This is not the final lists of panels and workshops. Will update throughout the year so please check back frequently.
Panel Descriptions
Creative Writing Focused Panels
“I Strenuously Object !!!” – (Mod – Eric Moser) Carol Preflatish, Carrie Callahan, H.R. Boldwood, Erv Klein – Tips on including legal storylines in your work. Do you want to include a legal storyline in your novel, game, or movie, but you’re unsure how to do it? Inserting a legal storyline can greatly enhance the narrative conflict, upping the stakes and pitting characters against one another. However, although legal professionals can be voracious readers, they strenuously object to stories with unrealistic or poorly designed legal scenes. Learn how to include legal storylines that will have readers finding you guilty…of being a great writer! (Sat. 3:15 pm in room Burley)
Dialogue is My Achilles Heel! – (MOD – John Wilkerson) – DC Grace, Mary Ann Poll, Troy Maynard, Tory Jones, J. Celina – How to better engage your audience and readers with clever dialogue. How to write an accent, describing voice, and so forth. (Sat. 2 pm in room Derby)
Walking in Another’s Shoes – (MOD – DC Grace) Aaron Drown, Sheridan C. Hall, Paul Hoffman, Cathy Jackson – Writing character POVs, how far to push the stereotype without offending. (man writing woman) (writing older or younger characters) (race or religion) (Sun. 2 pm in room Heartland)
Character Flaws vs Mary Sue – (MOD- Ren Garcia) – Missy Goodman, Kelly Martin, JM Madden, Michele Lee, Rebekah McAuliffe – Defining both with examples, comparing them and discussing when and why you would use them in your writing. (Sun. 9 am in room Heartland)
Marketing Mistakes – (Mod- Gery Deer) Aaron Drown, Jeanette Strode, Michael Knost, Lydia Sherrer, – Advice on marketing yourself and what NOT to do and sharing some stories of those who learned the hard way. (Sat. 12:45 pm in room Burley)
Pushing Through – (MOD- Tommy B. Smith) Mysti Parker, James O. Barnes, Kenzie Michaels, Jim Gillentine, Lee E. E. Stone – How to write when you can’t write. Using your craft to push through hard times and hardships. (Sun. 10:15 am in room Cumberland)
Supernatural Discussion – (MOD – Kelly Martin) – Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Carma Haley Shoemaker, Brick Marlin, Bradley Walker – Discussing all things related to the acclaimed TV series, Supernatural. The growth of the characters, theories and insights, including why all the female characters die, and much more! (Sat. 10:15 am in room Farmington)
Character Creation – (MOD- Tony Acree) Brick Marlin, Stephanie Osborn, Michael Knost, Sara Marian, Lee E. E. Stone – Developing enticing characters for your story (Fri 3:15 pm in room Farmington)
Creative’s Balance – (Mod – Ana Maria Selvaggio) Amy McCorkle, Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, April Brown, Michele Lee – Discussing ways to balance health issues with being a full time creative. (Sun. 11:30 am in room Heartland)
Horrific Tendencies – (MOD- Nathan Day) H.David Blalock, Brick Marlin, Nicole Cushing, H R Raymer, Michael West , Kevin Tenney- Delve into the discussion of writing horror for books, gaming, and film. (Sat. 3:15 pm in Cumberland)
Audio Book Tips – (MOD-Geoffrey Mandragora) Josh Hampton, Wayne Pederson, Sean Dwyer – Tips from the professionals on creating your quality audio book. (Sun. 12:45 pm in room Derby)
World Building – (MOD – Sandy Lender) Dan R. Arman, Tommy B. Smith, Stephanie Osborn, Lydia Sherrer, Charles David – How to build the world for your storyline from start to finish. (Sat 3:15 pm in room Farmington)
Book and Booze III – (MOD- Daniel Dark) Robb Hoff, Stephen Zimmer, Marian Allen, Michael Knost, Sara Marian, Carl Moore – Authors speaking on their love of spirits while they partake in some sampling of their favorites. (Sat 4:30 pm in room Derby)
Stop Talking and Start Writing – (John Wilkerson) Dan R. Arman, Marian Allen, Rose Withering, RJ Sullivan, Charles David – Learn how to stop talking about writing your book and actually start writing it. (Sat. 10:15 am in room Burley)
Edit You Say? – (MOD- Sandy Lender) Gery Deer, Tommy B. Smith, R.N. Drum, Michael Knost – This discussion will touch on making your book successful not by what is left in it, but by what has been left out. (Sun. 9 am in room Farmington)
How to Write a Fresh Romance – (MOD- Mysti Parker) JM Madden, Becky Muth, Courtney Diles, Jessica Cardwell – Making your romance story new and exciting for a variety of readers. (Sat 4:30 pm in room Cumberland)
Stop Blaming the Butler – (MOD- Rebekah McAuliffe) Carol Preflatish, Michael Houtchen, T. Lee Harris, H. R. Boldwood – How to jazz up your mystery and or thriller. (Sun. 11:30 am in room Cumberland)
Fairy Good Stories – (MOD- Carma Haley Shoemaker) Rose Withering, Cassandra Morgan, Carrie Callahan, Rose Marie Machario – A discussion on keeping your fairytales fresh. (Sat. 4:30 pm in room Burley)
Pitch Like a Pro – (MOD- Scott Markus) Michael Houtchen, John Hartness –Discussing the art of the pitching your book, screenplay, or game design. (Sat. 9 am in room Derby)
Sex in Religion – (MOD – James Watts) Jesse V Coffey, Ana Marie Selvaggio, Leah Pugh, Cathy Jackson – How to tastefully add spice to Christian literature. (Sun. 10:15 am in room Burley)
The Cross Genre Author – (MOD-Michael Williams) DC Grace, Carma Haley Shoemaker, Stephanie Osborn, Sara Marian, Kenzie Michaels – Learn ways to sprinkle in aspects from several genres into your story. (Sun. 12:45 pm in room Cumberland)
The Writing Schedule Juggle – (MOD-Carma Haley Shoemaker) Cassandra Morgan, Dan R. Arman, James O. Barnes, Lee E. E. Stone – Panelist will share their own experiences juggling family life, outside jobs, and making time to write. (Sat. 12:45 pm in room Cumberland)
Blending Religions in Your Story – (MOD – Mary Ann Poll) Lacy Marie, Rebecca Westerman, Nathan Day, Kenzie Michaels, Steven Shrewsbury – Mixing religions such as Christian Wicca and so forth into your storyline. (Sat. 9 am in room Burley)
A Squirrel Stole My Pen – (MOD- H R Raymer) R.N. Drum, Nicole Cushing, Ren Garcia, Sean Dwyer – Tips on weaving animals into your story. (Sun. 11:30 am in room Burley)
Fantastic Fantasy -(MOD- Marian Allen) Rose Marie Machario, Josh Hampton, John F. Allen, Rose Withering, James Hunter – How to make your fantasy exciting and unique. (Sat. 2 pm in room Cumberland)
Research Done Right – (MOD- Lana Dean Helm) Daniel Dark, Michael Houtchen, Stephanie Osborn, Paul Hoffman, T. Lee Harris – How to effectively do productive and correct research prior to writing your story. (Sun. 9 am in room Derby)
Effective Query Letters – (Mod- Alan Goldstein) H.David Blalock, John Hartness, Dave Creek – Learn the ins and outs of effectively writing top notch query letters. (Sun. 9 am in room Burley)
Freelance Options – (MOD- Alan Goldstein) James Watts, Rebecca Westerman, Brian K. Morris, Elizabeth Donald – Discussing ways to freelance write and options, while you continue writing your own story. (Fri. 2 pm in room Cumberland)
Paranormal Realms – (MOD – Scott Markus) Mike Huberty, Mary Ann Poll, H R Raymer, Michele Lee, Jim Gillentine – Writing engaging paranormal stories. (Sat. 10:15 am in room Heartland)
Creative Depression – (MOD- Mysti Parker) Lacy Marie, Roman Jossart, R.N. Drum, Thomas Moore, Austin Sheehan – Discussing the issue of depression among creatives and ways to seek help and reach out. (Sat. 10:15 am in room Derby)
Lores & Myths – (MOD – Marian Allen) Sheridan C. Hall, Carma Haley Shoemaker, Mike Huberty, James Hunter, Arlan Andrews – A discussion on keeping the stories of old fresh and entertaining for today’s audience. (Fri. 2 pm in room Burley)
Thrilling Mysteries – (MOD-Becky Muth ) Carol Preflatish, Katheryn Ragle, T. Lee Harris, Robb Hoff – How to juice up a thrilling mystery story. (Fri. 3:15 pm in room Burley)
Non-Fiction Writing – (MOD-Michael Knost) Fred Johnson, Jereme Zimmerman, Paul Hoffman, – Ways to correctly write a true non fiction story. (Sun. 11:30 am in room Derby)
Murder and Mayhem – (MOD- Daniel Dark) Dan Jolley, Levi Dunn, Katheryn Ragle, John Hartness, Michael West, Carl Moore – Ways to write that enticing murder mystery. (Fri. 7 pm in room Burley)
Laugh it Up – (MOD- Dave Mattingly) Mysti Parker, Troy Maynard, Erv Klein, Jim Haas – Effective strategies to introduce comedy into your writing. (Fri. 7 pm in room Cumberland)
Small Press vs The Big Five – (MOD – Jeanette Strode) Dan Jolley, Nicole Cushing, JM Madden, T. Lee Harris, William Allen Webb – Pros and cons of publishing with a small press vs a large one. (Sat 10:15 am in room Cumberland)
Comics – (MOD – John F. Allen) Dan Jolley, John Risner, Eddie Price, Jim Haas – How to write and draw enticing comics. (Sat. 11:30 am in room Farmington)
You’re My Superhero – (MOD- Dave Mattingly) Dan Jolley, Eric Moser,Matthew Jackson – Discussion on creating the next big superhero for today’s audience. (Sun 11:30 am in room Farmington)
Writing for Children – (MOD – Cassandra Morgan) Dan Jolley, Jen Selinsky, George Yuhasz, Leah Pugh – Discussion on proper techniques to writing the perfect children’s story. (Sun. 9 am in room Cumberland)
Lust or Bust – (MOD- Becky Muth) Steven Shrewsbury, JM Madden, Robb Hoff, J. Celina – Ways to sex up your romance novel. (Fri. 7 pm in room Heartland)
The Oxford Comma – (MOD- H.David Blalock) Carrie Callahan, Tommy B. Smith, Sean Dwyer, Courtney Diles, Arlan Andrews – Discussion of proper writing techniques. (Sat 11:30 am in room Burley)
Writing for the LGBTQ Audience – (MOD- Sallyanne Monti) N E Riggs, Jesse V Coffey, Rebecca Westerman – Learn the proper use of pronouns within the LGBTQ community and the definitions of “labels”. (Sat 11:30 am in room Heartland)
Becoming a Copywriter – (MOD – Gery Deer) Josh Hampton, RJ Sullivan, Michael Knost – How you can become a copywriter. (Sat. 9 am in room Cumberland)
Poetry – (MOD- Sheridan C. Hall) Lana Dean Helm, Carma Haley Shoemaker – Discussion on the art of writing poetry. (Sat. 11:30 am in room Cumberland)
Effective Journalism – (MOD- Sandy Lender) Jen Selinsky, Elizabeth Donald, Sara Marian, Dave Creek – How to become a effective journalist. (Fri. 4:30 pm in room Cumberland)
How to Blog – (MOD- Marian Allen) Carl Moore, Donna Dull – Discussion on techniques to get the most out of your blogging and how to get started. (Sun 10:15 am in room Heartland)
How to Get Along with Editors – (MOD- Michael Williams) Sandy Lender, Sallyanne Monti, Marian Allen, Paul Hoffman, Nicole Cushing, Arlan Andrews – Tips on how to build a trusting and productive working relationship with your editor. (Fri 4:30 pm in room Derby)
How to Self-Publish – (MOD- Kelly Martin) Cassandra Morgan, Stephanie Osborn, Lydia Sherrer, James Hunter, Jay Erickson – Strategies to use for publishing your own story. (Sat. 9 am in room Heartland)
Let’s Talk Funding -(MOD-Brian K. Morris) Missy Goodman, Rebecca Westerman, Lynn Tincher, Stephanie Hensley – Discussion on how to fund your next book, game, film, and or creative project using platforms such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe. (Sun. 12:45 pm in room Heartland)
Should I Ghost? – (MOD- Lana Dean Helm) Rebecca Westerman, Rose Withering – Pros and cons of ghostwriting. (Sun. 10:15 am in room Derby)
The Big Rewrite – (MOD-Troy Maynard) Nicole Cushing, Carol Preflatish, Michele Lee, William Allen Webb – Techniques to revamp and re-pitch a rejected manuscript. (Sat 9 am in room Farmington)
The Illustrator Search – (MOD -Michele Lee ) Aaron Drown, Eddie Price, Donna Dull – Finding the right artist for your cover and illustrations. (Fri 3:15 pm in room Cumberland)
Marvel Vs DC – (MOD- Tony Acree) Sara Marian, John F. Allen, CrystalRavyn Jones, Roland Mann, RJ Sullivan, John Pyka, Dave Creek – Panelist will face off in this audience interactive discussion about their favorite between Marvel and DC Comics. (Sat. 3:15 pm in room Derby)
Wordsmith’s Finances – (MOD-Jeanette Strode) James Hunter, JM Madden, Missy Goodman, Carrie Callahan, Elizabeth Donald – Explaining proven tips and tricks how you can make writing your full time job. (Sun. 3:15 pm in room Heartland)
Writing Reviews – (Mod – Mi ) Jen Selinsky, Lydia Sherrer, JL Mulvihill, Michael Knost – How to write a review and the importance of reviews to authors, filmmakers, game designers, and so on. (Fri. 2 pm in room Derby)
Overcoming Moral Injury Through Writing – (MOD – Carrie Callahan) Tommy B. Smith, George Yuhasz, Lee E. E. Stone – Overcoming stressful past life events utilizing writing as therapy. (Fri. 4:30 pm in room Burley)
Narration Tip and Tricks – (MOD – John Wilkerson) Isaak Wells, James O. Barnes, H. R. Boldwood –Tips and tricks to help narrators bring a book to life! (Fri. 7 pm in room Farmington)
Historical Romance – (Mod-) Chasity Bowlin, Leah Pugh – Discussing the genre itself along with techniques to create enticing story arcs. (Sat. 12:45 pm in room Farmington)
Writing Science Fiction – (MOD- H R Raymer) Dan R. Arman, N E Riggs, William Allen Webb, RJ Sullivan, H. R. Boldwood, Arlan Andrews – Learn fresh takes on past ideas from seasoned professionals in the genre. (Sun. 10:15 am in room Farmington)
Writing Westerns – (MOD-Levi Dunn) Geoffrey Mandragora, H.R.Boldwood, T.Lee Harris, Michael Knost – Learn the art to writing a great western. (Sun. 3:15 pm in room Derby)
Making of a Podcast – (Mod – Jonathan Peacock) Sheridan C. Hall, Mike Huberty, Chris Cohron, Chris Flanigan, Taylor Gentry, Wendy Lynn Staats – Discuss the ins and outs of making your very own podcast. (Sunday 12:45 pm in room Burley)
Writing with a Purpose – (MOD- Alan Goldstein) Fred Johnson, April Brown, Michael West, Rebekah McAuliffe – Discussing ways to utilize the written word to educate and bring awareness to issues that affect everyday lives. (Sunday 2 pm in room Burley)
Pitch Sessions – Indie Publishers will be present to hear and discuss your book pitches. (Sun. 3:15 pm in the Grande Hall Room)
Comic Book Collecting – (MOD- Jonathan Peacock) Brian K. Morris, Chris Flanigan, Roland Mann, Matthew Jackson – How to start, judge quality, and what to look for when you begin your comic book collection. (Sun. 2pm in room Derby)
“Scrivener” Not Your Parent’s Word Processor – (MOD-Mike Huberty) R.N.Drum, James O. Barnes, N E Riggs, John Hartness – Discussing the use of scrivener and the benefits. (Sat 2pm in room Burley)
Amazon Marketing – (MOD- H.David Blalock) Jeanette Strode, John Hartness- Discussing tips and strategies on ways to get better benefits using Amazon ads. (Sun 2pm in room Farmington)
NaNoWriMo – (Mod-Ana Marie Selvaggio) Amy McCorkle, Missy Goodman, Becky Muth, H. R. Boldwood- A discussion on this popular trend. Learn what it is and why authors participate in it year after year. (Friday 2 pm in room Farmington)
Author Readings – (10 min each) (10 authors) – 1 pm Sallyanne Monti – 1:10pm Sandy Lender – 1:20 pm Rebecca Minton Westerman – 1:30 pm Sara Marian Deurell – 1:40pm Becky Muth – 1:50pm Tommy B. Smith – 2pm Robb Hoff – 2:10pm Kenzie Michaels – 2:20pm Brick Marlin – 2:30pm Daniel Dark (Sat. starting at 1pm on the Grande Bell Stage)
Film Focused Panels
Film Distribution – (MOD-Demetrius Witherspoon) Amy McCorkle, Missy Goodman, Antonio Pantoja, Josiah Stendel, Shawn Burkett – These days you have options. You may choose to sign a traditional deal or you can leverage digital platforms. So before you decide on your film distribution strategy, let’s discuss your options. (Fri. 3:15 pm in room Derby)
Finding Your Target Audience – (MOD- Erik Kyr) Roman Jossart, Nicole Cushing, Jeffrey Reddick, Kevin Tenney – How To Uncover The Proper Target Audience For Your Film. (Fri. 2 pm in room Jefferson)
Tips For Hacking Hollywood – (MOD- Scott Markus) Thomas Moore, Jeffrey Reddick, Kevin Tenney – Discussion on creating a blog about your film, collecting email addresses and why, always thinking about community, and much more. (Sun 10:15 am on the Grande Stage)
Filmmaking on a Indie Budget – (MOD – Stephen Lackey) Zach Martin, Stephen Blair, Missy Goodman, Harley David Morris, Sonya Delormier, Lynn Tincher – How to make a film on a shoestring budget. (Sat. 4:15 pm in room Heartland)
Sit Down with a Screenwriter – (MOD- Tony Acree) Stephen Blair, Harley David Morris, Jeffrey Reddick, Rebekah McAuliffe, Kevin Tenney – Screenwriters share their knowledge and will be answering questions from the audience. (Sat. 9 am in room Jefferson)
Writing a Script from A to Z – (MOD – Nathan Day) Dan Jolley, Stephen Blair, John Risner, Scott Markus Thomas Moore – Screenwriters will be conversing on the construct of creating your screenplay. (Sun 3:15 pm in room Cumberland)
So You Want to Be an Actor – (MOD- Rocco Pepe) Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Grace Carlton, Erik Kyr, Jerry Beasley – Learn tips of the trade from seasoned actors in the business. (Fri. 4:30 pm in room Jefferson)
Low-Budget Filmmaking – (Mod – Sean Burton Saunders) Christopher Maggard, JC Rositas, Herschel Zahnd, Austin Sheehan, James Tackett – A discussion with film professionals including directors and filmmakers on the struggles and rewards of making your own film. They will talk about ways you can get the funding you need. (Sun. 2 pm in room Cumberland)
Editing Audio & Visual Effects for Film and Music – (MOD- James Watts) David Sheridan, Erik Kyr, Wayne Pederson, Bret Robinson – Learn the proper techniques from professional editors on how to correctly edit audio and video for films and music production. (Sun. 3:15 pm in room Burley)
Gaming Focused Panels
Character Creation for Games and Beyond – (MOD- J L Mulvihill) Isaak Wells, Ren Garcia, Steven Shrewsbury, Bradley Walker –Strategies for developing enticing characters that are unique, fresh, and fun! (Sat 4:30 pm in room Farmington)
Game Business and Marketing – (MOD- Dave Mattingly) Jereme Zimmerman, Dave Brown, John Pyka, Donna Dull – Become familiar with the latest gaming trends, network with seasoned game designers and find your next business partner. Gain valuable insight into building and marketing your game, through social media channels, user acquisition and gaming community collaboration. (Sat. 2 pm in room Farmington)
Turning Your Book or Film into a Game – (MOD- Eric Moser) Ana Maria Selvaggio, Isaak Wells, Bradley Walker – How to take your story to a whole new level and target a new audience by developing a game. (Sun. 3:15 pm in room Farmington)
Demo Game Production – (MOD- Bradley Walker) Jereme Zimmerman, Dave Brown, Donna Dull – Game designers share the ins and outs of how to create a demo game. (Fri 4:30 pm in room Farmington)
Cosplay Panels
CAUSEplay – (MOD – Jonathan Peacock) Dave Mattingly, CrystalRavyn Jones, Chris Cohron, Ryan Gastinger, John Pyka – Learn how to use your hobby to give back. (Sat. 11:30 am in room Derby)
“Screen Accurate” – (Mod- Jon Peacock) Lana Dean Helm, Jennifer E. Noran, Rocco Pepe, CrystalRavyn Jones, John Gritton, Steve-o Shephard –Discussion focusing on the search and achievement of the most accurate costumes and props available. Whether it’s a small connector, or the right textured fabric, some folks have a passion for the little things. (Fri. 7 pm in room Derby)
How do YOU do? Inclusivity Steampunk! – (Mod – Jennifer Noran) Panelist – Karen Pemberton, CrystalRavyn Jones, Geoffrey Mandragora – Body positivity comes from within…but it also helps to have support from your peers and surroundings. Dressing up as someone you look up to, or a character you’ve created, shouldn’t be limited by your size, shape, color, disability or social challenges. Come to our panel to listen, and talk, to people who are focused on creating fun costuming and promoting positivity! (Sun. 11:30am in the Grande Hall)
When Cosplay Meets Vanlife – Presented by Justin & Megan Webb – Learn about their cosplay journey traveling through the country in the van. (Sat 10:15am on The Grande Ball Stage)
Workshop Descriptions
Avoid the Biggest Mistakes Writers Make in the Book Writing Business – Presented by Arlene Gale –
Write High-Quality Books That Sell Learn what’s important to know on the “business side” of writing a powerful and profitable book. This eye-opening presentation will inspire writers to create a book that actually sells by addressing the questions and answers for a solid marketing foundation. (Topic is beneficial for beginner to advance writers of both nonfiction and fiction.) Learn How To: • Develop written book content into a publishable, sellable, and profitable book. • Avoid the biggest mistakes and pitfalls most first-time writers and multi-published authors make and how these can be avoided to produce a profitable book. • Develop a foundational marketing plan for directional control and profit planning with consideration given to the who, what, where, when, and why of elements related to the author’s expertise, customer/reader base, and competition. • Create and maintain an on-line presence using the right social media and website content to feature and grow an author platform, which feeds sales. • Set yourself up as a “real business” for financial management, author protection, and more. (60 min) (Fri. 2 pm in room Appalachian)
Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, and Sales Know the Difference and How to Use Each Effectively – Presented by Arlene Gale –
Many people use these words interchangeably, but they are very different and serve different purposes in an author’s successful business plan. Missing any of these elements is like trying to sit comfortably on an unbalanced stool that’s missing legs or has uneven legs. An understanding of these terms focuses on helping writers expand thinking on these business topics for determining where and how to invest time, energy, and money. Different stages of the book writing journey benefit from a different focus on each of these elements for a balanced and profitable business strategy. (Topic is beneficial for beginner to advance writers of both nonfiction and fiction.) Learn How To: • Define marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales. Clarify each one’s uniqueness and give examples on how and why to incorporate each into an author’s business plan. • Leverage each of these factors for business growth, including a discussion of how to “market outside of the box” meaning offline and in addition to with or on the computer. • Consider different elements to include in an advertising budget, including social media ads, other media, special events, and swag. • Use an author website, social media, and traditional media to feed business growth with content that is interesting, relatable, FREE, and not just focused on sell, sell, sell. * * * * (60 min) (Sat. 4:30 pm in room Jefferson)
How to Use a Website-Based Book to Build a Loyal and Engaged Fan Base Even Before Your Book is Published! – Presented by Arlene Gale –
This business-building, content rich presentation stresses the importance of having a dedicated author website, including use of a website-based book to build and leverage a fan base, beta reader group, and best seller campaign. Learn about key elements making an author’s site successful for marketing and business growth. Learn how to take strategic advantage of technology to build up a variety of author tools. (Topic is beneficial for beginner to advance writers of both nonfiction and fiction.) Learn How To: • Use technology to build a powerful website-based book as a marketing funnel and develop a strong following for your book, even before it gets published. • Make your book(s) a business, and build a powerful online author presence. • Create a step-by-step marketing plan to create pre-sales, before the book launches. • Develop a business plan several months in advance of launching your book so you begin marketing and selling it from day one. • Create excitement for your book with the proper use of video content. • Learn how to gather thousands of leads by attracting them from social media directly to your website. (60 min) (Sun. 10:15 am in room Appalachian)
Brand YOU – Building Your Brand For Bigger Bucks – Presented by Sallyanne Monti – We get it. You’re an author and all you really want to do is create. Storytelling is a noble pursuit, but let’s face it, you want to earn money too. Marketing you or your books may not come naturally. Understanding branding and promotion is a necessary component of writing, as a business, your business. Writing and marketing have a common thread. They engage the reader with your words and can leave them wanting more. Writing good stories centers on getting people to think, feel, and act. Creating an engaging marketing message that becomes your unique brand encourages buyers to think, feel, and crave more. Whether you’re a novice or experienced author, this class is for you. In this session, you will learn: In this session, you will learn: • How to create your unique brand identity. • How to craft your unique tagline. • Punch up promotion with your unique sound bite. • Less is more for bigger bucks. Attendees can sign up with their email to receive PDF handouts of: – Creating Your Unique Brand and Tagline – How to Create a Winning Website – The Do’s and Don’ts of PR (Public Relations) (60 mins) (Sat. 3:15 pm in room Jefferson)
Part 1: Path to Success: Self-Awareness & Kindness Method – Presented by Colleen Green – Author Colleen Green will discuss how managing three aspects of your life while being self-aware and kind to others will increase your chances for success in accomplishing any goal. Once you learn how to be aware of your stress levels, manage your contacts while being kind to others, and maintain discipline in your craft there are no limits to how far your dreams will take you. Sit back and enjoy her talk about her experiences and walk away inspired to be at your best! (60 min) (Sat. 12 pm in room Iroquois)
Part 2: Outlining a story before writing a rough draft – Presented by Colleen Green – Learn how author Colleen Green creates her outline by looking at relationships and plot. She is the author of two romance books in the Amber Milestone Series, and the Witches of Blackstone Series is written under her pen name Karen Kasey. Books in both genres will be available for sale during the Imaginarium convention 2019. (60 min) (Sun. 12:45 pm in room Iroquois)
Legal Issues for Creatives – Presented by Eric Moser – The life an creative can be ripe with legal issues, including contracts, intellectual property, piracy, estate planning, and more. In this workshop, Eric Moser, a Louisville attorney, writer, and game designer, will share tips on handling some of the most common legal issues a creative may encounter. (60 min) (Sun. 10:15 am in room Iroquois)
Level Up Your Audio – Presented by Neal Merrick – This workshop will instruct game developers and film producers on how to step up the level of quality in their music. Although, a lot of you may not think you can afford to do so. Neal will surprisingly show you how to step up the level of quality in your music and give you a plethora of affordable options. This will be addressed in detail as well as the actual production and scoring process. Also valuable information that can help you with your audio book productions. (60 min) (Sat. 10:15 am in room Jefferson)
How to Create a Program for your Book – Presented by Kimberly Bush Hoffman – Looking for ways to market your book? A program is an excellent way to connect with the public and advertise as well as make a difference in your community. Kimberly Hoffman will be presenting a 90-minute workshop on how you can create a program for your book. Topics include how to develop your topic, formats for presentation, how to engage your group, advertising your program, modifying program for various ages, etc. (90 min) (Sat. 2:30 pm in room Iroquois)
Building Out Your Book: Making Your Marketing Uniquely Yours – Presented by Ana Maria Selvaggio – Join illustrator, author, and designer Ana Maria Selvaggio for this workshop and group brainstorming session on creating inventive ways to market your book. Known globally as Renmeleon, Selvaggio will walk you through alternative options in venues as well as creating coordinating promotional pieces for your book. (120 min) (Sat. 4:15 pm in room Iroquois)
How Social Media Can Change Your Business – Presented Matthew Longville – Learn the different platforms of social media and how to utilize each one to best optimize your reach to your target audience. How to use branding to help your business along with best strategies for each size business. (60 min) (Fri. 4:15 pm in room Iroquois)
How to Be the Leader You and Everyone Needs! – Presented by Matthew Longville – Learn how to manage the time you have and learn that everyone is capable of their dreams! Become the role model that you always needed in life by becoming the best you for yourself and others! (60 min) (Sat. 1:15 pm in room Iroquois)
Place in Fiction – Presented by Michael Williams – It’s not just the setting of a story, film, or novel. Place acts dynamically in a narrative, shaping the plot and character, creating meaning and atmosphere: it can be a kind of shorthand for the mood of the story and of the world it inhabits. In a combination of informal talk and interactive exercises, we’ll explore ways in which to transform the places you write about from backdrop into a dynamic part of the fiction you’re writing. ( 90 min) (Sat. 9 am in room Appalachian)
Build a World Your Reader Can Sense – Presented by Sandy Lender – Whether it’s meant to hold an urban fantasy, futuristic sci-fi, steampunk romance, current-day murder mystery, or any other story, the world you build must feel, look, smell, sound, and taste real to your readers. From your system of government(s) to your pantheon of gods to your mode(s) of transportation over arid lands, consistency and coherence in a real or imaginary world will either jar your reader out of the story or coax your reader into a place of perfect suspension of disbelief. Come to this workshop knowing the basic elements that make up the breathable atmosphere for your world or just be ready to participate in Q&As of wackiness. Above all, make sure you’re ready to take notes for group learning. Your workshop leader, Sandy Lender, has 10 novels and multiple short stories published with a few different worlds, and she’s led workshops on character development and worldbuilding for various writers’ conferences. This time, we’re going to design worlds readers will fall in belief with. (90 min) (Sat. 9 am in room Iroquois)
Creating Compelling Characters – Presented by Cassandra Morgan – Whether it’s a steamy romance or an epic high fantasy, stories are about the people and characters experiencing the plot. And creating interesting characters that draw people into your story is one of the key elements of story-telling. Join author Cassandra Morgan as she walks you through how to create a compelling character for whatever stage of writer you are. Learn about Tropes vs Stereotypes, Drive, Wants and Needs, and everything in between. (60 min) (Sun. 11:30 am in room Appalachian)
Elements of Story – Presented by Cassandra Morgan – They say there are 5-9 core stories, and that we are all retelling the same ones. Whether it’s Rags to Riches, The Quest, or Tragedy, all stories are made up of the same core elements. Join author Cassandra Morgan for a light dive into each of the main elements that make up a story. (60 min) (Fri. 3:15 pm in room Appalachian)
DOING DOCUMENTARY – Presented by Stephen Lackey – Getting Started telling real stories in film (or something like that) in this we will discuss the process of getting started in documentary filmmaking from researching a potential subject, interview techniques, shooting B roll, and do’s and don’ts with real world examples from our years in the industry. (60 min) (Sun. 3:15 pm in room Iroquois)
Plotting, Pantsing, Plotsing–Finding Your Writing Process – Presented by Carrie Callahan – This workshop is all about finding the process that works for you. This means letting go of the pressures to write a “certain way,” and recognizing what writing advice is subjective and what isn’t. We’ll talk about the different methods of drafting a short story or manuscript, the pros and cons of each, and how to explore process in a way that is productive–remembering that in a world that demands prolifically, it always helps to work smarter, not harder. (60 min) (Sun. 9 am in room Jefferson)
Finding Hope & Healing In The Creative Arts – Presented by Amy Leigh McCorkle – Bestselling and award winning author/screenwriter/filmmaker Amy Leigh McCorkle shares her personal story from breakdown to bestseller and how she got there by embracing her love written word. (60 min) (Sun. 2 pm in room Iroquois)
Self-Publishing Overview – Presented by April Brown – Self-publishing feels overwhelming. So many places to start. Multiple options to upload various file types. They don’t all match. Several distributors and combinations of distributors and social media blast options. It’s difficult to know where to begin. Each section of this workbook goes into detail about everything you need before you reach the destination’s internet page. Step one covers an indepth look at nine distributors. The cover page for each highlights the major points later broken into individual worksheets. Step two goes into more detail about the pre-launch and post-publishing marketing aspects among several platforms. The Book Listing Newsletter sites picks a few sites to cover. More come and go every day. It gives a general idea of what you need prepared to use them. The last major section covers information about direct sales. This is something some authors look forward to, and others dread. It’ll give you a list of points to remember for each one. This group of checklists aims to help you organize your plan. Of course, it can’t cover every option out there. They are constantly changing. Use these lists as a guide on your publishing and marketing journey. Worksheets can be printed and updated for each project, or kept in a binder to refer to on all stages of the process: before, during, and after publication. This book includes a link (in the back) to download an Excel spreadsheet full of data to help you connect all of this information into a practical. (60 min) (Sat. 3:15 pm in room Appalachian)
Crafting Cross-Genre Fiction – Presented by Sara Marian – Tired of tropes and ready for a twist? Rules were made to be broken, right? Break out of the genre box in this workshop, where we’ll talk about crafting a good story that takes a reader places they’ve never been before. Whether you’ve already got a cross-genre project in mind or are looking for a new idea, this workshop will provide writing advice for creating the unexpected. Through an informal talk, Q&A, and interactive exercises, we’ll fire up our imaginations and maybe even come up with some novel ideas (pun entirely intended) (60 min) (Sun. 9 am in room Appalachian)
Reverse Engineering A Indie Film – Presented by Cameron McCasland – Learn how to write a script that you can get off of paper and onto the screen using a simple writing strategy and learning organizational skill. (60 min) (Sun. 11:30 am in room Iroquois)
Fantastic Philology – Presented by Levi Dunn – Fantastic Philology started as a paper but sprawled into both a unique method of understanding linguistic roots and implementing them in worldbuilding and character development. This workshop gifts the tools to critically analyze different ancient languages, discuss uses of Old languages in fantastic literature, and engage in the uses of these sources to serve as tools to enrich the texture of a secondary setting while providing deeper, subtle meanings into important facets of your writing. While the original paper and two presentations the primary focus was on Old English, Norse, and French but now includes discussions on incorporating ancient Slavic, Germanic (West German & Gothic), Chinese, Bengali, and Hindi. (60 min) (Sat. 10:45 am in room Iroquois)
Strange Structures – Presented by Levi Dunn – Strange Structures analyzes three classical writers in the Weird Fiction genre, as well as five more contemporary writers, and connects them with an overarching theory, providing insights on both a traditional method of Weird Writing while discussing key elements which distinguish them. Classic Weird writers discussed include masters Clark Ashton Smith (Weird High Fantasy), Ambrose Bierce (focusing on the use of Weird in his poetry), and arguably the progenitor of Cosmic Horror, H.P. Lovecraft (Weird Science Fiction/Horror) while contemporary titans China Mieville (Literary Weird), Thomas Ligotti (Philisophical Weird), Daphne du Maurier (Weird Gothic), as well as Bizzaro Fiction writer’s Carlton Mellick III and Cameron Pierce. (60 min) (Sun. 9 am in room Iroquois)
HOW TO CREATE A SCI-FI SUPER STORY FOR FILM – Presented by Demetrius Witherspoon – If you want your film story to survive today’s distractions and become bigger then you ever imagine, you need a super story. Come find out how to engage and extend the life of your project to generate additional revenue. (60 min) (Sat. 11:30 am in room Jefferson)
Writing and Tea with Jen – Presented by J L Mulvihill (JEN) – Come have a cup of tea with Jen and guests as you learn some great descriptive writing skills. There will be hand outs and required writing. (120 min) (Sat. 2 pm in room Heartland)
Erasure Poetry Workshop – Presented by Lana Helm – Imagine…you are given the words of others along with the freedom to create something new… Welcome to Erasure Poetry – a workshop where you will literally erase selected words of a text & write a poem from what’s left. Participants are welcome and encouraged to bring a single page of text (photo-copied) or may request a random page from the Poet. (120 min) (Fri. 2 pm in room Iroquois)
Cosplay has Character! – Presented by Lana Helm – Sure…anyone can dress the dress. But can you walk the walk and talk the talk? Take your cosplay to the next level by embodying the character under the clothes. In this workshop, you will learn how to bring your cosplay character to life by learning how to move like them, talk like them, act like them, and, dare I say, BECOME like them! (60 min) (Sat. 12:45 pm in room Appalachian)
Whose Plot is It Anyway? – Presented by Dave Mattingly –
Use improv comedy techniques to [verb] your writing and to add [adjective] ideas. Make Writer’s Block a [noun] of the past. (90 min) (Fri. 2 pm in room Heartland)
Fight Scene Mechanics – Presented by John Wilkerson – Fight scenes are the pinnacle of conflict. They may entail spaceships zipping through the galaxy, or a couple of drunk rednecks slugging each other in a roadside bar. What makes a good fight scene is not the detail of the fight, but instead, how firmly the reader is strapped to the emotional roller-coaster. Who cares if Jim Bob grasped the longneck bottle in his callused hand. We want to know how Jim Bob felt. Otherwise, the story is stale. Yeah, big men don’t want to feel, we want action. I call BS on that premise. Every time a group of men get together and watch a boxing match, they behave like emotionally charged hyenas. And women ain’t no different. They may not scream and yell with every punch, but they will certainly feel the fighter’s struggle. Is it sexist to contrast these two groups? Maybe, but I propose we’ll find men and women want the same thing from a fight scene, just less of one and more of another. Oh, and to make it more complicated, a fight scene has different layers of detail. Sweat stinks, broken knuckles hurt, and firearms make your ears ring. That’s on a good day. In addition, how do the protagonist and antagonist move the story forward? Kinda makes you think—if we’re not doing everything right, we’re wasting words. (60 min) (Sun. 10:15 am in room Jefferson)
Marketing 101 – Presented by Abigail Keam & Teresa Reasor – Current marking strategies that work! (60 min) (Sat. 10:15 am in room Appalachian)
Building 3-Dimensional Characters for a Series & Staying Organized – Presented by Teresa Reasor & Abigail Keam – All plots are character driven. No matter how interesting the plot may be, the characters you create are behind the wheel driving their stories forward. Gaining the reader’s loyalty and interest rests upon your character’s ability to be memorable, relatable and inspire an emotional response. This workshop will focus on ways to create those memorable, compelling characters and keep organized during the writing process. (Handouts will be available) (60 min ) (Sat. 11:30 am in room Appalachian)
Put A Little Super in Your Hero: Ways to Supe-Up Your Protagonist – Presented by Roland Mann – Writers know they have to create interesting plots and storylines to keep the readers’ attention. They also know they have to create interesting characters to drive those stories. This session will give writers ideas and suggestions on how to create more interesting and memorable protagonists. (60 min) (Sat. 4:30 pm in room Appalachian)
Jumpmaster Press Presentation – Presented by Gene Rowley of Jumpmaster Press – Discussing the changes in the audiobook industry and how indie authors can capitalize on these changes. Take a look at emerging technologies authors can leverage and highlighting the innovating Jumpmaster Press’ line of products available for authors and how to take part in their growing international distribution network. (60 min) (Sat. 12:45 pm in room Heartland)
Place in Fiction – Presented by Michael Williams – It’s not just the setting of a story, film, or novel. Place acts dynamically in a narrative, shaping the plot and character, creating meaning and atmosphere: it can be kind of shorthand for the mood of a story and for the world in inhabits. In a combination of informal talk and interactive exercises, we’ll explore ways in which to transform the places you write about from backdrop into a dynamic part of the fiction you’re writing. (60 min) (Sat. 9 am in room Appalachian)
Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? How to Save the World in only Fifty Thousand Words – Presented by R.G. Westerman – With the advent of apocalyptic fiction, the exploration of survival can be used as a storytelling device. In this workshop we will examine Fiction Novel storytelling from the perspective of using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Starting out by recognizing basic survival needs and moving forward allows authors to build dynamic characters and realistic worlds within an apocalyptic setting. How being able to determine the conflicts inherent in basic needs and shortages and how this contributes to the over all atmosphere of world building. In addition, we will discuss the merits of Freytag’s Pyramid, the Three Act Structure, and other story telling structures, character development, and world building. (60 min) (Fri. 4:30 pm in room Heartland)
Of Love and Blood: Writing in the Paranormal Romance Genre – Presented by Jim Gillentine – Join Jimmy Gillentine as he discusses the world of writing in the paranormal romance genre. Werewolves, vampires, and other creatures have feelings also so let’s look at the art of taking romance and mixing in the aspects and darkness of horror to the stories. (60 min) (Sat 12:45 pm in room Derby)
Business in Writing – Presented by Elizabeth Donald – Learn about publishing contracts and how to negotiate them, what’s standard and what’s a trap; launching and managing an online presence with social media; how to handle the money and taxes; the challenges specific to self-publishing as well as for traditional publishing; developing a marketing strategy; dealing with bookstores and signings, the tour circuit – and don’t forget to have a life! (120 min) (Sun. 12:45 pm in room Appalachian)
Self Publishing for Newbie Authors – Presented by Chasity Bowlin – Learn everything that you need to know in order to publish your own novel. (60 mins) (Sun. 12:45 pm in room Farmington)
“Want to be John Wick? Let me show you how it’s done!” – Presented by Silvio Wolf Busch – An insight into preparing for a role as a Military Operator, Law Enforcement Officer or Gunfighter. (60 min) (Fri. 7 pm in room Jefferson)
Professional Copywriting – Presented by Gery Deer – Learn how to make a living as a writer while you’re working on your novel(s). (60 min) (Fri. 4:30 pm in room Appalachian)
Top Ten Reasons You’re Getting Rejections – Presented by Michael Knost – The Bram Stoker Award winning author / editor Michael Knost, will explain and discuss the top reasons that an author gets rejected by publishers. (To be determined by participation) (Fri. 7pm in room Iroquois)
“From paper to screen: A Down and dirty crash course into filming a dialogue scene.” – Presented by Austin Sheehan – A live demonstration of writing and shooting a dialogue scene. You will learn how to write an effective dialogue scene and what it takes to light, mic, shoot, and direct a basic dialogue scene. A hands on demonstration with industry professionals showing you tips and tricks on how to go from pre – production to having your film in the can.” (90 min) (Sat. 12:45 pm in room Jeffferson)
Urban Legends / Modern Myth – Presented by Stephanie Osborn – Myths and fairy tales were once the principal means of passing on “the moral of the story.” Learn how the modern equivalent, urban legend, can be used by writers to similar effect. (60 min) (Fri. 7pm in the Appalachian Room)
Cosplay Fushion Belly Dance – Presented by Oreya Ou – Cosplay play through costumes, props, accessories and Belly dance movements to represent a specific character.Topic Introduction: 10 minutes- Cosplay Belly dance perform: 5 minutes; Teach Basic Belly Dance movements include 5 minutes warm up: 20 minutes; Cosplay Basic Choreography Combo: 20 minutes; Cool Down: 5 minutes (60 min) (Fri. 4:30 pm in room Grande Hall on stage)
The Craft of Writing: Story Structure – Presented by John Risner – Why is your screenplay or novel not working? Is your novel or movie script lost in the second act? Do you have a strong first act and a weak third act? Many screenplays or novels fail because of poor story structure. It doesn’t matter your writing style or premise; if your story structure is weak; the end result will be weak. This fun workshop will show simple techniques to breaking down 3 Act Structure into four parts, creating a strong structure to build great stories upon. (Fri. 3:15 pm in room Jefferson)
Creative Nonfiction and the Life of a Beer (and Mead) Writer – Presented by Jereme Zimmerman – Join Jereme Zimmerman, author of Make Mead Like a Viking and Brew Beer Like a Yeti, as he discusses his journey from being a struggling writer of boring things and hobby homebrewer of tasty things to publishing two successful creative nonfiction books on homebrewing. But wait…what exactly is creative nonfiction? Although the definition can be a bit nebulous, it is essentially a genre of writing that uses literary styles and techniques to create factually accurate narratives. Think of it as a mish-mash between journalism, technical writing, poetry, and storytelling. A manual on how to use a computer is nonfiction. A memoir about someone who went from writing technical manuals on how to use computers to throwing his computer out the window and moving to an off-grid cabin in the woods to ponder life is creative nonfiction. Zimmerman will discuss his writing craft and provide tips on how to pursue a similar path, and will also discuss his brewing craft and what exactly it means to brew like an Appalachian Yeti Viking. He may even tell a few stories and delve into some ancient history in the process. (90 mins) (Sun. 3:00 pm in room Appalachian)
Making Magic with Movement – Presented by Safiya Nawaar – Exploring the Practice of Deep Muscular Control in Belly Dance, taught by International Instructor and Performer Safiya Nawaar of Arabesque World Dance in Lexington, KY. Our core muscles are the body’s control center for balance, flexibility, and torso strength. They move us, bind us, and support us. Once a dancer truly connects to their core a whole new world of movement is available to them. In this Workshop we will move through a variety of classical, ancient and modern belly dance moves taken from Safiya’s 20 years of dance study and travels. From smooth, gooey movements, to sharp locks, and contractions of the core muscles. Unlock your body’s potential in this class and learn to make magic through movement! We will also be touching on the origin and history behind these dances moves. (90 mins – 120 mins) (Sun 1pm in the Grande Hall on stage)
The Record of the Lodoss War – Presented by Roberto Rivera – D&D the Anime? Started in the 80’s as a transcript of D&D. ROLW has spawned multiple continuations and sold over 10 million copies in Japan alone. Considered one of the original early epic story anime, come explore the saga of the Lodoss War. (60 min) (Sat. 5:30 pm in room Jefferson)
Anime Music Video Theater – Presented by Randall Cluth – Art? Parody? How about both. A solid hour of curated fan-made music videos across multiple genres set to anime, collected from the last 2 decades. Come take a break and be surprised. (60 min) (Sun. 2pm in room Jefferson)
Author a Crazy Anime Plot – Presented by Randall Cluth – Ideas assemble! Think you can build an anime out of random topics and smoosh it together in an unholy marriage of funny, weird, and stuff that just doesn’t make sense? Come prove it as we form improvised teams and bubblegum together a fun show. (60+ min) (Sun 3pm in room Jefferson)
I WILL TOTALLY JUDGE YOUR BOOK BY ITS COVER. AND SO WILL EVERYONE ELSE – Presented by Aaron Drown – You finished your novel! Congratulations! And no doubt you’re eager to reveal your genius to the public and bask in their endless praise and adoration. But don’t be hasty flinging your book out into the big wide world: Now could be your best and only chance to make sure this result of so many months and even years of hard work represents itself—and you—in the best possible light. (60 min) (Sun. 11:30am in room Jefferson)
Making a Microbudget Indie Film Cheap! – Presented by Antonio Pantoja – Learn how to make a microbudget indie film using only your available resources. Everything covered from getting the money, to distribution. Cradle to grave. (60 min) (Sun. 12:45pm in room Jefferson)
Abiding in Truth. The Healthy Mind for Creatives – Presented by Lacy Marie – This workshop will focus on the mental health problems within the creative community causing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide. We will work in teams to bring light to your individual areas of struggle and put together plans on how to care for and proactively prevent future mental health problems. (60 min) (Sat. 2pm in room Appalachian)
Making Music with Ghost Stories – Presented by Mike Huberty and Wendy Lynn Staats – Moderated by Scott Markus – Mike Huberty and Wendy Lynn Staats have been performing in the rock group Sunspot for 23 years, but it was an idea just five years ago that sent them on a very different path. Always fascinated by the unknown, Mike & Wendy launched a weekly paranormal podcast called “See You on the Other Side.” Each episode tackles a new paranormal topic of discussion, frequently with the top researchers and explorers in the field. Each episode culminates in a new song. Now, 260+ weeks into this adventure, some of those songs have taken on a life of their own leading to full award-winning albums. This panel will feature live music and discussion, moderated by writer and filmmaker, the International Screenwriters’ Association’s Scott Markus, and will focus on the band’s techniques of adapting a creepy conversation into a catchy rock song. About Sunspot: Having racked up numerous awards along the way including five Album of the Year wins from the Madison Area Music Awards and Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s Artist of the Year, an honor shared with Garbage and the Violent Femmes. They have recently opened for the likes of Third Eye Blind, Smashmouth and AWOL Nation. Recent music placements include the DVD releases of “The Fate of the Furious” and “Dead Again in Tombstone” starring Danny Trejo. Podcast Link: http://www.othersidepodcast.com/ Band Link: https://sunspotmusic.com/ About Scott Markus: Writer and filmmaker Scott Markus spent year alternating between creating his own projects and working on large Hollywood films before finding a home at the International Screenwriters’ Association, a free online community designed to help and support writers. Working on film and television across the country, including the likes of “Lost,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Stranger Than Fiction” and more, he has always enjoyed the allure of a good ghost story, having published “Voices from the Chicago Grave” and two paranormal documentaries. Scott’s Ghost Stories: http://whatsyourghoststory.com ISA link: https://www.networkisa.org/ (60 min) (Fri. 7pm in room Grande Hall on Stage)
10 Things I Hate About You(r Writing) – Presented by John G. Hartness – Publisher and Author John G. Hartness will go over some of the most common mistakes he sees writers make that hold them back from getting publishing contracts or selling more books when they get tose contracts. Bring your thickets skin and your most honest self-evaluation, and learn how to make more money by writing genre fiction that readers can’t put down! (60 min) (Sat 10:15am in room Jefferson)
Armor Building for Cosplay 101 – Presented by Justin & Megan Webb – Learn how to construct realistic looking armor by seasoned professionals. (60 min) (Fri 3:15pm in room Heartland)
Action! Through the Directors Eyes – Presented by Jeffrey Reddick – A day in the life behind the scenes of filming as seen through the director’s eyes. (60 min) (Sat. 2pm in room Jefferson)
Indie Pub Path – Presented by JM Madden – This NYT and USA Today bestseller has seen and done many things in her career. From taxes and guns to ads and conferences, she can answer your burning questions, as well as a few that never occurred to you. (60 min) (Fri 2pm on the Grande Hall Stage)