October 28 – 29
Diary of a Storyteller: Crafting Words that Matter
Over the past few years, our worlds have been turned upside down. One fact has remained consistent: Quality storytelling is alive and well, capturing the voices, the scenes and characters in captivating, descriptive and powerful ways. This year’s conference goes back to the basics, showing how a focus on writing craft fuels greater creativity, the enthusiastic exploration of people and places and drives the pervasive journey of all writers to tell remarkable stories.
All times are CDT
Friday, October 28, 2022
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Writing Workshops [INVITE Only]
LOCATION: UNT-Dallas Law School
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Opening Reception
LOCATION: UNT Dallas College of Law
Small group tours of UNT Dallas College of Law/Oswald Museum
8 p.m. – until - Mayborn Happy Hour (on your own)
Welcome remarks
Saturday, October 29, 2022
8 a.m. – Registration
SATURDAY Morning Kick Off
[The first 120 registered guests will be in the Dallas Morning News Auditorium, and we will simulcast to additional meeting rooms in DMN and if needed, to the UNT System Building across the street]
SESSION 1
9:00 a.m.
Humanizing Tragedy
Mass shootings have become commonplace in our country. Today’s conversation will examine how these reporters have covered these evolving tragedies balancing breaking news and painting realistic, authentic and sensitive pictures of the people and communities affected during and after the tragedies.
MODERATOR – Stella Chavez, immigration and demographics report, KERA
- Elizabeth Williamson, reporter, New York Times & author, “Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth”
- Marisa Gerber, reporter, Los Angeles Times
- Nancy M. Preyor Johnson, associate editorial page editor and columnist, San Antonio Express-News
- Dianne Solis, immigration and social justice reporter, Dallas Morning News
SESSION 2
10:00 a.m.
Unveiling the Ugly Truths: Holding the Powerful in Account
Covering major companies, governments and large agencies are daunting tasks. These journalists share their strategies on how they uncovered wrongdoings and missteps of these organizations.
MODERATOR – Zac Crain, senior editor, D Magazine
- Olivia Carville, reporter, Bloomberg News
- Ruben Vives, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Los Angeles Times
[BREAK]
SESSION 3
11:00 a.m.
Writing Great Essays: Where Do I Begin
The narrative arc of essay writing is art. These writers discuss how they report and craft riveting essays.
MODERATOR – Mallary Tenore, associate director, The Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, and adjunct professor
- Esme Deprez, feature writer, Bloomberg News
- Anna Badkhen, journalist/author, “Bright Unbearable Realities”
- Leah Waters, journalist/author, Dallas Morning News
[BREAK]
12:00 p.m. – 1 p.m.
MaybornLitConnect – Lunch
MaybornLitConnect – Lunch
Lunch on your own
SESSION 4
1 p.m.
Lessons Learned: Covering Education during the Post-Pandemic Era
Students and teachers are among the many who have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing political battles on what’s taught. Our panelists today discuss how they unpack these often sensitive and divisive stories about education in America.
MODERATOR – Hannah Dellinger, education reporter, Houston Chronicle
- Eva-Marie Ayala, education reporter, Dallas Morning News
- Bill Zeeble, reporter KERA
SESSION 5
2 p.m.
Strategies on Publishing Your Book
Getting your book published is an art – and a science. It all starts with an exceptional story, but the rest requires some key steps to transform your idea into a completed book. Today’s panelists offer several steps and approaches to getting your book published.
MODERATOR – Dr. Sanderia Faye, Author, Dallas, Literary Festival, Executive Director, and Assistant Professor of Practice, SMU
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Tom Reale, president, Brown Publishing
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Ali Kaminsky, junior literary agent, Dupree Miller
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Cassidy Sachs, editor, Penguin Random House
[BREAK]
SESSION 6
3:00 p.m.
Why Local News Narratives Matter
What’s going on in our own backyards has become more important than ever in the post-pandemic world. Our panel today discusses some of the ways they are reporting and writing compelling narratives about the issues that make a difference in people’s lives.
MODERATOR: Katrice Hardy, executive editor, Dallas Morning News
- Brittny Mejia, reporter, Los Angeles Times
- Elizabeth Findell, reporter, Wall Street Journal
- Amber Gaudet, reporter, Denton Record-Chronicle
- Joe Warner, executive editor, Community Impact/Austin
SESSION 7
4:00 p.m.
Fireside Chat with Jane Wolfe, author, “Burl: Journalism Giant and Medical Trailblazer”
MODERATOR – Michael Granberry, arts writer, Dallas Morning News and author of the upcoming book, “Hole in the Roof: The Dallas Cowboys, Clint Murchison, Jr., and the Stadium that Changed Sports Forever”, will engage Jane Wolfe is an accomplished journalist and author who has spent the last several years working with Burl Osborne’s family to craft this biography of this legendary media executive and medical pioneer.
SESSION 8
5:00 p.m.
How to Write Like a Craft Beer Judge: An Interactive Experience
Veteran news reporter Charlie Scudder shares his insights and passion as a homebrewer, certified beer judge, and copywriter for North Texas craft breweries. You’ll get a chance to sample some craft beer and learn from an expert.
[BREAK]
STATLER HILTON BALLROOM
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Reception & Book Signing
Reception & Book Signing
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Keynote Fireside Chat & MAYBORN WRITERS’ AWARDS Reception
Keynote Fireside Chat & MAYBORN WRITERS’ AWARDS Reception
Emcee: Sam Baker
Fireside Chat with Amb. Andrew Young with Ernie Suggs
Young, who has earned worldwide recognition as a pioneer in and champion of civil and human rights. Ambassador Young’s lifelong dedication to service is illustrated by his extensive leadership experience of over sixty-five years, serving as a member of Congress, African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mayor of Atlanta, and ordained minister, among other positions.
Young, who has earned worldwide recognition as a pioneer in and champion of civil and human rights. Ambassador Young’s lifelong dedication to service is illustrated by his extensive leadership experience of over sixty-five years, serving as a member of Congress, African American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mayor of Atlanta, and ordained minister, among other positions.
Ernie Suggs, a journalist with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution who writes about race and culture, is author of “The Many Lives of Andrew Young,” a biography of the ambassador, mayor and legendary civil rights leader, will be conducting the interview.
Awards Presentation
Conference Wrap-Up & Virtual Happy Hour
Baby Shoes Competition Winners Announced
Keep the conference conversations – and beverages – flowing!
Share stories and laugh-out-out!
Share stories and laugh-out-out!
9:00 p.m
MaybornLitConnect Happy Hour
MaybornLitConnect Happy Hour
Special location – TBD