(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next KWW is an in-person event happening in Louisville on April 24, 2026. See you there.)

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026):

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

9:30 – 10:30: Session 1

Inspiration as an Author. Inspiration is a fundamental part of any creative process. Pop culture would have us believe that inspiration is out of our control: the lightbulb moment, the rush to put pen to paper in the middle of night, the inimitable a-ha feeling that lends wings to our creativity, but that also shows up unannounced. Almost as if it’s … magic. And, to a certain degree, it is. But inspiration can also be learned, honed, and even stored. Learn practical tips on how writers can boost their inspiration levels—and improve their writing in the process.

10:45 – 11:50: Session 2

Anatomy of a Successful Query. This workshop will take you through the do’s and don’ts of crafting a query letter that will get the attention of literary agent. From creating the perfect elevator pitch for your book to knowing what metadata to include to deciding what to put in your bio, you will learn the basic steps to writing a successful query.

11:50 – 1:15: Lunch on Your Own

You have 85 minutes on your own to break and eat.

1:15 – 2:30: Session 3

“Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. (All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be novels or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.)

2:45 – 3:45: Session 4

Revision and Self Editing: Get Your Work Ready for an Agent. You have some chapters, maybe even a first draft. You want to get an agent, but is your writing actually ready to be seen by one? This intensive workshop offers tips and tools to take your fiction writing to the next level. The workshop will cover: tips on genre and story structure; the importance of showing not telling, and how to enact it in your writing; beats in fiction; scene writing versus summary, and striking the right balance in your prose; book genres and their norms. At the end of the session, you’ll have valuable insight that will not only help you become a better writer, but also help you get noticed by industry professionals.

4:00 – 5:00: Session 5

Creating Compelling Conflict in Your Fiction. The essence of writing conflict is what makes an author’s writing work. This craft-related course defines conflict and demonstrates the various elements of its application in writing novels or short stories. We will discuss everything from high-level conflict that comes from mapping out a taut plot, but also interpersonal conflict that develops between characters throughout a story.

5:00: The Day is Over

 

FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:

We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you 5 more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:

1. “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an In-Person Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
2. “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
3. “Common First Pages Mistakes and How to Fix Them,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
4. “6 Pillars of Well-Developed Characters,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
5. “How to Fix It: The Art and Craft of Revision,” taught previously at the Writing Workshop of Chicago