Welcome to the 2023 Virtual Conference Schedule. Detailed descriptions of each workshop can be viewed HERE. To stay updated on any additions or changes, sign up for our newsletter (above), like our Facebook page or join our Facebook Group.
2023 Las Vegas Virtual Writers Conference Schedule (all times are PDT, three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone, and are subject to change)
Key:
Blue: Class is being offered for the first time and will be repeated again during the conference.
Green: Class is being offered for a second time (sometimes by a different faculty member)
Black: Class is being offered one time and will NOT be repeated during the conference.
2023 Thursday
Masterclass 9:00am – 12:00 p.m.
Oksana Marafioti: How to write a great scene – In this class, we will explore story structure and study the anatomy of a scene – the most powerful element of narrative – by learning how successful writers create scenes that grab the reader’s attention from the start. We will also practice writing our own. You can bring your own material or write from scratch. Either way, you’ll come away from this class with an insider’s knowledge of how to construct a powerful scene.
The 20th Las Vegas Writers Conference officially begins with a welcome from the HWG president, Audrey Balzart at 2:00 p.m.
Track 1(Corinth)
Writing with tension / David Alexanian
Track 2(Paris)
Writing a Pitch vs Writing a Synopsis: The difference and an easy way to do both without losing your mind /Amy Collins
Track 3(Munich)
Over Overstressed: Get unstuck and be more productive and happy / Bruce Wawrzyniak
Track 1(Corinth)
Fundamentals of Fiction: Point of View / Amanda Skenandore
Track 2(Paris)
Anatomy of the Publishing Process: A unique look at one man’s journey / Maer Wilson
Track 3(Munich)
Legal & Business Aspects of Getting Published / Paul Levine
Track 1(Corinth)
(Cancelled) Creating Non-Stereotypical and Memorable Characters / Marilyn Atlas
Track 2(Paris)
The 4 Types of Publishing: avoiding the Scams / Jenni Curtis
Track 3(Munich)
Amazon Algorithms 101: How to get more traffic to your Amazon sales pages – for free / Keri-rae Barnum
Dinner speech by Jami Carpenter
2023 Friday
Track 1(Corinth)
Rock, Paper, Scissors: How to Choose an Editor / Jami Carpenter
Track 2(Paris)
First Writes to Last Rights: Tour the submissions and Acquisitions Process / Katharine Sands
Track 3(Munich)
An Inside Look at Traditional Publishing: An Author’s Perspective / Amanda Skenandore
Track 1(Corinth)
Short Stories Essentials / Oksana Marafioti
Track 2(Paris)
Panel: How it Works Between Author, Agent, or Publisher / Oksana Marafioti (Author) & Amy Collins (Agent), David Alexanian (Author) & Jo Wilkins (Publisher), Amanda Skenandore –Author
Track 3(Munich)
Writing Your Digital Footprint / Maria Dismondy
Track 1(Corinth)
(Cancelled) Dirtying Up Your Character / Marilyn Atlas
Track 2(Paris)
The Editing Process: Both Sides Now / Maer Wilson
Track 3(Munich)
Selling a Literary Material or True-life Story Project to Hollywood / Paul Levine
Lunch and First Page Reads – 12:00-1:30pm
Panel: Marilyn Atlas, Amy Collins, and Maer Wilson
When an agent or editor’s inbox is overflowing and other responsibilities are calling, how far do they read a first page before moving on to the next submission? Watch our industry experts respond to the anonymous first pages of conference attendees and find out if they stop reading—and why.
Track 1(Corinth)
Is Your Manuscript A Model-T or a Tesla? Fine Tuning Your Writing for A Smooth Ride Read / Jami Carpenter
Track 2(Paris)
Nevada Arts Council’s Opportunities for Grants / Sapira Cheuk
Track 3(Munich)
Panel: Best Use of Marketing Opportunities / Kari-Rae Barnum, Jenni Curtis, Bruce Wawrzyniak
Track 1(Corinth)
Lipstick on A Pig: Dead Giveaways That A Book is Self-published / Jami Carpenter
Track 2(Paris)
Anatomy of Publishing / Maer Wilson
Track 3(Munich)
Podcasting: Enhance Your Brand And Expand You Reach / Bruce Wawrzyniak
Track 1(Corinth)
Writing Engaging Characters / Oksana Marafioti
Track 2(Paris)
Types of Publishing and their Scams / Jenni Curtis
Track 3(Munich)
What you need to include when publishing children’s nonfiction books / Stacey Kondla
Speech from Marilyn Atlas
2023 Saturday
Track 1(Corinth)
Less is More: Weaving Research Into Your Writing / Amanda Skenandore
Track 2(Paris)
Nevada Arts Council’s Opportunities for Grants / Sapira Cheuk
Track 3(Munich)
20 Ways to Promote Your Writing Career / Bruce Wawrzyniak
Track 1(Corinth)
First Time novelist / David Alexanian
Track 2(Paris)
What you need to include when publishing children’s nonfiction books / Stacey Kondla
Track 3(Munich)
Retail and Bookstores: How to Earn a spot on their shelves / Kari-Rae Barnum
Track 1(Corinth)
Writing With Tension / David Alexanian
Track 2(Paris)
Making the Perfect Pitch / Katharine Sands
Track 3(Munich)
How to Get Your Picture Book Into the Hands of Readers / Maria Dismondy
Lunch and First Page Reads – 12:00-1:30pm (Ballroom)
Panel: Maria Dismondy, Stacey Kondla, Katharine Sands, and Jo Wilkins
When an agent or editor’s inbox is overflowing and other responsibilities are calling, how far do they read a first page before moving on to the next submission? Watch four industry experts respond to the anonymous first pages of conference attendees and find out if they stop reading—and why.
Track 1(Corinth)
Memoirs 101: Oksana Marafioti
Track 2(Paris)
First Writes to Last Rights: Tour the submissions and Acquisitions Process / Katharine Sands
Track 3(Munich)
(Cancelled) Legal Aspects of Getting Published / Paul Levine
Track 1(Corinth)
Seeing Through Fresh Eyes: Self Editing for Creative Writing / Amanda Skenandore
Track 2(Paris)
Panel: Publishing Scams to Watch for in Self & Traditional Publishing / panelists by invitation
Track 3(Munich)
Connecting With other Writers for Success / Maria Dismondy
Track 1(Corinth)
Rock, Paper, Scissors: How to choose an Editor / Jami Carpenter
Track 2(Paris)
(Cancelled) Writing a Pitch vs Writing a Synopsis: The Differences and an Easy to do Both Without Losing Your Mind / Amy Collins
Track 3(Munich)
Marketing for Children’s Authors / Stacey Kondla
Dinner and Speech – 5:30pm (Ballroom)
Speech from Oksana Marafioti at 5:30 p.m.
Spaces are limited and all are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Would you like to Pitch Your Book to an agent or publisher? Click HERE!
Would you like to Review Your Work with an industry expert? Click HERE!
Included in the cost of your Las Vegas Writers Conference registration, you may Pitch to up to two agents/publishers and discuss your work in a Blue Pencil session with up to two industry experts (editing, marketing, general advice, etc.).
Email your choice(s) to pbp@lasvegaswritersconference.com
Spaces are limited and all are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.