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Full Schedule
Here’s what you can expect:
8:15-9:15 a.m. — Registration begins at Stephens College Senior Hall.
9:30-10:30 a.m. — The day will begin with an opening session of our First Page Rodeo, where you can submit the first page of an unpublished novel for review/critique by a panel of experts ahead of APRIL 3, 2026. Workshop participants only.
10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — In the first workshop block, participants will attend one of two available workshops. Workshop participants only.
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. — The group will break for lunch, and you are free to enjoy the nearby restaurants, or bring your own lunch.
1:15-2:45 p.m. — In the second workshop block, participants will attend one of two available workshops. Workshop participants only.
3-4 p.m. — The day will conclude with a panel discussion, where professional writers will answer all of your questions about publishing in Windsor Auditorium. This session is open to the public!
The Workshops
BLOCK ONE 10:45 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.
Totally Obsessed: How to Turn Your Passions into Prose
Led by Steve Almond
Most good writing—whether fiction or nonfiction—arises from a writer’s obsessions. In this intensive session, we’ll discuss how to explore our obsessions on the page, without falling prey to self-absorption or sentiment. We’ll start by looking at the work of folks such as Joan Didion and George Saunders and others, and then generate some work in class by confessing to our own obsessions. Check your inhibitions at the door.
Steve Almond is the author of a dozen books of fiction and non-fiction, including the NYT bestsellers "Candyfreak" and "Against Football." His most recent book is "Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow."
Writing into the Image: a Generative Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop
Led by Rachel Walker
Ancient and present-day writers alike have found inspiration in works of art, with poems about sculptures, paintings, photographs, and film blurring the boundaries between words and images. In this generative workshop, we’ll read and discuss powerful examples of ekphrastic poetry, considering the ways in which writing into artwork can open up conversations about what it means to see and be seen, and how these dynamics intersect with a writer’s identity and experiences. We’ll consider how we can use elements of poetic craft — voice, form, and imagery — to enrich our own writing. We’ll also write through some generative prompts inspired by artwork, so that you will leave this workshop with fresh ideas for new writing.
Rachel Walker is a PhD candidate and graduate instructor at the University of Missouri’s English department.
BLOCK TWO 1:15 P.M. - 2:45 P.M.
Finding Inspiration from the Natural World
Led by Julie Carrick-Dalton
In this workshop, we will explore how different writers use elements of the natural world to set tone, establish setting, define character, and evoke emotion via word choice, imagery, and sensory details. We will discuss the nuances that differentiate between writing about climate, weather, nature, and the environment. After a short, generative exercise, participants will have the option to share their work for group feedback.
Julie Carrick Dalton is the award-winning author of The Forest Becomes Her, The Last Beekeeper, and Waiting for the Night Song. A former farmer, beekeeper, and journalist, she is a frequent speaker on the topic of fiction in the age of climate crisis at universities, museums, and conferences, nationally and internationally. She currently serves on the teaching faculty at Drexel University's Creative Writing MFA program. When she isn't reading or writing, you can probably find Julie kayaking, skiing, swimming, gardening, or trying to track down her four children and two dogs.
Navigating the Marketing Path
Led by Jenna Blum
Whether you're published by a traditional publisher or you’ve taken the independent route, as a writer you’re expected to do much of your own book marketing. Almost every writer finds this daunting! How do you find industry people—authors, influencers, event hosts, bookstore managers—to help promote you? How do you organize a tour? (Do you even need to put on your hard pants and go out on the road, or can you do virtual events only?) Do you need a website? An independent publicist? What about social media? WHAT EVEN IS BOOK TOK??!? How do you allocate your time, energy, and money? Jenna will help you target your strengths with the goal of helping you devise a plan to get your book more exposure and into more readers’ hands.
Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of five Big Five-published books (four novels and a memoir) for an honest inside look at navigating the marketing path. Her fifth book and first thriller, Murder Your Darlings (HarperCollins 2026), has been praised by various reviewers as “delicious”…”wickedly twisted”…”a captivating tale of love, death, and literature" and optioned by Rohm Feifer Entertainment. Jenna is published in over 25 countries, a 28-year veteran teacher, one of Oprah's Top 30 Women Writers, and CEO/Co-Founder of A Mighty Blaze.