(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next ATLWW is an in-person event happening in Atlanta on March 28, 2026. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MARCH 28, 2026):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2026, taught by Bob McGough. Writers today have lots of choices and options, but that doesn’t mean your publishing journey is an easy path to navigate. How are traditional publishing and self-publishing changing? What kind of writer is attractive to an agent currently? What is hybrid publishing? How will A.I. (artificial intelligence) hurt writers in the years to come? Which social media sites and publishing resources are worth the time and effort in 2026? All these questions, and more, will be addressed during the speech.
2. The Make-or-Break First 50 Pages: What Makes an Agent Continue to Read, taught by Danielle Marshall. In this practical session, we will break down exactly what signals professionalism, authority, and momentum in early pages—and what quietly undermines promising work. Writers will leave with concrete strategies to strengthen their opening pages, build immediate reader investment, and ensure their manuscript inspires confidence from the very first chapter.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. How to Add the Finish Polish to Your Manuscript, taught by Kristen Terrette. This workshop will cover more than 50 points for consideration before submitting to an agent, editor, or indie publisher, such as how to sharpen dialogue and prose, improving characterization, complicating plot, and much more.
2. How Writers Can Build a Network in the Publishing Industry, taught by Bob McGough. As a writer, there’s a part of an author’s career that no one talks about: talking! Learn how to build your network in ways even the most introverted can find comfortable. Make the most of this valuable tool, and use it to achieve your publishing goals.
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15
You have 85 minutes on your own to break and eat.
BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30
1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. (All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be novels or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.)
2. Rhyme Without the Rules: A Fresh Approach to Rhyming Picture Books, taught by Vicky Weber. Forget the stress of rigid poetic terms—this class makes rhyme easy, freeing, and fun. Learn a simple, intuitive method for mastering rhythm and meter without limiting your creativity. Plus, we’ll dive into when rhyme elevates a story—and when it holds you back. Perfect for writers who want their words to sing and sell!
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from ATLWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. Building Characters through World Building, taught by Bob McGough. Ready to build story worlds that spark debate, drive engagement, and live beyond the page? In this hands-on session, Jaimie Engle—Hollywood-signed screenwriter, bestselling author, and founder of Chapter Drops™—shares her proven framework for crafting character-driven worlds anchored in a single, powerful question. You’ll learn how to embed injustice into your world’s design, map out thematic journeys, and use tools like the Deck Slide and Forces Sheet to keep your story focused and resonant. Perfect for writers, educators, and creatives looking to build immersive worlds that matter—and market them with intention.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. Talking Plot and Structure: Story Beats and Why They Matter, taught by Zachary Steele. From the inciting incident to the finale, story beats are the foundation that makes your story work. Author and editor Zachary Steele walks you through each element, why they are important, and offers examples of popular works to show them in action.
2. Comparable Titles – Everything a Writer Should Know, taught by Laurie Dennison. Have you wondered why some agents ask for comparable titles? Join agent Laurie Dennison as she explains what comparable titles are, why they are important, and how you can identify the right combination to show off what makes your work unique.
5:00: The Day is Over
* * * * * * * * *
FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:
We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you 5 more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an In-Person Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Common First Pages Mistakes and How to Fix Them,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
- “6 Pillars of Well-Developed Characters,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
- “How to Fix It: The Art and Craft of Revision,” taught previously at the Writing Workshop of Chicago