Keynote and Workshops
Purchase tickets here
9 — 10 am
​
Keynote — Peter Geye
Peter Geye is the author of the award-winning novels "Safe from the Sea," " The Lighthouse Road," and "Wintering" (Minnesota Book Award winner). He's also the author of "Northernmost," " The Ski Jumpers," and "A Lesser Light."
​​
Geye received his MFA from the University of New Orleans and his PhD from Western Michigan University, where he was editor of Third Coast Magazine. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he continues to live there with his family. petergeye.com​
​
​
​
10:30 —11:30a
Create a Blueprint for Your Novel
Doug Dorow
This workshop will review the Blueprint for a book developed by Author Accelerator. The Blueprint is a structured, step-by-step method designed to help fiction writers build a framework for their stories.
The Blueprint can be used for developing and reviewing new ideas or to evaluate and revise an existing story that may not be working.
All participants will be offered an e-version of the Blueprint for a Book after the workshop.
​
Doug Dorow is a thriller writer of FBI Crime fiction and is working on an Action/Adventure series. He has indie published two novels (which have been Kindle best sellers), three novellas, and a number of short stories that have been published in anthologies. One short story won third place at Bouchercon Dallas.
He is also a certified book coach via Author Accelerator and has coached a number of authors on plotting, revision, and publishing. douglasdorow.com
​
Writing Fantastical Worlds for Young Readers
Kelsey Daly
​
Interested in writing Young Adult or Middle Grade fantasy for young readers? This workshop will delve into world-building through the lens of youth literature. Through discussion, excerpts, and writing prompts, we’ll explore the unique concerns when writing for younger readers. What can we do as fantasy authors to keep them immersed and turning the page?
​
Kelsey Daly has an MA in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University, where she graduated with Distinction. Her YA fantasy manuscripts have received a Minnesota Artist Initiative Grant and a Next Step Fund Grant. She teaches Youth Writing at the Loft Literary Center.
​
The Book World
Mike Faricy
We will discuss various aspects of writing books, from the day-to-day duties to the ever-changing market place. We’ll also talk about how to build a list of readers. Other topics covered: How long should a book be in todays market? What things do authors need to address or avoid? What do readers want and enjoy? My presentations are always open for questions from readers and writers.
Mike Faricy makes his living writing crime fiction. His 94th book, “Criminal Novice” comes out this February. He speaks at various reader/writer conferences—Killer Nashville and Bouchercon are two of the more popular—but he also speaks at local libraries, various Sisters in Crime meetings, and anywhere people are willing to listen and interact. I offer five free ebooks when you sign up to my readers list. mikefaricybooks.com
​​
​
12:o0 —1:30pm​
​
​
​
Plotting a Novel: The Importance of Conflict
David Housewright
NOTE: This workshop is 1 1/2 hours
The beginning of the writing process – gathering information, finding ideas, and kicking them around – is a lot of fun. But sooner or later, the writer must actually begin plotting their novel. When we discuss plot, we are speaking of two separate yet thoroughly intertwined elements. One – What the book is about; it’s theme if you will. Two – the content of the book. This workshop will discuss the difference between these two essential elements. In addition, we will also examine the necessity of creating conflict as a way to explore the theme and in driving the plot forward.
​
A past president of the Private Eye Writers of America, David Housewright has published 32 novels. He earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a Shamus nomination from the PWA, and three Minnesota Books Awards. A reformed newspaper reporter and ad man, he also taught writing courses at both the University of Minnesota and Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. davidhousewright.com
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​
12:30 —1:30pm
​
​
Landscapes of Life—The Intersection of Literature and Life Experience
Barbara Marshak
A writer of both fiction and nonfiction, award-winning author Barbara Marshak guides attendees in taking their unique life experiences, and bringing them to the printed page. These short stories or essays have importance, whether it’s simply the desire to share with family and friends, or written with loftier goals in mind, such as entering writing contests or submitting for publication. All levels of writers are welcome.
​
Barbara Marshak has over 200 published pieces (essays, articles, and short stories)and five published books: "Hidden Heritage; Michigan & Rookie"; "Seeds of Salton"; "Painted Skies"; and "Landscapes of Life". She is currently working on her sixth book titled, “The Last Fugitive”, to be published with History Through Fiction, a Minnesota press. barbaramarshak.com
​
​Self, Hybrid, Traditional: Navigating the Publishing LandscapeRob Jung, Emily Trenholm
Writing your book is only half the job.
Have a finished book—or an idea you’re ready to pursue? Today’s publishing world offers more paths than ever, from traditional publishing to self-publishing and hybrid models. This introductory workshop breaks down how each model works, the pros and cons of each, and what level of control, cost, and support authors can expect. Using local hybrid publisher Calumet Editions as a real-world example, participants will gain practical insight to make informed publishing decisions aligned with their goals.
---
Emily Trenholm is a writer, editor, educator, and writing coach. She has taught writing at universities, colleges, and the Loft Literary center and been a bookseller at Barnes & Noble. She currently is an editorial assistant at Calumet Editions.
​​
​
​
2 pm — 3 pm
​
Healing Through Courageous Writing
Wendy Brown-Báez
If you are healing from emotional wounds, feel stuck or unmotivated, or cope with depression and/or anxiety, writing can deepen self-awareness and self-compassion as well as alleviate stress. Courageous, authentic writing is energizing and fulfilling, once we get past our resistance. It is a way to order our thoughts, find inner guidance, and motivate creativity. In this workshop, Wendy will discuss how to create a writing ritual to turn on the writing brain. We'll learn how mindfulness and somatic embodied practices regulate and calm our nervous systems and why these are essential tools for writing practice.
​
Wendy Brown-Báez is the creator of Writing Circles for Healing. She is the author of "Heart on the Page: A Portable Writing Workshop" and poetry collections, "Threading the Gold" and "Ceremonies of the Spirit". Her poetry and prose appear in numerous literary journals and anthologies such as Mizna, Water~Stone Review,Peregrine, Wising Up Press, The Heart of All That Is, Talking Writing, Poets & Writers, Saint Paul Almanac and Tiferet. Wendy facilitates writing workshops in community spaces including healing and spiritual centers, state prisons and human service organizations. She completed the Healing Trauma Program taught by Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein and is a member of Writing to Wholeness Collective facilitating writing workshops for survivors of trauma. wendybrownbaez.com
​
​
​
Three Authors, Three Paths: Traditional, Self, and Hybid PublishingErin Panel Discussion
​
Three Minnesota authors will discuss their experiences with traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. Each publishing model has benefits and drawbacks, and we will explore each in detail.We believe that knowledge is power! Sharing our experiences will help aspiring authors who want to bring their books into the world. One author will discuss landing an agent, what kind of advance to expect, and how she evaluated offers. The second will talk about choosing a hybrid publisher and how much authors could expect to pay. The third author will share the highs and the lows of her self-publishing journey.
​
Amy Jauman is the ghostwriter of "When You See It: How I Outsmarted and Outlasted Dirty John" published by Post Hill Press. A university professor, researcher, and writer, she shares her expertise in victim-centered storytelling and trauma-informed practices through presentations in business and professional development settings. amyjauman.com
Debbie Russell is a lawyer-turned-writer and the author of "Crossing Fifty-One: Not Quite a Memoir," published by Koehler Books. She has presented on writing and publishing memoir and attorney mental health. She’s also given presentations on her book for libraries, book clubs and the Fort Worth Historical Society. debbie-russell.com
Catherine Wilson is the author of "A Trail of Breadcrumbs: a Poetic Memoir of Survival, Healing and Spiritual Growth." She has given presentations on her book on radio, podcast, in-person retreats and classes. Her book's themes have also appeared in her one-woman shows and keynote presentations which incorporated her original music. groundedvisions.com
​
​
​
Structure: Scaffolding for Your Story
Tamara Hogan
​
In commercial fiction, every scene must reveal character, setting, plot, and other craft elements, inexorably driving the story forward. In this workshop, we’ll assess the ways that story structure can be used to convey critical craft information in an effective, engaging manner. We’ll also explore the role of genre, and how having deep knowledge of genre readers’ core story expectations can help us tell stories that both satisfy and surprise. Gain exposure to concepts, tools, and techniques you can use to plot your story, avoid “the mushy middle,” and envision story structure as a framework to be creative within.
Tamara Hogan is the award-winning author of The Underbelly Chronicles paranormal romance series. Both traditionally- and indie-published, Tamara has broad industry knowledge and is a frequent writing conference instructor and speaker. An English major by education and a technologist by trade, she recently stopped telecommuting to Silicon Valley to write and teach full-time. Tamara teaches adult fiction-writing workshops at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, MN. tamarahogan.com
​
​
​​
​
​
​
3:30 pm — 4:30pm
​
​Avoiding the Mushy Middle
Amy Lynn Green
If you find yourself losing momentum (or the reader’s attention) in the middle of your book, this workshop is for you. Award-winning historical fiction author Amy Lynn Green will help you keep writing with confidence by sharing insights into story structure, teaching you to understand and meet reader expectations, and even testing out some fun, interactive writing exercises together.It’s not the brilliant opening scene or the dramatic climax that stumps most novelists—it’s the long chapters in between.
​
Amy Lynn Green has always enjoyed history, and she loves speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country. Her debut novel, "Things We Didn't Say," was a finalist for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award and a Carol Award and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her husband make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. amygreenbooks.com
Writing Picture Books That Please
Wes Erwin
This presentation will discuss the elements of a creative and well-written picture book. Wes will suggest ways to imagine new ideas for picture books, develop a story arc, and create interesting characters. In addition, simple do's and don’ts for picture books will be discussed. For example: do pay attention to word count, and don’t tell; instead, show. There will be time for questions after the presentation.
​
Wes Erwin has been writing children’s books since 2012. His first book was published in 2014. He has been a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a member of the Shoreview Scribblers Critique Group since 2014 and is currently writing picture books and middle-grade novels. Wes was selected as one of the Anoka County Libraries' Local Featured Authors in 2025. weserwin.com
You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!
Lee Burtman
• Why is it advantageous to begin writing later in life?
• How does one start?
• Where do I begin the research?
• What are some guidelines for the writing process?
• How do I edit my own work?
• Why and how can I self-publish?
• What about marketing on my own?
• What is my legacy as an author?
​
Lee Burtman is a retired educator and self-taught author. She has written three books, beginning in her fifties, and is currently conducting interviews for a fourth book at the age of 70. She is experienced in writing, editing, cover design, self-publishing, marketing, and public speaking. Lee-Burtman-author