Writers discuss incorporation of story structure models across different types of speculative writing.
Description:
Story structures (or narrative structures) are frameworks that help us develop plots, characters, and worlds into satisfying narratives. While you may be familiar with some of them, there are many structures and storytelling traditions—some of them millennia old. Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss various story structure models, storytelling traditions, and different ways to incorporate them into your writing process, either for prose or game writing. Panelists: Jerry Gordon (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Dan Jolley, Cat Rambo, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Writing.
Video game writers discuss the pros and cons of being a freelancer versus an employee.
Description:
Are you looking to make writing for video games a career, yet you're not sure whether you want the freedom and uncertainty of being a freelancer, or the stability and limitations of an employee? Both take dedicated preparation and energy just to get started, so which way should you go? Join our panel of expert game writers and narrative designers as they discuss the pros and cons of being a freelancer versus an employee, to help you consider what might be best for you. Panelists: Alexander Bevier (moderator), Whitney "Strix" Beltrán, Jeremy Bernstein, Richard Dansky. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
We're In This Together: A Writing Community Discussion About Us
Summary:
Writers discuss the importance of reclaiming the community around us - as well as our role in it.
Description:
Whether you write solely for your own comfort, or whether you are a best-selling author, all of us are connected by common needs. Join our panel of writers as they discuss reclaiming our love of writing, our creative spark, and especially our connections - without toxic positivity. All the feels are welcome! Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Tracy Hickman, John Jennings, Sheree Renée Thomas. Track: GCWS Writing.
Writers and publishers discuss different types of indie publishing - and what might be best for you.
Description:
From small presses to publishing services to full self-publishing, every indie author seeks help on some level. Join our panel of expert writers and publishers as they discuss which options are helpful for which writers - and how to avoid exploitation and scams. When should an indie writer open your wallet and when should you snatch it away? This panel will attempt to untangle the many, many, many paths to indie publishing in 2023. Panelists: Mary Fan (moderator), Richard Lee Byers, Chris A. Jackson, Dan Jolley. Track: GCWS Career.
Word, Image, and Sound: Exploring Audiovisual Thinkers
Summary:
Writers and artists discuss how audiovisual thinking can be channeled into writing.
Description:
How do audiovisual thinkers process the world, and how can they channel their unique cognitive systems into effective writing? Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss these topics in the context of speculative fiction. Panelists: Gregory A. Wilson (moderator), Derek Tyler Attico, Toiya Kristen Finley, Grace P. Fong, Jordan Jones-Brewster. Track: GCWS Writing.
Writers discuss techniques to make working from home work.
Description:
Creative people, especially in these days, often work from the place where they live. Join our panel of writers who work from home as they discuss ways to make writing work at home, like which chores to skip, how to set expectations with household members, and how to alter our physical space to protect creative time and energy. Panelists: Sandra Tayler (moderator), Jeremy Bernstein, Richard Lee Byers, Latoya Peterson, LaShawn M. Wanak. Track: GCWS Career.
Writers discuss effective integration of geography into worldbuilding.
Description:
The physical world influences a society’s development. Join our panel of speculative worldbuilders as they discuss how to let the environment shape your fictional culture. Panelists: Chris A. Jackson (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Ed Greenwood, Daniel "Doc" Myers. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Writers discuss - and demystify - worldbuilding for your writing.
Description:
Worldbuilding can be an intimidating process. Do you need to develop an economy? How detailed does the history need to be? Should you draw your own maps? Where do you even begin?! Join our panel of experts as they demystify worldbuilding and discuss the different ways you can approach creating your world, no matter your story’s genre or setting. Panelists: Toiya Kristen Finley (moderator), Whitney "Strix" Beltrán, Latoya Peterson, Sheree Renée Thomas, LaShawn M. Wanak. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Write Like a Pirate: The Use of Nautical Terminology
Summary:
Writers discuss techniques for proper use of nautical terminology in fiction.
Description:
Authentic nautical terminology can add spice to a fantasy story, but how much is too much? Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss simple nautical terms, ideas, and the basics to get you under way. Panelists: Chris A. Jackson (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Richard Lee Byers, Daniel "Doc" Myers, K.B. Wagers. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.