Speakers for the 18th Annual Rochester Writers’ Conference
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
Keynote Speaker
Lynne Golodner is the award-winning author of 12 books and hundreds of essays and articles. With an MFA in Poetry and a BA in journalism, Lynne has lived and written in New York, Washington, D.C., and Detroit and she now travels the world coaching writers and leading writing retreats. She is also a marketing entrepreneur (Your People LLC) and hybrid publisher (Scotia Road Books). Based in Huntington Woods, Lynne is the mother of four amazing young adults. www.LynneGolodner.com
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. And needless to say, she LOVES books and is always looking for that next wonderful All American best-selling novel. She handles nonfiction and fiction in both the Christian and general markets. However, no speculative fiction or children’s. 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
Dr. Stan Williams is a nationally recognized story consultant in Hollywood. He’s the author of three novels, four non-fiction books, and the editor of many others, including The Moral Premise: Harnessing Virtue and Vice for Box Office Success, which Will Smith calls the most important tool in his toolbox. Stan worked with Will on over a dozen projects. Stan’s live Storycraft Training workshop, delivered nationally, is now available as a 25-part webisode series online. Stan has a B.A. in Physics, an M.A. in Mass Communications, and a Ph.D. in Narrative Theory. www.StanWilliams.com
Donovan M. Neal is an Amazon bestselling indie author, best known for the Third Heaven series—a Christian fantasy epic about the fall of Lucifer. He’s published twenty books across fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels, with over 30,000 copies sold in thirteen countries. Donovan holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Walden University, is a former ordained minister, and an avid gamer. His upcoming series, Hutari, targets general fantasy readers. When not writing, he’s active in nonprofit work and church ministry. www.DonovanMNeal.com
Allison Spooner is the award-winning author of the Amazon Bestseller and #1 New Release, The Lost Girl: A Neverland Story, and the Amazon Hot New Release, The Things We Cannot Change: A Story about the Ghosts Created by Addiction, a fictionalized true story. She’s also published two collections of genre-crossing flash fiction, Flash in the Dark: A Collection of Flash Fiction and The Problem with Humans: And Other Stories, and has contributed to several horror and science fiction anthologies. www.AllisonSpoonerWriter.com
In a former life, David Stricklen was an airport police chief. After retiring, David went all in on his creative side with a series of award-winning paintings and sought-after middle grade books. He is a reviewer recommended author by Kirkus Review and has been featured in their monthly magazine. His latest book is on their 35 great indie books worth discovering list. His school visits and artwork are always filled with magic and creativity. www.BlackWaterPond.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’s a member of Detroit Working Writers and the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. When not lost in the world of words, she’s gardening, practicing Tai Chi, or cherishing time with family and friends. www.TerryHojnacki.com
Sabrina Wagner is an Amazon Top 100 bestseller. She writes sweet, sassy, sexy romance novels about stubborn men and the strong women who bring them to their knees. Her stories include found family, witty banter, second chances, and happy endings. Sabrina is a member of Greater Detroit Romance Writers and has been featured in VoyageMichigan magazine. It’s rare to find her without a book in her hand, a cat on her lap, or a Diet Coke at the ready. She’s a hopeless romantic who knows the bumpy road is what leads to our true destination. www.SabrinaWagnerAuthor.com
Brenda Meller is a self-proclaimed “ambassador” of LinkedIn, LinkedIn coach, national speaker, and the Chief Engagement Officer at Meller Marketing, where she helps the self-employed, executives, and corporate teams enjoy a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. She’s a former corporate marketer who “GETS” LinkedIn. Brenda is the author of the book, Social Media Pie: How to Enjoy a Bigger Slice of LinkedIn and host / producer of the podcast, Enthusiastically Self-Employed. www.MellerMarketing.com
One Registration to attend the Rochester Writers’ Fall 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.
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 