- Dynamic, youth-friendly writing workshops led by published authors, editors, and award-winning writers
- Recognition of FWA youth member literary excellence with a celebration of youth winners from the Royal Palm Literary Awards and the FWA Collection
- Lunch with allergy-friendly and dietary-conscious options available
- A supportive space to connect with fellow young writers and build confidence in their creative voice
Event Schedule
- All events will take place in the Royal Palm Ballroom.
- Each workshop will be 45 minutes with a 15-minute Q&A.
- Schedule is subject to change without notice.
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM Check-in & Badge Pickup (Royal Palm Foyer)
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Event Welcome : The Florida Writers Association Youth Program Chairperson, Michael Farrell, welcomes attendees to the NextGen Writers Experience and shares what’s in store for the day, as well as how to make the best of the Youth Program’s benefits.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Jamie Poissant, Writer & Editor of the Florida Review
Inhabiting Your Character through their Eyes
Telling a story is about more than showing versus telling, it’s about living in your viewpoint character’s skin and letting the reader see out your eyes. Attendees will explore craft tips and study examples that meld character with setting, voice, and mood.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Jenifer Paquette, Fantasy & Romantasy Author
Worldbuilding 101: An Organized Approach
Tackling everything from creation myths and cultural practices to building relationships and measuring time, this worldbuilding course has the questions and activities to help attendees craft a believable world for their story.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Special Honor for NextGen Collection & RPLA Finalists
Selected NextGen writers will have their work recognized and celebrated as they read an excerpt of their work live.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
NextGen Awards Luncheon
Celebrate our NextGen Royal Palm Literary Awards Winners and great writing as they receive awards, including the NextGen Writing Excellence Award.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Vic DiGenti, Writer & Ghostwriter
What Writers Can Learn from Pixar
Four guiding principles and 22 Rules of Writing have guided Pixar Studios in creating classic films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Up. In this workshop, award-winning author and ghostwriter Vic DiGenti examines these rules and principles to demonstrate how they can help attendees become better writers.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sylvia Whitman, Writer & Faculty Member at Ringling College
Behind the Editor's Desk at a Literary Magazine
Sylvia shares what goes on behind the scenes at Shift: A Journal of Literary Oddities as well as their thinking about what constitutes good prose, good poetry, and best practices among writers and editors who care deeply about words and stories.
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Wrap-up, Photo Op, and Farewell
We’ll wrap up the day with pictures and goodbyes as the event comes to a close.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Literary Voices
As part of the experience, we’ll honor the youth winners of the Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) and those selected for The Florida Writers Association Collection anthology — recognizing the extraordinary talent emerging from classrooms and writing desks across the state.
Why Parents, Educators, & Young Writers Love This Program
- Enriching and relevant: Workshops focus on creative thinking, critical reading, communication, and self-expression.
- Community-building: Young writers connect with peers who share their passions — often forming friendships or writing partnerships.
- Career exposure: Young writers gain insights into real-world paths in writing, publishing, and the literary arts, as well as experiencing what it’s like to attend a professional conference.
- Confidence-boosting: Being part of a professional conference environment affirms young writers’ identity as a writer.
