Florida Writers Association

Panels

Friday, October 15

They Absolutely ARE Judging Your Book by Its Cover!

Your book cover is a crucial marketing tool that needs to be done right. What makes a good book cover? How much does a book cover designer cost and how can you find one?
Rod Martinez, Arthur Doweyko, Charis Crowe, Em Shotwell (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Friday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

I’ve Been on Amazon a Year and I’ve Sold Three Books…

Amazon is undoubtedly the largest bookseller out there. What are the inside secrets to selling books on Amazon? If you’re just not making many (or any!) sales on Amazon, come see how it can be done.
Elle Andrews Patt, Charis Crowe, Jane Anne McLachlan, Ben Wolf, E.J. Wenstrom (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Friday, 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Can an Author Survive Without Social Media?

In today’s day and age, social media seems inevitable. But do authors really need social media to build a platform and sell books? Are there other benefits? What options exist and where should you focus your attention?
Laura E. Perez, Erwin Wunderlich, Nancy J. Cohen, Mary Potter Kenyon, E.J. Wenstrom (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Friday, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Can a Man Write Believable Female Characters?

When writing characters of different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, or even genders, how can an outsider write a believable character? How do stereotypes fit into creating such characters? Can a man ever truly write believable female characters?
JC Gatlin, Julie Murphy, Erwin Wunderlich, Elaine Person, Em Shotwell (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Friday, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

I’m a Pantser… I’m an Outliner…

Do you write by the seat of your pants or do you prefer to have every scene and plot twist laid out? Learn about the pros and cons of each while exploring the spectrum that lies in between.
Rod Martinez, Em Shotwell, E.J. Wenstrom, Sarah Penner, Dana Ridenour, Elle E. Ire (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Saturday, October 16

Writing with Technology

Writing in the 21st century has evolved beyond merely opening a Word document and typing. What kind of programs are out there? What are the pros and cons of using these programs? Are they really even helpful
Sarah Penner, Laura E. Perez, Ben Wolf, José Pablo Iriarte (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Saturday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

The Silver Stage

Meet expert play and script writers to chat about their lives on the silver stage and answer all of your questions about how to live the life of writing for plays, TV, and movies.
Veronica H. Hart, Keith Payson, Michael Tabb, Joyce Sweeney, JC Gatlin (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Saturday, 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Beyond the Book

Aside from publishing your book, what other ways can writers get their work seen? On this panel, our authors will look at a variety of alternative publishing avenues such as audiobooks, book to film, blogging, vlogging, and podcasts.
JC Gatlin, Julie Murphy, Dana Ridenour, Mary Potter Kenyon, José Pablo Iriarte (Moderator
Amphitheater, Saturday, 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

Building a Fictional World

Building a world for your fictional novel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. What elements need to be considered when building a fictional world and how do you keep track of it all?
Em Shotwell, E.J. Wenstrom, Laura E. Perez, Jane Anne McLachlan, Elle E. Ire (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Saturday, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, October 17

Marketing for Success

Every product needs a marketing plan and books are no different. This panel of seasoned authors will share tips and strategies on how to market your book to get the success it deserves.
Rod Martinez, Elle Andrews Patt, Jade Kerrion, Nancy J. Cohen, JC Gatlin (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Sunday, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

The Business of a Self-Published Author

There’s a lot more to being a self-published author than writing a book and uploading it to Amazon. From conception to market, how do you turn your writing into a business?
Elle Andrews Patt, Jade Kerrion, Jane Anne McLachlan, Ben Wolf, Anne Dalton, José Pablo Iriarte (Moderator)
Amphitheater, Sunday, 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

COVID precautions will be taken in accordance with published CDC guidelines and the advice of our medical team. More details here...