Program / Curriculum ( subject to change for all the usual reasons)
The Annual Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference includes workshops for Aspiring, Active and Accomplished writers of books and screenplays. Each offers an educational and inspirational experience in a stream of learning that progresses all weekend. This methodology allows you to participate and learn at a comfortable level and speed with peers of similar interests and disciplines. Jump from one track to another at any time, and experience as many topics as you can. It's your choice!
Walk-up
Registration, Pre-Registration pickup of credentials, badge, program, swag bag
1:30
Orientation Session Welcome, Introductions, What's New / Weekend Updates
2:00 - 2:25
You Are Here!
Welcoming Keynote
How lucky you are to be right here, right now, at this unique moment in time and space! This could be the moment that you becomes inspired to write a story that impacts tens of thousands of others. It may be turned into a series, made into a film, may even be taught in schools. It might make people cry and laugh and feel wonder and awe. It might change someone’s life.
Just 100 years ago, a fraction of a moment on the scale of time, you wouldn’t have had the benefit of a writers conference like this. You probably would be writing on a clunky typewriter, or even with pen and ink. Women, LGBTQ and many ethnicities would have a much harder time getting any kind of writing education and an even harder time getting published; and you certainly would have been restricted in writing about certain topics.
You are here, and that means your opportunities as a writer are virtually limitless.
Desireé Duffy, Founder Black Château
2:30 - 3:15
The 4 Paths to Publishing
Opening Keynote
Industry changes have made it one of the best times in history to be an author, but also one of the most confusing times with all of the different publishing options that are available. In this opening address, Author Learning Center President Keith Ogorek will review the four primary publishing paths and explain the benefits and challenges of each option. Learn the basics of DIY publishing, general contractor publishing, supported self-publishing, and traditional publishing. You'll discover how these book publishing options differ from another, the amount of responsibility and control you have with each, and ultimately, which path may be the best fit for you, your budget, and your book.
(Handout material will be available)
Keith Ogorek
3:30 - 4:30
How To Pitch an Agent or Publisher
You've spent a year or more working on a great novel and now you feel it's ready to be shared with the world. Naturally, the first step is to pitch literary agents and find one who shares your passion for the work and is willing to sign you. While many authors submit countless query letters and emails -- without result, a few wise souls know that agents often look to conferences as a source for new talented writers. It is a unique window to have your work considered firsthand. But what do you say? How do you present yourself and your manuscript in order to have them ask for more? This panel of agents, editors, and publishers du jour will discuss what they expect and answer your questions. This is an opportunity to hear what each agent needs in order to make a decision. Listen well, then rehearse before scheduling a pitch session with any or all of them later any day at the conference.
Literary Agents, Scouts, and Talent Managers du jour
Annie Bomke, Whitney Davis, Claire Gerus, Steven Hutson, Toni Robino, Paul S. Levine, Alyssa Roat, Steve Rosenthal, Tony N. Todaro (M) (Ken Sherman will appear on Saturday)
Meet editors, agents and/or publishers for a personal consultation to pitch, discuss and improve pre-submitted pages of your manuscript. Schedule an appointment at the Registration Desk. Some editors may take new submissions on site. A separate fee applies to ProCritque and Masters ProCritique consultations. Some agents do not read or edit material in advance. Consult the wcwriters.com website for details. We recommend you attend the "How to Pitch" session in order to help identify the best professional for your individual genre and material.
SIGN UP at 1-on-1 Deskstarts after agent panel.
4:45
Things I wish a Pro Had Told Me When I First Started Writing
Many aspiring writers waste time and brain cells when they first enter the world of writing professionally. Becoming a writer and then a published author is a steep, steep learning curve. Even for those with prior experience and previously published books, the rapidly changing landscape of the industry means you can easily make mistakes; in your writing, pitching, marketing and certainly when it comes to finding and signing a deal with a publisher or entering the shark-infested waters of the self-publishing pool. The aim of this session is to keep you safe, strong and smart as you progress in your work and career. Learn from industry pros many of the things you can avoid to save years of frustration and yes, brain cells, too.
How to Conceptualize a Highly Marketable Nonfiction Book
Learn the essential steps to conceptualize and plan a nonfiction book that agents want to represent and publishers want to buy. These are the same steps used to create the concepts and outlines for New York Times bestsellers including The Male Brain: A Breakthrough Understanding of How Men and Boys Think and 100 Heartbeats: The Race to Save Earth’s Most Endangered Species.
Toni Robino (Solo Spotlight)
Development of Story
Whether you want to be a writer of screenplays, teleplays, or fiction, a dynamic understanding of story is absolutely necessary for success. We will discuss how to integrate classic story principles into every aspect of your writing, as we:
examine structure, subtext, crisis, high stakes, and climax to enhance your story's dramatic arc.
study how character wants and needs as well as inner and external conflicts can drive a story forward.
learn how to embrace revision and ABOVE ALL, revitalize your creative spirit.
Please bring a brief paragraph description of the story to the workshop, to help you learn how to apply these principles to your own writing and take it to the next level.
John Henry Davis (Solo Spotlight)
Ten Steps to a Successful Revision (or, All You’ll Ever Need are Post-its)
No doubt you know that the last period on your first draft is not the end, but the beginning of your writing journey. First drafts are diamonds in the rough, dull stones that need to be cut and shaped and polished in the revision process. This sounds like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is an open mind and lots of post-it notes. Editor and writing coach Helga Schier will teach you how to edit with a plan that will guide you from fixing big-picture issues like structure, pacing and point of view to making sure every comma and period is in the right place. As Stephen King once said: “Writing is human. Editing is divine.”
Helga Schier, PhD (Solo Spotlight)
6:00 - 7:00
Writing a Best-Selling Memoir - Biographies That More Than Just Your Family Will Read.
What makes “Eat, Pray, Love,” “The Liar’s Club”
or “Angela’s Ashes” garner dazzling reviews or make readers weep or howl
with laughter? How do you impose order on a thousand memories? Why is it
important to resist the temptation to summarize your life?
In this
workshop, we’ll identify what makes great memoirs unforgettable, as well
as identify moments from your own life: the lowest ebb, the most unusual,
shattering, funny or triumphant incidents that reveal your character and
move readers. We will also discuss how to write a memoir/autobiography for a friend or client/celebrity.
Marlan Warren, Madeline Sharples, Herbie J Pilato, Robin Quinn (M)
The Hero's and The Heroines' Journeys
The Hero’s Journey is a widely-used template for a broad category of tales and lore that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, and in a decisive crisis wins a victory, and then comes home changed or transformed. Since the release of Vogler’s "The Writer’s Journey," based on Joseph Campbell’s "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," countless novels and motion pictures have conformed their male characters to this mythic structure.
But how about heroines? Fear not. Heroines’ Journeys will allow your storylines to connect readers, viewers, and audiences with your characters. You may have seen these used for everything from "Legally Blonde" to "Orange is the New Black." Now you can learn how to use this methodology to create your own strong female protagonists and villains that will guarantee your female-driven stories will connect with the right audience.
Alexis Krasilovsky (Solo Spotlight) Professor Dept. of Cinema & TV Arts, California State University, Northridge Author, "Great Adaptations: Screenwriting and Global Storytelling" - 2nd Place Winner, 2019 International Writers Award
The Author / Agent Relationship
A presentation focused on the author/agent relationship, detailing the literary agent's role at every stage of the publishing process, how to find an agent, and what makes for a strong author/agent relationship.
Annie Bomke, Literary Agent (Solo Spotlight)
How to Be A Winning Speaker -- Get Your Audience to Sit Up and Listen
Learn to effectively use public speaking as an essential marketing tool, and The “How and Where” to market yourself to get regular speaking invitations and referrals. Many authors neglect a golden opportunity to sell their books from the back of the room, or get invitations to podcast interviews. This international speaker and author will demonstrate how to develop a perfect introductory pitch to secure gigs, and deliver compelling presentations. She invites attendees to submit their own pitch samples for constructive comment.
Ester Benjamin Shifren (Solo Spotlight)
7:30
A
Gathering of Writers No-host cocktail party with the speakers and agents All attendees and guests are welcome to meet and network with
the agents, speakers and special guests.
Location: Lobby Bar (Attend Orientation Session for details)
Literary Breakfast with Art Holcomb Join this popular author/editor/educator/screenwriter for a round-table discussion
+ Q&A on the craft of writing. No host breakfast. $10 participation. Limited space in Share Restaurant, DoubleTree lobby. Please RSVP
9:00
Walk-up
Registration, Pre-Registration pickup of credentials, badge, program, swag bag
9:30
Orientation Session Welcome, Introductions, What's New / Weekend Updates
As a writer, it's so important to capture a potential agent's (and audience's) attention within the first few pages of your story. Learn the common mistakes writers make when starting their novels and how to avoid them. We will also discuss some creative tools that can help you stand apart from the crowd. You will come away with great ideas for a fresh opening sequence that will keep the agent asking for more. Use this session to polish your work and take advantage of the live read and critique on Sunday AM.
Whitney Davis - Literary Manager, Developmental Editor and Writing Consultant(Solo Spotlight)
Writing for the Short Story Market
Learn what publishers are looking for, how to submit, and how to profit from your writing.
Neil V. Young, Chrome Oxide, E.E. King, Alex Ironrod, Steve Rosenthal, Marco Subias (M)
The Evolving Role of a Literary Agent in Today's Publishing World
The classic image that authors have of agents has undergone a great change over the last decade. From the implosion of New York Publishers to the massive influence of self-publishing, it's a Golden Age for some authors and a Brave New World for others. This powerhouse round-table will discuss how the changes have effected their roll in the publishing process and authors can best work with their agents to achieve success.
Ken Sherman, Annie Bomke, Claire Gerus, Steven Hutson, Toni Robino, Paul S. Levine, Alyssa Roat, Tony N Todaro (M)
Meet editors, agents and/or publishers for a personal consultation to pitch, discuss and improve pre-submitted pages of your manuscript. Schedule an appointment at the Registration Desk. Some editors may take new submissions on site. A separate fee applies to ProCritque and Masters ProCritique consultations. Some agents do not read or edit material in advance. Consult the wcwriters.com website for details. We recommend you attend the Saturday or Sunday "How to Pitch" session at 10:00 am in order to help identify the best professional for your individual genre and material.
SIGN UP at 1-on-1 Meetings Desk
11:15 - 12:30
"You see, there's this Tornado, and it's full of Sharks...!" orHow to Pitch and Sell an Independent Movie in Hollywood
A free-wheeling interview with director Anthony C. Ferrante, who helmed all six of the Sharknado movies and has written and directed such genre films as Boo and Forgotten Evil. Discover the evolution of Sharknado from pitch to execution and how the ambitious franchise was directed. See clips from the series with live commentary.
Plus Anthony will have a preview from Zombie Tidal Wave, his latest directorial feature (which he co-wrote). Zombie will premiere that same Saturday evening August 17th on the SyFy Channel. A Q&A session will follow, time permitting.
Anthony C. Ferrante, interview with writer-producer Joel Eisenberg
11:15 - 12:15
"Help - My Laptop Has Fallen Over and Can't Get Up" - Dealing with Writers Block
Is Writers Block Real? How to use psychology tools to overcome common problems that bring our writing to a grinding halt.
How many times do we writers get “writers block” and can't write a word, or the opposite, where we work frantically on everything, unable to focus on just one project? How often do we stop for the day after a short time because we think we’re tired, or we're bored with our own work, or we simply can’t write due to interruptions and circumstances around us? In this class, Sarah uses her Master's Degree and doctoral studies in behavioral psychology to teach participants the use of psychological assessment tools and forms, and specific writing-related behavioral techniques to overcome these and other problems that slow our writing, or all too frequently, bring it to a grinding halt.
Alex Ironrod, Elaine Ash, Deanna Brady, Mike Robinson, Sara Anne Fox, plus panel
Writing Realistic YA
Whether your teenage years were a few months or a few decades ago, how do you write YA fiction that is compelling, relatable, and realistic for the modern teen? This presentation covers how to write teen fiction that rings true. We will explore dialogue, motivations, relationships, and plausible scenarios for YA of all genres.
Alyssa Roat, Literary Agent, Cyle Young Literary Elite(Solo Spotlight)
What is a writer? Agents and editors for books and screenplays are always looking for writers who have original story telling voices and an unbridled obsession to write. Do you travel though your writing where it’s scary and dangerous, places you never discuss with your closest friends or even your shrink? Literary agent Ken Sherman will reveal what he thinks it takes to become original, raw, and fearless. Write in your own voice and don’t parrot others. He will also discuss how to face rejection head-on and learn from it. Find the magic in yourself and write without rules. Bring your imagination and other fantasies and start singing on the page.
Keynote Speaker:
Ken Sherman, Literary Agent
Ken Sherman is President of Ken Sherman & Associates, a Los Angeles based literary agency. The company handles film, television, and book writers, as well as selling film and television rights for books and life-rights. An agent for more than twenty years, Ken is also a popular and accomplished speaker, having taught and lectured extensively at venues including UCLA, USC, Loyola Marymount University, both in New Orleans and Los Angeles, the American Film Institute, The University of Oklahoma, Sherwood Oaks Experiment College, The Santa Fe Writers Conference, The Novelists, Inc. Conference, The Aspen Institute, the Aspen Summers Words Writers Conference and The Eugene International Film Festival where he received a lifetime achievement award.
Book Give-A-Way, Scholarship Drawing
2:30 - 3:30
The "POEM" Method of Book Marketing
Most authors know book marketing is key to their success, but don’t often feel equipped to do it effectively. In this seminar, Keith Ogorek, President of The Author Learning Center, provides an easy to understand framework and way to build a marketing plan that will give you confidence in your book marketing efforts. The method he will share is based on the acronym POEM and includes all the elements of an integrated marketing campaign: Publicity. Online. Events. Multi-media.
Don’t miss this practical and helpful seminar that will help you become an even better book marketer.
Keith Ogorek (Solo Spotlight)
To Live and Write in LA
Do you know how lucky you are to be right here among other creatives, the entertainment industry, and among so many other writers and people to network with? We discuss the challenges and opportunities for writers that are unique to those in Los Angeles and Southern California.
Topics will include: Writing about Hollywood and writing FOR Hollywood; How growing up here shapes your creativity; The people you meet and network with in this creative hub are unlike any other city; Using your location—the fact that you are a writer in LA—to your advantage; Adapting your writing for film, TV and more.
Sheryl Benko, screenwriter, post-production supervisor, and author of The Last of Will
Tara Botel Doherty, author of Bread for the Table and Growing Up Hollywood
Naomi Brett Rourke, author and contributor to anthologies Straight Outta Tombstone, The Saturday Evening Post and others
Ray Richmond, journalist, author and founder of Family Sleuth Memoirs
Joel Eisenberg, co-founder Council Tree Productions, writer and producer
Phil Giangrande (M)
3:45 - 4:45
The Three Pillars of Book Success™: The Trifecta You Need to Win
The industry is more complex than ever before. There is a lot of mediocre books being published. Why blend in with the bunch when you can stand out as the best?
In order to win, you need the Three Pillars of Author Success™. Find out what publishers want to see from you in this conversation featuring agents, editors, and PR/Marketing experts. By working together, they are the team you need behind you to win.
• Elaine Ash, development editor and author of Bestseller Metrics • Steven Hutson, literary agent and consultant, WordWise Media
• Desireé Duffy, founder of Black Château and "Books That Make You",
and organizer for TEDxResedaBlvd
• Phil Giangrande(M)
How to Develop a Marketing Mindset for any Writing Goal
With an MBA in marketing from UCLA, Brandie June works in entertainment marketing. This mindset has been extremely helpful when she pitched her book, and now works with her agent. Thinking about why a publisher or reader would want your book is very helpful to the process. It’s great to think like a marketer, even if you want to traditionally publish.
Brandie June (Solo Spotlight)
The 10 Steps to Building Your Story
With all the advice floating around about structure, plot and character development, it's easy to get lost in your own writing. But the creation of a compelling, dynamic and interesting novel or screenplay need not be so complex. This acclaimed writer and popular writing teacher will show you the 10 steps it takes to quickly and powerfully create a step-by-step plan for your next book or film, cutting weeks or months off the creative process. (Each participant will receive a workbook that they can use over and over again to create great stories).
Art Holcomb (Solo Spotlight)
THE CPR TECHNIQUE: Avoiding the Mid-Story Slump.
"I Need Help--My Story has stopped!" We’ve all been there. You are writing, the ideas are flowing like honey…until you hit the middle of the story. And the flow stops. While the “Mid-Story Slump” or “Second Act Sag” has happened to the best of us (even when we have a well-outlined plan), it doesn’t have to be your fate. All stories can be revived through this session which will offers ways to breathe life back into your story and your writing career as a whole!
The New Monomyth for Female Characters- Reuniting the Divided Queen
Learn the secret to compelling female characters, and guarantee your woman-driven stories connect to audiences. For decades women characters have been the square-peg in the round-hole. Since the release of Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, authors have conformed their feminine characters to the Hero’s Journey mythic structure. But women have their own mythic structure called The Queen’s Path, that guarantees readers, viewers, and audiences connect to your female characters. This mythic structure shows up in everything from The Bible to Legally Blonde, Game of Thrones, and Captain Marvel. Learn about this mythic structure and how to construct protagonists or villains that move audiences, and keep them talking.
Dr. Stacy Simmons (Solo Spotlight)
Would My Book make a Good Movie? Secrets to Adapting your Manuscript to Film
Many writers dream of seeing their novel or nonfiction book turned into a movie. But in the film industry, however, the path is not so “standard” or typical. There are many different inroads into the movie industry—not all of which are familiar to someone whose main business is putting words onto a page. A panel of industry pros share the trials and tribulations along with a lot of research, professionalism, and hard work that it will take to make that happen.
Dan Watanabe, Sara Anne Fox, Art Holcomb, Joel Eisenberg, Craig Miller, Keith Ogorek, Herbie J Pilato (M)
Writer's Rights
Join publishing lawyer Greg Victoroff, Esq. for an interactive, multimedia presentation teaching authors, illustrators and photographers to protect their work through contracts, copyright, trademark, and trade secret law, and protect themselves from unscrupulous agents, consultants, publishers and collaborators.
Greg Victoroff, Esq. (Solo Spotlight)
Listening to your Characters
If you listen closely to your characters, they will help lead you to where your story should go – places that can amaze and delight you. In this workshop, you will learn how to “punch up” your story to create a character-driven narrative to create empathy in your audience/readers. We will discuss how to:
create crises and turning points for your central characters.
formulate strong dramatic questions.
craft great beginnings and endings.
Please bring in a paragraph synopsis of your work and a brief description of a few of your central characters so we can develop your story in our workshop.
John Henry Davis
6:15 - 7:15
THE SCIENCE BEHIND WRITING A BESTSELLER
Join #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins and New York Times bestselling author and neuroscience expert, W. Craig Reed, for an entertaining and exciting look at how stories affect your readers at a primal level and how to harness that power for your own writing. You will learn how the latest research on brain science can help you create characters that leap off the page and build plots that sizzle. You will also learn how to use neuroscience profiling to create sympathetic characters, riveting plots, engaging dialog, visual settings, and spine-tingling tension. Also learn how to use this science to appeal to specific target markets.
James Rollins & W. Craig Reed (Duo Spotlight)
Ghostwriting & Collaboration as Your New Day Job
Thousands of people have great ideas for books they’ll never have the time or skills to write. Learn how to break into the collaboration business, connect with existing networks, get your first clients, make great money and sidestep the perils that many first-time collaborators make.
Toni Robino, Sara Anne Fox
The Legal and Business Aspects of Writing Fiction and Non-Fiction Books
What is the difference between a copyright and a trademark? When is my work protected? What can I legally deduct from my taxes as a writer -- even if I’m not published, yet? When do I need a literary agent and how do I catch one’s attention. What are my responsibilities after signing? What alternatives do I have if a publisher wants all the domestic, international, Ebook, Audio, and Film rights to my work? How do I protect my work online, or in a writing group? What are the dos and don’ts of publishing and self-publishing? Learn the answers to these important questions and more from this distinguished Literary Agent and Publishing Attorney.
Paul S. Levine (Solo Spotlight)
Beyond Cliffhangers: Tips to Thrill, Titillate and Turn the Pages
It’s no mystery that mysteries and thrillers won’t work without suspense. Cliffhangers make us turn the pages and clues that are carefully spread throughout the novel make us sit on the edge of our seats trying to solve the puzzle along with the detective. Engaged readers are readers so engrossed in the story that they consider the heroes questions their own. Who did it, why and how? Those are the questions in a crime novel. While the questions are different in a romance or drama or fantasy, the sense of urgency that accompanies them remains the same in all genres, or else readers will not turn the pages. This session will discuss the underlying strategies that create suspense and her twin sister tension. We will talk about well-known tropes such as cliffhangers, cutting to the chase, masking and unmasking clues, about exposition and transitions, about pacing and racing to the end.
Renegade Late Night Read & Critique Workshopwith Marco Subias
An after hours opportunity for registered attendees to bring work-in-progress and participate in a late night live editing. Would you like feedback on your work additional to the quick pitch meeting? What is it like to work with a critique group of good, focused writers? Fuel up on caffeine, drink and words, and join us for Renegade Late Night Read & Critique. It is an amazing creative experience — not to be missed.
Bring 3 to 5 pages of your manuscript to read and share, and enjoy the feedback exchange!
(Hurry and sign up! Limited seating.) Hotel Lobby Business Area.
Walk-up
Registration, Pre-Registration pickup of credentials, badge, program, swag bag
These Read and Critique workshops are by sign-up only. Attendees are free, non-attendees are $10 per workshop. While each live panel will try to read and review as many submissions as possible, there is no guarantee that all will be read. Submissions are first-come, first-read. Sign up at the main Registration Desk for the conference.
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
Great Beginnings for Novels – Your First Line, First Pages
You've heard that if the first paragraph of your novel isn't strong enough, agents and publishers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Now you can learn how to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn to draft a first line that will grab an acquisition editor and announce your authority as an author. This will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the author, then offer improvements covering everything from glaring grammar errors to story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more.
Bring six (6) copies of your first 2 pages. Selected works will be read aloud, so the audience can follow along and learn how an agent or publisher reviews a manuscript. Time permitting, they may suggest improving the samples.
Annie Bomke, Mike Robinson, Elaine Ash, Alex Ironrod, Alyssa Roat, Marco Subias (M)
Great Beginnings for Nonfiction Books – Your First Line, First Pages
You've heard that if the first paragraph of your novel isn't strong enough, agents and publishers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Now you can learn how to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn to draft a first line that will grab an acquisition editor and announce your authority as an author. This will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the author, then offer improvements covering everything from glaring grammar errors to story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more.
Bring six (6) copies of your first 2 pages. Selected works will be read aloud, so the audience can follow along and learn how an agent or publisher reviews a manuscript. Time permitting, they may suggest improving the samples.
Claire Gerus, Helga Schier, Marlan Warren, plus panel
Great Beginnings for Screenplays– Your First Line, First Pages
You hear that if the first paragraph of your script isn't strong enough, the studios and producers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Now you can learn how to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn how to grab the attention of an agent and announce your authority as an screenwriter. This workshop will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the writer, then offer improvements covering everything from story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more.
Bring 5 copies of your first 2 pages. Selected works will be read aloud by actors or audience members for each part, so the audience can follow along and learn how a producer or agent reviews. Screenwriters are advised to network with fellow attendees to read "sides" of the script live for the panel. Time permitting, they may suggest improvements for the samples.
John Henry Davis, Sara Anne Fox, Craig Miller, Whitney Davis, Dan Watanabe(M)
12:30
Closing Keynote Address HABITS OF A HAPPY WRITER: Your Outline for Creative Success
Becoming a writer doesn't come without it's struggles. Many complain of the isolation, writer's block, people thinking it's not a "real job," and then there is the flat out rejection you face. This important address for every writer will discuss ways to inject your daily writing with energy, how to use rejections in a positive way, and discover ways to find joy in the craft of writing. You will leave feeling inspired and energized to return home to get in the chair and write!
You are here, and that means your opportunities as a writer are virtually limitless.
Industry changes have made it one of the best times in history to be an author, but also one of the most confusing times with all of the different publishing options that are available. In this opening address, Author Learning Center President Keith Ogorek will review the four primary publishing paths and explain the benefits and challenges of each option. Learn the basics of DIY publishing, general contractor publishing, supported self-publishing, and traditional publishing. 
Literary Breakfast with Art Holcomb
Keynote Speaker: 
A
Gathering of Writers
Join #1 New York Times bestselling author James Rollins and New York Times bestselling author and neuroscience expert, W. Craig Reed, for an entertaining and exciting look at how stories affect your readers at a primal level and how to harness that power for your own writing. You will learn how the latest research on brain science can help you create characters that leap off the page and build plots that sizzle. You will also learn how to use neuroscience profiling to create sympathetic characters, riveting plots, engaging dialog, visual settings, and spine-tingling tension. Also learn how to use this science to appeal to specific target markets.
You've heard that if the first paragraph of your novel isn't strong enough, agents and publishers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Now you can learn how to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn to draft a first line that will grab an acquisition editor and announce your authority as an author. This will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the author, then offer improvements covering everything from glaring grammar errors to story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more. 
You hear that if the first paragraph of your script isn't strong enough, the studios and producers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Now you can learn how to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn how to grab the attention of an agent and announce your authority as an screenwriter. This workshop will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the writer, then offer improvements covering everything from story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more. 
Becoming a writer doesn't come without it's struggles. Many complain of the isolation, writer's block, people thinking it's not a "real job," and then there is the flat out rejection you face. This important address for every writer will discuss ways to inject your daily writing with energy, how to use rejections in a positive way, and discover ways to find joy in the craft of writing. You will leave feeling inspired and energized to return home to get in the chair and write!