A manuscript’s first page acts like a little window. Here, we peek into your writing power, your storytelling moxie, your unique voice. Usually, if it’s not working on page one, then it’s not working on page two hundred. The first page has to pop! That’s where purposeful play comes in. In this fun and interactive workshop, writers will learn how to play by using two creative tools. First tool: The Three Magic Hats, a daily warm-up to jump-start a writer’s day. Second tool: The Kick in the Pants. Workshop participants will leap from bestselling authors’ first lines and create a draft of an opening page that pops. The goal of these fun exercises is to not only help writers conquer the blank page but also to help them write an opening draft that will catch the eye of an agent or acquisition editor.

Friction between rival characters must generate explosive energy. Whether you favor exaggerated archetypes or simpler foes, those opposing forces need to fascinate your readers to unleash maximum drama, impact, and emotion on every page. Whatever your genre or experience level, you’ll leave this two hour masterclass with a fresh handle on the protagonist/antagonist dynamic duo and an arsenal of simple, language-based techniques that go beyond quirks and clichés to help you craft worthy adversaries.

Insight Books are made from one piece of folded paper. You don’t have to be an artist or writer to make one, just a willingness to let yourself be inspired by lines you’ve drawn on the page. A 10-minute video with instructions on how to make an insight book.

It’s been said that it is the intrusion of violence, the unimaginable, or the fantastical that amplifies the drama of horror, suspense and thriller fiction. Experienced writers discuss the how and why and offer resources for authors to create high-impact stories.

Do your characters need to travel a lot in your fantasy world? In this tiny workshop, learn some tricks to break up the monotony that is travel in your fantasy world. Leave with suggestions on how to add some spice to your stroll so your characters don't dawdle into the land of dullness.
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We all love a good laugh, so why don’t more books give readers the pleasure of humor? Because humor is difficult to write. If you want to inject some humor into your stories, let Melinda Curtis and Sheila Roberts, two bestselling authors known for writing books with that delightful light touch, help you find your funny bone. Class will explain how humor involves characterization and plotting and will include examples and specific how-tos.

Meet a group of passionate high school readers and writers from Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, Washington, who have advice on pitfalls to avoid when writing YA characters. These are teenagers who have attended the PNWA conference, participated in NaNoWriMo multiple times, written novels, and have a lot to say about YA literature and the modern teenage experience. Presentation followed by Q&A. They are also available to act as beta readers for your YA novel.

TBA

Even the most compelling plot and likeable character won't make for a story unless you have a world for it to occur in. How do you go about supplying the details that a reader needs in order to construct their own version of that world in their head and how do you avoid having it conflict with your vision? What are the secrets to making the reading experience truly immersive -- and why do so many of them depend on worldbuilding? Join Cat Rambo for a master class on creating the stage on which your story takes place.

Choosing, creating, and utilizing appropriate antagonists for Mystery, Thriller, Horror, and Suspense