Naturally, every author would like to sign a three-book deal for a six-figure advance. However, with the thousands of manuscripts cascading onto editors' desks every day, those odds are pretty small. Fortunately, smaller presses are enjoying a renaissance right now, and are becoming stronger than ever. Come find out the advantages of working with a smaller press. Panelists: John Helfers, Dindy Robinson, Paul Genesse, Don Bingle
Want to write a page-turner? A sizzling suspense yarn? An edge-of-your-seat thriller? Our panelists provide a lesson in nail biting. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe, Luke Johnson
There is an old saying that ideas are a dime a dozen. But sometimes you don't have the 10-cents you need to get a plot. Learn how to brainstorm ideas for fiction writing and how to craft those ideas into exciting storylines. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Don Bingle, Tim Waggoner, Elizabeth Vaughan
Writers’ Symposium—Brainstorming and Beating Writer's Block
Description:
If you missed the Thursday session, you're in luck! We'll repeat some of the topics here. But we'll also discuss how to utterly destroy the "writer's block" that threatens to keep you from the end of your manuscript. Panelists: John Helfers, Tim Waggoner, Don Bingle, Jean Rabe, Steven Schend
Writers’ Symposium—Breaking into the Industry, Game Writing 103
Description:
If you want to start writing, editing, designing, or developing games in the hobby market, join our discussion. We discuss where to begin, what you can put on your resume . . . even if you haven't done a lick of professional work in your life, and other ways to start getting paid for your great game ideas. Also included are tips on how to get on your editor's good side. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Don Bingle, Luke Johnson, Steven Schend
Writers’ Symposium—Criminals, Justice, and the Keyboard
Description:
Our panelists teach you how to make the dynamics between good and evil believable and more than a little interesting in your tales. Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, Paul Genesse, Jean Rabe
How to look at your work critically and improve your chance for a sale. This covers everything from plot to language, how to rewrite, and how to take and give criticism. Panelists: John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Steven Schend, Richard Lee Byers, Don Bingle
Writers’ Symposium—Evening Eye of Aragon fun read
Description:
Back by popular demand—or because you didn’t ask us not to! The parlor game of reading from the Eye of Argon until you crack up or can't take it. Panelists: John Helfers, Kerrie Hughes
The principles and theories of game design are dissected by our panel. Topics tackled include risk vs reward, balance, and interesting choices, and covers games of all stripes, from rpgs and trading card games to board games and video games. Panelists: Luke Johnson, Steven Schend, Don Bingle, Chris Pierson
Our panelists continue the discussion from the previous slot. The principles and theories of writing for the game industry are too myriad to discuss in a single hour. In two, we might get most of them covered! Panelists: Steven Schend, Luke Johnson, Don Bingle, Chris Pierson