Women’s Writing Symposium 2026

A fabulous two-day event on February 25-26, leading up to Scares That Care in Williamsburg, VA. Mary SanGiovanni and a terrific team hosted the first Women’s Writing Symposium, inspired by a terrific panel at Scares last year. Two days of terrific, inspiring panels and discussion about women writing in the horror genre.

Day 1 Panel 1 The Art of the Hustle - Mary SanGiovanni, Lisa Marie Wood, Melanie R. Anderson, Jennifer McMahon
Day 1 Panel 1 The Art of the Hustle – Mary SanGiovanni, Lisa Marie Wood, Melanie R. Anderson, Jennifer McMahon
Day 1 Panel 4 Confidence in the Workplace - Gemma Amor
Day 1 Panel 4 Confidence in the Workplace – Gemma Amor

Gemma Amor gave a dynamite presentation on Confidence in the Workplace.

Carol Gyzander and Epiphany Ferrell
Carol Gyzander and Epiphany Ferrell
Jennifer McMahon and Carol Gyzander
Jennifer McMahon and Carol Gyzander

Terrific to see old friends and make some new ones as well! I missed Scares this year as I headed home for the LICH convention in Long Island, but I am delighted to say that next year they are on different weekends!

Interested in next year’s event? One day, on March 4, 2027, leading right into Scares That Care 2027 in Williamsburg. From their website:

The 2027 Women’s Writing Symposium (presented by “Scares That Care!”) is a one-day event for women in the speculative fiction field. Attendees and panelists will discuss ways to protect, invest in, and build their careers. It will feature workshops and panels designed to educate women about the professional side of writing and provide an opportunity for brainstorming ways to reach a wider audience and secure various types of work. It is meant to illuminate women, to give them an opportunity for networking, fellowship and a safe space to be heard and exchange ideas. It is a place for women to celebrate and recognize each other’s accomplishments as well as their own. The goal of the symposium is not to identify problems women professionals face in the speculative fiction genres, but to discover practical, actionable and measurable solutions. 

Attendance is limited to all women and only women. Please respect these parameters and space. 

Check it out at https://scaresthatcare.org/womens-symposium

My Bloody Valentine book event

What a fabulous event! Over forty authors and other vendors met in a cool, industrial chic event space in Port Jervis, NY, for an afternoon sharing books and company — with a dedicated crowd of readers who came out in 1 degree weather with a minus 15 degree wind chill!

This was a first-time event featuring cool activities, including an author signature book and a cool charm quest, where attendees could visit each author to receive a charm relating to their work.

My author buddy Teel James Glenn shared a table with me. We had so much fun with a bunch of author friends, including a big group from our HWA NY Chapter, and I made new friends as well. Sponsored by This Chapter Bookshop, also in Port Jervis. Thanks to all the organizers and sponsors!

My Bloody Valentine tables
So many fabulous displays and attendees!