MWA Annual Conference 2025: Workshops

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025 Workshops

2025 Featured Workshop - Sunday Only

Ever wonder why some characters implant themselves in readers' imaginations and some are forgotten? In this workshop, Jeff Ekins (The Dialogue Doctor) will help attendees understand five critical aspects of character design. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a new outlook on their characters and new tools to help bring those characters to life on the page.  "Dialogue Dash Workbook" featured in this workshop will be available for sale in the Conference Bookstore.

Jeff Elkins is the author of 12 novels and over 100 short stories. For the past decade, for his day job he leads a team of writers who train people in difficult conversations. Jeff podcasts as The Dialogue Doctor and is the founder of the Dialogue Doctor Community. Over the past four years, he has worked one-on-one with over 300 authors to help them improve their dialogue and characterization.

Saturday Workshops

How to Generate a Buzz Promoting Your Book - Liza Achilles

Why publish a book if no one reads it? Author Liza Achilles has great news for authors: you have the power to generate a buzz surrounding your book launch! She will walk you through 3 steps in getting people excited about buying and reading your book.

Liza Achilles is the author of Two Novembers: A Memoir of Love 'n' Sex in Sonnets (Beltway Editions, 2024). DCTRENDING selected this sonnet sequence for its Summer Booklist 2024. Her writing has appeared in Washington Independent Review of Books, The Silent Book Club blog, Beltway Poetry Quarterly, Exacting Clam, Tofu Ink Arts Press, and The Big Windows Review, among other publications. Her blog, https://lizaachilles.com/ attracts thousands of readers each month. She lives near Washington, DC.

Designing a Smart Research Plan for your Nonfiction Book or memoir - Amy L. Bernstein

Researching a creative nonfiction book is a daunting but essential part of any author’s process. This session offers authors strategies to develop a roadmap for handling research so that it deepens their book without overwhelming the whole project. We will discuss critical questions around ensuring that your research supports your thesis, how to balance writing with research, review common pitfalls, and touch on using AI.

Amy L. Bernstein is a professional nonfiction book coach helping subject-matter experts to develop sellable manuscripts. Amy's reputation as a results-oriented coach is growing, as senior literary agents and publishers send authors needing direction and polish her way. She is a former award-winning journalist, executive speechwriter, and communications director in the George W. Bush and Obama Administrations. Amy is also a published author, poet, and essayist. Visit her website at https://amywrites.live/

From Boring to Believable: Bringing a Scene to Life - John DeDakis

Tips and strategies for making the scene you see in your head come alive on the page so that your reader is compelled to keep turning the pages rather than turn out the light. Writing exercises will provide a hands-on feel for how to add texture, dynamism, and drama to a story. The session also provides practical, hands-on guidance about the rewriting process. An added benefit: giving and receiving critical feedback.

John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six mystery-suspense-thriller novels. Enemies Domestic, his latest, won the Pencraft and Feathered Quill book awards and received the Grand Prize for Chanticleer's Clue Award for Best Suspense/Thriller. DeDakis is a podcaster, writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel writing at literary centers and conferences nationwide.Visit his website at https://johndedakis.com/

Scripting a Book into a Movie - Zorina Exie Frey

Adapt a published work into a screenplay and master the basic structure of movie scripts. Study script formats for sitcoms, dramas, and streaming series. Practice character development techniques for live-action projects and draft treatment documents to pitch scripts.

Zorina Exie Frey is an educator, mixed media publisher, and a recipient of the Pushcart Prize. Her short films, animations, book trailers, and screenplays have received both domestic and international recognition, winning awards such as at the Birmingham Film Festival in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she was a semi-finalist for the reality TV pilot America's Next Great Author, hosted by Kwame Alexander. | Zorinafrey.com

Building Your Market Brand: Market Your Message and Expand Your Impact - Dr. Marina Rivera Gilmore and Jared Dixon

In today’s competitive literary world, authors must go beyond just writing great content—they need to build a personal brand that resonates with their readers. This workshop will help writers across all genres (fiction, memoir, nonfiction, etc.) understand the power of an author brand and how to use it to stand out in the marketplace. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to market their books, create a consistent message, and cultivate a loyal audience.

Dr. Marina Rivera Gilmore is an author coach, marketer, and CEO of Full Circle Press, specializing in author coaching and publishing. With over 50 years of experience in education, leadership, and publishing, her team has helped authors build their brands, develop marketing strategies, and reach wider audiences. Dr. Gilmore is passionate about empowering writers to embrace their voice and build platforms that resonate with readers. 

Copyright Basics for Writers - James Gossard

Manage your own literary copyrights. Don’t pay an extra $90 to $400 for a third-party copyright handler (for each copyright) when you can easily handle them on your own. We will cover the basic steps for setting up your account and filing your IP with the Copyright Office. We cover different ways to save money with different filing types. Other topics including communicating with the Copyright Office; registrations costs; why you should register; and what to expect in the process.

James Gossard is an award-winning film director/producer and writer. In his early writing career, he was a freelance journalist in Montana, writing for wildlife journals. He is a 2024 MSAC Creativity Grant recipient and was awarded MSAC Individual Artist Awards in 2017  for poetry and 2006 for stage plays. He earned his M.A. in writing from Johns Hopkins University. A member of the MWA and DC Women in Film & Video, he tau;ght screenwriting at Howard County Community College and other venues. Visit his website at https://jameslgossard.wordpress.com/

Refine the Line: Fiction Revision for Impact and Clarity - Kimberly Hunt

Craft clearer, more compelling fiction through focused line edits. In this fast-paced, hands-on session, we’ll zoom in on the sentence level to explore how small changes can make a big difference. You’ll get a look at both DIY strategies and the advanced techniques professional line editors use to strengthen voice and narrative flow.

Kimberly Hunt is a freelance editor with Revision Division. While she primarily edits romance for independent authors and publishers, her small team accepts other genres as well. She’s happy to answer questions about writing and editing but beware as she can go on at length about her passions: reading, running, and volunteering. In addition to her years of experience as a developmental and line editor, she has certifications in copy-editing and project management. Visit her website at https://revisiondivision.com/

Podcast Ready! Get Booked, Get Heard! - Rob Jolles

Want to share your book, and your voice with the world? Designed to help you prepare with confidence, and deliver interviews that get remembered, you’ll learn how to speak authentically about your work, connect with podcast audiences, and boost your book's visibility. We’ll even cover just enough tech to make you sound great, and just enough strategy to get you booked again and again. If you’re ready to stop winging it and start owning the mic, this hands-on program is for you!

A five-time Bestselling author and professional speaker, Rob has not only appeared on hundreds of podcasts, he’s hosted and produced over 500 podcasts of his own. He is the host of our very own, “A Book Finds You!” and teaches podcasting for authors at The Writer’s Center.  Learn more about Rob at www.jolles.com 

Shelf Life: Sustaining Book Success Post-Launch - Deborah Kevin

Many authors struggle to keep their books visible and relevant after the initial excitement of a launch fades. Shelf Life, based on the book of the same name, empowers authors with actionable, long-term marketing strategies designed to sustain book success beyond release day.

Author and speaker Deborah Kevin champions women's voices with warmth, wit, and depth. An adventurer at heart, she has trekked the Camino and loves global explorations with her family. She is also a magic believer, a French Press enthusiast, and a master of irreverent humor. Her fourth nonfiction book, Shelf Life, was published in February 2025. Visit her website at deborahkevin.com

Selling More at Book Fairs - Eileen McIntire

Moving from eye contact to dollars in the till at a book fair can feel like a tough and disappointing journey. What can the author do to increase success and sales at these events? Presenter Eileen McIntire analyzes the factors that contributed to a high number of sales at an especially successful recent book fair.

Eileen McIntire, MWA past president, is the author of the 90's Club cozy mystery series, three historical novels, and a novel of psychological suspense. As former development director for a professional association and as publisher and author, she has attended many trade shows spanning 38 years and picked up successful practices along the way.

MarTech WorkShop For Writers - Naly Rice

Learn how to create and promote your books and writing with marketing technology (websites design, email and social media) from a Technology Marketing entrepreneur and writer.

Naly Rice is a writer, technologist, and designer with 20 years of experience working in technology as a marketing executive, website developer, and software/app designer. You can read her 20 poem collection, Love Notes on her website nalyrice.com.

Tactics for Tight Writing - Greg Rosenthal

Tight writing delivers lean, high-energy content to your readers. This workshop presents specific tactics that writers of any genre can use to draft the leanest possible text. The tactics are simple, powerful, and repeatable. They will energize your writing and cut your word and syllable counts. When content creators apply these tactics, they make their information easy for readers to find, understand—and act on. That turns them into fans, clients, subscribers, or better-informed citizens.

Greg Rosenthal battled gobbledygook for more than 20 years as a government communications professional. Every workday, he used the tactics featured in his Tactics for Tight Writing workshop to craft concise and compelling articles, speeches, web content, outreach publications, and blog posts. Rosenthal now runs a freelance writing and editing service called Plain Language Factory, LLC. He has earned B.A.'s in hearing and speech sciences and communications studies from the University of Maryland.

Self-Publishing Secrets Amazon Doesn't Want You to Know - Amy Schisler

How do you publish with Amazon and Ingram consecutively? What’s the best ebook publisher outside of KDP? Can I publish with KDP as well as others? How can I create an audiobook? What is a BIASC code and what do I do with it? Do I really need an editor? Learn the secrets to successful self-publishing using KDP and its competitors.

Amy Schisler is an award-winning novelist, children’s book author, spiritual writer, blogger, speaker, reader, and avid traveler who lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Whether she’s writing novels of faith and inspiration, books for children, or her blog, she loves connecting with readers. Her novels have won numerous literary awards. When she’s not writing, Amy can be found on a boat on the Chesapeake or hiking in the Rocky Mountains.

Sunday Workshops

A Different Point of View - Jason Abofsky

A detailed focus on writing fiction stories using the different POV types, their advantages and disadvantages, and the traps newer writers often fall into.

Jason Abofsky is an author of science fiction and fantasy stories. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and his hobbies include reading, video games, board games, and he participates in different conventions and festivals each year. Jason is also involved in a newly created YouTube/Twitch channel, Manuscript Massacre, where aspiring writers get live critiques for both a constructive learning experience and brutal entertainment. You can visit his website at https://jasonabofsky.com/

7 Habits of Effective Writers - Wilma Brockington-Parker

In this interactive workshop, attendees will explore seven essential habits to enhance their writing skills, improve consistency, cultivate a growth mindset, and develop actionable strategies.Key Takeaways: Review seven habits that enhance clarity, creativity, and effectiveness in writing.  Learn how to establish a routine, overcome procrastination, and maintain productivity.  Explore strategies for editing, receiving feedback, and continuously improving writing. 

Wilma Brockington-Parker is a certified professional coach (International Coaching Federation) who has coached writers, executives and others to help them develop strategies and actions for realizing success. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas' Executive and Professional Coaching Program and has an MS in Management and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Creative Approaches to Direct Marketing Your Book - Jean Burgess

You’ve published your book, now what? Beyond a smashing launch event and solid platform, published authors are searching for unique ways to promote their books. Divided into three interactive segments, participants will 1) IDENTIFY four elements essential to their marketing plan; 2) BRAINSTORM CREATIVE APPROACHES after a discussion of some successes and failures by the presenter; and 3) DEFINE SUCCESS via a Checklist for a Successful Event. Q & A will conclude the workshop.

Jean Burgess, Ph.D. is an author and former theatre educator. She also spent 10 years in marketing before retiring to join the world of writing. She writes both fiction and nonfiction, enjoys presenting workshops, and volunteers with a local Teen Writing Club. Her debut fiction, That Summer She Found Her Voice was published by Apprentice House in 2024. Jean holds a Masters in Theatre from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Educational Theatre from New York University.

Audiobooks 101 - Ali Dane

Have you ever wondered "How do I turn my book into an audiobook?" This introductory presentation on the ins and outs of indie audiobooks will cover everything you need to know to get started. Demystify the terminology, types of narration, and even where to look to dream cast your audiobook. Presented by an audiobook narrator and producer you will get a look behind the mic of audiobook adaptations.

Ali Dane (or Andria Mae) is a narrator who snuck into the audiobook party in 2021 and never looked back. With a passion for the art of novel to audio adaptations, she embraces everything from sweet and fluffy romances to dark, spicy, and even nerdy adventures--delivering each with heart and depth. Ali Dane is a member of SAG-AFTRA and has worked with publishers such as Dreamscape Media, Podium Entertainment, and Spotify Audiobooks. Visit her website at https://www.alidane.com/

Picturing Your Words - Diane Helentjaris

Learn how to find the images you need for your writing. Words alone are not enough. Book covers, headshots, artistic illustrations, photographs, and maps all have a place. This workshop will help writers find high-quality images to use at low or no cost. Learn how to ferret out unique, eye-catching images and how to identify effective ones to tell your story. Will discuss stock photos, working with professional artists, exploring ephemera, and the rise of AI-generated images.

Diane Helentjaris likes to write about overlooked and uncelebrated people. Her book The Indenture of Ivy O'Neill, won the Maryland Writers' Association 2024 novel competition in the historical/romance category. Her latest book, I Ain't Afraid-The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl, a biography, details the adventures of a bronco-riding 20th century woman. An accomplished photographer, she exhibits often. A former public health and clinical physican, she lives in Leesburg, Virginia. You can visit her website at https://dianehelentjaris.com/

Finish Your Novel - Eva Langston

Have you been working on your book for what feels like forever but can’t seem to push past a certain point? In this talk, Eva will discuss common roadblocks writers face while drafting, along with practical tips for overcoming them. She’ll teach you how to make a plan for finishing your draft, set deadlines, and hold yourself accountable to your goals. If you’re ready to finally finish your novel, this session is for you.

Eva Langston received her MFA from the University of New Orleans and is represented by Ali Lake of O'Conner Literary. Her short stories have won a variety of prizes, and she has been an instructor at The Writer's Center in Bethesda for over ten years. Eva is co-hos of the podcast, THIS MAMA IS LIT! and creator/host of the podcast, THE LONG ROAD TO PUBLISHING. She works as a writing coach, and her writing resources newsletter on Substack has over 5,000 followers.

Writing for Different Brains: Making Writing More Accessible & Appealing to Neurodiverse Audiences - Kate McElderry

This workshop will cover how to make writing more accessible and appealing to neurodiverse audiences. Why should you care? —because 1/5 people are neurodiverse with ADHD, limited working memory, dyslexia, and more. With a few considerations made, writers can expand their readership to include different brain types. Sample texts analyzed will come from middle-grade, YA, and adult audience literature. Participants should bring a sample of writing to work on during the workshop.

Kate McElderry believes storytelling is an essential part of shared humanity. A published author and seasoned teacher, she is a language tutor for students with dyslexia, and ADHD, and the Director of Outreach at The Odyssey School. Kate dedicates summers to writing and creative projects. Her newest book-in-the-works was completed as a writer-in-residence in Ireland. Kate is a member of the Irish Writers Center and the MWA. 

Historical Fiction Research- Roman Maritime Trade - Lewis McIntyre

This workshop will demonstrate an example of historical research, specifically the Roman maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, a little-discussed but very important historical item of the ancient world. This was the center of my first novel, "The Eagle and the Dragon", and will serve as an example, and perhaps a source, for those interested writing about this era.

Lewis McIntyre is a retired Naval Aviator, then an engineer, and now a writer with 5 books to his credit. He graduated from the Naval Academy, and got his master's in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgrad School. 

Why Substack? - Robin Payes

Why Substack? Substack is one of the fastest-growing forms of new media for writers of all stripes. This workshop is designed for writers looking to grow their writing bona fides and engage directly with readers and fellow creators. Robin Stevens Payes, who founded the Substack newsletter, Releasing Memory in 2024, shares experiences, tips and tools gleaned along the way. We’ll examine: Who-What-When-Where-Why-How Engaging in community Platform pros and cons.

Robin Stevens Payes is a time traveler, poet, and author of the YA time-travel series Edge of Yesterday. Her poetry appears in New Verse News, Dawn Horizons, East Sea Bards, and more. On Substack, she explores ancestral memory in (re)member the world, weaving poetry, memoir, history, and science to recover her grandmother Sophie's lost story: https://remembertheworld.substack.com

 THE DIY Book Festival - Dian Seidel

Book festivals are a great way to promote your book and meet both readers and other authors. But participating isn't always easy due to competition for slots, entry fees, and inconvenient locations and times. So what's a writer to do? Build your own! Participants in this workshop will learn how to organize a local book festival, minimizing effort and expense and maximizing sales and joy.

Dian Seidel is the author of Kindergarten at 60: A Memoir of Teaching in Thailand (Apprentice House Press, 2023). She has participated in book festivals in Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts, but had the most fun at the first-ever Town of Chevy Chase Book Festival last April, which she organized. Before turning to writing, Dian was a senior scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She teaches English as a second language and lyengar yoga. Visit her website at https://www.dianseidel.com/

Strengthen Your Read-Aloud Poetry Performance - Kiki Wilson

Bring your poetry to life! In this interactive session, poet and performer Kiki Wilson will guide you through the essentials of live poetry performance: timing, emotion, articulation, and rehearsal. Learn how to use your voice, body, and energy to create unforgettable readings, whether on stage or in the studio. Perfect for poets of all levels ready to strengthen their presence and performance.

Kiki WIlson is a poet, storyteller, and arts advocate passionate about performance and creative expression. She's the founder of OUT40, a Frederick-based media platform, and has presented her work in art installations and live readings. With a master's in Business Leadership and a deep love for the stage, Kiki helps artists connect voice to heart in unforgettable ways. Visit OUT40's website at https://out40.com/