Days 1 & 2

The Writer's Workout
Mar 23
4 min read

Here's what's happening at our conference on Monday and Tuesday.

All of these talks will be available on our YouTube channel AND through our Conference page this year. I'll also link them in Discord as they premiere, where you can watch them while chatting with a few awesome presenters!

Day One: Monday, March 23

Writing Commercial Young Adult Fiction

with Alyssa Villaire

11 am Eastern, 3 pm UTC

What defines young adult fiction? Sure, it’s the numbers (age range, word count, etc.) But it’s also the themes: Coming-of-age, gaining independence, and the birth of nostalgia. YA fantasy author Alyssa Villaire explores the elements that make young adult fiction—and what separates this age category from middle grade and new adult books. She then discusses how to create a hook that teases the overarching plot of your YA novel. In addition, she talks about how adult writers can capture a young adult voice on the page. A must-watch for anyone interested in writing YA!

A Guide to Business Operations for Freelancers

with Rachel Thompson

1 pm Eastern, 5 pm UTC

As freelance writers, we work IN the business delivering value to readers and ON the business to make sure it achieves its goal. This session provides a basic guide to structuring your business as a hobbyist, side hustle, or a full-time author. Learn how your business operations can support your life, brain, and bank account with tips on financial, administrative, and contracting structures, digital presence, and outreach strategies.

Break: 3 pm Eastern, 7 pm UTC

How to Craft a Best-Selling Picture Book Series

with Amy Nielsen

5 pm Eastern, 9 pm UTC

Pick up the templates here!

As a youth librarian, Amy Nielsen purchased hundreds of picture books. As a literary agent, she’s sold numerous illustrated children’s books to publishers. Amy shares her knowledge with the Writer’s Workout, including how to get started writing a children’s picture book (ideas, characters, setting, etc.) She explores the difference between character-driven and concept-driven picture books. Amy also addresses the importance of branding in creating a marketable children’s series. Once you have all the pieces in place, she explains how to best pitch your concept to literary agents.

How to Write a Horror Novel

with Stacey L. Pierson

7 pm Eastern, 11 pm UTC

In How to Write a Horror Novel, Stacey talks through the process of finding a fear, creating a character to interact with that fear, and how to put that fear in motion. She discusses the importance of atmosphere with descriptive language, especially with setting. Fear, setting, and atmosphere, combined with character synergy, create a strong, believable horror narrative.

Day Two: Tuesday, March 24

Writing as Play

with Jessica Lee Minneci

9 am Eastern, 1 pm UTC

In Writing As Play, Jessica teaches authors how to change their approach to writing to make it less of a mental chore and more playful. She suggests creating a mental “sandbox” to gain familiarity with characters and plot, asking “what ifs” to help expand plot ideas, word association, and classic influences like fairy tales. This talk also explores what makes writing fun for the writer overall—even in revision.

Writing Neurodivergent Characters

with Brianna Heath

11 am Eastern, 3 pm UTC

Author Brianna Heath discusses what neurodiversity is and how it differs for everyone. She provides a walkthrough of how a writer might approach developing a neurodivergent character. Includes tips on realism, masking, and interiority, how to avoid stereotypes, and what it’s like to live with a brain that works differently.

(Re)Imaginings: Adaptations and Retellings

with Colleen Alles

1 pm Eastern, 5 pm UTC

Retellings and adaptations are perennially popular with readers and viewers. From Clueless to Percival Everett’s Pulitzer Prize winning James, we love to explore classic stories in innovative ways. This talk unpacks the distinctions between retellings and adaptations while offering specific approaches for writers. Audience members will come away from this talk with a deeper understanding of the mechanisms at work in retellings and, hopefully, inspiration to venture their own ideas in this marketable space.

Break: 3 pm Eastern, 7 pm UTC

Our Bold Voices Panel Discussion

with Paul Iarrobino & Our Bold Voices

5 pm Eastern, 9 pm UTC

Our Bold Voices amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities through storytelling and collaboration. Our Bold Voices published its first book of queer stories, Defining Moments, followed by Defiant Moments, and more books are on the way. In this panel discussion, a group of Our Bold Voices authors discusses their stories, their motivations for sharing their work, and how collaborating has improved their writing experience. Our Bold Voices Founding Director Paul Iarrobino moderates this candid conversation and is joined by writers Russell Alexander-Orozco, Heidi Bruins Green, Jamison Green, John Lucia, and Scott Strickland.

Using 4thewords to Write

with Coffee Quills

7 pm Eastern, 11 pm UTC

4thewords is an innovative platform that turns writing into a role-playing game adventure. Battle monsters, undertake heroic quests, and win loot—all by writing! In this presentation, author Coffee Quills demonstrates how you can join in the fun, interact with other writers, and boost your writing at the same time. This presentation serves as an in-depth guide for beginners on how to use 4thewords.