This conference schedule is an evolving document. While we strive to keep it accurate, some times, sessions, or speakers may be subject to change. Please refer to this page regularly for the most current information.
Be sure to also check out the Expo schedule!
All Writer’s Conference attendees get full access to the Expo!
- Friday 18 Jul 2025
- Saturday 19 Jul 2025
- Sunday 20 Jul 2025
Friday 18 Jul 2025
9:00 am
Pre-conference Workshop- Career Accelerator
Seth Ring and Erin WintersGrand Gallery F
Dive into this high-level workshop and take your author business to the next level, analyzing how to turn a dream into a sustainable career from two professionals who have done just that. From overview to granular, gather the tools, habits, mindset, and kick in the rear you need to accelerate in a specific direction to skyrocket your chances of success.
3:15 pm
Opening Keynote S D Smith
S.D. SmithSteelcase Ballroom A/B
Steelcase Ballroom A/B
3:30 pm
4:15 pm
New Attendee Orientation
Steelcase Ballroom C
6:00 pm
Awards Doors Open and Costume Parade
Steelcase Ballroom A/B
7:00 pm
7:45 pm
Saturday 19 Jul 2025
10:15 am
Continuing Session A - The Flow of Writing
Jeff WheelerSteelcase Ballroom C
Continuing Session B- The Story Cube: An in-depth exploration of what truly lies at the heart of all great stories (Writing Craft)
Steven JamesGrand Gallery C/D
Continuing Session C - Spiritually & Emotionally Thriving in the Publishing Wilderness
Lindsay FranklinGrand Gallery E
Continuing Session D - Kathy Tyers and Ronie Kendig
Kathy Tyers and Ronie KendigGrand Gallery F
Teen Track
Wayne Thomas BatsonGallery Overlook H
11:15 am
12:15 pm
Lunch Break - Faculty Lunch Reception
Gallery Overlook A/B
1:15 pm
1:30 pm
Elective - Comics - From Concept to Creation
Matt YocumGallery Overlook H
Elective - Fight Scenes 101
Carla HochGrand Gallery C/D
Elective - On Getting It Done
Sarah ArthurGrand Gallery E
Elective - Power Scenes
Donald MaassSteelcase Ballroom C
Elective - The Maze of Contracts and Negotiations
Steve LaubeGrand Gallery F
2:15 pm
2:45 pm
Continuing Session A - The How of Creativity
Jeff WheelerSteelcase Ballroom C
Continuing Session B - The Story Cube: An in-depth exploration of what truly lies at the heart of all great stories (Writing Craft)
Steven JamesGrand Gallery C/D
Continuing Session C - Spiritually & Emotionally Thriving in the Publishing Wilderness
Lindsay FranklinGrand Gallery E
Continuing Session D - Kathy Tyers and Ronie Kendig
Kathy Tyers and Ronie KendigGrand Gallery F
Teen Track - Level Up: Character Buffs for Plotting, Gaming, & Life
Wayne Thomas BatsonGallery Overlook H
3:15 pm
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
Faculty and Award Winners Signing Event
Steelcase Ballroom A/B
Sunday 20 Jul 2025
11:15 am
Elective - FightWrite: Practical to Tactical
Carla HochGrand Gallery C/D
Elective - No Fail Openings
Donald MaassSteelcase Ballroom C
Elective - Sarah Rubio: "But I Just Want to Write Books!": Real Talk about Platform and Discoverability
Sarah RubioGallery Overlook H
Elective - Setting the Stage on the Page: Making the WHERE Matter
Lisa MangumGrand Gallery E
Elective: Selling Subsidiary Rights
Steve LaubeGrand Gallery F
12:15 pm
1:15 pm
1:30 pm
Elective - Become the Debut Author of Your Future Publisher's Dreams
Sarah RubioGrand Gallery C/D
Elective - Say What? How to Make Your Dialogue Meaningful
Lisa MangumSteelcase Ballroom C
Elective 2C - Comics - Developing a Powerful Scene
Matt YocumGrand Gallery F
Elective 3D - How to write like Madeleine L'Engle
Sarah ArthurGrand Gallery E
Green Ember Live
S. D. SmithSteelcase Ballroom A/B
2:15 pm
2:45 pm
Demystifying Book Advertising
Seth Ring and Erin WintersGrand Gallery E
Genre Hopping
Ronie Kendig, Steven James, and Tara GrayceGallery Overlook H
Manuscript Requests: Your Book and the Publishing Gauntlet
Janelle Leonard and Jessica SharpeGrand Gallery C/D
Mind Body, Soul: Staying Healthy While Staying in the Chair
Jason Joyner, Andrew Winch, Bradley CaffeeSteelcase Ballroom C
The Art of Hand Selling Books
Christopher Schmitz and Janeen IppolitoGrand Gallery F
4:00 pm
Closing Keynote
ND WilsonSteelcase Ballroom A/B