The updated, virtual schedule is here! We’re in the process of filling the open slots and will have the completed program posted soon.
The Writer’s Digest Annual Conference offers a balanced program covering the fundamentals of craft—delving into specific genres and techniques—along with the business of being a writer, from traditional and self-publishing paths, promotion and marketing strategies, and managing a sustainable career.
We’re in the process of selecting speakers for what should be our best program yet so check back often, and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to receive session and speaker updates as they’re announced!
Featured Events
Pre-Conference Workshops (11/5)
The Compass of Character: Creating Complex Motivations for Compelling Characters | David Corbett
Personal Essay Essentials: How to Break Into Print with First-Person Writing | Windy Lynn Harris
Sessions Schedule
FRIDAY, November 6, 2020
SATURDAY, November 7, 2020
|
Craft |
Craft |
Inspiration |
Publishing Business |
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
How To Plot Your Book With Ease
Ann Garvin
|
The Muddle in the Middle
Hank Phillippi Ryan
|
Be a Writing Machine: How to Never Run Out of Writing Ideas and Beat Writer’s Block Forever
Michael La Ronn
|
Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Publishing: From First Pitch to Book Birthday
Nevien Shaabneh
|
11:15 – 12:15 PM |
Creating a Conflict Box: The Fuel of Your Story
Bob Mayer
|
It’s a Small, Diverse World: Creating Authentic Voices for Your Characters
Abby Vandiver
|
Secrets of the Algorithm – How Traditionally Published Authors and Indies are Working with Amazon’s Algorithm To Find More Readers
Laurence O’Bryan
Sponsored by: BooksGoSocial.com
|
The Nitty Gritty on Giving a Book Talk for Your Novel
Hallie Ephron
|
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM |
Dialogue as Action, Not Conversation
David Corbett
|
Crafting Flash
Windy Lynn Harris
|
Find Your Writing Voice by Exploring Other Creative Arts: Arts, Music, Performance, Oh My!
Sharon Short |
Evaluate Your Publisher’s Platform Before Signing a Book Deal
Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
|
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
Lunch on your own / Exhibits |
|
Craft |
Craft |
Inspiration |
Publishing Business |
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM |
Rock Your Revisions
Gabriela Pereira
|
The 5 Insider Secrets to Show-Stopping Novel Beginnings
Annalisa Parent
Sponsored by: Date with the Muse, LLC
|
Fearless Writing: Because Everyone Has What It Takes
William Kenower
|
Slush Pile Boot Camp
Chantelle Aimee Osman
|
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Panel: Debut Authors
PANEL: Joanne Ramos, Tariq Shah, Mia Mercado, Lisa Braxton, and Cassandra Lipp (Moderator)
|
Weaving the Character Web
David Corbett
|
Organizing Your Writing Life
Leslye Penelope
|
How to Sell to Libraries
Amy Collins
|
5:15 – 6:30 PM |
Central Keynote: Maaza Mengiste and Viet Thanh Nguyen
|
5:30 – 7:00 PM |
Networking, Virtual Lounge |