Writers Conference
Writers, come connect, share, and find your community—we've saved you a seat.
Our Writers Conference is Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary!
Join us at the Central Resource Library for this dynamic event featuring a keynote speaker, a specially selected Conference book, hands-on workshops, and more. Cost? FREE!
Immerse yourself in sessions on the craft of writing, take part in thought-provoking book discussions, and connect with fellow writers in a vibrant, creative atmosphere. You’ll find inspiration, collaboration, and learning at every turn.
We’d love to see you there—come be part of something inspiring!
Featuring:
Expert-led lectures | Craft workshops | Networking opportunities |
“Library as publisher” insights| Social media advice | Drop-in activities
Tracks
𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆.
Musical Guests
Calvin Arsenia
Friday, Oct. 17 | 9:30am - 10:15 a.m.
Carmack Community Meeting Room
Central Resource Library
Amado Espinoza
Saturday, Oct. 18 | 9:30am - 10:15 a.m.
Carmack Community Meeting Room
Central Resource Library
Special Events
Special Events
Jazz Storytelling Team: American Jazz Museum
Oct 16th | 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Kick off the Annual Writers Conference with the unforgettable sounds and stories of Kansas City’s legendary jazz scene! The Jazz…
Meet the Author: Steve Almond
Oct 16th | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Join us for an evening with bestselling author, essayist, and writing teacher Steve Almond.
You are Enough! A Writer’s Guide to Being Cool with Yourself
Oct 17th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join veteran performer and author Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove for a dynamic and introspective discussion about self-worth.
You are Enough! Writer’s Guide to Being Cool with Yourself
Oct 17th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join veteran performer and author Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove for a dynamic and introspective discussion about self-worth.
Craft of Writing
Special Events
KanMoWriCo Presents: Jumpstart Your Novel
Oct 17th | 11:00am - 11:45am
Embrace the scariest part of writing a novel: beginning! We’re here to help
How to Conquer Writer's Block (& the Other Evil Voices)
Oct 17th | 11:00am - 11:45am
This lecture focuses on the emotional struggles we bring to writing but rarely discuss. We’ll explore anxiety & crippling doubts.
Establishing the Facts, Chasing the Story with Patrick Kelly
Oct 17th | 1:00pm - 1:45pm
To provide readers with a complete picture of a person or event, writers must mine data and facts from credible sources.
A Journey from Japan to U.S. with Misako Rocks!
Oct 17th | 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Speaker Misako Rocks shares the story of leaving Japan at a young age to pursue a dream of becoming an artist in America.
Publishing
Publishing
KC Book Beat 101: Local Stories, Big Impact
Oct 17th | 11:00am - 11:45am
Curious about KC Book Beat? We’re a nonprofit based in Kansas City that’s all about lifting local authors, small businesses and creatives.
Doing the Impossible: Promoting on Social Media
Oct 17th | 2:00pm - 2:45pm
A walking, talking embodiment of reading, writing, branding and marketing, Hazel Krebs (she/her) has made a name for herself.
Reverse-Engineering a Picture Book with Michelle Lin
Oct 17th | 2:00pm - 2:45pm
In picture books with separate authors and illustrators, the author writes the text first, and the illustrator decides what to bring to life
Children’s Publishing 101 with Jody Jensen Shaffer
Oct 17th | 3:00pm - 3:45pm
This session covers everything from developing a winning picture book idea to building compelling characters and storylines. It’s designed…
Writing for Children
Writing for Children
Storytelling That Sings: Writing for Children
Oct 17th | 9:30am - 10:15am
Step into the joyful world of writing for children with award-winning kid rocker and author Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove.
Reverse-Engineering a Picture Book with Michelle Lin
Oct 17th | 2:00pm - 2:45pm
In picture books with separate authors and illustrators, the author writes the text first, and the illustrator decides what to bring to life
Children’s Publishing 101 with Jody Jensen Shaffer
Oct 17th | 3:00pm - 3:45pm
This session covers everything from developing a winning picture book idea to building compelling characters and storylines. It’s designed…
Poetry
Poetry
Meditation to Manifestation: Using Mindfulness and Community
Oct 17th | 9:30am - 10:15am
While many religious prophets practiced meditation, it has since evolved into what we now call mindfulness. In this course, mindfulness…
Meditation to Manifestation: Using Mindfulness and Community
Oct 17th | 11:00am - 11:45am
While many religious prophets practiced meditation, it has since evolved into what we now call mindfulness.
Meditation to Manifestation: Using Mindfulness and Community
Oct 17th | 1:00pm - 1:45pm
While many religious prophets practiced meditation, it has since evolved into what we now call mindfulness.
Exploring the Intersection of Memory, Adaptation, & Place
Oct 17th | 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Jordan Stempleman invites you to explore the origins of the journal he co-edits, “Windfall Room.”
Tweens & Teens
Save the Date! 2025 Writers Conference
Oct 16th - Oct 18th | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Mark your calendars with your favorite pen (we know you have one!), and stay tuned for more info on our 2025 Writers Conference.
Meet the Author: Steve Almond
Oct 16th | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Join us for an evening with bestselling author, essayist, and writing teacher Steve Almond.
Ready to Bring Your Comic to Life? With Brandon Calloway
Oct 17th | 11:00am - 11:45am
Got a killer book idea? A passion for storytelling? This workshop will take you from concept to creation.
You are Enough! A Writer’s Guide to Being Cool with Yourself
Oct 17th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join veteran performer and author Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove for a dynamic and introspective discussion about self-worth.
Online
Poetry
Meditation to Manifestation: Using Mindfulness and Community
Oct 17th | 9:30am - 10:15am
While many religious prophets practiced meditation, it has since evolved into what we now call mindfulness. In this course, mindfulness…
Meditation to Manifestation: Using Mindfulness and Community
Oct 17th | 11:00am - 11:45am
While many religious prophets practiced meditation, it has since evolved into what we now call mindfulness.
Meditation to Manifestation: Using Mindfulness and Community
Oct 17th | 1:00pm - 1:45pm
While many religious prophets practiced meditation, it has since evolved into what we now call mindfulness.
Exploring the Intersection of Memory, Adaptation, & Place
Oct 17th | 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Jordan Stempleman invites you to explore the origins of the journal he co-edits, “Windfall Room.”
Anytime Resources
news and resources
Writers Conference Recorded Sessions from 2024
Recorded sessions from the 2024 conference YouTube in Library OnDemand, as are the pre-recorded lectures.
The Great Courses
The best of The Great Courses featuring in-depth video lessons on hundreds of topics taught by expert professors. Stream through Kanopy.