MARQUETTE — In its constant commitment to informing regional authors and publishers of the latest changes in the publishing world and offering effective marketing and writing innovations, the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association will host its 28th-annual conference from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time Saturday at the Peter White Public Library in downtown Marquette.

The conference will be open to all writers, beginning and seasoned, and anyone interested in starting to write. All genres will be discussed including poetry, novels, non-fiction and much more.

Keynote speaker Sara Maurer’s debut novel, “A Good Animal,” from St. Martin’s Press has garnered national attention in wide-release in 2026. Place deeply informs Maurer’s writing, particularly how it influences identity and choice. She attended Albion College and Eastern Michigan University and completed the Stanford Continuing Studies certificate in novel writing in 2022.

In 2023, she was selected as a Suzanne M. Wilson Artist-in-Residence at the Glen Arbor Arts Center. She lives in the Upper Peninsula with her husband, two kids and mini-dachshund.

Expert members of the UPPAA community will have breakout sessions, with participants able to mix-and-match sessions from both tracks.

Session include —

— Deborah K. Frontiera, “Self-Publishing 101: Why You Should Self-Publish and How to Do It”;

— Michael Dwyer, “Building a Creative In-Person Author Platform with Real World Connections”;

— Brandy Thomas, Marty Achatz, Nikki Mitchell, Creating and Marketing Audiobooks;

— Nikki Mitchell, “Authentic Voices: Crafting Neurodivergent Heroes for Middle Grade Readers”;

— Dianna Stampfler, “Research & Records for Historical Writing”; and

— Sue Harrison, “Orchestrating Your Novel’s Plot.”

The Young Writers workshop returns for students in the sixth through 12th grades who want to improve their writing craft and learn from established authors.

It will take place in rooms adjacent to the UPPAA Conference. Admission is $30 per student or free for those with family memberships in UPPAA (limit two per family). For more details, go to StorytellingWorkshop.org.

The pre-conference networking and social event available to all participants returns from 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern time Friday at The Crib, a cozy and comfortable coffee house and roastery with lots of seating just two blocks from the Peter White Library. They ask that those planning to attend register in advance for $15 when signing up for spring conference. This registration covers the costs of venue rental and light appetizers. A cash bar will be available.

Registration to attend is available immediately on the UPPAA website at www.uppaa.org.

UPPAA members in good standing attend free of charge; however space is strictly limited to the first 110 attendees to register. A catered lunch from Vango’s Pizza with side-salad is included and light refreshments are available all day.

For questions contact membership secretary Brandy Thomas at uppaa.membership@gmail.com.