WattCon 2018: Full Schedule

8:00am EDT

Doors Open

Event Registration Check-Ins Begins

Saturday October 27, 2018 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

Opening Remarks

Samantha Pennington (Interim Director, Content and Creator Development) will open WattCon with opening remarks and housekeeping: Code of Conduct, Need to Know Logistics and Filming & Photography overview

Speakers

Samantha Pennington

Interim Director, Content and Creator Development, Wattpad

Samantha first joined the Wattpad team in 2013 as a content intern, then as Wattpad's residentfanfiction guru, and then as writer fairy godmother extraordinaire. Today, Samantha manages a team of content and creator enthusiasts, as well as runs large-scale creator programs across... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

9:30am EDT

The Lay of the Land: A Writer's Journey in Publishing

Many Wattpad writers share a common goal of becoming published authors. But the journey from writer to author can take many turns—and there’s more than one road to the finish line. This session will explore the world of publishing with writers who have made it happen. A panel of Wattpad Studios team members and experts from our publishing partners will address what publishers are looking for and walk you through the process of getting your story ready for submission. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the publishing industry and how to optimize your Wattpad stories for today’s market.

Speakers

Zoe Aarsen (@zaarsenist)

Writer

Zoe Aarsen is a graphic designer and copywriter. She inherited her love of all things macabre from her father, who belongs to an amateur ghost hunting club, and spent part of her childhood in Salem, MA. Her first paranormal YA novel, Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, is being... Read More →

Alessandra Ferreri

Account Manager, Wattpad Studios

Ashleigh Gardner

Deputy General Manager, Wattpad Studios, Publishing, Wattpad

As Deputy General Manager, Wattpad Studios, Publishing, Ashleigh Gardner works with Wattpad writers and publishers around the world to turn Wattpad stories into books. Leveraging the data and insights from more the more than 400 million story uploads on Wattpad, Ashleigh creates meaningful... Read More →

Eileen Rothschild

Senior Editor, St. Martin's Press / Wednesday Books

Eileen started her publishing career over eleven years ago working on Math and Chemistry books. Since then she has held roles in sales and marketing with the ultimate goal of finding an audience for fantastic voices. She has since found her passion in editorial and has had the pleasure... Read More →

Jessica Smith

Assistant Editor, Simon Pulse

Adam Wilson

Director of Content, INKubator Enterprises

Adam is heading the story creation division of the newly launched INKubator Enterprises after thirteen years as an editor at Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books imprint and Harlequin’s Harlequin Teen and MIRA imprints. As an editor he debuted the global bestsellers Anna Todd (After... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

General Session, Career Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

10:30am EDT

Setting the Scene: A Writer's Journey in Entertainment

The current state of the entertainment industry opens up a whole new opportunity for writers. TV and film networks are hot on the hunt for their next big story. This panel dives deep into the inner workings of TV, streaming and film, with a goal of inspiring writers to embrace the new possibilities. Entertainment industry experts and members of the Wattpad Studios team will share what’s trending in the world of film and TV adaption, uncover what networks look for in a story (and in a writer), and provide practical advice on leveraging Wattpad to create a future in entertainment.

Moderators

Lindsey Ramey

Director, Content Development and Production, Wattpad Studios

Lindsey Ramey is Director of Content Development and Production. Ramey previously served as a producing consultant for Super Deluxe and Fullscreen, where she worked on Sundance Now‘s This Close and Magic Funhouse, respectively. Prior to that, she held VP positions at both Heyday Films and Hypnotic, where she oversaw feature film development... Read More →

Speakers

Beth Reekles (@Reekles)

Writer

Beth Reekles is a 20-year-old Young Adult author from South Wales, and is currently a Physics undergraduate at Exeter University. She began posting her first novel, The Kissing Booth, online to Wattpad when she was 15 years old, and when she was 17 she earned a three-book deal with... Read More →

Christina Henne

Producer, Bavaria Fiction

Christina Henne has been a producer at Bavaria Fiction since 2013, but her affiliation with Bavaria Film goes way back to the early 2000s. Besides taking various film projects through all stages of development and production, she plays an active part in the acquisition and implementation... Read More →

Eric Lehrman

Head of Content Development and Production, Wattpad Studios

Eric Lehrman is Wattpad’s Head of Content Development and Production. Based in Los Angeles, he runs Wattpad's entertainment business across tv, film, digital, and emerging platforms. He joined Wattpad from USA Network where he served as Vice President of Original Scripted Series... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

General Session, Career Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

11:30am EDT

A Call To Adventure: Writing for Different Mediums

From YouTube channels and animated adaptations to graphic novels and bullet journaling, this panel will take a close look at the different mediums storytellers can leverage to tell their tales.
Wattpad’s Dani Zacarias will lead a discussion with some of Wattpad’s most inventive writers around how, and why, to create for different mediums in 2018—including a look at opportunities within Wattpad’s interactive storytelling platform, TAP!

Moderators

Dani Zacarias

Interim GM, Tap by Wattpad, Wattpad

Dani is Wattpad's Interim GM of Tap and leads a dream team of genre agnostic story enthusiasts on a mission to find and develop our next big writer. Prior to joining Wattpad in early 2017, Dani worked at Worldreader as their Director of Content, helping to bring stories from around... Read More →

Speakers

Ariel Klontz (@arielklontz)

Writer

Ariel Klontz is the author of Wattpad featured novel ONE LITTLE SPELL, the short story “Supper,” featured in the BAD NEIGHBORHOOD anthology by Spooky Words Press, and several popular Tap by Wattpad chat stories. Her short horror story "Preservation” also appeared in the top... Read More →

Debbie Goelz (@BrittanieCharmintine)

Writer

Debra Goelz is originally from Hollywood, where she served for ten years as a financial executive for such companies as Universal Pictures, Dino de Laurentiis and Jim Henson Productions. Her performing career began and ended with her puppeteering a chicken during the closing scene... Read More →

Keri Halfacre (@KeriHalfacre)

Writer

Keri Halfacre is the 2016 Watty winning writer of NATALIE'S DIARY and creator of many Tap stories across mystery, romance, and YA fiction genres, including 2017 Watty winner KIRA'S MISSING. In her day to day life, she works in film and theatre helping to create sets on such productions... Read More →

Romi Moondi (@romimoondi)

Writer

Romi Moondi is an author of romantic comedy novels, as well as a memoir based on her travels in Paris. She also writes screenplays, and was a top 20 finalist in the 2014 International Script Pipeline competition (out of 3,5000 scripts). In her spare time she geeks out on a wide variety... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
Empire Complex 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Story Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

11:30am EDT

Be Your Own Hero: The Wattpad Writerprenuer

Cultivating your voice is about more than owning your writing style—it requires thinking about the big picture, too. Becoming a "writerpreneur” is the new reality for the modern writer, and this panel will dig into how to think entrepreneurially with your writing, both on and off Wattpad. From goal-setting, to developing your personal brand, to finding tools to establish yourself and build your audience, savvy Wattpadders Jo Watson, Monica Sanz, Adrian Birch and LL Montez will guide you through a crash-course in Writerpreneurship.

Moderators

Alysha D'Souza

Talent Manager, Wattpad Studios

Alysha’s career has been guided by her passion for combining technology and storytelling. After completing her undergraduate degree in entrepreneurship and master degree in digital media, Alysha spent four years at Ryerson University building entrepreneurship programs and resources... Read More →

Speakers

Adrian Birch (@Adrian_Birch)

Writer

Adrian Birch is known for his unique voice and sense of humour in cheeky, mystery/thriller. His "Dead in Bed" series on Wattpad has accumulated over 13.3M reads, and has been released as a two-part audiobook through Hachette Audio in 2017.

Monica Sanz (@DistantDreamer)

Writer

Monica Sanz is a YA author from Weston, Florida. She has an established fanbase on Wattpad.com and is a member of the Wattpad4, a group of writers who host weekly Twitter chats on writing and publishing. Her debut YA novel, SEVENTH BORN (The Witchling Academy #1) comes out September... Read More →

Jo Watson (@jo_watson101)

Writer

Jo Watson is the award-winning author of romantic comedies. After becoming a Wattpad sensation, with over 20 million reads on her books, she signed a three-book deal with Grand Central Publishing for her ‘Destination Love’ series. When she isn’t writing she can be found binge... Read More →

LL Montez (@LLMontez)

Writer

LL Montez is a teacher, writer, entrepreneur, and friend to all. She is best known for her 2017 Watty winner, ARC10, and for co-hosting the Wattpad community-focused podcast, The Writers XL, with bestie author Shelly X Leonn. During her undergrad, she practiced short story performance... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Career Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

11:30am EDT

Find the Spark: Inspiration Room

The Inspiration Room is a dedicated space for writers to do what they love to do. Take some time to get inspired, process what you’ve learned at the morning’s panels, and get writing.
Get access to creative mood boards, anonymous constructive feedback, writing space and an opportunity for a 1:1 session with a member of the Content and Creator Development team!

Moderators

Amanda Ferreira

Content and Talent Specialist, Wattpad

Amanda Ferreira is a graduate of Trent University, with a BAH in English literature and classical history. Before joining Wattpad as a Content & Talent Specialist, she was an intern with the Cooke-McDermid Agency and The Walrus Magazine, her post-graduate coursework specializing in... Read More →

Leah Ruehlicke

Story Development Specialist, Wattpad

Nick Uskoski

Senior Content Manager, Wattpad

Longstanding power user on Wattpad and prolific writer and community member, Nick Uskoski has been working at Wattpad for over 4 years, initially as part of the Trust and Safety team before moving to Content and Creator Development to be closer with his core loves as a writer, reader... Read More →

Petra Zauner

Content and Talent Specialist, Wattpad

Speakers

Catalina Merchan

Content and Talent Specialist, Wattpad

Saturday October 27, 2018 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
Inspiration Room 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Workshop

Host Organization Wattpad

1:30pm EDT

A Writer's Weapon: How To Wield a Personal Brand

There are writers who have made a permanent dent in our social consciousness, and without even naming any you’ve already got at least three top of mind. They have brand recognition. Brand recognition is a hot-button phrase. Why? What does it mean and why is it important?
Wattpad writers who have excelled at creating a strong brand on and off of Wattpad come together to discuss the importance of personal branding and why you should be working on creating/maintaining your own.

Moderators

Emma Brooks

Director, Marketing, Wattpad

Emma’s passion focuses on three things: branding, community building, and ideas. As Director of Marketing at Wattpad, she brings these passions to life to create marketing strategies that tell the Wattpad story. Prior to joining Wattpad, Emma worked in advertising for 10+ years... Read More →

Speakers

Lindsey Summers (@DoNotMicrowave)

Writer

Lindsey Summers is a 30-year-old Californian who joined Wattpad in 2012. Since then she has amassed over 100 million reads and her story, The Cell Phone Swap, is one of most-read stories on Wattpad. Inspired by a chance encounter, the story went viral in 2012 and was published as... Read More →

Lydia Carr (@hennwick)

Writer

Lydia is a twenty-two-year-old writer from the West Midlands in the UK, currently studying politics at the University of Birmingham. She has been writing since she could pick up a pen and has dreamt of being a novelist for as long as she can remember, and those dreams were kicked... Read More →

Jandra Sutton (@jandralee)

Writer

Jandra Sutton is an author, journalist, and digital marketer based in Nashville, TN. She is the co-founder of Wild Hare Collective, and she's passionate about helping people live full, happy, and creative lives. Her debut novel, FRAGILE, is available now. In her spare time, Jandra... Read More →

Rebecca Sky (@RebeccaSky)

Writer

Rebecca Sky is a YA author who lives on an island off the West Coast of Canada. Her work has garnered over 20 million reads on popular online site Wattpad.com and she was featured in the New York Times and Boston Globe. Her debut YA novel ARROWHEART comes out this June from Hachette's... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Career Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

1:30pm EDT

Writer Anon: Find Your People

From the highs of finishing another chapter to the lows of burnout, writers understand each other like nobody else. That’s why we’ve set aside some small-group discussion time to enable meaningful connections and candid convos between writers. Share your own insecurities or listen as other writers sharing their common pain-points. Writers will leave this session feeling empowered by their peers—because we’re all on this journey together, and there’s no reason to go it alone.

Speakers

Amanda Ferreira

Content and Talent Specialist, Wattpad

Catalina Merchan

Content and Talent Specialist, Wattpad

Leah Ruehlicke

Story Development Specialist, Wattpad

Nick Uskoski

Senior Content Manager, Wattpad

Petra Zauner

Content and Talent Specialist, Wattpad

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Inspiration Room 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Workshop

Host Organization Wattpad

1:30pm EDT

Writing The Future: Tap Opportunities and Info Session

Have you ever wanted to write interactive fiction (and get paid?) Does the future of storytelling intrigue you? Do you simply have no idea what Tap is and want to learn more? Come join us for a casual meet and greet to learn all about us! Staff members and writers will be available to answer any questions you might have and discuss how you, too, can write the stories of the future.

Speakers

Karyn Little

Content Specialist, Tap, Wattpad

Karyn Little is the Content Specialist for Tap by Wattpad, where she dedicates her time to supporting the Tap Writers Squad. A graduate of Humber College's Creative Writing and Creative Book Publishing programs, she began her career as an Editorial Intern for PS Literary Agency before... Read More →

Dani Zacarias

Interim GM, Tap by Wattpad, Wattpad

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Empire Complex 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Community Building

2:30pm EDT

For The People, By The People: Writing Fanfiction

It’s 2018 and yet fanfiction or “the F word” is still considered by many to be a contentious subject. This panel digs deep into the common fanfic misconceptions as well as the ultimate transformative value it holds within our social consciousness.

Fanfic creators will convene on topics like Real Person Fiction, the line between copyright infringement and fanfic, and finding an audience within fandoms. Whether you’re an existing or aspiring fanfic writer, or just a fan, you’ll come away with insights, inspiration, and a new respect for this genre.

Moderators

Samantha Pennington

Interim Director, Content and Creator Development, Wattpad

Speakers

Flourish Klink (@flourish)

Chief Research Officer, Chaotic Good Studios

Flourish Klink is Chief Research Officer and a partner in Chaotic Good Studios. As an expert on fans and fan culture, she has worked with companies such as Fox Film, Blizzard Entertainment, Coca-Cola, Hulu, and Rede Globo. She was formerly a partner in The Alchemists Transmedia Storytelling... Read More →

Kevin Fanning (@kfxinfinity)

Writer

Kevin Fanning is the author of the book Kim Kardashian: Trapped In Her Own Game, and its sequel, Kim Kardashian: #BreakTheGame. He has been writing online and trying to get brands to interact with him since 1998. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts and can be found on Twitter at... Read More →

Heidi Tandy

Heidi Tandy (@heidi8) has been practicing intellectual property and Internet law for over 20 years; she's also been active in fandoms and fan creativity since 2000, and is one of the essayists featured in FIC: How Fanfiction Is Taking Over the World (edited by Anne Jamison). Heidi... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Empire Complex 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Story Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

2:30pm EDT

Into The Unknown: The Art of Character and Worldbuilding

The worlds you build within your stories invite readers to immerse themselves in an unfamiliar and spellbinding new place. The characters that populate those worlds, if developed artfully, can make us feel, make us think, become our friends, our monsters, and sometimes, they can become a part of us.

In The Art of Character and Worldbuilding, we’ll sit writers down with some of the top character and world-building talent on the platform to share insight into how to effectively create a compelling world, submerge your audience into it, and develop characters that resonate deeply with readers.

Speakers

Deanna Cameron (@Lyssfrom1996)

Writer

Deanna Cameron is the secret identity of LyssFrom1996, the writer of stories like Ella Was and What Happened That Night, a mystery thriller published earlier this summer by Hachette Romans and featured by Wattpad. Now, she’s currently writing another young adult mystery novel, The... Read More →

Mikaela Bender (@mikaelabender)

Writer

Mikaela Bender is a University student that keeps herself busy by creating fictional characters in fantastical worlds. Her short stories Aftermath and Terminated have been included in the FWA Collection Volumes 6 and 7. Her novel, Asleep, won the Royal Palm Literary award for its... Read More →

Kara Barbieri (@pandean)

Writer

Kara Barbieri is a twenty-two year old author with a love for the weird and mystic. She enjoys weaving ancient mythology into her stories and writing characters who are strong yet vulnerable at the same time. In her free time she trains with the same weapons her characters use, studies... Read More →

Paul Kingston (@PaulKingston)

Writer

Paul "PK" Kingston is a Toronto-born writer, actor, comedian, teacher, and multi-tasker who grew up on a steady diet of horror movies and cynicism before moving to Los Angeles. While he got his start in sketch comedy and improv, he's always wanted to write a novel, and when he learned... Read More →

Caitlin O'Hanlon

Director, Talent Management, Wattpad Studios

Caitlin O'Hanlon is a reader, a writer, a social media junkie, a tech nerd and a lifelong fangirl. Thanks, in part, to Wattpad and its incredible users, she has been lucky enough to be able to meld together everything she loves into one pretty awesome professional career. As Director... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Story Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

2:30pm EDT

Meet me at the Crossroads: A Pit Stop for Writers

If you’re bursting with ideas and want to run it by someone, are stuck on a plot point or are second-guessing how your story starts, now’s your time to come chat about it. Bounce ideas off some Wattpad staff (or chat with your fellow writers!)
This space is yours to do what you need to - whether that’s get some 1:1 time, write, recharge yourself, or simply take a minute to process this jam packed day.

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Inspiration Room 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Community Building

3:30pm EDT

Closing Remarks - Day 1

Gather back at the Astor Ballroom for a quick closing talk!

Speakers

Samantha Pennington

Interim Director, Content and Creator Development, Wattpad

Saturday October 27, 2018 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

4:15pm EDT

Exclusive: HULU Screening of Light as a Feather

Meet writer Zoe Aarsen and catch episodes of the brand new Hulu series Light as a Feather! Come celebrate the launch of an incredible Wattpad story.

Saturday October 27, 2018 4:15pm - 6:15pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Community Building

8:00am EDT

Doors Open

Day 2 Check-In Begins

Sunday October 28, 2018 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
New York Marriott Marquis - 7th Floor

9:15am EDT

Breaking Through Myths: Wattpad Studios

Myth: only popular writers get deals. Fact: Publishers and studios look for more than racked-up reads when they’re hunting down the next story. A career in writing brings with it plenty of challenges and rewards, but breaking through the myths and misconceptions around the industry can feel like a hurdle.

The “Breaking Through Myths” panel is your chance to get the straight goods about a writing career in publishing and entertainment. The Wattpad Studios team is here to equip you with the answers to all your burning questions—and the questions you haven’t thought to ask.

Moderators

Alessandra Ferreri

Account Manager, Wattpad Studios

Speakers

Aron Levitz

Head of Wattpad Studios, Wattpad Studios

As Head of Wattpad Studios, Aron Levitz connects the entertainment and publishing industries with new voices and original content created by Wattpad Stars, the biggest influencers on the platform. Leveraging data and community insights, Aron works with the industry to co-produce Wattpad... Read More →

Dexter Ong

Head of Asia, Wattpad Studios

Dexter recently joined Wattpad as Head of Asia for Studios from his role as Director of Corporate Development at 21st Century Fox. He is constantly on the lookout for the most entertaining Wattpad stories and for the best partners in Asia to adapt them into TV shows, films and digital... Read More →

Monica Pacheco

Talent Manager, Wattpad Studios

Before joining Wattpad as a Talent Manager, Monica was a literary agent with CookeMcDermid representing writers of SFF, YA and literary fiction. She’s sold books to Little Brown, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Grove Atlantic and Macmillan. She loves character-driven fiction... Read More →

Lindsey Ramey

Director, Content Development and Production, Wattpad Studios

Sunday October 28, 2018 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

General Session, Career Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

10:10am EDT

Era of Own Voices: Writing Diverse Stories

As the world evolves thanks to many important social and cultural movements, so too must our storytelling. One such movement is the topic of many debates across the Entertainment and Publishing Industry: “Own Voices”. How does one navigate writing in diverse voices and creating diverse characters? This panel sheds light on this controversial and important discussion that cover the gamut of our panelists' experiences (feminism, POC, LGBTQ), and digs into how the “Own Voices” Movement is bringing diversity into storytelling like never before.

Moderators

I-Yana Tucker

Talent Manager, Wattpad

As Wattpad Studios Talent Manager, an average day for I-Yana consists of connecting with some of Wattpad’s most influential storytellers, the Wattpad Stars. From pitching some of their best content for various publishing and entertainment opportunities, to providing resources that... Read More →

Speakers

Emily Lindin (@emilylindin)

Writer

Award-winning documentary filmmaker, columnist, and feminist thought leader Emily Lindin is the founder of The UnSlut Project, an online community where young survivors of sexual assault and harassment can share their stories and find solidarity. Emily has been featured on ABC with... Read More →

Daven McQueen (@keyframed)

Writer

Daven McQueen is a student and writer from Los Angeles, California. She has always loved telling stories, but only started writing regularly after joining Wattpad at age fourteen. In high school, she received two national medals from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in the novel... Read More →

Maiyah Redmond (@madandbougie)

Writer

Jamaiyah Redmond is a high school student in Clayton, Missouri. Recently, she has won a 2017 Watty Award for her book 'Hawthorne Heights' which showcases a realistic point of view for the misrepresented black youth of today. At a young age, Jamaiyah found her love for reading thanks... Read More →

Maggie Derrick (@star-powered)

Writer

Maggie Derrick is a bisexual writer, artist, and podcaster based in Vancouver, Canada. She is the author of the Starborn Series, which includes the Wattys-winning first installment, “The Star and the Ocean”. Her short story “A Happy Place” was included in the recently-published... Read More →

Sunday October 28, 2018 10:10am - 11:00am EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Career Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

10:10am EDT

Once More Unto The Blank Page: Curing Writer's Block

Whether you’re plagued by writer’s block, self-doubt, or a busy schedule—other writers have been there, too. Sometimes it’s best to get out of your own head and let someone else take a crack at the writing problems that are keeping you down. Clear the cobwebs, get fresh eyes on your story, or collaborate with a like-minded writer at a WattCon-sized activation designed to get you inspired and writing again. Speed-dating style, writers will make their way from person to person, quickly explaining what has them hung up in their current story. The writer they’re paired with will try to alleviate their writer’s block with suggestions and feedback.
Participants will also get - for the first time ever - the chance to chat with Zo, a social AI by Microsoft, to help provide inspiration for their next Wattpad story

Moderators

Fallon De Mornay (@FallonDeMornay)

Writer

Fallon DeMornay is a YA Fantasy/Adult Contemporary author known for writing powerful girls smashing the patriarchy. Currently living in Toronto, Ontario, she was twice reviewed by RT Book Reviews, a Top 10 finalist in Harlequin's SO YOU THINK YOU CAN WRITE contest in 2015, and featured... Read More →

Leah Crichton (@LDCrichton)

Writer

Leah (L.D.) Crichton writes New Adult and Young Adult Romance. Her YA Debut, ALL OUR BROKEN PIECES is coming from Disney/Hyperion in Summer 2019. She's a Wattpad Star with a pre-existing fanbase 151,000 strong and growing established through various forms of social media like Wattpad... Read More →

Speakers

Monica Sanz (@DistantDreamer)

Writer

Lindsey Summers (@DoNotMicrowave)

Writer

Rebecca Sky (@RebeccaSky)

Writer

Sunday October 28, 2018 10:10am - 11:00am EDT
Inspiration Room 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Workshop

Host Organization Wattpad

10:10am EDT

The Keys To the Kingdom: A Writer's Guide to Wattpad

Wattpad is a powerful tool that can unlock a writer’s true potential and empower their writing journey. But just like any other tool, there can be some questions on how to use it most effectively. Therefore, the Wattpadders you know and love have partnered with Writer’s Digest to create the Writer’s Guide to Wattpad. Consider this your ultimate How-To Crash Course.

Panelists will discuss some of the biggest issues that Wattpadders face, ranging from tactical strategies like how to stories successfully, or develop synopses, to broader topics like how they maintained their story arc within a serialized model, or how real-time reader comments impacted their plot. By sharing insight into these common questions, this session aims to empower writers to leverage Wattpad as a tool that propels their writing craft forward.

Moderators

Ben Sobieck (@BenSobieck)

Writer

Benjamin Sobieck is a Wattpad Star and editor of “The Writer’s Guide to Wattpad,” published in August 2018 by Writer’s Digest Books and featuring contributions by 23 Wattpad Stars, ambassadors, and staff. In 2016, he won a Watty Award for “Black Eye: Confessions of a Fake... Read More →

Speakers

A.V Geiger (@adam_and_jane)

Writer

A.V. Geiger started writing in the dead of night for reasons she can’t explain. An epidemiologist by training, she now enjoys a career as a full-time novelist following the publication of her hit YA thrillers FOLLOW ME BACK and TELL ME NO LIES, with her next book forthcoming from... Read More →

Amber K. Bryant (@amberkbryant)

Writer

Amber K. Bryant is a Wattpad Star, a multi-genre author, and a librarian living deep within Sasquatch territory in Washington State. Her piece on contest participation is included in THE WRITER’S GUIDE TO WATTPAD, published in August 2018. She has co-authored a short story with... Read More →

Hannah J. Nelson (@hjnelson)

Writer

H.J. Nelson is a University of Wisconsin Graduate with degrees in Creative Writing and Wildlife Biology. She began writing on the online platform Wattpad in 2015 where her story The Last She was one of the most read Science Fiction stories in both 2016 and 2017. Since then she has... Read More →

Jakayla Toney (@Ms_Horrendous)

Writer

Jakayla Toney is an American writer of young adult novels, 2016 Watty's winner, Wattpad Star, vlogger, and inspiring photographer. She is known for her horrifying and creepy ghost stories. Authors such as R.L. Stine and Mary Downing Hahn are her influences.

Sunday October 28, 2018 10:10am - 11:00am EDT
Empire Complex 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Story Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

11:10am EDT

Slaying the Dragon: Mastering the Pitch

So you’ve got a great idea for a story. Maybe it’s already written, a WIP, or just a sparkle in your creative little eye. Either way we want to hear it! Now’s your chance to get that idea in front of the decision-makers at Wattpad in this exclusive opportunity for WattCon attendees only.

Speakers

Eric Lehrman

Head of Content Development and Production, Wattpad Studios

Aron Levitz

Head of Wattpad Studios, Wattpad Studios

Monica Pacheco

Talent Manager, Wattpad Studios

Lindsey Ramey

Director, Content Development and Production, Wattpad Studios

Sunday October 28, 2018 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Inspiration Room 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Workshop

Host Organization Wattpad

11:10am EDT

Talking Up a Storm: Writing Effective Dialogue

Dialogue is a crucial part of storytelling. It can drive your narrative, develop your characters and is essential in your goal to ‘show, not tell.’ This session deep dives into how to not just write dialogue, but how to write it well - and use it as a powerful vehicle to take your story to a serious, high-quality level.

Moderators

Leah Ruehlicke

Story Development Specialist, Wattpad

Speakers

T.L Bodine

Writer

T.L. Bodine has lived in almost every state but somehow can't seem to stay away from New Mexico. A horror writer, she's best known as the writer of the TNT Horror Contest-winning short story WHAT I FOUND ON THE DEEP WEB and the 2018 Watty winner THE HOUND. She blogs about all things... Read More →

Amanda Ferreira

Content and Talent Specialist, Wattpad

Nick Uskoski

Senior Content Manager, Wattpad

Lisa Yoskowitz

Executive Editor, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Lisa Yoskowitz is an executive editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, where she works on a wide range of middle grade and young adult fiction and narrative nonfiction. She has had the joy of editing bestselling and award winning books by fantastic authors, including Bad... Read More →

Sunday October 28, 2018 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Empire Complex 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Story Panel

11:10am EDT

The Fountain of Youth: Writing YA

Young Adult fiction may be among the most popular genres of literature, uniting young readers and the young at heart over stories that grow with us, and connect us wherever we are in our lives. It takes a great deal of skill to write for a Young Adult audience.
Many very talented and dynamic emerging YA writers have found their audience on Wattpad, and now have come together on this panel to share what it means to write YA.

Panelists:
Mariah Forouraghi, Leigh Ansell, Ali Novak & Alex Evansley

Speakers

Ali Novak (@Fallzswimmer)

Writer

Ali Novak is a Wisconsin native and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's creative writing program. She started writing her debut novel My Life with the Walter Boyswhen she was only fifteen. Since then, her work has received more than 150 million hits online and My... Read More →

Leigh Ansell (@leigh_)

Writer

Leigh is a University student and aspiring author from the UK. Her Wattpad story Human Error has recently been Optioned for television. When she’s not writing teen fiction books, she spends the rest of her time trying to pay attention in medical lectures – though that’s mostly... Read More →

Alex Evansley (@nonfictionalex)

Writer

Alex Evansley is a Wattpad Star and a published young adult author from North Carolina. Her debut novel Love Scene, Take Two (Swoon Reads / Macmillan) was a featured story on Wattpad, where it’s garnered over three million reads and won a Watty award prior to its publication in... Read More →

Mariah Ragi (@WaltTwitman)

Writer

Mariah often wishes she were Indiana Jones and sometimes laughs in her sleep. Despite her liberal arts degree, she has a real grown-up job making memes at an east-coast tech company. She never has to ask people if they want fries with that. She loves making people laugh, especially... Read More →

Samantha Pennington

Interim Director, Content and Creator Development, Wattpad

Sunday October 28, 2018 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Breakout Session, Career Panel

Host Organization Wattpad

1:10pm EDT

Behind the Curtain: Wattpad HQ AMA

Want to know more about your favorite online platform? Here’s your chance to raise the questions you’ve always wanted Wattpad to answer. The Wattpad Staff you know and love are here and ready to answer all of your questions!

Moderators

Alessandra Ferreri

Account Manager, Wattpad Studios

Speakers

Andrew Chak

Head of Design, Wattpad

Barbara Ott

Interim GM, Wattpad App, Wattpad

I-Yana Tucker

Talent Manager, Wattpad

Nick Uskoski

Senior Content Manager, Wattpad

Dani Zacarias

Interim GM, Tap by Wattpad, Wattpad

Sunday October 28, 2018 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

General Session, AMA

Host Organization Wattpad

2:00pm EDT

Closing Remarks

Speakers

Allen Lau

CEO and Co-Founder, Wattpad

Sunday October 28, 2018 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Astor Ballroom 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

2:30pm EDT

Wattpad Stars Meet & Greet + Book Signing

The Meet and Greet is the crown jewel of WattCon! Writers are welcome to mingle, buy WattCon merch and get their Wattpad books signed by their favourite Wattpad Stars! A Wattpad Connects table will be set up, a space where writers can find special items created and curated by other Wattpadders.

Sunday October 28, 2018 2:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Inspiration Room 1535 Broadway, New York, New York 10036 USA

Community Building, Networking/Mingling

Host Organization Wattpad