The 2025 list is coming soon! Below is the Schedule from last year:
Welcome to the 2024 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.
2024 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.
Purple: 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.
Thursday April 11, 2024
Master Class 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
MM Finck: In this Master Class, we will demystify the all-important query letter in al’ its uses and components, as well as the querying process itself. This class is valuable to all writers—those looking for agents, those looking for publishers, even for established writers pitching their next new project. This class will be interactive. Those with current projects can work on that. Those without can use a favorite published work with which to practice. Who doesn’t love brainstorming loglines for The Hunger Games, Pride and Prejudice, Eat Pray love, The Hunt for Red October, or Goosebumps?
NOTE: The Master Class workshop is paid for separate from the main conference.
Main Room with Audrey Balzart
The 20th Las Vegas Writers Conference officially begins with a welcome from the Henderson Writers Group President.
Track 1 (Corinth) J.L. Greger (Author)
Covers Matter: There are many components to a cover besides the photo or illustration. The back can be as important as the front cover. Here are points to consider.
Track 2 (Paris) Jo A. Wilkins (Publisher)
Traditional VS Self-Publishing: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? An author should know what awaits them before deciding which direction is best for them. In this session you will learn about the 4 types of publishing from traditional/commercial to true self-publishing. We’ll discuss valuable information to help you can make an informed decision before you finish your manuscript or submit your work.
Track 3 (Munich) R. A. McCandless (Author)
Can You Hear Me Now? The Importance of Podcasts for Authors: This class covers the significance of podcasts as a platform for authors to enhance their visibility, connect with audiences, and discuss their works in an increasingly audio-centric digital landscape. We will explore strategies for authors to leverage podcasting as a promotional tool and engage with listeners effectively, research podcasts and hosts, preparing and presenting for an interview, and post-show use of the podcast.
Track 1 (Corinth) Marilyn Atlas (Agent)
Creating Memorable Characters: (Class suitable for fiction, screenwriters, and TV writers) We will analyze movie scenes to determine what makes the characters memorable.
Track 2 (Paris) Kimberly Davis (Publisher)
The Art of the Query: This class discusses what acquisitions editors are looking for, and how authors can recognize the right editor and agent to represent them. [May substitute for a new agent spot—please check back]
Track 3 (Munich) Jenni Curtis (Author)
How Authors Can Make Money on Their Writing: Learn how serialized writing and Kindle Vella can help you gain the funds to turn those fantastic stories into books! And you may just find you enjoy the platform itself, too.
Track 1 (Corinth) J.L. Greger (Author)
Locations Are Characters Too: Authors should develop locations in their books as if they are characters. If you doubt it, read Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness. The river and jungle are dominant characters in this book. Here are points to remember when writing.
Track 2 (Paris) Maer Wilson (Publisher)
Creating a Series: From Setup to Sundown: Follow the progress of setting up a fiction series. This session includes tips on handling different processes and answers how to plan as a pantser. What to do when your characters run amok. Can a planner plan too much? Where do you draw the line? [May substitute for a new agent spot—please check back]
Track 3 (Munich) Kimberly Davis (Publisher)
Brand-Building for Authors: The biggest shock to first-time authors is when they realize, even with a publishing contract, the work has just begun. It is important that every aspiring writer must build their brand to be recognized and increase sales for their book.
Main Room with Kimberly Davis
Friday April 12, 2024
Track 1 (Corinth) Mike Black (Author)
The Basics of Plotting: Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, you must figure out the plot of your story at some point. The presenter will cover the various techniques and tips for doing this, including The Ten Steps to Creating a Story. The presenter is the author of fifty books and over one hundred short stories and articles.
Track 2 (Paris) MM Finck (Writing Coach)
How to Use—and Not Use—Tropes: We’ve all heard that there are no more original stories and that all characters fall into one of twelve archetypes. How is this possible? Your work is unique and imaginative. In this session we’ll learn about tropes—both character and story—and how they can elevate your work.
Track 3 (Munich) Penny Sansevieri (Author)
Secrets of a Bestselling Amazon Book Page (Workshop): Is your book not selling? It could be your Amazon book page. More and more, Amazon book page conversion is a big issue, and it can also impact your Amazon relevancy score. What is a “relevancy score”? This class will unpack that as well! It’s one thing to have your book up on Amazon, it’s quite another to have a book page that actually sells your book. This session will go over tips and insider information on turning your Amazon book page into a sales machine!
Track 1 (Corinth) J.L. Greger (Author)
Covers Matter: There are many components to a cover besides the photo or illustration. The back can be as important as the front cover. Here are points to consider.
Track 2 (Paris) Maer Wilson (Publisher)
A Publisher’s View—The Ideal Author: Every publisher is different, but there are things that will appeal to many publishers. What turns a promising candidate into an ideal author? Here are some tips that will help make you an appealing prospect and an author whom editors love.
Track 3 (Munich) Penny Sanservieri (Author)
Marketing Your Book Without Social Media: There’s a new trend brewing—authors quitting social media in favor of more creative ways to market their books and spending more time writing new books. But can you really quit social media? You bet. You just must get creative in other ways and this class will show you how.
Track 1 (Corinth) J.L. Greger (Author)
Adding Color with Science: Science is a reality of modern life. Modern mysteries and crime procedurals—if they’re realistic at all—must mention DNA, fingerprints, and/or searches of large reference data bases. Those details can be boring, or they can spark readers’ imaginations. For example, the quirky woman scientist—Abby Sciuto on NCIS.
Track 2 (Paris) Maer Wilson (Publisher)
Creating a Series: From Setup to Sundown: Follow the progress of setting up a fiction series. This session includes tips on handling different processes and answers how to plan as a pantser. What to do when your characters run amok. Can a planner plan too much? Where do you draw the line?
Track 3(Munich) Kimberly Davis (Publisher)
Brand-Building for Authors: The biggest shock to first-time authors is when they realize, even with a publishing contract, the work has just begun. It is important that every aspiring writer must build their brand to be recognized and increase sales for their book.
First Page Reads—12:00 – 1:30 pm
Main Room Maer Wilson, Kimberly Davis, Marilyn Atlas and Jo Wilkins [lineup subject to change]
First Page Reads: 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) Mike Black (Author)
Dynamic Openings and Then Some: Your opening has to be dynamic to interest the reader. This author of fifty books and over 100 short stories will discuss techniques to create good opening hooks with examples of what works and what doesn’t.
Track 2 (Paris) Kimberly Davis (Publisher)
Working With a Small Press: While each small press will have its own processes and procedures, there are some things we all wish authors knew going in. This discussion attempts to educate authors about how their work fits into the whole catalog for their small press, and how they can be good literary citizens within a press family.
Track 3 (Munich) Jenni Curtis (Author)
How Authors Can Make Money on Their Writing: Learn how serialized writing and Kindle Vella can help you gain the funds to turn those fantastic stories into books! And you may just find you enjoy the platform itself, too.
Track 1 (Corinth) Marilyn Atlas (Agent)
Navigating Emotional Corridors: Showing your character’s personal journey is front and center in every great story. But sometimes developing writers treat their characters as only a plot starting point. In this session you will discuss meaningful conflicts and theoretical scenarios.
Track 2 (Paris) Kimberly Davis (Publisher)
The Art of the Query: This class discusses what acquisitions editors are looking for, and how authors can recognize the right editor and agent to represent them.
Track 3 (Munich) R. A. McCandless (Author)
Can You Hear Me Now? The Importance of Podcasts for Authors: This class covers the significance of podcasts as a platform for authors to enhance their visibility, connect with audiences, and discuss their works in an increasingly audio-centric digital landscape. We will explore strategies for authors to leverage podcasting as a promotional tool and engage with listeners effectively, research podcasts and hosts, preparing and presenting for an interview, and post-show use of the podcast.
Track 1 (Corinth) J.L. Greger (Author)
Locations Are Characters Too: Authors should develop locations in their books as if they are characters. If you doubt it, read Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness. The river and jungle are dominant characters in this book. Here are points to remember when writing.
Track 2 (Paris) MM Finck (Writing Coach)
Finding Comps for Our Incomparable: We’re told that our story has to be unique. But then we’re told it has to has to have compatible titles. How can both be true and how does one find these inscrutable tomes?
Track 3 (Munich) Jenni Curtis (Author)
Kickstarter for Authors: A New Way to Make Money on Your Book: Learn how to use Kickstarter as a way to raise money to create beautiful, high-quality books that can also earn you a profit!
Keynote Speech with MM Finck
Saturday April 13, 2024
Track 1 (Corinth) Mike Black (Author)
Dynamic Openings and Then Some: Your opening has to be dynamic to interest the reader. This author of fifty books and over 100 short stories will discuss techniques to create good opening hooks with examples of what works and what doesn’t.
Track 2 (Paris) MM Finck (Writing Coach)
I Wrote It. Now What Did I Write?: In the wake of women’s fiction being cancelled as a genre/category on Publisher’s Marketplace, we need to figure out the best way to label our work in-progress or your upcoming project.
Track 3 (Munich) Penny Sansevieri (Author)
Secrets of a Bestselling Amazon Book Page (Workshop): Is your book not selling? It could be your Amazon book page. More and more Amazon book page conversion is a big issue, and it can also impact your Amazon relevancy score. What’s a “relevancy score”? This class will unpack that as well! It’s one thing to have your book up on Amazon, it’s quite another to have a book page that actually sells your book. This session will go over tips and insider information on turning your Amazon book page into a sales machine!
Track 1 (Corinth) Mike Black (Author)
The Basics of Plotting: Whether you’re a plotter or a pantser, you must figure out the plot of your story at some point. The presenter will cover the various techniques and tips for doing this including The Ten Steps to Creating a Story. The presenter is the author of fifty books and over one hundred short stories and articles.
Track 2 (Paris) Jo A. Wilkins (Publisher)
Traditional VS Self-Publishing: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? An author should know what awaits them before deciding which direction is best for them. In this session you will learn about the 4 types of publishing from traditional/commercial to true self-publishing. We’ll discuss valuable information to help you can make an informed decision before you finish your manuscript or submit your work.
Track 3 (Munich) Penny Sansevieri (Author)
Marketing Your Book Without Social Media: There’s a new trend brewing—authors quitting social media in favor of more creative ways to market their books and spending more time writing new books. But can you really quit social media? You bet. You just must get creative in other ways and this class will show you how.
Track 1 (Corinth) Maer Wilson (Publisher)
Ink to Life: Creating Multidimensional Characters: Bringing characters to life that the reader can relate to, either positively or negatively, is crucial to fiction. This session gives various tools to create believable characters. It offers a practical exercise, with attendee participation, to use one of the tools to create a solid base for a character.
Track 2 (Paris) MM Finck (Writing Coach)
Finding Comps for Our Incomparable: We’re told that our story has to be unique. But then we’re told it has to has to have compatible titles. How can both be true and how does one find these inscrutable tomes?
Track 3 (Munich) R. A. McCandless (Author)
Can You Hear Me Now? The Importance of Podcasts for Authors: This class covers the significance of podcasts as a platform for authors to enhance their visibility, connect with audiences, and discuss their works in an increasingly audio-centric digital landscape. We will explore strategies for authors to leverage podcasting as a promotional tool and engage with listeners effectively, research podcasts and hosts, preparing and presenting for an interview, and post-show use of the podcast.
NOTE: This class runs three times, once each day.
First Page Reads—12:00 – 1:30 pm
Main Room Maer Wilson, Kimberly Davis, Marilyn Atlas and Jo Wilkins [lineup subject to change]
First Page Reads: 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) Mike Black (Author)
Writing Different Genres Under Different Names: What’s in a name and what it’s like to write as someone else? Discuss the reasons why as well as the advantages.
Track 2 (Paris) MM Finck (Writing Coach)
How to Use—and Not Use—Tropes: We’ve all heard that there are no more original stories and that all characters fall into one of twelve archetypes. How is this possible? Your work is unique and imaginative. In this session we’ll learn about tropes—both character and story—and how they can elevate your work.
Track 3 (Munich) Jenny Curtis (Author)
Kickstarter for Authors: A New Way to Make Money on Your Book: Learn how to use Kickstarter as a way to raise money to create beautiful, high-quality books that can also earn you a profit!
Track 1 (Corinth) Marilyn Atlas (Agent)
Creating Memorable Characters: (Class suitable for fiction, screenwriters, and TV writers) We will analyze movie scenes to determine what make the characters memorable.
Track 2 (Paris) Kimberly Davis (Publisher)
Working With a Small Press: While each small press will have its own processes and procedures, there are some things we all wish authors knew going in. This discussion attempts to educate authors about how their work fits into the whole catalog for their small press, and how they can be good literary citizens within a press family.
Track 3 (Munich) Jenni Curtis (Author)
How Authors Can Make Money on Their Writing: Learn how serialized writing and Kindle Vella can help you gain the funds to turn those fantastic stories into books! And you may just find you enjoy the platform itself, too.
Track 1 (Corinth) Marilyn Atlas (Agent)
Navigating Emotional Corridors: Showing your character’s personal journey is front and center in every great story. But sometimes developing writers treat their characters as only a plot starting point. In this session you will discuss meaningful conflicts and theoretical scenarios.
Track 2 (Paris) Maer Wilson (Publisher)
A Publisher’s View—The Ideal Author: Every publisher is different, but there are things that will appeal to many publishers. What turns a promising candidate into an ideal author? Here are some tips that will help make you an appealing prospect and an author who editors love.
Track 3 (Munich) Wolf O’Rourc (Author)
Best Uses of AI for Writing and Marketing: For writers, artificial intelligence offers both opportunities and pitfalls. With a good understanding of the strengths and limitations of large-language models, you can best take advantage of the tools available to improve your writing, speed up research, and create effective marketing materials.
Conference Last Words with Audrey Balzart
Would you like to Pitch Your Book to an agent or publisher?
Would you like to Review Your Work with an industry expert?
Included in the cost of your Las Vegas Writer’s 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 info@lasvegaswritersconference.com
Spaces are limited and all are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.e