HPL Book Fest Expands in Fifth Year
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, HPL Book Fest 2026 is expanding into a weeklong celebration of books and writing with the help of a new partnership.
Friday, June 19
11 am - REGISTRATION
Details coming soon!
11:30 am - BROWN BAG LUNCH Orange Hat Publishing Authors
Kick off Book Fest with Orange Hat Publishing Authors.
Details coming soon!
1 pm - WRITING WORKSHOPS Session I
Print Isn’t Dead: How Writers Pitch, Place, and Publish in Print Media
presented by Michelle Gardner
REGISTER
Television didn’t kill radio. The internet didn’t kill television. And print media is far from dead. In today’s digital-first world, print still thrives. Thousands of niche, trade and consumer magazines are alive, profitable and desire engaging content. While this session does not guarantee publication, it does guarantee that attendees will be taken inside the process; showing them how to move from idea to pitch to published piece.
Writing Characters: Show, Don’t Tell
presented by Mary Ann Noe
REGISTER
Mark Twain said, “Don’t say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.” This interactive workshop is designed to help writers, especially beginning or intermediate writers, expand character descriptions, motives, development, and such, by using action, word choice, and the senses. Attendees will do practice runs, both with partners and alone, to share with the group, if they are comfortable.
Creating a Standout First Chapter
presented by Sarah J. Mendonca
2:15 pm - WRITING WORKSHOPS Session II
Plotting Your Novel: Adapting a Screenplay Approach
presented by Joseph Rein
REGISTER
Beginning, muddle, end. So many of us novelists know where we want to begin, where we should end, but encounter problems in that dreadful middle. However, using techniques adapted from screenwriting, novelists can unlock those key elements that broaden and deepen our plots, characters, and settings, leading both us and our readers to a satisfying conclusion.
Writing a Short Personal Essay for Beginners
presented by Frances Wiedenhoeft
REGISTER
This workshop is designed to help new writers develop a personal essay they can work on and eventually share with family, the community, or publish. The session will discuss character and setting in an interactive format, with comments, questions, and suggestions. Participants will have writing time after which the group come together to share how the experience was for them and to provide further writing resources.
Poetry as a Coping Tool
presented by Kelsey Bigelow
REGISTER
Life has a way of throwing heavy stuff at us, and it's our job to manage our mental health through it all. This workshop walks participants through methods for writing poetry as a coping tool. From free writing and responding to prompts to observing your situation and trying a poetic form, poetry can help you process and manage your emotions through the heaviness. Attendees will explore poetic tools (e.g., metaphor, imagery, prompts, erasure/blackout, etc.) and how to use them intentionally as a coping tool. The skills discussed in this session are transferrable to writers of all genres.
The Goblin Method of Kind of Outlining a Book
presented by A.Z. Louise/Alby C. Williams
REGISTER
For anyone who feels stifled by a full outline but lost without some kind of plan, A.Z. Louise's Goblin Method combines multiple outlining and plotting tools to create a fresh way of coming at outlining a novel or novella-length book. This method can be tailored to any genre and category.
3:30 pm - SPECIAL GUEST Maggie Ginsberg
Details coming soon!
5:30 pm - FEATURED AUTHOR Lesley Kagen
Reception at 5:30 pm
Appetizers provided. Cash bar available.
Book Discussion at 6:30 pm
Meet and Greet with local authors and special guest Lesley Kagen followed by book sale and signing in the Fireplace Room and then a discussion of Lesley's novel Whistling in the Dark.
Saturday, June 20
9:30 am - WRITING WORKSHOPS Session III
The "Eras" Tour: How to do Research Different Eras for Your Historical Fiction Novel
presented by Jessica Brousseau
REGISTER
Do you love writing about history but don't know how to get the facts right? Researching for your historical novel can feel like a never-ending cycle of learning that doesn't help you to actually write the book. If you find yourself stuck in the research, come to this class to learn about some helpful resources and techniques that will help you get the most out of your research so you can get back to writing that book.
Working with an Editor: What You Need to Know
presented by Jody Benson
REGISTER
Behind every great book is an astute editor. From manuscript assessments and developmental editing to copy editing and proofreading, editors play an essential role in bringing books to life. But have you ever wondered how to get the most out of your relationship with your editor? I'm here to demystify what an editor does behind the scenes and provide tips for getting the most from your relationship with a professional editor.
Querying Your Novel
presented by B. F. Peterson
REGISTER
Discuss the traditional publishing process and how to prepare the materials you will need to pitch your book to literary agents, including the logline, query letter, and synopsis.
10:45 - SPECIAL GUEST Ann Garvin
Details coming soon!
REGISTER
12 pm - BROWN BAG LUNCH with Wisconsin Writers Association
Details coming soon!
REGISTER
1:30 pm - WORKSHOP UW Press Publishing
presented by Dennis Lloyd, Director University of Wisconsin Press
Review University of Wisconsin Press's publishing process and requirements.
3 pm - FEATURED AUTHOR Pao Lor
Acclaimed Wisconsin author Pao Lor will discuss his books Modern Jungles and Bamboo Son. A book sale and signing will follow the discussion.
