Rappahannock Writers Conference

Save the date!

When: Saturday, November 9, 2024
8:45 AM-4:30 PM

Where: Germanna Community College Fredericksburg Area Campus, Workforce and Technology Center

Thank you to Platinum Sponsor Germanna Community College for supporting the 2024 Rappahannock Writers’ Conference.

Other Sponsors:

How to Register

Registration is open.

To register from this page, click the images on the left. 


Important Notes about Registration
  • Registration for the in-person track does not require an email address, but providing your email is encouraged so you receive information prior to the conference and receive links to the recordings afterwards.
  • Registration for the virtual track MUST provide an email address in order to receive the live links for the conference day livestream and the link to the recordings and handouts.
  • A URL will be sent out the day before and day of the conference to all registrants. Recordings of in-person events will be available for a month after the conference to virtual and in-person attendees.

Friday Night Workshops

Friday, November 8, 6:00-8:00 PM at Howell Branch

Registration opens Friday, September 27.

With the addition of registration on the website, you must register for the First Five Pages session no later than October 18 by filling out this form. Space is limited.

To register from this page, click the image on the right. 


Schedule of Workshops

  • 6:00-6:15: Last minute registration (if there is space)
  • 6:15-7:00: Session 1 - Pick one of 4 or attend First Fives Pages session*
  • 7:00-7:15: Break/Mingle
  • 7:15-8:00: Session 2 - Pick one of 4 or attend First Fives Pages session*

Details on Friday Night Workshops

Drop down sections to see details on workshops.

Schedule for the Day of Conference

  • Lobby Registration: 8:15-8:45 AM
  • Welcome & Conference Introduction in Sealy Auditorium: 8:45-9:00 AM
  • Morning Keynote in Sealy Auditorium: 9:00-9:45 AM
  • Class Sessions I: 9:55-10:45 AM
  • Class Sessions II: 10:55-11:45 AM
  • Lunch and Networking: 11:45 AM-12:50 PM
  • Midday Address in Sealy Auditorium: 1:00-1:45 AM
  • Book Signings/Book Sales/Prize Drawings: 1:55-2:25 PM
  • Class Sessions III: 2:35-3:25 PM
  • Class Sessions IV: 3:35-4:25 PM
Teen Lounge in Room 131 all day: Conference attendees in middle or high school are invited to chill in our exclusive lounge, where you can meet other teen writers, chat about fanfic, or get feedback on your work.

Keynote Speaker

Morning Keynote (9:00-9:45 AM)

Brave Story Medicine™: Words that Change the World

Laura Di Franco, author and CEO of Brave Healer Productions


Laura Di Franco is the CEO of Brave Healer Productions, an award-winning publisher for holistic health and wellness professionals.

She spent thirty years in holistic physical therapy, is a third-degree black belt, and has authored thirteen books.

Her company has published over seventy-five Amazon-bestselling books with a global community of over two thousand authors who are waking the world up to what’s possible for healing, one brave word at a time.

Website: lauradifranco.com 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-di-franco-1b037a5

Class Sessions 1

9:55-10:45 AM

Drop down sections to see details on workshops. See presenter information below the conference details.

Class Sessions 2

10:55-11:45 AM

Drop down sections to see details on workshops. See presenter information below the conference details.

Keynote Speaker

Midday Keynote (1:00-1:45 PM)

Dare to Dream

John Gilstrap, New York Times Bestselling Author


John Gilstrap is the Thriller Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of over two dozen thrillers.

Prior to the beginning of his writing career, John served fifteen years in the fire and rescue service. Four of John’s books have been purchased or optioned for the Big Screen. In addition, he has written four screenplays for Hollywood, adapting the works of Nelson DeMille, Norman McLean, and Thomas Harris.

A frequent speaker at literary events, John also teaches seminars on suspense writing techniques at a wide variety of venues, from local libraries to the Smithsonian Institution. Outside of his writing life, John is a renowned safety expert with extensive knowledge of explosives, weapons systems, hazardous materials, and fire behavior.

John lives in Shepherdstown, WV.

Website: johngilstrap.com
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC51IaU8gG8fqH9zewW4cFKA
Facebook: facebook.com/johngilstrapauthor
X: x.com/JohnGilstrap201

 

Class Sessions 3

2:35-3:25 PM

Drop down sections to see details on workshops. See presenter information below the conference details.

Class Sessions 4

3:35-4:15 PM

Drop down sections to see details on workshops. See presenter information below the conference details.

Speaker Bios & Contact Information

Drop down alphabetized sections to see details on presenters. Click thumbnail images to see full photo.

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