Minor Characters
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 6
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.
Speakers
avatar for Aleese Lin
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 6
  Craft

1:40pm CDT

Revision as Momentum Engineering: Building a Revision Roadmap That Actually Works
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 3
“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.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Helt
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 3
  Craft

1:40pm CDT

Write a Picture Book with Me!
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 5
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.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Mensinga
Sunday October 4, 2026 1:40pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 5
  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 Art of the Breakup
Sunday October 4, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 5
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.
Speakers
avatar for Jacquelin Cangro
Sunday October 4, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 5
  Craft

2:40pm CDT

The Greatest Duos of All Time: How to Craft Killer Character Foils
Sunday October 4, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 3
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.
Speakers
avatar for Jalyn Renae Fiske
Sunday October 4, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room 3
  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

From Badge to Courtroom: Understanding the Layers of Criminal Investigation
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 2
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.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Arista
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 2
  Craft

3:40pm CDT

The Art of the Memoir: Telling Your Story
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 5
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.
Speakers
avatar for Carrie Turner
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 5
  Craft

3:40pm CDT

Time Travels — A Fiction Workshop on the Clock
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 3
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.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Pitt
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 3
  Craft

3:40pm CDT

When to Rework It and When to Kill It: Revising vs Rewriting
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 1
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.
Speakers
avatar for Sean Fletcher

Sean Fletcher

Sean Fletcher is the award-winning, bestselling author of a number of fantasy series, such as the Savage Wilds, My Dearest Monster, Legacy of Dragons, Heir of Dragons, and more, in addition to forthcoming books whose characters will not give him a moment's peace until they get their turn in the spotlight. When not making up highly-enjoyable lies and putting them down on paper, he's often doing something most people find masochistic, like cyclin... Read More →
Sunday October 4, 2026 3:40pm - 4:30pm CDT
Room 1
  Craft
 

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