MWA Annual Conference 2026: What You Need to Know Workshops

These workshops are designed to provide you with what you need to know to write in other genres. We hope you'll enjoy this special series at this year's conference!

What You Need to Know About Writing Memoir - Keshni N. Washington

Memoir writers often smooth out the contradictions in their identity before the reader ever sees them. In this generative workshop, Keshni Washington guides participants through published models of memoir that hold complexity on the page, then invites writers to find the tensions in their own stories. Through diagnostic questions and timed writing, attendees leave with a clearer sense of where their memoir has been flattened, and a new draft that pushes back. 

What You Need to Know About Free Verse and Blackout Poetry - Crystal Charlotte Lynch

This interactive workshop explores the expressive power of free verse and blackout poetry as accessible, transformative writing forms. Participants will learn how to break traditional poetic rules, trust their voice, and use language as a tool for storytelling, healing, and self-discovery. Through guided exercises and discussion, attendees will leave with practical techniques and original pieces of their own work.

Doing it All Wrong: What You Need to Know About Writing and Publishing Children's Picture Books - Kendall Concini-Moore

Blogs and podcasts teach the "right way to create a picture book” but she did it all wrong and made it work. In this interactive workshop, Kendall Concini guides writers through crafting emotionally resonant Picture Books and navigating the real-world process of bringing them to life. Attendees will leave with a draft concept, a clear framework, and practical insight on illustrators, editors, publishing paths, and relationship-building.

What You Need to Know About Writing Short Fiction and Nonfiction - Dale E. Lehman

How do you pack a complete story, including sufficient information and entertainment, into a small space? In this session, we will explore key differences and similarities between short and long forms, how to select suitable ideas for short-form writing, and how to stay under your word count limit by crafting focused, economical prose. We will utilize writing prompts to identify short-form ideas and will apply a technique for finding the strongest, most economical way to phrase our ideas.

What You Need to Know About Writing Romance - Kimberly Hunt

The Heartbeat of Romance explores the essential elements readers expect from the genre they love. In this workshop, we’ll break down the core “pulse” of romance—character chemistry, emotional tension, beloved tropes, and the promise of a satisfying happily-ever-after (or happy-for-now). Whether you’re drafting your first love story or revising a manuscript, you’ll learn how these genres' expectations keep a romance novel’s heart beating strong.

What You Need to Know About Writing Amazing Essays - Amy L. Bernstein

The rise of Substack, Medium, and other author-driven platforms have ushered in a golden age of essay-writing that offers opportunities to publish, share, and monetize content in ways that go far beyond the traditional blog. To succeed, writers must ensure their voice as essayist stands out and grabs a reader's attention. We'll share specific strategies to help writers discover their authentic voice to get their key points across. Your starting point for writing viral essays.

What You Need to Know About Writing Mysteries - Flo McCahon

The mystery genre has specific rules readers should be aware of when crafting their stories. There are also differences among the types of mysteries, from traditional to cozies to suspense thrillers and more. This workshop will explore the different options for creating a mystery