Mercedes M. Yardley, is a Bram Stoker Award–winning author known for her distinctive blend of dark fantasy, horror, and whimsy. Often described as a “whimsical dark fantasist,” her work explores the beauty and brutality of the human experience through lyrical storytelling and haunting imagery.
She is the author of numerous acclaimed works including Pretty Little Dead Girls, Darling, the Stabby Award–winning Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love, and the collection Love is a Crematorium and Other Tales. Her fiction has earned multiple Bram Stoker Awards, including honors for Little Dead Red and the short story “Fracture.”
Mercedes lives and writes in Las Vegas and is active in the horror and speculative fiction community. In addition to her writing, she has served as a senior fiction editor for Gamut Magazine and is a member of the Horror Writers Association and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association.
Wander deeper into Miss Murder’s darkly whimsical worlds—books, blog, events and more here.
Sessions:
Keynote Presentation:
TBAStep Aside, Darling: Getting Out Of Your Own Way
Sometimes we are the toughest roadblocks on the path to literary success. Join Mercedes M. Yardley for a conversation about the ways writers can unknowingly stand in their own way. We'll discuss how to deftly step aside and let our true potential shine, giving our creativity the space and confidence it needs to flourish.
Jodi Thompson has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her earliest work, Skippy the Horse, was critically acclaimed by numerous family members and at least one teacher. She eventually discovered that her real talent lies in assisting others with their dreams. After spending some time as a freelance Book Manager and Publicist, she founded a small, traditional publishing house, Fawkes Press.
In her copious free time, she has led writing workshops for children and teens, served on the organizational committees for several writing conferences, judged national writing contests, and presented at writing/publishing conferences across the United States. Fearful that she was getting too much sleep, she started Terrible Advice: Author Edition as guidance for writers in all stages. Chasing the high of her early success from Skippy the Horse, she also dabbles in cozy mysteries as Moira Bates. She lives in Texas with her husband and more animals than any sane person should have in their home.
Pre-Con:
TBA
More coming soon.
Sessions:
Cancel Proof: Working with a Sensitivity Reader
Whether you are a fan or foe, cancel culture exists in publishing. More and more authors, editors, and publishers are working with sensitivity readers to read for bias, stereotypes, misrepresentation, and offensive content long before a book makes it to market. Do you need one? How do you find one? And what in the heck do you do once the sensitivity reader report comes back?
In this session, Jodi Thompson shares real-life examples of sensitivity reader feedback and offers a framework to help authors determine whether their manuscript may need a sensitivity reader. Time permitting, Jodi will also lead a discussion on safeguarding your author image as a protection against cancellation.
After a brief discussion and examples of sensitivity reader feedback, attendees will examine portions of classic literature through the lens of the 2020s. Together, participants will consider where a sensitivity reader might be a good idea and what specific type of reader they would recommend.
Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the purpose of a sensitivity reader and guidance on how to move forward if their manuscript needs one.
Terrible Advice: Tackled
Terrible advice is never in short supply—especially in the publishing world. In this session, Jodi Thompson tackles some of the most common (and questionable) guidance writers encounter along their publishing journeys.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions or concerns prior to the event, and Jodi will select 10–15 to address during the session along with some of the most prevalent advice currently circulating in the industry.
Jodi will break down each topic, parsing the good from the bad and suggesting alternative approaches authors may want to consider. The goal of this session is simple: to help writers navigate the madness of publishing with their sanity—and their pocketbooks—intact.
Amy Brewer is Vice President, Senior Agent, and Subsidiary Rights Sales specialist with Metamorphosis Literary Agency. With a keen intuitive understanding of people and storytelling, she helps writers bridge the communication gap and confidently step into the publishing world.
Before entering publishing, Amy worked in the mental health field and trained as a yoga instructor—experiences that uniquely equip her to guide authors through the stress and uncertainty of a highly competitive industry. Her empathetic approach, combined with a multitasking, hyper-organized mind, allows her to advocate effectively for clients while helping them navigate the professional and emotional challenges of publishing.
In addition to representing authors, Amy manages subsidiary rights sales for several publishers, working to expand opportunities for books beyond their original formats and markets. She maintains a full client list and is always on the lookout for captivating stories that resonate on a deeper level.
Discover more about Amy and her work on her agency’s website.
Sessions:
The Author Platform Playbook: Social Media That Builds Readers
For traditionally published authors, a strong online presence is no longer optional. In this session, Amy Brewer explains why maintaining at least two social media platforms—along with a professional author website—can be critical to long-term success. She’ll explore which platforms work best for different genres, how to develop a manageable posting schedule, and strategies for growing an engaged readership without feeling overwhelmed by the process.
Traditional Publishing in 2026: The Real Story
What does traditional publishing actually look like in today’s market? In this session, Amy Brewer offers a candid look at the realities of publishing in 2026. She’ll share industry numbers that reveal just how competitive the path to publication can be, balanced with uplifting success stories from authors who have made the journey. Attendees will also gain practical advice from agents and publishers on how to navigate the industry and improve their chances of success.
The Agent Pitch Lab
Landing a literary agent starts with understanding what agents do—and how to pitch them effectively. In this interactive session, Amy Brewer breaks down the role of an agent in the publishing process and reveals pitch and query strategies that lead to success. Attendees will practice pitching with partners, and volunteers will have the opportunity to actually pitch Amy in front of the class, receiving live critique and real-world feedback.
Pitching:
Amy is looking for Romance of any kind, Cozy mysteries of any kind and anything in the LGBTQIA+ world. If you are a best-selling self published author, she would love to talk with you about selling your subsidiary rights. Amy is not a good fit for sci-fi, poetry, or non-fiction at this time.
Learn more and sign up for a pitch session here.
Marty Ludlum is the author of the Disco Divas mystery series, featuring newly promoted Las Vegas detective Donna Summer Wyznecki—yes, she’s named after the disco queen… it’s a long story.
The series blends mystery, humor, quirky characters, and plenty of twists as the sassy heartbreaker navigates crime, chaos, and the occasional questionable dance move in what Marty calls “America’s most ordinary town.”
The first book in the series, At First I Was Afraid, has earned multiple honors, including a First Place Mystery Award from The BookFest and recognition as a finalist for the Silver Falchion Award at Killer Nashville, along with additional conference and literary acknowledgments.
Marty is active in the writing community through organizations such as Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. In 2019 he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and now donates a portion of his book sales to support MS research.
When he’s not plotting fictional crimes, Marty is an award-winning professor of Business Law at the University of Central Oklahoma. He enjoys international travel with his college sweetheart, Kara, reading, watching Netflix, listening to disco music (of course), spending time with his growing collection of grandchildren, and searching for the next great Mexican restaurant.
Boogie on over to Marty’s website to stay up to date on his work, accolades, events, and more.
Session:
Legal Landmines for Writers: What You Need to Know Before You Get Sued
Marty, a novelist and seasoned lawyer (which means he’s old), will explain some of the basic legal issues writers face. Don’t take legal advice from someone who isn’t a lawyer—get it from someone who’s been licensed since 1989. (Don’t do the math. That’s not polite.)Topics will include libel and slander, using real people and places in your writing, incorporating your writing business, tax turmoil (he’ll tell you everything he knows—which isn’t much), the many ways writers manage to get themselves sued, and other legal pitfalls novelists should avoid. There will be plenty of time for questions, so be sure to bring them.
Hooked by Mystery: Creating Intrigue That Pulls Readers In
Mystery is one of the most compelling forces in storytelling, drawing readers and viewers into books, films, and television alike. Why are we so captivated by the unknown? In this session, we’ll explore why audiences are so drawn to intrigue and how writers can use it to create tension, deepen engagement, and keep readers guessing. Learn how mystery fuels curiosity and keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
Mel Odom writes in a number of fields, but always with the hope of telling an interesting tale that will incite a reader to think for themselves, to examine their own place in the world, and offer a little nudge in the direction of dreams, faith, and personal growth in spite of whatever odds a person has to face. He believes we were all put here for a purpose. Hopefully, several purposes.
He teaches creative writing at Oklahoma University.
Investige Mel’s books, blog, bio, and news on his website.
Sessions:
To AI or Not to AI?
AI is all the rage these days. People are using it to write letters, boil down lengthy documents, and to strategize in different fields. The software is open to everyone.
What should a writer feel free to use out of an AI suite? We’re going to discuss ways of marketing, creating visual aids (not book covers, but maybe casting characters on Pinterest), and even using AI to help a writer plan out a book. There is no firm answer (all technology these days is in flux), and this will entail an exploration and discussion of what’s how there and how it might be used.
Writing the Horror Short Story
Horror movies are hitting movie screens faster these days. Why? What are readers/viewers wanting out of this genre that will literally never die? How does a writer come up with a story idea, a legend to hang it on, and how should a horror short story be framed? Where can a writer find markets/anthologies? Beyond prose, the writer should also consider short films and fiction podcasts.
Merle Davenport was sent to prison for teaching ... well, he teaches in a prison. For the last 25 years, he taught inmates in Michigan and Oklahoma to get their GED.
During that time, he served as the President for the Michigan Council on Learning for Adults for nearly a decade, as a board member for the Michigan Reading Association, and as a member of the executive board for the Michigan Adult and Continuing Education. He has a Master's Degree in Education and all but his dissertation for a PhD in Education Administration. The focus of his graduate studies was inmate behavior and reducing recidivism. His most recent book is "Criminal Thinking - Helping Writers Develop Intriguing Villains by Understanding the Criminal Mind." Currently, Merle is the President of the Tulsa NightWriters and writes historical romances with his wife Karen.
Sessions:
Criminal Thinking - Helping Writers Develop Intriguing Villains by Understanding the Criminal Mind
Have you ever wondered what the villain is thinking? So do your readers. Merle Davenport will outline common thought patterns of criminals based on extensive research and 25 years of experience teaching in prisons. Learn how to make your villains sizzle with dialogue and behavior consistent with the most notorious criminals in our prisons today.
Emotionally Engaging Your Readers
Transform your book from “interesting story” to “OMG! WHAT A GREAT BOOK!” When readers become emotionally connected with your characters, they won’t be able to put your book down. Learn how to craft compelling stories that resonate, keep readers hooked, and watch your sales grow.
Michele Bardsley is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of (mostly) supernatural fiction.
She authored the paranormal romance mystery series Broken Heart, set in a small town in Oklahoma. Michele is a former OWFI Crème de la Crème winner. She loves zombie movies, all the dogs, and chocolate as dark as her heart.
Explore her work on her website.
Sessions:
How to Build a Substack Newsletter
Looking for a way to connect with readers, grow your audience, and promote your work? Substack offers a powerful platform for writers to create and distribute newsletters with ease. In this session, we’ll walk through the process of setting up your Substack, crafting engaging content, and building a subscriber base. You’ll learn strategies for growing your readership, monetizing your newsletter, and using Substack to enhance your writing career.
How to Write Serial Fiction for Reading Apps
What makes a serial different from a traditional novel? How do you publish your story online in an engaging, binge-worthy format? Which apps offer the best opportunities for serial fiction writers? Get the answers to these questions and more in this informative session!
Best-selling personal finance author Peggy Doviak started reading mysteries when she was a child. Now, she is an experienced financial planner who changed careers when a stockbroker exploited her mother.
Her award-winning personal finance books, 52 Weeks to Prosperity (2018, The RoadRunner Press) and 52 Weeks to Well-Being (2023, Centerboard Press), break financial concepts into digestible bites. Peggy's best-selling cozy mystery, You Can’t Cheat Death, was released by The Wild Rose Press on September 16, 2024. She is thrilled to realize her dream of writing a cozy mystery series featuring a savvy financial planner who solves financial crimes and murders.
Peggy’s social media and newsletter links are on her website and her podcast, “Ask Peggy About Your Money,” is available wherever you listen. Peggy lives in Oklahoma and is owned by two cats and two horses.
Sessions:
Money for Creatives
Does thinking about money make you break out in hives? If so, this session is for you! Personal finance and cozy mystery author Peggy Doviak's latest book covers all things money for creatives. Whether you're trying to turn your writing into a business or manage your personal finances, Peggy breaks complicated topics into bite-sized pieces that aren't overwhelming. One reviewer said, "I wish I could sit down with Peggy and have coffee. This book is like a friend-to-friend discussion because she knows money stuff..." Before the session, fill your mug, and join the conversation.
Incorporating Nonfiction In Novel Writing
Although good novels allow us to suspend disbelief, as writers, we don't want to push our readers too far. Incorporating nonfiction into novels is a way to bridge the gap between everyday life and our created worlds. But the balance is tricky. What should we include? How much is too much? How do we find trustworthy sources? Personal finance and cozy mystery author Peggy Doviak writes nonfiction and fiction that gives her readers what they need to know without boring them to death. Join this interactive conversation about facts and fiction.
Rene Gutteridge has been writing professionally for over twenty years, with expertise in fiction, non-fiction, comedy sketches, novelizations and screenwriting.
She is the multi-genre author of 24 novels plus several non-fiction titles. Her indie film SKID won deadCenter’s Best Oklahoma Feature, and her novel, My Life as a Doormat was adapted into the Hallmark movie Love’s Complicated. She is co-writer on the feature film Family Camp, a Movieguide award winner and a Dove Award nominee for 2023. She is also a Screencraft finalist in true crime. Rene is co-director of WriterCon in Oklahoma City, senior contributor at Writing Momentum and is the head writer at Skit Guys Studios. Find out more on her website.
Session:
ABC’s of Writing Conferences
New to writing? First time attending a conference? This session will help you chart your course with minimum confusion and false starts. Get the knowledge you need to make this writing endeavor a success.
How Film is Ruining Your Fiction (And How to Fix It)
Many writers have let their love for film seep into their fiction in an unhealthy way. While it may seem that film influencing your fiction might be helpful and even fun, it can actually have a drastically different and opposite effect. Learn what parts of film may be killing your fiction, and how to use POV to correct course and improve your writing style.
S.L. Dooley is a fantasy author looking for a never-ending story to go boldly through the wardrobe into another adventure. She's the best-selling author of the Portal Slayer trilogy and the award-winning high fantasy duology, The Summertime Circus and The Cold Moon Carnival.
One of her side-quests is to encourage new writers as they navigate the paths toward publication. She has spoken at numerous events, including the Realm Makers conference, The Bookfest spring festival, and WriterCon. With a passion for fantasy literature since childhood, Dooley draws inspiration from mythology, folklore, and a vivid imagination to craft immersive narratives that transport readers to realms of magic and adventure. One of her side-quests is to find any way to escape into fantastical worlds and to bring as many people as she can with her. She lives in Texas with her husband where she collects old books and new journals.
Discover her website
Sessions:
Ten Things They Don’t Tell New Writers
Embarking on a writing career is fraught with mystery. While no crystal ball can reveal every twist in your journey, some fundamentals never change. Unfortunately, these essential truths are rarely discussed. In this session, uncover ten behind-the-scenes insights that every new writer should know—and learn how to navigate them with confidence.
The Writer’s Side Hustle
Most writers don't make a living at their craft. But that doesn't mean you can't draw an income from what you love. You'll leave this session with a list and a game plan for how to use your creativity to pay the bills.
Aiden Siobhan is an Associate Agent at Laura Dail Literary Agency, based out of Fort Worth, Texas. They graduated from UNC School of the Arts in 2023 with a filmmaking degree specializing in screenwriting and animation. Before Aiden became an agent, they interned at LDLA for two sessions and was an Author Mentor Match mentee in 2022.
When they’re not reading, Aiden works as the Art Director for an alt-weekly newspaper, attends film festivals, and road trips with their wife and dogs. Visit Aiden’s website
Sessions:
Plotting for Pantsers: A Flexible Framework for Story Structure
Love the spontaneity of discovery writing but struggle to finish or revise your stories? This session introduces a simple, adaptable framework that helps you shape your narrative while preserving creative freedom. You’ll learn how to identify key story beats, strengthen pacing, and maintain momentum without rigid outlines. Perfect for those who write by the seat of their pants but need tools to bring their drafts to the finish line.
Fixing Your First Pages to Hook Agents, Editors, and Readers
The first pages of your novel are critical for grabbing attention in the slush pile. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft an engaging opening that establishes character, stakes, and voice while avoiding common pitfalls. We’ll analyze examples, discuss what industry professionals look for, and workshop participant openings to ensure they stand out in a crowded market.
Pitches:
Aiden is looking for Adult, YA, crossover, and select MG genre fiction. They will love any story that is diverse, heartfelt, and beautifully written. Share your trope-filled, high stakes, fast-paced novels that will make them read past midnight!
Learn more about Aiden's wish list here.
Tamara Grantham is the author of more than a dozen books and novellas, including the multi-award winning Olive Kennedy: Fairy World MD series, and the #1 bestselling Twisted Ever After trilogy.
Dreamthief, the first book of her Fairy World MD series, won first place for fantasy in INDIEFAB’S Book of the Year Awards, and a first place RONE award for best New Adult Romance. The Witch’s Tower, the first book of her fairytale retelling series, launched as a #1 bestseller at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has been a featured speaker at numerous writing conferences and comic cons. Born and raised in Texas, Tamara now lives with her husband and five children in Wichita, Kansas. She rarely has any free time, but when the stars align and she gets a moment to relax, she enjoys reading fantasy novels and watching every Star Wars or Star Trek movie ever made.
Explore her worlds from her website.
Sessions:
The Alchemy of Amour: Mastering Romantasy Magic
Romantasy is a booming business, captivating readers with its enchanting blend of fantasy and romance. But how do you combine these elements to create a novel that truly resonates with this eager audience? Mixing the wrong ingredients can leave a sour taste with your readers. Join author Tamara Grantham as she shares her years of expertise to help you distill the essence of the romantasy genre into a bestselling formula!
Rage Against the Machine: How Authors Can Conquer AI
Like the Terminator wishing his enemies a fond farewell, should authors say "hasta la vista" to their writing careers? Not so fast. In the rapidly evolving world of technology, AI has become a powerful tool for authors. This class will explore how writers can effectively and ethically integrate AI into their creative process. From idea generation to editing, discover how AI can enhance your writing while maintaining your unique voice and creativity—and avoid world ending doom.
Thea Rademacher began her professional career as a social justice attorney after graduating with honors from the University of Minnesota School of Law.
In 2015, she founded Flint Hills Publishing after her inspiring experience co-authoring A Drop in the Night - the Life and Secret Mission of a WWII Airman. She also published Author's Beware - Arm Yourself with Knowledge to Help Avoid Legal Pitfalls, that contains easy-to-digest information she believes all authors need to know. Her company has published over 80 books—including a Spur Award Winner—and she has presented to authors around the world about important and relevant legal topics.
Sessions
All the Legal-Smeagle Stuff Writers Need to Know
Join Thea Rademacher, JD for a fast-paced, informative session packed with essential legal and publishing insights for authors. Learn how to protect your work and avoid common pitfalls in your writing career.Topics include a deep dive into copyright law, including emerging issues with AI technologies. Gain crucial tips on avoiding legal trouble related to defamation, interviews, and the ever-growing threat of publishing scams. Explore the many paths to publishing and the pros and cons of each. You’ll also get an inside look at the business of being an author, including work-for-hire arrangements, licensing, and publishing contracts.
Come ready with questions—Thea will be in the hot seat, answering them all! Plus, all participants will receive a complimentary PDF of Authors Beware! Arm Yourself with Knowledge to Help Avoid Legal Pitfalls.
A Publisher's Advice to the Self-Publisher
Thea Rademacher, JD, president of Flint Hills Publishing and publisher of over 80 books, offers authors professional advice on how to take a project from a messy Word document to a beautiful book. Starting with the pros and cons of various publishing options, authors will learn practical information needed to create print and eBooks. Rademacher will give insider tips about best practices in creating a professional-looking book. Attendees are encouraged to bring their in-progress work, including mock-up covers. Time for questions and feedback will be allocated.
Pitches:
Learn more about what Thea & Flint Hills Publishing are looking for on our Pitch Room page.
Vice-President and Editorial Editor at The Kansas City Star, Yvette Walker, is also the host of the Positively Joy podcast.
Yvette has been inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. She is the former Dean of Students at the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Yvette has been a newspaper editor, news ombudsman, reporter, and has supervised online content management systems for two news websites. A native of Chicago, she now lives in Kansas City.
Follow Yvette on Facebook.
Sessions:
Writing Edgy Christian Fiction
Sometimes Christian books, like my novel, Sixty, depict intense situations. However, as long as Christian books don’t glamorize these sinful or distasteful actions and stories have an overall message of redemption and/or salvation through Christ, there is nothing biblically wrong with depicting these situations in our books.
How to Get Published in the Opinion Section
Do you have strong opinions on current events, faith, culture, or social issues but aren’t sure how to get them published? This workshop will guide you through crafting compelling opinion pieces and successfully pitching them to newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms.
Led by veteran journalist and Opinion Editor Yvette Walker, this session will cover:
✓ Understanding the role of opinion journalism
✓ Choosing timely and relevant topics
✓ Structuring a persuasive and engaging op-ed column or letter to the editor
✓ Writing with clarity, credibility, and impact
✓ Avoiding common pitfalls and editorial rejections
✓ Effectively pitching your piece to editors
Whether you’re an aspiring writer, an advocate for a cause, or a thought leader looking to expand your reach, this seminar will equip you with the tools to share your voice in the public arena confidently.
Candace Kade spends her time dreaming up stories typically involving tech, psychology, culture, and/or swords. She is the author of the Hybrid series and a certified Krav Maga assistant instructor who loves writing action-packed martial art scenes. A third culture kid, she considers Chengdu and OKC to be her homes. When she’s not exploring new countries, she enjoys hiking in national parks, moving, teaching her husband Mandarin, and keeping two baby humans alive. She can be bribed with boba tea, fluffy puppies, and breakfast tacos.
Uncover more about Candace’s journey to writing, her books, and her blog on her website.
Sessions:
Book Launch Success: Marketing Strategies for a Successful Release
Are you ready to make your next book launch unforgettable? In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to create buzz, boost sales, and cultivate long-term readership. Whether you’re launching your first book or looking to level up, this workshop will help unlock your unique strengths and build a sustainable marketing plan that works for you.
How to Write a Great YA Novel
Learn how to craft a standout YA novel that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact. In this session, we’ll dive into the essential elements of young adult fiction-from creating authentic teen voices to weaving in themes that captivate a YA audience. Whether you’re just starting your first YA novel or already published, this session will equip you with practical ideas and inspiration to transform your story into a book readers will love.
Dr. Forest Issac Jones is an award-winning author of non-fiction and essays, specializing in the study of Irish History, the US Civil Rights Movement and Northern Ireland. His latest essay, “The Civil Rights Connection Between The USA and Northern Ireland” was awarded honorable mention in the category of nonfiction essay by Writer’s Digest in their 93rd annual writing competition.
Over the years, Jones has won awards from Writer’s Digest in 2022 and 2023. His award-winning essay about African Americans at D-Day was published in 2024 by WWII History Magazine.
In addition to writing, Jones is a frequent speaker who has given talks about everything from African Americans at D-Day and The Troubles in Northern Ireland. Jones holds a doctorate degree from Virginia Tech in education and a master’s degree from Hollins University in history (focusing on Northern Ireland history and South Africa history).
He currently lives in Salem, Virginia. His first nonfiction book, Good Trouble: The Selma, Alabama and Derry, Northern Ireland Connection 1963-1972, will be released by Anthem Press in April 2025.
Visit his website to learn more about his work and background.
Session:
Digging into History
This session will help you understand how to turn the historical experiences of others into riveting stories with universal themes. Through discussion, examples of first person interviews, and readings from his work about Selma and Northern Ireland, Forest Issac Jones will introduce you to the possibilities and pitfalls of historical nonfiction.
Luncheon:
Truth or Consequences
Join Dr. Karlos K. Hill and Dr. Forest Issac Jones as they use their vast experience as professors, historians, and authors to teach us how to weed through false historical information to get to the truth of the story. Learn how to conduct interviews that lead to powerful, authentic storytelling, regardless of genre.
Dr. Karlos K. Hill is Advisor to the President for Community Engagement and Regents’ Associate Professor of African and African American Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He is also a proud affiliate faculty within the OU History Department and the Schusterman Center for Judaic and Israel Studies. Dr. Hill is the author of three books: Beyond The Rope: The Impact of Lynching on Black Culture and Memory, The Murder of Emmett Till: A Graphic History, and The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A Photographic History.
His book on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre won the 2022 Lynn McIntoch Award for Excellence, the 2022 Joan Kerr Patterson Book Award from the Western Historical Association, and 2022 Choice Outstanding Academic Title from the American Library Association.
Dr. Hill founded the Tulsa Race Massacre Oklahoma Teacher’s Institute to support teaching the history of the race massacre to thousands of middle school and high school students. He also serves on the boards of the Clara Luper Legacy Committee and the Board of Scholars for Facing History and Ourselves. Dr. Hill writes the “Bearing Witness” series for World Literature Today magazine featuring the stories and work of community activists organizing for healing history and justice.
Sessions:
Remembrance is Resistance: Challenging Historical Silences in Writing
If the most valuable lessons of history lie in the stories we share, we must confront the silence. In this session, Dr. Hill explores how to challenge historical erasure by infusing authentic history into your writing. Examine the enduring legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre and learn how to responsibly research, ethically represent, and compellingly weave historical truths into your narratives—breaking the silence and bringing vital lessons into the light.
Luncheon:
Truth or Consequences
Join Dr. Karlos K. Hill and Dr. Forest Issac Jones as they use their vast experience as professors, historians, and authors to teach us how to weed through false historical information to get to the truth of the story. Learn how to conduct interviews that lead to powerful, authentic storytelling, regardless of genre.
Kathy L Wheeler / Mia Augustine has over 35 published historical and contemporary romances. The last two years, she has been a mentor in RWA’s Paper to Polished programs. She has served as the Ethics Director for the Regency Fiction Writers group of over 350 members. Kathy continues to thrive within the community with her time and knowledge.
Other interests include the NFL, the NBA, travel, musical theater, and... karaoke. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her musically talented husband and their neurotic dog, Angel, who lives up to her name... mostly.
Sessions
GMC: Diving Deeper into Goal, Motivation, and Conflict
In this session, Kathy teaches authors how to dive deeper into their characters’ psyches. Explore GMC techniques that lead to richer, resonant characters and the tips and tricks to bringing their stories full circle.
A Beginning Guide to Facebook Ads - Your Starter Kit
Unlock the power of Facebook ads to boost your author brand! This interactive session walks you through the essentials of setting up and running effective ad campaigns. Learn how to track key metrics and conduct strategic testing to maximize your results. If you're new to Facebook advertising or looking for a fresh start, this session provides the foundational tools to help.
Jennifer Wilson knew she wanted to be a writer from the time she was 10 years old. Between raising and homeschooling nine children, it goes without saying that writing took a backseat. Like, way back. The backseat of a 15-passenger van, one might say.
Over the past few years, as life has slowed down ever so slightly, she has been rediscovering her first love and honing her skill. She is the author of four novels, a collection of short stories, a poetry anthology, and two novellas.
Her poetry has won top awards in the Writer's Digest Poetry Contests five years in a row, and her poetry and prose have also won multiple awards from the Oklahoma Writer's Federation, Inc., and the Oklahoma Romance Writer's Guild. She has been published in Thimble Literary Magazine, Storylandia Literary Journal, Nevermore Edits, and the Austin International Poetry Festival's anthologies.
When she is not writing, she enjoys cute animal videos, yoga, and hiding in the closet to drink whiskey while contemplating Schopenhauer's works on pessimism and their influence upon Nietzsche's philosophy of existential nihilism. She goes by the pen name J. W. Rose and can be found online at jwrose.com.
Sessions:
Taking the Mystery Out of Writing Poetry
Writing poetry can seem like a mystical art, something reserved for esoteric and artistic souls, out of reach for the common man. But poetry can be approachable and accessible for anyone, from the seasoned writer to the ingenue. In this session, we will discuss what makes a poem a poem, different forms poetry can take, and how to begin writing your own poetry with confidence and joy.
Writing More Poetically
Every piece of writing, from flash fiction to full-length novels, can be enhanced by the art of poetic phrasing. In this session, we will explore ways that poetic speech can be used to make your writing more colorful, descriptive, and compelling. Learn how to craft sentences that are evocative and engage the senses, and paragraphs that will keep your readers engrossed in your stories.
Kim Toscano is a fiction and freelance writer from Stillwater, Oklahoma. She blends her formal training in horticulture and environmental science with her passion for writing to educate and inspire gardeners.
Kim launched her freelance career in 2015 after serving for eight years as writer and host of the weekly television program Oklahoma Gardening.
Since that time, she has written over 500 articles for national magazines and online media outlets including Fine Gardening, Southern Living, Real Simple, and The American Gardener. She has received numerous awards for her fiction, poetry, screenplay, and nonfiction works for readers of all ages.
Sessions:
Launch Your Freelance Writing Career
Are you a dog lover? A financial whiz? A cigar aficionado? Turn your passions and writing talent into a career as a freelance writer. Learn how to transition from hobbyist to professional, set business goals, find print and digital outlets for your work, and start earning money for your writing. The world is hungry for written content, from blog articles to marketing materials. In this class you will:
✓ Begin your journey toward a professional career in writing.
✓ Define your platform and writing goals.
✓Discover outlets for your writing.
✓ Learn how to repurpose content to make even more money.
The Business of [Freelance] Writing
Freelance writing is a profession and needs to be approached as a business, not a hobby. Remember, our goal is to get paid to write! But how much should you charge for an article? And what financial responsibilities come with those earnings? Like any business, freelance writers need to send invoices and file taxes (Yuck!), but you can also deduct expenses-like the registration fee for this conference (Yay!). As we dig into the business of writing, you’ll learn to:
✓ Set Rates for Your Work
✓ Invoice Clients
✓ Navigate Tax Forms
✓ Simplify Record Keeping
✓ Save for RetirementThis session is not only for freelance writers. If you don’t file a Schedule C (or know what one is), you need to attend this class!
After twenty years as a public speaker, seminar leader , and writer of nonfiction who worked around the world, Linda Hughes decided to settle down and focus on her love of writing romantic women’s fiction. She has twenty-seven novels and novellas in publication as a hybrid author with traditional and self-published releases.
Her works have won numerous awards and she’s been an Amazon Top 100 bestseller. The big NYT bestseller has alluded her, but she refuses to give up hope. Although, she once came close to a getting a major motion picture made of Homecoming Queen, a novel inspired by real events. Linda intends to keep writing until she loses her mind from old age but figures then her stories might get even better.
Learn more about Linda’s work and sign up for her newsletter on her website.
Sessions:
How to Become an Overnight Success in 25 Years with 25 Books
Your dream of becoming an overnight success as a bestselling author hasn’t panned out. You know your writing is good, and you still love to do it but struggle to reach that pinnacle of fulfillment that everybody else seems to have achieved. Sometimes imposter syndrome eats up your writing days. You wonder why you’re even bothering to attend conferences, take classes, and do all this work.
In this session, Linda will help you turn your thinking around to appreciate the success you’ve had as a writer prevailing in the face of self-doubt. You’ll chart your accomplishments, small as you may think they are (they aren’t!) You’ll lay out a plan to harnass your ability to stick with it to the - not bitter - but brilliant end. Your definition of “success” will expand to include appreciating your will to be a long-term professional writer rather than a flash-in-the-pan overnight bestseller. We’re in this for the long haul and will support each other along the way.
The Ins and Outs of Leaving Your Publisher to Self-Publish
It’s scary to think of abandoning the traditional publisher who produces, distributes, and markets your books. Why would you even think of doing that? The #1 reason authors give is that they aren’t making enough money and self-publishing holds the potential for greater income. That’s great. And that’s also harder than it sounds. Does that mean you shouldn’t do it?
No. It means you should learn how it works before taking the leap so you can make an informed decision and, should you decide to do it, lay out a plan for the transition. As an author who’s had an agent and three traditional publishers, Linda will take you through the steps of making the switch to self-publishing. She did it and was woefully ill-prepared. It all worked out in the end, but she wants you to have an easier time of it than she did. Join her for tips and tricks to make that change as painless as possible.
Samantha Ryan is a queer fiction writer from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her debut novel, Pride, a queer retelling of Pride and Prejudice is set for release in February of 2025 through Rattling Good Yarns Press. A chapbook collection of her flash fiction, Words My Friends Have Thrown Away, is scheduled for release from SIAMB! in spring of 2025. Her novel, These Are Not My Final Words, was a 2024 OWFI winner for unpublished fiction and was recently acquired by Truborn Press.
Her work has appeared in Marrow Magazine, Fish Gather to Listen, Flash Fiction North and IdleInk. Her short stories have placed in contests for Writer’s Weekly, GlobeSoup, Writer’s Digest, Not Quite Write and the NYCMidnight Micro-Fiction Challenge. She lives in Tulsa with her chunky German Shepherd, needy cat and half a dozen plants she can barely keep alive.
Explore Samantha’s website for more on her short stories, books, articles, podcasts, and interviews.
Sessions:
Writing Small - The Power of the Short Story
Short stories are more than just brief narratives—they're powerful tools for honing your craft, experimenting with style, and building your writing credentials. In this session, we’ll explore how mastering the art of the short story can sharpen your skills, boost your publishing resume, and open doors to other projects. Whether you're new to short fiction or looking to refine your approach, you’ll come away with insights on making every word count.
Say What? Crafting Dialogue That Speaks Volumes
Great dialogue does more than fill the silence—it reveals character, builds tension, and drives the story forward. In this interactive workshop, we’ll break down what makes dialogue pop, learn how to give each character a unique voice, and explore ways to weave subtext for added layers of meaning. Whether you struggle with stilted conversations or want to take your dialogue to the next level, this session will provide you with the tools to make your characters truly speak volumes!
Tiffany Yecke Brooks is the lead or contributing writer on more than 30 books, including several New York Times best sellers. She is the author of Holy Ghosted: Spiritual Anxiety, Religious Trauma, and the Language of Abuse (Eerdmans, 2024) and Gaslighted by God: Reconstructing a Disillusioned Faith (Eerdmans, 2022).
She co-authored Fear is a Choice: Tackling Life’s Challenges with Dignity, Faith, and Determination with NFL runningback James Conner (HarperCollins, 2021); Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance with Paralympic gold-medalist Mallory Weggemann (Thomas Nelson, 2022); the narrative nonfiction historical thriller Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth with historian Claire Bellerjeau (Lyons Press, 2022); and the young adult adaptation, Remember Liss: The Remarkable Story of One Woman’s Enslavement and Freedom in New York (2023).
She has also published articles in the Smithsonian, New York Archives, peer-reviewed journals, and elsewhere.
Tiffany holds a PhD from Florida State University and has taught literature and writing at Abilene Christian University, Harding University, McMurry University, and the University of South Carolina - Beaufort.
Get the inside scoop on Tiffany’s latest projects—from planned appearances, services, a free signed bookplate program and more—on her website. You can also follow her on Facebook here!
Sessions:
Pitching to Sell: Non-Fiction Book Proposals
Participants will learn about the standard components of a non-fiction book proposal that agents and publishers want to see. We will look at excerpts and examples from real proposals in several non-fiction genres and discuss successful approaches.
The Art of the Arc: Structuring Plot in Narrative Non-Fiction
Non-fiction presents unique challenges and opportunities for innovative storytelling. We will explore different organizational and narrative structures for non-fiction books (with an emphasis on memoir) and discuss what approaches are currently in demand.
