Much of fantasy fiction is filled with fights, from one-on-one duels to well equipped armies slaying thousands in years-long wars. Learn different approaches for writing combat scenes, how to make your struggles feel real, and when itâs time to end the bloodshed so your readers donât get bored. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Tim Waggoner, Donald Bingle
People read for characters; and careers are made through creating memorable characters. New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole provides some sure-fire characterization techniques that will allow you to master the arcane art of character creation and growth.
Creating dimensional, dynamic characters can be the difference between a manuscript that sells and one that gathers dust under the bed. So how do you create a vivid, living, breathing character? There are probably as many ways to build characters as there are writers. Join our panelists as they share their methods, with concrete examples, for penning amazing, interesting characters. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Tim Waggoner, Anton Strout
Game designers must make sure that what they write reflects the realities of the game. Donât mention gear unless itâs in the equipment list. Donât write about magic the system doesnât support. Donât describe places that arenât on the map. We'll teach you how to color inside the lines to make your material better suited for the players and the companies for whom you write. Panelists: Steven Schend, Marc Tassin, Luke Johnson
Itâs a lot easier to write an adventure that goes from Point A to Point B to Point C, but it isnât necessarily more interesting or enjoyable. Our panelists will show you how to approach non-linear adventures and how to avoid confusing and overly-complicated manuscripts. Panelists: Donald Bingle, Marc Tassin, Luke Johnson, Steven Schend
There are a lot of choices when it comes to picking a rule system. Some game systems are designed to be the classic dungeon crawl. Some are more suited for a swashbuckling adventure. Join our panelists as they discuss the various game systems available for the freelance writer. Panelists: Patrick Rothfuss, Steven Schend, Luke Johnson
Learn to look at your work critically. Examine everything from plot to language, and learn how to tackle rewrites and take and give criticism. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Chris Pierson, Luke Johnson
Back by popular demand (or maybe we just don't know any better), join us for a round-robin reading of the most awesomely bad (yes, you read that correctly) story ever published in SF fandom. This year we will be reading according to the new "hardcore" rules. Just try to keep from laughing . . . we dare you!
New York Times Bestselling author Michael A. Stackpole offers up a grab-bag of tricks of the trade and insider information that can step you through the early, awkward phases of writing, and set you well on the path to being published.
Learn how to write edge-of-your-seat action scenes without a character throwing a single punch. Weâll cover chase scenes, escapes, word choice, settings, and much more. Panelists: Anton Strout, Paul Genesse, Linda Baker, Tim Waggoner