Don't spend your valuable lunch hour in a noisesome, crowded fast-food joint. Join Tim Waggoner and Anton Strout as they read from their favorite works. You're welcome to bring lunch and make a picnic of it!
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
Maybe you donât want to write a novel. Maybe youâve a burning idea for a short piece of fiction that youâd like to see in print. Or maybe you want to try your hand at a new genre, and a short story is the way to test your wings. Our panelists discuss the differences in approaching a short story vs. writing a novel and share market news on where you can send your tales. Panelists: John Helfers, Jonathan Rudder, Jean Rabe
Letâs discover those things that go bump-in-the-night. Learn how to send shivers down the spines of your readers. You donât have to write in the horror genre to deliver a good scare. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Tim Waggoner, Donald Bingle, Jean Rabe
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
Hungry ghosts, hidden demons, and interactive nightmares come to us in books and movies from Japan. Weâll look at the history of the Japanese story vs. the American tale, including a discussion of Campbell, Kurosai, and how the genre can influence your writing. Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Luke Johnson
What does it take to have a career as a writer? New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole walks you through the variety of skill sets you need to develop to successfully pursue a career as a writer. He provides insight into the pitfalls and exciting new developments in publishing and technology.
This fast-growing subgenre has made stars out of folks like Jim Butcher with his Dresden Files. Is urban fantasy just a trend, or is it here to stay? Our panelists discuss the elements of urban fantasy and the markets for your city-fiction. Panelists: Anton Strout, Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe, John Helfers
Build from the physical world and not the culture. Learn how geography influences a societyâs development. For example, deserts create a reverence for water, and migratory patterns for sustenance. Learn how to let the terrain shape your people. Panelists: Sabrina Klein, Daniel Myers, Tim Waggoner, Steven Schend, Paul Genesse