How do you find the right idea for the right size of manuscript? How is writing a short story different from writing a novella . . . and how are they different from writing a novel? Learn how to approach writing a short story, and then how to market it. Don Bingle, John Helfers, Jean Rabe, Richard Lee Byers, Brad Beaulieu
Even if you're a writer tapping out words in a dark basement by yourself, eventually you will have to work with others if you want to see your work in print. If you are an aspiring game designer, teamwork skills are even more important, as nearly every game book is a collaboration. This panel teaches you the tricks to be a team player. Panelists: Don Bingle, Chris Pierson, Luke Johnson, Steven Schend, Richard Lee Byers
Writing a book or short story is sometimes easier than selling one. Our editors and authors discuss marketplaces for your fiction and give you tips on finding an agent. A handout of publishing houses is provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Brad Beaulieu
So what does it take to be a writer—whether it's a part-time gig or a full-time job? Just what does it take to make the dream a reality? We will also tackle the topics of family, friends, time, marriage, discipline and deadlines. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, John Helfers, Don Bingle
So just how do you write exciting, believable, make-the-reader-hold-his breath action scenes? Our panelists will teach you how to slash and parry your way through your manuscript. Panelists: Chris Pierson, John Helfers, Luke Johnson, Richard Lee Byers, Steven Schend
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: Geography and Climate
Description:
Find out why geography is destiny. Learn how to craft spectacular worlds where the landscape is a vivid character in your games and stories. Fantasy authors will discuss the effects that geography and climate have on the development of culture, economics, and war. Jean Rabe, Paul Genesse, Steven Schend, Chris Pierson
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: In other words
Description:
What do calots, lembas, Moradin, and Kakrafoon have in common? They are all words from fictional languages used as background detail in books or games. The panelists will discuss the ways authors and game designers use fictional languages to make their worlds more real, and will reveal their tricks and techniques for making up new languages. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Daniel Myers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Linda Baker
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: The anthropology of fantasy
Description:
What are the essentials of cultures? What makes cultures work with each other? Discover how to craft convincing cultures for your world. Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, Richard Lee Byers, Daniel Myers, Sabrina Klein
Craft a rich and believable backdrop for your fiction. Discover the necessary, basic ingredients for constructing your fantasy, science-fiction, or horror setting, and how to make that world an integral part of your story or adventure. Visit our other seminars for more worldbuilding advice. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Richard Lee Byers, Luke Johnson, Jean Rabe
Writers’ Symposium—Worldbuilding: War and the Military
Description:
How your society makes war or keeps the peace needs to be convincing and well thought-out. Our military buffs offer insight into constructing armed forces in your fiction. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Paul Genesse, Linda Baker