I'm going to be out and about this year at a variety of conferences
and conventions. So if you happen to be attending, (or are looking for
fun things to do) here's where I'll be:
Fandomfest
June 28 - July 1, 2012
Louisville, KY
Friday:
5:30pm - Zombie Apocalypse
For those in the know, it is not a matter of “if”, but rather “when”.
Yes, the Zombie Apocalypse that is coming! Come and get some insights
from writers who have a keen interest in this area. Who knows? Maybe
the things they discuss will help you survive the age of the undead!
Panel Features: Taylor Kent, John Hornor Jacobs, G.L. Giles, Rachael Hill, Angelia Sparrow, Janice Hardy
Saturday:
11:30am - World Building Part I: How to Approach It
World building elements are a part of all areas of speculative
fiction, not just the genres like Epic Fantasy. But there are always
lots of things to think about when designing a new land or world for a
story, and this panel will explore the right ways to approach this task.
Panel Features: Scott Sandridge, Janice Hardy, Thomas Paul Barczack, Tracy Chowdhury, Kirk Stevens (M)
1pm - Writing Children's Books
There is a definite art to the craft of writing children’s books, and
this panel will help you to understand the process and approach of
writing for the youngest of readers.
Panel Features: Janice Hardy Benny Hamilton Deborah Smith Ford, J.L. Mulvihill
5:30pm - The Best YA Characters
A panel discussion about the best YA characters. Are there common
characteristics? Who do our panelists see as consensus examples? This
panel offers an exploration of Young Adult fiction through the kinds of
characters that resonate within the genre.
Panel Features: Amber Evans, Janice Hardy, Kathryn Sullivan, A Jacob Sweeny, John Hartness
7pm - World Building in Epic Fantasy Vs. Urban Fantasy: Who Has It Harder?
You might think that the answer is easy, but is it really? Even
though urban fantasy tends to take place in worlds like ours, there are a
great many challenges in creating those settings. Come and find out
about those challenges, and maybe the answer to the question of ‘Who Has
it Harder’ will be much harder to address.
Panel Features: Janice Hardy, Ren Garcia, Laura Resnick, M.B. Weston, D.A. Adams
Sunday:
10am - Agents
The world of agents is often a great mystery to newer writers and
those seeking one. Our panelists will share their thoughts on agents,
in terms of how to identify one that will be effective for you, the
relationship between an author and agent, and much more.
Panel Features: Janice Hardy, Laura Resnick, John Hornor Jacobs, Shirley Damsgaard, Lee Martindale (M), Benny Hamilton
A
convention within a convention within a convention. What started out as
one of the top Horror Film Festivals in the country has now grown into
one of the biggest shows of its type. Consisting of MID AMERICA
COMICCON, FANDOMFEST AND FRIGHT NIGHT HORROR WEEKEND AND FILM FESTIVAL,
Fandomfest is one of the Largest Multi-Genre Conventions in the region.
I'll
be there chatting about books, fantasy, and whatever cool topics the
panel moderators come up with. (These types of events are always a lot
of fun)
Romance Writers of America (RWA) Annual Conference
Workshop: It's Showtime! Show Don't Tell
July 25 - 28, 2012
Session time: Thursday, July 26, 9:45am - 10:45am
Anaheim, CA
Join
more than 2,100 published and aspiring romance writers, editors,
agents, and other industry professionals. Conference attendees will
enhance their writing and knowledge of the ins and outs of publishing at
more than 100 workshops; get the inside track at panels and
round-tables featuring publishing professionals; schedule a one-on-one
pitch meeting with an acquiring editor or literary agent; attend parties
and network with the stars of romance fiction; and be a part of RWA's
"Readers for Life" charity book signing.
I'll be
sharing tips on finding the common red-flag words that can indicate
prose that is told, not shown, and what you can do once you've found
them. This conference isn't just for romance writers, and if you haven't
had a chance to attend yet, I highly recommend it.
*additional details to come