Are your characters Catholic? Atheists? Seekers? Or do they worship the Great GOldfish in the Sky? Creating a cosmology or religion from scratch is a fun and exciting part of writing in alternate times or worlds. Our panelists explore how to get started.
We're living in a time when technological evolution has made a tremendous difference in most of our world's societies. What would your characters' evolutionary path be if they used magic instead of computers? How does magic or science affect a society's evolution? We'll examine how patterns of changes affect your world and characters and how to twist technology with magic or vice versa.
You can create a shiny new culture for your world, or you can take two that already exist and entwine them to make something with a built-in believability factor. How about a cowboy priesthood? What would change if your Amazonic heroine came from Tibet? Our panelists teach you how to twist existing cultures to make a whole new world.
Bring your questions. This is a Q&A, and we'll tackle things you might have missed in earlier panels or didn't get covered. We'll talk about whatever is on your mind.
New York TImes Bestselling author Michael Stackpole--the first author to offer fiction on the iPhone/iPod Touch through Apple's Appstore--gives you an up to date look at the digital revolution and explains how you can profit and develop your career. Mike's watched his Internet income from writing double every year for the past three years, with the trend accelerating in 2009. If you intend to have a career in writing, this is essential.
Gee, if only there was a place where I could talk about my writing. I've tried my mom, my siblings, my spouse, and the barista at Starbucks. I need a place where I will be encouraged, but still critiqued, a place where I can learn. I need a writer's group. Where can I find one? How should it be run? All will be revealed.
What makes a successful writer? Work ethic? Luck? Are you born to write, or can you make yourself a writer? Our panelists discuss their approach to the craft and offer advice on improving your skills and productivity.
How do you break in? Is it tough to write for kids? Panelists discuss the differences and similarities between the adult and YA market, how to approach your writing, and the publishing opportunities. Do you have the next Harry Potter simmering in your brain?
Just like any other world, when you set your scene in "outer space" there is science, technology, and terminology that will make your star system and space vehicles real to your readers. Join us for a discussion on space R&D, equipment, personnel, training, procedures, and more.
Setting your novel in a medical field, whether your character is a Laplander shaman or an EMT in Chicago requires specialized knowledge. Knowing the ins and outs of the medical field, such as the R&D, personnel, training, procedures, emergency protocol, healing herbs, potions, etc., will make your setting sing with authenticity.