Friday

Carlos

2pm—Magic . . . as a Character? Jennifer Brozek, Carlos Hernandez, Daniel Myers

Settings are like characters, each with their own flavor and tone and quirks. But what about magic? Can you say the same for that? If so, how do you give magic its own personality?

Claire

1 PM—Processes and Practices: Tracy Ross, C.S.E. Cooney, Toiya Kristen Finley

What peculiar rituals and personal habits do our authors engage in before, during, or after their writing, and what are the reasons behind them?

Saturday

Carlos

1pm—Beating the Publishing Blues: Maurice Broaddus, Carlos Hernandez, Christopher Bell, Gregory A. Wilson

For most writers, both established and new, dealing with the publishing industry sucks. It means rejection, self-doubt, dashed hopes, &c, the litany goes on. How do you handle publishing-related blues and soldier on? Authors share their experiences and advice.

3pm—Quiet Fiction and Stakes: Carlos Hernandez, E.D.E. Bell

What about quiet fiction compels writers and readers? Do publishing practices from editing to marketing, often centered around thrill and character stakes, provide enough flexibility for quiet fiction, and if not, how does the industry expand?

Claire

11am—Beta Readers and Critique Groups: Donald J. Bingle, C.S.E. Cooney, Sarah Hans

Authors discuss how inviting readers to their early drafts shape-or reshape-their narratives, transforming works in progress into polished works of fiction. But also how critiques can sometimes do more harm than good.

2pm—I Got A Dream: Aaron Rosenberg, C.S.E. Cooney, Sarah Hans

Our panelists discuss what dream projects they would love to write.

5pm—How Did I Get Here? Donald J. Bingle, Gregory A. Wilson, E.D.E. Bell, C.S.E. Cooney

Hear our panelists discuss how their writing careers began and what twisted paths they took.

Sunday

Carlos

12pm—Escapism vs. Message Fiction: Carlos Hernandez, Gregory A. Wilson, Maurice Broaddus, Daniel Myers

Our authors discuss which they prefer to write, escapist fare or stories that deliver a message. But is fiction ever purely escapist? And how do you write a story with a deeper message while keeping it entertaining?

Claire

10am—Flagging the Iceberg: C.S.E. Cooney, E.D.E. Bell, Addie J. King

They say worldbuilding should be like an iceberg, with 90% hidden below the surface. But how do you know which 10% to show, or even when you’re at that number? Or when you’re showing–or building–too much?