18th Annual Rochester Writers’ Conference Overview
Fiction, Non Fiction, Craft, and Business Topics presented as Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions. Featuring Michigan Authors, Speakers, Agents, and Educators.
- Saturday | October 18, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Held in the Oakland Center at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan
Whether you’re starting your very first story, polishing your latest manuscript, or exploring new ways to share your words with the world, this is your day to connect, learn, and be inspired. The Rochester Writers’ Conference brings together writers, literary agents, and industry professionals for an energizing day filled with ideas, tools, and connections to fuel your writing journey. Come ready to discover fresh perspectives, strengthen your craft, and join a community that celebrates the power of words.
One Registration to attend the 2025 Fall Rochester Writers’ Conference. Includes keynote, breakout sessions, coffee, snacks, lunch, and parking. Check-in will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the first session 10:00 a.m. The conference will end by 5:00 p.m.
- AT THE DOOR REGISTRATION | Available ON SITE on October 18, 2025 | $200.00
There will be multiple breakout sessions throughout the day for attendees to select from to best fit their writing goals.
2025 Presentations:
- Mapping your Author Path (Keynote) – Join the publishing revolution by creating a path you love to follow (and succeed with).
- The Independent Middle-Grade Author – From Inspiration to Distribution – Inspiration, conception, completion, and distribution of independent middle-grade fiction.
- Flash Your Muse: Your P.A.T.H To Beating Writer’s Block – An engaging workshop that shows writers how to overcome creative slumps using prompts, deadlines, community, and smart tools.
- Write Smarter, Stay Private: Self-Hosted AI for Indie Authors – Guides authors in self-hosting ChatGPT-style AI tools using Ollama.
- Writing to Capture and Engage Your Reader – Techniques to emotionally and intellectually capture and engage your reader.
- Mining your Life for Story – Find inspiration for writing from the world around you-and your very own life.
- Self-Published Indie Author Panel – Q&A self-publishing session with three indie authors.
- Literary Agent Panel – Meet our literary agents with this engaging Q&A session.
- First Page Critiques – Authors anonymously share their story’s first page for group critique.
- Author Branding 101: Build a Lasting Impression – Author branding strategies to create a unique identity and stand out.
- LinkedIn 101 for Authors – Launch your LinkedIn presence and build business as an author.
2025 Speakers:
- Lynne Golodner (Keynote)
- David Stricklen
- Allison Spooner
- Linda S. Glaz (Literary Agent)
- Carrie Howland (Literary Agent)
- Dr. Stan Williams
- Donovan M. Neal
- Terry Hojnacki
- Sabrina Wagner
- Brenda Meller
One-on-One Appointments (add-on)
Literary Agent / Author Meetings
Our Literary Agents will host a panel discussion to start the day. And they will meet with attendees (as an add on). 15-minute appointments available for a $40 fee to registered attendees only. For Carrie Howland, please bring a query letter and the first 10-pages of your book. For Linda S. Glaz, please bring the first few pages of your book.
Story Structure Consultation
Dr. Stan Williams will offer one-on-one 15-minute appointments for a $40 fee to answer your questions about story structure, the moral premise, character motivations, conflict of values, research techniques, or to critique the first sentence of your novel, revise your story’s logline, provide feedback on a short synopsis of your story, or refine your one-minute elevator pitch. Please bring your discussion points in writing so you both can refer to something tangible and take notes.
Appointments will be made available after conference registration has been received starting in early October.
Attendees may bring a fully charged laptop or tablet. Although not necessary, a computer will enhance the experience with a hands-on feel. Use the hashtag: #RochesterWriters before, during and after the event in your posts, likes, and tweets.
Fresh hot coffee and tea available throughout the day. Light breakfast snacks and a full lunch included with registration. Please contact us if you have special dietary concerns. A charging station will be available for mobile devices in the registration area.
Attendees will be able to choose one presentation per session time at the conference. Schedule could change without notice – Rochester Writers reserves the right to add, subtract, or substitute any of the presentations and speakers. Thank you.
Please Note: All events take place in the Oakland Center of Oakland University (312 Meadow Brook Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326). Use the parking lot (P1) and walk East for the shortest distance into the Oakland Center. Use the Interactive Map to zoom in and view parking and building information. The Oakland Center is positioned between the parking lot and the Clock Tower. Look for Bright Yellow Signs. The Oakland Center on this Campus Map (zoom in for a better view).
Rochester Writers 