Do you need one? How do you get one? Getting an agent, let alone a good one, isn?t an easy task. When should you get an agent, and how you should go about it are among the topics our panelists tackle. A handout will be provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Tim Waggoner, Elizabeth Vaughan
Sometimes ideas are the proverbial dime a dozen, and sometimes they?re nowhere to be found. Learn how to brainstorm ideas for fiction writing and how you can use brainstorming to overcome ?writer?s block.? Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Donald Bingle, Kerrie Hughes, Chris Pierson, Linda Baker, Elizabeth Vaughan
An ugly young horse as a gallant hero, a kobold as a tragic sidekick, a spider becoming fast friends with a pig (remember Charlotte?s Web?), and dragons as the most fierce and cunning foes. Major characters in fantasy worlds don?t have to be humans or dwarves or elves. You can stretch your imaginations and give critters some starring roles. Our panelists discuss how to add depth and personality to creatures in your fiction. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Linda Baker, Chris Pierson
Attention to the little things ? the brand of tea, the smell of the fall woods, the shape of the blaze on a pony?s head ? can make a very big impression on your editor and your readers. Learn how to include the right amount of detail without turning your prose purple. Panelists: John Helfers, Chris Pierson, Jean Rabe, Elizabeth Vaughan, Linda Baker, Kerrie Hughes
Examine the requirements and distinctions between the various genres?science-fiction, fantasy, horror, military and romance. And discover ?slipstreams,? blending genres in your writing. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Donald Bingle, Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Chris Pierson, Linda Baker
Hook 'Em: How to write a query, outline and synopsis that will grab an editor's attention
Description:
Fight your way to the top of the slush pile by knocking aside the competition. Put together an eye-catching package. A handout will be provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Linda Baker, Chris Pierson, Tim Waggoner
Magic, Religion and Spirituality in Fiction Art of Schmoozing
Description:
Magic and religious systems can be among the most fantastic creations in a novel, short story, or game world?and the most difficult to define. Join our panelists as they discuss the rules for laying the groundwork for a magic or religious system in your fantasy setting.
Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, Jean Rabe, Linda Baker
Romance in Fantasy Literature: What's Old, What's New, and How to Handle it in Today's Market
Description:
Romantic fantasy is among the hottest subgenres in publishing right now, with many houses rushing to launch their own romance and even erotic lines. Learn how authors and editors in the field treat the various types of romantic fantasy fiction, from the chaste love affair to the naughty erotic romp. Panelists: Linda Baker, Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Kerrie Hughes, John Helfers, Donald Bingle
So you?re writing a book . . . or have just finished that precious first draft. Can you sell it? Our panelists relate how they sold their first novel and offer advice on marketing your first manuscript and how to start churning on the next one. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Donald Bingle, Tim Waggoner, Linda Baker
While there are dozens of rules to follow, as well as many, many, many to avoid, we've boiled down the most essential maxims.?Be prepared for vigorous debate.?A handout will be provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Chris Pierson, Kerrie Hughes, Tim Waggoner
Cons can be a great place to jump-start your writing career. We'll teach you how to schmooze! Panelists: John Helfers, Kerrie Hughes, Jean Rabe (who got into this mess via a game con), Linda Baker (who was discovered at a sf-fantasy con), Donald Bingle (who sold a short story at a sci-fi con), Elizabeth Vaughan (who met her agent in a hotel swimming pool), Chris Pierson (who schmoozed his way from fanboy to author)
Women Warriors, Priestesses, Femi-Nazis & Frou-Frous
Description:
Explore the essence of female characters in your writing. Consider women?s changing roles in society from pre-history to modern day and how that impacts your fiction project. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Linda Baker, Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Kerrie Hughes, Chris Pierson
Your choice of words can be crucial when you?re trying to sell short stories and novels. Book titles, character names, catch-phrases, slang, misspellings, hydrospanners . . . we?ll try to tackle all of those things and more?in one hour! Panelists: Donald Bingle, Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe, Chris Pierson, John Helfers, Linda Baker, Kerrie Hughes
Craft a rich and believable backdrop for your fiction. Discover the necessary ingredients for constructing your fantasy, science-fiction, or horror setting, and how to make that world an integral part of your story or adventure. A handout will be provided. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Jean Rabe, Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Donald Bingle, Linda Baker, Kerrie Hughes
What rights do you have as a writer? How is your work protected? What should you look for in a contract? Here?s an overview of copyright basics, including establishing copyright protection, registration, rights, and what?s not covered by copyrights. A handout will be provided. Panelists: Barbara Petilli Esq., Chris Pierson, John Helfers
When you start to make money by selling short stories, novels and game material, the government?s going to demand its share. What can writers deduct? Who needs to file quarterly? The penalties for not following the rules can be . . . well . . . truly taxing. A handout will be provided. Panelists: Barbara Petilli Esq., Elizabeth Vaughan, Jean Rabe, Chris Pierson, John Helfers