- Dynamic, youth-friendly writing workshops led by published authors, editors, and award-winning writers
- Recognition of FWA youth member literary excellence with a celebration of youth winners from the Royal Palm Literary Awards and the FWA Collection
- Lunch with allergy-friendly and dietary-conscious options available
- A supportive space to connect with fellow young writers and build confidence in their creative voice
Meet the Speakers
Vic DiGenti, Writer & Ghostwriter
Vic DiGenti is the award-winning author of six novels and 12 works of nonfiction. Working as a ghostwriter for the past nine years, he penned biographies and family histories for many clients. He’s a member of the Association of Ghostwriters and a former Executive Vice President of the Florida Writers Association. windrusherhallpress.com
What Writers Can Learn from Pixar. In this workshop you’ll learn about the 22 rules and four guiding principles that have guided Pixar Studios in creating classic films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Up — and how they can help you become a better writer.
J
enifer M Paquette, Fantasy & Romantasy Author
JM Paquette writes fantasy and paranormal romance novels. When she isn’t writing, she can be found teaching English, dissecting grammar, defending fantasy, discussing Tolkien, editing books, and watching Russian dragon shifter movies. authorjmpaquette.com
Worldbuilding 101: An Organized Approach. There is a time for writing, and there is a time for worldbuilding—and they are not the same! Tackling everything from creation myths and cultural practices to building relationships and measuring time, this worldbuilding session has the questions and activities you need to help you craft a believable world for your story.
David James Poissant, Writer & Editor of the Florida Review
David James Poissant is the author of the novel Lake Life, a New York Times Editors’ Choice selection, and The Heaven of Animals: Stories, a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize, both from Simon & Schuster and in print in nine languages. He is editor of The Florida Review. davidjamespoissant.com
Inhabiting Your Character Through Their Eyes. Beginning writers often equate characterization, in fiction, with action and interiority: what characters want and how far they’re willing to go to get it. But what if characterization is more than that? What if character, expressed via point of view and narrative voice, determines how your reader sees the world of the story? If this is true, everything is altered by the viewpoint you choose. Telling a story is about more than showing versus telling, it’s about living in your viewpoint character’s skin and letting the reader see out your eyes. We’ll explore craft tips, and we’ll study examples that meld character with setting, voice, and mood.
Sylvia Whitman, Writer & Faculty Member at Ringling College
Sylvia Whitman has published stories, articles, and more than a dozen books for young readers, including the YA novel The Milk of Birds, named among the IRA’s 2014 Notable Books for a Global Society. She teaches writing at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. sylviawhitmanbooks.com
Behind the Editor's Desk at a Literary Magazine. Looking to publish short work? My college’s annual literary magazine accepts submissions from around the world. I’ll share what goes on behind the scenes including our thinking about what constitutes good prose, good poetry, and best practices among writers and editors who care deeply about words and stories.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Literary Voices
As part of the experience, we’ll honor the youth winners of the Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) and those selected for The Florida Writers Association Collection anthology — recognizing the extraordinary talent emerging from classrooms and writing desks across the state.
Why Parents, Educators, & Young Writers Love This Program
- Enriching and relevant: Workshops focus on creative thinking, critical reading, communication, and self-expression.
- Community-building: Young writers connect with peers who share their passions — often forming friendships or writing partnerships.
- Career exposure: Young writers gain insights into real-world paths in writing, publishing, and the literary arts, as well as experiencing what it’s like to attend a professional conference.
- Confidence-boosting: Being part of a professional conference environment affirms young writers’ identity as a writer.
