Workshop Speakers, Class Info, and Bios for the 2025 Conference:
We have many new presenters this year and a few perennial favorites. Scroll this page to read the presenter’ bios and about their workshops.
Proceeds go toward scholarships with the Centralia College Foundation and toward the continuation of the conference.
Friday’s Master Class Presenters: (listed in order of appearance)
The Friday Master Class consists of a morning session on researching, writing, and editing by Christine Pinto of Seattle and an afternoon session by prolific writer Shawn Inmon of Tumwater. Participants interested in a critique group meeting are welcome to gather in a separate room.
CHRISTINE PINTO Seattle, Washington
Developmental editor Christine Pinto holds a Certificate in Writing for Children and a Certificate in Editing from the University of Washington. Over a decade of experience teaching writing to children and adults, she has gained a deep understanding of the craft of writing and strong communication skills for sharing that knowledge with writers. Christine’s own journey as a writer informs her editing work with deep empathy for writers preparing a manuscript for publication. Her most recent publication is Klahowya: A Fort Nisqually Book in Chinook Wawa and English. More information can be found on christinepintowrites.com and allegoryediting.com.
9 a.m.—Master Class
Diamonds in the Rough: Effectively Using Research to Craft Compelling Stories
Research and backstory can be the basis for any story in any genre, but it can be difficult to seamlessly blend those two elements into plot and dialogue. Even personal expertise can be challenging to integrate without bogging down a compelling story arc. What should appear on the page, and what is best left in the personal notes that informed the writing? How can a writer include exposition and backstory without creating awkward info dumps? What about flashbacks and memories? How does a writer determine what the reader needs to know, while keeping them engaged with action?
Developmental editor Christine Pinto will guide attendees through these questions and more using in-class exercises as they examine their work in progress or build new concepts for future projects. Using historical fiction and memoir as examples, she will show how to identify an appropriate genre for a project, extrapolating strategies for additional genres. Christine will show how to integrate research though exposition and backstory to provide context and emotional engagement without info dumping. She’ll discuss integrating research into the structure that supports a satisfying story, and how feedback, even if vague, can illuminate underlying structural issues, helping to generate solutions for story problems. Participants will learn strategies to evaluate feedback and analyze how to use it.
Those who attend will gain a deeper understanding of their projects and plans for polishing their stories into captivating gems.
SHAWN INMON Tumwater, Washington
After graduating from Mossyrock High School in 1978, Shawn Inmon studied prelaw at the University of Washington before dropping out to enroll in Ron Bailie School of Broadcast, where he graduated in 1980. After working decades as a disc jockey, he became a real estate broker for 23 years and then launched his writing career in 2012, when he penned a novel called “Feels Like the First Time” about his first love, his high school sweetheart. They both married other people after high school but reunited after raising their separate families and married. Since then, Inmon has published 53 books, including 24 in his popular Middle Falls time-travel series, and earns a six-figure income from writing.
1 p.m.—Master Class
Write, Publish, Prosper: How to Build a Successful Writing Career
Shawn Inmon will inspire writers to ditch self-limiting ideas and achieve their dreams as published writers with successful careers. He’ll discuss his path to publishing and discuss challenges they’ll face and how they can overcome them. He’ll address studying the market vs. pursuing passions, outlining vs. writing organically, the best way to start writing, the most important things to focus on, rewriting and editing, how to find editors, proofreaders, book formatters, cover designers and audio book narrators. He’ll also discuss how to price and market books using ads, social media, newsletters, and other options.
“My two favorite writing quotes come from the same person, Richard Bach: ‘A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit,’ and ‘Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they’re yours.’”
Saturday Presenters: (listed in order of appearance)
ROSANNE PARRY Portland, Oregon
Rosanne Parry, New York Times bestselling author of A Wolf Called Wander, A Whale of the Wild, and nearly a dozen other novels for young readers, writes from her tree house studio in her cozy backyard in Portland. She also works at a bookstore called Annie Bloom’s Books and visits schools to talk to her readers about her books, the joy of writing, and the beauty of the natural world. Her novels for middle grade students, highly recommended by Library Journal, often focus on the realistic portrayal of animals and their struggles for survival. Rosanne grew up in Oregon and never planned to be a quiet and studious author. She loves the outdoors, enjoys moving rather than sitting, and dreamed of a career as a circus flyer. But she liked to make up stories of adventure and mystery, animals and magic, for her older brother. Her first novel, Heart of a Shepherd, was published by Random House Children’s Books in 2009. Her other books include A Horse Named Sky, Big Truck Day, The Wolf Effect, Last of the Name, The Turn of the Tide, and Second Fiddle. Find out more: https://rosanneparry.com/
9:15 a.m. – General Keynote
Paths to Success in Traditional Publishing
1:15 p.m. – Workshop G
Finding the Gold in Your Story Setting
Setting is the most consistently underused tool in a developing manuscript, and yet a setting well described and thoroughly inhabited by its characters can make a story powerful and memorable. Rosanne Parry’s workshop “Finding the Gold in Your Story Setting” will help you hone the rising action of your plot, sharpen the journey of your characters, and deepen your story’s voice. You’ll come away with practical ideas and exercises to make your manuscript more distinctive—a truer version of itself.
KRISTINA MCMORRIS Portland, Oregon
Kristina McMorris, a former actress and New York Times best-selling author of the popular novel Sold on a Monday and six other historical novels, will keynote the 12th Annual Southwest Washington Writers Conference on September 12. She first wrote Sold on a Monday after seeing the infamous newspaper photograph of a mother standing on a porch with her face turned away while four youngsters sit on the steps. A posted sign reads “4 Children for Sale” with the note “Inquire Within.” Her 2018 novel, which delves into the life of a Depression-era reporter who snaps a similar photo with devastating consequences, spent five months on the New York Times bestsellers list. It sold more than a million copies and garnered many five—star reviews. Her other novels include The Ways We Hide, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, The Pieces We Keep, The Edge of Lost, When We Had Wings (a collaborative novel with two other authors) and her latest, The Girls of Good Fortune, which explores the Shanghai Tunnels in 1888 Portland. At age nine, McMorris hosted an award—winning kids’ television program and acted in films while living in Los Angeles. She later owned a wedding and event planning company and hosted The WB Television Network’s weekly Weddings Portland Style program for six years. She wrote for Portland Bride & Groom magazine and directed public relations for an international conglomerate for a decade. Find out more at: https://www.kristinamcmorris.com/home
10 a.m.—General Presentation
The Accidental Author
11 a.m.—Workshop A
Writing Hacks from a Bestseller
Combining her film and literary background, New York Times bestselling author Kristina McMorris will share her favorite writing tips, packed with applicable examples—for creative ways to develop compelling characters, interweave backstory, maximize the impact of chapter endings, and much more—all to keep the pages turning. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own favorite writing tips and first lines from novels of any genre for an interactive discussion.
MARY BOONE Tacoma, Washington
Mary Boone has written 70+ nonfiction books for young readers, most recently Unfathomable: 20 (Wild But True) Stories of the Ocean (a Junior Library Gold selection), Flying Feminist, Pedal Pusher, School of Fish, and Bugs for Breakfast. She loves stories that make readers say: WOW! Mary and her family live in Tacoma with a stubborn Airedale terrier named Ruthie Bader. Visit Mary’s website at: https://www.boonewrites.com/
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11 a.m. —Workshop B
Writing for Kids: It’s Not as Easy as It Looks
Writing for children isn’t about “simplifying”—it’s about connecting. In this session, Marry will break down the distinct categories of children’s books, what young readers (and the adults who share books with them) expect, and the story-telling choices that keep kids turning pages. She will also demystify the children’s publishing landscape, so conferees understand how stories move from idea to bookshelf. Whether writing picture books, middle grade, or young adult, participants will leave with practical techniques and a clearer sense of how to shape stories that truly resonate with kids.
Key Takeaways
• A clear roadmap of children’s book categories and what defines each one.
• Actionable craft strategies for creating kid-centered stories with strong voice, structure, pacing, and emotional resonance.
• A working understanding of the children’s publishing process—from submission pathways to market expectations.
2:30 p.m.—Workshop N
Nonfiction Book Proposals that POP
Most nonfiction books are sold on the strength of a compelling proposal—a polished package that showcases the writer’s idea, voice, credentials, and the book’s market potential. In this session, participants will learn how to develop each component of a winning proposal, what editors and agents look for, and how to position your project for success. Whether writing for kids or adults (excluding memoir), participants will leave with actionable steps to elevate submissions. Suitable for all experience levels.
Key Takeaways
• A clear roadmap for the essential elements of a nonfiction proposal—including overview, audience, comps, chapter outline, and sample writing.
• Targeted strategies to highlight a writer’s unique authority and articulate why their book fills a real need in the market.
• Practical tips to avoid common proposal pitfalls and present a project in a way that appeals to agents and editors.
3:45 p.m.—Workshop T
Book Buzz: Strategies for Author Publicity (Room 111)
Writers can learn to elevate their author brand with practical insights on websites, newsletters, social media, book launches, collaborations, and news releases. Learn to identify your target audience and meet them where they are. Whether pre-published, self-published, or with multiple book credits, participants will pick up tips designed to build book buzz.
Key Takeaways
- Define your author brand to better guide PR initiatives.
- Identify target reader and how best to reach them.
- Leverage social media and build connections with media and influencers.
CHARLOTTE CHIPPERFIELD Portland, Oregon
Charlotte Chipperfield is an award-winning author, speaker, trainer, and story strategist who helps authors, leaders, and organizations harness narratives to inspire action and alignment. She is the founder of Her Narrative, a creative development company elevating women’s voices and using story as a catalyst for cultural change. A certified developmental editor and coach, Charlotte brings more than a decade of experience in marketing and brand storytelling, bridging creativity and strategy to help individuals communicate with clarity, confidence, and conviction. She is the author of Write with Intention, an instructor at Literary Arts, and a book judge for national literary organizations. Find out more at: https://www.hernarrative.com/
11 a.m.—Workshop C
Embedding Emotion in Characters and Narrative
Learn how to write emotionally rich scenes that resonate deeply with readers by exploring authentic character reactions and layered narrative depth. In this workshop, Charlotte will dive into techniques for showing—not telling—emotional experience, balancing subtlety with impact, and using character perspective to heighten connection. Participants will discover how to craft moments that feel lived—in and real, avoiding melodrama while giving readers an intimate window into characters’ inner worlds. Through practical examples and hands-on exercises, participants will gain tools to create scenes that stay with readers long after the page is turned.
Key Takeaways
- Techniques for authentic emotional reactions—Learn how to convey characters’ feelings through actions, dialogue, and thought patterns rather than exposition.
- Balancing subtlety and impact—Explore strategies for evoking strong emotion without tipping into melodrama, keeping writing nuanced and powerful.
- Bringing inner worlds to life—Understand how to use narrative perspective, sensory detail, and pacing to make readers feel fully immersed in characters’ emotional experiences.
1:15 p.m.—Workshop I
Structuring Mystery Novels to Keep Readers Turning Pages
Mystery and thriller novels live or die by their structure. In this workshop, we’ll break down the core structural engines that drive suspense—clues, red herrings, revelations, reversals, and stakes—and explore how they work together to create momentum.
Writers will leave with a clear understanding of how to pace discoveries, escalate tension, and design turning points that compel readers to keep going.
CHRISTINA SUZANN NELSON Philomath, Oregon
Christina Suzann Nelson is an award-winning author and inspirational speaker whose stories explore belonging, resilience, and the long shadows—and healing—of family and trauma. She is the author of multiple novels and the recipient of both the Christy Award and the Carol Award. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that people can become who they were created to be, no matter where they started. She lives in Oregon, where she writes, speaks, and connects with readers who long for hope that feels honest and hard-won. Christina is the mother of six and grandmother of two. Find out more at: http://www.christinasuzannnelson.com/
11 a.m.—Workshop D
Writing Short Mysteries that Hook Readers
Short mysteries are one of indie publishing’s fastest-growing categories—and one of the best ways to build a loyal readership without disappearing for years between releases. In this workshop, Christina will break down exactly how to build a short mystery series using a simple, repeatable framework any writer can follow. Attendees will learn how to design a contained crime, build a small town that feels like a character, structure a satisfying plot in 10,000 words, and create a series arc that keeps readers buying the next book. Come with a story idea; leave with a plan.
• Think like a TV showrunner, not a novelist.
• One thread. Ten thousand words. One complete story.
• Plan it before you write it—and actually finish it.
1:15 p.m.—Workshop J
The Writer’s Toolkit: Comparing Programs that Actually Work
A practical, no-nonsense look at the writing tools worth your time—and the ones you can skip.
You’ve heard of Scrivener. You’ve seen Atticus mentioned in every Facebook group. Someone told you Vellum is the gold standard for formatting, and someone else told you it’s not worth the price. Meanwhile, your manuscript is sitting in a Word document wondering what all the fuss is about.
Here’s the truth: the best tool is the one that fits how you actually work—your budget, your tech comfort level, your publishing goals, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend learning something new. What works beautifully for a full-time indie author with three series and a dedicated launch team might be completely wrong for a newer writer publishing their first book.
Participants will get a straight-talk comparison of:
• Drafting and organization tools—Scrivener, Plottr, Word, and more
• Formatting tools—Vellum, Scrivener, and Atticus
• Social media helpers—Meta Business Suite, Metricool, Repurpose, and many more
• Newsletter tools—Flodesk, Kit, Mailerlite, Substack, and Mailchimp
By the end of the session, participants will have a clear sense of which tools belong in their toolkit—and which ones can be ignored for now.
SANJUKTA SHAMS Seattle, Washington
Sanjukta “Shama” Shams is a nonprofit executive, author, and storyteller with more than 20 years of experience in equity-centered leadership and fundraising. Shama’s debut memoir, She Called Me Throwaway, was published in 2024 and received the Top Choice Award from National Board of Review. Her upcoming book, Dreamers, under contract with Running Wild Press, explores immigration, hope, and legacy. She also is the nonfiction author of Nonprofit Fundraising—Lessons from the Trenches.
11 a.m.—Workshop E
Writing the Self Without Apology: Voice, Power, and Permissions
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Identify internal and external forces that influence voice, self-censorship, and narrative permission in nonfiction writing.
2. Develop greater confidence and authority in their narrative voice through targeted craft and generative exercises.
3. Apply practical strategies to revise nonfiction work for clarity, power, and intentional voice.
MARYKA BIAGGIO Portland, Oregon
Maryka Biaggio specializes in historical fiction based on real people. Doubleday published her debut novel, Parlor Games, in 2013. Daisy Goodwin called it “a wildly entertaining and constantly surprising ride.” Her latest novel, Margery and Me (Regal House, 2026), has been hailed by Valerie Martin as “a wry, lively, and wicked-good read.” Her fiction has won several accolades, including Willamette Writers Award, Oregon Writers Colony Award, Historical Novel Society Review Editors’ Choice, La Belle Lettre Award, and an Upper Peninsula of Michigan Notable Books Award. She has mentored writers in the AWP’s Writer-to-Writer Mentorship program since 2020. Find out more here: https://marykabiaggio.com/
11 a.m.—Workshop F
Prologues, Notes, and Maps: Oh, My!
Although some writers or professionals warn authors not to use prologues, they can enrich the novel by intriguing the reader and igniting interest in the story to come, thereby enhancing the reader’s experience.
Some common uses of prologues include:
• To foreshadow events to come or set up a mystery
• To provide a catalyst for events to come
• To provide backstory or background information (especially if it occurs outside the timeline of the story to come) or build a unique world
• To establish the point of view or introduce a key character
• To offer the perspective of a character who won’t be a key player in the narrative or will appear later
• To provide a scene from a completely different character’s perspective than that of the POV main character(s)
• To set the tone or spotlight themes of the novel
Maps are sometimes placed at the beginning of novels when the action moves around or when the setting for the novel is unique or invented.
Author notes can provide important context about the story or the author’s approach to the research or rendering of the narrative.
ERICK MERTZ Oregon City, Oregon
Erick Mertz is a professional ghostwriter and developmental editor. In his twenty-year career, he has ghostwritten fiction, screenplays, business books, and memoirs for clients around the world. He is the author of the Strange Air series of paranormal mysteries following a local sheriff on his investigation into the paranormal in his hometown. Find out more here: https://erickmertzwriting.com/
1:15 p.m.—Workshop H
Page to Screen: Mastering the Art of Adaptation
Ever have a story idea you thought could be a movie? Looked at one of your stories and thought it would be great on the screen? So many writers are already disposed to thinking in pictures. The trouble is, screenwriting and movie-making feels almost unattainable. Here’s the secret: they’re not. Everyone can write a screenplay. In this class, participants will learn the basics of how scripts are written, the fundamental rules around structure, and how to ensure a story is getting read by the kind of people who make movies happen.
SUE FAGALDE LICK South Beach, Oregon
Sue Fagalde Lick escaped Silicon Valley years ago to write, play music, and walk the beaches of the Oregon Coast—when it isn’t raining sideways and blowing sand in her teeth. Her recent books include a novel, Between the Bridges; a poetry collection, Dining Al Fresco with My Dog; and a memoir, No Way Out of This: Loving a Partner with Alzheimer’s. She writes about the solo life at her Substack, “Can I Do It Alone?” The answer is yes. Visit her website: https://suelick.com/
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1:15 p.m.—Workshop K
Blog, Newsletter, Substack—Do I Have To? Which Ones and How?
“Platform, platform, platform!” shout the marketing experts. Authors can’t sell their writing without a regular online presence. Do they need to join the millions publishing online monthly, weekly, or even daily to build an audience and impress agents and editors? Yes and no. This workshop will help writers decide what will work best for them.
Sue will cover:
1. What are the major online outlets for posting on a regular basis? How to decide whether to produce a newsletter, blog, Substack or something else? Which venue fits your writing, audience, and schedule? She will share examples and brainstorm topics for participants’ projects.
2. How do writers keep coming up with rich content (not just words!) without using up all their time and energy? What should they publish in their newsletter, blog or Substack, and what should they save for paid publication elsewhere? How can they enhance their posts with photos, art, and videos?
3. How posting regularly online can help build a foundation for your platform, and how it can lead to books, columns, talks, and other types of work.
2:30 p.m.—Workshop Q
Keeping Your Fictional Facts Straight
Most people enjoy reading fiction series that include familiar characters and settings, but how does the author make sure everything makes sense in one book after another without creating errors in consistency or omitting important facts? Oh yeah, that guy died in Book 3. Was the mother’s name Paula or Pauline? How old would she be now? Did the author already name somebody John in a previous book? Even while working on just one novel, it can be tricky. This workshop will help writers learn to keep track of the details, whether writing a single novel or a series.
Techniques Sue will outline:
1. Making a “bible” of important facts. It is incredibly helpful to have all the key information in one place, especially for writers who are more pantsers than plotters. She will show how an author can keep track of what happened to who, where, and when so it all makes sense.
2. Developing a cast list with everything known about each major and minor character, from where they were born to how they speak to what kind of car they drive. Over the course of one or several novels, readers meet a lot of people. The key characters are always there, but each episode involves new people who may or may not become part of the ongoing cast. How do writers make sure each one has its own distinct name, voice, and personality? Sue will look at how to create a “bio” for each character, so they remain consistent.
3. Using calendars to keep dates and ages straight. The events of a novel occur in a specific time and place. Whether they live in the real world or an invented one, they need to be consistent. The weather needs to match the season, most folks don’t go to church on Tuesdays, and three-month-old babies don’t eat solid food. Creating a calendar for fictional timelines will keep writers up to date.
LESLIE J. HALL Bremerton, Washington
Leslie J. Hall is the author of the Kaitlyn Willis Road Signs Mysteries, a humorous, amateur sleuth series starring a Pacific Northwest code enforcement officer. She also writes women’s fiction. Leslie began her writing journey in elementary school where she and a friend co-wrote her first suspense story: How to Wash a Ghost. When not writing, Leslie is a cheerleader for beginning writers through teaching, critiquing, and finding ways to encourage their stories to come to life. Afterward, you’ll find her at the beach with a book (or three). Learn more at www.lesliejhall.com
1:15 p.m.—Workshop L
Show AND Tell: A Secret Weapon for Writers
Ready to breathe life into your writing and make stories leap off the page? Join Leslie for a fun, hands-on workshop that unpacks the classic writing advice: Show, Don’t Tell. She will break down what it really means—and more importantly, how to actually do it. Through real examples, participants will learn how to spot “telling” in prose and transform it into dynamic, engaging “showing,” using grammar, voice, point of view, and character reactions. This class is perfect for writers in any genre who want to tighten their storytelling and create a deeper emotional impact on their readers. Whether just starting out or polishing a novel, participants will walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective. Let’s make your words work harder—and have some fun doing it!
Students will:
• Understand what the phrase means for their story
• How to identify “telling” prose
• How to convert “telling” to “showing”
• When it is okay to tell
• How to use point of view to heighten “show don’t tell”
DEREK SHEFFIELD Wenatchee, Washington
Every other year, the Southwest Washington Writers Conference invites the Washington State Poet Laureate to teach. This year, Derek Sheffield is the eighth poet laureate, a program sponsored by Humanities Washington and the Washington State Arts Commission/ArtsWA. Sheffield, who grew up in the Willamette Valley and on the shores of the Salish Sea, will teach a poetry workshop.
Sheffield is the author of four books—Not for Luck, which won the Wheelbarrow Books Poetry Prize; Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry, which won the 2024 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award; Through the Second Skin; and Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy. His poems also have appeared in High Country News, Poetry, and Orion. He is on the English faculty at Wenatchee Valley College and Western Colorado University. He also teaches a Northwest Nature Writing class. Find out more: https://www.dereksheffield.com/
In his workshop, Sheffield will guide participants through critical readings of specific poems before they pen their own poems.
2:30 p.m.—Workshop M
Poetry Workshop by Washington State Poet Laureate
Sheffield will guide participants through critical readings of specific poems before asking them to pen poetry of their own.
PATRICIA CRISAFULLI Eugene, Oregon
Patricia Crisafulli is an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author. Her debut novel, The Secrets of Ohnita Harbor, was published in 2022 by Woodhall Press, followed by The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm in 2023, and The Secrets of the Old Post Cemetery in 2025. She earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree and the Distinguished Thesis Award in Creative Writing from Northwestern University. Patricia has taught workshops for Wordcrafters in Eugene, Oregon, and at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Northwestern University in Chicago. She is the founder of https://faithhopeandfiction.com/
2:30 p.m.—Workshop O
Mystery Within a Mystery
Patricia will help participants develop more intricate plots through the layering of “a mystery within a mystery.” She will teach them to strategize through the development of a narrative that spans time/place and between two (or more) separate incidents. She will also show them how to create plot twists, seed clues, and turn mystery-solving into a quest.
3:45 p.m.—Workshop U
Small Stories that Tell Big Truths
Well-developed scenes invite the reader to come closer to stories. The scene may be the entirety of a short story or essay or part of a larger work such as a novel or memoir. Identifying, describing, and exploring such key scenes—what is seen, heard, touched, and experienced physically and emotionally—will add texture, heighten tension, and reveal deeper truths hidden below the surface.
Participants will learn how to:
• Describe a scene with sensory details and emotional depth
• Explore the interactions among characters—those present in the scene and those who are missing (and why)
• Convey the big truth contained in this scene—by showing the realization/transformation that occurs within one or more of the key characters.
AARON RYAN Olympia, Washington
Award-winning and best-selling author, speaker, panelist, workshop presenter and voice actor Aaron Ryan is the prolific author of the best-selling Dissonance 6 book alien invasion saga, the Christian dystopian fiction trilogy The End, the Talisman trilogy, the sci-fi thrillers Forecast, The Slide, and The Phoenix Experiment, and more than 40 books. Find out more: https://authoraaronryan.com/
2:30 p.m.—Workshop P
From Hobby to Enterprise: Authoring as a Vocation
In this workshop, Aaron will teach writers how to treat authoring as a business. They’ll learn how to self-publish correctly, how to approach agents, and how to avoid scammers. He will also discuss creative marketing techniques so readers can find and enjoy writers’ books.
DAWN SHIPMAN Longview, Washington
Dawn Shipman is the author of the award-winning YA fantasy series, The Lost Stones of Argonia. Dawn, who knew she wanted to be an author in Mrs. Juell’s tenth-grade creative writing class, has since traveled the world to visit the places her favorite authors used to create their amazing works of fantasy (Oxford, Edinburgh, and Forks, Washington!). In addition to Lost Stones, she’s written short stories, articles, plays, poetry, and blog posts. Dawn makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a roving band of dogs, cats, and horses. Find her on Facebook and Instagram, and at https://dawnshipmanfiction.com/
2:30 p.m.—Workshop R
Why Fantasy? Why Many of Us Read It and Why Some of Us Write It!
This workshop will be an overview of the fantasy genre—the joy and delight in both reading and writing it. First, Dawn will discuss fantasy as a literary genre, including its history going back to Homer and Beowulf to the present. She’ll talk about big names in the genre—Lewis, Tolkien, George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, George R.R. Martin, Sanderson, J.K. Rowling, Sarah J. Maas. She will also discuss the definition of the main fantasy sub-genres and talk about the ongoing appeal of fantasy to readers and to writers. Why the popularity? How has it expanded into role-playing games, TV, movies, fan fiction and more? She will share quotes from readers and writers, including Chesterton, George R.R. Martin, and Einstein. If there’s time, the workshop will end with a discussion on the how-to of writing a fantasy, emphasizing world-building. PowerPoint slides will illustrate all the main points.
SCOTT EAGAN Puyallup, Washington
Scott Eagan opened Greyhaus Literary Agency in 2003, focusing exclusively on traditional romance and women’s fiction. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and master’s degrees in both Literacy and Creative Writing.
Scott is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and still dabbles in writing as a hobby.
Outside of the agency, Scott is an instructor of publishing with the UCLA Extension Program. He has provided critiques with Writer’s Digest and with Publishers Weekly. Scott also provides educational workshops and mentorships through Greyhaus Educational Services at www.greyhauseducationalservices.odoo.com.
3:45 p.m.—Workshop S
A Literary Agent on Query Letter Writing
Writers never get a second chance to make a first impression, but many do not understand that the query letter is that first impression, and it is often where they fail in their submissions. The goal of the workshop is to discuss the importance of the query letter, how to build a strong query letter, and how to showcase a book and writer’s voice to the needs of the editor and agent.
Scott will discuss these key points:
1) Market analysis
2) Professional writing
3) Showcasing your book and career
LARRY LEHNERZ Kent, Washington
Larry Lehnerz is a writing teacher, humorous storyteller, and author of two novels, Summer of ‘74 and Gloaming, both imbued with humor and warmth. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he enjoys creating stories about places he will always remember and people he’ll never forget while mixing a dose of romance and a dollop of humor. Most days, you can find Larry avoiding yard and housework by pretending to write. He is a husband, father, son, and grandfather. His greatest joy is time with grandchildren who love to point out that his hair is grayer than he admits. Find out more: https://www.larrylehnerz.com/
3:45 p.m.—Workshop V
Tickle Your Reader’s Funny Bone: How to Add Humor to Your Writing
Feel like you’re one card short of a full deck in your writing? Perhaps it’s the joker card. From cozies to serious drama to memoir, humor plays a vital role in storytelling. But what if you’re not funny? The good news is that like other elements of writing, humor techniques can be practiced, learned, and applied to any writing style. The even better news is that doing so is fun. In this workshop, participants will discuss and practice humor writing techniques and everyone will leave with a smile.
AMY MUIA Mount Vernon, Washington
A. Muia is the winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for her novel A Desert Between Two Seas (University of Georgia Press.) Her stories have appeared in The Baltimore Review, Chicago Review, Grist, Image Journal, The Orison Anthology, Water~Stone Review, West Branch, AWP’sThe Writer’s Chronicle, and other journals. Her novel is a 2026 Top Pick for the Southwest Books of the Year and was a finalist for the Iowa Short Fiction Award. She is pleased to serve as a teaching writer with Underground Writing, leading workshops with young people in juvenile detention. Find out more at https://www.amuia.net/
3:45 p.m.—Workshop W
The View from the Ground: Storytelling and the Three Voices in Fiction
Many writers are familiar with character voice—sentences that sound like the protagonist. They’re also familiar with author voice—that objective tone that opens a scene or delivers a story’s nuts-and-bolts. But sometimes author voice is too far removed, and character voice is too limiting. Is there a third choice? Join author A. Muia, winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction, in this interactive workshop where she will examine short passages and how voices are used, expand narrative range, and explore the third voice of fiction: a perspective from the ground that is neither author nor character.
This workshop, a mixture of presentation/lecture and interactive elements, leans toward more seasoned writers who have studied craft, though all are welcome. This workshop takes a deep dive into the three storytelling modes: author voice (objective), character voice, and the observer from the ground, a notion pioneered by Gustave Flaubert. Knowing the difference—and when to use these voices—makes writers intentional and seamless in storytelling. The workshop is practical, immediately applicable to the writing participants are working on, and contains fresh material most people haven’t heard before.
JULIE MERRICK Olympia, Washington
Julie Merrick is a former educator and the author of A Letter a Week and A Letter a Week During the School Year, two journal books that invite writers of all ages to rediscover the power of handwritten correspondence. Julie, who is working on a new work of fiction, writes hundreds of letters each year and inspires others to build lives of connection—one page at a time.
3:45 p.m.—Workshop X
Letters as a Deepening Writing Practice in a Digital Age
This session invites writers to use letter-writing as a practical way to deepen voice, character, and emotional truth on the page. Through a few low-pressure exercises, Julie will explore how writing to “one real reader” can open new stories, clarify what’s at stake, and reconnect authors to why they write in the first place. Participants will leave with a simple habit to take home so the work started in the workshop keeps feeding their fiction, memoir, and essays.
She will address three key points:
1. Using simple letter-writing exercises to get closer to your author’s voice and to the people reading your work.
2. Trying low-pressure prompts that surface emotion, tension, and surprise on the page.
3. Leaving with an easy, repeatable letter-based habit that can be adapted to ongoing projects.
