E.D.E. Bell
Panelists: Maurice Broaddus (moderator), Dedren Snead, Corey Ewing, Januarie York. Track: GCWS Genre.
Join C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez for a special interactive event. Each participant will be given a prompt of one or more cards from the very spooky deck that C. S. E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez, and artist Rebecca Huston invented for their TTRPG, “Negocios Infernales.” Once every writer has their prompt, they’ll set […]
Interested in learning about veganism, how veganism impacts worldbuilding (it’s way, way more than food), or how to write for a growing audience of readers interested in veganism and animal rights? Join fantasy author and long-term vegan E.D.E. Bell for a workshop, discussion, and open, honest Q&A on veganism in writing. Don’t fear the vegan. […]
Panelists: Brady McReynolds (moderator), Kelli Fitzpatrick, Gabrielle Harbowy, Jesse J. Holland, Sean CW Korsgaard. Track: GCWS Editing.
The darkness of the soul, the black and lace aesthetic, the contemplation during midnight hours, the dash across the wind-swept moors: all of these elements have been part of the gothic genre, but what does it mean today? From Victorian gothic roots to southern gothic, non-Eurocentric gothic, and everything in between, join our panel of […]
Just a few snippets of a fictional language can add a lot of depth to a story. However, for someone without experience in linguistics, it can be a daunting task to create something that is plausible and isn’t just a code superimposed upon existing grammar. In this seminar, experienced worldbuilder Daniel “Doc” Myers will provide […]
In this workshop, learn approaches to worldbuilding for fiction and games that will help you design diverse societies, outside-the-box settings, and worlds that are uniquely your own, from writers Derek Tyler Attico and Kelli Fitzpatrick. Workshop includes some instructional elements, fun activities, Q&A, and community knowledge-sharing. Track: GCWS Classroom.
There is tremendous power in a devoted fanbase, it is a gift and a responsibility. In this workshop, join author Sandra Tayler as she discusses things you can do to encourage a community to build around your own work, making connections between your readers, and why it is far more important to give than to […]
Building tension in stories can be a difficult balance between competing drives in your story. How do you know when a surprise will be more effective for the audience than the slow burn of suspense? How do you accomplish them? In this workshop, professional writer Bryan Young will walk you through that process. Track: GCWS […]
When an editor suggests changing something that is true to your culture or writing style, how do you decide when to argue for your version without ignoring good advice? Join our panel of expert writers and editors as they discuss developing healthy working relationships with editors, softening barriers in the publishing industry, standing up for […]
Moderated by Chris Bell with panelists: John Jennings, Dan Jolley. Track: GCWS Genre.
Despite their marketing, children’s books are often loaded with difficult themes and powerful messages that resonate with readers older than what may be the target audience. Join our expert panel of writers as they discuss why everyone should read children’s speculative fiction. Panelists: George Jreije (moderator), Erin M. Evans, Jerry Gordon, Jesse J. Holland, James […]
Not sure how many dialog options should you provide your player in a conversation? Debating the benefits and drawbacks of large-scale choices in your narrative? Interested in procedurally generated narrative, but unsure if it’s right for your game? Join our panel of experts as they unpack what tools in the toolbox are most useful for […]
Most writing requires collaboration, but how does this manifest in the worlds of game design? Join our panel of gamewriters as they discuss. Panelists: Toiya Kristen Finley (moderator), Jeremy Bernstein, Jordan Jones-Brewster, Gabrielle Harbowy. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Writing intimate scenes goes far beyond sexuality when incorporating elements such as physical closeness, emotional intimacy, sensuality, consent, ace-spec dynamics, trauma, and shared experiences. Join our panel of writers as they discuss more comprehensive elements of how to write a compelling and impactful intimate scene. Panelists: James A Moore (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Erin M. Evans, […]
A protagonist’s depth relies as much on their weaknesses as their strength. Join our panel of expert character writers as they discuss how to write a character who is authentically fallible without being too much so. Panelists: Karen Menzel (moderator), Richard Lee Byers, Erin M. Evans, Gabrielle Harbowy, Chris A. Jackson, Track: GCWS Writing.
A fantasy world should have a cuisine that takes into account the resources and technology of the people that inhabit it. In this seminar, join medieval cooking expert Daniel “Doc” Myers to learn how to make up a consistent, believable fantasy cuisine using the workings of medieval European cooking as a template. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Join us for an evening celebration of gaming, storytelling, laughs, and community, as a team of award-winning writers play live Dungeons & Dragons for you in the audience, with a simultaneous broadcast online. This is the fifth year of this event, and we’re excited for even more shenanigans this time around! Featuring GM Gregory A. […]
Panelists: Bryan Thao Worra (moderator), Mary Fan, Grace P. Fong, Diana M. Pho, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Multimedia.
Often in the hardest times, it is culture that provides people the energy to face them. From theatre to sports to group gaming, what does the inclusion of entertainment in your story say about your troubled world—and what does your world say without it? Join our panel of writers as they discuss. Panelists: Patrick S. […]
Writing is so much more than the act of creation. To be a writer is to be a business person. How you manage your business and career is vital to meeting your goals. In this workshop, learn from Jennifer Brozek how to put systems in place to schedule yourself, keep up with the details, manage […]
Historical fiction has been an integral part of fantasy from the very start of the genre and remains a core influence in the works of many prominent fantasy authors. How are authors inspired by history in classic and current works? What are the pros, cons, and pitfalls of historical influence? Join our expert panel of […]
In a world of social media, creative work sells better if you frame your pitch with a story. Come learn from author Sandra Tayler how to present your work so it intrigues your potential audience. This works for everything from novels to artwork to Kickstarters to growing a social media following. Track: GCWS Classroom.