In Person Short Storyathon October

Become a Published Author in Just One Weekend!

Are you ready to bring your story to life and see it published on Amazon? Albuquerque writers: This fast-paced, hands-on event will guide you in a creative writing exercise on Friday night to hitting the “publish” button on Sunday! Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned storyteller, this workshop is designed to get you results.

📚 Why a Short Story?

• It’s quick: You can complete a high-quality short story in a single weekend—I’ve seen it happen time and again!
• It’s effective: Build your author platform with an engaging introduction to your writing.
• It’s empowering: Perfect for first-time authors or anyone looking to publish quickly and gain confidence.
• It’s creative: A creative writing exercise that incudes a deadline helps you get your project done.

Many past attendees, including first-time authors, have achieved top rankings in their genre—and some have even become bestsellers (see below for just a few of those examples)!

🎉 What You’ll Get:

• A beautiful location to meet and write (Hotel Andaluz in downtown Albuquerque)
• A completed, polished short story ready for publication
• Professional editing by Xan Fresch for the first three pages (included in your ticket price)
• Hands-on guidance for publishing your story on Amazon
• Tools to create a professional book cover (DIY or with an artist)
• A supportive community of fellow writers
• Top ways to market your story right away

💻 Schedule:

Friday: Getting Started

• 6 PM: Meet at Hotel Andaluz
  • Learn the essentials of short story structure.
  • Discover how to generate compelling story ideas.
  • Get a little prewriting done

Saturday: Writing & Editing

• 8 AM: Meet at Hotel Andaluz
  • Morning: Kick off with writing sprints.
  • Midday: Learn about book cover design (using Canva or hiring a professional).
  • Afternoon: Peer reviews and revision sessions.
  • Evening: Send your story’s first three pages to our professional editors for feedback (included in your ticket price).

Sunday: Publishing Day

• 11 AM: Meet at TBD – Publishing Prep
  • Morning: Final polish and edits.
  • Afternoon: Learn how to publish on Amazon, from crafting an irresistible blurb to choosing the right categories.
  • Evening: Hit “publish” and celebrate your achievement!

🎁 Benefits of Writing a Short Story:

• Creative Expression: Share your unique voice with the world.
• Skill Building: Hone your storytelling and self-publishing skills.
• Audience Growth: Reach readers globally and start building a fan base.
• Create a introduction for new readers: You can use it to introduce new readers to your writing world.
• Networking: Connect with fellow writers and expand your support network.

💵 Tickets: $200 (Save $50 – Early bird tickets are available up until August 1!)
Your ticket includes:

• Access to all sessions and resources
• Professional editing for your first three pages
• Lifetime access to our private Facebook group

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📢 Don’t wait! The perfect time to write and publish is now.

Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward becoming a published author.

Your Facilitator

Sonja Dewing is an accomplished thriller author and seasoned writing mentor who specializes in creating stories with strong female protagonists, aiming to amplify women’s voices in the adventure and thriller genres. With a degree in journalism and professional writing from the University of New Mexico, Sonja has a rich background in storytelling, including publishing articles in notable outlets like Aviation Magazine.

Her journey as a writer has been shaped by challenges and bold leaps. After being told by an agent that “no one would read an adventure book with a female lead,” she turned adversity into motivation. In 2014, Sonja left her corporate job to pursue writing full-time, embarking on a transformative 9-week expedition through the Amazon river basin. This journey into the heart of Inca history, myths, and culture sparked the creation of her award-winning Idol Makers thriller series.

Sonja is also an award-winning publisher and founder of the Women’s Thriller Writers Association, committed to empowering writers through education and community. Her accolades include multiple honors from New Mexico Press Women for short stories and memoirs, as well as finalist and winning recognition for her novels, including Castoffs of the Gods. In 2024, she was named Best Author in New Mexico by the New Mexico Entertainment Awards.

As a workshop facilitator, Sonja brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to help writers unlock their potential. Whether guiding participants through crafting compelling characters or navigating the publishing world, Sonja’s passion for storytelling and dedication to mentorship make her an inspiring leader for aspiring and experienced writers alike.

What Participants say about the Short Storyathon?

And see what participants have done!

And how about a refund option?

If for some reason you can’t make the event, you can either choose to attend a Short Storyathon on another date in 2026, or receive a refund up to 5 days before the Short Storyathon.

2026 dates:

February 20-22

May 15 – 17

August 28 – 30

October 16 – 18