Welcome to our gathering for authors and literary enthusiasts alike!
As an author, the path to success can be a daunting and often solitary journey. That's why we're thrilled to invite you to Orlando Reads Books, where you'll connect with like-minded individuals and experts in the field.
Our convention offers an immersive experience that will inspire, inform, and empower you to take your writing career to the next level.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our convention is the perfect platform for you to learn from seasoned professionals, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights that will help you succeed in this ever-changing industry.
Join us and embark on a transformative journey that will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in the world of writing.
All authors attending the conference will ALSO get a digital pass to view recorded workshops available 2 weeks after the conference.
Thursday October 9, 2025
9 a.m.
RM 1 Dark and Taboo Romance - Nikki Rome
Come join Nikki Rome, a USA Today Best Selling Romance Author who specializes in the spicy stories we have all grown to love as she discusses the basics of Dark and Taboo romance from the ground up.
No experience? No problem!
Nikki will cover the ins and outs of these growing genres to give you the confidence to move forward into a new, wide audience of enthusiastic readers.
RM 2 Build Your 30 Day Content Calendar. Mandie Stevens
In this workshop, we're diving into AMPGPT—the Author Marketing Plan GPT—a powerful AI tool built specifically for indie authors who are tired of guessing what to do next in their marketing. This isn't just another chatbot. It's like having a strategic partner that helps you map out launches, promotions, content plans, and weekly tasks based on your goals and your genre. Whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in your author career, AMPGPT is designed to take the chaos out of marketing and replace it with clarity and momentum. We're going to explore how to use it, how to make it your own, and how it can help you actually do the things that move the needle.
10 a.m.
RM 1 Writing Diverse Characters - LE Perez
Diversity can sometimes get a bad rep. Diverse characters can open your writing to a wider audience. Not enough? It can also help sharpen and expand your writing chops. This session will provide you with reasons why and specific tools for writing those diverse characters and stories.
RM 2 Stop Wasting Money on Ads: Build Your First High-Performing Facebook Campaign - Bonnie Paulson
Feeling lost in the Facebook Ads Manager? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to create your first campaign that actually works—without overspending or guesswork. We’ll focus on:
Choosing the right campaign objective for your goals
Setting up targeting that reaches the right audience
Structuring your ad for maximum clicks and conversions
By the end of this class, you’ll have a fully built campaign ready to launch and a clear system for scaling it.
11a.m.
RM 1 Launching a new pen name 2025 - April L. Moon
Are you considering a change of gears into a new genre, with a new pen name? No audience or mailing list? No problem. In this session we'll discuss how to prepare, what to plan, and how to launch with impact, all while building a book-first audience.
RM 2 From Click to Customer: Your First Profitable Funnel in One Workshop - Bonnie Paulson
Are your visitors leaving without buying? This workshop will teach you how to create a simple, step-by-step sales funnel that turns traffic into paying customers. You’ll learn how to:
Map the customer journey from first click to purchase
Capture leads effectively without feeling salesy
Set up a funnel that works on autopilot
By the end, you’ll walk away with a funnel blueprint you can implement immediately and start generating results.
12 - 1:45 LUNCH On your own
2:00 p.m.
RM 1 - Networking for Introverts - Tia Marlee
Are you an introverted author looking to enhance your networking skills and expand your professional circle? In this interactive session, we'll explore practical strategies and techniques to navigate networking events and build meaningful connections with fellow authors. Discover ways to make networking less overwhelming and more rewarding.
RM 2 - Unlock the Secrets to Superior Plot Twists: - Jessie Cal
This course will teach you how to strategically place your twists to keep your readers guessing and engaged. You'll learn how to skillfully employ symbolism and irony to add layers of depth to your plot, leaving your readers with an unforgettable experience. With these techniques, you'll be able to craft gripping stories that will leave your audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages long into the night.
3:00 p.m.
RM 1 - Pitching Yourself as an Author: LE PEREZ
“So, what do you write?” Never have 5 words instilled so much fear in the heart of an author. Do you know what to say? How to sell yourself and your work? In this session you will learn and put into practice how to pitch yourself in 90 seconds or less.
RM 2 - Your Novel’s First Chapter: Hook the Reader and Set the Scene - Kerry Evelyn
Hook readers from page one! Learn 10 must-haves for first chapters that captivate,plus pro tips for character depth, pacing, emotional connection, and creating a story promise that keeps pages turning long past bedtime. Editing checklist included.
Friday October 11
9:00am
RM 1 - We’re Not In Kansas Anymore: World Building Basics - Kelle Z Riley
The world your characters inhabit can be as much a part of the story as the characters themselves. Learn to effectively use the writer’s toolbox to build believable, enticing worlds, whether your story takes place in the suburb next door or the dark underworld of an alternate universe. Examples will show how setting can enhance everything from characterization to plotting.
RM 2 - Unlock the Secrets to Superior Plot Twists: - Jessie Cal
This course will teach you how to strategically place your twists to keep your readers guessing and engaged. You'll learn how to skillfully employ symbolism and irony to add layers of depth to your plot, leaving your readers with an unforgettable experience. With these techniques, you'll be able to craft gripping stories that will leave your audience on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages long into the night.
10am
RM 1 - COVER DESIGN UNPLUGGED - Robin K Johnson
Have you ever wondered how cover designs are created? Perhaps you want to design your own. Would you like to learn about generative AI in design? Learn answers to your cover design questions whether you wish to hire a professional or just want design secrets. Gather information about what to look for in a designer, first impressions, branding, stock images, finding inspiration, getting started with your book cover and more. Bring all of your questions! This is an open discussion forum.
Robin Johnson is the owner and award winning designer for Florida Girl Design Inc. She has been in business since 2002 and started working with authors on design in 2010. She has created thousands of cover designs for hundreds of authors! She specializes in image manipulation and has a focus on romance cover design in all sub genres.
You can find more information about Robin on her website at www.gobookcoverdesign.com.
RM 2 - The Third Act: Creating tension and engaging readers without a breakup ARIA BLISS
In recent years, there’s been a lot of controversy and debate over the third act breakup in the world of romance books. For years, it was, and for many authors still is, the standard plot point that defines the start of the final act of a novel. But readers are restless and begging for variety in how we tell stories. In this workshop, Aria will discuss various ways to maintain tension and conflict throughout your novel without a breakup that will keep your readers turning the pages and coming back for more.
11am
RM 1 - Conquer the “Sponsored” Shelf: Demystifying Amazon Ads for Authors - Valerie Willis
Ever wonder how books land in those top "Sponsored" spots on Amazon? In this session, we’ll pull back the curtain on Amazon Product Campaigns—from setup to strategy. Learn how to target keywords, categories, authors, and comp titles to boost visibility without breaking the bank. Whether you're a first-timer or ready to optimize an existing ad, this walkthrough will help you make the most of your marketing budget—and finally get your book seen where it counts.
RM 2 - Beyond the Launch: Marketing That Sells All Year Long - Mandie Stevens
Launching your book is only the beginning—but too many authors treat launch week like the whole campaign. The truth is, what you do after your book goes live matters just as much (if not more) than your big release day.
In this workshop, we’ll dive into how to keep your books selling long after launch buzz fades. You’ll learn how to build evergreen strategies that nurture your readers, grow your visibility, and turn one-time buyers into loyal fans. From backlist promotions and seasonal sales to reader funnels and content recycling, we’ll cover the systems that keep your career moving forward year-round.
Whether you’re on your first book or your tenth, “Beyond the Launch” will show you how to shift from short-term spikes to sustainable growth—without burning out.
12 - 2 Working Lunch
Rooms in front of registration
2:00 p.m.
RM 1 - Tarot for Writers: Unlock Your Creativity with the Cards
Corrine Kenner specializes in bringing metaphysics down to earth, and her book, Tarot for Writers, is the definitive guide to creativity and tarot cards.
In Corrine’s workshop, you’ll learn how tarot cards can help you break through writer's block, create characters, and develop stories, scenes, and settings. You don’t need any tarot experience for this workshop, but if you have a tarot deck, bring it along.
Corrine is an author, astrologer, and certified tarot master. She’s written twenty guidebooks on tarot and astrology, and she offers free weekly tarot lessons by email at corrinekenner.com.
RM 2. - Building Your Bookish Community: Practical Ways to Turn Readers into Loyal Fans Becki Lee
Discover how to move beyond one-time sales and create lasting connections with your readers. In this workshop, you’ll learn practical, low-stress strategies for building a loyal community—whether through newsletters, reader groups, or interactive events—that will keep fans engaged and excited for every new release. Walk away with a toolkit of ideas you can start using right away to grow your bookish community.
3 - 5 Mastermind - April L. Moon, Mandie Stevens, Megan O’Russell, Valerie Willis, and Bonnie Paulson
Ask best selling authors and marketing experts your publishing and marketing questions.