Events

Additional workshops (both on and offline) are under development. Details will be posted as events are finalized.

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.

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