After a 10 year hiatus we're back and better than ever! In the trenches with the writer is designed to help you take your writing to the next level, we have a weekend of intensive, hands-on workshops taught by best-selling authors and industry professionals.
If getting published is your goal, we have editors presenting workshops on craft, industry and the how-tos of getting published. They will also be holding a panel discussion to address all your burning questions about the publishing process. Best of all, they will taking pitch appointments for those who want them!
Not all the learning is in the classroom. When you're not attending workshops you'll be able to hang-out with other writers, successful authors and editors in a fun and creative atmosphere.
Our conference is multi-genre and is designed to cater to the beginning writer all the way to the most seasoned veteran. After attending our last conference best-selling author Jade Lee exclaimed, "I can't believe how much I learned."
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We will be having a raffle this year and you get entries just for registering and a second entry if you book a room. The prizes will be announced at our big awards dinner on Saturday night.
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This year we will also be adding exciting a-la-carte workshops, like small group voice acting classes by television, movie, animation and video game star Carlos Ferro, after which you'll be taking home your own reel!
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Guest of Honor
Young Adult
Soman Chainani
Keynote Speaker
Soman Chainani’s debut series, THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL, has sold more than 3.5 million copies, been translated into 32 languages across six continents, and has been adapted into a major motion picture from Netflix that debuted at #1 in over 80 countries at release.
His book of retold fairytales, BEASTS & BEAUTY, also debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List, his seventh book in a row to do so, and is slated to be a limited television series from Sony 3000, with Soman writing and executive producing. Together, his books have been on the New York Times Bestseller List for 44 weeks.
A graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University’s MFA Film Program, Soman has been nominated for the Waterstone Prize for Children’s Literature, been named to the Out100, and also received the Sun Valley Writer’s Fellowship.
His latest novel, RISE OF THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL, kickstarts a new series under his EverNever World brand, to be continued in its sequel, FALL OF The SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL, coming May 2023.
Featured Guests
Hyatt Regency Deerfield, IL
1750 Lake Cook Rd
Deerfield, IL 60015
The Hyatt offers comfortable and luxurious accommodations at our great rate of $109. Enjoy their spacious and well-appointed rooms, complete with complimentary Wi-Fi. When you book a room, you will also receive $100 off registration if you are staying at the hotel (discount no longer available if the room block is sold out). Their friendly staff is available 24/7 to provide assistance and ensure your stay is enjoyable and worry-free with the convenience of being on-site for all the festivities.
