Below is the 2026 Conference Schedule with detailed descriptions of each workshop. To stay updated on any additions or changes, sign up for our newsletter, like our Facebook page, or join our Facebook Group.
*All times are PDT, three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone, and are subject to change.
Blue: Class offered more than once—this is the First time.
Purple: Class offered more than once—this is the Second time.
Black: Class offered Only Once.
Green: Class covers Two Sessions back-to-back.
Master Class – Eva Shaw, Ph.D. / 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
NOTE: The Master Class is a workshop that requires a separate payment from the main conference.
They’re Alive
10 Hacks to Create Memorable Characters
If done right, characters can nearly walk right off the page of a book or a short story and right into the world, flesh, bones, blood and phobias.
In this Master Class, writers will learn ten tricks to create characters that support the theme, move the plot and satisfy the reader.
Tips include:
Finding character traits
Describing characters
Talking with characters
Writing their dialogue (including punctuation tips)
Creating dialogue to support the characters
Naming characters
Finding their stories and back stories
Bringing their personalities out
Editing their presence in the story
Letting character write their own book
Opening Remarks: 1:00pm: Welcome to the conference by HWG President, Audrey Balzart.
Track 1: Mare Wilson (Craft)
Writing Myths & Facts? Explore commonly-held ideas about writing. Do they hold up to the light of day? Or are they myths that don’t apply to the modern world of writing? Or maybe they never did?
Track 2: Jonathon Mayberry (Publishing)
ART OF THE PITCH: Making it Fast, Fun, and Fantastic!: This fast-paced fan favorite program discusses easy ways to pitch your novel by query letter or in-person. It includes pitch games that can help you (and your writer friends) become comfortable with pitching, and deepen your understanding of what kinds of pitches work best in today’s market.
Track 3: Julie Okabayaski (Marketing)
The Benefits of Working With Schools, Libraries & Community Centers: You wrote your book and got it published, but why can’t anyone find you or your book? By doing public service appearances at schools, universities, public libraries and community centers in your area, you can expand your readership and gain valuable credentials as an author, guest speaker, and panelist. With over 40 years of experience working with schools, universities, public libraries & community centers
Track 4: (Panel or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
Track 1 Sarah Tasz (Craft)
Building Your World Bible: This session aimed primarily at speculative fiction writers will walk you through the basics of worldbuilding by creating a single explanatory document, and how this “world bible” can help make your story seem so much bigger than the pages of your book.
Track 2: Alisha West (Publishing)
Before You Query: This class is for writers who believe they are finally ready to begin querying agents or submitting to editors who accept un-agented submissions. Writers will receive both industry advice and samples of fiction query letters and synopses as well as nonfiction book proposals. Writers will learn how to find the right agent or editor for their project and stay organized in keeping track of queries sent. Other topics include how to get feedback and who serious writers should be getting it from (*Spoiler: if your manuscript and synopsis or book proposal haven’t been read by other good writers—you’re not ready to query). Finally, attendees will learn how to avoid common mistakes new querying writers often make.
Track 3:Andres Fragoso Jr. (Marketing)
Beyond the Booth Networking That Builds Book Business: This session is designed to help authors, indie publishers, and literary professionals make the most of networking opportunities at book fairs, signings, conferences, and industry gatherings. Attendees will learn how to move beyond passive participation and build meaningful, strategic relationships that boost visibility, credibility, and long-term book sales.
Through real-world examples, actionable tips, and brief interactive moments, we’ll explore how to prepare for events, approach new contacts with confidence, and follow up effectively. Whether you’re manning a booth, attending a panel, or joining a writer’s group for the first time, this session will give you tools to represent your work professionally and create authentic industry connections.
Key Takeaways:
• How to network at different types of book events
• Conversation starters and personal pitch templates
• What to bring, say, and post during live events
• Follow-up strategies that grow your professional network
This session is Ideal for authors, indie publishers, marketers, and anyone navigating the book industry who wants to grow their presence through in-person engagement.
Track 4: (Panel or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
Track 1: Marijke McCandless (Craft)
The Joys of Writing Under a Pen Name: Plus 7 Hot Tips if You Do: Choosing a pen name is more than a branding decision – it is a deeply personal, often complex creative choice. In this engaging presentation. The class will explore “Who am I writing as?” “What am I protecting by using a pen name?” “What does it leave me free to say.”
Pros & Cons of publishing under a pen name
Reflections on your own relationship with voice, privacy, and persona
Gain insight into emotional creative implications of writing as someone else
Why consider writing using a pen name
Questions to explore concerns
Track 2: Arango, Wilson, & Wilkins(Publishing)
Getting the Most Out of the Conference: Take this opportunity to understand how to best use this conference experience. Ask questions on what to fill your three days to glean the most from our speakers sessions, the panels, and most importantly the networking opportunities.
Track 3:Erick Mertz (Marketing)
Money and Rewards: This class is for any writer weighing the decision about going pro, or who has started down the freelance road, and is struggling with how to make it work. This class will assist students not only with the basics of how to run a small, freelance writing business, but most importantly, how to make money while continuing to enjoy the creative process. The focus of this class is learning how to continue enjoying your writing while getting paid for it. We discuss maximizing creativity and enjoyment without going broke. I give students practical tools about the necessities required to start, maintain and grow a thriving freelance writing business. I will offer students humorous and informative examples of what works, doesn’t work, and REALLY doesn’t work, but more importantly how to prioritize what they need when they need it. Students will take away clear, actionable steps on how to happily settle into a freelance writing career.
Track 4: (Panels or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
Ballroom—Welcome & Icebreaker (Cash Bar & Hors d’ouvres)
Track 1: Sarah Tasz (Craft)
Wizards of the Word Count: Using tabletop roleplaying games to write a first draft.
Track 2: Maer Wilson (Publishing)
Self-Edit? But I’m Perfect!: Tips on how to edit your manuscript and avoid common mistakes. How to recognize errors and when to cut. Tips on polishing your manuscript.
Track 3:Julie Okabayashi (Marketing)
Promoting Your Book On A Budget: Join this class for this high-intensity brainstorming session as professional special events coordinator Julie Okabayashi shares ideas, tips & techniques for promoting your independently published book for low-to no cost, saving you hundreds in advertising dollars while you build credentials, business relations, and local readership. All authors attending will walk away with a personalized promotion idea to start planning a special event around their book.
Track 4: (Panels & Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
Track 1: RobRoy McCandless (Craft)
Beyond Corsets and Top Hats: Diversifying Steampunk Characters and Settings: With a focus on creating consistent alternate histories where steam technology/fantasy has evolved differently, this presentation will cover everything from societal structures and economics to fashion and daily life in a steam-powered world, with practical tips for maintaining internal logic.
Track 2: Maer Wilson (Publishing)
Marketable vs. Hobby Writing – Can You Do Both?: Discussion on writing for a specific market as well as writing for yourself. What are the differences? What are the pros and cons of both? Is there a happy medium
Track 3:AlbaArango (Marketing)
Intro to Podcasting: There are over 500 million podcast listeners worldwide. That’s a huge market! But is podcasting right for you? In this session, I’ll be covering three topics.
1) What is podcasting? Is it something that could help you as an author even if you haven’t published a book yet?
2) How do you start a podcast from scratch, even if you have absolutely no experience?
3) Where can you find resources to help you after you leave the conference?
Track 4: Panel/Workshop with Meredith Allard, Erick Mertz, Eva Shaw (Panel or Workshops)
Screenwriters Lab: Open for Q&A on Screenwriting and adaptating novels to a screenplay.
Track 1: Jonathan Maberry (Craft)
RESEARCH FOR WRITERS: Whether you’re writing a nail-biting thriller or an article on raising goldfish, you need to have the right technical information. Building a strong nonfiction foundation for any kind of writing elevates your story to a higher level, makes it more interesting and fun for readers, and gets your work noticed. NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry -an avowed ‘knowledge junkie’ shares his tips and insider knowledge on how to do Deep Research, Blurring the Lines Between Fact and Fiction; Making your Work ‘Predictive’; How Not to Get Lost down a Research Rabbit-hole; Finding and Working with Experts; Asking the Right Questions; Using Research as Story-Generators; Picking the Right Amount of Research to Include in your Story; and more.
Track 2 Alisha West (Publishing)
Nailing the Nonfiction Book Proposal: This class is for nonfiction and memoir writers who may be struggling to write the perfect proposal. Good news—there’s no such thing! But there are essential elements that every proposal should include. Writers will learn how to research and find the best competitive titles, how to position their books in the marketplace, what even is an author platform, the importance of a killer hook, and even more. Writers will receive both industry advice and samples.
Track 3 Stephanie Montgomery (Marketing)
Nevada Arts Council Grant Opportunities for Writers & Teaching Writing : The Nevada Arts Council (as do other states Arts Councils) has funding opportunities for individual writers and/or writers working in collaboration through the Project Grant for Artists. Teaching writers may also consider applying for the Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster. Writers accepted to the Roster are eligible to directly apply for the Arts Learning Express grant to support hands-on learning programming. Nevada Arts Council staff presenting these opportunities will include Grants and Projects Analyst Stephanie Montgomery, Artist Services Specialist Sapira Cheuk, and Arts Learning Specialist Sogand Tabatabaei.
Track 4: (Panel or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
First Page Reads— LUNCH – 12:00 – 1:30 pm
First Page Reads : Hosted by Tonya Todd with agents Maer Wilson, Alisha West, Marissa Corvisiero and Tessa Schaffer [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 submitted 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: Alba Arango (Craft)
Middle Grade vs Young Adult: “Sadly, by not understanding what makes a book a true MG or a solid YA, these writers have hamstrung their chances for success, regardless of how well written their stories may be. It’s like they showed up to a final exam without ever cracking a book.” –Marie Lamba
Children’s books are wildly popular and fly off the shelves at bookstores. Unfortunately, many new children’s authors are unsure what the distinct differences are between Middle Grade and Young Adult and end up writing a wonderful story, but inappropriate for the age group they are targeting. In this session, I will cover the basic differences between the two categories and the “industry standards” associated with each. Learn what parents, teachers, and librarians (the gate keepers) want to see, and what they do not want to see, in each category.
Track 2: Marissa Corvisiero/ Tassa Schaffer (Publishing)
Track 3: Andres Fragoso Jr. (Marketing)
Marketing Your Manuscript to the Right Audience, Right Platforms, Right Places: This session helps authors take the guesswork out of book marketing by teaching them how to identify and reach the right readers—using the most effective social platforms, marketing tools, and physical spaces for their genre and audience.
Writers often struggle to promote their work because they’re targeting too broadly, posting on the wrong platforms, or pitching to bookstores that aren’t aligned with their content. This workshop breaks it all down with clarity and purpose. Attendees will learn how to profile their ideal reader, build a focused online presence, and pitch their book to independent bookstores, local venues, and creative outlets that actually move books.
Key Takeaways:
How to define your book’s true audience and genre market
Matching your content to the best platform (TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Building an author marketing toolkit (blurbs, bios, media one-sheet, etc.)
How to pitch your book to the right bookstores and local businesses
Marketing as connection—not just promotion
Perfect for indie authors, self-publishers, and traditionally published writers who want to take control of their marketing strategy with realistic, relationship-based methods.
Track 4: (Panel or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open no Networking and Hospitality
Track 1: Sarah Tasz (Craft)
Magic Building Basics : As a companion to the Worldbuilding seminar the class will dive deeper into the construction of magic systems in fantasy books and things the author should keep in mind as they build their own system. Will include examples both from my work and popular fantasy literature.
Track 2: Jonathan Maberry (Publishing)
Editing on a deadline: What do you do when an editor needs a huge rewrite and gives you very little time? Okay, sure, panic. But after that… the serious writer gets to work. NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry, author of over 50 novels, 27 graphic novels, 20 nonfiction books and 180 short stories in 18 years will share some insider techniques to make this process fun, efficient, effective, and successful.
Track 3: Julie Okabayashi(Marketing)
How To Get Your Independently Published Book Into U.S. Libraries: Independent and small press authors must fend for themselves when it comes to getting their books into libraries across America. With 20 years of experience working with public libraries, Julie Okabayashi will explain the basic processes that most libraries follow when adding independent books to their collections, what criteria our Nevada libraries are looking for when considering adding a book, and the benefits of getting your book into public libraries.
Track 4: (Panel or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
Track 1: Alisha West (Craft)
Beyond Dialogue: A Scene Writing Workshop : Starting with the fundamentals of scene writing (setup, drama/beats, tension, subtext, pulse, turning points and payoffs), this workshop will explain the tools needed to bring your scenes to vivid life. We’ll look at sample scenes and discuss each of the elements the author used to draw the reader in and make them want to keep turning the pages. Then, using the power of film, attendees will get the chance to practice scene building by adding these elements to a dialogue-only script.
Track 2: Meredith Allard (Publishing)
Indie Publishing How Tos:
Track 3: RobRoy McCandless (Marketing)
The Art of the SFF Interview: From Awkward Silences to Epic Conversation: Sharing techniques for drawing out compelling stories from authors, from crafting questions that go beyond plot summaries to creating comfortable environments where guests reveal their creative processes including tips for handling shy authors versus overly talkative ones, and how to pivot when interviews go off track.
Track 4: Alba Arango, Andres Fragoso, Ericl Mertz (Panel or Workshops)
Marketing to the right audience
Keynote & Possible Networking
Track 1: Meredith Allard (Craft)
Overcoming Writers Block:
Track 2: Marissa Corvisiero (Publishing)
How to Embrace the Right Authorpreneur Mindset to Succeed in Publishing: This presentation will close with a brief discussion about getting our heads into the game. In order to be creative we need to be in a creative mindset, but mindset is so much more than embracing creativity. Mindset is everything from efficiency, to growth, and ultimately to success and happiness.
Track 3: RobRoy McCandless (Marketing)
The Art of the SFF Interview – From Awkward Silences to Epic Conversation: Sharing techniques for drawing out compelling stories from authors, from crafting questions that go beyond plot summaries to creating comfortable environments where guests reveal their creative processes including tips for handling shy authors versus overly talkative ones, and how to pivot when interviews go off track.
Track 4: Eva Shaw (Panel or Workshops)
How to Make Money with Your Writing: Workshop
Session 11—10:00 – 10:50 am
Track 1: Alba Arango (Craft)
Writing for Today’s Children’s Market : Do you have an idea for a children’s book? Have you always wanted to write for kids but aren’t sure which age group would be best? In this session, I will explain how the children’s market has changed over the years and what today’s market is like for authors. I’ll go through each of the four main categories (picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult) and what today’s kids, as well as parents and librarians, expect to see (and what not to see) in each category, as well as industry standards for each.
Track 2: Marissa Corvisiero (Publishing)
How to Find and Hook the Right Literary Agent with Perfect Submissions: In this section we will discuss submission materials needed for pitching agents and publishers. We will cover all of the documents included in the submission package, from query letter, synopsis, first few pages, to proposals for non-fiction work in detail. We will also discuss the different materials that producers will want to see from you on the work and how and when to properly pitch the work.
Track 3: Erick Mertz(Marketing)
From Page to Screen: Mastering the Art of Adaptation: Learn how to unlock the secrets of transforming your fiction into a television pilot or feature length screenplay in this comprehensive class for aspiring authors. Discover key techniques for compelling visual storytelling, structuring scenes, and adapting dialogue, all while preserving the essence of your original story. Whether you’re a novelist looking to break into screenwriting or simply want to explore new creative avenues, this course will give you the tools to bring your story to life on screen.
Track 4: Marijke McCandless (Panel or Workshops)
Naked Writing Workshop: Writing from presence, not Perfection.
Track 1: Rob Roy McCandles (Craft)
Gears, Gadgets, and Victorian Innovation: How Real History Inspires Steampunk Fiction: An exploration of the actual scientific breakthroughs and inventions of the Victorian era that serve as foundation for steampunk technology with a discussion about how writers can research and reimagine historical innovations to create believable alternate histories, as well as when to break those rules and allow fantasy to take over.
Track 2: Meredith Allard (Publishing)
How to get published in a Literary Journal:
Track 3: Andres Fragoso Jr. (Marketing)
Beyond the Booth Networking That Builds Book Business: This engaging 50-minute session is designed to help authors, indie publishers, and literary professionals make the most of networking opportunities at book fairs, signings, conferences, and industry gatherings. Attendees will learn how to move beyond passive participation and build meaningful, strategic relationships that boost visibility, credibility, and long-term book sales.
Through real-world examples, actionable tips, and brief interactive moments, we’ll explore how to prepare for events, approach new contacts with confidence, and follow up effectively. Whether you’re manning a booth, attending a panel, or joining a writer’s group for the first time, this session will give you tools to represent your work professionally and create authentic industry connections.
Key Takeaways:
• How to network at different types of book events
• Conversation starters and personal pitch templates
• What to bring, say, and post during live events
• Follow-up strategies that grow your professional network
This session is Ideal for authors, indie publishers, marketers, and anyone navigating the book industry who wants to grow their presence through in-person engagement.
Track 4: (Panel or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
First Page Reads— LUNCH – 12:00 – 1:30 pm
First Page Reads hosted by Tonya Todd with agents Maer Wilson, Alisha West, Marissa Corvisiero and Tessa Schaffer [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 submitted 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: Erick Mertz (Craft)
Monsters Are Needy: Have you heard from an editor or feedback group that your villain, or monster, lacks credibility? Are you writing or re-writing a manuscript and struggling to help that bad guy to show his or her villainous teeth? If so, it may be that your villain isn’t getting enough page or screen time. In this class, I analyze familiar and successful films and screenplays, books and television series, to illustrate how best to utilize your elements of threat. We learn that monsters are, indeed, needy as well as the ways to build them up in order to give your audience what they’re looking for.
Track 2: Tessa Shaffer (Publishing)
Track 3: RobRoy McCandless (Marketing)
The Author’s Guide to Being a Great Podcast Guest – Turning Interviews into Book Sales: Sharing insider knowledge about what makes interviews memorable and effective from the host’s perspective this presentation will cover how to prepare compelling talking points beyond basic plot summaries, techniques for storytelling that captivate listeners, and strategies for naturally weaving in book mentions without sounding overly promotional. Include practical tips on audio quality, managing interview nerves, and how to follow up after appearances to maximize the marketing impact.
Track 4: Mayberry, Wilson, & Shaw (Panel or Workshops)
Editing Panel: Q&A for everything you always wanted to ask about editing
Track 1: Sarah Tasz (Craft)
How to Write a Love Interest: I was just on a panel discussion for this topic, and it was romance interesting? How do you stop it from taking over the story—or do you? I could definitely adapt a presentation on that.
Track 2: Tessa Schaffer (Publishing)
Track 3: Stephanie Montgomery (Marketing)
Nevada Arts Council Grant Opportunities for Writers & Teaching Writing: The Nevada Arts Council (as do other states Arts Councils) has funding opportunities for individual writers and/or writers working in collaboration through the Project Grant for Artists. Teaching writers may also consider applying for the Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster. Writers accepted to the Roster are eligible to directly apply for the Arts Learning Express grant to support hands-on learning programming. Nevada Arts Council staff presenting these opportunities will include Grants and Projects Analyst Stephanie Montgomery, Artist Services Specialist Sapira Cheuk, and Arts Learning Specialist Sogand Tabatabaei.
Track 4: Marijke McCandless(Panel or Workshops)
Workshop: Sensory awakening for writers.
Track 1: Sarah Tasz (Craft)
Trope Roulette: I don’t have an official title for this one yet, but basically it’s a discussion on tropes (what they are, how to use them, how NOT to use them, etc) combined with a little interactive exercise I’ve been calling “Trope Roulette,” where you spin a wheel to get a couple of random tropes and then have the audience write something short which can then be shared.
Track 2: Alisa West (Publishing)
Nailing the Nonfiction Book Proposal: This class is for nonfiction and memoir writers who may be struggling to write the perfect proposal. Good news—there’s no such thing! But there are essential elements that every proposal should include. Writers will learn how to research and find the best competitive titles, how to position their books in the marketplace, what even is an author platform, the importance of a killer hook, and even more. Writers will receive both industry advice and samples.
Track 3: Andres Fragoso Jr. (Marketing)
Your Website & Social Media Building a Digital Home for Your Author Brand:
This 50-minute session equips authors with the tools and knowledge to build a professional, discoverable, and engaging online presence through an active website and smart social media use. In today’s publishing world, having a static author page isn’t enough—your website needs to work for you.
Attendees will learn the core components of a well-structured author website, the purpose of landing pages, and how to connect their site to social platforms for maximum visibility. The session also covers important web basics such as domains, hosting, content platforms, metatags, keywords, and SEO—explained in clear, beginner-friendly terms.
This presentation demystifies tech talk and empowers authors to create or refine their digital home base, helping them attract readers, sell books, and stay professionally competitive.
Key Takeaways:
• What every author website must include (and what to leave out)
• The difference between a static site and an active, discoverable one
• How landing pages, metatags, and SEO help readers find you
• Choosing the right hosting and website platform
• How social media should support your website—not replace it
This session is Ideal for indie authors, self-publishers, traditionally published writers, and authorpreneurs ready to level up their online presence.
Track 4: (Panel or Workshops)
No Panel this hour. This room is open for Networking and Hospitality
Closing Remarks, Buffet, & Raffel Disbursment—6:00 pm
Would you like to Pitch Your Book to an agent or publisher?
Would you like to Review Your Work in a Blue Pencil Review with an industry expert?
Included in the cost of your Las Vegas Writers Conference registration, you may Pitch 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.).
Once registered, book your appointments—first come, first served—on the conference website. [OR Email your choice(s) to PBP@lasvegaswritersconference.com Spaces are limited!