Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass
The difference between a so-so manuscript and novel we cannot forget is the fire in fiction. Every novelist can supercharge every story with deep conviction and, conversely, turn fiery passion into effective story. Learn not only how it's done, but how to do it over and over again.

Putting Thrills in Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron
Suspense and action: each of these essential elements of any crime fiction requires a different writing approach. Through analysis of examples and hands-on writing exercises, this workshop shows you how to use suspense, action, and that all-important ingredient, pacing, to turn your novel into a page-turner.

Book in a Month by Victoria Schmidt
Want to write a book in 30 days? Then know who you are as a writer! One of the first steps in the Book in a Month writing system is to figure out who you are as a writer so you can focus on projects that motivate you to sit at the keyboard and get that draft completed in 30 days. This is not about genre selection but about finding those core elements in your work that inspire you. Handouts included. 

Getting Started in Personal Essay/Memoir by Victoria Zackheim
Writing about your life can be thrilling, daunting, terrifying ... but sometimes you just have to do it. How do you approach this? How much of yourself should you, must you, reveal? And when the essay is completed, what can you do with it? In this workshop, you'll explore the entire process, from conceiving the memoir/essay to researching the possibilities after completion.

Get Known While You Sleep - A Platform Primer by Christina Katz
If writing a traditionally published book is your objective, then you need a crash course in growing a platform that will impress agents and editors. You need to know what a platform is and what it isn't. You need to find your niche topic, identify and narrow your target audience, and know which professional accomplishments will bring momentum and visibility to your career (and which won't). Finally, you need a checklist of platform-building shortcuts to help you launch your platform alongside your already busy schedule. Author Christina Katz will set you squarely on the path towards first-time authorhood with this condensed guide to getting known and landing a book deal based on your most-likely-to-thrive idea.

Screenwriting: Exploring Genres by John Truby
The strategy for writers is clear: to succeed, you have to specialize in two or three of these popular forms and write something original. The problem is that very few writers are experts at the intricate array of beats, tricks and techniques required by the eleven most popular movie genres.

Getting Started in Writing for Television by Chad Gervich
Writer and producer Chad Gervich talks about breaking into the world of TV writing, whether it's your own original pilot or you've written a script for an existing series.

All Plates Spinning: Plotting a Novel They Can't Put Down by James Scott Bell
Clear and concise advice for how plot influences story structure, and how to create a believable and memorable plot.

Fictional Seeds by Lisa Lenard-Cook
Fiction begins with those little things we can't get out of our heads. Learn how to turn these obsessions into fictional seeds.

Panel: Anthologies Are Hot!
Anthology editor Victoria Zackheim and authors/contributors Aimee Liu and Aviva Layton will discuss the ups/downs/ins/outs of anthology writing. Fiction or nonfiction? Memoir or short story? What makes a bestselling anthology? And if you want to be in an anthology, how can you get your work included?

Slouching Towards the 21st Century: Effective Use of the Internet for Authors (for technopeasants and non-geeks) by Bill O'Hanlon

Panel: Ask the Editors
A publishing Q&A with the experts from Writer's Digest, which gives you the chance to learn about the publishing process from the inside. Plus, find out what agents and editors really want.

Panel: Meet the Script Agents and Managers
A panel of four script agents and managers will take questions from the audience. Ken Sherman of Ken Sherman and Associates, Margery Walshaw of Evatopia, Marc Manus of Manus Entertainment

Panel: Ask the Literary Agents
Moderated by Chuck Sambuchino, editor of Guide to Literary Agents , this Q&A provides you with an opportunity to find out what agents are looking for in query letters and sample chapters, and what they do—and don't—like to hear during a live pitch.

Practice Your Pitch by Lauren Mosko
Practice makes perfect! Before you approach an editor or agent, practice articulating your pitch in this role-playing workshop.

The Times They Are A-Changin' by Jane Friedman
Major book and magazine publishers are recreating themselves, transitioning from businesses based on paper to businesses based on content, community, and experiences. Digitization, social networks, and customization—these are the buzzwords in the industry today. How do these trends affect writers? What do you need to know, or do differently, to advance (or start!) your career?

Panel: From Book to Film/TV: How Your Work Comes Alive
How do adaptations, options and packaging work in Hollywood ? Hear the answers, and ask questions to panelists Ken Sherman (Ken Sherman & Associates) and Ken Atchity (AEI: Atchity Editorial/Entertainment International, Inc.)