2026 Panels, Workshops, and Events

Below is a list of our Panel and Workshop Programming for 2026, as well as special sessions and events!

Imaginarium 2026 will features over 135 Panels and Workshops, in addition to other special events and activities. This page will be updated regularly as programming is added, so be sure to check back regularly!

See the topics and descriptions for each category!

Panels are listed first, followed by all the workshops.

Read through topics and descriptions, with presenters for Workshops included.

Access all of our programming with an Imaginarium 2026 Event Ticket!

To get Registered for Imaginarium 2026 With Event Tickets, please visit: https://www.entertheimaginarium.com/2026-event-tickets/

Panels

Writing and Publishing Panels

Beyond the Beats: Exploring Non-Linear and Alternative Story Structures: Moderator – Tba. Tired of the standard three-act setup? This panel moves past the basics to explore advanced and unconventional narrative frameworks. We will discuss structures like the Kishōtenketsu (four-act Japanese structure), In Medias Res storytelling, the use of parallel timelines, and how to effectively structure episodic or multi-viewpoint narratives. Learn how to break the rules with the intention of creating complex, engaging, and unique reading experiences.

Breathing Life into Tired Tropes: Moderator – TBA. Tired of the same old storylines? This panel explores how to take classic tropes and give them a fresh, modern twist. Our experts will discuss common clichés across various genres and share strategies for subverting expectations to create stories that feel both familiar and surprisingly new. Learn how to use the ‘familiar’ as a springboard for original storytelling that keeps readers guessing. (60 min)

Bulletproofing Your Plot: Building Inconsistency-Free Worlds: Moderator – TBA. The best way to fix a plot hole is to never fall into one. This panel dives into the structural foundations that keep a story airtight. We will discuss the importance of story bibles, character dossiers, and detailed outlines in maintaining continuity. Whether you are writing a complex high-fantasy epic or a tight locked-room mystery, learn the organizational habits and world-building “checks and balances” that ensure your plot remains water-tight from page one to the end.

Crafting Irresistible Romance Arcs: Moderator – TBA. Romance is more than just a “happily ever after”. It is about the emotional journey, the mounting tension, and the authentic connection between characters. This panel dives into the mechanics of building a compelling romance across various sub-genres, from sweet contemporary to spicy historicals and paranormal pairings. Learn how to balance external plot stakes with internal emotional growth, master the “slow burn,” and navigate the evolving expectations of modern romance readers. (60 min)

Crafting Stories for the Next Generation: Moderator – TBA. This panel explores the nuances of different age categories (Picture Books, Middle Grade, and YA), discusses how to handle sensitive topics with age-appropriate realism, and offers strategies for creating characters that young readers will truly connect with. Whether you are writing whimsical adventures or gritty teen dramas, learn how to find your voice in the world of children’s literature. (60 min)

Double Trouble: Crafting Iconic and Dynamic Duos: Moderator – TBA. From Holmes and Watson to Dunk and Egg to modern-day partners-in-crime, the “Dynamic Duo” is a cornerstone of storytelling. This panel explores how to build chemistry, balance contrasting personalities, and use dialogue to create a partnership that is more than the sum of its parts. (60 min)

Future-Proofing Your Career: The Multi-Platform Creator. – TBA. This panel explores the lucrative and creatively fulfilling world of narrative diversification. Our experts will discuss how to translate your storytelling skills into high-growth sectors. From writing for tabletop and video games to highlighting the immersive world-building seen in major studios, and mastering the nuances of audio-first storytelling and scriptwriting. Learn how to leverage your existing IP across multiple formats, navigate new licensing landscapes, and ensure your creative voice remains indispensable in a digital-first economy. (60 min)

Has Ireland become the new Transylvania? Evolving Vampire Origins: Moderators – Dan Klefstad and Eva Vertrice. More and more, the world’s most famous vampires are trading the dark forests of Transylvania for the Emerald Isle. From Angel’s iconic Claddagh ring and Cassidy’s Dublin grit in Preacher to the jig-dancing Vamp Remmick in Sinners, modern vampire lore has an increasingly Irish accent. Considering Dracula author Bram Stoker was Irish and pulled heavily from Celtic legends, perhaps the shift is overdue. Join Vamp Chat hosts Eva Vertrice and Dan Klefstad for some good craic as they explore how Ireland is staking its claim as the true cradle of the modern vampire. (60 min)

Horror and Humor: Two Sides of the Same Coin. Moderator – James Sabata. Laughter and screams go hand in hand. Horror and Humor thrive on tension, timing, and surprise. This panel explores how humor sharpens horror, how horror fuels absurd comedy, and why horror‑comedy is surging back into the spotlight. (60 min)

Mastering the Magazine and Periodical Market: Moderator – TBA. In this panel, we will discuss the current professional landscape of non-fiction and fiction periodical and magazine publishing. Our experts will discuss the anatomy of a perfect pitch, the differences between writing for digital vs. print publications, and how to build lasting relationships with editors. Whether you’re interested in investigative journalism, hobbyist journals, or literary magazines, learn the strategies needed to break into these markets and stay there. (60 min)

Mind the Gap: Identifying and Closing Plot Holes. Moderator – TBA. You’ve finished your draft, but something doesn’t add up. Why didn’t the protagonist use their powers in Chapter 5? How did the villain get from London to Paris in twenty minutes? This panel focuses on the diagnostic side of editing. Learn how to track timelines, map out character motivations, and use “logic passes” to find inconsistencies before your readers do. Our panelists will share their favorite methods for patching narrative leaks without having to rewrite the entire book from scratch.

Navigating Publishing Scams: Moderator – TBA. As the self-publishing industry matures, so do the tactics of predatory “service providers.” From AI-generated “editing” to the hijacking of legitimate publisher imprints, to outright pressuring and harassment, authors are being targeted at record rates when it comes to editing services, book marketing/promotion, cover art and illustration services, and more. This panel brings together industry freelance editors, illustrators, publishers, and veteran authors to dissect the anatomy of a scam. Attendees will learn how to vet freelancers, identify the psychological triggers used in predatory outreach, and protect their intellectual property and finances in an increasingly complex digital landscape. (60 min)

Navigating Sensitive Topics In Your Writing: Moderator – TBA. Panelists will discuss how to navigate controversial and sensitive topics in fiction with cultural sensitivity and realism, without self-censorship or offending a mass audience. (60 min)

Realism in Fiction (Even Speculative Fiction): Moderator – TBA. A discussion on keeping your writing authentic, covering topics from accurate descriptions of injuries (flesh wounds are truly painful) to integrating real-world physics or logic into fictional settings. Bringing stronger realism your writing is a big part of suspending disbelief!

Sequential Storytelling: The Architecture of Comics and Graphic Novels: Moderator – TBA. This discussion explores the “architecture” of a script, how to balance narrative pacing with visual layout, the critical collaboration between writer and illustrator, and the nuances of the “Marvel Method” versus full-script writing. Our experts will discuss how to build immersive worlds in a limited number of panels, the importance of “page turns” and cliffhangers, and how to effectively pitch your visual story to publishers and agents in the 2026 market. (60 min)

Slushfest: Moderator – Barbara V. Evers. Writers anonymously submit the first page, double-spaced, of a work in progress. It’s read aloud, and panelists (agents, publishers, editors, authors) raise their hands at the point when they would stop reading. Once half the hands are raised, we will stop and give feedback. (90 min)

Talk is Cheap: Subtext, Dialect, and the Unspoken: Moderator – TBA. Discover the power of “Inverse Dialogue,” where what is left unsaid is more important than the words on the page. This panel covers the mechanics of subtext, the effective use of regional dialect, and how to create a “voice” that reveals character through both speech and silence. (60 min)

Technical Writing: A Path to Becoming an Author and Speaker: Moderator – D. Mark Haynes. This presentation is designed as an open discussion about the journey of becoming a technical writer. The goal is to provide a realistic and practical overview for those interested in the field, moving beyond common misconceptions. The session will cover the business and creative aspects of the profession, including finding a publisher and audience. (60 min)

The Anatomy of a Cold Case: Structuring and Researching True Crime: Moderator – TBA. What makes a True Crime narrative unputdownable? This panel explores the unique challenges of transforming complex facts, interviews, and police reports into a gripping story. Learn essential techniques for deep archival research, structuring a compelling timeline, managing overwhelming data, and using narrative tools (like suspense and characterization) while adhering to factual rigor. Whether you are writing non-fiction, a fictionalized mystery, or a podcast script, learn how to build a case that keeps readers turning pages.

The Mechanics of Faith: Moderator – TBA. Understanding the difference between Theology (what they believe), Ritual (what they do), and Culture (how they live). A religion doesn’t involve just prayer; it’s dates on a calendar, a specific diet, and a social hierarchy. (60 min)

The SF Ethics of the Future: Moderator – TBA. Good SF doesn’t just predict the car; it predicts the traffic jam. We will discuss how to handle the “dark side” of progress and writing about dystopias vs. Utopias or “solarpunk” (optimistic futures). (60 min)

The Story of Amelia: The Largest Self-Own In History and How She’s Changed the World: Moderator – Clayton Barnett. This panel takes a deep dive into the fascinating and often misunderstood legacy of Amelia. We explore the pivotal moments that defined her journey—specifically the “largest self-own in history”—and analyze how those very instances of vulnerability or error sparked global change. Join our panelists as they discuss the intersection of personal failure and historical impact, revealing how one individual’s narrative shifted the world’s perspective forever. (60 min)

Writing Neurodivergent Characters: Moderator – Diana Morgan. It’s becoming more common to see autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent characters in fiction. How do we include people with these brain differences without falling into bad stereotypes? How do you craft a believable character when their traits exist on a spectrum? A panel of writers discusses various approaches and ways to learn how to craft believable characters.

Writing the Frontier: Grit, Justice, and the Modern Western: Moderator – TBA. This panel explores the essential elements of the Western, from building atmospheric landscapes and authentic dialogue to mastering the “code of the West.” Our experts will discuss how to balance historical accuracy with compelling narrative tension, the rise of “Weird West” and historical crossovers, and how to keep the frontier spirit alive for a new generation of readers. (60 min)

Content Creation, Social Media, and Podcasting Panels

Filmmaking and Screenwriting Panels

Authenticity & Representation in Film and Television: Moderator – TBA. A discussion on telling Global stories with authenticity. We will talk about cultural sensitivity, casting, and maintaining diverse voices in film and television projects set in different historical periods or countries. (60 min)

Tech, TV, & Cinema: Moderator – TBA. We will explore the use of emerging new tools and formats in the world of visual storytelling, such as VR, AI, and Immersive Storytelling. This discussion will include the impact of new technologies on film and television production, and content creation.

The Pilot Puzzle: Structuring for Television and Streaming: Presenter – TBA. Writing for the small screen requires a completely different structural approach than a feature film. This panel dives into the world of A, B, and C stories, act breaks for commercials versus “binge” structures for streaming, and how to build an “Engine” that can sustain multiple seasons. Learn how to map out a pilot that effectively introduces a world while establishing a structural “hook” that leaves the audience wanting more. – Since screenwriting is a visual medium, panelists are encouraged to bring “Beat Sheet” examples from famous movies (like Star Wars or Parasite) to help the audience visualize the structural points they are discussing! Key Topics: Multi-thread plotting, seasonal arcs, and the “Hook-and-Cliffhanger” method.

Scene, Sequence, Story: Building Visual Momentum: Presenter – TBA. Screenplays are blueprints for images, not just dialogue. This panel explores the Sequence Method—breaking your script into eight 10-to-15-minute “mini-movies” to maintain tension. Learn how to structure individual scenes for maximum visual impact, how to use “white space” on the page to control pacing, and why the visual arc of a character is just as important as the plot structure. – Key Topics: The Sequence Method, pacing through formatting, and visual plant-and-payoff.

Gaming Panels

coming soon…

Miscellaneous, Art, Cosplay, and Pop Culture Panels

A Match Made in Hell. Moderator – James Sabata. Horror and wrestling should be a perfect tag team—but more often than not, the pairing goes off the rails. This panel digs into why horror rarely lands in the ring, how promoters misunderstand the genre, and what it would take to make the scares hit as hard as the suplexes.

Cosplay 101: Crafting & Character: Moderator – Da’Rell Miller. Cosplay is more than just a costume. It is a way to express your fandom and share it with the world. This panel covers the practical steps of becoming a cosplayer, including construction tips and performance basics. Come with questions and leave with the inspiration to start your next build! (60 min)

Horrors Against Humanity: Moderator – James Sabata. Hello, horror fan. I want to play a game. The rules are simple. In this horror-themed version of Cards Against Humanity, we will read questions from black cards, and authors/panelists will answer with white cards. You will judge each round and help declare a winner. Rated PG13

Nuclear Heat: Moderator – James Sabata. Do you think Demolition was superior to the Road Warriors? Should Sami Zayn have ended Roman’s title run? Would you defend putting the title on David Arquette? Was the Dark Order the greatest faction of all time? JOIN US as panelists make surprisingly bold statements and attempt to convince you that we’re right. Cheer your favorites, boo the baddies, and feel free to let us know if you think we botch something. (90 min+)

The Art of Illustrating Literature: Moderator – TBA. In the world of literature, an illustration is more than just a decoration; it is an extension of the narrative. This panel brings together illustrators, authors, and designers to discuss the collaborative process of bringing words to life. Learn how to interpret a writer’s vision, the technical requirements of different publishing formats, and how visual storytelling can deepen the impact of the written word. (60 min)

The Great Debate: Vampires vs. Werewolves: Moderator – Da’Rell Miller. Fangs or claws? Sophistication or strength? We’re breaking down the best (and worst) of vampire and werewolf fandom in a fun, interactive debate. We’ll look at lore, movies, and TV series to settle the score once and for all. Audience members are invited to share their takes and help crown a winner! (60 min)

The Mystery Wrestling Experience: Moderator – James Sabata. Mystery Wrestling is a professional wrestling show built entirely around surprise. The audience never knows who will appear or what bizarre stipulation might unfold next. Just like you don’t know who the panellists will be or what you’ll learn about this amazing federation until you’re there. Luchador masks are highly encouraged. (60 min)

Music Panels

Crafting Songs for Story and Stage: Moderator – TBA. This panel dives into the craft of songwriting from a writer’s perspective. Whether you are writing lyrics to be read on a page in a novel or composed for a musical score, learn how to balance meter and rhyme with emotional resonance. Our experts will discuss the technical transition from prose to poetry and how to write “performable” lyrics that capture a reader’s or listener’s imagination. (60 min)

Workshops

Writing and Publishing Workshops

Ask The Agent: Part I: Presenter – Cherry Weiner. Take the guesswork out of the query process! This dynamic session provides a unique platform to directly engage with a literary agent. Ask your most pressing questions about submissions, agent-author relationships, what makes a manuscript stand out, and more. Gain firsthand knowledge and valuable feedback to elevate your publishing aspirations. (2 hrs)

Ask The Agent: Part II: Presenter – Cherry Weiner. A round-up session to get answers to questions that you may have discovered you wanted to ask during the convention and did not get a chance to. Any time left over during this session will be filled in with agent Cherry Weiner’s stories of her journey as an agent, the authors she has met, and anything that might, again, raise questions. (90 min)

Be The 10%: Presenter – Hallee Bridgeman. Agents and editors say that 80%-90% of the submissions they receive aren’t even able to be edited to the point of publication. If you consider that the “best” an author has to submit is what is sent to agents and editors, and that each author believes his or her work is worthy of publication and that a contract is going to result from that submission, then it’s fair to assume that 80%-90% of all self-published books probably weren’t ready for publication. Hallee teaches authors to “Be the 10%”. (60 min)

Beyond the Beards: Reclaiming and Revolutionizing Classic Fantasy Tropes: Presenter – Brian D. Anderson. Fantasy is built on the shoulders of giants like Tolkien, Howard, and Lewis, but how do we make familiar characters and settings feel fresh for the modern reader? This workshop dives into the foundational stereotypes of classic fantasy (the stoic warrior, the damsel, the ancient evil, etc.). We will analyze how these tropes were originally used and, more importantly, how to subvert, rejuvenate, and deepen them through modern characterization, worldbuilding, and thematic exploration. Learn techniques to honor the heritage of your genre while forging entirely new paths.

Build Out Your Book: Make Your Promotion Uniquely Yours: Presenter – Renmeleon. Invent new, creative ways to market your book using alternative approaches to social involvement. Learn to conceptualize and create unique promotional materials your readers will love. Worksheets provided. All attendees will receive thank-you gifts. Led by illustrator, author, and designer Ana Maria Selvaggio, with four decades of professional experience under the name Renmeleon, this one-hour workshop is followed up with an optional one-hour, hands-on group brainstorming session. Come for the workshop and stay for the brainstorming afterward. (2 hrs)

Building Metadata in Ebooks: Presenter – Gregg Bridgeman. Ebooks are basically electronic code. Tapping Gregg’s cybersecurity experience and intellect, he will show how to build metadata in the background of your ebooks to help them become much more discoverable among the millions of other ebooks out there. (60 min)

Crafting Critters: Presenter- Barbara V. Evers. Animals make great characters in books, but how do you pull this off effectively? From children’s books like Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz to cozy mysteries like Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie Mysteries to the quirky dog, Six-Thirty, in Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry, amazing animals leap off the page in wonderful narratives. This workshop will delve into how and why you might add animals as characters instead of props. We will look at examples in various genres and discuss:

What must the author do to ensure the animal’s point of view represents an animal instead of a human personality with an animal’s body?

Why do you need animal characters in your story?

How do you decide the role of the animal(s) in your story?

What should you consider when choosing the type/breed of animal?

How will the genre and the protagonist’s role affect the way the animal is portrayed?

What relationships do we see between animal characters and human characters? How do those relationships impact the story?

Create Memorable Characters. Presenter – Rebecka Vigus. Leverage a 3-Step Process to Create Memorable Characters…

Every writer wants to have repeat readers. Readers help put you on the best-selling lists. You want to have characters your readers will remember after the book ends. This will keep them asking for more books, more of the same characters, more of what you have to say.

Leveraging my 60 years of experience, you can use this simple 3-step process to help you create well-rounded characters your audience will adore and want more.

Learning Objectives

Learn to make them likeable, as if you might meet them on the street.

Learn to create well-rounded characters your audience will adore.

Learn to dig deep into their backstories.

(60 min)

Creating a Marketing Plan When You Don’t Have a Marketing Degree: Presenter – Hallee Bridgeman. This class defines what a platform is for an author, discusses how to build a platform and utilize that platform to market your books. It covers newsletters, street teams, social media, and in-person marketing opportunities. We will also go over how to be true to your brand as an author so that your online platform presence is consistent through all networks. (60 min)

Developing Deep Point of View: Presenter – DiAnn Mills. Deep point of view helps the writer to show rather than tell, but the technique is more about creating a close relationship between the character and reader. One character experiences the scene, and that character takes center stage. The character filters every word of the scene through his/her sensory perception and powerful emotions. This allows the writer to pave the way for the reader to live the scene vicariously through the eyes of the character. The internal dialogue, emotions, and body language must come from the character’s heart and mind, providing the reader with more intimacy. This workshop focuses on the techniques of developing deep point of view and when to use it. Handouts provided. (90 min)

Exploring the Art of Dialogue: Presenter – DiAnn Mills. Writers create dynamic dialogue from characters brimming with personality and wit while revealing inner qualities and moving the plot forward. Our characters have an agenda, and the resulting tension and conflict flairs like gasoline on a fire. Authentic dialogue is rich in character and realistic language. Yet it can’t sound like we speak with pointless filler words and redundancies that toss the reader out of the story. The balance of spot-on, in-character, and purposeful dialogue takes time to master. Quality dialogue is fresh, exciting, rhythmic, paces the scene, oozes with energy and excitement, and always pits characters against each other either directly or indirectly. This workshop focuses on knowing the character to create brilliantly written dialogue as well as techniques to keep the reader engaged. Handouts provided. (60 min)

Guerrilla Marketing: Book Buzz on a Shoestring: Presenter – Chris Enss. Guerrilla marketing is about creativity, not cash, and for authors, it can be the difference between a quiet launch and a memorable one. Instead of expensive ads, writers can create low-cost, high-impact moments that spark curiosity and conversation—bookmark “leave-behinds” in unexpected places, handwritten shelf talkers for indie bookstores, QR codes linking to a free chapter, or a single bold visual that becomes instantly shareable on social media. At conferences, guerrilla tactics thrive: elevator pitches printed on postcards, pop-up readings in hallways, themed swag that ties directly to the book’s hook, or collaborations with fellow authors to cross-promote audiences. The goal isn’t to sell hard; it’s to be unforgettable. When done right, guerrilla marketing turns ingenuity into visibility, and visibility into readers, without draining your wallet. (60 min)

How to Be Creative When All I Want to do is Take a Nap: Presenter – Kimberly Hoffman. Do you struggle to be creative because you are exhausted, either due to physical, mental, social or emotional reasons? This workshop will help you take a breath and find some peace as you learn ways to rediscover your creativity. This workshop is for anyone feeling chronic exhaustion, but especially for those with disabilities or conditions that affect their energy level. (60 min)

Illustrating for Online Presentations: Presenter – Jill Baker. If you are an illustrator, how do you go about discerning the gist of the writer’s imagery and what he or she had in mind when they wrote?
Illustrations for books, magazines and online publications usually takes the form of digital images formatted in either Apple or Microsoft Office programs. Creating the images may take several steps. There are shortcuts to use. Then, what do you do with your images after they are created? When you use Adobe Pro, you must have your text and illustrations in a certain format. Publishers have different specifications and we will look at what those may be in this workshop. (60 min)

Interviewing Your Characters – Unlock Their Deepest Secrets: Presenter – Lynn Tincher. Ever feel like your characters are holding something back? In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to “interview” your characters to uncover their hidden depths, motivations, and quirks. Using a structured yet creative approach, we’ll dive into thought-provoking questions that bring characters to life, strengthen dialogue, and enhance storytelling. Whether you’re developing a new character or refining an existing one, this session will help you craft well-rounded, authentic personalities that leap off the page. Come prepared to ask tough questions—your characters might just surprise you! (60 min)

Marathonarium 4 Premium Short Story Workshop: Presenter – Stephen Zimmer. Get ready for our next 3-Hour Short Story Marathon at Imaginarium 2026, where your completion of a short story gets you published in the fourth volume of our Imaginarium Convention Marathonarium Anthologies!

The Marathonarium 4 workshop will be conducted by award-winning author, editor, and podcaster Stephen Zimmer, and will include a short presentation focusing on marathon-style writing and the craft of writing short stories.

At the end of the presentation, the three-hour creative writing adventure begins!

The presentation will begin at 5 PM on July 16th.

At 5:30 PM, we begin writing.

By 8:30 PM, each participant will transmit his or her story to Stephen for the next steps, which will include editing and time for you to make any needed corrections or revisions to your short story.

Then, the stories will be published in the Marathonarium Anthology Volume 4, which will be released in both print and digital formats, with proceeds supporting the Imaginarium Convention! Stories are non-exclusive, meaning that you will be able to use them right away in any project that you would like!

Note: this is a Premium Exclusive Workshop requiring a small additional fee with a limitation of 18 participants. To register for one of the spaces on this workshop, visit: Marathonarium 4 Premium Workshop Registration Link.

Marketing for Gummies: Presenter – Becky Antkowiak. You’ve seen the “for Dummies” books, but you’re not a dummy. Don’t miss fan favorite Marketing for Gummies: sweet marketing tactics for your personal brand. You probably don’t know the name Hans Riegel, but almost everyone on the planet has enjoyed his creation: gummi bears. In a time when other companies tanked, Haribo’s gummi bears bounced (here and there and everywhere) to fame as a household name. We’ll discuss using gummi principles to make marketing stick, color personal branding, and find creative ways to leave our world a little sweeter.

Memoir Writing: Presenter – Jill Baker. Memoirs are one of the popular forms of literature today. There are many exciting ways to write a Memoir. You have memorable moments, unforgettable events and a family history that needs to be recorded. Why not start your book off with a bang? In this workshop we will explore many ways to engross your readers in the story of your life. (60 min)

Never Listen To Anyone Offering Advice On How To Be A Writer: Presenter – Aaron Drown. Aimed a small press and independent authors, “Never Listen” is a slideshow-style talk in three parts: “Free Advice is Often Overpriced,” which discusses some of the joys and pains common to being a writer; “How to Pretend You’re a Professional,” a primer about publishing and how to have your best foot forward when engaging with publishers and the general public; and “I Will Totally Judge Your Book by its Cover and So Will Everyone Else,” which presents the importance of design in book publishing. (90 Min)

Pitch to an Agent Session: Presenter – Cherry Weiner. Ready to Pitch? Here is your chance to get your work in front of an industry professional. You have 3–5 minutes to make your mark. Come prepared with your best “elevator pitch” and get your manuscript noticed! Visit the Registration Counter to sign up. Slots vanish fast, so don’t wait! (2 hrs)

Sizzling Prose: Presenter Ariella Talix. I don’t mean to titillate, but I see this as an important part of romance writing. We will discuss several aspects, such as how steamy to get for the expected audience, how to make a scene seem authentic and romantic, and making sure there is consent, etc. At this point, I’ve written 19 romance novels, both contemporary and historical. Half of those are MMF, so I often deal with multiples. I think it’s important to keep things steamy and tasteful at the same time, but the activities need to match the personalities of the participants. I know a lot of authors are afraid to write these scenes and turn them over to ghostwriters, and it shows. So hopefully this seminar will help get rid of the fear and unlock some creative ideas. (60 min)

Stoker on Stoker Multimedia Presentation: Presenter – Dacre Stoker. Dacre Stoker’s compelling and informative Keynote presentation, Stoker on Stoker, the Mysteries Behind the Research and Writing of Dracula, weaves together the details of Dracula’s history with Stoker family lore, and Bram Stoker’s life in Dublin and London, then separates fact from popular fiction, revealing the truth about all things Stoker and Dracula. Stoker on Stoker has fascinated audiences around the world, exploring the issues behind the mysteries that have baffled Dracula scholars and fans since the book’s publication in 1897. Illustrated with Dacre’s collection of never before published, and seldom-seen historic images. Including these topics: • Bram Stokers notes for the writing of Dracula • Books Bram used for his research from the London Library and Whitby Library • The Dracula Typescript, including what was edited out prior to publishing • Real locations Bram chose to include in Dracula • The location of Bram’s fictional Castle Dracula and other sites mentioned in Transylvania • Bram’s summer holiday in Whitby in 1890 how he incorporated real sites in chapters 6, 7, 8 of Dracula. • Bram in Cruden Bay Scotland, where Bram wrote parts of Dracula • Dr William Thornley Stoker functioned as Bram’s medical advisor to ensure accuracy in his writing of Dracula. (90 min)

Stress, Conflict, and Transformation: Testing Characters Under Pressure: Presenter – John Morgan Risner. Once a character is built, the real test begins: pressure. This advanced companion workshop shows writers how to reveal true character through conflict, escalating stakes, moral dilemmas, and irreversible consequences.

Participants will explore how stress exposes authentic behavior, how transformation is earned through suffering and decision-making, and why character consistency matters more than perfection. The focus is on creating believable arcs that feel emotionally earned rather than mechanically plotted.

This workshop pairs perfectly with The DNA of a Great Character or can function as a powerful stand-alone deep dive into character development.

Key Topics Covered:

Behavioral testing through escalating conflict

Emotional truth vs. plot convenience

Breaking characters without breaking believability

Turning flaws into catalysts for transformation

Designing character arcs that feel inevitable

Takeaways for Attendees:

Techniques for authentic character growth

Stronger emotional payoffs in climactic moments

A framework for creating pressure-tested character arcs

Greater narrative tension and audience immersion

The DNA of a Great Character: Building Compelling Protagonists from the Inside Out: Presenter – John Morgan Risner. Great stories begin with unforgettable characters—but most writers build characters from the outside in. This workshop flips the process. Attendees will learn a practical, step-by-step method for constructing powerful characters based on psychology, contradiction, desire, fear, and inner conflict before ever selecting a name or appearance.

Using examples from film, television, and novels, this session breaks down what truly makes audiences emotionally invest in a character—and how to design that connection deliberately. Writers will leave with a repeatable character-building framework they can apply to any genre.

Key Topics Covered:

The core emotional engine of a character

Desire vs. need and why both are essential

Internal wounds and hidden contradictions

Flaws that create story, not sabotage it

How character choice drives plot momentum

Takeaways for Attendees:

A clear character construction blueprint

Tools to deepen flat or underperforming characters

A stronger emotional foundation for their current project

Increased character realism and audience connection

The Poetic Journey: Writing for a Deeper Life: Presenter – Lee Pennington. Create poetry for having a deeper and better life. Poetry wakes the senses, opens the eyes to a clearer world, gives you life gifts you perhaps never dreamed of. Even if you never publish a poem, writing poetry wakes your creative energy to make discovers that bring understanding of the world around you. Of course, sharing your poetry by publishing or giving someone a copy often lifts not only you but also the one who participates in the sharing. This workshop will leave you feeling more positive about yourself and the world around you will be just a bit brighter. And it may just lead to publication.

Using Timelines to Tighten Plot: Presenter – Chad Elliot. Using Timelines to Tighten Plot will explore how the use of visual timelines by a writer can help to tighten the plot of a story and plan story beats. Subjects covered will include the types of story timelines, ways in which a timeline helps the writing process, styles of timelines, what should or shouldn’t be included in your timeline, and whether to share your timeline with your readers. (60 min)

What’s Vlad Got to do With It?: Presenter – Dacre Stoker. The Inseparable Connection between the historic Vlad Dracula III and fictional Count Dracula. Take an audio-visual tour through both medieval and modern-day Romania, investigating the facts and fiction surrounding Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. Dacre provides personal insight from the tours he leads throughout Transylvania to places associated with both the fictional Count Dracula and the real Vlad Dracula. Appeals to history buffs and literature fans of all ages. (60 min)

Whispered Rituals and Sentimental Alchemy: Presenter – Jocelyn Waddle. Jocelyne Waddle invites participants to explore the Victorian art of floriography—the coded language of flowers, once used to express forbidden emotions, delivers clandestine messages, and conceal truths too dangerous to speak aloud.

Through immersive encounters and creative expression, attendees will learn how to craft Floral Mood Boards and compose Petal Poetry, using botanical symbolism to mirror their inner landscapes.

Participants begin their journey at the Scent & Memory Station, where fragrance unlocks forgotten feelings and half-buried memories. The workshop culminates in the creation of Floral Mood Boards and Petal Poetry, capturing emotional weather and whispered truths in bloom.

This workshop draws inspiration from Death Comes at First Light, where floriography is more than aesthetic—it’s a key to unraveling mystery. In the novel, Lady Aurora of Grandrivers deciphers hidden clues embedded in floral arrangements, revealing secrets of love, betrayal, and scientific obsession. Each flower becomes a witness, each bouquet a confession.

Join us for an enchanting experience where flowers speak louder than words, and every arrangement is a message waiting to be deciphered—just as they are in Lady Aurora’s world.

Content Creation, Social Media, and Podcasting Workshops

Start (and GROW!) Your Own Podcast! Presenters – Chris Flanigan and Chris Cohron. Chris and Chris from TN2M Shows give you all the info and tools to help you start or grow your podcast! Whether you’re starting at 0 or hitting a growth plateau, Chris and Chris will share their 10 years of podcasting and brand building knowledge to help you hit those goals!

Gaming Workshops

coming soon…

Filmmaking and Screenwriting Workshops

Page to Premiere: The Strategy of Scaling Book Series into Film Franchises: Presenter – Amy Leigh McCorkle. Amy will provide the notebook and pens as she helps you learn to run the marathon, not the sprint. In this workshop, Amy will be covering the following:
*Blogs
*Memoirs
*Documentaries
*Narrative Films
*Limited Series
*Spin-off novels
*Shifting from Epistolarity to traditional memoirs
*Pitch decks
*The reality of the indie world.
*And more…

After the workshop, Amy is hosting a room party for participants with chocolate wine and homemade snacks, early arrivals invited! This workshop will take place Thursday evening, on July 16th, at 8 PM. (90 min)

Music, Cosplay, and Miscellaneous Workshops

The Alchemy Framework: Presenter – Robert Thompson. Designed to help leaders and artist transform challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. Drawing from storytelling, performance, and creative industries, it provides a structured pathway for integrating new technologies and creativity into your process without losing the human element.

Beyond the Veil: A Mediumship Gallery: Presenter – Christopher J. Brown. Join us for an intimate and powerful evening of spirit communication in this mediumship gallery experience. Psychic Medium Christopher J. Brown will connect with loved ones in Spirit, delivering evidential messages of love, healing, and validation from the other side.

In a gallery setting, messages are shared publicly with members of the audience as Spirit guides the experience. While not everyone is guaranteed a personal reading, the evening is often deeply meaningful for all who attend, offering comfort, insight, and a profound sense of connection.

Whether you are seeking messages from loved ones, spiritual reassurance, or wish to witness the beauty of mediumship, this event offers a warm, respectful, and heart-centered space to experience Spirit at work. Come with an open heart and an open mind—Spirit always knows who needs to be there. (1 hr)

Metaphysics and Paranormality: Presented by Ron Yacovetti. A new and more grounded reframing of paranormal phenomena that does not clash with science as many explanations held today do. We will show some video clips of the spirit communication method we have, which is unique and quite different from a spirit box, called TDSE: The Digital Seance Experience. (60 min)

A Convention for Creatives of All Genres - Holiday Inn Louisville East Louisville, KY - July 17-19, 2026