worldcon schedule

It's in Chicago this year, WOOT! Hometown, baby. And I get to see many friends and fab writers, plus one of my editors at Night Shade. So. Excited.

Most importantly, Night Shade Books Writers are having a party Friday night. There'll be free drinks and freer fun so come on up to see us. Last year's party at World Fantasy was epic.


But they're also putting me to work, of course. Here's the schedule:

Thursday  6 pm   The Short Story as Testing Ground 

Discussing the role short stories has and will play in the genre of science fiction and fantasy, from proving ground to promotions to the merits of writing and reading short stories. We'll explore where the genre is headed, whether its early popularity is enduring (is anyone reading them anymore?) and the influence of contests and electronic publishing on the genre. with Brad R. Torgersen, D.H. Aire, Dennis Y. Ginoza, Vylar Kaftan

Friday 9 am (yawn!)  Creating Plots

Most writers have no problem getting halfway through a story, but a lot of writers struggle to reach the end. Many lose their way in the "mushy middle" or turn onto another path to find themselves at a climax that belongs in another story. How can writers use structure to avoid fizzling out or losing their way? with Diana Rowland, Jeanne Cavelos, Julia S. Mandala, Melinda Snodgrass, Valerie Estelle Frankel

Saturday 9 am (yawn!) So You Wanna Be A Writer

Join experienced pros and up-and-coming professionals to talk about the business of writing and publishing. How did they get their start? What advice do they have for newcomers? What's a realistic view of your career arc? How is it best to start--novels or short stories? Hear answers to these questions and many more. with Allen M. Steele, Eldon Thompson, J. Kathleen Cheney, Jason Hough

Sunday 12 pm There Will Be Blood - But How Much Is Too Much?

Violence permeates most every genre of writing. What are the keys to creating deep and meaningful violence-themed Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror. And who are the writers who do it right? with Paul Dale Anderson, Richard Lee Byers, Tim Waggoner, Warren Hammond


I'm moderating the Short Story panel and the Wanna be a Writer panel, so I got to gets some questions together. The hard-hitting ones, going after What You Want To Know.

As you can see I'm with some heavy hitters in SF and Fantasy. Can't wait to hear what they all have to say!!  I know quite a few of the writers; I'm friends with Warren Hammond of KOP fame, I know Eldon from a previous conference, and Jason Hough and I are agent litter mates.

Panels run an hour and a half. If you're there, feel free to come say hi!