Following our keynote, we have eight meaty workshops split into two tracks — four on the craft of fiction writing and four on marketing and the business of writing.

The Craft of Fiction Writing

Craft Session 1:      Story Structure: Basics on How to Put a Story Together

Speaker:      Gloria Clover

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:50

Description:     Understanding story structures helps the writer produce a well-written tale instead of a meandering collection of thoughts. But all writers are unique and there is no one right way to put a book together. In this class, we’ll discuss various story structures used through the years and focus on how to shape one to suit your individual needs.

Craft Session 2:      Using the Six Senses Purposefully

Speaker:     Jeanette Windle

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 1:50

Description:     Using all your six senses brings setting and story alive. Effective telling of the story is what transports your reader into the world you want to share. This is done most effectively through the six senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, and that all-important sixth sense of the writer-emotion. Bring pen, paper, and creativity because this will be a hands-on exercise.

Craft Session 3:     How to Write a Love Inspired Romance Novel

Speaker:     Emily Rodmell

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 2:50

Description:     Learn all about writing category-length romance for the three Love Inspired lines (Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense, Love Inspired Historical) from editor Emily Rodmell. Whether you’re an avid reader of Love Inspired books, have only read a few, or have never picked on up, going from reader to writer requires a whole new approach. Come learn the specifics of the lines and tips on what we’re looking for. We’ll talk about books, conflict, pacing, avoiding episodic plots, the all-important first chapter and more.

Craft Session 4:     Plunging the Depths of Deep POV

Speaker:     Donna L.H. Smith

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 3:50

Description:     What is Deep POV? Why is it important to develop the skill of writing deep POV? In this workshop, you’ll learn techniques to bring your characters’ thoughts to life within your manuscript, making your story impossible to put down. Many examples will be given, but also, come prepared to work on your manuscript. Homework assignments will be given for you to continue skill development long after the workshop is over.

Marketing and the Business of Writing

Marketing Session 1:     Choosing the Right Publishing Path

Speaker:     Roseanna White

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 11:50

Description:     Should you go indie, small press, or traditional with your manuscript? this class breaks down the differences between the options, highlighting pros and cons of them all.

Marketing Session 2:     Public Speaking for Writers,
Part I

Speaker:     Carol Hamilton

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 1:50

Description:    Shy writers can own the stage. Advance from quivering to confident. Venture from behind your computer to promote your work and message through public speaking. Learn skills to practice and become more comfortable in front of an audience. If you’re already speaking, learn tips to improve your presentations.

Marketing Session 3:     Public Speaking for Writers,
Part II

Speaker:     Carol Hamilton

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 2:50

Description:     Put into practice what you’re learning. Guided opportunities will be given for attendees to get up and say something. Come prepared to overcome your shyness, fear, and anything else keeping you from becoming a public speaker.

Marketing Session 4:     Getting the Most Out of a Writer’s Conference

Speaker:     Robin Luftig

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 3:50

Description:     The subtitle is: Networking & Service to Others   You sit with pen in hand, ready to write down all the pearls of wisdom offered by the faculty at writers’ conferences. But could there be more? Learn the importance and the dos and don’ts in networking with other conferees, being of service to others, and how to take the conference experience home with you.

Panel Discussion at 4:00 p.m.

Features all agents, editors, and published authors in attendance. Come prepared to ask your questions about writing, the publishing process, etc.