Tracy Hickman (Dragonlance author and game designer) and Curtis Hickman (Professional magician and game player) presents radical player techniques which one designer of Third Edition D&D said threatened gaming itself! Learn both player and gamemaster techniques designed to put fun and adventure back in your games (and drive bad DMs and players wild) in this riotous seminar based on their upcoming book.
From the worlds between the pages of your favorite book… to adventures teetering on the edge of the dice… join Tracy and Laura Hickman on a voyage beyond imagination! Get the inside answers on the Dragonlance Movie and the new Weis & Hickman series. Hear about Tracy and Laura’s latest novels and games then listen to a reading from a not-yet-published work… recorded live to be podcast on the internet that same night!
So what does it take to be a writer—whether it's a part-time gig or a full-time job? Just what does it take to make the dream a reality? We will also tackle the topics of family, friends, time, marriage, discipline and deadlines. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, John Helfers, Don Bingle
Want to write a page-turner? A sizzling suspense yarn? An edge-of-your-seat thriller? Our panelists provide a lesson in nail biting. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe, Luke Johnson
Horror writers and editors teach you how to send shivers down your readers' spines. You don't need to write in the horror genre to throw a good scare or three into your story. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Luke Johnson, Tim Waggoner, Linda Baker
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: In other words
Description:
What do calots, lembas, Moradin, and Kakrafoon have in common? They are all words from fictional languages used as background detail in books or games. The panelists will discuss the ways authors and game designers use fictional languages to make their worlds more real, and will reveal their tricks and techniques for making up new languages. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Daniel Myers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Linda Baker
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: What to eat on the planet Kriznak
Description:
Harry Potter has his pumpkin juice, and Whorf has his gagh. Just because the food isn't real doesn't mean it can't be realistic. Learn how to give your world more flavor. Whether your characters are in a medieval fantasy or a rollicking space opera, they will appreciate a decent meal. Panelists: Daniel Myers, Kerrie Hughes, Elizabeth Vaughan, Tim Waggoner, Steven Schend, Linda Baker
How to look at your work critically and improve your chance for a sale. This covers everything from plot to language, how to rewrite, and how to take and give criticism. Panelists: John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Steven Schend, Richard Lee Byers, Don Bingle
So you want to be a professional writer? Even if it's only in your spare time? Our panelists discuss the business of writing, offer pointers on manuscript presentation, and give advice on how you can rise to the top of the slush pile. Applies to game and fiction markets. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Luke Johnson, Linda Baker, Brad Beaulieu