A strong opening does more than start a story, it establishes trust with the reader. Benny Sims, Iris Nicole Frank, Mary Dutta, Sharon Hoisager, and Steven Harms explore how beginnings set tone, introduce character, and quietly build momentum. This session helps writers craft openings that invite readers in and prepare them for the story ahead.
Creating a Brand Readers Recognize
Bente Gallagher shares her experience building an author brand—what it truly means to become a “brand,” and why expectations can grow harder to escape as your visibility increases. She examines the elements of branding (name, style, image, consistency) and offers...




