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
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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
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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
Join us for a question and answer session about writing, editing, and publishing. Brain-picking welcomed. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Don Bingle, Elizabeth Vaughan, Linda Baker, Brad Beaulieu
Writers’ Symposium—Breaking into the Industry, Game Writing 103
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If you want to start writing, editing, designing, or developing games in the hobby market, join our discussion. We discuss where to begin, what you can put on your resume . . . even if you haven't done a lick of professional work in your life, and other ways to start getting paid for your great game ideas. Also included are tips on how to get on your editor's good side. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Don Bingle, Luke Johnson, Steven Schend
Even if you're a writer tapping out words in a dark basement by yourself, eventually you will have to work with others if you want to see your work in print. If you are an aspiring game designer, teamwork skills are even more important, as nearly every game book is a collaboration. This panel teaches you the tricks to be a team player. Panelists: Don Bingle, Chris Pierson, Luke Johnson, Steven Schend, Richard Lee Byers
When to include sex, drugs, and the shady things in life in your story. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, Kerrie Hughes, Elizabeth Vaughan, Richard Lee Byers, Linda Baker
Writers’ Symposium—Psychology, Medicine, and the Keyboard
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Discover what you can do to make your characters believably crazy, sick, disturbed, and fun to write. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, Kerrie Hughes, Richard Lee Byers, Paul Genesse, Linda Baker
Writing a book or short story is sometimes easier than selling one. Our editors and authors discuss marketplaces for your fiction and give you tips on finding an agent. A handout of publishing houses is provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Brad Beaulieu
Learn from our industry experts who have made careers out of writing, editing, and publishing work-for-hire short fiction, novels, and game material. They will talk about the ins and outs of the field, the demands, and where you can go to find help and open doors for your own tie-in fiction. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe, Richard Lee Byers, Steven Schend, John Helfers
Writers’ Symposium—Alchemy and Sorcery, the Science of Magic in Fiction
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Magic needs to feel real to hold your readers. Learn what you need to craft and consider to build a believable magic system in your stories. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Richard Lee Byers, Kerrie Hughes, Steven Schend, Chris Pierson
Okay, so you’ve sat through hours of writing seminars and taken copious notes. But you still have a few questions . . . about the publishing industry, about what to do with your manuscript, about how many editors it takes to change a light bulb. Our panelists await to have their brains picked! Jean Rabe, Don Bingle, Elizabeth Vaughan
Writers’ Symposium—Evening Eye of Aragon fun read
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Back by popular demand—or because you didn’t ask us not to! The parlor game of reading from the Eye of Argon until you crack up or can't take it. Panelists: John Helfers, Kerrie Hughes
Naturally, every author would like to sign a three-book deal for a six-figure advance. However, with the thousands of manuscripts cascading onto editors' desks every day, those odds are pretty small. Fortunately, 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. Panelists: John Helfers, Dindy Robinson, Paul Genesse, Don Bingle
How do you find the right idea for the right size of manuscript? How is writing a short story different from writing a novella . . . and how are they different from writing a novel? Learn how to approach writing a short story, and then how to market it. Don Bingle, John Helfers, Jean Rabe, Richard Lee Byers, Brad Beaulieu
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: Geography and Climate
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Find out why geography is destiny. Learn how to craft spectacular worlds where the landscape is a vivid character in your games and stories. Fantasy authors will discuss the effects that geography and climate have on the development of culture, economics, and war. Jean Rabe, Paul Genesse, Steven Schend, Chris Pierson
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: War and the Military
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How your society makes war or keeps the peace needs to be convincing and well thought-out. Our military buffs offer insight into constructing armed forces in your fiction. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Paul Genesse, Linda Baker
Writers’ Symposium—Plot, Plot, Plot: Some books are plot-driven, others are weak in it. But every book and short story's got one. Our panelists discuss the essential elements of plot and how to weave them in your writing. Elizabeth Vaughan, John Helfers, Jean Rabe, Chris Pierson, Don Bingle, Richard Lee Byers
Craft a rich and believable backdrop for your fiction. Discover the necessary, basic ingredients for constructing your fantasy, science-fiction, or horror setting, and how to make that world an integral part of your story or adventure. Visit our other seminars for more worldbuilding advice. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Richard Lee Byers, Luke Johnson, Jean Rabe
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: The anthropology of fantasy
Description:
What are the essentials of cultures? What makes cultures work with each other? Discover how to craft convincing cultures for your world. Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, Richard Lee Byers, Daniel Myers, Sabrina Klein
Writers’ Symposium—Criminals, Justice, and the Keyboard
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Our panelists teach you how to make the dynamics between good and evil believable and more than a little interesting in your tales. Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, Paul Genesse, Jean Rabe
Romantic fantasy is among the hottest subgenres right now, with many houses pushing romance and erotic lines. Learn how authors and editors treat the various types of romantic fantasy fiction, from the chaste love affair to the naughty erotic romp. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Don Bingle, Tim Waggoner, Paul Genesse, Jean Rabe
There is an old saying that ideas are a dime a dozen. But sometimes you don't have the 10-cents you need to get a plot. Learn how to brainstorm ideas for fiction writing and how to craft those ideas into exciting storylines. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Don Bingle, Tim Waggoner, Elizabeth Vaughan
The principles and theories of game design are dissected by our panel. Topics tackled include risk vs reward, balance, and interesting choices, and covers games of all stripes, from rpgs and trading card games to board games and video games. Panelists: Luke Johnson, Steven Schend, Don Bingle, Chris Pierson
Our panelists continue the discussion from the previous slot. The principles and theories of writing for the game industry are too myriad to discuss in a single hour. In two, we might get most of them covered! Panelists: Steven Schend, Luke Johnson, Don Bingle, Chris Pierson
This is a get together for people with Pagan interests to meet other Pagans. Friendly chat and networking for all! Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, Steven Schend
Come join us for a non-denominational worship service sponsored by the Christian Gamers Guild. We'll read scripture, sing familiar hymns, hear a sermon, and offer an optional communion. Stick around afterwards to meet fellow Christians and learn more about the CGG organization.
Join our panel discussion that looks at the history of Christianity and gaming, a variety of Christian-specific games, ways to mix faith and gaming, and how to explain gaming to your church friends and vice versa. Audience questions encouraged.
What one thing is most important to running a good game? What one piece of advice would you give to a first time convention GM? What is the funniest thing that ever happened to your game? Open mic time at GenCon. Sign up early and reserve YOUR topic! E-mail gencon_gm_lightning@yahoo.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GENCONGMLightning/ and sign up.
Good convention games create and sustain high energy. By improving preparation, communication, pacing and performance, a good game can become a great one. In this interactive seminar, we will share ideas for upping the ante on good games, facilitating role play and improving a game's focus. Come hear our thoughts, bring your own ideas, help us put them into practice and discuss what we see.
Games studies has become a serious topic in education literature, but face-to-face role play is still relatively unknown, compared with computer games in education. Why study games in education? Where are researchers finding learning in games?Last year, the primary topic was transferring knowledge. This year, the talk will focus on how role play creates social opportunities for learning.
Join a super secret cabal of small press roleplaying game publishers who design, write, illustrate, publish and even make money from their nefarious endeavors! Come forth and learn the dread secrets of self publishing games: from writing tips, to layout, to pdfs and choosing printers. We shall reveal all for the small price of your mortal soul -- MUAHAAHAHHAAHAHHHH.
Once again, Jared and Luke take your pathetic RPG design ideas and put them through the ringer of the dreaded 3 Questions. Bring your game ideas and watch them get shredded before your eyes, only to reform into a Voltron of awesomeness! You will leave reformed and with a giant sword.
Inside the Game Designer's Studio presents: Monte Cook
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Join host Paul Tevis as he brings you RPG legend Monte Cook, novelist, creator of Ptolus and co-designer of Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition. We'll take a look inside Monte's mind, learn his secrets and turn his army of minions against him! We'll also learn about his current plans and his passion for LEGO bricks. This live interview will be followed by an audience Q&A session.
Perils, Pitfalls and Triumphs of Publishing Big Glossy RPGs-Panel
Description:
Come and listen to Patrick Kapera (co-author and publisher of Spycraft 2.0) and Luke Crane (author and publisher of Burning Wheel and Burning Empires) discuss their wildly different approaches to publishing big, glossy RPGs. Fun, informative, wacky!
Curious about True Dungeon? Are you playing TD for the first time, or are you just a big TD fan? If so, please join us for a discussion about this unique and exciting event. Learn from TD veterans on how to play and to maximize your fun in the dungeon. Bring your questions for Q&A at the end of the session. No previous experience needed.
Curious about True Dungeon? Are you playing TD for the first time, or are you just a big TD fan? If so, please join us for a discussion about this unique and exciting event. Learn from TD veterans on how to play and to maximize your fun in the dungeon. Bring your questions for Q&A at the end of the session. No previous experience needed.
Curious about True Dungeon? Are you playing TD for the first time, or are you just a big TD fan? If so, please join us for a discussion about this unique and exciting event. Learn from TD veterans on how to play and to maximize your fun in the dungeon. Bring your questions for Q&A at the end of the session. No previous experience needed.