January
Monday
January
01
1999
Mastermind attendees join us for registration and a welcome reception, complete with a delicious nacho bar!
4:00 - 6:00 PM: Registration Check In
6:00 - 8:00 PM: Welcome Reception & Meet Our Sponsors
January
Monday
January
01
1999
First full day of the mastermind!
8:30 - 9:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Opening Keynote, Breakthrough Session, Workshop
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch Sponsored by BookBub
2:00 - 5:00 PM: Workshops, Breakthrough Session
EVENING: Dinner On Your Own
January
Monday
January
01
1999
Second full day of the mastermind!
8:30 - 9:30 AM: Breakfast
9:30 - 1:00 PM: Workshops, Breakthrough Session
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch Sponsored by Soundbooth Theater
2:00 - 5:00 PM: Workshops, Breakthrough Session, Closing Keynote
6:30 - 8:00 PM: Dinner
January
Monday
January
01
1999
We'll welcome our conference attendees with registration, cocktail hour, and our Vendor Expo!
3:00 - 6:30 PM: Registration Check In & Vendor Expo
5:00 - 6:30 PM: Cocktail Hour & Networking
January
Monday
January
01
1999
7:45 - 8:30 AM: Morning Mingle
8:30 - 9:15 AM: Opening Keynote
9:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Workshops, Networking, Keys to the Future
12:15 - 2:00 PM: Lunch On Your Own
2:00 - 5:00 PM: Workshops, Networking, Keys to the Future
5:15 - 6:15 PM: Happy Hour
January
Monday
January
01
1999
8:00 - 8:45 AM: Morning Mingle
9:00 AM - 12:15 PM: Workshops, Networking, Keys to the Future
12:15 - 2:00 PM: Lunch On Your Own
2:00 - 5:00 PM: Workshops, Networking, Keys to the Future
5:15 - 6:15 PM: Happy Hour
January
Monday
January
01
1999
8:00 - 8:45 AM: Morning Mingle
9:00 - 12:15 PM: Workshops, Networking
12:15 - 2:00 PM: Lunch On Your Own
2:00 - 2:45 PM: Workshops
3:15 - 4:45 PM: Closing Keynote
Registration Opens at 4pm
LOCATION: River Lobby
Register and receive your badge and swag bag.
6:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: River
A delicious nacho bar with signature margaritas for mastermind attendees. Meet Monica and Russell, other attendees, and our sponsors!
8:30-9:30am
LOCATION: River
Eggs! Bacon! Join us for a hot breakfast buffet!
Monday, March 17th
LOCATION: Quarterdeck Ballroom
About the Speakers:
Monica Leonelle is a USA TODAY bestselling author of 60+ books across fantasy, romance, science fiction, and nonfiction. Every time she learns something about publishing, she turns around and teaches it through her books, courses, podcasts, YouTube channel, and newsletter called The World Needs Your Passion. She also owns a training and events company called Writer MBA that hosts an in-person conference and mastermind, as well as a library of digital media.
Russell Nohelty is a USA TODAY bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy books that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. He also writes nonfiction and romance and has built a career in comics, novels, and movies as well as courses, podcasts, and Writer MBA's in-person conference and mastermind. He publishes the popular newsletter The Author Stack, which reaches 35,000 authors, and is the co-host of The Six-Figure Author Experiment.
Russell was born in northern New Jersey, grew up in Northern Virginia, went to college in Maryland, and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and dogs.
10:45-11:45am
At our Breakthrough sessions, we’ll all have the opportunity to brainstorm professional challenges or career roadblocks with other Mastermind friends. Each session will begin with a different question designed to inspire deep-level discussion.
12:15-1:00pm
Seth Norris, CPA
Cash flow for authors is anything but consistent, and the bills are due regardless of when you get paid. Most businesses react to the money that comes in instead of having a plan in place. This hands-on workshop will show authors how to use their existing habits to be permanently profitable AND have enough cash to pay their taxes, pay themselves, and run their businesses.
About the Speaker:
Seth Norris has been a CPA since 2011 and has been helping authors and other creatives manage their cash flow since since he and his wife, Jessica, started Norris CPA in 2018.
Prior to taking Norris CPA full time in 2023, Seth was the CFO of a bank with over $400 million in assets. During that time he learned how important it was for business owners to understand their finances and make informed decisions for their business.
Now Seth operates Norris CPA full time from home while Jessica, an author, works on her books and homeschools their 5 kids.
Seth's goal is to give every author the tools they need to craft a life they want to live using their author business.
1:00-2:00pm
LOCATION: River
New Orleans Fare
Romaine Salad
Gulf Shrimp Salad
Mushroom Fricassee
Landry's Malbec-Marinated Flank Steak
Muscadine Wine-Basted Salmon
Warm Potato Salad
Asparagus and Almond Sauté
Assorted Desserts
2:00-4:15pm
Heather Hildenbrand
Manifest Your HEA
Are you working hard but not actually earning more? When maxing out the to-do list hasn't worked, Heather Hildenbrand invites you to examine your business through a different lens. In 2024, she made $80k more in royalties than the year before while writing half as many books. You can grunt-work your way to a certain level of success...but chances are, you've already reached that point. Getting to the next level will take a fresh perspective. This is a practical look at how mindset impacts your career--and how much you’ll grow when you focus on your own thoughts.
After a short break, this session will be followed by hot seat coaching. Attendees will have the opportunity to jump into the “hot seat” and allow Heather to coach them through a current challenge.
About the Speaker:
Heather Hildenbrand is a money & mindset coach for authors who are tired of feeling stuck and ready to manifest their own happily ever after. She helps her clients drop their limiting beliefs so they can step into who they really are and create the life of their dreams.
She is a certified life coach, a Reiki master, and basically an obsessed expert for all things manifestation and mindset. You can find out more about Heather at www.manifestyourhea.com.
8:30-9:30am
LOCATION: River
Eggs! Bacon! Join us for a hot breakfast buffet!
9:30-10:30am
Melissa Storm
Are you ready to get off the hamster wheel of rapid release and regular burnout? Expanding into global markets can provide the extra income you need to do just that. This session is a deep dive into how to get started with translations and how to sell them once you've got them. Melissa Storm will talk about how to approach new markets and how to adapt existing translations that aren't selling; she promises to hold nothing back as she firmly believes that we can learn just as much from failures as successes. From providing real financial data on production and marketing to a candid discussion on the pros and cons of machine-assisted translation (and why she still chooses to hire human talent), Storm will talk about the myriad tasks you do as an author but... auf Deutsch, en français, in Italiano, and more!
About the Speaker:
New York Times bestselling author Melissa Storm is an industry veteran with more than 15 years of experience under her belt. She currently juggles four active pen names (including Molly Fitz and Luna Ryder) and also serves as CEO of Novel Publicity.
10:45-11:45am
Dana Claire
In recent years, special edition books have emerged as a powerful force in the publishing industry, driving a resurgence in physical book purchases. Social media platforms like BookTok and Bookstagram have played a pivotal role in elevating this trend, turning premium, collectible designs into must-have items for readers and collectors alike. These editions don’t just appeal to existing superfans—they captivate new audiences and create opportunities for higher profit margins.
About the Speaker:
Meet Dana Claire, a seasoned marketing and sales pro, public speaker, and acclaimed author. Combining her literary knowledge and marketing expertise, Dana founded The INKfluence—an innovative design and global printing agency exclusively for authors. Passionate about author education, she empowers fellow writers to build their literary empires. INKfluence's services include special edition design and production, Kickstarter campaign management, and design/production of swag and merchandise. The agency focuses on equipping authors with valuable insights and skills to thrive in publishing's ever-evolving landscape. With a commitment to success, The INKfluence is the go-to resource for writers making a significant impact in the publishing world today.
12:00-1:00pm
At our Breakthrough sessions, we’ll all have the opportunity to brainstorm professional challenges or career roadblocks with other Mastermind friends. Each session will begin with a different question designed to inspire deep-level discussion.
1:00-2:00pm
LOCATION: River
Greek Feast
Green Potato Salad
Fattouch Salad
Spinach and Feta Pasta
Beef Shawarma w/Garlic Aioli
Chicken Souvlaki
Roasted Greek Vegetables
Garlic Butter Rice w/Kale
Assorted Desserts
3:15-4:15pm
At our Breakthrough sessions, we’ll all have the opportunity to brainstorm professional challenges or career roadblocks with other Mastermind friends. Each session will begin with a different question designed to inspire deep-level discussion
About the Leader:
Heather Hildenbrand is a money & mindset coach for authors who are tired of feeling stuck and ready to manifest their own happily ever after. She helps her clients drop their limiting beliefs so they can step into who they really are and create the life of their dreams. She is a certified life coach, a Reiki master, and basically an obsessed expert for all things manifestation and mindset. You can find out more about Heather at www.manifestyourhea.com.
4:30-6:00pm
Wrapping it all up and making a plan for the future!
6:30-8:00pm
LOCATION: River
Join us for our final mastermind meal before we welcome conference attendees on Wednesday!
Frenchman Street Buffet
Gulf Seafood Bisque
Bibb Salad
Penne Salad
Bronzed Drum
Roasted Pork Collar
Braised Chicken Breast
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Vegan Jambalaya
Cajun Corn Maque Choux
Collard Greens
Pastry Chef Dessert Assortment
Cash Bar & Complimentary Cocktail
3:00-6:30pm
LOCATION: River
We're pleased to welcome so many sponsors, vendors, and attendees to the Writer MBA Conference! Pick up your badge and visit with our Industry Guests.
4:30-6:30pm
Come enjoy snacks, a cash bar, and networking with attendees and sponsors.
Sponsors
Authors Republic
Author Marketing Mastery through Optimization with Steve Pieper
BookBub
Bookvault
Curios
Dreamscape
Future Fiction Academy
Manifest Your HEA with Heather Hildenbrand
Ingram
Kickstarter
Launch My Book
PublishDrive
Spoken
The INKfluence
Vellum
Written Word Media
Industry Guests
Adriel Wiggins Author Services & Consulting
Authors Republic
Claire Venus
DC Gomez
Future Fiction Academy
Jennifer Hilt
Norris CPA LLC
Wordsmith Writing Coaches
In the rapidly evolving landscape of creative writing, the fusion of imagination and artificial intelligence opens up unprecedented avenues for storytelling. However, navigating this new terrain requires not just creativity but control. That's where Future Fiction Academy steps in. During our pop-up event at the Writer MBA conference, we're thrilled to host two exciting live sessions where participants will witness the creation of a novella.
Partnering with Plotdrive, we'll guide you through a fast-paced, hands-on crash course in writing with AI. By the end of our sessions, not only will you have experienced the thrill of real-time storytelling, but you'll also see the work published through our collaboration with Curios. It's fun, it's experimental, and it's a game-changer for understanding what AI can truly bring to the table. Join us and discover a new dimension of creativity!
Sarra Cannon of the popular Heart Breathings YouTube channel is running a private pop-up event for her students and YouTube community.
Coffee Break & Morning Mingle
LOCATION: Chart Lobby & Ballroom
Caffeinate and meet with your fellow attendees.
Thursday, March 20th
LOCATION: Chart Ballroom
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of sessions, networking opportunities, and potential connections at a conference. How do you ensure you're making the most of every moment? Luckily, Russell and Monica's Author Ecosystems methodology is the perfect complement to any conference experience. Join them as they walk you through each ecosystem, show you how to use it to embrace your natural tendencies to make the most out of your time in NOLA. The session culminates in a guided networking experience where you'll immediately apply these principles in a supportive environment. Whether you're an introvert who prefers one-on-one conversations or an extrovert who thrives in group settings, you'll discover how to make authentic connections that resonate with your personal style.
About the Speakers:
Monica Leonelle is a USA TODAY bestselling author of 60+ books across fantasy, romance, science fiction, and nonfiction. Every time she learns something about publishing, she turns around and teaches it through her books, courses, podcasts, YouTube channel, and newsletter called The World Needs Your Passion. She also owns a training and events company called Writer MBA that hosts an in-person conference and mastermind, as well as a library of digital media.
Russell Nohelty is a USA TODAY bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy books that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. He also writes nonfiction and romance and has built a career in comics, novels, and movies as well as courses, podcasts, and Writer MBA's in-person conference and mastermind. He publishes the popular newsletter The Author Stack, which reaches 35,000 authors, and is the co-host of The Six-Figure Author Experiment.
Russell was born in northern New Jersey, grew up in Northern Virginia, went to college in Maryland, and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and dogs.
Thursday, March 20th
Manifest Your HEA -
Heather Hildenbrand
9:45-10:30am
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Are you tired of racing through an endless cycle of author tasks without making real progress? This workshop will show you how to step off the grind and into a smarter, more intentional way of running your author business. Learn the proven strategies to work less, earn more, and finally break free from burnout by focusing on what truly moves the needle: YOU. This session is your invitation to take control, redefine success, and create the thriving author career you deserve.
About the Speaker:
Heather Hildenbrand is a money & mindset coach for authors who are tired of feeling stuck and ready to manifest their own happily ever after. She helps her clients drop their limiting beliefs so they can step into who they really are and create the life of their dreams. She is a certified life coach, a Reiki master, and basically an obsessed expert for all things manifestation and mindset. You can find out more about Heather at www.manifestyourhea.com.
The Writing Wives - Malorie Cooper
9:45-10:30am
Chart Ballroom
This is an interactive workshop: Mal will show you in real-time how to take your Facebook ads and turn them into high-conversion sales. Ever wonder what makes a great ad stand out from an only okay ad? Mal will show you how to take ads that aren't working into trope-pumping machines designed to dial into universal fantasies (butter) to get readers to one-click your books faster and more often.
About the Speaker:
Malorie Cooper is a science fiction author and creator of the Aeon 14 universe. She has written over one hundred books and plans to write another hundred more (at least).
Having built her career using advertising to spread awareness of her books, she’s shifted focus to helping other authors get a leg up through paid ads on a variety of platforms, as well as optimizing their product page with a focus on increasing conversions.
She and her wife now run The Writing Wives, which helps dozens of authors a month reach their marketing goals.
In addition to storytelling and writing, Malorie loves playing games of any sort, gardening, and woodworking. She shares her home with a wife who also writes, an entrepreneurial teenaged daughter, and far more cats than are strictly necessary.
Jennifer Hilt
9:45-10:30am
Compass
Every character is the hero of their own story, but what makes their journey compelling? In Hook, Line, and Sinker, we dive deep into the art of crafting multidimensional characters by exploring the intersection of tropes and trauma in fiction and memoir. Whether you’re writing a gripping thriller, a heartfelt memoir, or a complex drama, understanding how to leverage these elements can elevate your storytelling to new heights.
We’ll cover the importance of hooks—those irresistible story elements that captivate readers from the first page. We’ll explore how to make your books not only sell but resonate deeply, ensuring both strong read-through rates and sell-through success. Additionally, you’ll learn how to meet and exceed subgenre expectations, crafting stories that surprise and satisfy your audience.
You’ll leave with actionable strategies to enhance your writing, deepen your characters, and keep readers turning the pages. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workshop will help you refine your craft and tell your most authentic stories yet.
About the Speaker:
Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource, a five book series. She has written twenty-four books across four pen names plus her urban fantasy trilogy: The Undead Detective. She works as a plotter and concept creator. As a frequent podcast guest, she has appeared on Joanna Penn's The Creative Penn, Bryan Cohen's Sell More Books, Matty Dalrymple's The Indy Author Podcast, and Kobo's Live Writing Life among many others. She teaches authors about story development in workshop and classes across the US.
With degrees in linguistics and literature, Jennifer loves collecting dictionaries in unfamiliar languages, binges scandi-noir series, and shouts out tropes from the comfort of her couch. Visit www.jenniferhilt.com for her events, classes and workshops information.
Thursday, March 20th
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Think of these sessions as speed dating, roundtables, and panels combined into one fun and informative event! As you visit each table, you'll have the opportunity to hear from Thought Leaders on where they believe the audiobooks industry is heading, ask questions, and give your feedback. Our goal is to create dialogue and conversation around what the future holds for audiobooks.
Thursday, March 20th
11:30am-12:15pm
Vellum -
Brad Andalman
Chart Ballroom
You’ve (almost!) finished writing, but how will you turn that manuscript into an actual book? Learn about the formatting process and how you can use Vellum to create beautiful books and ebooks. This session demonstrates each easy step, beginning with a manuscript in Word and finishing with files ready to publish on platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, and more.
About the Speaker:
Brad is one of the creators of Vellum, which has been used by thousands of authors to create beatiful books.
11:30am-12:15pm
Claire Venus
Compass
Join Claire Venus, Engagement Consultant, mentor, and co-author with Russell Nohelty of How to Build a World Class Substack, for this upbeat presentation on maximizing your Substack experience. If you are new to Substack and wonder how it fits within your online eco-system, this is the workshop for you. You’ll leave this session with more clarity on how to set up your Substack for continued success in the evolving online landscape.
Venus runs two best-selling Substack publications and writes to over 12k readers each week with a global top 10 spot on Substack’s leaderboard. She is a Substack and Engagement Expert with over twenty years experience working with writers, authors, and creatives in the UK and worldwide.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit their Substack url in advance for the chance to win a mini-audit and to be featured in Claire’s presentation.
About the Speaker:
Claire Venus – Director, Creatively Conscious Ltd
Claire is a multi-passionate Engagement Consultant and Mentor who helps creatives and authors ignite their content eco-system and grow their business using Substack.
She has over twenty five years of experiences of managing award winning, world class festivals and events. Claire has managed multi-million dollar funded programmes bringing culture into international cities, rural communities and online.
Claire lives in the UK by the Northumberland coast under dark skies with her husband, two children and her puppy Stella. She’s passionate about our lived experiences as creatives and our environmental influence on artistic practise.
https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/
https://sparkleon.substack.com/
IG - @creatively.conscious
Thursday, March 20th
Thursday, March 20th
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Think of these sessions as speed dating, roundtables, and panels combined into one fun and informative event! As you visit each table, you'll have the opportunity to hear from Thought Leaders on where they believe the print and direct sales industry is heading, ask questions, and give your feedback. Our goal is to create dialogue and conversation around what the future holds for print and direct sales.
Thursday, March 20th
2:45-3:30pm
Kassara Meek
Chart Ballroom
Drop in and visit with our friends from Dreamscape!
Thursday, March 20th
4:00-4:45pm
PublishDrive -
Danica Favorite
Chart Ballroom
Are you ready to take your book sales to the next level? In this workshop, we’ll explore how PublishDrive empowers authors to go beyond simple distribution and create a strategy for sustained success. Whether you're a first-time author or an experienced publisher, this session will provide actionable insights to help you reach a global audience, boost your sales, and achieve your publishing goals.
About the Speaker:
Danica Favorite is the Community Manager at PublishDrive. A multi-published hybrid author, Danica understands the many challenges faced by authors today, and seeks to help them navigate those challenges, both in her role at PublishDrive and as an author. Her mission is to empower people to tell their stories, because every story matters.
4:00-4:45pm
BookBub -
Carlyn Robertson
Compass
BookBub Ads is the self-serve ad platform that gives every author access to BookBub’s voracious audience of millions of readers. In this workshop, we’ll walk through three of the best strategies you can use to attract new readers to your books with BookBub Ads, sharing tips and case studies for each one. Whether you’re a seasoned advertiser or exploring BookBub Ads for the first time, you’ll learn best-practices that will set you up for success and position you to grow your audience.
About the Speaker:
Carlyn Robertson leads the BookBub Partners marketing team. She's an expert on BookBub's promotional tools, and strives to make sure all authors and publishers know how to use those tools to sell more books and hit their marketing goals.
Coffee Break & Morning Mingle
LOCATION: Chart Lobby & Ballroom
Caffeinate and meet with your fellow attendees.
Friday, March 21st
The Writing Wives - Malorie Cooper
9:00-9:45am
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Create hungry readers who devour your content and love your world. The best thing about creating a fandom is that it can become self-sustainable: your fans spread the word about WHY they love your books and WHY others should love them, too. We see this with Sarah J Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and more! Learn how to use this skill to grow your books, your sales, and your legacy.
About the Speaker:
Malorie Cooper is a science fiction author and creator of the Aeon 14 universe. She has written over one hundred books and plans to write another hundred more (at least).
Having built her career using advertising to spread awareness of her books, she’s shifted focus to helping other authors get a leg up through paid ads on a variety of platforms, as well as optimizing their product page with a focus on increasing conversions.
She and her wife now run The Writing Wives, which helps dozens of authors a month reach their marketing goals.
In addition to storytelling and writing, Malorie loves playing games of any sort, gardening, and woodworking. She shares her home with a wife who also writes, an entrepreneurial teenaged daughter, and far more cats than are strictly necessary.
The INKfluence -
Dana Claire
9:00-9:45am
Chart Ballroom
Your intellectual property (IP) is more than just stories—it’s a world of possibilities. By leveraging your unique voice, characters, and universes, you can create a multifaceted brand that resonates with your audience across multiple platforms. Here’s how we can help you unlock the potential of your author IP and turn it into a thriving ecosystem through Kickstarter campaigns, comic book adaptations, games, and products.
About the Speaker:
Meet Dana Claire, a seasoned marketing and sales pro, public speaker, and acclaimed author. Combining her literary knowledge and marketing expertise, Dana founded The INKfluence—an innovative design and global printing agency exclusively for authors. Passionate about author education, she empowers fellow writers to build their literary empires. INKfluence's services include special edition design and production, Kickstarter campaign management, and design/production of swag and merchandise. The agency focuses on equipping authors with valuable insights and skills to thrive in publishing's ever-evolving landscape. With a commitment to success, The INKfluence is the go-to resource for writers making a significant impact in the publishing world today.
Ferol Vernon -
Written Word Media
9:00-9:45am
Compass
Discover the secret of why free promotions work and how to use them to reach more readers. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explain why running free promotions is so effective, from increasing visibility on retailer platforms to attracting new fans and generating reviews. Learn how to maximize your results with Written Word Media’s suite of tools, audience insights, and best practices. Whether you’re a seasoned author or you've just published your first book, you’ll leave with actionable steps to turn “free” into your most profitable strategy yet.
About the Speaker:
Ferol is the COO of Written Word Media. He holds an MBA from Duke University with a focus on technology and entrepreneurship. Ferol is honored to have served independent creatives, first musicians and now writers, for the last 13 years. When not at work you can find Ferol running trails, drawing cartoons, reading science fiction or hanging out with his family. His mission at Written Word Media is driving laser-focused operational excellence, building bulletproof processes, and delivering efficient technology solutions for Authors and Publishers.
Friday, March 21st
Bookvault -
Alex Smith
10:15-11:00am
Chart Ballroom
Join us for an insightful session with Alex Smith (Technical Lead at Bookvault) on how BookvaultBespoke can transform your titles. Learn how custom features like sprayed edges, foiling, and ribbons can set your books apart, captivate readers, and unlock new revenue streams. Discover how these bespoke options can elevate your offerings and increase sales through direct sales stores and Kickstarter campaigns.
About the Speaker:
Alex Smith has been with Bookvault for over 8 years during which time he has gained an in-depth knowledge of the publishing industry. This placed him in the perfect position to take a leading role of the redevelopment of the Bookvault platform. He has been able to work very closely with some of the leading indie-publishing entrepreneurs to ensure that Bookvault continues to deliver the latest and greatest features that authors need to succeed.
Macarena luz Bianchi
10:15-11:00am
Compass
Embark on a transformative journey with your very own Fairy Godmother and Satisfaction Coach, Macarena luz Bianchi in "The Theme Park of Life: Imagine the Possibilities & Create Your World" workshop. This unique approach to personal growth invites you to view your life through a creative and playful lens, making the process of change both engaging and enjoyable.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or incomplete, Macarena will help you expand your perspective and reimagine your world. By allocating your life's real estate to the areas that matter most, you'll gain clarity on the importance of time, focus, and satisfaction.
Through guided exercises and insightful discussions, you'll create a vision for your ideal life, map out what is most significant to you, and develop strategies to navigate the challenges of chaos and conquer your dreams.
Join Macarena luz Bianchi in "The Theme Park of Life" workshop and discover how embracing creativity and good humor can lead to profound personal growth and a more fulfilling life. Get ready to play, design, and create your theme park of experience!
About the Speaker:
Macarena luz Bianchi is a multi-faceted creator, author, and satisfaction coach who brings a touch of magic to everything she does. Her transformative programs, including the Lighthearted Living Formula, blend personal development, creative expression, and heartfelt wisdom, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and live more fulfilling lives.
Known as your Fairy Godmother, Macarena created the Grateful Giraffes children's books that inspire young readers to express themselves and celebrate special occasions. As a sought-after mindset coach, she guides grown-ups to rewrite their stories and cultivate unshakable self-worth through immersive coaching programs and workshops.
With her Magical Mindset Podcast and innovative Literacy Kits for educators, Macarena offers insights, inspiration, and practical tools for personal growth and engaging learning experiences. Her unique blend of expertise in mindset, education, and the arts, along with her own journey of resilience, allows her to connect deeply with her audience and create transformative experiences.
Whether through her speaking, books, coaching programs, podcast episodes, or educational resources, Macarena is dedicated to spreading magic and empowering others to live their most vibrant, authentic lives.
Friday, March 21st
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Think of these sessions as speed dating, roundtables, and panels combined into one fun and informative event! As you visit each table, you'll have the opportunity to hear from Thought Leaders on how AI will contribute to the future of the industry, ask questions, and give your feedback. Our goal is to create dialogue and conversation around what the future of publishing holds.
Friday, March 21st
11:30am-12:15pm
Sarra Cannon
Chart Ballroom
Do you feel overwhelmed by shiny new ideas and endless possibilities? Inspiration is exciting, but it’s easy to get stuck trying to do all the things at once—only to end up spinning your wheels. Join productivity expert Sarra Cannon for an empowering workshop designed to help you focus on what truly matters and map out a step-by-step path to success. In this session, you'll learn how to: identify which ideas align with your long-term vision, prioritize your projects and create a strategic order of operations, and build a clear, actionable plan you can use again and again. You’ll leave feeling energized, focused, and confident in your ability to tackle your goals—one meaningful step at a time. If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start making real progress, this workshop is for you!
About the Speaker:
Sarra Cannon is the indie author of thirty Young Adult contemporary fantasy novels, including her bestselling Shadow Demons Saga. Her novels are inspired by her love of gaming, anime, and shows like Buffy and Veronica Mars. If you love fast-paced stories with lots of twists, you’ll probably love Sarra’s writing.
With over one million books sold, Sarra is also passionate about helping fellow authors learn to self-publish and manage their time in a way that puts joy and creativity over fear and overwhelm. She is the host of the popular YouTube channel, Heart Breathings, where she talks about everything from productivity to plotting. Sarra lives in the Dallas area with her supportive husband and their two young children.
11:30am-12:15pm
Curios -
Grant Powell
Compass
For any author looking for how to sell or distribute their ebooks or audiobooks directly to their readers with no middlemen in the process, this session is for you. The session will review how to use the platform Curios for direct sales and for distribution from Kickstarter campaigns. The platform is free to use and there is no cut of sales taken from the author ever.
About the Speaker:
The Founder of Curios, Inc. has a deep background in technology and digital product development, with over 20 years of experience. The Founder's professional experience extends far beyond Curios. Through their digital agency and incubator, Pomegranate, they partnered with industry giants like Spotify, Google, and YouTube to launch groundbreaking digital experiences, including live online concerts for artists such as U2 and Alicia Keys. They were instrumental in building the first integration with Spotify's API and the first peer-to-peer secured lending platform (YouPawn).
In addition to their tech ventures, the Founder has a background in music as a founding member of bands Lifehouse and Dawes (formerly Simon Dawes). They are also a traditionally trained studio artist, known for their ability to blend creativity with business and technology. Their expertise lies in making swift, informed decisions, and they pride themselves on a lean, no-nonsense approach to building technology businesses.
Friday, March 21st
Friday, March 21st
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Think of these sessions as speed dating, roundtables, and panels combined into one fun and informative event! As you visit each table, you'll have the opportunity to hear from Thought Leaders on how they believe ads will continue to change the industry, ask questions, and give your feedback. Our goal is to create dialogue and conversation around what the future holds for the publishing industry.
Friday, March 21st
2:45-3:30pm
Deon McAdoo
Chart Ballroom
Drop in and visit with our friends from IngramSpark!
2:45-3:30pm
Phoebe Ravencraft
Compass
Amazon bestselling fantasy author Phoebe Ravencraft explores the process of researching market trends before you write an authentic story from your heart that readers will love as much as you do.
About the Speaker:
Phoebe Ravencraft is a bestselling author, a marketing copy expert, and a recovering English major. They are the co-author of Fiction Blurbs The Best Page Forward Way, served as Best Page Forward’s Editor-in-Chief and as an author coach, and are a fan of well-crafted turns of phrase. They are known for writing paranormal women’s fiction and queer fantasy. They reside in Santa Fe with their beloved spouse, brother-in-law, and four criminal pets.
Friday, March 21st
4:00-4:45pm
Kickstarter -
Oriana Leckert
Chart Ballroom
Join Kickstarter's Head of Publishing, Oriana Leckert, for a look at the tips, tricks, and strategies behind successful literary crowdfunding campaigns. You'll learn about the benefits of building community and raising money through crowdfunding, the publishing landscape on Kickstarter, and the most important elements of building and running a project, illustrated with case studies from authors and publishers across the literary spectrum.
About the Speaker:
Oriana Leckert is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she helps creators bring a marvelous array of literary projects to life. She’s written and edited for Vice, MTV News, Slate, Hyperallergic, Gothamist, Atlas Obscura, and many more. Her first book, Brooklyn Spaces: 50 Hubs of Culture and Creativity (Monacelli, 2015), grew out of a multi-year project chronicling the rise and fall of under-the-radar creative places across New York City. Follow her at @orianabklyn on most social platforms.
LOCATION: Quarterdeck Ballroom
Join us for drinks, snacks, and networking.
Coffee Break & Morning Mingle
LOCATION: Chart Lobby & Ballroom
Caffeinate and meet with your fellow attendees.
Saturday, March 22nd
Seth Norris
9:00-9:45am
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Paying your kids, deducting your home, writing off your vehicle... social media is full of grand ideas about potential tax deductions. How do you know how far you can go without leaving money on the table? In this session, CPA Seth Norris will review the most common tax questions he receives from authors and other creatives. He'll show the right way to deduct certain expenses and show how you can save even more on taxes by ignoring some of the hype you see online.
About the Speaker:
Seth Norris has been a CPA since 2011 and has been helping authors and other creatives manage their cash flow since since he and his wife, Jessica, started Norris CPA in 2018.
Prior to taking Norris CPA full time in 2023, Seth was the CFO of a bank with over $400 million in assets. During that time he learned how important it was for business owners to understand their finances and make informed decisions for their business.
Now Seth operates Norris CPA full time from home while Jessica, an author, works on her books and homeschools their 5 kids.
Seth's goal is to give every author the tools they need to craft a life they want to live using their author business.
Future Fiction Academy -
Elizabeth Ann West
9:00-9:45am
Chart Ballroom
In a world where production timelines are shrinking, and novellas and novels are created at record speeds, AI is reshaping the landscape of writing. Join me for an advanced, no-nonsense workshop that dives into the realities of using AI in your writing process. This session isn't about theoretical discussions—it's about what’s happening now in the Future Fiction Academy (FFA) world and what you need to know to stay ahead.
We'll explore:
- Writing with AI that Sounds Like You: How to ensure AI-generated content aligns with your voice and style.
- The Cost of AI Writing: What are the financial implications, both for writers and readers?
- Reader Reactions: How will your audience perceive AI-assisted stories, and how can you manage expectations?
- Speed and Efficiency: Learn how AI is enabling authors to produce high-quality work in a fraction of the time.
- The Impact on the Writing Market: Understand the shifting dynamics for authors trying to carve out a career in a world where AI is pushing productivity to new heights.
This workshop will challenge the status quo and prepare you for the future of writing—because production is happening right now, and it’s one of the biggest shifts the writing world has ever seen.
About the Speaker:
Elizabeth Ann West is a pioneer in the intersection of AI and creative writing, leveraging her expertise to help authors harness the power of artificial intelligence in their craft. As an innovator in prompt engineering for creative writing, fine-tuning AI models for long-form content, and building software that empowers authors to write effortlessly with AI, she leads the charge in transforming how stories are created.
The CEO of the Future Fiction Academy, Elizabeth oversees a platform dedicated to providing cutting-edge education for authors, including free classes and training on their YouTube channel of the same name. She has authored over 25 novels and achieved top 100 rankings on platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play.
Elizabeth is a sought-after speaker, presenting at major conferences worldwide, including the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Literary Festival of the Virgin Islands, Author Nation, Oklahoma Writers Federation, Wyoming Writers Inc., and more. An alumna of Christopher Newport University with a B.A. in Leadership Studies, she is passionate about equipping writers with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the evolving publishing landscape. Elizabeth isn’t just ahead of the curve; she defines it.
Author Anchor -
Kevin Tumlinson
9:00-9:45am
Compass
Publishing just keeps changing. Evolving. And artificial intelligence has been a driving force for that. But what it’s created is a yearning—we (and our readers) want better quality relationships. Real and authentic interaction. The personal touch. Forget AI, successful authors use HI (Human Intelligence). In this chat, discover how a virtual assistant will accelerate your publishing success, and empower you to “just write.”
About the Speaker:
J. Kevin Tumlinson is The Writer_: An award-winning and bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction. He is known as The Voice of Publishing for his work helping hundreds of thousands of authors to start, build, and succeed in their author careers, through his podcasts and conference appearances. Now, Kevin has joined Author Anchor as their Chief Branding Officer, helping authors accelerate their publishing success through HI (Human Intelligence).
Saturday, March 22nd
Launch My Book -
Joel Pitney
10:15-11:00am
Quarterdeck Ballroom
All too often, I hear this book marketing misconception: if you can only perfect your Amazon page with the right keywords, categories, cover, and blurb, your book will naturally “rise to the top” of search results and begin to sell itself.
While there’s nothing wrong with optimizing your Amazon listing, many authors give too much weight to this aspect of their overall marketing strategy. Worse, some feel that’s really all they need to do.
Optimizing your Amazon listing is only the beginning. Most readers, especially of your first book, aren’t going to find it organically on Amazon, nor is Amazon going to promote your book for free. You need to be aggressive to find your readers. You need to hustle, and experiment, and tinker.
In this session, we’ll talk an alternative approach, which I compare to a stack of Swiss cheese slices: rather than seeking the perfect marketing strategy, the successful authors I’ve worked with have stacked many imperfect “slices” of marketing tactics on top of each other over time. And while no individual effort stands alone, together they create a solid foundation for long-term success.
About the Speaker:
Joel Pitney is a ghostwriter, former journalist, and founder and president of Launch My Book, Inc. As a ghostwriter, Pitney’s most recent book, Every Purchase Matters: How Fair Trade Farmers, Companies, and Consumers Are Changing the World (Public Affairs, 2025) by Fair Trade USA founder Paul Rice will be published in April, 2025. Prior to that, he wrote Learn, Don’t Study: A Guide for Students & Parents to Succeed in the Ever-Changing Landscape of the Modern Workplace (Penguin, 2023) for Pramath Raj Sinha, a pioneer in the world of Indian education. He has also written two books for the renowned executive coach John Mattone: The Intelligent Leader: Unlocking the 7 Secrets to Leading Others and Leaving Your Legacy (Wiley, 2020) and Cultural Transformations: Lessons of Leadership and Corporate Transformation (Wiley, 2016).
As a journalist, Pitney has published articles under his own name in What Is Enlightenment? magazine and Religion Dispatches, and has ghost-written and published articles for clients on a variety of platforms, including Fast Company, The Huffington Post, and Inc magazine. Pitney has also worked in the development of TV and film projects with his company Time Future Films, including a TV series based on the true story of his ancestors’ journey across the Oregon Trail, sold to A&E in 2015.
In addition to his work as a writer, Pitney is also founder and president of Launch My Book, Inc, a book-production and promotion company he founded in 2013. In that role, he has run marketing campaigns for nonfiction books spanning business, self-help, spiritual, and other genres, including multiple New York Times bestsellers.
Spoken -
Andrew Wallner
10:15-11:00am
Chart Ballroom
Creating and publishing great narration of written work has long been widely inaccessible due to cost, complexity, and confusing revenue management. We've entered a new era of storytelling with exciting tech that helps bring the power, and profit, back to the self-publisher like never before. In this session, we’ll unpack key barriers that have put audio out of reach, dive deeper into the innovations democratizing access to voice, and glimpse the explosive potential for authors at any stage in their publishing journey.
About the Speaker:
Acclaimed visual storyteller, Illiterate millennial, marketing, brand, experience, strategy, content, design (Jumpercut, Conversa, Story to Spectacle, American Well, TEDxPortland)
Kelsi Jo Silva
10:15-11:00am
Compass
Kelsi Jo Silva will walk you through the process of creating a graphic novel, from script-writing to the illustrated page. We will talk about how to structure a script, common language used, and how to begin understanding your story in the visual format. Kelsi has been an industry professional for over 10 years, and will guide you through the stages of a graphic novel from finalizing your concept to working with an artist. You’ll be shown how to put together a pitch for agents and editors that best showcases your story, and how that can translate into a finished book. This workshop will include a breakdown of the stages of artwork, and what to expect from your illustrator in every step so that you can feel fully prepared to begin your graphic novel journey!
About the Speaker:
Kelsi Jo Silva is an American illustrator and artist based out of Denver, Colorado. After graduating from the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design with a BA in Illustration, Kelsi went straight into formulating a creative career. They’ve worked on a number of projects, most notably the Ela Cat children’s series with Good Luck Black Cat books, the first of which was awarded a MoonBeam award for illustration. Online, Kelsi is most known for her depictions of women in loving relationships and sapphic redesigns of Greek mythos. This has gained them a following of over 15k on Instagram and over 20k on Twitter. They’re currently working on a graphic novel written by Oliver Gerlach, with Little Bee Books, set to release in the fall of 2024.
Saturday, March 22nd
11:30am-12:15pm
Kevin McLaughlin
Quarterdeck Ballroom
In this session, attendees will learn to create covers using AI stock. Issues such as use laws and copyright will be covered, and over the course of the workshop attendees will get to watch the entire process of developing a professional, copyrighted ebook and print cover using AI.
About the Speaker:
Kevin McLaughlin is the multiple USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred works of science fiction and fantasy. He writes smart, fun adventures; the sort that keep you reading WAY past bedtime and leave you with no regrets the next day. Kevin has taught the craft and business of writing at national and international events for over a decade, including the original Future of Publishing event, Author Nation, and 20Books Vegas. He is the current president-elect of NINC.
11:30am-12:15pm
Phoebe Ravencraft
Chart Ballroom
Best Page Forward Editor-in-Chief Phoebe Ravencraft takes you through the nuts and bolts of a high-converting book description, outlining the three things that must be included and how to do it all in only six sentences.
About the Speaker:
Phoebe Ravencraft is a bestselling author, a marketing copy expert, and a recovering English major. They are the co-author of Fiction Blurbs The Best Page Forward Way, served as Best Page Forward’s Editor-in-Chief and as an author coach, and are a fan of well-crafted turns of phrase. They are known for writing paranormal women’s fiction and queer fantasy. They reside in Santa Fe with their beloved spouse, brother-in-law, and four criminal pets.
11:30am-12:15pm
Deborah Niemann
Compass
Author, health coach, and self-sufficiency expert Deborah Niemann will delve into the indispensable quality of resilience in the life of a writer. From facing rejection and navigating self-doubt to overcoming writer's block and managing time effectively, Deborah will provide practical strategies and insightful anecdotes to inspire writers to persevere amidst challenges. Learn how to cultivate resilience as an essential skill, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth and creativity. Using her personal experience, Deborah will also talk about the importance of self-care and listening to our bodies. Through interactive exercises and engaging discussions, writers will leave equipped with the resilience mindset needed to conquer obstacles and flourish in their writing endeavors.
About the Speaker:
Deborah Niemann is a homesteader, health coach, and self-sufficient expert. In 2002, she relocated her family from the suburbs of Chicago to a 32-acre parcel on a creek in the middle of nowhere. Together, they built their own home and began growing most of their own food. Sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and turkeys supply meat, eggs, and dairy products while an organic garden and orchard provide fruit and vegetables. A highly sought-after speaker and workshop leader, Deborah presents throughout the US and Canada on topics including soapmaking, cheesemaking, raising livestock, gardening, and health. She is an online adjunct instructor in sustainable agriculture for the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She is the author of six books, including Homegrown and Handmade, Raising Goats Naturally, and Goats Giving Birth. You can visit her online at ThriftyHomesteader.com.
Saturday, March 22nd
Saturday, March 22nd
2:00-2:45pm
Kelly McClymer
Quarterdeck Ballroom
Let ChatGPT up your marketing game. This workshop will show you how to gamify your marketing work (even if you absolutely loathe it) and turn marketing tasks into challenges, achievements, and rewards. We'll explore how to use ChatGPT to create custom prompts that push your boundaries and spark your creativity. Bonus: Discover how to design interactive games to play with your readers, transforming marketing from a chore into a fun and engaging experience.
About the Speaker:
Kelly McClymer thinks the future of storytelling, despite being millennia-old, is just beginning. From tales told around a fire on a cold dark night, to ... tales told any way an innovative storyteller can find to captivate the reader. Haven't we storytellers already proved that if we can dream it vividly enough that others can see it...we can do it?
2:00-2:45pm
Nic Nelson
Chart Ballroom
The number one reason for very negative (1-star) reviews on Amazon, is a story that did not deliver what its blurb promised. Even if your story is brilliant, any dissonance between your story and the promotion of your story can tank your reviews. The too-obvious fix is to recalibrate your marketing to match the story you’ve told, but what if that accurate correlation destroys your brilliant marketing pitch? What if, in your marketing efforts, you come up with compelling traits that your story ought to have but doesn’t? Let's explore the possibility of using your marketing and promotion insights to revise and strengthen your book, allowing the brilliant idea for your marketing pitch to inform your story rather than misinform your prospective reader. Let your marketing begin before you even finish writing the book!
About the Speaker:
Nic Nelson founded Wordsmith Writing Coaches in 2004 and has been a frequent moderator and speaker for the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society and West Coast Writers Conferences (WC2). He serves as poetry and fiction judge for Word Weavers’ Tapestry Awards, Senior Editor for Luna City Press, core faculty of the International Mentoring Network and the ISM Writers Collective, leads the PRESS online writers’ group, and has edited dozens of successfully published books (some of which have won awards or become bestsellers). Nic loves the English language in all its idiosyncratic glory and enjoys helping writers wield it well.
Saturday, March 22nd
LOCATION: Chart Ballroom
The conference journey doesn't end here. This is just the beginning of your transformative journey. In this powerful closing keynote, join Monica and Russell as they guide you through transforming these days of learning and connection into actionable plans for the year ahead. This session helps you identify your key takeaways, establish meaningful intentions, and create a realistic roadmap for implementation. Don't let your conference momentum fade. Lets channel your inspiration into lasting impact. Together, we'll ensure your time in New Orleans becomes the catalyst for your most successful year yet.
Russell Nohelty is a USA TODAY bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy books that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. He also writes nonfiction and romance and has built a career in comics, novels, and movies as well as courses, podcasts, and Writer MBA's in-person conference and mastermind. He publishes the popular newsletter The Author Stack, which reaches 35,000 authors, and is the co-host of The Six-Figure Author Experiment.
Russell was born in northern New Jersey, grew up in Northern Virginia, went to college in Maryland, and now lives in Los Angeles with his wife and dogs.
About the Speakers:
Monica Leonelle is a USA TODAY bestselling author of 60+ books across fantasy, romance, science fiction, and nonfiction. Every time she learns something about publishing, she turns around and teaches it through her books, courses, podcasts, YouTube channel, and newsletter called The World Needs Your Passion. She also owns a training and events company called Writer MBA that hosts an in-person conference and mastermind, as well as a library of digital media.