Conference sessions are listed below in alphabetical order by day and presenter’s last name.
Day One: Friday, October 24
Keynote Address
and Bonus Workshop “Ask Me Anything!“
Dr. Randy Aronson, integrative veterinarian and speaker
Dr. Randy Aronson’s address will inform us about nutrition’s role in feline health. His four + decades of clinical veterinary experience is coupled with an engaging style that will help you understand why diet is so important to your cat’s health, and why your readers should know about cat nutrition, too.
Workshop With Dr. Randy: Ask Me Anything!
Following the keynote address, speaker Dr. Randy offers a full-session Q&A gives you a chance to ask him anything you like about integrative veterinary medicine! Want to know the difference between allopathic (Western) veterinary medicine and holistic veterinary medicine? Ask him. Curious about veterinary acupuncture? He knows. Chinese herbal medicine for cats? He’s your guy. Alternative treatments such as ozone, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, shock wave, therapeutic laser, or an underwater treadmill? Bring ’em on!
The Q&A session is sponsored by MeowMD, a new line of products that includes the vet-approved, science-backed Freedom Joint Drops for Cats.
Dr. Aronson’s keynote address is sponsored by Feline Natural, providing high-meat, grain-free instinctive diets for whole-body health and a visibly happier, more vibrant pet.
Biography: Integrative veterinary Dr. Randy Aronson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 after being awarded the top honor of his class, the Leonard Pearson Prize. P.A.W.S. Veterinary Center, his current practice was started with his wife, Dr. Geren Thurston, in 2008 and employs thirty-two in-house staff and five veterinarians. In 2011 they won the American Animal Hospital Practice of the Year award and the Veterinary Economics Merit Hospital winner. Dr. Aronson utilizes an integrative approach to diagnostics and therapies, combining Western or allopathic medicine with holistic modalities. He completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s acupuncture course, numerous Chinese herbal courses, and many traditional Chinese medicine and nutrition programs. He is certified by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute to perform physical therapy on cats and dogs. Along with traditional allopathic diagnostics and protocols, he uses food therapy, ozone, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, shock wave, therapeutic laser, and underwater treadmill to help attain health and wellness for his patients.
Full Speed Ahead: Make Your Writing Business Purr
Laurren Darr, publisher, author, and entrepreneur
For many writers, the creative side comes naturally — but the “business stuff” can feel like herding cats. In this practical and inspiring session, publisher, author, and entrepreneur Laurren Darr shares her hard-won lessons from founding three companies, a nonprofit, and publishing nearly 100 books.
You’ll learn how to:
•Build the foundation of your author business with confidence
•Create simple systems to manage finances, publishing, and marketing
•Develop a personal brand that stands out in a crowded marketplace
•Use tools and resources to make business less overwhelming and more sustainable
Blending strategy, marketing know-how, and real-world author experience, this workshop gives you a peek at the behind-the-scenes resources that keep creative businesses running smoothly. You’ll leave with clarity, momentum, and the confidence to run your author business at full speed — without spinning your wheels.
Biography: Laurren Darr is a publisher, author, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping creatives succeed in business. She has founded three companies and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and through her imprint, Left Paw Press, has published nearly 100 books. With decades of experience spanning grassroots startups to corporate marketing, strategy, and operations, Laurren blends her love of writing with her business expertise to empower authors to thrive as entrepreneurs. She navigates multiple ventures with the resilience of a cat with nine lives — from running daily business operations and publishing projects to representing her NASCAR race car driver son both on and off the track, while supporting his charitable initiatives through the Zachary Tinkle Foundation.
Presence Over Purrfection: Finding the Confidence to Use Your Voice On Camera, In Person, and In Life
KJ McGlinn, media personality, entrepreneur, and event strategist
For many writers, the page feels safer than the spotlight. But your story matters — and so does your voice. In this SuPURR-inspired session, you’ll learn from KJ McGlinn — The Kitty Correspondent — how to quiet self-doubt, let go of chasing purrfection, and show up with authenticity instead of performance.
Through cat-inspired stories and practical tools, you’ll discover how to:
🐾 Calm the doubts that keep you silent
🐾 Shift from performance to presence — on camera, in person, and in life
🐾 Reclaim your voice and speak with confidence and clarity
You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more grounded, and ready to share your words with confidence wherever you’re seen or heard.
Biography: KJ McGlinn is known to cat lovers nationwide as The Kitty Correspondent on Pet Pals TV. A media personality, entrepreneur, and event strategist, she has built a career helping people and pets shine — on camera, in person, and in life. She is the founder of the SuPURR Cat Parent Society and creator of cat-inspired events including PurrCon and Purr Prom, blending her passion for community with her gift for storytelling.
With a background in radio, television, YouTube (1M+ views), and podcasting, KJ has hosted audiences from local rescues to Madison Square Garden. At home, she shares life with her husband Patrick and their seven rescue cats: Amelia, Grayson, Melody, Buffy, Giles, Johnny Storm, and Malcolm. Through it all, her mission is simple: to help people show up for their cats — and their calling — with confidence and authenticity.
Beyond Web Surfing: Improving Your Writing with Authoritative Sources
Dusty Rainbolt, award-winning author, feline health and behavior expert, consultant, and Fear Free Certified® Professional
In the age of information overload, separating fact from fiction is more crucial than ever – especially when it comes to our beloved felines. Join us for an essential session that will equip you with the tools to navigate the vast sea of cat-related information. We’ll dive into practical strategies for identifying reliable and authoritative sources, evaluating scientific studies, and recognizing common red flags that signal misinformation. Learn how to confidently debunk pervasive feline myths and empower your readers with accurate, evidence-based content.
Biography: Dusty Rainbolt, known as “The Cat Scene Investigator™,” is an award-winning feline health and behavior expert, consultant, and Fear Free Certified® Professional. With a journalism career spanning back to 1987, she began specializing in feline topics in 1995. Dusty is the author of five award-winning cat-related books, including the acclaimed Cat Scene Investigator: Solve Your Cat’s Litter Box Mystery and Kittens for Dummies. Her distinctive science-based yet humorous style has graced the pages of Cat Fancy Magazine, Catster, and Whole Cat Journal, among others. A past president of the Cat Writers’ Association, Dusty has garnered over 65 writing awards, including three Friskies Writer of the Year titles and two Cornell Feline Health Center Veterinary Issues Awards, recognizing her profound impact on feline journalism.
From Paw Prints to Plot Points: Unlocking Your Next Cat-tastic Story
Sucheta Rawal, award-winning travel writer, columnist, author, and speaker
Feeling creatively declawed? Is your next purr-fect story hiding just beyond your reach? Join award-winning travel writer and author Sucheta Rawal as she reveals her secret litter box of inspiration! Discover how to transform real-life encounters, exotic destinations, and the vibrant personalities of actual felines (and humans!) into compelling characters and vivid settings for your next book.
Sucheta will whisk you away on a journey, sharing how her global adventures and her own beloved cat ignited the ideas for her colorful, educational picture books, showcasing children’s lives around the world. Prepare for a generous helping of fresh ideas to stimulate your creative whiskers, plus practical tips to pounce on your next writing project. Get ready to unleash your inner storyteller!
Biography: With a mission to promote meaningful and sustainable travel, award-winning South Asian travel writer, columnist, author and speaker, Sucheta Rawal has contributed to over two dozen publications including CNN, TIME Magazine, NatGeo, Travel+Leisure, CondeNast, Fodor’s, and HuffPost. Sucheta is a three time TEDx speaker and author of five ‘Beato Goes To’ children’s books about a traveling cat that educate kids about the diversity of the world. She has personally traveled to over 120 countries across seven continents and speaks about her experiences from her firsthand perspective. She also founded the non-profit, Go Eat Give, to raise awareness of different cultures through travel, food and community service. Read more at https://suchetarawal.com
Speak Up! Tips on Becoming an Effective Speaker
Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, award-winning author, editor, proofreader and desktop publisher
This workshop will provide tips for becoming an effective, engaging speaker and finding speaking opportunities for colleagues who have insights, information and resources they would like to share but aren’t sure of how to begin. (www.writerruth.com)
Biography: Ruth E. “I can write about anything!”™ Thaler-Carter (www.writerruth.com) is a prolific, award-winning freelance writer, editor, proofreader and desktop publisher who is known for her writing, editing, proofreading and publications skills; networking resources and resourcefulness; and ability to not only “write about anything” but talk to and learn from anybody. She has been presenting conference speeches, workshops and webinars for about a dozen professional associations for several years, including both speaking and writing about becoming a speaker and making effective presentations.
Editors’ Panel: Attracting the Attention of Editors in Today’s Media Environment
Claudia Guthrie, Senior Editor, Chewy; Nicole Cosgrove, Director of Editorial, Content, and Social Systems, Catster; Jay Hartman, CEO/Editor-in-Chief, Misti Media; and Andrea Gapsch, Acquisitions Editor, Purdue University Press
Whether you’re trying to find a publisher for your book or creating content for periodicals and websites, you need to know how those markets have changed. Joining us from around the world via Zoom, these editors will help you position your pitches to grab an editor’s attention and intrigue them with what you have to offer. During this workshop, editors will share what’s new in their organizations, discuss the types of story pitches they are looking for, and provide advice on the best methods of approaching them about potential work. Virtual attendees: Please think of questions you have for these editors, and we’ll collect them from you closer to the conference.
Panel Members: Claudia Guthrie is a Senior Editor at Chewy, where she oversees the cat behavior and breeds verticals for Chewy Education and PetMD. She lives in Seattle with her two cats, Winnie and John Wick. Jay Hartman, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Misti Media, LLC., is a 30+ year veteran of the publishing industry. Jay and his husband of 20+ years live in Las Vegas with their son/dog, Zeke. Nicole Cosgrove is the Director of Editorial, Content, and Social Systems for Catster. She and her husband live in New Zealand with their human daughter and their fur babies, dogs Rosa and Mac. Their first baby, Baby Cat, crossed the rainbow bridge in September 2024 at the ripe young age of 18, but his legacy lives on in all the work she does. Andrea Gapsch is an Acquisitions Editor at Purdue University Press, where she acquires books for the New Directions in the Human-Animal Bond series among other lists. She lives with her husband in Indiana, where she strives to convince their two cats that their golden retriever is, in fact, lovable.
Day Two, Saturday, October 25
Great Book Publicity Starts with Setting Goals
Terena Bell, author and book plublicist
When it comes to book publicity, outlets like “The Today Show” and NPR sound impressive, but going on the local news might be better for your books. That’s because the best PR comes down to goals: Why do you want publicity? Is it about selling books or being read? Or for self-published or small press authors, your goal might even be to attract an agent for the next title. Everybody’s desired outcome is unique, so your approach to PR should be too. In this session, pinpoint your goals and learn easy steps you can take to promote your work accordingly.
Biography: Terena Bell is a book publicist and fiction writer. As a publicist, she’s secured clients coverage with “The Today Show,” Good Housekeeping, NPR, BookRiot, and others. Her own debut short fiction collection, Tell Me What You See (Whiskey Tit), published December 2022 and was recently named one of “the best books of the 21st century (so far)” by New York Society Library. Learn more at terenabellpr.wordpress.com.
Fast Starts — How to Hook Your Reader
Kris Bock, author, writing teacher, and developmental editor
Most editors, agents, and readers will judge a story on the first page or two. If you can’t get their attention right away, you’ve lost that opportunity. Understand the promises your first chapter makes so you promise what you deliver and deliver what you promise. Then start with a “grab you by the throat” opening to hook readers on those opening pages.
Biography: Kris Bock has published more than 25 mystery and romance novels and is the author of over 100 books for young people under the name Chris Eboch. Chris is a popular writing teacher and developmental editor, and the author of Advanced Plotting. Learn more at https://chriseboch.com/ and www.krisbock.com.
Don’t Be a Copycat: Ethical AI Use for Cat Writers
Elizabeth Finch, Strategy and Content Cat, Community Cats Podcast
AI is everywhere, but that doesn’t mean it should take over your work. Whether you’re curious about AI or deeply skeptical, this workshop will help you understand what these tools can and cannot do, how to protect your voice, and how to safeguard your ethics and credibility as a cat writer in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.
We will cover:
•What AI tools really do (and don’t do), cutting through the hype and fear.
•The risks of AI-generated content, including plagiarism, voice dilution, and copyright concerns.
•Practical, ethical ways writers may choose to use AI for tasks like outlining or brainstorming without replacing their creativity or authenticity.
•How to protect your voice, your work, and your values in the AI era, even if you decide not to use AI.
•How to develop a personal “AI Use Policy” for transparency with clients and readers.
Takeaways:
•Clarity on what AI is, how it works, and why it matters for writers.
•A practical framework to evaluate if, when, and how to use AI responsibly.
•Tools and questions to protect your voice and ethics if using AI.
•Confidence in maintaining your unique perspective in an AI-heavy world.
•The knowledge to defend your choice, whether that means using AI responsibly or choosing to avoid it.
Problems that will be solved:
•Lack of clarity about what AI can and cannot do, helping writers understand its capabilities and limitations.
•Concerns about losing one’s unique voice or diluting authenticity when considering AI tools.
•Uncertainty about the ethical and legal risks associated with using AI-generated content.
•Feeling pressured to use AI without a clear, responsible framework for when and how it should be used.
•Lack of a practical strategy to evaluate, manage, and disclose AI use to protect credibility with clients and readers.
Biography: Elizabeth Finch has been devoted to animal welfare since 2015, building programs that improve the lives of community cats while empowering the people who care for them. She has led the development of comprehensive community cat programs that now serve thousands of cats annually in collaboration with municipal shelters and communities.
Today, Elizabeth teaches community cat program management at the University of the Pacific-Benerd College, equipping professionals and volunteers to implement humane, effective programs in their communities. She is also part of the Community Cats Podcast team, helping expand educational resources for cat advocates nationwide. A published author, Elizabeth is currently co-authoring a textbook on community cat program management for veterinarians, forthcoming from a leading national academic publisher.
Elizabeth is passionate about helping mission-driven individuals use evolving tools like AI responsibly, ensuring they can work efficiently while protecting their voice, credibility, and connection with their audience.
Self-Publishing Essentials
Robert Herrick, author, award-winning screenwriter, and producer
“Self-Publishing Essentials” focuses on key steps authors often neglect in the self-publishing process. The core of the presentation will be a detailed walkthrough of the tools, websites, and services involved in formatting and self-publishing a book. This presentation will give prospective authors a good understanding of the entire self-publishing process. A Q&A session will follow.
Biography: Robert Herrick worked for 20 years as a software developer. He helped create over fifty commercially released games and educational titles, including the best-selling Cabela’s Big Game Hunter Series. Since leaving the game industry, he has self- published a middle grade novel, three picture books, one grammar book, and three books that help authors on their self-publishing journey. He is also an award-winning screenwriter and producer. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Theater Arts and an MBA in Technology Management.
Robert runs a monthly self-publishing support group zoom meeting. “We’re here to help and answer questions. If you’re just curious about self-publishing or are currently self-publishing drop in and see how we can help each other.”
You can find out more about him at www.UWriteBooks.com. Robert lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his wife, pet snail, and lots of crested and gargoyle geckos.
Devil or Darling? Writing with AI as Your Feline Muse, Critic, and Co-Creator
Ellen M. Laura, author, intuitive educator, and speaker
Artificial Intelligence, the purrfect writing partner—or a whiskered Trojan horse threatening our creative integrity?
In this playful and thought-provoking session, we’ll explore how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping the way we write, edit, and even market feline-themed content. With a focus on cat-centric writing—from fiction to blogs, memoir to marketing—you’ll learn how to collaborate with AI without losing your unique voice.
We’ll cover:
🐾 How to prompt AI to write with wit, charm, and a touch of cattitude
🐾 Using AI as a brainstorming partner—not a replacement
🐾 Creative exercises to avoid AI-generated clichés and keep your work authentic
🐾 Tips for generating feline-friendly social media content, newsletters, and marketing blurbs
🐾 Ethical questions: Who’s really holding the pen (or the paw)?
Attendees will walk away with new tools, fresh inspiration, and a more nuanced understanding of how to engage with AI, whether you approach it with curiosity or caution. There will be live demos, audience interaction, and plenty of room to ask, “What would my cat say about this?”
Biography: Ellen M. Laura is a published writer, intuitive educator, and long-time workshop leader whose creative career spans four decades. With a background in storytelling, spiritual inquiry, and transformational coaching, Ellen has led dynamic workshops both in-person and online, from magazine features to mystical fiction, from wellness retreats to AI-era writing labs. Known for blending depth with playfulness, she brings a poetic, provocative lens to emerging technologies and their place in the writer’s world. She currently lives in Nevada, where feline muses are always welcome at the writing desk.
Meowgical Marketing: Spook-tacular Strategies to Bewitch Your Readers
Megan Mary, award-winning author, dreamworker, podcast host, and founder of Inner Realms Publishing
Ready to conjure up some attention for your creative work? In this spook-tastic session, we’ll explore meowgical marketing strategies to help your books enchant readers from the first glance. Discover how creating bewitching book trailers, building a website that casts a lasting spell, and using Amazon tricks can work like charm. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a curious kitten just starting out, you’ll leave with practical tools—and a few purr-suasive spells—to turn your passion into a spine-tingling success.
Biography: Megan Mary is an award-winning international bestselling metaphysical author, dreamworker, founder of Inner Realms Publishing and host of the Women’s Dream Enlightenment podcast.
In addition to a career spanning over twenty-five years creating and marketing websites, she holds an MA in English Literature, BMsc in Metaphysical Sciences and is pursuing her PhD. She is a member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, the Author’s Guild and the Independent Book Publishers Association. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two cats, Merlin and Milu, who are also characters in her books.
Her metaphysical trilogy, Witches of Maple Hollow, blends the genres of mystery, fantasy and speculative fiction: Book 1: The Dream Haunters, Book 2: The Dream Mirrors & Book 3, The Dream Dimensions. Described by jeffree_thebookdragoncat as “Purrfection…suspenseful, secretive, and delightfully dramatic…tail flicks galore.”
Writing to Save Cats – Community Cats and Shelters
Dr. Becky Morrow, professor and shelter veterinarian
This session will focus on how writers can help to educate the public and the veterinary community on how best to help community cats and our animal shelters. A huge difference can be made by education and the Cat Writers Association can be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of these cats. Learn about community cats and best practices for humanely managing these cats while lessening the burden on animal shelters and how we as writers can make a positive difference in their lives.
Biography: Dr. Becky Morrow is a shelter veterinarian and professor who is very active in the animal rescue community. She founded Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue in 2010 after she cared for over 400 cats rescued from Tiger Ranch, a massive institutional hoarding facility. She has performed tens of thousands of spays and neuters and teaches High Quality High Volume spay/neuter techniques to other veterinarians and veterinary students. Dr. Morrow is often called upon to speak on topics related to community cats and TNR and has worked with dozens of shelters and rescues in Western Pennsylvania to bring the mobile surgical unit to underserved regions. She is an Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s Online Shelter Medicine Program.
Making Money as a Freelance Writer
John Riddle, freelance writer, author, and ghostwriter
Every freelance writer dreams about making money using their gift of creative communication. In this workshop, which is part memoir, part inspiration and lots of suggestions on how to successfully navigate the publishing world, you will learn how to make money as a freelance writer. Whether you are a new writer, or one who has lots of experience getting published, the tips and ideas will help you meet your goals: more bylines, and more checks!
Learn about School Library Publishers, Specialty Newsletters, Greeting Cards, Press Releases, Gift Book Publishers, Textbook Publishers and much more. For nearly 15 years John was on the road teaching at Christian and secular writing conferences all across the U.S. Many people from his workshops are now making money writing articles and books. Now, it’s YOUR turn!
Biography: John Riddle is a freelance writer, author, ghostwriter and donut eater who works out of his home office in Delaware. He is the author of 34 books with a variety of traditional publishers, and so far has self-published 3 books for writers. His byline has appeared in major publications all across the United States, and he has written articles for over 200 websites. In 2002 he launched “I Love To Write Day” as a grassroots campaign to have people of all ages spend time writing every November 15th. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of ILTWD, he published the “I Love To Write Day Creative Writing Journal” which is still available on Amazon. He is a speaker at Christian and secular writing conferences throughout the U.S., and recently spoke at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Visit ilovetowriteday.com for more info.
SPECIAL EVENT: Friday Night Mixer at the Movies: Mini CatVideoFest
Something special is brewing for our Saturday night mixer. CatVideoFest Guru and CWA member Will Braden is preparing a selection of videos from this years’ international CatVideoFest, just for us! Come catch some great feline flicks and visit with fellow attendees while enjoying a complimentary open bar and dinner.
Awards Banquet Ceremony 🏆
Join us virtually or in-person for the CWA Awards Banquet Ceremony. Read more about it on the CWA Awards Ceremony page.
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