BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//jEvents 2.0 for Joomla//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT UID:25a8ee933248c008dcf7ec1fa0636d72 CATEGORIES:Cirque du Livre CREATED:20251110T213009 SUMMARY:Sonoran Writers Conference DESCRIPTION:Discover a day devoted entirely to your craft at the Sonoran Writers Confer ence, a premier gathering for writers ready to elevate their storytelling, publishing knowledge, and creative confidence. Held in the heart of beautif ul Mesa, this one-day event brings together award-winning authors, industry professionals, editors, and passionate creatives for an inspiring, high-im pact literary experience.\nWhether you’re polishing your first manuscript, building your author platform, exploring indie publishing, or honing advanc ed craft skills, the Sonoran Writers Conference offers dynamic sessions tha t meet you where you are and help you grow. Engage with expert-led panels, hands-on workshops, roundtable conversations, and meaningful networking opp ortunities that connect you directly with fellow writers and publishing pro s.\nYou’ll walk away with:• Actionable strategies for improving your writin g and navigating the publishing world• Professional insights that clarify y our next steps as an author• New connections with writers who share your pa ssion• Motivation and momentum to finish your project—or start your next on e\nThe conference is crafted to be welcoming, energizing, and deeply suppor tive of the writing journey. If you're looking for a place to learn, to lev el up, or simply to reignite your creativity, this event was built for you. \nJoin us for a transformative day of storytelling, community, and inspirat ion.Your next chapter begins at the Sonoran Writers Conference.\nDate & Time\n - The conference is one day, Saturday, May 9, 2026.\n - The Confere nce is located at Benedictine University, 225 E Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201 RegistrationEarly Registration is $69 (Before Feb 15, 2026)\nRegular Regist ration is $79 (February 16, 2026-April 17, 2026)\nLate Registration is $89 (April 18-May 4, 2026)\nOn site Registration day of  is $99\n (index.php/re gistration)\nAgenda Summary\n - Check In begins at 7:30am\n - Opening Keyno te at 8:00am\n - Concurrent panel schedule begins at 8:30am\n - Last panels start at 4:00pm\n - Event Concludes at 5:00pm2026 Keynote: Welcome:\n\n To ri Eldridge is the bestselling author of KAUA‘I STORM and HAWAI‘I RAGE (Ran ger Makalani Pahukula Mysteries), the standalone novel DANCE AMONG THE FLAM ES, and the acclaimed Lily Wong ninja thrillers—THE NINJA DAUGHTER, THE NIN JA’S BLADE, THE NINJA BETRAYED, and THE NINJA’S OATH. Her work has earned n ominations for Anthony, Lefty, and Macavity Awards, and won the 2021 Crimso n Scribe Award for Best Book of the Year. Tori was born and raised in Honol ulu—of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Norwegian descent. After living in New York a nd Los Angeles, she now resides in Portland, Oregon, where she helps to car e for her grandchildren and is writing her next book. Before writing, Tori performed on Broadway, television, and film. She also holds a 5th degree bl ack belt in To-Shin Do ninja martial arts. \nWelcome GBS BooksGBS Books (Ga rdner’s Book Service), a family owned business since 1983, is dedicated to meeting the needs of schools and educators. We consistently provide a great selection of books and materials at quantity discount prices and deliver t hem with superior customer service.\nGBS Books will be handling sales for a ll of our presenters and special guests for the day.\nhttps://gbsbooks.com/ (https://gbsbooks.com/)\n \nWelcome To Sisters in Crime\nDesert Sleuths Ch apterJoin us in welcoming our 2025 Programming Partner, the Sisters in Crim e Desert Sleuths Chapter! They and their authors will be all over the site that day to make sure you are finding the best programming no matter WHAT g enre you write in.\nhttps://desertsleuths.com (https://desertsleuths.com)\n Welcome To Publisher Brick Cave MediaPublishing Science Fiction, Fantasy an d Poetry in Mesa for almost 20 years, Brick Cave is one of the leading smal l press' in Arizona. AND, as part of the day, you can schedule session to p itch YOUR manuscript.\nhttps://brickcave.media (https://brickcave.media)\n  \nAnd MoreWe have so much more planned for this great day, so make sure you get registered right away to hold your place for the big day!\n X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Discover a day devoted entirely to your craft at the Sonoran Writers C onference, a premier gathering for writers ready to elevate their storytelling, publishing knowledge, and creative confidence. Held in the he art of beautiful Mesa, this one-day event brings together award-winning authors, indus try professionals, editors, and passionate creatives for an inspiring, high -impact literary experience.

Whether you’re polishing your first manuscript, building your author platform, exp loring indie publishing, or honing advanced craft skills, the Sonoran Write rs Conference offers dynamic sessions that meet you where you are and help you grow. Engage with expert-led panels, hands-on workshops, roundtable con versations, and meaningful networking opportunities that connect you direct ly with fellow writers and publishing pros.

You’ll walk away with:
•&nb sp;Actionable strategies  for improving your writing and navigating the publishing world
• Professional insights that clarify your next steps as an author
• New connections with writers who share your passion
• Motivation and momentum to finish your project—or start your next one

The conference is crafted to be welcoming, energizing, and deeply supporti ve of the writing journey. If you're looking for a place to learn, to level up, or simply to reignite your creativity, this event was built for you.

Join us for a transformative day of storytelling, community, and inspiration.
Your next chapter begins at the Sonoran Writers Conference.

Date & Time

Registration

Early Registration is $69 (Before Feb 15, 202 6)
Regular Registration is $79 (February 16, 2026-April 17, 2026)
Late Registration is $89 (April 18-May 4, 2026)

On site Registration day of  is $99

Register for the Anthology Wri ters Conference

Agenda Summary

< ul>
  • Check In begins at 7:30am
  • Opening Keynote at 8:00am
  • Concurrent panel schedule begins at 8:30am
  • Last panels start at 4:0 0pm
  • Event Concludes at 5:00pm

    • 2026 Keynote: 

    Welcome:

    Tori Eldridge

     Tori Eldridge is the bestselling author o f KAUA‘I STORM and HAWAI‘I RAGE (Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mysteries), the s tandalone novel DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES, and the acclaimed Lily Wong ninja t hrillers—THE NINJA DAUGHTER, THE NINJA’S BLADE, THE NINJA BETRAYED, and THE NINJA’S OATH. Her work has earned nominations for Anthony, Lefty, and Maca vity Awards, and won the 2021 Crimson Scribe Award for Best Book of the Yea r. Tori was born and raised in Honolulu—of Hawaiian, Chinese, and Norwegian descent. After living in New York and Los Angeles, she now resides in Port land, Oregon, where she helps to care for her grandchildren and is writing her next book. Before writing, Tori performed on Broadway, television, and film. She also holds a 5th degree black belt in To-Shin Do ninja martial ar ts. 

    Welcome GBS Books

    GBS Books (Gardner’s Book Service), a family owned business since 1983, is dedicated to meeting the needs of schools and educators. We consistently provide a great select ion of books and materials at quantity discount prices and deliver them wit h superior customer service.

    GBS Books will be handling sales for all of our presenters and special guests for the day.

    https://gbsbooks.com/

    < hr />

     

    Welcome To Sisters in Crime
    Desert Sleuths Chapt er

    Join us in welcoming our 2025 Programming Partner, the Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths Chapter! They and their authors will be all over the site that day to make sure you are finding the best programming no matter W HAT genre you write in.

    https://desertsleuths.com

    Welcome To Publisher Brick Cave Media

    Publishing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Poetry in Mesa for almost 20 years, Brick Cave is one of the leading small press' in Arizona. AND, as part of the day, you can schedule session to pit ch YOUR manuscript.

    https://brickcave.media

     

    And M ore

    We have so much more planned for this great day, so make sure yo u get registered right away to hold your place for the big day!

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