PRESENTATIONS

THERE WILL BE TWO PRESENTATIONS EACH HOUR TO CHOOSE FROM

10:00 – 10:50

ATTENTION! Writing with ADHD - Lisa Van Orman Hadley – Young Special Events Room #201

Lisa Van Orman Hadley recently finished coediting an essay collection on writing with ADHD called Chaos, Creativity, Completion: New Approaches to ADHD (forthcoming from University of Chicago Press in March 2026). She’ll talk about how writing and ADHD inform each other and share some strategies and insights from her own ADHD writing life as well as some tips from the other authors who contributed to the collection.

10:00 – 10:50

Writing Your Way: Understanding what type of writer you are and how to be part of a writing group. – Shelley Powell – Bullock Room #309

Learn the difference between being a plotter or a “pantser” and why understanding that can help you on your writing journey. Also, enjoy a discussion about writing groups and how to keep a successful group going.

11:00 – 11:50

Bookstagrammers & BookTokers & BookTubers, Oh My! Working with online book Influencers and why you don’t need to fear! – J.A. Hemingway – Young Special Events #201

Learn how to strengthen your author brand on social media, what to look for in book influencers, and how to approach book influencers which can lead to powerful partnerships and boost your readership. 

11:00 – 11:50

Why Women’s Stories Matter: The Art and Heart of Upmarket Fiction – Joani Elliott – Bullock Room #309

Award-winning author Joani Elliot (The Audacity of Sara Grayson) invites readers and writers into the world of upmarket and book club fiction – where humor, heartbreak, and hope collide. In this engaging presentation, she explores why stories about women’s wmotional journeys matter, how they shape our understanding of ourselves, and why Utah is ready for more of its own authors to tell women’s stories with honesty, warmth, and depth.

12:00 – 12:50

All About Publishing – Tiana Smith, Erin Stewart, Samantha Hastings, and Aaron N. Hall – Young Special Events #201

A panel of authors will discuss all things publishing, from the writing and editing process to what it means when a book is indie vs traditionally published. They'll answer all your questions so you can get a glimpse behind the curtain and see how your favorite books go from ideas to the real deal. 

12:00 – 12:50

Designing Characters Readers Remember – Tara C. Allred – Bullock Room #309

Learn how to bring characters to life through a fun, interactive process. Using creative questionnaires and the seven universal human emotions, we’ll explore how personality traits, quirks, and body language can shape unforgettable characters that resonate with readers.