Barrelhousing with Hannah Grieco About Writers Wrestling Live, Coming to the Barrelhouse Conference on 4/18/26
Photo by Mateusz Wacławek on Unsplash
It started almost like a normal conference proposal from a group of writers who are well known to Barrelhouse: we have an idea. From there, it got a bit strange. The idea was about disagreement, fighting, how there wasn’t enough of it in the literary world. It would be interactive, contentious, but it would also be fun, and people would have a chance to get their very real questions about writing and publishing answered. Maybe twice, or three times. Okay, we thought, this is a little different, but this is also four of our favorite writer/editor people volunteering to demystify some aspects of writing and publishing in a fun, interactive environment. Okay, we said, let’s give it a whirl.
Eventually it was decided that the session would be called Writers Wrestling Live, and it would feature Sam Ashworth, Hannah Grieco, Monica Prince, and Zach Powers as moderator, and it will be part of the program at the Barrelhouse Conference, Conversations and Connections: Practical Advice on Writing, at American University on April 18, 2026. We emailed with Hannah to learn more about Writers Wrestling Live, how they came up with this idea, Hannah’s own experience at the conference, and of course, Patrick Swayze.
Dave Housley of Barrelhouse: So....what is happening in this session, exactly?
Hannah Grieco: Dude, I don't know. I think we'll probably talk about writing and publishing. Most likely. Honestly, Sam was all "Wanna fight about writing?" and I was all "NAME THE TIME AND PLACE." Then we were both like "Let's bring in Zach and Monica! You know, to ensure a fair fight!" Then we submitted that idea as a panel.
He is just so much fun to yell at, Dave. I regularly yell at him across large conference spaces because it feels so good.
BH: Can you please tell us about your rich history of arguing with Sam Ashworth?
HG: Sam is basically my little brother. Don't tell him this, but I think he's so great! However, he and I have entirely different approaches when it comes to the the craft of writing. And our editorial processes. And teaching. And our basic beliefs and methodologies as relate to publishing. So we butt heads constantly about all of these things, but for some reason...it's really fun? We have such a good time! We've loudly and publicly argued about novels vs short story collections, about how to pitch editors, about how/when/why to publish short stories, and much more. We've also been on tons of panels together, co-taught workshops, and gotten ridiculously intoxicated together in a variety of geographical settings. Love that guy. I will definitely buy him several drinks to ease the pain of his upcoming literary pummeling.
DH: So can you break down the format you'll be working with here? I know we're going to solicit some questions in advance and I have some ideas about that. What will this look like in terms of who is doing what and when?
We're still working out the logistics here, but I believe attendees have the whole day to come up with questions and deposit them in some sort of fishbowl-like container (Editor’s Note: Barrelhouse has secured a fishbowl-like container, and will also give attendees a chance to email questions in advance). Then Zach Powers will ask us a series of those questions and we'll buzz in with our answers. Then the audience will vote on who's right. (Me, of course.) Or maybe Monica Prince will decide? (Still me.) Or maybe Monica will sit in the audience and heckle Sam? I'm not sure. Whatever happens, the results will come in hot! Possibly "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" style, where everything's made up and the points don't matter. And yet, there will still be a winner. (Me.)
DH: How will you determine a winner? Should we give large stones to each attendee along with their packets, so they can choose a winner through stoning? Should I find a large stuffed (imitation) polar bear, and we'll finish this off in Road House fashion? All of the above?
HG: Oops, you were looking for an actual method to this madness. Instead of stoning, which will mar Sam's delicate skin, let's consider the polar bear option. (Real or stuffed. I'm flexible.) And "Road House fashion" is the only fashion I'm interested in, whether it be fighting or runway.
DH: I know you posted on Facebook about this, but do you mind telling us a little about your history with the conference? It's one of my favorite conference stories! Or journeys. Or whatever.
HG: Back in 2018, I went to my very first writing conference. This one! I was TERRIFIED. I was a brand new writer, well into my forties, trying to learn this hard new thing and maybe make friends. Do you know how hard it is to make friends in your forties?? And I figured all the other writers would be young and extremely cool. Uninterested in some middle-aged mom who wanted to write, that's for sure.
I didn't realize that everyone would actually be extremely cool nerds, young and old. That they'd be so kind, so welcoming. So not exclusive or gatekeep-y. That they'd become my favorite people on this planet.
Every other conference feels stuffy in comparison. This is a conference for learning, yes, but also maybe more importantly-- for joining the literary community. For making new writer friends, even if you absolutely suck at making friends! Everyone is welcome. I love it so much!
DH: The final question in all Barrelhouse interviews, and I feel like probably we've asked you this before, but also it is an important and personal question that is constantly changing as we grow as people so: what's your favorite Patrick Swayze movie?
HG: I snuck into Dirty Dancing when I was 12, after my parents wouldn't let me see it. Life changing, obviously. There is no better Swayze movie, and no better movie moment than that rainy tantrum where he busts his car window to let Baby in. Even though, honestly, 13yo me thought she was kind of a turd. Older me..thinks she wasn't that bad.
Registration for the Barrelhouse in-person writers conference, Conversations and Connections: Practical Advice on Writing, at American University in Washington DC on April 18, 2026.
With your registration you’ll get: the full day conference, including three sessions of panel discussions and craft workshops, your choice of 1 of our 4 featured books, more literary stuff from our partner presses, and 1 ticket to speed dating with editors (a 10 minute, and a 1-on-1 meeting with a literary magazine or small press editor).