Jim Butcher is the author of The Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, The Cinder Spires. His résumé includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, Jim plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it.
©Hair by Shersten
Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in the mountains outside Denver, Colorado. Jim goes by the monkier Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by the name in the early 1990’s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually, only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough he needed to beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Uncover everything Jim on his website.
Sessions:
Keynote Presentation: How to Fail at Writing
Masterclass: How to Write Compelling Scenes
Ally Robertson, aka Alicia Dean, is an editor for the Wild Rose Press, a freelance editor, and an author.
She loves discovering fabulous new stories and connecting with other authors. She’s a huge Elvis fan, loves Mr. Ballen, murder shows, suspense, horror, paranormal themes, and all other creepy things… except bugs. She’s not a fan of bugs.
Learn more about Ally and her many hats here.
Sessions:
Author Hodgepodge: Keywords, Blurbs, Bios, and More!
In addition to writing a great book, an author needs additional tools to assist in getting the book noticed. This session will show you how to craft the right key words, create a tag line, how to improve your blurb/back cover description, how to maximize your author bio/author page and more. As time permits, Ally will provide on the spot feedback for attendees' blurbs, tag lines, bio, key words, etc. So, be sure to have any or all of those on hand in case you end up in the hotseat.
Pitches:
Learn more about what Ally & The Wild Rose Press are looking for on our Pitch Room page.
Amy M. Le is a Vietnam War survivor and Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) warrior. She is the award-winning author of the Snow trilogy and other books. Amy founded Quill Hawk Publishing, a woman-owned, Asian American hybrid publishing company that helps writers indie publish their books while amplifying diverse voices through storytelling.
She co-founded The Heart Community Collection, a resource for the CHD community, and sits on the boards of the Vietnamese Boat People and AAPI Artists for Mental Initiatives. Amy is the past president of OCWI and former Publicity Director for OWFI. When she is not writing, speaking, or volunteering, Amy is experimenting in the kitchen or watching NFL games, Formula 1 races, and UFC bouts.
Sessions:
The Ins and Outs of Indie Publishing
In this session writers will get a brief overview of the pathways to publishing, from self-publishing to hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing to vanity presses. We will dive deeper into indie publishing including how partnering with a hybrid publishing company can be beneficial. Come learn about the ins and outs of indie publishing, from the economics of publishing to the many "how do I" questions authors ask.
The Art of Hustling
You have a book idea. Now what? How do I find a beta reader? How do I find an editor? What social media platforms do I use? How do I promote my brand? I hate marketing and promoting but I want to be read and sell books. Help me! I don't know what I don't know. This session is the perfect session for writers who are just beginning their authorpreneurial journey or seasoned authors who just want to reignite and kickstart their writing career!
Meg Dendler has considered herself a writer since she was honored in a picture book contest in 5th grade.
Beginning serious work as a freelancer in the '90s while teaching elementary and middle school, Meg has over one hundred articles in print, including interviews with Kirk Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. She has won contests with her short stories and poetry, along with multiple awards for her best-selling Cats in the Mirror alien rescue cat children's book series. “Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess” was honored as Best Juvenile Book of 2018 by the Oklahoma Writers' Federation, and "Snickerdoodle's Shenanigans" received the same award in 2024. Now a retired teacher, Meg holds a BA in Journalism/Public Relations, an MA in Early Childhood Education, and has been a certified teacher in three states. Meg is also an editor/proofreader for independent and self-publishing authors, with over 80 books completed since 2015.
Learn more about Meg here.
Session:
Writing for Young Readers
This presentation clarifies the different categories in children’s books and focuses on middle grade books – Meg’s specialty. Advice will be shared on how to approach this audience, what popular books in the genre have in common, and how to be sure your manuscript is appropriate for and will appeal to elementary school kids. Meg will also share her experiences in successfully self-publishing this genre (with best-sellers and multiple awards) and marketing strategies.
Show Me, Don’t Tell Me
Combination presentation and workshop, Meg explores how to bump up the quality of your writing by utilizing the “show, don’t tell” mantra, including examples from current literature and chances to apply this strategy during the session.
Mel Odom writes in a number of fields, but always with the hope of telling an interesting tale that will incite a reader to think for themselves, to examine their own place in the world, and offer a little nudge in the direction of dreams, faith, and personal growth in spite of whatever odds a person has to face. He believes we were all put here for a purpose. Hopefully, several purposes.
He teaches creative writing at Oklahoma University.
Investige Mel’s work on his website.
Sessions:
TBA
TBA
Merle Davenport was sent to prison for teaching ... well, he teaches in a prison. For the last 25 years, he taught inmates in Michigan and Oklahoma to get their GED.
During that time, he served as the President for the Michigan Council on Learning for Adults for nearly a decade, as a board member for the Michigan Reading Association, and as a member of the executive board for the Michigan Adult and Continuing Education. He has a Master's Degree in Education and al but his dissertation for a PhD in Education Administration. The focus of his graduate studies was inmate behavior and reducing recidivism. His most recent book is "Criminal Thinking - Helping Writers Develop Intriguing Villains by Understanding the Criminal Mind." Currently, Merle is the President of the Tulsa NightWriters and writes historical romances with his wife Karen.
Sessions:
Criminal Thinking - Helping Writers Develop Intriguing Villains by Understanding the Criminal Mind
Have you ever wondered what the villain is thinking? So do your readers. Merle Davenport will outline common thought patterns of criminals based on extensive research and 25 years of experience teaching in prisons. Learn how to make your villains sizzle with dialogue and behavior consistent with the most notorious criminals in our prisons today.TBA
Michele Bardsley is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of (mostly) supernatural fiction.
She authored the paranormal romance mystery series Broken Heart, set in a small town in Oklahoma. Michele is a former OWFI Crème de la Crème winner. She loves zombie movies, all the dogs, and chocolate as dark as her heart.
Explore her work on her website.
Sessions:
TBA
TBA
Best-selling personal finance author Peggy Doviak started reading mysteries when she was a child. Now, she is an experienced financial planner who changed careers when a stockbroker exploited her mother.
Her award-winning personal finance books, 52 Weeks to Prosperity (2018, The RoadRunner Press) and 52 Weeks to Well-Being (2023, Centerboard Press), break financial concepts into digestible bites. Peggy's best-selling cozy mystery, You Can’t Cheat Death, was released by The Wild Rose Press on September 16, 2024. She is thrilled to realize her dream of writing a cozy mystery series featuring a savvy financial planner who solves financial crimes and murders.
Peggy’s social media and newsletter links are on her website and her podcast, “Ask Peggy About Your Money,” is available wherever you listen. Peggy lives in Oklahoma and is owned by two cats and two horses.
Sessions:
Money for Creatives
Does thinking about money make you break out in hives? If so, this session is for you! Personal finance and cozy mystery author Peggy Doviak's latest book covers all things money for creatives. Whether you're trying to turn your writing into a business or manage your personal finances, Peggy breaks complicated topics into bite-sized pieces that aren't overwhelming. One reviewer said, "I wish I could sit down with Peggy and have coffee. This book is like a friend-to-friend discussion because she knows money stuff..." Before the session, fill your mug, and join the conversation.
Incorporating Nonfiction In Novel Writing
Although good novels allow us to suspend disbelief, as writers, we don't want to push our readers too far. Incorporating nonfiction into novels is a way to bridge the gap between everyday life and our created worlds. But the balance is tricky. What should we include? How much is too much? How do we find trustworthy sources? Personal finance and cozy mystery author Peggy Doviak writes nonfiction and fiction that gives her readers what they need to know without boring them to death. Join this interactive conversation about facts and fiction.
Rene Gutteridge has been writing professionally for over twenty years, with expertise in fiction, non-fiction, comedy sketches, novelizations and screenwriting.
She is the multi-genre author of 24 novels plus several non-fiction titles. Her indie film SKID won deadCenter’s Best Oklahoma Feature, and her novel My Life as a Doormat was adapted into the Hallmark movie Love’s Complicated. She is co-writer on the feature film Family Camp, a Movieguide award winner and a Dove Award nominee for 2023. She is also a Screencraft finalist in true crime. Rene is co-director of WriterCon in Oklahoma City, senior contributor at Writing Momentum and is the head writer at Skit Guys Studios. Find out more on her website.
Session:
ABC’s of Writing Conferences
New to writing? First time at a conference? This session will help you chart your course with minimum confusion and false starts. Get the knowledge you need to make this writing endeavor a success. (Can tailor this course with some specific information about OWFI. This course is best done as one of the first classes of the conference.)
The Writer’s Identity
One of the biggest moments we can experience as a writer is to use the word to describe ourselves: I am a writer! But if we're not careful, this can become a slippery slope of our core identity. Why is it so unhealthy to tie our identity into writing? It seems logical that we are, in fact, writers. Weren't we born to write? In this class, we will explore how to keep your identity strong and protected while navigating the extremely tumultuous world of rejection and rebound called the writing life. Learning to separate your identity from your occupation can be the single most important move in keeping you emotionally strong for the long haul.How Film is Ruining Your Fiction (And How to Fix It)
Many writers have let their love for film seep into their fiction in an unhealthy way. While it may seem that film influencing your fiction might be helpful and even fun, it can actually have a drastically different and opposite effect. Learn what parts of film may be killing your fiction, and how to use POV to correct course and improve your writing style.
S.L. Dooley is a fantasy author looking for a never-ending story to go boldly through the wardrobe into another adventure. She's the best-selling author of the Portal Slayer trilogy and the award-winning high fantasy duology, The Summertime Circus and The Cold Moon Carnival.
One of her side-quests is to encourage new writers as they navigate the paths toward publication. She has spoken at numerous events, including the Realm Makers conference, The Bookfest spring festival, and WriterCon. With a passion for fantasy literature since childhood, Dooley draws inspiration from mythology, folklore, and a vivid imagination to craft immersive narratives that transport readers to realms of magic and adventure. One of her side-quests is to find any way to escape into fantastical worlds and to bring as many people as she can with her. She lives in Texas with her husband where she collects old books and new journals.
Discover her website
Sessions:
Ten Things They Don’t Tell New Writers
Embarking on a writing career is fraught with a variety of mysteries. No one can guess what might transform without a crystal ball. But there are some basics that never change. Unfortunately these ten facts are rarely discussed. Discover the behind-the-scenes information and how to navigate each one.
Writer’s Side Hustle
Most writers don't make a living at their craft. But that doesn't mean you can't draw an income from what you love. You'll leave this session with a list and a game plan for how to use your creativity to pay the bills.
Tamara Grantham is the author of more than a dozen books and novellas, including the multi-award winning Olive Kennedy: Fairy World MD series, and the #1 bestselling Twisted Ever After trilogy.
Dreamthief, the first book of her Fairy World MD series, won first place for fantasy in INDIEFAB’S Book of the Year Awards, and a first place RONE award for best New Adult Romance. The Witch’s Tower, the first book of her fairytale retelling series, launched as a #1 bestseller at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has been a featured speaker at numerous writing conferences and comic cons. Born and raised in Texas, Tamara now lives with her husband and five children in Wichita, Kansas. She rarely has any free time, but when the stars align and she gets a moment to relax, she enjoys reading fantasy novels and watching every Star Wars or Star Trek movie ever made.
Explore her worlds from her website.
Sessions:
The Alchemy of Amour: Mastering Romantasy Magic
Romantasy is a booming business, captivating readers with its enchanting blend of fantasy and romance. But how do you combine these elements to create a novel that truly resonates with this eager audience? Mixing the wrong ingredients can leave a sour taste with your readers. Join author Tamara Grantham as she shares her years of expertise to help you distill the essence of the romantasy genre into a bestselling formula!
Rage Against the Machine: How Authors Can Conquer AI
Like the Terminator wishing his enemies a fond farewell, should authors say "hasta la vista" to their writing careers? Not so fast. In the rapidly evolving world of technology, AI has become a powerful tool for authors. This class will explore how writers can effectively and ethically integrate AI into their creative process. From idea generation to editing, discover how AI can enhance your writing while maintaining your unique voice and creativity—and avoid world ending doom.
Thea Rademacher began her professional career as a social justice attorney after graduating with honors from the University of Minnesota School of Law.
In 2015, she founded Flint Hills Publishing after her inspiring experience co-authoring A Drop in the Night - the Life and Secret Mission of a WWII Airman. She also published Author's Beware - Arm Yourself with Knowledge to Help Avoid Legal Pitfalls, that contains easy-to-digest information she believes all authors need to know. Her company has published over 80 books—including a Spur Award Winner—and she has presented to authors around the world about important and relevant legal topics.
Sessions
All the Legal-Smeagle Stuff Writers Need to Know
Join Thea Rademacher JD, President of Flint Hills Publishing, for an informative, fast-paced presentation designed to educate authors about critical legal and publishing information they need to know to protect their work and avoid problems in their writing careers. Topics include an in-depth explanation of copyright law, including emerging issues with AI. Authors will be given important tips about how to avoid trouble when it comes to issues of defamation, interviews, and the ever-growing problem of publishing scams. There are many roads to publishing—you’ll learn the pros and cons of each. You’ll also learn about the business of being an author including work–for–hire arrangements, licensing, and publishing contracts. Finally, you’ll get to put a publisher on the hot seat and ask your burning questions. All participants will receive a complimentary PDF copy of Thea’s book Authors Beware! Arm Yourself with Knowledge to Help Avoid Legal Pitfalls."
A Publisher's Advice to the Self-Publisher
Thea Rademacher, JD, president of Flint Hills Publishing and publisher of over 80 books, offers authors professional advice on how to take a project from a messy Word document to a beautiful book. Starting with the pros and cons of various publishing options, authors will learn practical information needed to create print and eBooks. Rademacher will give insider tips about best practices in creating a professional-looking book. Attendees are encouraged to bring their in-progress work, including mock-up covers. Time for questions and feedback will be allocated.
Pitches:
Learn more about what Thea & Flint Hills Publishing are looking for on our Pitch Room page.
Yvette Walker is Vice-President/Editorial page editor at The Kansas City Star. She is the former Dean of Students at the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
