Wattpad Announces Full Schedule for WattCon 2022
WattCon 2022 will brings together some of Wattpad’s most globally influential and popular webnovelists
The premier reader and writer event returns in-person with a full day of panels, workshops, and a live Watty Awards ceremony hosted by BookTok star Kevin Norman and Tik Tok influencer and content creator Jonathan Moore
Wattpad, the global entertainment company and leading webnovel platform, is excited for the return of WattCon 2022 on November 19! Hosted at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California, the event will bring together the Wattpad community of fans and writers, for an in-person and virtual celebration of stories and the people who tell them.
Some of Wattpad’s biggest authors will appear at the event, including superstar writers like Ariana Godoy (Through My Window, 365M reads), Tay Marley (The QB Bad Boy and Me, 31M reads), Claudia Tan (Perfect Addiction, 85M reads), Anna Todd (the After series with 1B reads online) and many more.
WattCon 2022 will feature a full program of inspiring author-led panels, workshops, meet & greets, and Q&As. Sessions will include:
Wattpad's Writerpreneurs
Some of Wattpad’s top authors share their journeys from beginner to seasoned storyteller. What inspired them to start writing? What challenges have they overcome? What do we have to look forward to from them?
Panelists: Jessica Cunsolo (With Me series), Tamara Lush (Drive), Romi Moondi (24 Hours in Paris), Nicole Nwosu (The Bad Boy and the Tomboy)
To Trope or Not to Trope: Writing Romance
Who can resist a bad boy? In this session, some of Wattpad’s top romance writers discuss how Romance tropes draw large audiences, how to incorporate popular tropes into a story, how to make an old trope feel fresh and new, and how to steer away from problematic content.
Panelists: Philline Harms (Never Kiss Your Roommate), E.L. Lewis (MILO), Suzanne Sutherland (Managing Editor, Content Development, Wattpad), Sondi Warner (Lead Me Astray)
World Building & Exploring New Genres
Ever thought about writing the next Lord of The Rings or Star Wars, but aren’t sure where to begin? Wattpad authors from a variety of genres will offer guidance on this panel about how to get started and fully unleash your imagination.
Panelists: Brianna Joy Crump (Of Cages and Crowns), Erica Gallegos (The Ephemeral series), H.J. Nelson (The Last She), Ligia Nunes (Bear in Sheep's Clothing), Crystal Scherer (The Virus Within series)
Writing Authentically: From Your Own Identities and Outside Your Own Identities
Writing your own story or including elements from your personal experience into a work of fiction can be healing and empowering. Top Wattpad authors share their experiences writing what they know, and highlight what to be mindful of if you decide to make your story personal.
Panelists: Brianna Marie Belle (All Over Again), Auburn Morrow (30 Day Trial Period), Meghan Joyce Tozer (Night, Forgotten), Loridee De Villa (How To Be The Best Third Wheel)
Wattpad & WWS AMA
So much has changed since WattCon 2018—the new Creator Program, the NAVER acquisition, and hundreds of stories being monetized on Wattpad. The floor is open for virtual and IRL attendees to ask their burning questions about Wattpad’s evolution and what the future looks like.
Panelists: Alessandra Ferreri (Director of Content, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios), Jeanne Lam (President, Wattpad), David Madden (Head of Global Entertainment, Wattpad WEBTOON Studios), Leah Ruehlicke (Content Lead, Wattpad)
Studios: Sell Your Hook & Sell Yourself
What does Wattpad Studios look for in a story? What makes a story perfect for on-screen adaptation? How do you identify your story engine or hook? Representatives from Studios and top authors with major Studios deals weigh in.
Panelists: Ariana Godoy (Through My Window), Kate Marchant (Float), Tay Marley (The QB Bad Boy and Me), Gina Musa (Boot Camp), Claudia Tan (Perfect Addiction)
Wattpad Creator Q&A’s
Get the chance to meet with some of your favourite authors and ask those burning questions!
Panelists: Matthew Dawkins, Philline Harms, Bella Higgin, Tamara Lush, Crystal Scherer, Claudia Tan, Anna Todd, Loridee De Villa and more
WattCon 2022 will conclude with the 2022 Wattys Award ceremony, hosted by influential Booktoker Kevin Norman and TikTok influencer Jonathan Moore! The duo will announce the 2022 Watty Award winners, marking the 13th anniversary of the annual global writing contest. The Watty Awards are a launch pad for some of the most exciting new voices in fiction, and in 2022, the competition will feature more prizes than ever before, including publishing and adaptation opportunities with Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. Watty Award winners are consistently some of the most creative and diverse voices in the industry, and this year’s 2022 shortlist doesn’t disappoint.
“WattCon started as an intimate, fan-organized gathering, and today it’s transformed into one of the most anticipated events for Wattpad readers and writers around the world,” says Sue Johnson, Chief Content Officer, Wattpad. “We’re thrilled to be in-person again so our authors and their fans can really connect over their shared passion for amazing stories. I’m also very excited about the 2022 Watty Awards because the winning writers are going to be the ones to watch!”
For more information on the WattCon 2022 schedule and tickets, visit the registration page here.