MWA Annual Conference 2026: Workshops

Amazon KDP 101: How to Upload and Publish Your Book with Confidence - Susi Clark

Learn how to confidently upload and publish your book using Amazon KDP. This hands-on session walks you through preparing your files, gathering key metadata, and navigating the KDP platform step-by-step. Watch a live upload demo and gain the clarity you need to successfully publish your book without guesswork.

OMG: Writing About religion in Science Fiction and Fantasy - Dan Desai Martin

Whether through mortals fighting gods; deities blessing (or cursing) humanity; or a corrupt cult performing dark rituals, religion brings depth, conflict, and realism to SFF stories. Together, we’ll discuss ten questions to ask when creating a religious system, five common pitfalls to avoid, and ways to use religion (and belief) as a driver of both plot and character. Along the way, we’ll examine examples from stories ranging from The Handmaid’s Tale to Dragonlance books to Star Wars.

Project Management Principles for Writers - David Sloan

This will be an overview of project management best practices that can be adapted for the process of writing and independent publishing. Learn applications from well-established project management process and values that you can use at home and with your writing groups.

Build a Shared Universe Anthology - Beth Martin

Combine world-building with collaborative storytelling to create an engaging book readers will love! Join Beth Martin, editor of the Starship Blunder series, to learn how to build and manage a shared-universe anthology. From submissions to editing and publication, this workshop provides practical tools for writers familiar with independent publishing.

Covers: The Art of Marketing Your Book - Kenton Kilgore

Contrary to the old saying, people really do judge books by their covers. Indeed, they are a writer's most important marketing tool. In this seminar, you'll learn how to get covers right so that readers will discover and buy your book. 

Taking Inspiration from Games - Edward Swing

Over the past fifty years, games have evolved from the simple card and board games to extensive franchises in a variety of genres. The largest element of the entertainment sector, games offer thousands of characters and worlds, easily surpassing what any author can create.

Rather than viewing this enormous engine as a rival to our writing efforts, let's use elements from games as inspiration. Join me on a journey through different game worlds and explore ways to harness this creativity.

How to Build Your Author Platform - Laura Di Franco

Build a powerful author platform that actually grows your audience and book sales. In this hands-on workshop, discover three proven strategies to attract email subscribers, grow loyal social followers, and turn speaking opportunities into fans and clients. Walk away with clear calls-to-action and a platform strategy designed around your ideal reader audience.

What's in a Name? - Andrew McDowell

Choosing and/or creating the right names is crucial when it comes to character development and worldbuilding. They help make characters come alive in readers' minds. You will learn about key factors to consider when it comes to choosing (or creating) the right names in any genre and for any target audience, receive tips on how you can find them, and gain a greater appreciation for their importance and power in stories.