Gen Con, August 14, 2014–Worldbuilding 101

As the title suggests, this was an early panel at the 2014 version of Gen Con which dealt with the nitty gritty of worldbuilding in the speculative fiction genre.  Kerrie Hughes, Don Bingle, Erin Evans, Gabrielle Harbowy and I took a look at the nuts and bolts of the worldbuilding process, and although I’ve been on a number of panels like this I thought this was a good summary of some of the best aspects of those presentations.  (It was also one of the best-attended early morning Thursday panels I’ve ever been a part of–people really seem to like this topic!)

Columbus-bound!

Hi all, Just a quick note to say I’m en route to Columbus, Ohio where I’m going to be part (for the fourth year) of the Library at Origins, a cool writers’ track with interesting panels, discussion and–quite possibly–games.  If you’re in the Columbus area, please stop by and say hello…and as always, details are […]

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Origins

It’s my fourth time at Origins (that is seriously hard to believe!)–kind of the unofficial kick-off of the summer convention schedule, and one I always have lots of fun being a part of.  The panels are always enjoyable, and I get the chance to sell a few books, hang out with readers, fans, and author […]

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Ad Astra

It’s my sixth time at one of my favorite conventions, Ad Astra, and in addition to my usual panel and reading duties this time around (and publisher meetings), I’ve got a special Sunday event…which I hope is going to be as fun as it sounds.  Please stop by and say hello if you’re in the […]

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Norwescon

This is my third time at Norwescon, and they’ve got me busy with five panels, two workshops (part of the Fairwood Writers Workshops again) and a reading. George R.R. Martin is the guest of honor this year, too, so I expect the convention to be hopping–but if you’re in the Seattle area, please stop by […]

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Readercon, July 10, 2014–Power Differentials in Reviewing

A really interesting (and somewhat outside the box) panel at Readercon on the real and/or perceived tension between reviewers, the work they’re reviewing, and the people who read and comment upon the reviews.  Kevin Clark, John Clute, Amal El-Mohtar, Lila Garrott, Alex Jablokow and I took on the topic from a variety of perspectives, and while there was some lively disagreement (John had a somewhat more Romantic perspective on the critic’s role than I do, for example!), it all contributed to a energizing and fun discussion.  As is often the case at Readercon, the audio here was a bit shaky, so be warned that this may at times be a little difficult to hear.

Origins, June 13, 2014–Podcasting

This was a solo chat I did on the subject of podcasting, somewhat reprising the panels I’ve previously done at Readercon and Norwescon the last few years, but developing it for a more nuts and bolts style presentation (and with two more years of podcasting experience under my belt).  There were some interesting questions I got to field from the audience as well–all in all, an enjoyable experience.