May the 4th be with you...at the Young Authors Conference!

I'm thrilled to be presenting at this year's Young Authors Conference in Kamloops on May 4. Instead of running the usual workshop, I'll be trying something new... an UNconference. Intrigued? Confused? Read on below to find out more. :)
If you’re a writer with questions, and don’t want to wait until the end of a workshop to ask them, then I have good news for you!
I will be hosting the first ever Young Authors Unconference, a participant-driven workshop about whatever writing topics you want to explore.
You might be saying, “I don’t have any formal writing or publication experience, what kind of questions could I possibly ask?”
First of all, you’re at the Young Author Conference, which means you are a writer. Second, you’re coming to the conference for a reason—hopefully it’s because you want to learn more about either the craft of writing or the writing industry. So, really, you probably do have questions. And chances are, there’s someone in the room that has the same questions you do, so go ahead and ask them.
“But what if the group has nothing to say, will we just sit there staring at each other?”
Um, no. I’ll keep the ball rolling with various discussion topics, such as:
Remember, there’s no pressure or expectation for you to lead or participate in the discussions. You can participate just by being present in the room…but this is a great opportunity to discuss and get feedback on what’s really interesting to you as a writer.
Email or tweet me your burning questions or thematic topics to me beforehand at dennisstaginnus@gmail.com with the heading “Unconference Question” or tweet me at @dstaginnus. I will raise your question/topic during the workshop (without mentioning who it came from).
If you’re a writer with questions, and don’t want to wait until the end of a workshop to ask them, then I have good news for you!
I will be hosting the first ever Young Authors Unconference, a participant-driven workshop about whatever writing topics you want to explore.
You might be saying, “I don’t have any formal writing or publication experience, what kind of questions could I possibly ask?”
First of all, you’re at the Young Author Conference, which means you are a writer. Second, you’re coming to the conference for a reason—hopefully it’s because you want to learn more about either the craft of writing or the writing industry. So, really, you probably do have questions. And chances are, there’s someone in the room that has the same questions you do, so go ahead and ask them.
“But what if the group has nothing to say, will we just sit there staring at each other?”
Um, no. I’ll keep the ball rolling with various discussion topics, such as:
- traditional publishing or self-publishing: which is the right path for you?
- marketing yourself: is it too early to start?
- what kind of platforms and online resources are available to the 21st century teen author?
- outliner or pantser: which one are you?
- and more…but who knows where our conversations will take us?
Remember, there’s no pressure or expectation for you to lead or participate in the discussions. You can participate just by being present in the room…but this is a great opportunity to discuss and get feedback on what’s really interesting to you as a writer.
Email or tweet me your burning questions or thematic topics to me beforehand at dennisstaginnus@gmail.com with the heading “Unconference Question” or tweet me at @dstaginnus. I will raise your question/topic during the workshop (without mentioning who it came from).
Available now!
Virtual School Visits
I'm available for virtual author visits to your classroom, library, or school.
Click here to learn more.
Click here to learn more.
Educational Resources
Coming soon.
FREE classroom resources for The Eye of Odin and generic activities for any class novel study.
FREE classroom resources for The Eye of Odin and generic activities for any class novel study.