NextGen Writers Experience
Friday, October 23, 2026 | Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs
An inspiring, enriching day for young writers. If you know a young person who lights up when they tell a story, fill notebooks with poetry or prose, or dream of becoming an author, the NextGen Writers Experience is a great opportunity to nurture that spark.
Held as part of Florida WritersCon 2026, this special daylong program invites young people (ages 9-17) to explore the art and craft of writing in a supportive, creative, and age-appropriate environment.
It’s a chance to learn from real-world professionals, connect with like-minded peers, and be celebrated for their talent.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
- Badge Pickup: 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
- Events: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
- Location: Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, Royal Palm Ballroom
- Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and light snacks
- Fee: $95.
Who can register to attend?
Registrants must be young writers between the ages of 9-17 years old. Attending parents, guardians, chaperones, and teachers must be registered as paid guests. Florida Writers Association Youth (FWAY) membership is not required, but highly encouraged! Learn more about being an FWAY member here.
- Space is limited • No onsite registration
- Registration closes 9/30/2026
- Refund policy. Last day for refunds 9/23/2026
What's Included
- Hands-on, youth-friendly writing workshops led by published authors and educators
- Recognition of FWA youth member literary excellence with a celebration of youth winners from the FWA Collection
- Breakfast, lunch, and light snacks provided
- A supportive space to connect with fellow young writers and build confidence in their creative voice
Event Schedule
- 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
Michael Farrell, Youth Program Chairperson
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
Lynn Van Meter. Author & Literacy Advocate
Young Writers Connect : Start the day off meeting other young writers! Attendees will participate in guided activities designed to encourage authentic connection and inspire a sense of fun.
 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Arielle Haughee, Children’s Author and Publisher
Workshop description coming soon!
 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
Special Honor for NextGen Collection Contributors
Selected NextGen writers will have their work recognized and celebrated!
12:00 PM–1:00 PM: Lunch
Attendees will enjoy lunch and connecting with their peers.
 1:00 PM –3:00 PM
Nancy Bethea, Educator and Author
Character Junk Yard: In this highly tactile workshop, young writers construct complex characters from the ground up using everyday items. Participants select a single, mystery object from a curated "junk yard," such as an old padlock or a blank postcard. Writers then figure out why the object is crucial to their character. This exercise forces writers to think deeply about physical details and backstories. Participants will hone their ability to build rich character backstories from physical props, and write scenes showing how characters reveal personality through interaction with objects.
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.
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.
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