New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole walks you through the twenty most common 'first novel problems' (which plague more than just first novels) and provides a host of solutions for them. If you dread hearing someone say, 'I liked your novel, but...,' this seminar is guaranteed to erase the sorts of problems that lead to just such a statement.
The genre’s still hot, and bookstores continue to make shelf space for sky rise-dwelling vampires, private detective zombies, and Manhattanite trolls. Our panelists discuss what elements make a fantasy urban, the market for it, and tips for finding your way inside.
Can your main character be something far less than a knight in shining armor? There’s something alluring about a “bad boy,” and if carefully executed, you can make the star of your tale downright dirty. We provide insight into how to handle the anti-protagonist.
The authors of The Hobbit, various Star Trek novels, and A Wizard of Earthsea created languages to make their worlds come alive. It seems easy enough, but how do you keep your characters from having names and discussions that look like someone slapped the keyboard? Panelists discuss methods authors use for creating “authentic” fictional languages and reveal their own techniques.
Or a talking cat, schizophrenic robot, mind-reading halberd, god-touched skateboard... When is it a good idea to use a bizarre entity as a character or plot device in your fiction? How can a sentient sword enhance your story without making it too unbelievable or ridiculous? Our panelists offer techniques for making the absurd fit right in.
A fantasy tale is made more believable when the world it is set in is well thought out and has a measure of logic. Our worldbuilding experts share their techniques for engineering countries—and even entire planets—that will make your story breathe.
Crafting religions can be divine! Fabricating magic systems can be downright enchanting! It takes a significant amount of work and thought to put together the arcane aspects of a fantasy setting. Our veteran worldbuilders guide you through it.
Worldbuilding: Men, Monsters, and the Creatures Between
Description:
Men, elves, and the like cannot live in isolation, and monsters don’t materialize out of nowhere. People and creatures need to fit into the world’s ecology and have a life cycle that makes sense, otherwise your readers will see your world as unrealistic and not worth reading about. Find out what makes creatures and races believable.
You’ve been to our workshops and seminars, listened to our august advice, and taken copious notes. Now try to apply it! We’ll give you an assignment, a little time to complete it, and critique your efforts. Attendance is limited, and pre-registration is required.
Whatchu wanna learn ‘bout writing conversations? There’s a right method for capturing dialects and slang without making your readers strain their brains in an effort to fathom what you mean. Learn the techniques for adding flavor and a smidgen of grammatical incorrectness.