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The Power of Short Story IP—From Concept to Execution

November 10, 2026
Short stories are emerging as essential IP for an intro to the studio system, and some of our most iconic films began with only a handful of pages. Using short fiction references from Stephen King and more, this course explores how writers can recognize the cinematic engine (and core dilemma) inside a short story and to brainstorm or refine an idea of their own. 

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

Script Pipeline

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

Film Pipeline

Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

One-on-One: Explore Historical Fiction Writing with Adam Sikes

Recorded

September 30, 2026

Duration

1 Hour

Cost

Free

Subjects

Publishing, Screenwriting

Topic

Craft
Listen

Writing historical fiction requires great amounts of research, understanding when to toss the facts in favor of fiction, and how to organize all of the voluminous files you'll collect.

Then there's the question every historical fiction writer asks ... When is it okay to fictionalize real, historical figures?

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman chats with novelist (and former CIA) Adam Sikes to dissect the processes they each use when writing their historical novels.

Join us for a casual conversation, including your questions, as they dive into the strategies that have helped them as well as the challenges of bringing history to life in a dynamic, and fictional way.

Resources:

Daily Life ... resource books by era/region
Sears Roebuck & Co. Catalog
Session Chat

Adam's Symposium Host Page

What attendees have said ...

"As someone who is working on a first draft of a historical fiction novel, I enjoyed ALL of it. Excellent conversation!"

"Excellent conversation. The guest was fabulous, I took tons of notes."

"I think both presenters where great, engaging and talk about relevant matters. Also, they address interesting questions. I had to leave earlier (unfortunately), but I’ll finish the presentation as soon as I get the recording. THANK YOU!"

"So many thoughts--your research methods, varying perspectives, accuracy of historical periods, varying cultures, varying fictional supplements, A.I. I'm grateful I can relisten to several sections and take better notes."

"I love candid discussion about real historical fiction writer’s processes with emphasis in what works for them and what does not."

"The wonderful chemistry between the author and the interviewer. Both so bright articulate."

"Loved their energy. It was very informative. You felt like they knew what they were talking about. They covered briefly something I was interested about which was different time lines."

"I loved the discussion at the end about other primary sources you might not have thought of, including novels published in that time. That opened a whole new door of ideas for me!"

Host

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman is a Senior Executive at Pipeline Media Group and Book Pipeline, Editor-in-Chief of Pipeline Artists, co-host of the Pipeline Artists original podcasts, "Reckless Creatives" and "The Story Will Save You," former Editor-in-Chief of Script magazine and a former Senior Editor at Writer's Digest. Her Script column "Balls of Steel" was selected as recommended reading by Universal Writers Program. A […]

Panelist

Adam Sikes
Adam Sikes is a former paramilitary officer with the CIA and a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran. He has operated around the world, and his experiences now inform his writing. His first novel, Landslide, was a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards, and his latest novel, The Underhanded, was a finalist for the American Fiction Awards. Adam holds […]

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Upcoming Events

The Power of Short Story IP—From Concept to Execution

November 10, 2026
Short stories are emerging as essential IP for an intro to the studio system, and some of our most iconic films began with only a handful of pages. Using short fiction references from Stephen King and more, this course explores how writers can recognize the cinematic engine (and core dilemma) inside a short story and to brainstorm or refine an idea of their own. 

Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting for Writers

November 18, 2026
Hosted by goal strategist, author, and The Book Proposal Expert Debra Eckerling, this session will introduce you to The DEB Method®, her system for goal-setting simplified. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, and Brainstorm Your Path. Writers will define their goals, prioritize projects, and create a plan to turn their vision into reality.

Luck Favors the Prepared: Your Action Plan for a Killer Screenwriting Year

January 6, 2027
In this focused session, screenwriting career coach Lee Jessup explore where the industry finds itself at the start of this new year, discuss the opportunities that are out there, and identify what steps you should take in order to make the career strides your screenwriting deserves. 

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Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.

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