Weâll discuss the books: fiction, non-fiction, and ones on the craft of writing, that every author should read. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, Donald Bingle, Jean Rabe
Donât starve your main character. Donât force your villain to drink the wrong vintage of wine with his macaroni and cheese. Little details like food help make your fiction real and add depth to your characters. In fantasy and science fiction, it can also reveal important information about climate and culture. Panelists: Daniel Myers, Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Brad Beaulieu
And make them suffer and die, too. There is an art to portraying death and suffering that can add realism and emotion. Learn how to write about your characterâs imminent demise without crossing the line in the realms of morbid, gross, boring, and toomuchinformation. Panelists: Brad Beaulieu, Chris Pierson, Tim Waggoner, Steve Schend
How to Buff, Polish, and Make Your Manuscript Shine
Description:
Get an editorâs attention. Find yourself moving up in the slush pile, not sitting forever on the bottom. There are things you can do to your manuscript to make it move a little quicker and to lessen the chances it will get rejected. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Richard Lee Byers
Sometimes itâs who you know that will help get you into print. Sometimes itâs what you learn about the publishing industry, editors, and agents that will help you make a sale. Conventions are a great place to meet folks who can help your writing career and to get the low-down on fantasy and science-fiction markets. Weâll teach you how to schmooze. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Anton Strout, Donald Bingle
Do you need an agent? And, if so, how do you get one? What can you declare as writing-related tax write-offs? What should you look for in contracts? These topics and more will be tackled by our panelists. Handout provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Donald Bingle, Elizabeth Vaughan
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole offers up a grab-bag of tricks of the trade and insider information that can step you through the early, awkward phases of writing, and set you well on the path to being published.
Have your prose critiqued by professionals. Presenters will have three to five minutes to read their material. They will receive verbal critiques based on the âcritique sandwichâ method. Attendance is limited to those being critiqued, pre-registration is required. Panelists: Patrick Rothfuss, Steven Schend, Anton Strout, John Helfers, Jennifer Brozek
Where you place your story can be as important as the story itself. What elements should you put in and leave out? Our panelists show you how to sprinkle in details to enhance your story and characters . . . and teach you how not to overdo it. Weâll include tidbits about how to pick a setting and research tools. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Brad Beaulieu
Coming up with a solid, interesting plot can be one of the most difficult aspects of writing. Weâll discuss just what makes a good plot and offer advice on how you can avoid plot-jams and plot-holes that can ruin your fiction. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, Richard Lee Byers, Brad Beaulieu, Jean Rabe.