2024 WriterCon to unite writers from around the globe in OKC

The 2024 Writers Conference, “Sole Stories: Walking in the World of Words,” will be held August 30 through September 2 at the Renaissance Waterford Hotel in Oklahoma City.

Founded in 2008 by writer and WriterCon Conference host William Bernhardt, the organization aims to support and educate writers, while also fostering a vibrant writing community in Oklahoma. Bernhardt, who faced limited resources as a young aspiring writer, created WriterCon to ease the path for the next generation of Oklahoma writers.

“My goal is to make things a little easier for the next generation of Oklahomans who want to write,” Bernhardt said. “I firmly believe we have as much talent here as anywhere else—probably more. But we need to do more to nurture our artists, including writers. That’s what WriterCon is all about: building a network of people who support each other’s dreams and ambitions.”

This immersive three-day event will feature over 60 distinguished writers, agents, and publishers, all committed to supporting attendees at every stage of their writing journey—from emerging authors to seasoned professionals. With more than 80 sessions, the conference will cover a wide range of genres and aspects of the writing process.

Attendees will also hear from four special guest speakers: Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times Best-Selling author; Dan Martin, Head Game Writer of Star Trek: Resurgence; Kimberly Lemming, best-selling romantasy author; and renowned author Jamie Ogle.

WriterCon is carefully designed each year to meet the specific needs of its attendees, with breakout sessions tailored to support writers in achieving their goals.

This year’s theme, “Sole Stories,” will focus on the art of characterization. Attendees will explore how to see the world through their characters’ eyes, gaining insights to enhance their narratives, perspectives, and emotional depth.

The conference will also include roundtable discussions, offering attendees the chance to ask questions directly to industry experts. For an additional fee, participants can take advantage of private consultations, post-conference audio recordings, an author expo, and unlimited contest entries.

On Monday, the conference will offer a series of 3-hour MasterClasses, each priced at $99. These sessions provide in-depth knowledge and perks such as private consultations, manuscript reviews, Open Mic Night, karaoke, and small group meals with speakers.

This year’s MasterClasses include “Don’t Mistake Plot for ‘Stuff Happens’” and “Begin with the Beginning: Analyzing the First Pages of the First Three Chapters,” both led by Aprilynne Pike; “Crafting Your Author Brand: A Story Beyond Books” with Zealot Branding; “Stepping into the Spotlight: Public Speaking for Writers” with Betsey Kulakowski and JB Caine; “Starting From Scratch: Building Your Author Podcast from the Ground Up” with Emily Brooks and Jon Meyers of Write Better Together; and “Scriptwriting” with Bob Saenz.

Registration is currently open with three package options. The Basic Package includes admission to all weekend sessions, pitching opportunities, consultations, a gift package, and a professional photograph. The Premium Package adds an extra private consultation with an author of your choice. The Superstar Package combines the features of both the Basic and Premium packages, plus a manuscript review by an author of your choice and a one-year subscription to WriterCon Magazine.

WriterCon has grown significantly since its inception. Bernhardt noted that the conference now attracts participants not only from Oklahoma City but from across the country and around the world. This year, one exhibitor is even traveling from New Zealand.

“This is my 17th writers conference, and it has been exciting to watch it grow from a small startup to one of the biggest and best conferences in the country,” Bernhardt said. “Thanks to great word-of-mouth and the WriterCon podcast, which reaches everywhere, we’re having our biggest and best year yet.”