So you want to create a main character that doesn't match your gender. You want the woman believable, and you want to avoid stereotypes and cliches. How do you get into such a character's head? How can a guy 'write' a convincing gal? Our panelists are adept at doing just that and are chomping at the proverbial bit to share their expertise.
Help other writers, and you’ll end up helping yourself. Topics we’ll tackle include mentoring, managing expectations of other writers, when it’s appropriate to pitch ideas to other professionals, the downside of too much shameless self-promotion, and building a writer’s community for support.
This award-winning author manages to hold down a day-job and write practically full-time on top of it. He's experienced in game-writing, fantasy, and all manner of fiction. Want some tips on how to break into the various genres of writing? Park yourself here for the next hour and glom onto his words of wisdom.
Don has had game products, movie and book reviews, a couple dozen short stories, a novella, a novelette, and two or three novels published in the science fiction, fantasy, horror, thriller, and comedy genres. He's also written a couple of screenplays, a TV pilot treatment, creative non-fiction, and (gasp) even poetry. As a legend-in-his-own-mind, he is willing to talk about all of it or about virtual reality, time travel, and more.
USA Today Bestselling author, and Author Guest of Honor, 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, White Star, and Destiny's Star.
With more than two dozen novels and five dozen short stories to her credit, Jean has a wealth of information to share about the writing world and publishing industry ... and is more than happy to also talk about her three dogs, cantankerous parrot, fantailed goldfish, stacks of books, plethora of games, upcoming projects, assorted hobbies, and her wholly messy office. Come have a chat with her and 'pick her brain' about this and that.
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.
What elements make a good short story? Do you have to like kids to write Young Adult fiction? Who would win a fight between Unicorns and Werewolves? And just how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Join Kelly Swails as she attempts to answer these questions, as well as those from the audience.
He has been creating short fiction for more than thirty years. In that time he has written for the major magazines (Amazing, Cemetery Dance, Fantasy and Science Fiction and Twilight Zone), appeared in anthologies edited by the biggest names in SF, and has been included in numerous Best-Of editions. His stories have been collectioned in Visions: Short Fantasy and SF and This Way to Egress. Come pick his brain about being a writer.
Are you an author struggling with marketing your books? Do you want to 'break in' to horror? Have questions about freelancing in the gaming industry? Now's your chance to get those questions answered! Called a 'force of nature,' Monica works as a Content and Web Analytics Manager for one of the biggest retailers online, fills the role of Project Manager for FlamesRising.com and still finds time to pursue other writing opportunities.