1 SAGA Genre Fiction Writers’ Conference
Produced by independent press Falstaff Books, this event launched in 2020 and focuses on writers of commercial fiction—thrillers, mysteries, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and romance.
March 10–12, 2023. Winston-Salem Marriott in Winston-Salem, N.C. $200. “We are one of very few writers’ conferences focused on commercial and genre fiction,” says Publisher John G. Hartness. “While we have a strong craft track, 150. Jonathan Maberry is the guest of honor. Additional faculty include A.J. Hartley, Chris Kennedy, Michael Mammay, Gail Z. Martin, and more. In a small and informal gathering, they offer two tracks of learning—one focused on craft, and one focused on business. The craft side will focus on character development, world-building, pacing, and structure; the business side will have workshops on choosing a path to publication, polishing submissions, queries, synopses, taxes for creatives, as well as a workshop on working with cover artists and graphic designers for books and marketing materials. Face-time with faculty is available whenever they aren’t teaching. The Old Salem area of the host city gives visitors a chance to explore life in Colonial America, getting a taste of 18th-century life in America.
