Worldshift2026 Speaker Info Page

WorldShift 2026 Summit
Speaker Info Page

The WorldShift Summit runs August 17–22, and this page has everything you need to prepare for your session.

Sneak Peek: WorldShift 2026 Speaker Lineup & Session Topics

This section will continue to be updated as speakers and session topics are confirmed.

  1. Jessica Brody — Fast Draft Your Way from Page One to Done
  2. Savannah Gilbo — How to Start Writing Your Sci-Fi or Fantasy Novel: The First 5 Questions to Ask Before Writing a Single Word
  3. K.M. Weiland — Session Title Coming Soon
  4. Katja Kaine — All My Novel Plotting Secrets Revealed
  5. Amy Collins — Setting Yourself Up for Success When Querying: What to Do (and What to Avoid)
  6. Allison K. Williams — The Most Important Scene in Your Novel Is in the Middle
  7. Lisa Cooper Ellison — Trauma-Informed Strategies for Speculative Fiction Writers: Protecting the Writer, Supporting the Reader
  8. Alexa Bigwarfe — Session Title Coming Soon
  9. Gabriela Pereira — The Psychology of World-Building
  10. September C. Fawkes — Allies & Enemies: Structuring Your Cast
  11. Sharon Skinner — Friction & Fallout: Building Character Conflict and Tension
  12. Samantha Cameron — Condensing Your Complex Story into a Synopsis
  13. Stuart Wakefield — How to Write a Romantic Tragedy That Will Break Your Reader’s Heart
  14. Janice Hardy — Avoiding Infodumps in Created Worlds
  15. Rebecca K. Morrison — Writing Through Fear, Doubt, and Moral Tension
  16. Brooke Black — Stop Telling Me to “Show”: 10 Fresh Moves for Vivid Writing
  17. Nicole Bross — Bored of Your Book? How to Fall in Love With Your Story Again
  18. Bailey Lang — All the Things: Building a Sustainable Writing Practice When Your World Is on Fire
  19. Jennifer Larkin — How to Write Backstory Without Boring Readers
  20. Nichelle Seely — The Magic of Setting: Make Your Places Pop!
  21. And many more experts!

Hey, Friend!

Hello and welcome! I’m so thrilled you’re here!

My name is Heather Davis. I’m a certified book coach, developmental editor, podcaster, and founder of WorldShift, and I’m delighted to welcome you as a speaker for the WorldShift Summit.

At the heart of my work is helping speculative fiction writers build their stories from the foundation up—so they can move past stuck places and write novels that are bold, inclusive, idea-driven, and deeply resonant with readers.

This summit is rooted in the belief that speculative fiction has the power to change the world by shifting perspectives and imagining new possibilities—and that work is only possible because of generous, thoughtful voices like yours. I’m truly honored to be sharing this space with you.

WHAT IS THE WORLDSHIFT SUMMIT?

WorldShift: The Speculative Fiction Writers’ Summit 2026 is a free, four-day online event for speculative fiction writers—especially Women+ and underrepresented voices—who want to write novels that matter.

The summit brings together authors, book coaches, and thought leaders to share practical craft tools, proven strategies, and real-world insights in a supportive, inclusive space. Writers can attend all sessions at no cost, with an optional All-Access Pass available for those who want lifetime access to the recordings and bonus materials.

Together, these sessions help writers at every stage develop stories that are emotionally rich, structurally sound, and fully alive on the page.

We’re bringing together experts in:

  • Mindset & Process: building sustainable writing habits, overcoming blocks, and trusting your creative voice

  • Character Development & Story Foundations: emotionality, interiority, motivation, growth, and meaningful transformation

  • Plot & Structure: story architecture, pacing, stakes, and narrative momentum

  • Craft Techniques: scene construction, voice, revision strategies, and writing at the sentence level

  • Diversity & Inclusivity: writing inclusive worlds and characters with care, intention, and depth

  • Agents & Querying: pitching your work, querying effectively, and understanding what agents look for

  • Publishing, Marketing, Author Platform: traditional, indie, and hybrid approaches—and how to choose what fits you

AUDIENCE

Who This Summit Is For writers of fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, horror, magical realism, and other speculative genres who want to strengthen their craft, connect with a supportive writing community, and move closer to completing—or revising—a powerful novel.

This summit will be particularly exciting for writers who:

  • Are actively drafting or revising a novel (even if it’s not speculative fiction)

  • Are considering traditional publishing, self-publishing, or are still figuring out their path

  • Want to go deeper—not just faster—in their creative process

  • Are Women+ writers who want to see speculative fiction continue to grow, evolve, and reflect a wider range of voices and stories

  • Are neurospicy writers who value craft conversations that honor different brains, processes, and creative rhythms

FORMAT

Summit Format & Session Details

  • The summit will feature approximately 30+ pre-recorded sessions, released over three days (August 17–21, 2026), with an optional live Q&A panel on Day 4 (August 22).

  • All sessions will be solo presentations, pre-recorded by the speaker, and run approximately 30–60 minutes.

How Sessions Air

  • Each presentation will air at a scheduled time as if it were live, giving attendees the chance to watch together and engage as a community in real time.

  • Speakers are invited—and warmly encouraged—to join the live chat during their session’s scheduled airing to connect with attendees and answer questions.

Why This Matters for Speakers

  • Being present in the chat is a powerful way to build know-like-trust with attendees and increases the likelihood that they’ll download your freebie, join your group program, or reach out for private coaching.

Access & Replays

  • Each session will be available to watch for free for 24 hours after it airs.

  • Attendees who want extended access can purchase the All-Access Pass, which includes lifetime access to all presentations plus exclusive speaker bonuses.

SUMMIT TIMELINE & IMPORTANT LINKS

 
All important links and forms will be collected here, so you’ll always have easy access to everything in one place.

SPEAKER BENEFITS

 

  • Earn 50% commission on every All-Access Pass sold through your affiliate link

  • Have the option to grow your email list with a freebie or lead magnet

  • Receive ready-to-use promo graphics and swipe copy to make sharing easy and low-stress

  • Enjoy free, full access to the entire summit, including all sessions and speaker bonuses

  • Have your message shared with a highly engaged, relevant audience

PROMOTION EXPECTATIONS

This summit is a truly collaborative effort, and your voice genuinely matters. We want your session to reach the writers who need it most—and that happens when we all help spread the word.

As a speaker, you’re expected to:

  • Send at least two emails to your full list during the promotion window (August 3–21, 2026)

  • Optionally (but warmly encouraged): share the summit on social media using the provided graphics and swipe copy

  • Use your unique affiliate link so you can earn commission on every All-Access Pass you help sell

You’ll be fully supported every step of the way. We’ll provide ready-to-use promo templates, swipe copy, and beautifully designed graphics to make sharing easy and low-stress.

Why Promote?

Because this isn’t just about a single presentation. It’s an opportunity to:

  • Grow your email list with a high-quality, highly engaged audience

  • Earn affiliate income through All-Access Pass sales

  • Position yourself as a trusted, go-to voice in the speculative fiction space

  • Make a real, lasting impact on writers who need what only you can teach

WORLDSHIFT 2025: STATS & REACH

 

  • 6,368 attendees, primarily serious, craft-focused writers actively working on novels—many of whom continue on to work with our speakers after the summit
  • Top affiliate earned more than $23k in net profit and added 3k+ new subscribers
  • 100% speaker satisfaction
  • 100% attendee satisfaction
  • Check out last year’s summit!

WHAT LAST YEAR'S SPEAKERS HAD TO SAY...

“I hardly ever do appearances like this because they’re usually too energy-intensive. This was refreshing, inspiring, and invigorating. Everything felt seamless, supportive, and genuinely fun. I would love to participate again next year.”
— K.M. Weiland

“This summit was awesome! You sent the affiliate materials super early, which made everything easy-peasy for us. I’ve already put next year’s event on my calendar!”
— Gabriela Pereira

“It was such a great opportunity, and I’m so grateful to have been included. There’s been a lot of buzz in the communities I’m part of.”
— Sam Cameron

“Honestly, this is the best-planned summit I’ve been part of. I loved having control over my speaker info and freebie links. The attendees were incredibly engaged.”
— Sabrina Estudillo Butler

WHAT LAST YEAR'S ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY...

Is there something you need to chat with me about in person ahead of the summit?

Let's Chat!