There’s a place for you at Florida WritersCon.

Whether you’ve just finished your first manuscript, are preparing to publish, or already have books on the shelves, every writer eventually reaches the same point:

You know your next step is out there … you just need the inspiration, knowledge, or encouragement to get there!

At Florida WritersCon 2026, you’ll be surrounded by fellow writers, bestselling authors, editors, publishing professionals, and industry experts who understand both the creative and business sides of writing.

If you’re in the writing stage…

Whether you’re new to writing or starting a new project, we have a lineup of workshops and events to help you deepen your craft, learn from experts, and leave with something tangible!

Hands-On Craft Workshops

• Perfecting the Picture Book Manuscript, Arielle Haughee
• How to Discover the Memoir Within Your Memories, Kerry Kriseman
• Worldbuilding 101, Dr. Jenifer Paquette
• Flash Fiction: Writing Short, David James Poissant
• Concrete Imagery and the Moonlight, Shawn Welcome

More Workshops

• The Soul of a Place: Making Setting a Character in Your Story, Ginny Myers Sain
• Voice: Rarely Analyzed, but Critically Important, Shutta Crum
• The Rules of Writing and When to Break Them, Elle E. Ire and Jose Iriarte
• Writing Masterful Memoir Scenes, Kerry Kriseman
• Point of View Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them), Dr. Jenifer Paquette

Experiences

Shawn Welcome Keynote:  Enjoy an evening of storytelling, connection, and belonging. This keynote event is a mixed media experience consisting of spoken word performances, film, and dialogue. Leave feeling inspired by Shawn’s journey to becoming an Orlando Poet Laureate and community builder!

Writers Connect: Meet other writers and form connections! This is a great event to find a critique partner, accountability partner, or just someone to cheer you on as you write!

Collection, Volume 18: attendees receive a free copy of Florida Writers Collection, Volume 18: Fragments. Read members’ prose and poetry and get inspired to write something for next year’s Collection!

Click to Register for Your Writing Breakthrough

If you’re in the publishing stage…

Whether you’re interested in self, indie, or traditional publishing or other opportunities such as literary journals and small presses, we have industry professionals and experienced authors who can help you navigate your options.

Workshops

• One Stop Shop for finding Publishers: Duotrope, Shutta Crum
• Your Publishing Timeline: Get the Book Made, Arielle Haughee
• Traditional Publishing Options: How to Choose, Elle E. Ire and Jose Iriarte
• A Peek Behind the Pages: The Truth About How Traditional Publishing Works (and Doesn’t!), Ginny Myers Sain
• Stay Out of Legal Trouble & Protect Your Rights, Ava Doppelt
• Build a Better Book Blurb, Valerie Willis
• Book Covers Readers Click, Share, and Display, Valerie Willis

Experiences

Book Marketing Hot Seat: Attendees will have the opportunity to submit one marketing-related item for our panel of publishers, marketing professionals, and a successful traditionally published author to review live. Get a sneak peek of what to expect when your work is out in the world!

Meet Our Faculty: Many of our Faculty members are publishers, marketing professionals, or experienced authors. Connect with them in workshops or in line for lunch! You never know where your next conversation will take you.

Writers Connect: Meet other writers who have walked the publishing path! Form connections and learn from your peers.

Click to Register for Your Publishing  Breakthrough

If you’re ready to get in front of readers…

Is your work already out there and you’re ready to find readers, build a community, and boost your sales? We have sessions and experiences designed to help you thrive!

Workshops

• How to Use Paid Ads to Your Advantage as an Author, Heidi McIntyre
• Finding Your Tribe: Turning Readers into Superfans, Heidi McIntyre
• Direct Sales for Authors in 2026, Valerie Willis
• Stalk Smarter: Researching Comparable Authors to Create Better Content, Olivia Zugay
• Don’t Launch to Crickets: Your First Two Years as an Author Roadmap, Olivia Zugay

Experiences

Book Marketing Hot Seat: Attendees will have the opportunity to submit one marketing-related item for our panel of publishers, marketing professionals, and a successful traditionally published author to review live. This is your opportunity for a FREE, live review of your promotional and marketing materials.

Meet Our Faculty: Many of our Faculty members are publishers, marketing professionals, or experienced authors. Connect with them in workshops or in line for lunch! You never know where your next conversation will take you.

Cross-genre community: Marketing ideas often translate across genres. Discover strategies you may not encounter within your own niche. Since WritersCon isn’t genre specific, you will meet writers from all different disciplines and publication paths!

Click to Register for Your Marketing  Breakthrough

Event Information

Dates: Friday October 23 through Sunday October 25, 2026
Location: Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs

Early Bird Rate: $599 (now through 7/31/26)
Regular Rate: $679 (8/1/26 through 9/30/26)
Non-Member Rate: $799 (now through 9/30/36)
Registration closes 9/30. No onsite registration. Space is limited; grab your spot today!

Save your spot today!

Your next breakthrough might be closer than you think!

We hope you can join us for a weekend of learning, connecting, and growing at Florida WritersCon 2026.