Keynotes | OCW

2024 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

STEVEN JAMES

Steven James is a critically acclaimed author of nineteen novels and numerous nonfiction books that have sold more than 1 million copies. His books have won or been shortlisted for dozens of national and international awards. In addition, his stories and articles have appeared in more than eighty different publications, including the New York Times. He is also a popular keynote speaker and professional storyteller with a master's degree in storytelling. Since 1996, he has appeared more than two thousand times at global events, presenting his stories and teaching the principles of storytelling to writers, speakers, teachers, and leaders.

When he's not writing or speaking, he hosts the weekly podcast The Story Blender, where he interviews some of the world's leading writers and storytellers. In 2020, he was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame for excellence in fiction writing. Publishers weekly has called him "[a] master storyteller at the peak of his game."

For all things Steven James, check out www.stevenjames.net

KEYNOTE TOPICS:

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE WONDER AGAIN

Staying motivated in our writing projects can be challenging and at times daunting. Join award-winning author Steven James on a journey back into the heart of story and the endless realms of imagination.

THROW YOUR HAT OVER THE WALL

In this inspiring look at the joys, risks, and rewards of pursuing the writing life, bestselling author Steven James shares humorous and thought-provoking insights into the writing process and encouragement for the journey toward living a richer, more creative life.

WORKSHOP SESSION:

HOW TO WRITE YOUR WAY OUT OF A CORNER

Learn how to generate fresh ideas, weave innovative thinking into your writing projects (whether fiction or nonfiction), and improve the shape and craft of the stories you write. We’ll explore and demystify the creative process while discovering simple steps for intensifying the impact of your writing. Whether you’re new to writing or a seasoned pro, you’ll learn practical, easy-to-master techniques that will save you time while taking your writing to the next level.

STUART ROSEBROOK

Stuart Rosebrook is the editor of True West Magazine. He is a professional historian, writer, and editor. He's been part of the True West editorial team since 2013. Stuart has over 35 years of experience in Journalism and the media industry, including television production. broadcast news, nonprofit management, magazine editing, and book publishing. He assisted his late father Jeb Rosebrook in publishing his memoir, Junior Bonner: The Making of a Classic with Sam Peckinpah and Steve McQueen in the Summer of 1971

Stuart is also the host of the podcast, "True Tales of Old Tombstone," and cohost of the podcast, "Two-Lane Tales," in partnership with Bob Boze Bell and their web venture, The66kids.com.

He currently serves as a board member of Western Writers of America's Homestead Foundation, Prescott's Western Heritage Center, Sharlot Hall Museum, and Arizona History Convention. He is married to Julie E. Rosebrook, Ph.D., and the father of two children. They live in Prescott, Arizona

For more information on Stuart, please visit his website www.stuartrosebrook.com

KEYNOTE TOPICS:

DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB: IS THERE A FUTURE IN WRITING WESTERN HISTORY AND FICTION?

With the print medium imploding, as we all know it, we have to ask hard questions, including, "Is there a future in writing Western history and fiction?" Stuart believes the answer is yes, but it is going to take audacious innovation, creativity, and determination to make a living as an authro of Western history and fiction. In this session Stuart will give an honest and positive presentation about the changes and challenges we are all facing in today's marketplace.

FUTURE SHOCK: THE FUTURE OF WRITING WESTERN HISTORY AND FICTION: HOW WILL WE ADAPT TO THE FUTURE?

Looking away from the fear of the current marketplace, and looking forward together, the second session will be a brainstorming session. Stuart will lead a Q & A workshop and address how writers can support themselves and each other in their writing, the ups and downs of the writing life, and how to find a way in today's publishing world to get your story in front of readers—and if possible, get paid for it.