Writers discuss techniques to make working from home work.
Description:
Creative people, especially in these days, often work from the place where they live. Join our panel of writers who work from home as they discuss ways to make writing work at home, like which chores to skip, how to set expectations with household members, and how to alter our physical space to protect creative time and energy. Panelists: Sandra Tayler (moderator), Jeremy Bernstein, Richard Lee Byers, Latoya Peterson, LaShawn M. Wanak. Track: GCWS Career.
Writers discuss effective integration of geography into worldbuilding.
Description:
The physical world influences a society’s development. Join our panel of speculative worldbuilders as they discuss how to let the environment shape your fictional culture. Panelists: Chris A. Jackson (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Ed Greenwood, Daniel "Doc" Myers. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Writers discuss incorporation of story structure models across different types of speculative writing.
Description:
Story structures (or narrative structures) are frameworks that help us develop plots, characters, and worlds into satisfying narratives. While you may be familiar with some of them, there are many structures and storytelling traditions—some of them millennia old. Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss various story structure models, storytelling traditions, and different ways to incorporate them into your writing process, either for prose or game writing. Panelists: Jerry Gordon (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Dan Jolley, Cat Rambo, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Writing.
Writers discuss development and conclusion of satisfying character arcs.
Description:
Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss how to make sure your characters grow, learn, and change by your novel's end in a way that is satisfying to the reader. Panelists: Karen Menzel (moderator), Erin M. Evans, Gabrielle Harbowy, Katherine Monasterio. Track: GCWS Writing.
Writers discuss the continuing evolution of science-fiction.
Description:
How do we reinvent futures in a genre that's always been writing futures? Join our panel of sci-fi writers as they discuss the new futures—and new explorations—in science fiction. Panelists: Bryan Young (moderator), Mostafa Haque, Sean CW Korsgaard, Erin Roberts, Sheree Renée Thomas. Track: GCWS Genre.
We've ran over three dozen RPG Kickstarter projects over the last three years. Join us as we discuss best practices for the new and semi-new creators. Q&A to follow.
Discuss the ins and outs of putting together 3rd Party content for the sci-fi horror Mothership RPG. An ideal seminar for writers, designers, and the Mothership enthusiasts.
Description:
Zac Goins and his team sit down with peers to discuss the ins and outs of putting together 3rd Party content for the sci-fi horror Mothership RPG. An ideal seminar for writers, designers, and the Mothership enthusiasts. Q&A to follow.
Transformation Of Your Epic Campaign Into AudioSaga.... RolePlay made REAL (TM)
Summary:
Learn how to immortalise your favorite TTRPG campaigns in Audio through the process of AudioSaga creation! Recording style, editing, sound effects, and music creation will be discussed and explained.
Description:
Capture the thrill of your favorite campaign, allowing your friends, or audience, to hear the events unfold in REAL TIME, enriched with full cinematic score and meticulous sound effect application! Native audio from Table Top Role Playing Games, improvised in character, can be made into immersive, Movie-Theatre-Quality audio productions, what we like to call HyperChronicles! Learn how to record your campaign to make the best foundation for audio enhancement, develop the skills to cleanly edit aural masterpieces, discover the subtleties of sound effect application and environmental sculpting, access your inner musician to create inspiring musical scores to underlie your action and Role Playing scenes.. Receive the basics of sound sculpting, and the inspiration to reach for the stars, with Master Audio Artist Paul Greenleaf!
Building a Better Hand Puppet - Tips and Techniques
Summary:
The internet is filled with patterns & pictures of fleecy friends, but if you want to build your own characters, you need an approach that that gives you strong results & makes your puppet expressive.
Description:
Puppets are not sculptures, they need to move! Building a puppet that moves well, stays light, and won’t break is the real key. We will look at the function of each part of the puppet, and then explore some tried and true ways that I have been building puppets for decades. Greg Ballora will emphasize taking a drawing and creating an easy blueprint that leads to success! For more than 30 years, Greg has been a Los Angeles-based puppet builder & performer. He has puppeteered with the Muppets, Henson’s Puppet Up, & was the Puppet Captain on Disney’s Crash & Bernstein. Greg has also been a Puppet Master for the Disneyland Resort, building puppets, training puppeteers, teaching students & creating parade choreography for puppets & large floats. Greg has taught puppet construction & performance at UCLA, Pepperdine University, Penn State & Cal Arts.
The Camera sees everything! Or does it? Let’s take a look at the rigging and building that makes it look like a simple puppet can do it all!
Description:
How do you get a puppet to shoot a basket, ride a bull, play violin or eat a plate of spaghetti? Knowing your camera angles, having a great team, & a clear vision are a good start, but you also may need specialty puppets or props built to solve the problem. Lets look at some of the solutions that we have come up with for TV shows like Crash & Bernstein & commercials for Nike & Eyeglass World. For more than 30 years, Greg & Kristin have been Los Angeles-based puppet builders & performers. They've puppeteered with the Muppets, Henson’s Puppet Up, & Greg was the Puppet Captain on Disney’s Crash & Bernstein. On film, they were lead marionettists for Team America: World Police & part of the core Doc Ock performance crew on Spiderman II.
Join the lead puppeteers from Team America World Police to look behind the scenes of films & TV shows where marionettes are the actors! We’ll dive into the 5 W’s and how’s of marionette productions.
Description:
Marionettes are one of the oldest forms of puppetry throughout the world, and for many, they are the first style of puppet we encounter as children. How are marionettes constructed? Are they manipulated differently for film than they are for theatre? Why are marionettes used instead of other styles of puppets? What are the special concerns when working with marionettes on camera? In this discussion, get answers to all these questions and many more. Plus you'll get to see some really cool behind-the-scenes photos! Join puppeteers Greg Ballora and Kristin Charney to take a peek behind the scenes of many productions, both big and small, that have used marionettes. Greg and Kristin create marionettes for filmed media in their Los Angeles-based workshop, and can't wait to share their expertise with you!
Come hang out with the Fool's Gold crew from the D&D animated series "Fool's Gold" from Dingo Doodles on YouTube! Watch a brand new Fool's Gold episode with them and join the Q&A!
Join Dominic McDowall (CEO and Head Games Designer) and Padraig Murphy (Lead Producer) for a peek into Cubicle 7's upcoming TTRPG releases!
Description:
Join Dominic McDowall (CEO and Head Games Designer) and Padraig Murphy (Lead Producer) for a peek into Cubicle 7's upcoming TTRPG releases - from Warhammer Imperium Maledictum, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, Warhammer 40,000 Wrath and Glory, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound to Doctor Who, Broken Weave and beyond!
Join Dominic McDowall (CEO and Head Games Designer) and Padraig Murphy (Lead Producer) for a peek into Cubicle 7's upcoming TTRPG releases!
Description:
Join Dominic McDowall (CEO and Head Games Designer) and Padraig Murphy (Lead Producer) for a peek into Cubicle 7's upcoming TTRPG releases - from Warhammer Imperium Maledictum, Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, Warhammer 40,000 Wrath and Glory, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound to Doctor Who, Broken Weave and beyond!
Do you struggle to craft backstories that feel compelling, avoid tropes, and connect you to the game's world? Learn to craft backstories that really bring your character to life.
Description:
Backstories aren't just for Player Characters--important NPCs need them, too. This is for players, GMs, and people who just enjoy world building and character crafting! We'll cover some classic backstory tropes--why they're so easy to fall back on, and a variety of ways ranging from simple to complex to turn tropes to your advantage, or to come up with something entirely different without having to start from scratch. We'll also learn why it's useful to build your character into the world, what makes that hard, and why it can make for an amazing experience.
Secondary Market Management: Understanding Secondary Market Value
Summary:
A presentation on how companies can better control their collectible product's long-term profitability, and for collectors who want to better understand what impacts the value of their collection.
Description:
In the collectibles market, firms can be tempted to increase supply so to maximize revenue; however, in many cases, this has led to long-term profit declines and, ultimately, the failure of the product. Steven believes companies can help prevent such catastrophes by developing Secondary Market Management strategies. He will go in-depth on the nature of customers and the different types of collectible products, along with his findings based on millions of blockchain transactions that give new insight into what factors contribute to the fluctuation of a product’s secondary market value. He concludes by sharing a new empirical model that can help companies maximize profits by finding the optimal collectible initial pricing and production quantities. Along with additional insight for any enthusiastic customer of collectible products.
Discussion about horror in gaming that revolves around safety mechanics, favorite settings/systems, and advice for both storytellers and players on collaboratively playing in a horror game.
Description:
This panel focuses on horror in gaming. We are going to talk about getting into horror games, safety mechanics, settings and systems in horror, and advice for both players and storytellers on incorporating horror elements into your game. This seminar is a beginner's guide. Panelists include Jason Peercy, Will. Uhl, Sean Jaffe from Nerdycity, and Shale Blade. Moderator - Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx)
For those in the industry, new to the industry, or looking to get into the industry.
Description:
Hosted by Darker Days Radio, this panel will talk about how to get into the TTRPG industry, what you can expect, advice for writing and getting started in writing, and other aspects you may not be aware of. Panelists will continue to be announced shortly. Panelists Kari Jo "Kage" Freudigmann (she/her) - Community Relations Rep for Roll20, Community Manager for Storytelling Collective, freelance TTRPG writer and layout designer, Mitch Bustillos of Necrobiotics, and Ben Riggs of Slaying the Dragon. Moderator - Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx)
This panel will focus more in-depth on horror elements/mechanics within a game, pulling from horror media and adding it into your game, and different genres within horror
Description:
Darker Days Radio is hosting this panel discussion for players and storytellers who want a more in-depth and technical discussion surrounding using horror in TTRPGs. Everything from cinematic horror moments to mechanics that work well, different genres of horror and what they bring to gaming, and how to intensify horror will be discussed. Panelists are John Thompson of Rook and Raven, Liz Marrs from Attack from Marrs Games, and Kennedy from Heckin Good Doggos, Star Trek RPG, and Never Going Home. Moderator - Crystal Mazur (she/her/mx)
Come join Product Line Developers Michael Curtis and Chris Doyle to learn what it takes to be a professional freelancer for Goodman Games.
Description:
Learn what the publisher is looking for, and what they are not looking for! Several freelance contributors will also be on hand to give their perspective on working for an RPG company and - more specifically - Goodman Games. We will wrap up with a Q&A session, and all participants will be on hand following the seminar for one-on-one meetings.
Join Gen Con Staff & DEI Advisory Committee members as we talk about the changes we’ve made, our goals for improvement, mission & values in creating a more diverse, inclusive, & equitable Gen Con.
Description:
Join a moderated discussion with Gen Con staff and DEI Advisory Committee members Mandi Hutchinson and Aaron Trammell as we discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion at Gen Con. Includes a 2023 update to the community on the work Gen Con has undertaken, outlining our goals for fostering a more diverse and inclusive Gen Con, and discuss ways in which you can become involved. Questions can be submitted in advance using the form sent in the message to registered players, or during the Q&A session of the presentation. The Q&A session will be moderated by Suzanne Sheldon.
No Latency x MagiRPG: Building in the world of Cyberpunk RED
Summary:
Miss Magitek from the Cyberpunk-Red Podcast talks about the No Latency show, as well as MagiRPG's Synthetic Dreams & what it's like using a tabletop RPG system to tell radio & actual play stories.
Description:
Miss Magitek, Bijan Mousavi, Chris McNamara, Momo Bee, and Craiggumz talk actual play shop and take audience questions on talk actual play shop and take audience questions on the show 'No Latency' as well as MagiRPG's 'Synthetic Dreams' and how each have been built it to where it is today. This will be recorded.
From the depths of Tracy Hickman's secret underground laboratory ... come learn what new gaming creation he has been building in his basement this year.
Learn about different games and systems to scratch your TTRPG itch when your gaming group consists solely of you and your imagination!
Description:
You want to roll some dice, tell a story, explore lands unknown, and fight some fearsome beasts. Everyone knows that Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs) are awesome ways for you and your friends to come together to do all of that and more. Fewer people Maybe you're an extreme introvert. Maybe you can't seem to align schedules with your friends. Maybe it's 7:30 pm on a Wednesday night and you just want a low-stakes, meditative guided journey through your own imagination. Whatever your motivation, there is a solo TTRPG game for you. In this session, we will discuss: types of solo TTRPG games, modifying your favorite systems for solo play, recommended games and creators to start with, and even SRDs you can use to make your own solo game!
Writers, games, and poets discuss the incorporation of poetry in roleplaying games.
Description:
Poetry and gaming have, can we say, a poetic relationship? Join our panel of expert speculative poets and gamers as they discuss reimagining the way we incorporate both poetry and poets into RPGs, going beyond the traditional cliches of the bard to one that remembers how poets in global traditions are often figures of great adventure and misadventure, and ways to improve the incorporation of rhymes, riddles, and the like in both fantasy and science fiction settings without obligating players to write complicated forms on the spot. Panelists: Marie Bilodeau (moderator), Brandon O'Brien, C. S. E. Cooney, Bryan Thao Worra. Track: GCWS Multimedia.
Writers discuss experiences and techniques related to writing licensed fiction.
Description:
How do you get to write in a licensed universe? Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss their path to writing in their favorite IP universes and how a writer like you might get there today. Panelists: Erik Scott de Bie (moderator), Richard Lee Byers, Erin M. Evans, Ajit George, Chris A. Jackson. Track: GCWS Career.
Fantasy writer, cook, and entertainer Daniel "Doc" Myers teaches the basics of believable medieval-inspired cuisines in your writing.
Description:
A fantasy world should have a cuisine that takes into account the resources and technology of the people that inhabit it. In this seminar, join medieval cooking expert Daniel "Doc" Myers to learn how to make up a consistent, believable fantasy cuisine using the workings of medieval European cooking as a template. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Writer Sandra Tayler teaches techniques to holistically engage your community of readers.
Description:
There is tremendous power in a devoted fanbase, it is a gift and a responsibility. In this workshop, join author Sandra Tayler as she discusses things you can do to encourage a community to build around your own work, making connections between your readers, and why it is far more important to give than to ask. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Choosing Your Path: Writing Games for Player Agency
Summary:
Game writers discuss choices and techniques for crafting interactive narrative.
Description:
Not sure how many dialog options should you provide your player in a conversation? Debating the benefits and drawbacks of large-scale choices in your narrative? Interested in procedurally generated narrative, but unsure if it's right for your game? Join our panel of experts as they unpack what tools in the toolbox are most useful for any interactive narrative experience. Panelists: Jennifer Allaway (moderator), Kelli Fitzpatrick, Grace P. Fong, Mostafa Haque, Bryan Young. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
The Rifle on the Mantle: Worldbuilding and Potential Energy
Summary:
Writers discuss the nuances of tying introduced elements of interest back into a story - or when to let them be.
Description:
Worldbuilding detail by its nature contains some level of potential energy. Does a rifle on the wall mean it must later be used, per the Chekov's Gun principle? Or does it tell you a lot about someone who would hang a rifle on their wall, whether it's fired or not? Join our panel of expert worldbuilders and writers as they discuss the concepts of when worldbuilding sets up questions that will need to be answered, when it doesn't need to, and how you play with reader experience and expectations in a way that pays off. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Katherine Monasterio, Latoya Peterson, Erin Roberts, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Special Guest Diana M. Pho reviews manuscript pitches for possible consideration at Erewhon Books.
Description:
For those with a completed novel, we are pleased to offer this unique opportunity to have your work seen. Each attendee will get ten minutes to pitch one book to Diana M. Pho, Executive Editor of Erewhon Books. This pitch session does not mean a contract is offered, but allows the writer and the editor to chat about the book for possible consideration at Erewhon. To complete your registration, please email a one-page query letter to programming@genconwriters.org with the book's title, word count, genre, age market (adult or YA) and discuss the plot in one or two short paragraphs. Optional additions can include a three-sentence author biography, including any relevant fiction credits. Interested writers can also refer to Diana's Manuscript Wish List Profile to see if their book would be a good fit for Erewhon: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/diana-m-pho/ Track: GCWS Event.
Roleplaying game writers discuss new and emerging narrative games models.
Description:
In 2023, RPG systems continue to expand, with attention to those that are narrative-driven and less rules-intensive. Join our panel of RPG writers as they discuss the range of new and emerging narrative games. Panelists: Alexander Bevier (moderator), Derek Tyler Attico, Erin M. Evans, Carlos Hernandez, Dedren Snead. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Writers discuss their own narrative nightmares - and how they moved on.
Description:
Join our panel of expert writers as they recount stories of narrative nightmares, some hard-learned lessons earned in the process, and how they moved past them—and examine how to recognize disasters, how to recover and course correct, and what they've learned in the process. Panelists: Sean CW Korsgaard (moderator), Jeremy Bernstein, Richard Lee Byers, Jerry Gordon, Howard Andrew Jones. Track: GCWS Career.
Writers and artists discuss the ethics of new AI technologies for visual content generation.
Description:
AI-generated art has seen a huge boom in the past year; is this a case of technology outpacing ethics? AI can generate some beautiful images for covers, illustrations, concept art, and game assets, but should it? Join our panel of people working in publishing as they discuss the ethical and legal sticking points. Panelists: Anthony W. Eichenlaub (moderator), Alexander Bevier, Grace P. Fong, Latoya Peterson. Track: GCWS Tech.
Sword and Sorcery writers discuss new directions in this evolving genre.
Description:
The sword and sorcery genre continues to evolve with new and exciting concepts and directions. Join our panel of expert sword and sorcery writers as they discuss their thoughts on this genre. Panelists: S E Lindberg (moderator), Matt John, Howard Andrew Jones, Sean CW Korsgaard, Dedren Snead. Track: GCWS Genre.
Writers discuss techniques and considerations for broadening the spectra of intimacy in fiction.
Description:
Writing intimate scenes goes far beyond sexuality when incorporating elements such as physical closeness, emotional intimacy, sensuality, consent, ace-spec dynamics, trauma, and shared experiences. Join our panel of writers as they discuss more comprehensive elements of how to write a compelling and impactful intimate scene. Panelists: Jennifer Allaway (moderator), Erin M. Evans, Sarah Hans, Gini Koch. Track: GCWS Writing.
Writers discuss language choices in queernormative writing.
Description:
Beyond building worlds where queer people exist and thrive, how can our writing and word choices make our stories more queernormative? Join our panel of writing experts as they discuss. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Brandon O'Brien, Cat Rambo, Dedren Snead, K.B. Wagers. Track: GCWS Writing.
Game writers discuss nuances of collaboration - including their real world experiences - in game design.
Description:
Most writing requires collaboration, but how does this manifest in the worlds of game design? Join our panel of gamewriters as they discuss. Panelists: Toiya Kristen Finley (moderator), Jeremy Bernstein, Jordan Jones-Brewster, Gabrielle Harbowy. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Writers discuss the importance of reading children's speculative fiction.
Description:
Despite their marketing, children's books are often loaded with difficult themes and powerful messages that resonate with readers older than what may be the target audience. Join our expert panel of writers as they discuss why everyone should read children's speculative fiction. Panelists: George Jreije (moderator), Erin M. Evans, Mary Fan, Jerry Gordon. Track: GCWS Genre.
An "Infernal" Salon—A Fun, Low-Stakes Writing Workshop
Summary:
An interactive gaming and storytelling event with writers and game designers C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez.
Description:
Join C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez for a special interactive event. Each participant will be given a prompt of one or more cards from the very spooky deck that C. S. E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez, and artist Rebecca Huston invented for their TTRPG, "Negocios Infernales." Once every writer has their prompt, they'll set a timer for 20 minutes. When the timer dings, the writers who want to will share their infernally-inspired works with all of us! This dymanic team has run Infernal Salons at cons, charity events, and libraries, and without fail, much revelry and fun is had by all. If you're looking for your next story idea or a way to shatter writer's block, have we got a salon for you! Track: GCWS Event.
Writers discuss horror writing and media in a modern context.
Description:
Why do we read horror? What makes good horror so effective? What are approaches to make horror accessible to modern audiences? Join our panel of expert horror writers for a discussion of the horrifically appealing. Panelists: Sarah Hans (moderator), Maurice Broaddus, Dr. Chesya Burke, John Jennings, Bryan Thao Worra. Track: GCWS Genre.
Writers discuss their Summer 2023 book releases - and how they're managing them.
Description:
Join our panel of authors, each with Summer 2023 book releases, as they discuss the process of promoting and publicizing a recent work in the current environment, on and offline, from a writer's perspective. Panelists: S E Lindberg (moderator), George Jreije, Sean CW Korsgaard, John Jackson Miller. Track: GCWS Career.
Writers discuss their Summer 2023 book releases - and how they're managing them.
Description:
Join our panel of authors, each with Summer 2023 book releases, as they discuss the process of promoting and publicizing a recent work in the current environment, on and offline, from a writer's perspective. Panelists: Cat Rambo (moderator), E.D.E. Bell, Dedren Snead, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Career.
Writers discuss their Summer 2023 book releases - and how they're managing them.
Description:
Join our panel of authors, each with Summer 2023 book releases, as they discuss the process of promoting and publicizing a recent work in the current environment, on and offline, from a writer's perspective. S E Lindberg (moderator), Dr. Chesya Burke, Dan Jolley, K.B. Wagers. Track: GCWS Career.
Writers discuss their Summer 2023 book releases - and how they're managing them.
Description:
Join our panel of authors, each with Summer 2023 book releases, as they discuss the process of promoting and publicizing a recent work in the current environment, on and offline, from a writer's perspective. Panelists: S E Lindberg (moderator), Erik Scott de Bie, Erin M. Evans, Howard Andrew Jones, Patrick S. Tomlinson. Track: GCWS Career.
Writers discuss the successful use of humor in speculative writing.
Description:
Humor has its place in every genre. Join our expert panel of writers as they discuss how they put humor into their science fiction, fantasy, and horror—and make it work. Panelists: Anthony W. Eichenlaub (moderator), James Farner, Chris A. Jackson, Gini Koch, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Genre.
Join Special Guest Diana M. Pho for a live in-depth interview by podcaster and speculative fiction and game writer Erin Roberts about her editing and her new role at Erewhon Books.
Expert writers discuss narratives in global Afrofuturist writing and incorporation of Afrofuturistic elements into your work.
Description:
Join our panel of Afrofuturist writers as they discuss new worldbuilding and narratives in global Afrofuturist speculative fiction and avoiding tropes when incorporating Afrofuturistic elements into your work. Panelists: Dedren Snead (moderator), Derek Tyler Attico, Maurice Broaddus, John Jennings. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Experienced writers discuss comic writing in licensed worlds and with established characters.
Description:
Writing comics already takes unique considerations for spec-fic writers. How does that change when writing tie-in fiction? Join our panel of comic writers as they discuss their personal experiences regarding comic writing for established IP and tie-ins. Panelists: John Jackson Miller (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Matt Forbeck, Dan Jolley, James Lowder. Track: GCWS Writing.
Writers discuss - and demystify - worldbuilding for your writing.
Description:
Worldbuilding can be an intimidating process. Do you need to develop an economy? How detailed does the history need to be? Should you draw your own maps? Where do you even begin?! Join our panel of experts as they demystify worldbuilding and discuss the different ways you can approach creating your world, no matter your story’s genre or setting. Panelists: Toiya Kristen Finley (moderator), Whitney "Strix" Beltrán, Latoya Peterson, Sheree Renée Thomas, LaShawn M. Wanak. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Writers and publishers discuss different types of indie publishing - and what might be best for you.
Description:
From small presses to publishing services to full self-publishing, every indie author seeks help on some level. Join our panel of expert writers and publishers as they discuss which options are helpful for which writers - and how to avoid exploitation and scams. When should an indie writer open your wallet and when should you snatch it away? This panel will attempt to untangle the many, many, many paths to indie publishing in 2023. Panelists: Mary Fan (moderator), Richard Lee Byers, Chris A. Jackson, Dan Jolley. Track: GCWS Career.
Fostering Great Writer-Editor Relationships (Session A)
Summary:
Agents, editors, and writers discuss the ups, downs, and goals of editorial relationships.
Description:
Writers need to know that their editors are giving feedback that will improve their stories. Editors need to know that the writers they’re working with trust them. Both writers and editors have ended up in working relationships that were rocky at best. However, the writer–editor partnership can be creatively fulfilling for both parties. How do writers and editors build trust and learn to communicate with each other so that their collaborations produce the best stories possible? Join our panel of agents, editors, and writers as they discuss what works best for them in an editorial relationship. Panelists: Brady McReynolds (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Erik Scott de Bie, John Jennings, Gini Koch. Track: GCWS Editing.
Expert tabletop roleplaying game writers discuss what you can expect in the process of writing for TTRPGs, and how it differs from other speculative fiction writing.
Description:
Panelists: Carlos Hernandez (moderator), C. S. E. Cooney, James Lowder, Mostafa Haque. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Daniel "Doc" Myers teaches techniques for building a fictional language from the ground up.
Description:
Just a few snippets of a fictional language can add a lot of depth to a story. However, for someone without experience in linguistics, it can be a daunting task to create something that is plausible and isn’t just a code superimposed upon existing grammar. In this seminar, experienced worldbuilder Daniel "Doc" Myers will provide a step-by-step method for constructing a fictional language. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Networking Successfully Despite Social Anxiety or Imposter Syndrome
Summary:
Writer Sandra Tayler teaches networking techniques for anxious creative minds.
Description:
Social anxiety or imposter syndrome can affect even confident people in both overt and subtle ways, but networking doesn’t have to be hard or scary when you learn to work with your natural ways of connecting rather than trying to fit an external image of what networking should look like. This workshop with author Sandra Tayler will teach the purposes of networking with an emphasis in making real connections. The session will also cover skills such as how to start a conversation, how to end one, when to bring up your own creative work, and how to speak confidently about your work. All of the ideas will be discussed for both in person and online interactions with others. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Writer Sandra Tayler teaches techniques for comprehensive marketing.
Description:
In a world of social media, creative work sells better if you frame your pitch with a story. Come learn from author Sandra Tayler how to present your work so it intrigues your potential audience. This works for everything from novels to artwork to Kickstarters to growing a social media following. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Expert writers discuss East and Southeast Asian writing and media across science fiction, fantasy, and horror in prose, poetry, and tabletop roleplaying games.
Description:
Panelists: Bryan Thao Worra (moderator), Mary Fan, Grace P. Fong, Diana M. Pho, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Multimedia.
Two panelists working in book agenting discuss their perspective on what an agent offers—and whether they see cases where they think unagented traditional publishing can work.
Description:
Panelists: Brady McReynolds, James Farner. Track: GCWS Career.
Fantasy and Historical Fiction: Where Do They Overlap?
Summary:
Writers discuss the cross-connections of fantasy and historical fiction in a modern context.
Description:
Historical fiction has been an integral part of fantasy from the very start of the genre and remains a core influence in the works of many prominent fantasy authors. How are authors inspired by history in classic and current works? What are the pros, cons, and pitfalls of historical influence? Join our expert panel of fantasy writers as they discuss. Panelists: LaShawn M. Wanak (moderator), Howard Andrew Jones, Diana M. Pho, Dedren Snead, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Genre.
We're In This Together: A Writing Community Discussion About Us
Summary:
Writers discuss the importance of reclaiming the community around us - as well as our role in it.
Description:
Whether you write solely for your own comfort, or whether you are a best-selling author, all of us are connected by common needs. Join our panel of writers as they discuss reclaiming our love of writing, our creative spark, and especially our connections - without toxic positivity. All the feels are welcome! Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Tracy Hickman, John Jennings, Sheree Renée Thomas. Track: GCWS Writing.
Fostering Great Writer-Editor Relationships (Session B)
Summary:
Editors and writers - who have worked together - discuss the ups, downs, and goals of editorial relationships.
Description:
Writers need to know that their editors are giving feedback that will improve their stories. Editors need to know that the writers they’re working with trust them. Both writers and editors have ended up in working relationships that were rocky at best. However, the writer-editor partnership can be creatively fulfilling for both parties. How do writers and editors build trust and learn to communicate with each other so that their collaborations produce the best stories possible? Join our expert panel of editors and authors who have worked with each other - and certainly have stories to tell. Panelists: Bryan Young (moderator), Maurice Broaddus, Dr. Chesya Burke, Katherine Monasterio. Track: GCWS Editing.
Fostering Great Writer-Editor Relationships (Session C)
Summary:
Editors and writers - who have worked together - discuss editorial relationships.
Description:
Writers need to know that their editors are giving feedback that will improve their stories. Editors need to know that the writers they’re working with trust them. Both writers and editors have ended up in working relationships that were rocky at best. However, the writer-editor partnership can be creatively fulfilling for both parties. How do writers and editors build trust and learn to communicate with each other so that their collaborations produce the best stories possible? Join our expert panel of editors and authors who have worked with each other - and certainly have stories to tell. Panelists: Toiya Kristen Finley (moderator): E.D.E. Bell, Brandon Crilly, Jordan Jones-Brewster, Latoya Peterson, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Editing.
Writers and gamers discuss teen angst in roleplaying games.
Description:
There's a growing set of TTRPGs that merge the complicated angst of teen existence into speculative concepts, whether it's giant mechas or being a literal ghoul. Why is this particular combination so popular right now? How do these two themes work together to create compelling storytelling and gameplay? Which titles are capturing this in the best ways, and are there ways it could be done badly? Join our panel of RPG writers and players as they discuss. Panelists: Sarah Hans (moderator), Brandon Crilly, Brandon O'Brien, Erik Scott de Bie. Track: GCWS Genre.
Expert video game writers discuss what you can expect in the process of writing for video games, and how it differs from other speculative fiction writing.
Description:
Panelists: Grace P. Fong (moderator), Toiya Kristen Finley, Mostafa Haque, Dan Jolley, Latoya Peterson. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Playing TTRPGs with Writers Feeds Your Craft! (Session B)
Summary:
Writers who love gaming discuss how role playing feeds their professional craft.
Description:
There's a special sort of alchemy that happens when a group of writers play a TTRPG together that can feed directly into their craft as published authors. How does practising "yes, and" at the table, for example, flex specific creative muscles? How does the safer, relaxed space of an in-character Discord channel offer a chance to experiment with new writing? Why explore character arcs and collaborate on relationships to flesh out the storytelling experience of a campaign? Join our panel of writers as they discuss the specific ways in which collaborative storytelling through their gaming groups has supported their professional craft, and what strategies might be useful for you. Panelists: Anthony W. Eichenlaub (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Brandon O'Brien, Brandon Crilly, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Multimedia.
Write Like a Pirate: The Use of Nautical Terminology
Summary:
Writers discuss techniques for proper use of nautical terminology in fiction.
Description:
Authentic nautical terminology can add spice to a fantasy story, but how much is too much? Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss simple nautical terms, ideas, and the basics to get you under way. Panelists: Chris A. Jackson (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Richard Lee Byers, Daniel "Doc" Myers, K.B. Wagers. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Expert game writers discuss practices for leading TTRPG projects.
Description:
What if you're not just writing a TTRPG, but also managing a schedule, artists, and even other writers? Join our panel of expert game writers as they discuss effective leadership of TTRPG projects. Panelists: Ajit George (moderator), Richard Dansky, Mostafa Haque, James Lowder. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Magic at 30: Past, Present, and Future of the World's Best Trading Card Game
Summary:
The world's best trading card game is officially 30! Join your favorite Wizards as we reveal the future of Magic, including new worlds, partnerships, and innovations to drive the next 30 years.
Writers discuss techniques for writing fanfic stories that will be adored.
Description:
Join our panel of fanfic writers as they discuss advice on writing community fanfic that will be seen and enjoyed, and how fanfic writing contributes to the development of one's overall writing craft. Panelists: LaShawn M. Wanak (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Katherine Monasterio, Erik Scott de Bie. Track: GCWS Genre.
Professional editors discuss avoiding ableism in writing and word choice.
Description:
Join our experienced panel of editors as they discuss the nuances of writing and editing to exclude ableist tropes and language, no matter how time-worn. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Diana M. Pho, Cat Rambo, Dedren Snead. Track: GCWS Editing.
But This is How I Write: When and How to Talk to Editors About Voice
Summary:
Writers discuss when and how to stand up for one's personal style.
Description:
When an editor suggests changing something that is true to your culture or writing style, how do you decide when to argue for your version without ignoring good advice? Join our panel of expert writers and editors as they discuss developing healthy working relationships with editors, softening barriers in the publishing industry, standing up for your voice, and knowing when to listen. Panelists: Brady McReynolds (moderator), Matt Forbeck, Sarah Hans, Karen Menzel. Track: GCWS Editing.
Writers discuss timing heroic fights to keep your readers engaged - and cheering.
Description:
As the writer, how do you build tension, timing, and dramatic turns during combat to make the audience cheer and not groan? How do you handle pace, technique, and blocking? Join our expert panelists as they discuss this and other nuances of writing combat scenes. Panelists: Bradley P. Beaulieu (moderator), Howard Andrew Jones, Katherine Monasterio, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Writing.
This will be an interactive seminar for new and experienced GMs/DMs to celebrate diversity in tabletop gaming and support others in the hobby.
Description:
Embrace the Initiative is a Tabletop Gaming RPG workshop/open forum to help teach and support dungeon and game master as they learn to be confident and comfortable leaders in their hobby. We will discuss the strength, flexibility, and fortitude they already have within them to help them grow as storytellers and be ready to adapt to new situations.
Building Character: Introducing Kobold's Tales of the Valiant & Eldritch Foundry's Custom Mini Maker
Summary:
Design experts from Kobold Press & Eldritch Foundry offer a character creation crash course; walk away with a FREE character sheet & resin mini perfect for the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Description:
Tales of the Valiant (aka Project Black Flag) is an exciting new TTRPG system in final public playtest at Gen Con, and the folks from Kobold Press and Eldritch Foundry are here to walk you through character creation from conception to character sheet to custom physical miniature. We'll talk design philosophy, power selection, and more as we build one of the 6 playtest characters before your eyes, while showing you how to use Eldritch Foundry's free web-based mini maker to bring that creation to life on your table. Learn how TotV and EF compare to other systems; see how we’ve made character creation intuitive, epic, and cool. Each attendee receives a resin miniature and character sheet, usable at any of the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Building Character: Introducing Kobold's Tales of the Valiant & Eldritch Foundry's Custom Mini Maker
Summary:
Design experts from Kobold Press & Eldritch Foundry offer a character creation crash course; walk away with a FREE character sheet & resin mini perfect for the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Description:
Tales of the Valiant (aka Project Black Flag) is an exciting new TTRPG system in final public playtest at Gen Con, and the folks from Kobold Press and Eldritch Foundry are here to walk you through character creation from conception to character sheet to custom physical miniature. We'll talk design philosophy, power selection, and more as we build one of the 6 playtest characters before your eyes, while showing you how to use Eldritch Foundry's free web-based mini maker to bring that creation to life on your table. Learn how TotV and EF compare to other systems; see how we’ve made character creation intuitive, epic, and cool. Each attendee receives a resin miniature and character sheet, usable at any of the TotV playtests running all weekend long.
Join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating adventures for the shared worlds of Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance in D&D Adventurers League.
Description:
Join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating adventures for the shared worlds of Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance in D&D Adventurers League.
Bringing Dragonlance and the Forgotten Realms to Organized Play
Summary:
From the misty isles of the Moonshaes and the shrouded upper plateau of Thay to the soaring Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthus, join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss OP.
Description:
From the misty isles of the Moonshaes and the shrouded upper plateau of Thay to the soaring Tower of High Sorcery in Palanthus, join the Baldman Games story leads as they discuss capturing the feel of different worlds and different stories all while staying true to the Adventurer's League open play concept.
Crowdfunding Strategy with the Creator of Stonesaga, Mythwind & Stars of Akarios
Summary:
Join Brendan McCaskell as he walks through the strategy Open Owl Studios has used to create three massively successful crowdfunding campaigns raising a total of over $3 million!
Description:
In this seminar you will learn the process Open Owl Studios takes from pre-development to successful crowdfunding campaign. Learn how to generate pre-launch hype and craft a narrative that resonates with your community. You'll receive unfiltered commentary from a new company with a new approach.
Gabrielle Harbowy and James Farner are on agent paths at two different literary agencies. What's that like? Join them for a chat, as they discuss and take your questions!