WriteHive Annual Conference Schedule
Panels & Presentations
Below is a schedule of all panels and presentations during the Conference. Click on the date to see the day’s events. ALL TIMES ARE IN EDT. To see how this translates to your time zone, we suggest using a time and date converter, such as this one.
You may also RSVP for desired panels and presentations on the private WriteHive Conference Discord, which will send you alerts so you don’t miss a session. If you don’t know if you have notifications on, not to worry! This link will show you all the ins and outs of Discord notifications. Note: Event times may change before the Conference.
Looking for workshops such as 1st Page Critiques, Query Critiques, and Live Pitches? The schedule as well as relevant information can be found on our Workshops page.
3:00 - 04:00 PM
Live Reading from Author Lara Lillibridge
Lara Lillibridge
Panelist, Critiques
5:00 - 05:30 PM
WriteHive Lobby Chat Voice Channel
Opening Speech & Announcements
Join WriteHive staff in kicking off the 3rd Annual WriteHive Conference
5:30 - 07:00 PM
#pitch-isnt-a-bad-word
Pitch isn't a Bad Word
Pitching can be intimidating. It’s difficult to reduce an entire novel into a small query or elevator pitch. But it doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing process or something to avoid! Our panelists help break down pitching and how to take some of the pain out of the process by giving strategies based on where and how you’re pitching, along with pointing out misconceptions.
6:00 - 07:30 PM
# outlining-presentation
Outlining in Depth
You’ve learned the basics of outlining. You have a beginning, midpoint, and end. But what are the next steps? How do you add more depth to your outlining and keep your writing on track? In this panel, our speakers help you take your outline to the next level!
Kira Anderson
Panelist
Tiffany Christina Lewis
Panelist, Moderator
6:30 - 08:00 PM
The Future is Now: The Digital World of Writing
TBD
XM Moon
Panelist, Moderator
K. J. Harrowick
Panelist
7:00 - 08:30 PM
How to Write When You Don't Want To (The Afronauts)
We get it. Life happens and you just had a long day. But those deadlines are coming and you absolutely need to meet them. In this panel, The Afronauts offers the writing community ways that not only motivate us to write when we don’t want to, and also taking it as an opportunity to delve deeper into our craft and ourselves.
7:30 - 09:00 PM
Writing for an Established IP
It’s the kind of job most authors drool for–writing for an existing IP, a built-in audience, and often something you’re already a fan of! But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and it’s not nearly as easy as it may seem. Learn the ins and outs from authors who have been there and done that!
8:00 - 09:30 PM
Making Each Word Count: A Short Story Master Class
It takes skill to tell an elaborate story well. It equally takes skill to tell a concise story well. This panel discussion is for writers who specialize or want to specialize in short story writing. What are the tips, best practices, and pitfalls to know? Join our panelists to find out.
Hien Nguyen
Panelist, Moderator
Dawn Vogel
Panelist, Moderator
C. H. Hung
Panelist
L. Marie Wood
Panelist
8:30 - 10:00 PM
Deconstructing Colonization in your Fiction
Colonization can find its way into our work due to the way it’s built into our culture, like it or not. Join our panel to learn more about how colonization ends up in our fiction, how to spot it, and how we can eliminate it in our work.
Antoinette Van Sluytman
Panelist
Mansi Shah
Panelist
C. M. Lockhart
Panelist
R.M. Virtues
Guest of Honor
9:00 - 10:30 PM
Rooted in Story: Cultivating the Natural World in Ink
Nature means different things to different people. And with our natural world changing rapidly within a human lifetime, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to create your story’s natural world. In this panel, our panelists dive deep into the soil, the ocean, the air, and more to reveal their tips and tricks to finding the natural world that fits their stories.
9:30 - 11:00 PM
Monsters and Robots: Queer Reclamation
For a very long time, monsters in fiction were queer-coded because straight cis artists saw their differing identities as a source of fear–but not any more. Our panel will discuss the history of this trope as well as the reclamation of the trope for and by the queer community.
Michael Williams
Panelist
Kristin Jacques
Panelist
Makana Yamamoto
Panelist
XM Moon
Panelist, Moderator
10:30 - 11:55 PM
The Structure of Flash Fiction (Live Presentation / Class)
Flash fiction may be short, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges! Not the least of which is how to write a compelling story in so few words. This workshop will help illuminate the structure of flash fiction and guide you through creating your own stories.
Finnian Burnett
Panelist
7:00 - 08:30 AM
Breaking Into the Publishing Industry as a Non-American
If you’re an American breaking into the American publishing industry, there are many resources available to guide you in your journey. But what if you’re not from the US? Our panel of multinational authors are here to share their stories of breaking into the US market!
Moniza Hossain
Panelist
Joyce Chng
Panelist, Moderator
Keshe Chow
Panelist
Arva Bhavnagarwala
Panelist
8:00 - 09:30 AM
Creating Compelling Characters (Presentation)
Characters have character, so how do we make them compelling? There are several methods to consider. What are they and which ones will impact your stories the most? Find out in this panel discussion as our speakers share their knowledge and insights.
Brieanna Wilkoff
Panelist
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Debate: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
Social media loves to argue this one. Which is better? Traditional or Self-Publishing? But is it better for everyone, or just better for one person? Listen to our panel of authors debate their opinions on their publishing method of choice.
Marve Michael Anson
Panelist
C. Rae D’Arc
Panelist, Moderator
Erin Fulmer
Panelist
Jessica Lewis
Panelist
9:30 - 11:00 AM
How to Create Superheroes and Villains to Match
Superheroes and villains often feature in powerful stories that incite excitement and wonderment from audiences. But how can you best approach stories like these to make your heroes pack a special punch and keep your villains in the fight? Our panel of superhero writers have all the tips to keep the tropes interesting…or defy them altogether.
Cristina Jurado
Panelist, Moderator
Samantha Bryant
Panelist
Matthew Phillion
Panelist
Justine Manzano
Panelist, Moderator
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Tarot for Writers (Presentation)
Have you ever considered consulting the tarot for your writing? Most people might be familiar with tarot cards to tell the future, but they also tell a story! Dive into the mystical with our presentation speaker to learn about different card decks, the various arcana, and how readings can guide you on your writing journey.
Kris Waldherr
Panelist
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Fear Factors: Horror Genre Master Class
Sometimes we need a good scare. If writing horror is your bread and butter, put the knife down and grab a pen to take notes in this panel discussion. Hopefully our speakers don’t spook you too much and you run for the hills.
Rhonda Jackson Garcia
Panelist
Amanda B. Weaver
Panelist
Beatrice Winifred Iker
Panelist
Zamil Akhtar
Guest of Honor
11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Historians on History in Fiction
Fiction has often been informed by history. But how close to actual history do you need to be? Our panel of actual history buffs will help guide you through how to make history work for your writing.
12:00 - 01:30 PM
How to Hook Readers from Page One
They say the hook brings you back. So how do you craft a strong enough hook from the first page to keep readers engaged with your story? How can a hook go wrong? Learn from our panel of experts!
Paulette Kennedy
Panelist, Critiques
Ronni Davis
Panelist
Anna Britton
Panelist
J.R.H. Lawless
Panelist, Moderator
Matthew Phillion
Panelist
12:30 - 02:00 PM
Writing Multiple Genres and Author Brand
Much of the industry will tell you to stick with one genre for ease of marketing. But these authors have broken that rule and lived to tell the tale! So, how did they do it? How can you best market when writing across multiple genres? Check out the panel!
Lacy Phillips
Panelist, Moderator
Kelsey Anne Lovelady
Panelist
Bobby Nash
Panelist
Jessica Lewis
Panelist
1:00 - 02:30 PM
Marketing Tactics for the Self-Published
We don’t sign up to be marketers when we sign up to become writers, but the unfortunate truth of the industry is that nobody will see our books if we don’t learn how to market them! Join us as our panel discusses what they’ve learned about marketing their books, and learn some strategies for getting eyeballs on your books!
1:30 - 03:00 PM
Tackling Procrastination and Creating a Routine
Creating a routine sounds like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re looking for tips on how to help alleviate the stress of last-minute, rushing, and tight deadlines, join our panelists for this discussion. Don’t procrastinate on adding this session to your schedule!
2:00 - 03:30 PM
The Older Beginning Author: Never Too Late for a Plot Twist!
You’re never too old to pursue your dreams. Read that again. You have a story to tell and it shouldn’t be left on the shelf, so be your own plot twist and take the writing world by storm! Join this panel discussion to brainstorm how you can achieve your goals.
Paulette Kennedy
Panelist, Critiques
Patchree Jones
Panelist, Moderator
KD Edwards
Panelist
Patrick Dugan
Panelist, Critiques
2:30 - 04:00 PM
Genre Alchemy: Creating a Tangible Atmosphere
Each genre you write in is a unique world, something you spin into life with a dash of many different craft elements. So how do you weave together a tangible atmosphere that fits your genre and gives your story the exact right tone? Our panelists are here to help.
Hien Nguyen
Panelist, Moderator
Leanna Renee Hieber
Panelist
Jacob Devlin
Panelist
Amanda B. Weaver
Panelist
3:00 - 04:30 PM
War and Long-Term Effects in Fiction
So many fiction stories revolve around war-time, either focusing on battle itself, or on the effects of battle on the people involved. So how can you best capture the effects of war in a realistic way that reveals the true horrors and everyday effects of large-scale battle? Our panelists discuss their experiences.
Liam Quane
Panelist
M.K. Marteens
Panelist
Jonathan Weiss
Panelist
Olivia Haynes (MultiMind)
Panelist
3:30 - 05:00 PM
Passive Marketing: How Authors Can Leverage SEO (Presentation)
SEO is an acronym for “search engine optimization.” What does that mean? SEO is a group of strategies you can utilize to optimize your digital marketing channels – website, blogs, social media, and more. What are the best practices you can implement to attract your target audience without a heavy lift? Find out in this panel discussion.
Jessica Salina
Panelist
4:00 - 05:30 PM
Marginalization and the Querying Process
Querying is a grueling process for everyone, but there are added hurdles for those from marginalized communities. Our panelists discuss the challenges within the process and how authors can protect themselves, along with how the industry can better open doors to underrepresented communities.
Keir Alekseii
Panelist, Critiques
Salinee Goldenberg
Panelist
Patchree Jones
Panelist, Moderator
Lauren Davila
Panelist
4:30 - 06:00 PM
Witch Way to Your Heart? A Paranormal Romance Master Class
Paranormal Romance has always been a hot genre, whether you’re working in indie or traditional publishing. But it’s so popular! How do you write a novel that will stand out, while still observing the established genre conventions? Our expert panel will help you learn all about the genre and how to nail it, every time.
Britta Threshie
Panelist
Leanna Renee Hieber
Panelist
R.M. Virtues
Guest of Honor
Robin Alvarez
Panelist
Mariah Stillbrook
Panelist
5:00 - 06:30 PM
Tell Me a Story: Exploring Narrative Styles
Many of us have heard of Save the Cat or Hero’s Journey, but more styles exist in writing! Our panelists explain why it’s beneficial to explore various styles, when a new style can be effective, and what to consider when choosing your style.
Lara Lillibridge
Panelist, Critiques
EA Mylonas
Panelist
Tim McLaughlin
Panelist, Moderator
Chyina Powell
Panelist
5:30 - 07:00 PM
The Revenge of the Divine (with Guest of Honor R.M. Virtues)
TBD
R.M. Virtues
Guest of Honor
6:00 - 07:30 PM
Introvert or Extrovert: How to Make Your Style Work
We know it’s long been a theory that all writers are introverts, but we all know that’s not true. We’ve all met extroverted authors–some of them are part of our team here at WriteHive! Each of the styles have different advantages. Our panel will discuss how they make their personality styles work for them.
Vanessa Ricci-Thode
Panelist
Salinee Goldenberg
Panelist
Kate DeMaio
Panelist, Moderator
Patricia Tavormina
Panelist
6:30 - 08:00 PM
LGBTQ+ Traditional vs. Self Publishing
Different types of stories sell better in different venues, and in that way, self-publishing and traditional publishing could serve different purposes for writers at various points of their careers. But if you’re an LGBTQ+ author, are there advantages to traditional or self publishing? Our panel discusses the various paths and what it could mean for your career.
7:00 - 08:30 PM
Disability Representation in Fiction
We all deserve to see ourselves represented in the media we consume. Join our panelists as they discuss why disability representation is important, and how to create strong and positive representation.
7:30 - 09:00 PM
Post Apocalyptic Worlds and Symbolism (Presentation)
Fiction helps us explore possible futures, and in many cases that can include post-apocalyptic realities. This presentation will discuss what makes effective post-apocalyptic worlds for your stories and how to bring them to life in your writing.
Jonathan Weiss
Panelist
8:30 - 10:00 PM
First-Page Analysis by Lit Agents
What makes a first page so special? How can it make or break your manuscript’s chances with agents and editors? Join our panel to learn more about how you can get your first page as perfect as possible and really knock their socks off.
8:30 - 10:00 PM
Writing Natural Dialogue for Unique Characters (Presentation)
We love to talk. Characters talk a lot. But how do we render the cadences, stutters, and mumbles into ink? Our presenter, a serial talker, will guide you through how exactly that um, oh, repeat that, can work within your story.
C. Rae D’Arc
Panelist, Moderator
9:00 - 10:30 PM
Worldbuilding in Real World Settings
Second world stories are fun, but sometimes you want to set a story within the real world, in cities and settings familiar to your readers. This can certainly make certain aspects of worldbuilding easier, but at the same time it presents other unique challenges and research needs. Whether you’re adding a layer of magic to earth or simply creating a fictional town in a real state, there are things to consider and avoid while planning your story. Our panelists will offer some tools and tips to make this process easier!
Darío Aguilar Peregrina
Panelist
E.M. Anderson
Panelist
Ronni Davis
Panelist
Joseph S. Samaniego
Panelist
10:00 - 11:30 PM
Breaking into the Serialized Fiction World
Serialized fiction is a rapidly growing facet of the publishing industry, and a new way to independently publish your work. So, how does it work? What can you do to break into the serialized fiction world? Learn from our panel of talented authors!
8:00 - 09:30 AM
Breaking the Rules: The Path to Authentic Writing (Presentation)
You know how the saying goes: some rules are meant to be broken. That doesn’t mean you can break ALL of them. Believe it or not, there is a strategic approach to breaking rules. Join our presenter for this inspirational talk that will leave you energized and ready to take on your writing projects with renewed motivation!
L. Marie Wood
Panelist
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Fashion and Worldbuilding
Writers’ block can sometimes feel like sitting in the middle of your closet deciding what to wear. When we finally choose our #OutfitOfTheDay, it’s astonishing how the clothing we choose to wear impacts us as a person, so how does that translate into our characters’ stories? Put on your thinking caps and let’s talk about it!
9:30 - 11:00 AM
Writing and Motherhood: Balancing in All and What to Do When You Can't (Presentation)
Writing is difficult to balance in general, but adding children to the mix brings the difficulty to another level. It is far from impossible, however! This presentation will discuss ways to help balance time for your writing alongside raising children and other responsibilities, along with how to recognize when you may need a break or self-care.
Ashley Hawthorne
Panelist
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Using Non-Fiction Venues to Help Promote Your Fiction Writing (Presentation)
Promotion and marketing are challenging for most writers. The key to reaching more people can be to get a bit creative! Instead of the standard bookstores or conferences, there are other unexpected places to promote your fiction, and that includes nonfiction venues. This presentation will discuss how to use these venues the most effectively.
Rhonda Jackson Garcia
Panelist
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
How to Handle Receiving Critiques
Let’s be honest: receiving critiques can be challenging. But it’s an important part of growth and development and makes us stronger. What are some helpful tips to handle critiques and use them to your advantage? Don’t miss this panel discussion to find out!
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Healthcare Systems in Fiction
Healthcare scenes: how do you get them right? Our panel of writers who happen to also be healthcare professionals will help you learn about what it’s really like in a healthcare setting and how to establish realism in writing scenes like these.
11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
Diverse Voices and Inspiration in Fantasy (with Guest of Honor Zamil Akhtar)
TBD
Zamil Akhtar
Guest of Honor
12:30 - 02:00 PM
Debate: Soft vs. Hard Magic Systems
We all enjoy a little bit of magic, right? No matter what realm or universe we live in, one thing is for sure: magic systems have rules. No set of rules are the same, but sometimes worlds have soft or hard magic systems. Which one do you prefer? Join this conversation with our debaters.
Amena Jamali
Panelist
Jesse Pohlman
Panelist, Moderator
Tatiana Obey
Panelist
K. J. Harrowick
Panelist
1:00 - 02:30 PM
Penny for Your Thoughts? Giving Insightful Critiques
Critiques can do so much to help writers learn about their work and their skills. Most writers swap stories to critique to better their stories. So how do you make sure your critiques are as helpful as possible? Our panel looks at both sides of the swap, to tell you how to get and give the most out of your critiques.
Brenda Radchik
Panelist
Ace Tilton Ratcliff
Panelist
Rhonda Jackson Garcia
Panelist
Justine Manzano
Panelist, Moderator
1:30 - 03:00 PM
Bringing Writing to the Table with TTRPGs
Tabletop Role-Playing Games. You know them, you love them, you’re getting more and more into them as Dungeons and Dragons continues to inspire and inform more entertainment. How can you use your TTRPG skills to strengthen your writing? How can your writing make you a better role-player? Join TTRPG players and writers Matt Phillion and Hannah Kates and find out.
Matthew Phillion
Panelist
Hannah Kates
Panelist, Critiques, Moderator
2:00 - 03:30 PM
Developmental Editing Basics for Aspiring Editors
Interested in becoming an editor? This panel is for you! Our panelists will discuss what makes developmental editing unique and the important elements to remember while working on a client’s manuscript, along with what to expect as you enter this field.
Whitney McGruder
Panelist
Christina Hartmann-Benchoff
Panelist
Lauren Davila
Panelist
Chyina Powell
Panelist
2:30 - 04:00 PM
Show and Tell: What Works and What Writers Get Wrong
“Show, don’t tell” isn’t something you learn when you’re younger and ultimately don’t use later in life – like calculus. If you’re a writer, this rule is very much relevant in your everyday life. Sometimes we execute it well, and sometimes we need to work on it. Let’s talk about it in this panel discussion to help us continuously improve.
Jill Tew
Panelist
Tatiana Obey
Panelist
Megan Bontrager
Panelist, Critiques
Tyler Wittkofsky
Panelist
3:00 - 04:30 PM
Writing Authentic Intergenerational Stories
Intergenerational stories balance a rich family history with a plot line that carries us through the family line. Our panel of experts discusses the common tropes of intergenerational stories and why they hold such resonance for readers.
4:00 - 05:30 PM
Marginalized Genders in Fiction
Representation is so important in fiction, and marginalized genders have always existed, though rarely been represented in media. Our panel discusses the history of marginalized genders in fiction, discusses what is required for good representation and gives examples of existing positive rep.
4:00 - 05:30 PM
Writing Your Heart's Story: How to Channel Negative Energy into a Positive Masterpiece (with Guest of Honor Bethany Baptiste)
TBD
Bethany Baptiste
Guest of Honor
5:30 - 06:00 PM
Closing Announcements
Come hang out with the WriteHive team as we close out the conference! Announcements include the winner of the Sponsored Writer Award and the theme for our next anthology!
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