Thursday, August 13th
8 a.m.
The Horse You Wrote In On
Horses can play a big role in fantasy fiction. Learn how to weave real details about horses into your story to make everything more believable. Panelists discuss reference material and how to add an element of the fantastic.
Stranger in a Stranger Land
No, this panel is not about Robert Heinlein, although his name might come up. Have you ever lived in or visited a foreign country where the change in culture was striking? Well, that's the feeling you need to give your character if he "isn't from around here." We'll discuss the "fish out of water" aspect of characterization and how to use it for drama and comedy.
9 a.m.
Outlines, Character Sketches, and Spreadsheets
How much work should you do before you start your novel? Some authors make detailed outlines. Others jot only a few notes. We'll discuss the pros and cons of putting in a lot of effort upfront, including character sketches and spreadsheets to track hair color and scars.
Consistency, Consistency, Consistency!
Whether your story is set in an imaginary world or in the real one, things that will pop a reader or an editor out of your story is inconsistency in naming conventions, make-believe words, and invented languages. Join us for a discussion on how to maintain consistency in your writing.
10 a.m.
Plot a Novel in 60 Minutes
You can do it, really, plot a novel in an hour. We'll show you how.
Pitching to Game Companies
Got a great idea for the next hot roleplaying game? Or do you want to land some freelance work from one of your favorite game companies? Panelists give advice on how to market your ideas and how to go about getting freelance contracts.
11 a.m.
Great Opening Lines
"Call me Ishmael." A great opening line hooks readers and keeps them turning the pages. Panelists discuss some of their favorite opening lines and give you tips on how you can craft opening sentences that will capture the attention of a reader (and hopefully an agent and editor, too).
Gamer Fantastic!
This summer saw the release of an anthology inspired by the Gen Con Game Fair. It is a collection of stories from thirteen writer-gamers, most of them in attendance at this convention. Come pick their brains about mixing gaming and writing, discuss books, get a copy of Gamer Fantastic, and stick around to hear a few of the stories read.
Noon
Writing the Trilogy
Is there more to your story than can fit into one book? Or is it the other way around-do you have too much material for your tale and need to cut a few hundred pages? Our panelists will tackle trilogies and open-ended series, including how to approach writing the multi-part saga and how to market it.
Reading
Chris Pierson and Steven Schend read from their Gamer Fantastic stories.
1 p.m.
Scribe Awards Ceremony
The International Association of Media Tie-In Writers presents awards for game-related fiction. Come meet the winners and learn about the IAMTW. Hosted by IAMTW member John Helfers.
How Roleplaying Games Can Make You a Better Writer
Sure, roleplaying games have probably taught you everything you need to know in life, but what can roleplaying games teach you about writing? We'll discuss several aspects, such as dialog, making your characters come alive, pacing, subplots, clues and misdirection, narrative description, managing combat scenes, making characters fit the story, and avoiding writer's block.
2 p.m.
Good Guys Wear Black Hats
And sometimes the bad guys wear white. In fantasy and science fiction the lines can blur between the heroes and villains. Panelists offer suggestions on crafting heroic villains and villainous heroes.
What Writers Can Learn from Wargamers
Want to add or improve the military flavor in your stories? Join us to discuss how playing games and learning strategy and tactics can help you figure out where the hero is and where the villain is, and how you can draw on battle tactics to put some ooomph in their meeting.
3 p.m.
Dry Spells and Survival Tips
Dry spells, poor salesmanship, frustrating editors, and day jobs are the bane of writers. We'll offer you advice on how to overcome unfortunate times, how to deal with rejection letters, and what you can do to keep plugging away at the keyboard.
What Gamers Can Learn From Writers
What is a hook, and why do I need it? How can I get my players really involved in my story? Join us for a panel discussion of what GMs can learn from writers, including tips on how to write your next adventure.
Pick My Brain-Jean Rabe
USA Today Bestselling author Jean Rabe, with more than two dozen novels and four dozen short stories, is ready to chat about life, the universe, and how to break into the market. Bring your questions.
4 p.m.
Before You Write a Single Word
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole walks you through the basics of setting yourself up for success. From developing good core habits, working past simple, career killing mistakes and setting up writer's critiquing groups, to acquiring the physical tools needed to start writing; Mike covers it all. You're about to start on the most difficult and exhilarating journey of your life, and this seminar will show you what to pack and what skills you'll need to develop to get to the end.
Switching Gears: Fiction to Game Writing and Back Again
The genres require different styles of writing, and if you want to work in both industries you have to be able to switch gears . . . and don't let them hear the dice rolling when you do it.
Pick My Brain-Jennifer Brozek
She's written fiction and game material for enough years to be called a veteran! Jennifer Brozek is ready to offer advice on both writing fields, discuss her experiences working with Margaret Weis, and answer questions that aren't from the fields of physics or nuclear medicine.
5 p.m.
The Rules of Writing
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole presents the Rules of Writing. These are the insider tips and tricks that you'd pick up in the first five years of your writing career, all presented here in an hour. Gleaned from personal experience and the experience of writers dating back to the 1930s, these tricks will cut three years out of your development as a writer
Shameless Self Promotion
Web pages and blogs and going to conventions . . . oh my! Promoting yourself and your writing is necessary in today's market. But how far should you go? Just how do you promote yourself without sounding desperate? Our panelists offer their sage advice on how to draw attention to you and your work economically and ethically.
6 p.m.
Reading
John Helfers and Kelly Swails
Reading
Brad Beaulieu and Gregory Wilson
7 p.m.
Writers' Symposium-Read and Critique: Have your prose critiqued by professionals. Presenters will have three to five minutes to read their material. They will receive verbal critiques based on the "critique sandwich" method. Attendance is limited to those being critiqued, pre-registration is required.
Friday, August 14th
8 a.m.
Wicked Queens and Evil Kings, the dark side of royalty
The royals are supposed to protect the people, but much of the time they are the root of all the problems. Learn from our panelists how to create evil monarchs and hear about historical figures that can provide inspiration.
Short Story Workshop
A short story is not a novel in miniature. We'll discuss how to approach short fiction, including point of view, dialog, and characterization . . . and how to sell your material.
9 a.m.
Big on the Small Press
If the big houses turn you down, consider selling your manuscript to a small press publisher. It might be your best chance to get your foot in that proverbial publishing door. Does the small press give more freedom and assume less control? Authors and editors who have worked with small press publishers discuss the benefits and disadvantages.
Urban Fantasy
Is there still room in the market? Can the public handle another vampire detective? Our panelists have written urban fantasy and discuss the ingredients, what makes a successful fantasy city yarn, and how you can try to break into the genre.
Pick My Brain-Elizabeth Vaughan
USA Today Bestselling author Elizabeth Vaughan is in the mood to chat! Bring your questions and books to sign, and she'll happily accommodate you. Published internationally, Elizabeth is known for her Warlands fantasy romance trilogy from Tor and her new series including Dagger Star and White Star.
10 a.m.
Writing the Specialized Genre: Spy Stuff
You've seen the movies. You've read the books. You might even have played the games. But do you have what it takes to write a spy story or techno thriller? Whether serious or silly, spy novels have their own conventions. How do you learn about technology? What do you reveal and what do you keep secret? What has to be credible and what probably should be fantastic? We'd tell you who is on this panel, but then we'd have to kill you.
Writing for Children and the YA Market
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.
Pick My Brain-Paul Genesse
Paul's second novel is hot off the presses. His first, The Golden Cord, was a top-selling title for the Five Star book line. He's ready to talk about how he broke into the business, what he's working on now, and how he manages to write while working as a full-time cardiac care nurse.
11 a.m.
Writing the Specialized Genre: Girl Stuff
You've seen the movies. You've read (okay, looked at) the magazines. You may even have gone out on a date. But do you have what it takes to write a story or novel from a feminine point of view? Women aren't just men with different parts. How do you learn about their perspective? How do you handle combat, romance, and day-to-day interactions without alienating half of your potential readership?
Writing Right
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.
Noon
Writing the Specialized Genre: 3-2-1 Lift Off!
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.
Reading
Anton Strout and Monica Valentinelli
1 p.m.
Writing the Specialized Genre: Sir, Yes Sir!
Is your next character a lieutenant in the Royal Navy patroling the seas of Mars? An alien sent to Earth as a liaison with the U.S. Marines? We'll discuss how to make your world and characters authentic, with an understanding of ranks, personnel, protocol, bases, equipment, civilians, dependents, and more.
What's Wrong With These People?
Should my character grow and learn? Which ones should be stagnant? Is my strong, silent type a little too silent? Authors and editors discuss problems with characters and how to fix heroes and villains who aren't working out quite right.
2 p.m.
Writing the Specialized Genre: Cold Blue!
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 R&D, personnel, training, procedures, emergency protocol, healing herbs, potions, etc., will make your setting sing with authenticity.
Building Tension
Creating a level of tension in any genre is important if you want to hold a reader's attention. We'll discuss some of the strategies for putting readers on the edge of their seat and keep them turning the pages.
Pick My Brain-Donald Bingle
Once known as the world's top-ranked role-playing gamer, Donald Bingle made the move from writing game material to fiction. He has two novels published . . . both with rave reviews . . . and more short stories than he cares to count. How did he make the switch from one genre to another? And how can he keep writing while holding down the demanding day job of an attorney? Ask him! He might even tell you about his time in a famous kazoo band.
3 p.m.
Writing the Specialized Genre: Cops and PIs
To make your detective or beat cop believable means you have to know something about laws, jurisdictions, procedures, investigative techniques, and much more. Join us for a look at police procedures, and how you can make your officer and precinct believable . . . even if your desk sergeant has three eyes and four arms.
Blood, Sweat, and Fears
How can you send shivers down your readers' backs? What is evil, and how can you portray it? Together, let's discover those things that go bump-in-the-night. You don't have to write in the horror genre to deliver a really good scare.
4 p.m.
Characterization
Characters are king in literature, and New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole brings you a toolbox full of techniques to create compelling and memorable characters. Readers read for and remember characters, and after this course, yours will be unforgettable, which will keep them coming back for more.
What's Taboo?
Sex, death, horror, and revenge . . . where is the line and when should you cross it in your manuscript? When is "it" too much? We'll take a look at "touchy subjects," the marketplace, and provide advice on when to tone things down.
Pick My Brain-Tim Waggoner
He's a master of multiple genres-fantasy, horror, urban fantasy, work-for-hire. Come chat with him and pick his brain!
5 p.m.
Plotting
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole unravels the mysteries of creating compelling plots. A novel is a huge undertaking, written over weeks or months, and the plot has to hold it all together. From creating an outline to maintaining flexibility, this seminar gives you the insider knowledge that will separate you from all of your peers.
Writing Groups NOT Group Writing
Gee, if only there was a place (besides the Gen Con Writer's Symposium) where I could talk about my writing. I've tried my friends, but either their eyes glaze over when I try to chat about point of view shifts, nested flashbacks, and bookend structures or they run fleeing from the room when I start to describe my characters' backstories. I've tried my mom, my siblings, my spouse, and the barista at Starbucks, but they either pat me on the head and tell me that everything I write is wonderful, or they tell me that I'm wasting my time and will never amount to anything, or they tell me that I need to give them five bucks for the latte' and move along. I need a place where I will be encouraged, but still critiqued, a place where I can learn from another's comments and learn from commenting on other people's work, a place where I can network with other writers and maybe have a chance to get a break, a place where people understand not only the craft of writing, but the trials and tribulations of being a writer, and, most importantly, a place where someone will tell me honestly never to write a run-on sentence like this if I ever want to hope to sell my screenplay. I need a writers group. Where can I find one? How should it be run? What are the advantages and disadvantages of different sizes, com positions, formats? All will be revealed.
6 p.m.
Reading
Mike Stackpole
Reading
Elizabeth Vaughan and Marc Tassin
7 p.m.
Writers' Symposium-Read and Critique:
Have your prose critiqued by professionals.
Presenters will have three to five minutes
to read their material. They will receive verbal
critiques based on the "critique sandwich" method.
Attendance is limited to those being critiqued,
pre-registration is required.
8 p.m.
Eye of Argon Round Robin Reading
It's baaack! The most insanely hilarious (or hilariously insane) public reading of what is arguably the worst (best?) piece of published fiction-ever! Thrill to the strange noises made by Grignr, the barbarian of very little words, and even less clothes! Cringe at the purple prose, run-on sentences, and detailed description of how time works (trust us, it has to be heard to be believed). Try to keep your sides from splitting with laughter as you watch other hapless victims-er, participants read this story aloud-and attempt to get through it with their sanity intact! All are welcome to join in the fun (?)--if you dare...
Saturday, August 15th
8 a.m.
Worldbuilding: Mythology
The mythology of your world makes a huge impact on how your story is perceived. Should you lift a mythology from an ancient culture? Twist a current one? Or create one from scratch? Our panelists take on making mythologies convincing, realistic, and interesting.
Pointed Views
First person, second person, or third-person point of view? How are you going to tell your story? How and when can you, or should you, shift points of view within a book, chapter, or scene? What are the advantages and disadvantages of revealing a character's internal thoughts? Our panelists will sift through each of the points of view and discuss how they decide which approach will tell a particular tale.
9 a.m.
Worldbuilding: Magic, Technology, and Evolution
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 paths be if they used magic instead of computers? How does magic or science affect a society's evolution? We'll examine how patterns of change affect your world and characters and how to twist technology with magic or vice versa.
Make Them Breathe
Great characters are arguably the most important element in fiction or games. Learn practical techniques that will make the characters in your stories or games unforgettable and real to the readers and players.
10 a.m.
Worldbuilding: Creating a Cosmology or Religion
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.
The Editor's Point of View
There's nothing wrong with writing just for yourself. But most of us also want to get published. Join our panelists for a discussion that may help get your manuscript out of the slushpile and into an editor's hands.
11 a.m.
Worldbuilding: Twisting Real World Cultures
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.
Should Every Story Have a Happy Ending?
Would Lord of the Rings have been better if Frodo lived happily ever after? Do the animated movies from Pixar and Disney have it right? Or should we put more darkness in our fiction? Most fantasy and science fiction books have happy endings, but not all of them. Join us for a discussion of the benefits of tragic versus happy endings, and to pull the former off without losing your readers.
Noon
Food For Thought
A key ingredient to believable characters and stories is food. Heroes, villains, and the supporting cast have to eat from time to time. How can you enrich your writing by adding a dining experience or two? What does food say about the world you've crafted?
Reading
Donald Bingle and Tim Waggoner
1 p.m.
Sharing Worlds
Our panelists got their start writing in shared worlds. Sometimes it's a great avenue for getting your name on the cover of a book. Shared world fiction sells well. But how do you get your foot in the door? Is it satisfying enough to write in a universe someone else created? What are the challenges and advantages? We'll point out a few of the disadvantages, too.
The Name of . . . Patrick Rothfuss
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss was propelled to the New York Times Bestseller list and has won numerous awards. Meet the author, who will discuss the elements that went into the story, and what he's working on next.
2 p.m.
Chummers and 'Mechs and Writing for Catalyst
Hoi, Chummer, want to walk down the mean streets of America in 2072, with a cyberarm and a magic spell at the ready? Or perhaps you'd rather go to interstellar war in a 40-foot-tall robot? Join the Novel Line Developer for Catalyst Game Labs, along with a couple of the other folks to find out what is in store for these two fictional futures.
The Writer's Spirit
Why do you write? And for whom are you writing? What keeps you at the keyboard day after day? Or do you need the motivation to put yourself there? Join us for a discussion of how to stay true to your beliefs and spirit, even as you plunge into the politics and business of getting published.
Pick My Brain-Anton Strout
Dead to Me, Anton's first novel, propelled him to the top of the urban fantasy charts. His second book was released this spring, and he's hard at work on another. He manages to write while working full time for Penguin and handling the hectic life of a New Yorker. Bring your questions and prepare to be informed and entertained.
3 p.m.
21 Days to a Novel
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole presents his three week program for preparing yourself to write a novel. This set of 21 exercises is broken down to give you everything from character creation to world building, practical plotting devices, dialog development and character voice creation tools. This program is a practical, kick-in-the-pants place to start your career.
Hunting Dragons
Why has going after dragons been so popular in fiction? Our panelists discuss classic dragon hunters like Beowulf, Saint George, and Bilbo Baggins, in addition to how the hunt has changed over the years. Learn how to shape the classic story into something fresh and exciting.
4 p.m.
Edit to Perfection
So, you've got your pile of 100,000 words. What now? New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole guides you through the intricacies of actually editing your novel. He'll cover those tough questions, like what needs to be trimmed, where do things need to be tightened, and what to do when characters are present, but just not engaged in the story. He'll even provide that key bit of advice so you know when your book is done, and ready to send in to an editor.
Stealing History
Why recreate the wheel each time you create a story, character, or world? Yes, you can build your knighthood or priesthood or religion or society from scratch, but taking what's historically known and warping it might fit the proverbial bill and add depth and believability. Join our panelists for a discussion on how we can mine our own rich history for characters, backgrounds, worlds, cosmology, scenery, and more.
5 p.m.
Wring Careers in the Post-Paper Era
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. 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 scouting report and practical action plan for the future is a must.
Accessing the Alpha State
Want to explore a way to reach "Eureka!" moments with your writing? Join us for a session about brain waves, specifically alpha waves. We'll explore ways to reach an alpha state-a state of relaxation with awareness-which can give your writing a boost of creativity and energy.
6 p.m.
Reading
Patrick Rothfuss and Paul Genesse
7 p.m.
Writers' Symposium-Read and Critique: Have your prose critiqued by professionals. Presenters will have three to five minutes to read their material. They will receive verbal critiques based on the "critique sandwich" method. Attendance is limited to those being critiqued, pre-registration is required.
Sunday, August 16th
8 a.m.
Pimping and Schmoozing
Sometimes getting published is being in the right place at the right time with the right pitch. Our panelists go over the ins and outs of self promotion and how to approach that editor, agent, or publisher without seeming pushy or obnoxious.
Tough Guys and Gals in Fiction
Hard-edged characters are very popular . . . Conan, Xena, Laura Croft, the Terminator, and the Punisher. Why do we like the shoot first, ask questions later characters? What is their place in modern fiction, and how can we use them in our own stories?
9 a.m.
Going to the Market
So you've got a manuscript, and you want to sell it . . . but where? We'll look at markets for novels, short stories, and articles. And we'll teach you how to search for hungry marketplaces you can pitch to. We'll even give you a list of publications and publishers that will help.
Pardon Me, But I'm a Writer . . .
. . . and I'd like to know all about . . . . Do you need to know what goes on in the kitchen of a Japanese restaurant? How a horse moves? Which everyday plants are poisonous? What ratlines are? Research is an important part of writing, and sometimes it involves approaching others for information. Join us for a fun panel on how to get information from mundanes without appearing to be crazy.
10 a.m.
The Business of Writing: Agents and Query Letters
You've got the novel, or at least a great proposal. Now all you have to do is sell it, and that involves writing the all-important query letter and maybe searching for an agent. What does it take to get the editor and agent to want to read your book? We'll share our success stories and provide sources for improving your chances.
Crafting Non-Human Characters: It's More Than a Monster Mash
Fantasy and science fiction is rife with main and secondary characters that aren't quite human. It's tough for writers to think like aliens or horses or celestial butterflies, so what can we do to make these characters real? How can you breathe life into them and get human readers to care about them?
11 a.m.
Avoiding Pitfalls
All writers make mistakes . . . we'll give you tips on how to avoid some of them. Calling agents and editors every week to check on manuscripts? Paying people a fee to represent you? Using British spelling 'cause it looks cool? Mixing fonts to make the manuscript look pretty . . . listen to authors and editors give you advice on what not to do.
Writer's Roundtable
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.
