Writers and gamers discuss teen angst in roleplaying games.
Description:
There's a growing set of TTRPGs that merge the complicated angst of teen existence into speculative concepts, whether it's giant mechas or being a literal ghoul. Why is this particular combination so popular right now? How do these two themes work together to create compelling storytelling and gameplay? Which titles are capturing this in the best ways, and are there ways it could be done badly? Join our panel of RPG writers and players as they discuss. Panelists: Sarah Hans (moderator), Brandon Crilly, Brandon O'Brien, Erik Scott de Bie. Track: GCWS Genre.
Expert writers discuss narratives in global Afrofuturist writing and incorporation of Afrofuturistic elements into your work.
Description:
Join our panel of Afrofuturist writers as they discuss new worldbuilding and narratives in global Afrofuturist speculative fiction and avoiding tropes when incorporating Afrofuturistic elements into your work. Panelists: Dedren Snead (moderator), Derek Tyler Attico, Maurice Broaddus, John Jennings. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Writers and artists discuss the ethics of new AI technologies for visual content generation.
Description:
AI-generated art has seen a huge boom in the past year; is this a case of technology outpacing ethics? AI can generate some beautiful images for covers, illustrations, concept art, and game assets, but should it? Join our panel of people working in publishing as they discuss the ethical and legal sticking points. Panelists: Anthony W. Eichenlaub (moderator), Alexander Bevier, Grace P. Fong, Latoya Peterson. Track: GCWS Tech.
Writers and artists discuss the ethics of new AI technologies for written content generation.
Description:
AI-written prose has seen a huge boom in the past year; is this a case of technology outpacing ethics? AI can generate text quickly and efficiently, but should it? Will AI replace prose and game writers? Join our panel of people working in the publishing industry as they discuss the ethical and legal sticking points. Panelists: Anthony W. Eichenlaub (moderator), Mary Fan, Jerry Gordon, Brady McReynolds, Latoya Peterson, Cat Rambo. Track: GCWS Tech.
Writers discuss horror writing and media in a modern context.
Description:
Why do we read horror? What makes good horror so effective? What are approaches to make horror accessible to modern audiences? Join our panel of expert horror writers for a discussion of the horrifically appealing. Panelists: Sarah Hans (moderator), Maurice Broaddus, Dr. Chesya Burke, John Jennings, Bryan Thao Worra. Track: GCWS Genre.
Sword and Sorcery writers discuss new directions in this evolving genre.
Description:
The sword and sorcery genre continues to evolve with new and exciting concepts and directions. Join our panel of expert sword and sorcery writers as they discuss their thoughts on this genre. Panelists: S E Lindberg (moderator), Matt John, Howard Andrew Jones, Sean CW Korsgaard, Dedren Snead. Track: GCWS Genre.
Writers discuss the practical challenges of an extended career in writing and how to manage them.
Description:
A writing career is a marathon, not a sprint, and as a writer, it's a good idea to plan forward for your career—whatever path you have chosen. Join our expert panel of writers as they discuss how to manage your written/audio work once you have your rights back, dealing with reprints and omnibuses, planning collections and compilations, and expanding your work into other mediums. Panelists: Jennifer Brozek (moderator), James Lowder, Dedren Snead, Patrick S. Tomlinson. Track: GCWS Career.
The Rifle on the Mantle: Worldbuilding and Potential Energy
Summary:
Writers discuss the nuances of tying introduced elements of interest back into a story - or when to let them be.
Description:
Worldbuilding detail by its nature contains some level of potential energy. Does a rifle on the wall mean it must later be used, per the Chekov's Gun principle? Or does it tell you a lot about someone who would hang a rifle on their wall, whether it's fired or not? Join our panel of expert worldbuilders and writers as they discuss the concepts of when worldbuilding sets up questions that will need to be answered, when it doesn't need to, and how you play with reader experience and expectations in a way that pays off. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Katherine Monasterio, Latoya Peterson, Erin Roberts, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
The Story's in the Cards: Worldbuilding Outside of Prose
Summary:
Professional writers discuss worldbuilding for elements outside of prose stories.
Description:
Worldbuilding, by definition encompasses worlds - storybooks are just one element. Join our panel of expert worldbuilders as each focuses on a specific element of worldbuilding - in this case Card Design, Miniature Design, Tech Tools, Video Games - and Cooking and Clothing. Panelists: Anthony W. Eichenlaub (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Grace P. Fong, Gabrielle Harbowy, Daniel "Doc" Myers. Track: GCWS Multimedia
Writers discuss timing heroic fights to keep your readers engaged - and cheering.
Description:
As the writer, how do you build tension, timing, and dramatic turns during combat to make the audience cheer and not groan? How do you handle pace, technique, and blocking? Join our expert panelists as they discuss this and other nuances of writing combat scenes. Panelists: Bradley P. Beaulieu (moderator), Howard Andrew Jones, Katherine Monasterio, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Writing.