Welcome to the home of Seton Hill University’s In Your Write Mind Writers Workshop
Registration is open for 2026!
All Weekend Pass (Thurs-Sun) $120
Day pass – $50 per day
Included with Registration:
- A FREE TABLE at our book signing on Sat, June 27th
- A live “Embrace What Haunts You” audio experience by Palimpsest Productions
- Agent pitch sessions
- Over 30 writing-related classes
- Ghost Tour of the historic Seton Hill U campus
- Open mic night
- Critique sessions
What: This is an annual, alumni-run writers workshop. It features writing-related classes, agent pitch sessions, a book signing, and other special events. It’s a great way to network and re-connect with alumni. The workshop will be in-person. We will record some of the workshops for later viewing.
When: June 25-28, 2026.
Where: On the beautiful campus of Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA.
Who: The workshop is open to the public and to Seton Hill U Writing Popular Fiction alumni.
Why: It’s a great opportunity to reunite with former classmates, meet and network with alumni, gain writing inspiration and publishing knowledge, and have fun!
Author Guest of Honor: Jonathan Auxier
JONATHAN AUXIER is a NYT Bestselling author of strange stories for strange children. His spooky novel The Night Gardener was a Junior Library Guild selection, an ABA IndieNext pick, and winner of the TD Book Prize and ILA Book Award. His historical fantasy Sweep received six starred reviews as well as the Governor General’s Award, Charlotte Huck Award, and Sydney Taylor Award. His lasted novel, The War of the Maps, is the third and final installment in the beloved Vanished Kingdom series. He lives in Pittsburgh with his family and their adorable pet umbrella.
Special Guests of Honor: Palimpsest
Palimpsest Productions creates dark stories about dark things that won’t stay buried. They specialize in audio drama and live audio experiences. Starting in 2017 with their namesake audio drama Palimpsest, they have since expanded into a full production company.
Palimpsest creates audio dramas about memory, identity, and the things that haunt us. Each ten-episode season is a unique and self-contained story, exploring the spaces between horror, fantasy, and psychological realism. Over the course of five seasons and seven stand-alone episodes, Palimpsest has accrued over1.2 million downloads, been on multiple end-of-year “best of” lists, been nominated for AudioVerse awards, and been listed as an important show in the BBC’s “State of Audio Drama” report. Critics have called Palimpsest “a masterclass in atmosphere” and “audio fiction’s best foray into the Gothic.”
Jamieson Ridenhour and Hayley Heninger will perform a live audio experience for In Your Write Mind attendees, and Jamieson will be part of the IYWM schedule of presenters. If you’re curious about serialized fiction, writing fiction specifically for podcasts, or learning about podcasts in general, you won’t want to miss out on these special guests.
Author Ethan Joella will speak during our Sat evening book signing event. In addition to being a bestselling author, Joella is also an alum of the Writing Popular Fiction program! He is the author of A Little Hope, which was a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection; A Quiet Life; The Same Bright Stars; and The Top of the World. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his wife and two daughters. Along with an interview and Q&A session, there will be a book signing and reception, with books for sale at the event.
Michaela Whatnall – Dystel, Goderich & Bourret – Guest Agent (Virtual)
Michaela Whatnall joined the agency’s West Coast office in 2019. They received a degree from Emory University in English and linguistics, completed the Columbia Publishing Course, and have experience in school & library marketing, bookselling, and reviewing for trade publications. In 2023, Michaela was named a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree in recognition of their work as an agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Michaela approaches agenting with eagerness and passion, and is excited to continue building the careers of their existing clients as well as discovering new books to champion.
Represents: They are most strongly interested in finding middle grade and young adult projects of all genres; upmarket adult fiction; and grounded fantasy. Michaela is also open to select adult romance; narrative nonfiction for both children and adults; graphic novels; and picture books.
For more information, please visit Michaela’s Manuscript Wishlist page.
Rachel Beck, Liza Dawson Assoc, Guest Agent (Virtual)
Rachel Beck joined Liza Dawson Associates in 2020 after working at a boutique literary agency for 4 years. She has been in the publishing industry since 2009 and worked at Harlequin editing romance novels for nearly 6 years before transitioning her skills to the agent world in order to be an advocate and champion for authors. She lives outside of Pittsburgh with her husband, three young children, and an endlessly entertaining cat.
Represents: Women’s fiction, romance, historical fiction, non-genre, spec fic, magical realism, young adult, LBGTQIA+. For more details, visit her agency page.
We’ll send out a link to sign up for agent pitches three weeks before the conference begins. This will go to everyone who is registered.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Workshop
Learn how bloodstains can tell a story—so you can write crime thrillers, horror and mystery with accuracy and authenticity. Understand the science behind bloodstain patterns. Learn real world forensics techniques. Conducted by Barbara Flowers, Forensic Science Program Coordinator for Seton Hill U.
Greetings, Writing Popular Fiction Alumni and Friends!
These are some of the events planned for IYWM 2026:
Call for Presenters. Do you have a writing technique, area of life-expertise, publishing experience, or other useful knowledge you can share with other writers? Do you want to gain experience as a conference presenter? Answer the call and apply to present a 50 min module or panel discussion at IYWM. (Submit a proposal.) ***This is now closed to submissions.***
Book signing. Last year’s book signing was a huge success. Those registering for the conference will be able to have a table at no extra charge. We will also have a book raffle at the book signing.
Over 30 Writing and Writing-Related Classes: There will be an array of interesting and unique classes and panel discussions about writing, the business of writing and writing life. Find inspiration and get your writing mojo back with our varied workshops.
Critique sessions. This year we’ll have critique sessions during the conference. If there’s enough interest, we’ll organize an online critique group that will continue after the conference.
Open Mic Night. Put your performing talents to the test by reading an excerpt from your book or short story. And hey, if you want to test your stand-up routine, this is the place to do it.
History and Mystery “Ghost” Tour. Join host Darren Achtzehn, Director of Sustainability and Outreach, to hear accounts of Seton Hill’s history and be intrigued by stories passed down from generations before. As the embers go out and night falls upon campus, embark on a 90-minute, lantern-lit walking journey through the shadows of our historic halls to experience the history and mystery for yourself. Tour stops are indoors and outdoors.
In Your Write Mind Flash Mob Takeover. We’ll have a session in which participants write flash fiction pieces that will be immediately posted to the IYWM website and social media. Prizes will be given!
Accommodations. Due to changes in Alumni policy we will no longer be able to stay in the dorms. Special prices for IYWM attendees are below:
Hotel Room Discounts:
Courtyard by Marriott at 700 Power Line Drive Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA, 15601. Link to IYWM discount.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 137 Blair St, Greensburg, PA 15601 –
IYWM discount is not available this year.
Hampton Inn, 1000 Towne Square Dr, Greensburg, PA 15601
Guests may call the hotel directly at (724) 838-8800 and identify the “Seton Hill In Your Write Mind Conference” room block to receive the discounted rate. More info to follow.
To subscribe to the In Your Write Mind Newsletter click here.
Keep up with events on the In Your Write Mind website. InYourWriteMind.net
Please share this with anyone who might be interested.
We hope to see you on the Hill!
For questions, please click here.
Thank you!
Sally Bosco and John Fortunato
Chairs of In Your Write Mind
In Your Write Mind Writers Workshop 
