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!