Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
Every writer—whether just starting out or deep into their journey—faces moments of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. That nagging voice whispering, Who am I to write this story? or Will anyone even care? can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: your stories matter, and your voice deserves to be heard.
In this engaging and interactive session, we’ll dive into the mindset struggles that often hold writers back and explore practical, actionable strategies to push through self-doubt. Through guided activities, discussion, and powerful exercises, you’ll gain tools to quiet your inner critic, reconnect with your passion for storytelling, and build unshakable confidence in your work.
When she’s not lost in the worlds of her imagination, Larissa Antonioni can often be found savoring a cup of coffee, cherishing the joys of motherhood, and enjoying precious moments with her husband and their beloved Belgian Tervuren Shepherd, Yennefer. A passionate storyteller, Larissa weaves tales that blend magic and fantasy with contemporary romance. Her writing aims to transport readers to enchanting realms, evoke deep emotions, and provoke introspection on the human experience.
Five Steps to Writing Meaningful and Marketable Devotions
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a beginner eager to share your faith, this is the perfect workshop for you. Good devotional writing uses anecdotes and illustrations from your life, but the lesson should always be drawn from scripture. In this interactive workshop we delve into the essentials of compelling devotional writing including choosing relevant scriptures, connecting with readers through personal stories, and motivating action through thoughtful application.
Carmen Leal is a storyteller and the author of multiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. She is the owner of Wag Away Publishing and the author of twelve books including When Love Wags a Tail and I Chose You, Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans. Carmen’s faith, wit, humor, and poignant personal observations, coupled with her down-to-earth style and common-sense approach to dealing with life, make her a popular presenter as she inspires and motivates others.
Crafting Emotionally Resonant Stories
This workshop will explore various methods on how writers can cultivate a sense of empathy between their characters and readers, including a discussion on how point of view, voice, narrative structure, and specificity of detail can be utilized to further deepen characterization and reader engagement. Participants will learn a variety of techniques on how to ensure their readers not only feel immersed in their characters’ stories but also leave changed by the experience.
Kristin Tenor finds inspiration in life’s quiet details and believes in their power to illuminate the extraordinary. She is the author of the flash fiction chapbook This Is How They Mourn (Thirty West Publishing House, 2024). Her fiction has appeared in Best Microfiction 2024, Wigleaf, Bending Genres, 100 Word Story, and various other literary journals and anthologies. Kristin’s work has also been nominated for Best of the Net, Best Small Fictions, and the Pushcart Prize. She currently serves as the reviews editor at Story.
The Lakefly Writer Conference is sponsored by the Oshkosh Public Library in partnership with the Oshkosh Area Writers Club. Additional sponsors include the Wisconsin Writers Association and Lake Literary Center, Fond du Lac.