Speakers for the 16th Annual Rochester Writers’ Conference
Fiction, Non Fiction, and Business Topics presented as Lectures, Workshops, and Panel Discussions. Featuring Michigan Authors, Speakers, Agents, and Educators.
- Saturday | October 28, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Held in the Oakland Center at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan
Keynote Speakers
Chip and Lisa St. Clair, the creative duo behind Kaleidoscope Entertainment, have been at the forefront of innovative storytelling and impactful content creation for over fifteen years. Their unique blend of creative, advocacy, and educational expertise drives their contribution to a diverse array of creative works. They have brought to life stories of the world’s most innovative thought-leaders and entrepreneurs, ghostwriting/editing over 40 bestselling books. Their collaborative talent extends to screenplays, including the Netflix hit 2 Hearts, which reached top 10 in the world in June 2023. Their collaborative success in writing was first recognized with their bestselling memoir, The Butterfly Garden.
Literary Agents
Linda S. Glaz spent thirteen years as an agent and author with Hartline Literary Agency, and once they shuttered their doors, she went out on her own at Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency. She’s an agent and understands authors because she is one. Married with three grown children, she also brags about six grands and two greats. Aw, they’re all great. And needless to say, she LOVES books. Always looking for that next wonderful All American best-selling novel. She handles nonfiction and fiction in both the Christian and general markets. No speculative fiction or children’s, however. www.lindasglaz.com
Carrie Howland has been a literary agent for nineteen years, founding Howland Literary, LLC in 2018. She represents a combination of adult literary and upmarket fiction as well as narrative and prescriptive nonfiction. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two-year-old son. In her spare time, she volunteers as a foster for a local dog rescue. www.howlandliterary.com
Conference Speakers
Survivor of one of the most compelling true stories of all time, Chip St. Clair moved with his family nearly thirty times all around the country. Upon learning his family’s dark secret in 1998, Chip never imagined that he would open up and share his story with the world. As a young boy and teenager, his escape was reading everything and anything that transported him far away from reality. In 2008, his memoir The Butterfly Garden: Surviving Childhood on the Run with One of America’s Most Wanted was released. People from all around the world reached out to share their own personal stories, and expressed their gratitude for his courage and determination. www.chipstclair.com
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Lisa St. Clair began her career as a young woman working in her family’s dental business prior to heading off to Michigan State University. Many twists and turns on life’s road provided Lisa a unique perspective that challenged her innermost values and beliefs; however, the seeds of compassion were planted in her very early on. Lisa and Chip will co-present at this year’s conference.
Brenda Hasse is a multi-award-winning author. She has published fiction and non-fiction novels through traditional and independent publishing. Her works entail various genres – romantic suspense, second chance romance, young adult historical romance, pre-teen fantasy, metaphysical/visionary, biography, local history, and picture books for children. Brenda is an active ‘volunteer employee’ at her local bookstore, where she has enriched her understanding of a retailer’s perspective of the business and the characteristics that increase a book’s chance of selling. She lives in Fenton, Michigan, with her husband, Charles, and her cats, Petey and Max. www.BrendaHasseBooks.com
Jennifer Baum is founder and publisher of Scribe Publishing Company, an award-winning small press located in Michigan. She is active within the Midwest Independent Publishers Association (MIPA) and served on MIPA’s executive board from 2015-2018. She is also the current chair of the Midwest Book Awards, presented by MIPA. For more information, visit www.scribe-publishing.com.
Lev Raphael is the author of the memoir My Germany, which took him all across the U.S and Germany on several different book tours. The author of twenty-six other books in many genres, he has taught memoir writing at Michigan State University, whose Special Collections has bought his current and future literary papers and updates the collection yearly. A former book reviewer for The Detroit Free Press and three Michigan radio stations, he currently edits, mentors, and coaches writers in nonfiction and fiction at www.writewithoutborders.com and offers free editorial consultations.
Award winning Detroit Author & Founder of Motown Writers, Sylvia Hubbard has independently published over 55 romance suspense books in the over 20 years she’s been in the literary business. As an avid blogger, podcaster, social media manager & digital strategist, Sylvia has received literary recognition for her literacy work, plus has had eight #1 Bestsellers. She is also a speaker, literary encouragement doula & busy mompreneur expert. www.sylviahubbard.com
Terry Hojnacki, author of I Can See With My Eyes Shut Tight, is an award-winning writer, editor, and founder of Sterling Script: A Local Author Collection. As a former teacher and coach, she enjoys sharing her experience to help others. Hojnacki facilitates the Creative Writers’ Workshop and serves on the Sterling Heights Public Library Board of Trustees. She is a board member of Detroit Working Writers and belongs to the Society of Chldrens’ Book Writers & Illustrators. When not lost in the world of words, she’s gardening, practicing Tai Chi, or cherishing time with family and friends. www.TerryHojnacki.com
Brenda Meller is a self-proclaimed “ambassador” of LinkedIn, national speaker, and the Chief Engagement Officer at Meller Marketing, which helps solopreneurs, business professionals, and job seekers enjoy a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. She’s a former corporate marketer who “GETS” LinkedIn. In January 2021, she published her first book, “Social Media Pie: How to Enjoy a Bigger Slice of LinkedIn” and produced an audiobook version in 2022. She launched her first podcast, “Enthusiastically Self-Employed” in 2023. Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn by clicking on MORE and including a note.
Sabrina Wagner writes sweet, sassy, sexy romance novels about stubborn alpha men and the strong women who bring them to their knees. Her stories include friendship, found family, witty banter, and second chances. She’s been featured in VoyageMichigan magazine and she is currently writing her fourteenth novel. Sabrina believes true friends should be treasured, the fire of affliction forges a woman’s strength, and everyone deserves a happy ending. She’s a hopeless romantic and knows all too well that life is full of twists and turns, but the bumpy road is what leads to our true destination. www.sabrinawagnerauthor.com
Panel Moderator
Lisa Howard is a freelance writer and editor who works with print magazines, online publications, individual businesses, and marketing firms. Her cookbooks, The Big Book of Healthy Cooking Oils and Healthier Gluten-Free, are available anywhere books are sold. Feel free to stop by www.TheCulturedCook.com any time to browse through Lisa’s recipes and culinary tidbits.
One Registration to attend the 2023 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.
Advanced Registration has ended. At the Door Registration is $190, in person only, on October 28, 2023. Second Floor of the Oakland Center. Check in 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Cash, Check, or Card.
>> Full Schedule at a Glance <<
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 (2200 N Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309). Use parking lot 1 (P1) and walk East for the shortest distance into the Oakland Center. The Oakland Center is positioned between the parking lot and the Clock Tower. Look for Bright Yellow Signs. The Oakland Center is #13 on the Campus Map.
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