Writing Craft
Ideas

Writing a novel becomes manageable when broken into clear steps. Award-winning author and instructor Jaden Terrell walks writers through seven practical stages that take a story from initial idea to finished manuscript. This session offers a structured, approachable roadmap for writers at any stage who want to move forward with confidence.

Edgar Allan Poe’s influence still echoes through modern fiction. This session takes a deep look at Poe’s life, creative mind, and enduring legacy, separating myth from reality while exploring the origins of his darkest ideas. Writers will gain insight into how his work continues to shape mystery, horror, and literary storytelling today.

Every story begins with a spark. Alan Henderson, Don Bruns, Kathleen Easley, Scott Pearson, and William Mooney share how they discover story ideas and develop them into fully realized narratives. This session focuses on turning raw inspiration into workable concepts that can grow into complete, publishable stories.

There is no single path to a finished book. Allan E. Ansorge, Bill Hopkins, Don Bruns, Jane Sevier, Michael Tucker, Sharon Woods Hopkins, Stacy Allen, and Warren Bull share readings from their work and discuss the very different processes behind how they write. This session explores outlining, discovery writing, and creative experimentation, giving writers permission to find the method that works best for them.

Inspiration is only useful if it leads to pages on the desk. Kealoha encourages writers to live curious, engaged lives so ideas arise naturally, then shows how to capture and develop those ideas into real work. This session offers practical techniques for recording inspiration, building creative momentum, and turning fleeting thoughts into sustained writing, including unexpected tools like poetry memorization.

Claire Tui leads an engaging discussion with authors about their most recent or most recognized works. Panelists share the inspiration behind their stories, reflect on how their perspective has evolved over time, and offer a look at the projects they are working on next.

Every writer knows the thrill of a sudden breakthrough. Judy Clemens leads a discussion on those moments when ideas snap into focus and solutions appear unexpectedly. This session explores where inspiration comes from, how to recognize it when it strikes, and how to capture and develop those flashes of insight into meaningful story progress.

Reading is one of a writer’s most important tools. Kelly Brakenhoff, Neda Lopez, Philip Cioffari, Richard Schwartz, and Tom Wallace discuss the books that have shaped their craft, inspired their work, and supported their research. This session explores how thoughtful reading choices can influence voice, expand perspective, and strengthen storytelling skills.

Real events can be powerful story fuel when handled with care. Diane Fanning, Karen Olson, Kathleen Ryan, Pamela Callow, Rick Reed, and Ryan David Jahn discuss how to transform true crime and real-world headlines into compelling fiction. This session explores ethical responsibility, research accuracy, and how to balance truth with storytelling to create narratives that are both respectful and gripping.