Friday, February 6, 2026

Sessions on this day are open to everyone but aimed primarily toward new or aspiring authors

8:00-8:55 AM CST Presentation: “Doing it ALL Yourself - a Self-Publishing Walkthrough” 

  Amanda Meuwissen (she/they)

Every author's experiences and successes are different, but if what is keeping you from publishing is not believing you can do it on your own, this walkthrough will cover one possible path that takes you through every step from writing your book to having it in print with minimal assistance. Aside from editing and outside feedback, you CAN do it all yourself, and I'll show you how.

9:00-9:55 AM CST Panel Presentation: “Two Truths and a Lie: Debunking Harmful Author Myths” 

  Jem Wendel (she/her), Hinsel Meyer (she/her), and Breanna Ripley (she/her)

Let’s tackle the lies we tell ourselves about our author business and find a way to change how we talk to ourselves!

Each presenter will address: 

• One lie we tell ourselves that supports the myth and is harmful to us

• Two actual truths we need to tell ourselves instead

• Tips & tricks for coping

Q&A will follow.

10:00-10:55 AM CST Presentation: “Quirks and Queers: Writing Characters that Pop” 

   Katey Hawthorne (she/her)

Readers want a protagonist they can root for, whether they’re good, evil, somewhere in the middle, or go on a whole journey from one extreme to the other. In this session, we'll talk about intersectionality of identities, relatability, authenticity--all in a queer character-and-community specific context--and how these things can help authors craft characters that pop off the page.

We’ll work through the concept of character in three stages: 1. The three dimensions of character, 2. internal and external character motivations as a story engine, and 3. How to craft a satisfying character arc once you know who you’re writing about.

I'll have blank handouts of all my visual aids for each participant, and we can have questions and discussion at the end of each stage or the end of the session.

11:00AM-11:55 AM CST     Presentation: “What The Fluff? How To Write Low Angst Romance” 

  Charlie Novak (she/they)

Low angst romance is a staple of the genre, but how do you actually write compelling, low angst romance with strong emotional arcs and characters people connect with? In this session, Charlie will talk about how to structure low angst and make the traditional romance beats work without a third act breakup. It'll also cover creating compelling characters and external conflict within that arc, to give new authors, and those just starting out, an idea of how to develop their own work and create low angst stories readers connect with. There will also be plenty of time for questions.

LUNCH BREAK (12:00-1:00PM CST)

1:00-1:55 PM CST Presentation: “Everything You Think You Know About Queer History Is Probably Wrong” 

   Merry Farmer (she/her)

This educational and uplifting presentation explores the rich and often overlooked history of queer identities throughout time and across the globe. From ancient civilizations to modern movements, we’ll trace how LGBTQ+ people have always existed—and how societal acceptance, visibility, and representation have evolved across cultures and eras.

Drawing from recorded history, this session aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the resilience, diversity, and contributions of queer communities throughout the ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an LGBTQ+ advocate, or someone seeking to better understand the roots of queer identity, this presentation offers a powerful reminder: we have always been here.

2:00-2:55 PM CST Presentation: "Professionalism for Newbies: The Dos and Don'ts of Managing Your Author 

   Business and Online Presence"

  Chloe Archer (she/her)

This is a practical, beginner-friendly presentation designed to help new and aspiring authors navigate some of the complexities of the business side of writing. From curating and managing your brand and online image to interacting professionally with readers, fellow authors, editors, cover artists, narrators, PAs and more, this session covers: professional mindset, essential etiquette for online and in-person spaces, common pitfalls to avoid, and smart practices to build a credible and sustainable author brand in our ever evolving digital world. You'll also learn how to steer clear of some of the missteps that can lead to being labeled an "author behaving badly" and/or social media backlash—protecting both your reputation and your career. Whether you're self-publishing or pursuing traditional routes, you'll leave this session with actionable tips to present yourself—and your work—with confidence and professionalism.

3:00-3:55 PM CST Presentation: “Tracking Changes: Navigating Today's Editorial Process” 

   Dayna M. Reidenouer (they/them)

Writers entering the publishing business may find the industry confusing. This session aims to demystify one aspect: the editorial process. I'll review the traditional editorial process, show how it's been adapted to self-publishing authors, cover how to work with freelance professionals and their feedback, and offer insight into the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word. As an experienced editor, I will welcome attendees' questions at the end.

4:00-4:55PM CST Presentation: “Self-Publishing 101 (from a 2025 Debut Author)” 

   Ellie Ash (she/her)

Thinking about self-publishing but not sure where to start? In this practical, presentation-style workshop, 2025 debut author Ellie Ash shares the real-life steps they took to self-publish—from the ground up. This session is designed for aspiring authors looking for a beginner-friendly, detail-rich overview of the process—especially those who want a behind-the-scenes look from someone who's just been through it.

We’ll cover topics like:

• Choosing a pen name, creating a logo, and setting up social media (with tips on using Canva)
  
  

• Building an author website, domain, newsletter, and professional email
  
  

• Using BookFunnel and creating a reader magnet to grow your subscriber list
  
  

• Copyright in Canada and the U.S. (and how to navigate pen names vs. legal names)
  
  

• ISBNs, cover design, formatting tools, and editing stages
  
  

• ARC reviews, beta readers, and self-editing strategies
  
  

• Setting up a KDP account and launching a preorder
  
  

• Claiming your books and author profile on Author Central, Goodreads, and BookBub
  
  

• Getting the word out: Facebook group posts, newsletter swaps, and other promo tips
  
  

Please note: This workshop reflects one author’s experience—based in Canada and publishing through Kindle Unlimited—with insights gathered from fellow authors. It does not cover topics like LLCs, direct sales through your own website, or paid advertising. The goal is to offer a clear, honest look at one path to self-publishing, complete with a customizable checklist (Excel format) you can adapt to your own journey.

There will be time for Q&A at the end—bring your questions!

Embarking on the path to authorship can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. This virtual networking session is designed specifically for new and aspiring writers looking to build community, share experiences, and make meaningful connections. Whether you're brainstorming your first story, figuring out the different aspects of self-publishing, or simply exploring what it means to be a writer, this is a welcoming space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and support one another. Join us for guided conversations, breakout discussions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow writers who understand the journey. Narrators who would like to join us are also warmly welcomed!

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Sessions are open to everyone but the morning sessions are primarily for new or aspiring authors while the afternoon sessions are aimed at established authors with five or more books published.

8:00-8:55 AM CST Workshop: “Don't Diss My Ability: Writing Queer and Disabled Characters with Care and 

   Confidence”

   Emily Carrington (she/her)

This interactive workshop explores the intersection of disability and queerness in LGBTQ+ romance—on and off the page. Participants will gain insight into writing authentic disabled characters, navigating common tropes and pitfalls, and understanding the lived realities of queer disabled people. We'll also address the challenges disabled authors face in the writing and publishing world. Whether you're writing from lived experience or striving to be a better ally on the page, this workshop offers tools, guidance, and a supportive space to deepen your practice.

9:00-9:55 AM CST Presentation:“Not Your Middle School Sex Ed Class: Current Sexual Health Care State of the 

   Science” 

   J.L. Gribble (she/her)

Can my characters ditch the condoms? How long do HIV test results take? What is doxy-PEP, anyway? Join author J.L. Gribble as she dons her other hat as a professional medical editor to cover the current best practices for the prevention, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. She’ll highlight aspects of sexual health care relevant to characters engaging in physical intimacy, especially within LGBTQIA+ relationships, with a focus on the details needed to craft realistic contemporary romance.

10:00-10:55 AM CST Panel: “Queer Worlds Readers Want to Visit: Worldbuilding for LGBTQ+ Romance”

   Rhys Everly-Lawless (he/him), Chloe Archer (she/her), Meghan Maslow (she/her), and Lee Blair (she/her)

From cozy queer-friendly small towns to alien sci-fi landscapes to paranormal enclaves and magical fantasy realms, the worlds we build shape the love stories we tell. In this roundtable, we’ll dive into how intentional worldbuilding can enrich LGBTQ+ romance across genres—from contemporary to fantasy, paranormal to sci-fi. Whether you're writing your first queer love story or expanding a universe of interconnected tales, join fellow authors to explore how to create inclusive, authentic, and enduring settings that support vibrant characters and relationships for years to come.

11:00AM-11:55AM CST Presentation: “So you hate writing your newsletter?” 

   Morgan Lysand (they/them)

Having a newsletter is one of the best things you can have in your marketing handbag, but you hate trying to figure out what to write. We'll learn how to KISS (keep it simple, silly) so we don't overwhelm ourselves and can get all the good stuff to our readers. (Note: Not a workshop on setting up a newsletter).  

LUNCH BREAK (12:00-1:00PM CST)

1:00-1:55 PM CST Presentation: “Don't be a poopyhead: slurs, ableism, and inclusive language” 

   Dayna M. Reidenouer (they/them)

As language artists, we shape the world with the words we use and those we delete. In this session, I’ll provide background on ableism and slurs, and then I'll invite attendees to offer replacements for common slurs and insults. If the audience is larger than 12, we can use breakout rooms for discussion, then share lists when everyone returns to the main room.

My hope is this session will be fun and possibly silly, even while we’re discussing a serious topic. Presentation will be informed by “Elements of Indigenous Style,” The Radical Copyeditor, “The Conscious Style Guide,” and others.

2:00-2:55 PM CST Roundtable: “Pros and Cons of Writing in One Lane” 

   R.L. Merrill (she/her), Amy Lane (she/her), and Kim Fielding (she/her)

Publishing experts and experienced authors will often tell you to choose one style/genre/relationship and stick with it, but what if your happy place is writing all the things? Three authors discuss their careers and all the divergent paths they've taken, what they feel worked or didn't work, and what goals they have for the future.

3:00-3:55 PM CST Roundtable: “Writing Outside the Binary: Crafting Authentic Non-Binary Characters in 

   LGBTQ+ Romance” 

   Beck Grey (they/them), R.A. Frick (they/them), and Riley Long (they/them)

Join us for a thoughtful virtual roundtable exploring the art and responsibility of writing non-binary characters in LGBTQ+ romance. This session will dive into the why and how of inclusive storytelling—why non-binary representation matters, how to approach it with respect and authenticity, and what to consider when writing characters whose identities differ from your own. Whether you're a non-binary author, a cis writer seeking to expand your perspective, or anyone committed to more inclusive romance writing, this conversation will offer valuable insights, lived experiences, and practical guidance.

4:00-4:55PM CST Presentation: "Writing Exceptional Sports Romance" 

   Beth Bolden (she/her)

Want to throw a winning touchdown? Sports romance is considered one of the few perennial, “evergreen” tropes in publishing. Other fads in romance can come and go, but sports romance remains strong and viable. But what makes a great sports romance? What if you don’t know anything about sports? Can you still write a killer sports romance? Absolutely. Put together a solid game plan.

But featuring an athlete isn’t enough. Let’s take a deep dive into the genre as a whole, what works, what doesn’t, and what makes it shine. Learn how to turn your book into a sports romance that the reader, sitting on the very edge of their seat, can’t put down. Score the go-ahead goal.

Writing a great book isn’t enough these days. You’ve got to have follow-through, in your marketing. Learn what makes for great sports romance marketing, the do’s and don’ts, and some other key tips for making sure your book stands out from the crowd.

Narrators: Joel Leslie (he/him), Kirt Graves (he/him), André Santana (he/they), Sam Stark (they/them), and Natalie Naudus (she/her)

Join us for an empowering "Own Voices" audiobook narrator panel featuring LGBTQ+ narrators who bring authentic representation to queer romance stories. In this engaging virtual session, panelists will share their journeys, insights on voicing LGBTQ+ characters with nuance and care, and the importance of authentic casting in audiobooks. Whether you're an author seeking the right narrator or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of audiobook production, this conversation promises to be both inspiring and informative.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Sessions are open to everyone but all sessions are primarily for established authors with five or more books published.

8:00-8:55AM CST Presentation: “Put your best book forward: The GMCs of author booth design” 

   Dayna M. Reidenouer (they/them) and Jennia D'Lima (she/her)

Building an author booth could be a topic for a semester-long class, but Jennia and I hit the highlights in this session. Aided with plenty of pictures, we talk about the elements of good table design, how to pack for an author event, and how to handle introversion and fatigue. We'll touch on how to make a sale and the hidden costs of attending in-person events.

9:00-9:55 AM CST Roundtable: “Both, And: How to be a Full-Time Writer and Then Some (or This is Not the 

   Kind of Eiffel Tower I Had in Mind)”

   Charlie Novak (she/they), Kate Hawthorne (she/her), and Chloe Archer (she/her)

Many people dream of becoming full time authors, but what happens if you have another full time job as well? Join Kate Hawthorne, Charlie Novak, and Chloe Archer as they talk about navigating running an author business as people with both full time day jobs and full time writing careers. They'll be discussing why they do both (and why they like it that way), what enables them to do both, reviewing their schedules so you can see how they make it work, what dream scenario might cause them to change their mind, and what advice they'd give their baby author selves. Plus they'll be opening up the field for discussion and questions on balancing this unconventional Eiffel Tower. 

10:00-10:55 AM CST Workshop: “Romancing the Transmasculine” 

   Kit Muse (they/them)

Both gay and heterosexual romance is geared toward a specific vision of the male body. How do you write romance with transmasculine characters when their anatomy may differ from what the average romance reader believes a hero should have? In this panel we discuss writing transmasculine romance addressing transmasculine erasure, writing the transmasc sex scene, and how to present a vision of the hero in romance without an emphasis on specific physical attributes.

11:00AM-11:55 AM CST Presentation: “So, you want to traumatize your character?” 

   Evie McGlynn (she/her)

This session will be an in-depth discussion of the effects of trauma on an individual. In addition to being an author, I am also a licensed counselor and I specialize in treating clients who have experienced trauma. There will be a discussion of the different types of trauma, with a focus on childhood trauma and what that looks like in adult survivors. When we write about characters who have experienced trauma, it’s important to make their actions and reactions feel authentic to the reader. There will be a discussion of SA and its effects on the individual as well as how recovery can look for them. Please note that this is intended to be a discussion rather than a lecture. It is my hope that you will fire all sorts of questions at me that I will answer to the best of my ability. We can also discuss mental illness representation.

LUNCH BREAK (12:00-1:00PM CST)

1:00-1:55 PM CST Presentation: "Cooking up a Shared World that Sells" 

   DJ Jamison (she/her)

This presentation will provide the recipe for a shared world that sells well. It will offer a strategic perspective, based on my experience organizing the Christmas Falls series in terms of issues such as:  selecting authors, branding your series, world building/planning, quality control, building in overlap readers love, marketing and more. Basically your full recipe to create a successful multiauthor series!

2:00-2:55 PM CST Workshop: “Plot Smarter, Not Harder” 

   Annabeth Albert (she/her)

I will address for seasoned authors how to make sense of competing plotting styles and advice, how to craft a custom beat sheet just for YOU, how to mine your backlist for valuable data useful for plotting, how to plot to length, and how to plot to avoid common pitfalls and plotting mishaps. Authors will get a handout PDF in addition to me using slides. 

3:00-3:55 PM CST Roundtable: “Monstrously Romantic - The Appeal of Monster Romance” 

   Kiernan Kelly (she/her), Chloe Archer (she/her), Amanda Meuwissen (she/they), and Delaney   

   Rain (she/her)

Why are monster romances—those featuring creatures, cryptids, demons, and the delightfully inhuman—so captivating, especially within LGBTQ+ romance? This roundtable dives into the monstrous and the magical, exploring what draws queer authors and readers to stories that blur the lines between beauty, beast, and desire.

Join us for a lively and thoughtful discussion about:

• The symbolism of monsters as "others" and how that resonates with queer identities
  
  

• The freedom monster romance offers for exploring gender, sexuality, and power dynamics
  
  

• How monster romance challenges traditional romantic norms and opens space for radical love and acceptance
  
  

• What makes a monster desirable—and what that says about us as readers and creators

Whether you're writing your own monster love story or just fascinated by the subgenre's rise in queer romance, this roundtable offers a space to connect, reflect, and celebrate this unique brand of storytelling!

Join us for a relaxed, interactive networking session where you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow writers, share ideas, discuss current issues in the industry, and chat about your current projects. Depending on the number of attendees, we’ll use breakout rooms to create smaller groups for more meaningful conversations. Whether you're looking to make new contacts, find a critique partner, or just talk shop with other writers, this is a great opportunity to engage with the community in a low-pressure setting. This session is open to everyone but geared toward established authors. Narrators who would like to join us are also warmly welcomed!