New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole presents a series of exercises guaranteed to set you up for success in your first novel. Topics covered include character creation, voice development, dialogue, world creation and plotting. Following these exercises will provide you with the material that ensures that you story won't shrivel and die five or ten chapters in.
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
Whatâs the best way to present game material? In the style of old-school D&D where rules and color text are mixed together? Should you write all the color text âin character,â presenting the rules in a separate section? Topics include how to capture the feel of a setting, how to write entertaining and easy to understand rules, and how to you keep your rules from reading like an algebra equation. Panelists: Marc Tassin, Donald Bingle, Luke Johnson
Being funny is serious business. When should you inject humor into your manuscript? And how can you do it effectively? Our panelists teach you how to tickle readersâ funny bones. Panelists: Patrick Rothfuss, John Helfers, Donald Bingle, Anton Strout
Bang, Bang, You're Dead! Fun Ways to Kill Characters in Your Game Manuscripts
Description:
Not all non-player characters, and maybe not all PCs, should live to see the end of your story. Our panelists discuss when itâs time to kill âem off and gleefully share ideas for helping the characters into the hereafter. Panelists: Marc Tassin, Jennifer Brozek, Luke Johnson
Small-press publishers offer new authors great opportunities. Smaller presses are enjoying a renaissance right now and are becoming stronger than ever. Come find out the advantages of working with a smaller press. Our panel includes a publisher, editor, and an author who has sold books to one of the smaller houses. Theyâll discuss how to submit and who is buying what. Panelists: John Helfers, Jonathan Rudder, Donald Bingle
Just as video killed the radio star, so technology is turning books into hunks of dead wood. New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole explains the new and exciting ways in which the rise of e-book readers and the connectivity of the Web are turning publishing on its head. It's a brave new future, and your success will depend upon your ability to navigate it, and master it.
Where do ideas come from in sculpting game manuscripts? Our authors share their tricks for coming up with plots and how to brainstorm to flesh out ideas into lengthy manuscripts. Theyâll also cover how to avoid over-used subjects and how to make your submissions innovative and fresh. Panelists: Jennifer Brozek, Luke Johnson
Thereâs an old saying that âideas are a dime a dozen.â But sometimes you donât have the 10 cents you need to get a plot. Learn how to brainstorm ideas for fiction writing so your fingers fly across the keyboard and so you donât keep staring at a blank screen. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Chris Pierson, Anton Strout, Linda Baker, Donald Bingle