2026 Schedule Sneak Peek
Friday, June 19
Afternoon: Writing Workshops - Session 1
Evening: Book Fest Reception
Saturday, June 20
Morning: Writing Workshops - Session 2
Afternoon: Writing Workshops - Session 3
Sunday, June 21 - Friday, June 26
Author meet/greet events at businesses throughout downtown Janesville
Saturday, June 27
HPL Book Fest Author Fair at Janesville Farmers Market
Special Guest Author: Maggie Ginsberg
FRIENDS OF HPL AUTHOR RECEPTION
Friday, June 20, 5:30 p.m.
PROGRAM ROOM
Enjoy appetizers and cash bar followed by a book sale and signing and a discussion of Maggie's novel Still True.
Free and open to the public. Registration required.
Visit maggieginsberg.com to learn more about Maggie.
Writing Workshops
SESSION I: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Crafting Unforgettable Characters
Presented by Kristin Oakley
PROGRAM ROOM
Examine some remarkable characters in literature and then run through a series of exercises to explore your protagonist’s physical and psychological attributes, strengths, weaknesses (including the fatal flaw), desires, and overriding goal.
REGISTER
Everything You Need to Get Started
Presented by Ken Brosky
FIREPLACE ROOM
Learn the most important elements of storytelling and multiple approaches to plot so your first draft flows smoothly.
REGISTER
Create Your Own Comics
Presented by CJ Standal
LAB 316
Learn how to create your own comics, including tips on publishing, self-publishing, marketing and distribution.
REGISTER
Illuminating the Truth
Presented by Jacqueline Houtman
WOODRUFF ROOM
Learn techniques you can use to shine a light on the truth of your stories, no matter what the genre or target audience, including narrative structure and organization, theme and focus, revision and editing for clarity and accessibility.
REGISTER
SESSION II: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Bringing Your Manuscript to Port: Navigating the Varied Channels to Book Publication
Presented by Peggy Joque Williams, Christine DeSmet, Kristin Oakley, and Kenneth Humphrey
PROGRAM ROOM
Discuss the variety of channels (traditional, indie press, self-pub, and hybrid publishers) available to authors to get their books into print, as well as the pros and cons of the various publication channels. Hear the panel’s personal publication experiences, with the overarching message that there is no one right path to publication.
Plotting the Bones of Your Story
Presented by Sarah J. Mendonca
LAB 316
Learn about crafting a core plot idea, key plot beats, and the importance of meeting genre expectations. From character, setting, and voice, there are many parts that work together to create the body of your story. Unfortunately, that can all fall apart if you don’t have a strong plot to hold it all up.
REGISTER
Down the Rabbit Hole: Research for Writers
Presented by Terri Karsten
WOODRUFF ROOM
Sometimes, 'write what you know' is not enough. Sometimes, writers need to find answers for what they don't know but need to learn to complete their story. This session, geared toward writers of both fiction and non-fiction, will provide practical suggestions, including information about different kinds of research (primary, secondary, experiential) and tips on how to find and use each type. Guidelines for how to judge the quality of information, and several good sources will also be shared.
REGISTER
10 WAYS I GOT UNSTUCK
Saturday, June 21, 12:30-2 p.m.
PROGRAM ROOM
Every polished page of writing represents a dozen barriers that could have kept the words from landing on the page. Learn Maggie’s process and discuss 10 different challenges she struggled through and overcame. Walk away with tips, tools, strategies and samples by other writers on everything from craft to time management to publishing.
Registration is recommended but not required.