Workshops for the 2026, and Our Fifth Anniversary
Between the Pages Writers Conference
SATURDAY KEYNOTE – Throw Your Hat Over the Wall
In this inspiring and humorous look at the joys, risks, and rewards of pursuing the writing life, bestselling author Steven James shares insights into the writing process and encouragement for the journey of living a richer, more creative life.
SUNDAY WORKSHOP – Suspense Essentials: Secrets to Tapping into Tension (Whatever Genre You Write)
Every story can be improved by increasing the suspense, tightening the tension, and ratcheting up the action. This in-depth seminar will help you improve your story by pacing the promises that you make and connecting emotionally with your reader. We’ll explore the differences between suspense and conflict, how mystery, horror, and suspense differ, and how to use promises of peril to increase suspense throughout your story.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION – Build a Writing YOUniverse
Whether you are beginning your writing journey, or have years of experience in the craft, this session offers inspiration and practical tips for building not only a writing routine but a writing life.
- tips and strategies to get the words flowing
- try on the writing routines of famous authors (that will surprise you!)
- carve out a writing schedule
- keep the inspiration going
SESSION 1: From Short Story to Bestselling Book: How to Craft a Page-Turner
LAURI DOVE
In this session, bestselling author, professor and journalist Laurie L. Dove blends hands-on exercises with thoughtful instruction to guide attendees through the essential elements of writing a compelling short story—and how writers can transform this story into an unputdownable book.
In this presentation we’ll cover:
- – How to know if your bestselling book is hidden in a short story
- – Discover specific techniques, exercises and ideas to kickstart your own process
SESSION 2: How to Write a Literary Thriller—and Why!
Literary thrillers are heart-pumping, page-turning novels that also contain gorgeous prose, layered characterization and other techniques that transform exciting novels into timeless and compelling classics. Learn how to create your own version with bestselling author, professor and journalist Laurie L. Dove.
This session will cover:
- – Discover how genre elements generate suspense and how to balance with the beauty of literary fiction
- – Practical tips to turn any twisty story regardless of genre, into a story with staying power
SESSION 1: 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!
SESSION 2: 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.
SESSION 1 – They Lie, You Smile: Interview and Interrogation Techniques That Work in the Real World
In They Lie, You Smile, David “D.L.” Williams, a retired detective and criminologist, pulls back the curtain on real-world interview and interrogation techniques, revealing what actually works versus what’s pure Hollywood fiction. Writers of mystery, thrillers, and crime fiction will gain authentic, street-tested knowledge to craft more gripping, believable, and legally accurate scenes.
What you will learn:
- The biggest myths and mistakes about interrogations in books, TV, and film
- The psychological tactics that work on real suspects
- How seasoned investigators spot deception and get confessions—without force
- Case studies showcasing best (and worst) real-life techniques
- Why some methods are unconstitutional, unethical, and downright useless
SESSION 2: Drop the Pen! What Every Writer Should Know About Real Police Work
Join David for a riveting talk designed to bust myths about police work in storytelling, delivered by a fellow writer and thirty-year public safety veteran. Whether you’re crafting the next bestselling thriller or just want to impress your book club with insider knowledge, this event is for you.
- Walk step-by-step through a fictional murder investigation, from the discovery of the body to the arrest
- Uncover the truth about investigative procedures and techniques commonly botched in prose, television, and film
- Learn the outrageous differences between fictional portrayals and real-life police work
- Get insider tips for bringing authenticity to your writing while keeping readers on the edge of their seats
SESSION 1 – The Perfect Match
Presented by Gena Showalter & Jill Monroe
Crafting main character chemistry that burns off the page using tropes and archetypes.
- Balancing story with character agency
- Getting into your character’s head
- Knowing when to take the story back from the character and how
SESSION 2 – Writing a Cozy Mystery
Join two bestselling authors as they pull back the curtain on the creation of the Jane Ladling Mystery Series, revealing insider secrets, behind-the-scenes twists and the key ingredients to crafting your own irresistible cozy mystery world.
Session 1 – HOW TO WRITE A SUCCESSFUL SERIES
In this session, Susan will discuss how planning is important in a series, even if you share her writing style as a pantser. It’s not easy to keep your momentum going in a series but this workshop will show you:
- How to create a “series bible”
- How to avoid boredom in your series of three books or fifty
- How to keep your series interesting with novelty and suspense
- How to introduce new well-rounded characters as well as losing one or two along the way
SESSION 2: NO CONFLICT, NO TENSION
Susan will discuss why and how conflict makes tension. She’ll touch on internal and external conflicts and will show you how using them will make your stories more exciting. She will cover:
- The two main types of conflict
- The differences between the two
- How using both will enhance your work
SESSION 1 – THE PROS AND CONS OF INDIE AND TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING
Marlon will cover things like:
- The flexibility of being independent
- The pitfalls of traditional publishing
- The importance of owning one’s own rights
SESSION 2 – AUDIOBOOK PRODUCTION
This workshop will cover:
- Expanding your fan base with audiobooks
- Finding DYI shortcuts in audiobook production and more
Session 1: Vampire and Witch. Angel and Demon.
In the dark, everyone’s screamin’
R. H. BURKETT
Pointing out the differences between paranormal, fantasy, and horror, Ruth Weeks uses examples from Harry Potter and Dean Koontz to provide tips and tricks for paranormal writing. Warning: Be prepared for anything because things really do go bump in the night.
- The use of light and dark
- Cast an eerie, frightening mood
- Make your reader’s heart pound
Session 2: The Importance of Dialogue
Want to bend the rules and think outside the box? Rekindle the joy of writing? Make characters shine and be more meaningful? Breathe fresh air into a dull storyline? Ruth Weeks’ presentation, The Importance of Dialogue, will show you how. In addition, Weeks will illustrate how dialogue increases realism, aids with characterization, and presents a smoother, cleaner read.
Things dialogue can do for your story:
- Breaks up the narrative
- Gives white space
- Freedom of expression
- Character development
CHILDREN’S BOOK PANEL
Presented by Solander Press, this children’s book panel workshop will offer expertise from children’s authors, publishers and illustrators.
Panel Members: David L. Harrison, Sherry Roberts, Dawn Young, Kelly Reddin and a surprise guest: moderator, Clarissa Willis
SHORT STORY AND ARTICLES SUBMISSION PANEL
This panel of authors will offer tricks and tips on how to submit articles, short stories and more to print and online publications like Women’s World, Chicken Soup, Ellery Queen and many many more. Bring questions and join them.
Panel members: Linda Apple, C. A. Simonson and Shirley McCann. Moderator, Clarissa Willis