Morning Session — 9:00-12:00 Noon

Kristin Bair

Opening Gambits:
Strategies for Starting Strong

The first moves of a story set its course; beginnings establish voice, tone, atmosphere, and the promise to the reader. In this workshop, we’ll explore a wide range of strategies writers use to begin, from bold declarations to subtle images, from plunging into action to lingering in atmosphere. Through close reading and generative exercises, participants will experiment with multiple approaches to openings and leave with fresh beginnings to develop further.

In-House Lunch — 12:00-1:00 pm

Networking opportunities - with a wonderful buffet-style offering

Afternoon Session — 1:00-4:00 pm

Kristin Bair

Looking Out, Looking In:
Point of View and the Art of Observation

A point of view craft session with a focus on how description through a character’s eyes reveals interiority indirectly; see the world, see the character: discover how point of view reveals interior truths through outward description)

Free Time — 4:00-7:00 pm

Wine & dine with your fellow writers!
See Directions and Lodgings for nearby restaurants. (Hotel café does not serve dinner.)

Writers' Café — 7:00-9:00 pm

Bring 500-800 words (2 pages) to read, and receive feedback from your fellow writers!

>> Live Only - Not Recorded <<

Morning Session — 9:00-12:00 Noon

Donna Galanti

Launch Your Author Brand and Platform:
A 10-Step System to Build Brand, Connect with Readers, and Sell Books

In this dynamic book marketing workshop learn how to plan, create, and launch your successful author brand and platform even before your first book comes out. The Launch Your Author Brand and Platform class is for debut authors (or published authors who want a boost) that focuses on community building to create a successful writer platform. Donna walks you through the process step-by-step to help you connect and collaborate with readers and writers to build brand exposure and sell more books! Plus, you’ll get a copy of her cheat sheet that covers everything in the workshop. Donna dives into these 10 areas:

1. Put Yourself Out There In Your Writing Community
2. Figure Out Your Author Persona
3. Your Website
4. Social Media Zone
5. Your Blog
6. Build A Subscriber List
7. Band With Authors
8. Connect With Readers
9. Position Yourself As An Expert
10. Now What? Keep It Rolling!

Each lesson includes Rookie Mistakes to Avoid, Myth Busters, and How to Go the Extra Mile. Creating an author platform takes time and building it slowly focusing on these 10 areas can make this overwhelming process not only easy and manageable, but fun!

In-House Lunch — 12:00-1:00 pm

Networking opportunities - with a wonderful buffet-style offering.

Afternoon Session — 1:00-4:30 pm

Lawrence Knorr

Publishing Workshop for Authors and Independent Presses

Three 1-hour sessions, with two fifteen-minute intermittent breaks:
Current Trends in Book Publishing:
Updates on the latest changes occurring in book publishing, including what is happening with electronic and audio formats, category performance, translation and adaptation/performance rights, printing and distribution, editorial and design tools, etc.
Impacts of Gen-AI on Book Publishing:
The latest info on the impacts of artificial intelligence on the creative, operational, and marketing aspects of the business. The discussion includes intellectual property/copyright concerns and the recent Anthropic lawsuit.
The Top Ten Ways to Sell More Books:
Learn the best ways authors and independent publishers can sell more of their work. Presented in a countdown format, the results are likely to surprise! Plus, a few items that don't make the list and why.

Page Cuts Critique — 6:30-8:00 pm

Rare opportunity for anonymous Read & Critique from industry pros.
Limited Seats Available: Additional $10 charge during registration

An assigned reader will read your anonymous synopsis and opening page to a panel of industry experts, agents, editors and seasoned writers. Each will give their considered opinion based on the never-before-heard selection.

This opportunity offers invaluable feedback without the pressure of public speaking. Take notes in private. Panel members will be available for questions after the last reading.

 >> Live Only - Not Recorded <<

Genre Chat — 6:30-8:00 pm

Each table is a different genre. Have a cuppa with other writers and delve into the craft of whatever genre catches your fancy.

>> Live Only - Not Recorded <<

Evening Soirée — 8:00-10:00 pm

Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and Cash bar.
Schmooze with the presenters and fellow writers.
It's Friday the 13th! Come in Costume!
Mark Twain is sure to make an appearance...
A roving paparazzo will be snapping individuals and groups!

 >> Live Only - Not Recorded <<

Special Opportunity!

Looking for a burst of clarity, feedback, or motivation?
Book a one-on-one 15-minute session
with author, teacher, and editor Kristin Bair!
Limited Seats Available: Additional $15 charge at Registration

Choose your focus:

Marketing — Brainstorm strategies to build your audience, strengthen your platform, or promote your book.
Editing — Get quick, constructive feedback on your manuscript. (Bring 2–3 double-spaced pages.)
Open Session — Bring your questions, challenges, or creative fatigue, and leave with an energy boost and renewed focus.

Fifteen minutes. Three choices. One step forward in your writing journey.

>> Live Only - Not Recorded <<

The Life-Saving Magic of Making Stuff Up
(Keynote)

Every writer has a story about the time words pulled them back from the brink—a breakup survived, a holiday dinner endured, a rejection turned into fuel. Writing doesn’t just fill pages; it saves us.

With humor and heart, this keynote explores how writing carries us through heartbreak, chaos, doubt, and even hot flashes—and how survival on the page becomes art that changes the world.

Finding the Funny: Writing Humor That Hits

Humor is one of the trickiest—and most powerful—tools in a writer’s kit. Done well, it disarms, surprises, and deepens the truth of a story. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to weave humor into fiction and nonfiction in ways that feel natural to your voice. With quick exercises, sharp examples, and big laughs, you’ll learn how to sharpen your comic instincts, balance humor with heart, and use laughter to deepen the emotional impact of your work.

Objects Move Stories Forward

A teacup. A set of keys. A pair of ballet slippers under a swing set. Objects in fiction aren’t just props—they carry memory, desire, conflict, and meaning. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how everyday items can unlock character, build tension, and deepen theme. Through guided prompts and discussion, you’ll learn how to let objects do the heavy lifting in your stories. They’ll move plot, reveal hidden truths, and give your work unexpected emotional resonance.

How to Use Discouragement as a Motivating Tool

Rejection is crushing. Discouragement is real. Even successful authors struggle sometimes. But how do some writers succeed more readily than others? In this workshop, I will discuss strategies, give practical advice, worksheets with a framework for submissions, and show you how to use discouragement as a motivator—not only for your own work, but to help others along the way.

Realize your Characters

Do you ever find it a struggle to realize a 3-dimensional protagonist? Or have an antagonist that is evil—and flat. It’s by knowing your characters inside and out that one can organically develop a strong plot and narrative. Writers often say writing is an organic process. What they mean is that by understanding who their characters are and knowing their specific motivations, they can allow the story to grow organically. Come prepared to do writing exercises.

7 Things To Do Right Now Before You Get a Book Deal

Even if you don’t have a literary agent, a book deal, or a polished draft, Donna will show you what you can do right now to successfully pave the way to an author career before your book is published—whether traditional or indie. Learn how to build a strong author foundation that includes creating a peer support network, banding with other authors, creating a genuine author persona, sharing the wisdom you already have (and may not know it), working with industry organizations, and connecting with readers (yes, before that book is out!). Each lesson includes Rookie Mistakes to Avoid, Myth Busters, and How to Go the Extra Mile. Creating an author platform takes time and building it slowly can make this overwhelming process not only easy and manageable, but fun! Attendees will come away with the steps to launch their author platform as they continue to seek publication.

Foundations of World Building

All stories happen somewhere. Whether you write fantasy, dystopian, science fiction, or even about the “real world,” world building is key to creating a meaningful story. With seven books under her belt in fantasy, science fiction, and contemporary, Donna shares methods of world building that any writer can apply. From the smallest details to the rules of its universe, discover the way a considered approach to world building can govern the hearts of your characters and help drive your story. Topics include elements of world building, using world building to support conflict and tension, and what to avoid in building your world. You’ll also dive into seven main areas that serve as the foundation for your world: Rules, Rituals, Environment, People and Culture, Technology, Religion, and Power.

Harness Your Inner Child to Write for Children

Whether you write for children now or are considering it, Donna will share how to harness your childlike wonder and create an engaging story idea that tweens and teens can connect with while avoiding stories that can fall flat. Topics include how kids read vs. adults, finding story ideas, ways to engage and thrill, use of setting and imagery, and creating characters kids can love. With seven middle-grade novels published to date, Donna will share her own writing techniques so you can learn how to get inside the minds of young readers and discover what issues they face to create a story that gets inside their hearts.

A Practical Guide to All Things Query Related

Crafting an effective query letter is one of the  most important (and often most daunting) steps toward publication. This practical, hands-on workshop demystifies the querying process from start to finish.

We'll break down what agents and editors are really looking for, how to structure a professional query letter, and how to tailor your pitch for maximum impact. You'll learn the key ingredients of a strong query—compelling hook, concise summary, and author bio—and how to avoid the most common mistakes that land queries in the rejection pile.

Through guided examples, group discussion, and individualized feedback, you'll leave with the tools and confidence to query strategically and effectively.

How to Write a Compelling Synopsis

Whether you're preparing to query agents, submit to publishers, or simply sharpen your storytelling focus, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the art of writing an effective synopsis.

You'll learn what a synopsis really needs to accomplish, how to balance plot summary with emotional impact, and common pitfalls to avoid. Through practical examples and step-by-step exercises, you'll transition your work into a concise summary that captures the heart of your story.

Genres and Word Count

When it comes to getting your book noticed, word count and genre can make—or break—your chances. This workshop takes the mystery out of industry expectations, helping you to understand how genre and word count guidelines shape your story, your pitch, and your path to publication.

We'll explore how different genres—literary, commercial, upmarket, speculative, romance, fantasy, romantasy, and more plus age categories—set their own standards for word count. You'll learn why these conventions exist, when it's okay to bend them, and how to position your work so agents and editors see it as market ready.

Through discussion, examples, and a few eye-opening exercises, you'll leave with a clear sense of where your project fits—and how to make that positioning work in your favor.

Experimental Forms in Creative Non-Fiction

Discussions covering the different forms of CNF — including hermit crab essays, graphic essays, etc.

Intro to Creative Non-Fiction

What it is and isn't, tips and tricks for writing, and information about publishing options

Agent/Editor Pitch Sessions

You'll have a ten-minute session to pitch your manuscript to the agent or editor of your choice! Select your choice of agent/editor during registration.

Slots are free, but are limited on a first-come, first-serve basis!

Photography - Publicity Shots

Don't use a selfie for your author brand! Get a twenty-minute session with GLVWG's own professional photographer to get 'the' shot that places your best self in front of the eyes of your readers, agents, editors, and publishers.

Limited Seats Available. Additional charge of $50 at registration.

Book Fair

See (almost) everything that local bookstore Book & Puppet has to offer - including the masterpieces written by our own GLVWG authors, and our Guest Presenters.

Vote for your favorite Flash Fiction in the categories of Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry.

For details, visit the Book Fair and Flash Lit Contest pages.

Closing Ceremonies

The Book Fair continues, along with the announcement of the Flash Lit Contest winners, with additional door prizes awarded to a few lucky individuals who complete the Conference Feedback Survey form!

For details, visit the Book Fair and Flash Lit Contest pages.