LACon
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Dark Academia: More Than the Aesthetic
252AB (ACC North),10:30 PT
Aparna Verma, BenTalksBooks (moderator), E. J. Wenstrom, Katie Wu, Leigh Bardugo
Hallowed school halls, pleated skirts, tea, murder: is the mere aesthetic of academia enough, or must the story engage with certain themes and tropes to truly be considered dark academia? If so, which tropes and themes? Join this inclusive group of authors as they discuss the hallmarks of this dynamic sub-genre and where, if at all, subversion and reinterpretation come into play.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Author Branding for Introverts and Imposters
254 (ACC North), 10:30 PT, Andrea Stewart, Andrew Rubin, Dennis K. Crosby (moderator), E. J. Wenstrom, Robin Hobb
Whether traditionally published, indie published, or self published, every author is expected to do a tremendous amount of the lifting required to successfully promote their own books. For many authors, especially those of us who are introverts or struggle with imposter syndrome, this part of the job stirs up a lot of emotion. This session will explore how to build your own brand as an author and how to harness the power of enthusiasm to bypass the imposter syndrome and prioritize your own self-care as you find your audience.
Social Media and the Writer--2026
253B (ACC North), 12:00 PT
Andrew Givler, Claire E. Jones, E. J. Wenstrom, John Scalzi, KC Grifant (moderator)
The panel of creatives of writers will discuss the pros and cons of social media. What is your social media presence for? How do you decide which platform and what are the best ways to choose social media?
Harrisburg Comic Con
Starting in 2016 Four State Comic-Con has been offering a convention to celebrate all things comics, anime, games, sci-fi, movies, and pop culture! Usually held 2 times a year in Hagerstown, MD we have decided to change locations for our fall event. Find E.J. in the Expo Hall!
Hershey Comic Con
Come for a day full of celebrities, special guests, vendors, comic book creators, and more! Door Prizes, Cosplay, and additional events will occupy the day with lots to do! Find E.J. in the Expo Hall.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
The Gaithersburg Book Festival is an annual celebration of books, writers and literary excellence.
Books in Bloom
Books in Bloom is more than a book festival, is a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the power of storytelling to unite generations and cultures. This free event invites families and book lovers of all ages to revel in a day filled with captivating readings, interactive activities, and engaging discussions. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just looking for a day of family fun, Books in Bloom promises a unique way to experience it all.
Awesome Con
A 3-Day celebration of geek culture, bringing over 65,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, TV, toys, games, and more! Find E. J. in Author’s Alley.
Fairfax Comic Con
The premier comic con event of Fairfax, VA! Find E. J. in the Expo Hall.
Imaginarium Book Festival
Imaginarium Book Festival was founded in 2018 by two authors who seek to spotlight books and writers in the SFF, speculative fiction, and paranormal genres — realms of escapism. The festival is hosted annually in Washington, DC, welcoming over 80 bestselling authors and hundreds of fans.
GalaxyCon Richmond
GalaxyCon Richmond is a a 3-Day FESTIVAL OF FANDOM with celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors, cosplayers, entertainers, creators, wrestlers, fan groups, panelists, and PEOPLE LIKE YOU! Join fans from across the galaxy and celebrate Comic Books, Pop Culture, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, and more!
Find E. J. in Artists Alley.
Awesome Con
A 3-day celebration of geek culture, bringing over 70,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, tv, toys, games, and more! Find E. J. Wenstrom in Authors’ Alley.
New York Comic Con
The East Coast's largest pop culture convention and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City.
Find E. J. at the City Owl Press booth in the Expo Hall - stay tuned for scheduling & events!
James River Writers Conferene
An annual gathering in Richmond, Virginia, that attracts prize-winning authors and poets as well as highly regarded editors and literary agents from around the country to share their wisdom about writing and publishing.
Literary Hill Book Fest
This year, the BookFest is moving to the fall. Come join us from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 17th, as we celebrate the vibrant literary culture of Capitol Hill at our “home” in D.C.’s historic Eastern Market! Meet some of your favorite authors of fiction, history, memoir, poetry, children’s literature, politics, mystery and more.
Let's Write a Novel!
You have a story in you, and you're ready to write it. But where do you start? Writing a novel is a vast undertaking, full of challenges. In this workshop, we'll explore common methods successful authors use to plan their plots, develop their characters, and navigate roadblocks. You'll leave with the confidence and tools to manage the writing process from concept to completed first draft.
Pittsburgh Writing Workshop
This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of two days, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more.
Saturday, Aug. 5, 9:30 – 10:30am ET: Create, Build, and Improve Your Author Website
Join Author E.J. Wenstrom for a hands-on workshop to create a basic author website and begin building your readership. Together, we will consider the pros and cons of different website service options and review the fundamentals of websites. This workshop will focus on what to put on your website — from what goes on a home page, to what subpages you need, and what add-ons to consider. If you have an established website, the class will also provide instruction on optimizing your site and getting more attention.
Worldbuilding for Speculative Fiction
Award-winning author E.J. Wenstrom will share approaches to create a fictional world and share it on the page, as well as lessons learned about how to track important details while you draft.
This is a digital event hosted by the Orange County Library System. More details here.
Awesome Con
A 3-Day celebration of geek culture, bringing over 70,000 fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, tv, toys, games, and more!
Create Your Author Website
Join Author E. J. Wenstrom for a hands-on workshop to create a basic author website and begin building your readership. Together, we will consider the pros and cons of different website service options and review the fundamentals of websites. This workshop will focus on what to put on your website, from what goes on a home page, to what subpages you need, and what add-ons to consider.
Tennesee Writing Workshop
This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on June 2-3, 2023. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “Tennessee” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually.
10 Questions You Can Use to Bust Writers Block, Friday June 2, 1:15-2:30pm ET
Writer’s block happens, but with these questions, you can turn it into an opportunity instead of a setback, This presentation will prepare writers to knock out writers block and uncover fresh ideas for their stories.
Florida Writing Workshop (Virtual)
This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on May 12-13, 2023. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.
Sat. May 13, 10:45 – 11:45: Publishing Paths: The Pros and Cons of Traditional, Small and Self-Publishing, taught by E.J. Wenstrom. Today’s authors have many different publishing paths to choose from! From the Big 5 publishers to going it alone with self publishing, and everything in between, this workshop will discuss the pros and cons of each option so that authors can make informed choices about how to build their author career. Learn the ins and outs and all options so you can make the best decision for each of your books.
Publishing Paths: The Pros and Cons of Traditional, Small and Self-Publishing
Today's authors have many different publishing paths to choose from! From the Big 5 publishers to going it alone with self publishing, and everything in between, this workshop will discuss the pros and cons of each option so that authors can make informed choices about how to build their author career.
Conversations & Connections Writers Conference
Conversations and Connections is a one-day conference organized by Barrelhouse in person at American University in Washington, DC on April 15, 2023.
Publishing Paths: The Pros and Cons of Traditional, Small and Self-Publishing, with E. J. Wenstrom
Today's authors have many different publishing paths to choose from! From the Big 5 publishers to going it alone with self publishing, and everything in between, this workshop will discuss the pros and cons of each option so that authors can make informed choices about how to build their author career.
Writers Digest Conference
Writer's Digest Annual Conference offers everything you need to advance your writing career creatively and professionally.
Signing at Cupboardmaker Books
Science fiction & fantasy authors EJ Wenstrom, Megan Lynch, L. Ryan Storms, Ralph Walker, and Ron Delaney will be signing their fantasy books.
#5amWritersClub Virtual Donut Party: Return to Live Conferences
A discussion about putting yourself out there as an author, both before and after publication. We will share some lessons learned from recent adventures at ThrillerFest, AwesomeCon and other author events. For this discussion we will have a panel of authors who have recently attended various conferences and events in person. These individuals are all at different stages of their writing career and will be able to give a wide breadth of experiences.
Orlando Library Writers Workshop
Most writers experience writer’s block at some point in their careers. Author EJ Wenstrom will introduce ten questions to help you beat the block.
Writer’s block happens, but with these questions, you can turn it into an opportunity instead of a setback. This presentation will prepare writers to knock out writers block and uncover fresh ideas for their stories. During this talk you will learn how creative thought functions and what causes writer’s block; insights into how to reduce and break through writer’s block; and specific examples of questions that can help a writer break through a block and tap into creative flow again.
This is a Virtual Event hosted through Zoom. You will receive an email with a link to access the Zoom room before the event from your event host.
DC Library Writers Workshop
10 Questions to Break Through Writers Block
Writer’s block happens, but with these questions, you can turn it into an opportunity instead of a setback, This presentation will prepare writers to knock out writers block and uncover fresh ideas for their stories. During this talk you will learn how creative thought functions and what causes writer’s block; insights into how to reduce and break through writer’s block; and specific examples of questions that can help a writer break through a block and tap into creative flow again.
Departures Tour: Baltimore Science Fiction Society
Join me for a chat and reading from Departures with the Baltimore Science Fiction Society during their monthly gathering!
North Carolina Writers Workshop
A day full of classes and advice designed to give writers the best instruction concerning how to get their writing & books published.
Departures Tour: Science Fiction Association of Bergen County
Meet author E J Wenstrom at the monthly General Meeting of the Association. Ms Wenstrom is the author of three fantasy novels and a smattering of shorter works. Her first science fiction novel, Departures, was released earlier this year.