3/24
Emily Bernath
Author of the Broken Lenses Series
Advocate for sexual assault survivors
Keynote speaker who helps empower other survivors to find their voice
Why Not You?
Believing in Yourself Matters
There are millions of books out there for people to choose to buy. People buy your books because they're buying YOU—they want to support you. But do you believe that you deserve that support? If you don’t know who you are and why your story is worth supporting, the people you want to buy your book won’t either. You ARE good enough. No one can take that away from you. Show them your “why” through your passion and your presence.
3/25
Rachel Beck
Senior Editor, Liza Dawson Associates
lizadawsonassociates.com
The First 10
Agent Expectations for Your First 10 Pages
This workshop will cover everything from myths about what to include in your first pages to the biggest no-nos to how to break through the noise and hook an agent, intriguing them enough to request a partial or full manuscript submission. From basic submissions etiquette to overdone openings to early character development, we will discuss formatting as well as dive into a bit of craft surrounding dialogue, backstory, and set-up.
3/25
Alex Harrington
Author, reader, Monopoly player of great renown. Alex could easily beat anyone he comes up against in a game of mahjong (if he cheats).
futurehousepublishing.com
Scaling the Mountain
One Inch at a Time
The road from hobbyist to author can feel like a steep one, at times. At others, a 90-degree uphill slog through treacherous, blizzarding wilderness. Compass lost, supplies dwindling, no idea which way back to base camp, and that impossible peak looming in the distance. But on my own trek, I learned something important: break it down, and a mountain is made up of only so many little inches. Bit by bit, from slope to summit, you can make your way to the top.
3/25
Kevin is a self-published author whose love for writing began with a fear of the evil lurking in the shadows.
https://www.kevinrothert.com/
Kevin Rothert
Beyond the Gatekeepers
Pitch with the Power of an Indie Mindset
Whether you plan to publish traditionally or independently, pitching is more than the means to pass through the pearly traditional publisher gates. In this presentation we will explore the publishing industry from an independent, publisher-free perspective and how you can use that point of view to level up your pitch.
3/26
Allison Hong Merrill
Award-Winning & Best-Selling Author. Taiwanese Immigrant in the U.S.
https://allisonhongmerrill.com/
Author Presence
Writing is art; publishing is business. Your presence is your brand. Your image conveys your message before you even speak. In this class, Allison Hong Merrill will show you how to present yourself as a professional in virtual events.
3/27
Alan Smith
Bio - He got a D in fifth-grade reading—proof that stories matter. Today he writes them, tells them, and helps sell them.
https://roanweatherford.com/
Hook Them First
The Modern Publisher's POV
Readers rarely choose a book because of the publisher—they choose authors they know and trust. In today’s fast-moving attention economy, writers must hook readers quickly, build authentic connections, and grow a visible platform. This session explores the modern publisher’s perspective and how authors can stand out, attract loyal readers, and build lasting momentum.
3/28
Mili Miri
Founder 9R455R0075 co-creation agency. Co-Director Calliope Writing Coach. Author. Evolutionary.
https://www.9r455r0075.com/
A Platform To Stand On
Publishing From the Marketing POV
Writing a manuscript is work. Few dare to try, and many never reach the end. Even when you have a finished, printed book in your hands—getting that book into the hands of others is equally demanding. It is your job to sell your book. That means creating and operating a working author platform. But how do you share yourself in a way that aligns with your work? And how do you prevent sharing your work from getting in the way of your writing?
3/23-4/4
Angie Fenimore
International Bestselling Author; Parsec Award-Winning Podcaster; Legislative Change-Maker; Creator of Innovative Story Design; Braver of the Alaskan Frontier; Grandmama; and Michael’s Girl
Conference Presentor
Every human being is born a creative genius. It’s in the stars. It’s in your DNA. You’ve been a storyteller ever since your great, great grand-cave-parents started drawing on the wall. And then you went to kindergarten. You were told no. You were corrected. Critiqued. The social expectations imposed upon you allowed for you to survive and belong in the world, but not without a cost. The creative genius you were born with was also stifled into compliance.
At Calliope, we uncover who you really are. You are given the space, the encouragement, and the courage that was lost. When you are released from your constraints, what emerges is unique and brilliant. You are already a creative genius. What is missing are tools, training, a tribe...and the freedom to create.
