2026 Keynotes
Mary Lynn Cloghesy
Mary Lynn Cloghesy is a writer and editor from Calgary, Alberta, as well as the founder of the Leadership Literary Lab, a program for nonfiction authors. She holds a master’s degree in critical and creative writing, has been nominated for the Claymore and Aurora awards, and has placed in literary competitions for Dreamers and Tadpole magazines. Her published work ranges from flash fiction to memoir. She writes articles on healthy living, and co-hosts a retreat for aspiring authors in Banff National Park. Find her on Substack and social channels @wildrosewriter, or through her website: https://marylynncloghesy.com/
John DeDakis / Editor
Award-winning novelist John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six traditionally published mystery-suspense thriller novels. He is a podcaster, one-on-one writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel writing at literary centers and writers’ conferences nationwide.
Website: www.johndedakis.com
Christine M. Fairchild
Christine M. Fairchild writes Suspense and Historical Fiction, so she understands the challenges authors face. Through workshops, conferences and editing guides, Christine helps authors take their work/career to the next level. A former journalist/editor with 35yrs experience, she now operates as a Book Doctor specializing in Suspense Fiction.
Steven James
Steven James is the critically acclaimed, bestselling author of more than fifty books. With a master's degree in storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling around the world, appearing more than 2000 times on five continents. His award-winning, groundbreaking book Story Trumps Structure has equipped thousands of authors to write organically. For the last fifteen years he has taught novel writing intensives around the country. Publishers Weekly has called him a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."