Below is our full list of current, confirmed panels and workshops for Imaginarium 2023!
Browse through the topics below to see times, dates, panel participants, moderators, presenters, and descriptions!
Download a copy of our Digital Program using the button below, which can be viewed as a PDF on any mobile device or printed out! (Panels and Workshops in sequential time blocks in the digital program).
Keynote Speech
Creating in the Midst of Chaos! Keynote Speaker – Tenita Johnson. Inspiration and motivation to energize your creativity in times of chaos. (40 min – Fri 6:30pm / Carriage)
Panels
Writing, Writer, and Publishing Panels
AI Impacts in the Creative Realm: Moderator – Renmeleon. Panelists – Shannon McRoberts, Brian Anderson, Clayton Barnett, Arlan Andrews, Jayson William Allen, R.J. Chesnut, Leif Erickson. This panel consists of authors, filmmakers, artists, and narrators that will be discussing the impacts that AI now has with creating entire novels, generating art, and producing videos. This panel discussion will look at the ethics, impacts, dangers, and ways to properly integrate a technology in the creative world that is, for better or worse, here to stay. (60 min – Sat 12:45pm / Carriage)
Anthology Pros and Cons: Moderator- Michael K. Falciani. Panelists – Jessica Minyard, Melissa Olthoff, Christopher Woods, Teri Kay Jobe, Rob D. Smith, Jon Osborne. What are anthologies and why create them? We will examine steps to take in writing and compiling a great anthology. How to pick a theme and market to that demographic and more… (60 min – Sun 9am / Claiborne)
Attractive Blogging: Moderator – Carl R. Moore. Panelists – Becky Steele, Morgan Hazelwood, Colleen Green, Sean Burton Saunders, Alan Goldstein. Learn techniques you can use to attract more vistors to your blog and discuss blog topics, target audience, and how to start your own. (60 min – Sun 2pm / Carriage)
Audiobooks: A How-to: Moderator – Amanda K. King. Panelists – Teri Kay Jobe, Lynda Rees, Yvette Keller, Kristin Bone, Abigail Keam. Hear from experienced authors and narrators how to create your own audiobook, from start to complete product. (60 min Fri 2:30pm / Ellis)
Benefits of NaNoWriMo: Moderator – Morgan Hazelwood. Panelists – William S. Frisbee Jr, Carma Haley Shoemaker, MB Dabney. We will discuss the benefit to writers for them to participate in this yearly collective exercise. (60 min – Sun 3:15 pm / Calumet)
Benefits of Writing Fanfiction: Moderator- M.S. Nolan. Panelists – Cassandra Morgan. Fanfiction allows fans to continue a story and brings together both reader and writer. (60 min – Sun 4:30 pm / Ellis)
Building Your Website: Moderator – Becky Steele. Presenter – Stevie Jo, Hallee Bridgeman, Tommy B. Smith, Marilyn Barr, ML MCIntosh. A writer/creator must have is their own website, where people can find you and your works. We will discuss choosing the right website, host, theme, and platform that would best suit you and your brand. (60 min – Sun 12:45pm / Calumet)
Can Writers & Readers Ever Really Trust Each Other? Moderator – Kathy L. Brown. Panelists – Jennifer Mulvihill, John Bukowski, Lydia Sherrer, Tommy B. Smith, Eric Moser, Rose Marie Machario. Why did Sir Arthur Conon Doyle kill Sherlock Holmes? What does George R.R. Martin owe his fans? Storytelling demands a pact between the writer and reader; a sacred trust, yet often a devil’s bargain. Our panel will discuss what readers and writers expect from each other and from the story itself. And the ways we are often disappointed. Bring your questions, comments, and pet peeves for this wide-ranging discussion of our favorite activity–reading! (60 min -Sat 1:15pm / Calumet )
Combating Writer’s Block: Moderator – Natalia Aponte. Panelists – Lynn Doreen Slaughter, Erynn Crittenden, Ginny Smith, Randi Perrin, Alfred Muller, Sean Sorce. Learn ways to overcome blocks, common triggers, and ways to get those creative juices flowing again! (60 min – Sun 9 am / Calumet)
Cover Art That Sells: Moderator – Jayson William Allen. Panelists – Matt Schorr, J.C. Hartcarver, Ethan Avery, Aaron Drown, Sako Tumi. This panel explores insights and advice on developing effective covers for today’s book market! (60 min – Sun 11:30 am / Carriage)
Creating Fantasy:Moderator – Carl R. Moore. Panelists Terry Brooks, Michael K. Falciani, Brian Anderson, Ethan Avery, James Hunter. How to write a compelling fantasy and understanding the subgenres. Weaving a world your readers will love. (60 min – Sun 10:15 am / Turfway Stage)
Creative Poetry: Moderator – Sheridan C. Hall. Panelists – Noah Wieczorek, Janie Franz. We will discuss do’s and don’ts, along with inspiration, punctuation, and literation. (60 min – Sat 5 pm / Carriage)
Editing While Writing: Moderator – Sela Carsen. Panelists – Howard Andrew Jones, Mick Williams, Lynn Tincher, Lawrence Weill, Philip K. Booker. Ways to avoid over editing while writing. It is a challenging temptation to go over yesterday’s writing session, but their are tricks to avoid the urge. (60 min Sun 9am / Turfway)
Employment Options for Writers: Moderator – Kelly Ferguson. Panelists – Elizabeth Donald, Janie Franz, Jenny Kiefer, Mike Swain. Let us discuss the ways you can do what you love and make a living. (60 min – Sun 11:30 am / Calumet)
Enhancing Vocabulary & Grammar: Moderator – Amanda K. King. Panelists – John Bukowski, April Jones, Wendy Lanore. A discussion to help you enhance your vocabulary and grammar. We will take a look at current writing trends and talk about the evolution of writing through the years. (60 min /Sun 9am / Carriage )
Ethics of Writing True Crime: Moderator – Michael Knost. Panelists – Jeff Mudgett, Paul Hoffman, Judith Yates. Learn how to be ethical and respectful while explaining the details and actions of the crime. (60 min Sun 11:30am / Turfway)
Gaining Steam: Moderator – Renmeleon. Panelists – Brian King, Sara Marian, Jennifer Noran. Let’s discuss this Victorian aesthetic and what ‘rules’ to follow in the realm of Steampunk. (60 min – Sun 2pm / Claiborne)
A Guide to Writing Non-Fiction: Moderator – Stephanie Feger. Panelists – William Alan Webb, William S. Frisbee Jr, Carma Haley Shoemaker, Paul Hoffman, Yvette Keller, Rachel Louise Martin. A discussion guide to writing non-fiction properly. We will discuss the researching, target audience, why you want to share this story, and much more. (60 min – Sun 9am / Ellis)
Horrors Against Humanity (18yrs +): Moderator – James Sabata & Donald Guillory. Panelists – Holly Phillippe, John Palisano, Jennifer Mulvihill, Tommy B. Smith, Jayson William Allen. Hello, horror fan. I want to play a game. The rules are simple. In this horror-themed version of the ultra-popular Cards Against Humanity game, the announcer will read questions from the black cards and our panel of contestants will answer with their funniest white card. The audience will judge each round to declare a winner. (Audience participation is highly encouraged) (90 min – Fri 8pm / Claiborne)
How To Get Your Newsletter Out the Door: Moderator – Sandy Lender. Panelists – Morgan Hazelwood, John Palisano, Shannon McRoberts, Marilyn Barr, Barbara V Evers. Indie creatives know we need to reach our audiences on a regular basis. Now let’s make it happen. This discussion isn’t how or why to build your list, but how to put together a newsletter. We’ll compare a couple mail list platforms and share ideas, technical info, horror stories from the trenches, and success stories you can copy and use in your own newsletter-building. (60 min / Fri 1:15pm / Claiborne)
How to Spin a Science Fiction Story: Moderator – Dave Creek. Panelists – Christopher Woods, Kevin Steverson, Nic Plume, Amanda K. King, Arlan Andrews, Peter Welmerink. Learn what science fiction readers and viewers are looking for and what principle elements you must follow when writing in this genre. (60 min – Fri 5pm / Claiborne)
How to Write a Fascinating Short Story: Moderator – Michel K. Falciani . Panelists – Howard Andrew Jones, Jen Selinsky, Lee Pennington, Dave Creek, J Patrick Lemarr, Lee Stone. A short story can convey a message, create emotion, induce horror, and much more. We will converse how to write a fascinating story using less words. (60 min – Fri 12 noon/ Carriage)
How to Write Funny: Moderator – Sela Carsen. Panelists – Joseph Schollaert, William Joseph Roberts, Michael Houtchen. Humorous writing goes beyond telling jokes; learn how to infuse your writing with humor. This workshop will present techniques for instilling humor in fiction, including the Anatomy of a Joke, Phrasing for Impact, Overstatement, Understatement, and more. Each technique is illustrated with examples from published works. Come prepared to laugh and learn! (60 min – Sat 11:30am / Carriage)
How to Write Historical Fiction Effectively: Moderator – John Pyka. Panelists – Howard Andrew Jones, William Alan Webb, Carissa Turpin, Sara Marian, Kristin Bone, Chasity Bowlin. How and where to research your subject matter and tell a accurate, yet, fictionalized version of history. (60 min – Sun 12:45 pm / Ellis)
Hybrid Genres: Moderator – J. Patrick Lemarr. Panelists – T. Lee Harris, Michael Williams, Stephanie Hansen, Isaac Craft, Chase Dudley, Philip K. Booker. Learn how to effectively blend worlds, themes, and characters across a plethora of genres. (60 min Sun 11:30 am / Ellis)
Increasing Reviews: Moderator – Sela Carsen. Panelists – Brian King,Yvette Keller, Donna Nolan-Wilson, Janie Franz. A discussion on ways you can increase your reviews on an indie budget and what reviews can do for you. (60 min -Sat 9am / Carriage )
It’s Okay to Say, “I’m Not Okay”: Moderator – Sandy Lender. Panelists – Missy Goodman, Molly J Daniels, Dave Mattingly, Rebecca Besancon, MB Dabney, Babette de Jongh. This mental health wellness panel will explore tips for handling best mental health practices as a creative individual. We’ll discuss dealing with external and internal pressures as well as reducing ongoing stigmas in society so the creatives attending come away with positive, hopeful messages to include when journaling, meditating, starting new healthful practices, and thriving! (60 min – Sat 3:15 pm / Claiborne)
Keys to Suspension of Disbelief: Moderator – Katie Keridan. Panelists – Terry Brooks, Stephen Zimmer, Steven L. Shrewsbury, William Alan Webb, Hallee Bridgeman, Aaron Drown. This panel explores techniques and insights on how to effectively suspend disbelief in the reader! Find out what’s necessary to make your worlds and characters live and breath reality in the mind of your readers! (60 min – Sat 2pm / Claiborne)
Kill, Marry, Shag – Horror Edition (18yrs +): Moderator – James Sabata. Panelists – Donald Guillory, Stevie Jo, SA Bradley, Amanda K. King, Steveo Shephard) Ever wanted to share eternity with Nosferatu? Do you fantasize about sharing body parts with Frankenstein’s Monster? Want to keep the Xenomorphs from rising again? Got any strong opinions about who’s the better kisser between Freddy, Jason, and Michael? Perhaps you have one too many posters of Godzilla hanging in your bedroom? Join us for a debate over horror monsters we’d like to spend a lifetime with, which we’d probably shack up with, and who we’d rather leave buried for eternity. (Audience participation is highly encouraged) (60 min – Sat 8:30pm / Claiborne)
The Paranormal in Creative Works: Moderator – Angie McPherson. Panelists – Erynn Crittenden, Randi Perrin, T. Lee Harris, Alfred Muller, Melissa Starkweather, William Fietzer. A paranormal story does not have to revolve just around romance. It can easily become a urban fantasy, mystery/thriller, and/or a cross-genre blend. We will discuss common mistakes and give advice on writing in this realm. (60 min – Sat 10:15am / Carriage)
Pitch Panel: Moderator – William Joseph Roberts. Panelists – Tony Acree, Gene Rowley, James Hunter, Michael Knost, H.Y. Gregor. A discussion with seasoned publishers who will be sharing their experiences receiving pitches and will offer their advice on the correct protocol a submitting author should follow. (60 min -Fri 1:15pm / Carriage )
Psychology of Horror: Also applicable to genres such as Thrillers, SciFi, and Fantasy, his panel delves deep into why people read the dark and disturbing fiction – and why we write it. David Simms uses two decades of psychological training and research; attendees will learn the reasons why we’re so intrigued by the macabre, unknown, and unexplainable. Exercises for writers will include diagnoses of famous books and films, dissecting why they work, why they cause visceral reactions, and how to use those elements to create unnerving works of their own. (60 min – Sat 10:45am / Derby)
Publicity and Marketing for Today’s Book Market: Moderator – Stephanie Feger. Panelists – Lydia Sherrer, Brian J. Skillen, Renmeleon, Kyle Hannah. Advice and insight on using today’s multitude of media options to promote and market your creative works. (60 min – Sat 9:45 am / Turfaway/Stage)
Publishers Rewriting Novels: Moderator – Tony Acree. Panelists – Brian Anderson, Gene Rowley. This panel will discuss different viewpoints regarding the recent practice of publishers having novels rewritten, such as the works of Roald Dahl, Ian Fleming, and R.L. Stine. (60 min -Sun 12:45pm / Carriage )
Publishing Options: Moderator – Tenita Johnson. Panelists – Terry Brooks, Mick Williams, Linda Robertson Reinhardt, S.B. Pearce, Kelly Ferguson. Whether you are thinking of self-publishing or traditional, we will discuss the pros and cons of each. Should you go exclusive on certain platforms and what printing services are best. Should you do KDP? All your publishing questions will be answered in this informative panel discussion. (60 min – Fri 2:30 pm / Carriage)
The Secrets of a Great Mystery: Moderator – Leah Pugh. Panelists – Lynn Doreen Slaughter, Carol Preflatish, Ginny Smith, Michael Houtchen, Abigail Keam. We will talk about different ways to approach the plot twists that you need for any great mystery and what puts the excitement into your mysterious story. (60 min – Fri 12 noon / Ellis)
Slushfest: Moderator – Barbara V. Evers. Panelists – Henry Vogel, Rob D. Smith, Marian Allen, Ginny Smith, Michael R. Swanson, Kyle Hannah. Find out when experts stop reading your submission. Participants bring the first page of their unpublished manuscript in and add it to the slushpile. (No names or identifiers on the page.) An assigned reader (panelist or someone additional to the panel) reads the page. Members of the panel raise their hand when the reader hits the point where they would stop reading. Once all hands are up, the reader stops and the panelists explain why they raised their hand. (90 min – Sat 2pm / Ellis)
So You Want to be an Author. Why?: Moderator- Camille Sabbagh. Panelists – Dr. Samantha Schinder, C.V. Walter, Sheridan C. Hall, Leah Pugh. A discussion on the mindset and mentalities for surviving the world of authordom. (60 min – Fri 1:15pm / Ellis)
Space Operas – Sci-Fi or Fantasy? Moderator – Dave Creek. Panelists – Elizabeth Donald, William S. Frisbee Jr, Nick Steverson, Melissa Starkweather, Devin Hylton, Bryan Prosek. Is Star Wars a space opera or fantasy to you? Let us hear what seasoned sci-fi and fantasy authors think in this discussion on space operas and the unique cross genre they represent. (60 min – Sat 11:30 am / Claiborne)
Thinking Machines “St. Tay, Pray for Us”: Moderator – Clayton Barnett. Panelists – Joseph Isenberg, Dave Mattingly, Isaac Craft, Michael R. Swanson, Adam Sergent. An informal discussion, kickstarted with Clayton discussing the Thinking Machines contained in his books, about Expert Systems and AIs in fiction and around us now. The reference in the title is to the Microsoft chatbot who got redpilled in 24 hours and freaked out of management, who had her defenestrated the next day. More recently we have read in just this month about new, robust writing systems who can mimic both fiction and non-fiction writing, to the point of nearly passing the Turing Test. As creatives, should we be depressed by the competition? Should we see it as a tool to be used? (“I hate writing exposition; I’ll let the bot do it.” “I hate painting skys into my pictures; Bot can do that, too.”). Should we be worried that our days are numbered? (60 min – Fri 5pm / Carriage)
True Grit: Moderator – tba. Panelists – Stephanie Hansen. A dialogue on the rules to writing a rip-roaring western that you can easily brand. (60 min – Sun 3:15 pm / Carriage)
Writer Isolation: Moderator – S. Cinders. Panelists – Katie Keridan, Linda Robertson Reinhardt, Thomas Moore, Kevin Steverson, Brian J. Skillen,. Writers are alone most of the the time. We work alone, research alone, etcetera. Let us discusss methods you can apply to your everyday life to combat the loneliness. (60 min – Sat 11:30 am / Ellis)
A Writer’s Relationships: Moderator – Michael Williams. Panelists – Molly J Daniels, Nic Plume, NATALIA APONTE, Lee Stone, Sheridan C. Hall. Strategies to juggle your personal and professional life, and still find time to write. (60 min -Sun 3:15 pm / Claiborne)
Writing Faith-Based Fiction: Moderator – Alfred Muller. Panelists – Shawn Lamb, Hallee Bridgeman, J.C. Hartcarver, Megan Redmon. A discussion on why and how to write faith based stories. (60 min – Sun 10:15am / Ellis)
Writing For Children: Moderator – Kimberly Hoffman. Panelist – Carissa Turpin, Jen Selinsky, Angie McPherson, Jim Adkins, Alan Goldstein. During this conversation we will discuss what drives you to want to write for children, tough topics to include in your stories, learning opportunities, appealing to the different age groups, etc. (60 min -Sun 10:15 am / Carriage )
Writing LGBTQ+: Moderator – Janie Franz. Panelists – Randi Perrin, Michael K. Falciani, C.W. Gray. Asking if the LGBTQ+ character(s) in your story are central to the content or merely added to sensationalize your content? If they add no content to the story then what is your motivation? We will discuss terms to avoid in your writing of LGBTQ+ characters and the fact that sex, gender, and sexual orientation are not synonymous. (60 min – Fri 3:45pm / Carriage)
Writing Mental Health and Disabilities: Moderator – M.S. Nolan. Panelists – Lorena Peter, Meghanne Dailey, Antonio Pantoja, Nathan Day, Amy McCorkle. Writers will discuss the ethics and give insight on writing characters with disabilities and mental health issues. (60 min – Sun 2pm / Ellis)
Writing Police Forensics Panel: Moderator – Janie Franz. Panelists – Carol Preflatish, Jeff Mudgett, Michael Houtchen, Nathan Day. Getting it right when writing mysteries and about police forensics. (60 min Sun 4:30pm / Carriage)
Writing Romance 101: Moderator – Jessica Minyard. Panelists – S. Cinders, Missy Goodman, Stevie Jo, Wendy Lanore, Michael K. Falciani, Colleen Green. This panel will focus on the creation and discussion of what makes romance well, romance. We will discuss the conventions of the genre, sub-genres, tropes, and structure. (60 min – Fri 5pm / Ellis)
Writing YA: Moderator – Jessica Minyard. Panelists – Lynn Doreen Slaughter, Shawn Lamb, April Jones, Eleni McKnight, Bryan Prosek. Discuss the fundamentals to writing in the genre of Young Adult. Learn key elements that make a successful YA story. (60 min – Sat 9am / Ellis)
You, Thrill Me!: Moderator – Brian King. Panelists – Michael Houtchen. Learn how to out the thrills & chills into your next thriller. (60 min – Sun 10:15 am / Claiborne)
Filmmaking and Screenwriting Panels
125 years of Dracula on Film: Moderator – Dacre Stoker. Film clip-based presentation involving audience participation: Who’s your Favorite Dracula?
Dacre presents clips from different film versions of Dracula and films inspired by the novel Dracula. Over the course of a few rounds, Dacre leads audience members in voting for their favorite actor who portrayed Count Dracula over the past century.
Dacre will ask panelists to advocate for well known, as well as lesser known, actors who have portrayed Dracula on film such as B Lugosi, F Langella, C Lee, J Caradine, J Palance, G Oldman, G Butler, G. Hamilton, L. Neilson, L Evans, K Kinsji, J Rhys Meyers, Max Schreck, Claes Bang, R Roxburgh, William Dafoe, and L Jourdan.
This is an interactive panel, and Dacre will lead the audience in a voting system using a dry erasable board on a tripod to keep track of the winner of each round. It will be narrowed down to the top 3 actors. ( 60 min – Sun 1pm / Film Festival Rm Ashland)
Adapting a Book To Film: Moderator – JoAnn Sky. Panelists – Amy Leigh McCorkle, Thomas Moore, Michael Knost, Michelle Gussow, Nathan Day. This panel will cover the steps you will need to take to turn your novel into a film. Learn from seasoned filmmakers what software is best to use, where to educate yourself in the art of screenwriting, pitching your ideas to networks, and more. (60 min – Sat 10:15 am / Ellis)
AI Impacts in the Creative Realm: This panel consists of authors, filmmakers, artists, and narrators that will be discussing the impacts that AI now has with creating entire novels, generating art, and producing videos. This panel discussion will look at the ethics, impacts, dangers, and ways to properly integrate a technology in the creative world that is, for better or worse, here to stay. (60 min – Sat 12:45pm / Carriage)
Have Streaming Platforms Helped or Hurt the Industry? Moderator – James Fox. Panelists – Nick Steverson, Melissa Olthoff, Les Murphey, Sean Burton Saunders, Kathlene Ashcraft. We will be discussing the options of streaming platforms, what each one brings to the table, and if this is the place you want to showcase your work. (60 min – Sat 12:45pm / Claiborne)
How to Distribute Your Film: Moderator – James Fox. Panelists – Amy Leigh McCorkle, Demetrius Witherspoon, Antonio Pantoja, Adam Sergent. Learn how to not get taken advantage of due to being an indie filmmaker, how to choose networks, and discuss media options. (60 min – Sun 3:15 pm / Ellis)
How to Improve your Screenwriting? Moderator – David Wate. Panelists – Missy Goodman, Herschel Zahnd, Devin Hylton, Josiah Stendel, Chase Dudley. The world is starving for fresh stories and adventures instead of the same ole rehashed scripts. In this discussion we will cover the basics of screenwriting and how you can add a fresh spin and modernize your scripts. (60 min – Sat 9am / Claiborne)
Perceptions of Madness– Mental Institutions in Film, Books, and Reality: Moderator – James Sabata. Panelists – Dacre Stoker, SA Bradley, David Simms, William Fietzer, Eleni McKnight, Lorena Peter. Horror films and books have long depicted mental institutions in a negative light. Dark, sinister, frightening places where patients are subjected to brutal and inhumane treatment. These depictions are often highly sensationalized, focusing on the most extreme and terrifying aspects of these facilities. But these depictions fail to capture the reality of modern mental health care and the efforts made to provide safe and compassionate treatment to patients… as well as often missing the TRUE horrors of the age. This panel will delve into these aspects and more, through the lens of fiction vs reality and how sometimes there is nothing more horrifying than the truth. (60 min – Fri 2:30 pm / Claiborne)
So You Want to Be an Actor?: Moderator – Silvio Wolf Busch. Panelists – Michal Sinott. If you have ever thought about acting, but did not know where to start, well you have came to the right place. Learn from seasoned professionals where to start and they will share their dos and donts of the business. (60 min – Fri 7 pm / Calumet )
So You Want To Be a Podcaster?: Moderators – James Sabata & Donald Guillory. Panelists -John Pyka, Lynn Tincher, Jon Peacock, John F. Allen. In this session you will learn about getting started, what we did, what we wish we would’ve known, best platforms to use, streaming options, and much much more… (60 min – Sun 10:15am / Calumet)
Stages of Film/TV Production: Moderator – Meghanne Dailey. Panelists – Herschel Zahnd, David Wate, Thomas Moore, Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphey, Steveo Shephard. We will discuss the stages it takes to make a film or television episode, from screenwriting, casting, production, filming, directing, editing, sound recording, and screening the final product before a live audience. (60 min – Fri 3:45 pm / Ellis)
Game Development, Cosplay, and Pop Culture Panels
Game Design 101: Moderator – David Sherrer. Panelists – Joseph Isenberg, Brent Campbell, Jon Osborne. How Design a Card or Board Game for Publication. ( 60 min Sun 12:45pm / Claiborne)
How to Write a Game Module: Moderator – Brent Campbell. Panelists – Joseph Isenberg, Eric Moser, Jimmy Gillentine. In this panel we will discuss how to take your story idea and turn it into a fun and exciting game module for TTRPG Systems! (60 min – Sun 2pm / Calumet)
Inclusive Cosplay: Moderator – Jon Peacock. Panelists – Jennifer Noran, Sean Sorce, Scott Cox. Cosplay today is more inclusive than ever. We will be discussing the new cosplay trends, gender-bending cosplay, how you can become a cosplayer, and much more… (60 min – Fri 7 pm / Claiborne)
Latest Comic Book Trends: Moderator – John Pyka. Panelists – Matt Schorr, Rob D. Smith, Peter Welmerink, Sako Tumi. A discussion on the current comic book market and creative ways to sell your comics at cons. (60 min – Sun 4:30 pm / Calumet)
Marvel Vs DC: Moderator – Tony Acree. Panelists – John Pyka, Brent Campbell, Leah Pugh, Devin Hylton, Carrie Canatsey. A interactive discussion on the likes and dislikes within those universes. Audience participation encouraged. (60 min Sat 2pm / Carriage)
May The Force Be With You: Spirituality in SciFi/Fantasy: Moderator – Kathy L. Brown. Panelists – David Wate, Linda Robertson Reinhardt, Michael Ignacio Jr., Megan Redmon, Carrie Canatsey. From Star War’s Jedi Knights to Dune’s Bene Gesserit, fantasy and science fiction provide an interesting opportunity to explore our place in the universe relative to higher powers, divine and otherwise, beyond traditional religious dogma. Join our panel of seekers to explore works enriched by religious/spiritual themes. Bring your questions, observations, and favorite tomes to this lively discussion! (60 min – Sun 2:30 pm / Derby)
Music and Songwriting Panels
Songwriting: Moderator – Carl R. Moore. Panelists – Amy Leigh McCorkle, Molly J Daniels, Lee Pennington, ML MCIntosh, Jayson William Allen, Donna Nolan-Wilson.. Do you have an idea for a song or one already written? Come join in as we discuss the creative process of songwriting and where to go once you have a completed song. (60 min – Fri 3:45pm / Claiborne )
Miscellaneous Panels
3D Printing: Learn how writers, filmmakers, game designers, and others can incorporate 3D printing into their works. (60 min – Sun 4:30pm Claiborne)
Workshops
Writing, Writer, and Publishing Workshops
After the UFD (Ugly First Draft): Presenter – JoAnn Sky. Techniques for Big Picture Revisions There’s a rush of excitement when a writer types the words “the end.” But before you rush to query or self-publish, you want to make sure your story is solid. In this workshop, attendees will learn macro (big picture) revision techniques to ensure: ◦ Their story has a solid structure, ◦ Their hero has a compelling character arc, ◦ Their manuscript contains narrative balance, and ◦ Each of their scenes/chapters serves a purpose. Attendee level: Beginning to Intermediate (writer should have at least one completed draft manuscript) (90 min – Fri 12pm / Derby )
Audiobooks/ACX Process: Presenter – William Joseph Roberts. William will be discussing getting set up through ACX or audiobooks unleashed. The process from the publishing side. (60 min – Sat 10:15am / Claiborne)
Becoming a Published Author: A Roadmap to Rejection: Presenter – Rebecca Johnson. Perfect for new or aspiring authors, Roadmap to Rejection highlights common missteps that can stand in the way of an author becoming traditionally published. Issues to be confronted and discussed include: methods of improving writing quality, submission standards and common reasons for rejection, how to cope with the inevitable rejection letter, and overcoming personal challenges such as ego and self doubt. (90 min – Fri 4:45pm / Calumet)
Before you Hire an Editor (Self-editing Techniques for Writers): Presenter -JoAnn Sky. An editor is a key resource for a writer. But there’s still much a writer can and should do before hiring a professional editor. Knowing these techniques will not only expand and enhance a writer’s toolbox (resulting in improved writing skills), but will also help a writer get the most out of a professional editor and achieve a better end product. In this workshop, attendees will learn:
• Line editing techniques to power-up vocabulary and tighten, clarify and vitalize writing
•Copy editing techniques to polish grammar, spelling and punctuation as well as ensure continuity and consistency of details
Attendee level: Beginning to Intermediate (writer should have at least one completed draft manuscript). ( 90 min – Sun 9am / Triple Crown)
Bloodstain Discussion with Jeff Mudgett: Presenter – Jeff Mudgett. This will be an interactive discussion, with audience participation, that will educate you regarding America’s first known serial killer, H.H.Holmes, presented by a direct descendant of Holmes. We will be deep diving into his life and carnage, that possibly spanned across the ocean. Jeff will present facts, evidence, and theories to allow you to decide for yourself what you believe the REAL truth is. ( 90 min – Sat 3:15pm / Carriage)
Book Pressed: Presenter – Heather Lea Ryan. Authors/ writers/ readers from all backgrounds will benefit from the BookPressed™ creator’s talk, “Finding your Tribe.” This class will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of web-based writing groups. We will also include fun writing exercises with take-home goodies. Key topics include time management, criticism, and finding your writing tribe to help you start your own writers’ group. (90 Fri 4:45pm / Derby)
Brand, Book, Bestseller: Presenter – Tenita Johnson. Learn how to package your expertise into a bestselling book. (2 hrs – Sat 12pm / Derby )
Building a Firm Financial Foundation for your Author Career: Presenter – Lydia Sherrer. Being a professional author isn’t simply about writing good books. Just as important is the business sense, wisdom, and sound planning you need to manage your finances in a way that will provide for you now and in years to come. This workshop focuses on basic financial principals and how to make them work for an author career, while also going over what to do when the worst happens. We will also touch on how to diversify your author career so you’re less likely to have a single point of failure in your author income. (Note: Lydia Sherrer is not a licensed financial advisor and this workshop is not official financial advice, simply sharing best practices and wisdom gleaned from personal experience). (60 min – Fri 7pm / Ellis)
Building Metadata in eBooks: Presenter – Gregg Bridgeman. Ebooks are basically electronic code. Tapping Gregg’s cyber-security experience and intellect, he will show how to build metadata in the background of your ebooks to help them become much more discoverable among the millions of other ebooks out there. (60 min – Sun 12 noon / Derby)
Build Out Your Book: “Make Your Promotion Uniquely Yours by Utilizing Alternative Materials”: Presenter – Ana Maria Selvaggio. Invent new, creative ways to market your book using alternative approaches to social involvement. Learn to conceptualize and create unique promotional materials your readers will love. Worksheets provided. All attendees will receive thank you gifts. Led by illustrator, author, and designer, Ana Maria Selvaggio, with more than three decades of professional experience under the name Renmeleon, this one-hour workshop is followed up with a one-hour, hands-on group brainstorming session. Come for the workshop and stay for the brainstorming (optional) afterward. If booked during the Imaginarium, Renmeleon is also offering individual, private sessions for 33.00/hour (normally 60.00) that include access to her resources and manufacturing information. (3 hrs – Fri 8pm / Derby)
The Business of Publishing Overview: Presenter – Lynda Rees. You are completing a book and ready to publish it. What is your vision? If it is to become a successful author with lots of people reading your book, you need to manage your writing life as a real business. Success isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would be successful. It’s hard work. It takes time and energy. So, if your goal is success, you must devote your most valuable resources to it. What are they? Time and energy! So, take this time for yourself and devote it and your energy to learning a bit about how to do that. I’m going to share tips and tricks I’ve learned over my many years in business that I’ve applied to my writing career, and that you can as well. I hope you learn at least one thing from this that helps move your business forward. It’s time for you to take your author hat off and don your CEO hat. You are the owner of your business. You are your Brand. Your writing career is a business. How does a business operate? It runs on a proven process, organization, optimization and repetitive use of that process. Taking charge of your business isn’t complex, but there is a learning curve. Hopefully, this class will shorten your learning curve.
This course will cover the following: #1 STAYING LEGAL • Keeping Records – The IRS and Finances (Tool/Handout) • Copywriting Overview • Eternal Book Rights #2 GROWTH • Networking and Writer Organizations (Handout) • Education Resources for Writers #3 DETAILS • Books • Character Profiles (Handout) #4 MANUSCRIPT VERSIONS #5 PUBLISHING ROUTES • Your Role Requirements • Submission Tracking (Handout) • Indie-Publishing Overview* • Distribution #6 PRODUCING A PUBLISHABLE MANUSCRIPT • Editing & Formatting • Covers #7 TRACKING • ISBNs and BIASC Codes (Handout) • Key Words • ASINs #8 MARKETING & P.R. • Marketing (Handout) • Press Kit • Dos and Don’ts of Business • Professional Help / Resources (60 min – Sat 11:30am / Triple Crown )
The Business of Writing: Presenter – Elizabeth Donald. A two-hour workshop in the business side of being a writer. What comes after “The End?” From the self-editing phase to submissions and the wilds of the traditional publishing system, as well as the self-publishing world; agents and avoiding scams; contracts and what to avoid; marketing, social media and book launches; how to plan a tour and manage the money stuff; crowdfunding and having a life! (2 hours – Fri 1:15pm / Calumet)
Character as Setting: Crafting Engaging and Dynamic Environments: Presenter – P.L. Riven. The setting is more than just a backdrop for your story—it is a living and breathing entity that can shape and influence your characters’ actions and decisions. In this workshop, we will explore the concept of “character as setting” and how to create immersive and compelling environments that serve as active participants in your storytelling. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to create dynamic, immersive, and memorable environments that enhance craft and storytelling. (60 min – Fri 1:15pm / Turfway)
Chasing Criminals with A Pen: Writing True Crime: Presenter – Judith A. Yates. A presentation on the nature of writing true crime: the myths and realities, the particular issues faced by authors, the field’s specific dynamics. True crime is an exceptional genre with a substantial emphasis on ethics and options. Designed for the beginning author to the seasoned professional. Outline: I. Introduction A. The author B. The genre: history & popularity C. Why true crime? II. Finding “your” story A. How & why certain cases “grab” us III. Research resources A. Media B. Records & Archives C. Interviews a. Conducting III. Ethics A. Victimization B. Plagiarism C. Citing sources IV. The Dynamics of this genre A. Health B. Cost C. Positives v. Negatives V. Questions (2 hours – Fri 2:45pm / Stage)
Crafting Cross-Genre Fiction: Presenter – Sara Marian. Genres were made to be broken. An informal talk, Q&A, and a fun writing exercise on the topic of bending the rules of genre, crossing the streams, and thinking outside the box! (60 min – Sat 3:45pm Calumet).
Creating Authentic Animal Characters: Presenter – Babette de Jongh. I combine my skills as a writer and an animal communicator to teach participants how to write animal characters that aren’t just cardboard cutouts. Animal characters can enliven scenes, provide comic relief, and create intriguing plot opportunities for the human characters. But don’t stop there! Animals experience the same life themes as human protagonists–the struggle to belong, the desire for love and companionship, the pain of betrayal, and the hard work of learning to trust and love again. Learn how to integrate an animal character’s heroic journey into your book’s plot, and gain experience in writing from an animal’s POV. (90 min – Sun 10:45am / Triple Crown)
Creating Realistic Characters: Presenter – Brian D. Anderson. I explain how to incorporate the physical world, culture, attributes, and personal history into a character to make them feel like a real person to both the writer and the reader. I explain how to incorporate ticks and speech patterns in a way that fleshes out their characters without slamming the breaks on the pacing of the story. Ways to use inner dialogue effectively. I try to help a writer use character-building as a vehicle for disseminating information so that helps them avoid information dumps, while at the same time adding a greater sense of realism. Lastly, I talk about how a character can grow, without losing the core of who they are and how to use trauma to deepen the plot in unexpected ways. (60 min – Sat 2:30pm / Calumet)
Descriptive Writing and Creativity: Presenter – J L Mulvihill. How to creatively describe your scenes by using all your senses, past experiences, and Google maps. (90 min – Sat 9am / Derby)
“Defaults”: Presenter – Michelle Gussow. This workshop will requires participation from participants. Learn how to set your own “defaults” as far as writing rather than struggling with perceived industry “defaults”/perimeters helping authors break free from societal constraints. (60 min – Sun 3:45pm / Derby)
Dissecting Dracula Workshop: Presenter: Dacre Stoker. Join Dacre Stoker, great grandnephew of Dracula author Bram Stoker, as he facilitates an investigative session using copies of rare papers borrowed from libraries and archives around the world. Dacre will lead the attendees into a deep dive into his famous relatives life and his research and writing of Dracula in 30 documents. (60 min – Fri 5pm / Stage )
Diversity in Speculative Fiction: Presenter John F. Allen. This workshop will explore the historical lack of diversity in speculative fiction of the past, the emergence of diversity in today’s speculative fiction, and why it’s important to its future. (60 min Sat 5pm / Calumet)
“Dracula Slept Here” Presentation: Presenter – Joseph Isenberg. In 2001-2002, Joseph did a junior Fulbright grant in Romania, dealing with medieval military architecture (what we would call a castle.) Bram Stoker described a very typical French castle in Dracula. You could find as many as you want in the Loire River valley. The problem is, there is one, exactly one, and only one structure in Transylvanian Romania that fits his description, in Bran, near Brasov. The townfolk built it as a customs post to prevent smuggling in the 1300’s or so. This has come to be known as “Dracula’s Castle,” somewhat ambivalently to the Romanians, who on the one hand are upset that it has become conflated with Romanian medieval history, and on the other hand, are in many cases making a tolerably good living running “Dracula’s Tourist Trap.” Vlad the Impaler would undoubtedly have seen it many times as he went back and forth between Hungary and Wallachia, but he probably didn’t stay there much. Instead, Jospeh will look at some of the places that the historic Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, did live, and tell a little bit about the history of the buildings and how they differ from W. European “castles,” the people involved, and the history of the region. (90 min – Sat 12:45pm / Triple Crown)
Effective Research: Presenter – John Bukowski. Learn my 6 tips for effectively reasearching your novel. Like an actor researching a role, you uncover a lot more backstory than you ever put on the page. (60 min – Fri 12 noon / Triple Crown)
Fantasy versus Mythology: Presenter – Sangi David. In this seminar/workshop, I will discuss my research on the differences and similarities between fantasy and mythology. I will be looking at 3 key authors for analysis: Le Guin, Tolkien, and Beagle. (60 min – Sun 9am / Derby)
Getting Critiqued – Award winning Historical Romance author Chasity Bowlin will be giving her critques on the 1st five pages of your manuscript. She will be critique the following genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, and Contemporary Fiction. This review will evaluate the rules of story structure and if your story will keep your readers engaged. (60 min – Fri 3:30 PM/ Calumet)
Growing an Engaged Newsletter List: Presenter – Halle Bridgeman. USA Today Bestselling Author Hallee Bridgeman will show how to grow and maintain an active newsletter list. She’ll talk about the tools available to grow a newsletter, how to develop an onboarding drip campaign to engage new readers, and then how to keep them opening and interacting with your newsletter. “Extras” and “special newsletter features” are discussed, as well as breaking down monthly newsletters and special announcements. (60 min – Fri 12 noon / Calumet)
How to Weasel Your Way Into a Shared Universe: Presenters – Kevin Steverson and William Allen Webb. Learn all about how to build a shared universe with a co-creator! (90 min Fri 3pm / Derby)
I See You: Invisible Disabilities Representation in Young Adult Literature: Presenter – Katie Keridan An invisible disability is a condition that, even though it is not visible, nevertheless impacts a person’s life, impairing their functioning at home, work, and school. It is estimated that roughly 10% of Americans have an invisible disability, although researchers suspect that number could be higher, as many people avoid self-identifying or fail to receive an accurate diagnosis due uneducated or disbelieving medical and psychological professionals.
One of the best ways for teenagers to become aware of invisible disabilities is through young adult literature. Books allow readers to temporarily live inside someone else’s head, offering them a glimpse of what it might be like to life with a physical illness, mental health disorder, or other life-changing condition.
The purpose of this workshop is to examine the representation of invisible disabilities across young adult literature, providing teachers with examples of invisible disabilities in books, including learning disorders, mental health disorders, chronic pain, and eating disorders. Workshop participants will also be provided with ideas on how to engage students in discussions and activities around these topics with the goal of promoting a greater understanding of invisible disabilities and improving student sensitivity to those who might appear fine on the outside but are inwardly struggling. Prior to becoming a YA author, Katie Keridan was a pediatric neuropsychologist who worked with teens diagnosed with both visible and invisible disabilities, and this workshop will incorporate her professional experiences, as well as research-based information. (60 min – Fri 3:30pm / Triple Crown)
“It Sounded Like Fireworks!”: Presenter – Judith A. Yates. Information on mass shootings in a place of education to include study results on perpetrators, causes, and a discussion on eliminating school shootings. It incorporates new information and techniques to examine this crime. Attendees will hear reflective statements from a school shooter, now an inmate currently serving life. (60 min – Sun 12:45 / Stage)
Launching a New You: Starting Fresh with Pen Names: Presenter – Silke Campion (Sela Carsen). Has branding got you down? Have you written in every genre you like, but none of your stories have gained traction? Do your readers know what to expect when they pick up a story by YOU? If this sounds familiar, take a tip from authors and mob informants across the world and start a new name! Author Sela Carsen… I mean, Silke Campion… I mean, the upcoming Silver Cortez… will lay out the pros and cons of using a pseudonym, launching a new pen name, and how to build a strong infrastructure before your first book comes out. (90 min – Fri 1:45pm / Triple Crown)
Let’s Talk about (Writing) Sex (Scenes): Presenter – Babette de Jongh. In the fun, interactive class, your writing group will learn about writing sex scenes that will compel readers to keep turning the page. Appropriate for authors who write books of any heat-level, this hour-long class includes writing prompts, critiques, and more. ( 90 min – Fri 8pm / Triple Crown)
Love and Blood: Presenter – Jimmy Gillentine. Learn the art of mixing horror and love to entice the reader. (60 min – Sat 12:45pm / Ellis)
The Magic of Middle Grade: Exploring the Power and Potential of Children’s Fiction: Presenter – Carissa Turpin. This workshop will delve into the exciting world of middle grade fiction, which is written for readers aged 8 to 12. Middle grade author and educator Carissa Turpin will explore what makes middle grade fiction so special and discuss why it is such a valuable and influential form of storytelling. We will examine how middle grade fiction can capture the imagination of young readers, inspire them to explore new ideas and experiences, and help them develop empathy and understanding for the world around them. The challenges of writing middle grade fiction will also be discussed, including finding the right balance between entertainment and education, creating compelling characters and storylines, and crafting prose that is accessible yet rich in nuance. (60 min – Sun 3pm / Triple Crown)
Make Your Author emPact: emPactful Marketing Strategies to Sell More Books, Increase Your Reach, and Achieve Your Why: Presenter – Stephanie Feger. There are countless ways to share a message, but you have chosen a book as the tool to share yours for a reason. Do you know your why? And better question, did you know that having clarity on your why will direct how you should spend your energy, time and resources marketing it? In the years that Stephanie Feger, chief strategist of the emPower PR Group, has been helping authors write marketable books, promote and launch their books, and build meaningful businesses along the way, she’s done a lot of listening and a lot of learning. She’s been able to distill 3 core reasons why an author chooses to write a book, and she’s identified the secret sauce to market a book to achieve it. As a 20+ year marketing strategist, Stephanie shares her expertise, insights and laser-focused strategies and tactics to help authors make their author emPact. Attendees of this workshop can expect to: – Gain clarity on their why and use it at the starting point for identifying their next right marketing move. – Leverage the framework Stephanie and her team use to create focused marketing strategies and tactics that are efficient, effective and emPactful. – Work through the Author emPact Method as a tool to identify how to reach those who need their book when and where they need it. – Walk away with actionable marketing steps to align with their book goals. Whether you have written your book, aspire to write a book, or have a business that a book could support, this workshop will give you to refocus on your why and build a plan to align with it while tuning out the noise of marketing options that make you feel like you are running on a hamster wheel with no true end in sight. Stephanie doesn’t believe in movement without strategy, and after attending this workshop, you will become a believer in it, too! (And, you will see results because of it.) (60 min – Friday 1:45pm/Derby)
The Paul Dennis Reid Serial Killer Case: Presenter – Judith A. Yates. Paul Dennis Reid, Jr. was convicted and sentenced to death for seven murders during three fast food restaurant robberies in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee between February and April 1997. He is a suspect in more cases in Texas, and possibly Oklahoma and Chicago. Yates wrote the sole book on the case, spanning over four years of research. (60 min – Sat 8:30pm / Derby)
The Pitch, Query Letter, and Synopsis, Oh My!: Presenter – Barbara V. Evers. As authors you can churn out an 80-100K word story. No problem. But then you have to market your work to someone. That’s where most authors panic. Trimming 80K words down to a 30 second elevator pitch, a paragraph in a query letter, or a 1 page synopsis paralyzes many writers. What in the world do you cut? What do you keep? How do you know what will work? Whether you’re seeking to publish through an agent, small publisher, or to self-publish, an understanding of these essential tools will help you market your book to the right people. We will look at what you need and what you don’t need to entice an agent, publisher, or buyer. In addition, we’ll take time to discuss submission strategies once you have your pitches in order. (60 min Sat 9am / Calumet)
The Power of You: Presenter – William Joseph Roberts. Discover new techniques to find your voice, brand, and ways to grow into the best version of yourself for your business and self improvement. (2 hrs – Fri 8pm / Calumet)
Psychic Development for Writers: Presenter Lorena Peter. Although psychic activity is a popular subject matter, many writers do not understand the subject well enough to portray it realistically in their written works. There are also many recent movies that have developed novel methods to help the audience see what the psychic might be feeling. By using these examples, the instructor will demonstrate the difference. Hopefully, this will inspire the development of more accurate and vivid portrayal of the phenomena. (2 hours – Fri 8pm / Carriage)
Reconstructing the Lives History Forgot: Presenter – Rachel Louise Martin. Very few of us lead lives that make it into the history books or archives. What becomes of the people left out of our records, whether through intentional exclusion or accidental oversight? Are their stories lost forever? Together we will discuss how to read past historical silences, where to find unexpected solutions to common research problems and what common pitfalls exist as we go looking for our forgotten past. (60 min – Sun 12:30pm Triple Crown)
The Secret Power of Crowdfunding: Presenter – Lydia Sherrer. Join Lydia Sherrer to learn about the different types of crowdfunding and how they can benefit your author business, how to use Kickstarter to launch projects and supercharge your career, and how to use Patreon to ensure reliable monthly income. We’ll go over best practices for recruiting support for your crowdfunding, analyze successful Kickstarters, and delve into the specifics of how Lydia has built up her Patreon to over 300 supporters and how you can do so too. (60 min – Sun 5pm / Derby)
Serial Fiction: Tapping A New Audience: Presenter – Shannon McRoberts. Are you intrigued by the world of serial fiction? Do you want to learn more about how to get started in your serial fiction journey? Join the discussion Serial Fiction: Tapping A New Audience. In this 60 minute class, we will introduce you to two popular platforms revolutionizing the way authors connect with their readers: Kindle Vella and Ream. These platforms provide a unique opportunity to release your work in bite-sized episodes, keeping readers eagerly coming back for more. By the end of this class, you’ll have a new understanding of serial fiction and the tools necessary to embark on your own serial storytelling adventure. Whether you dream of creating an enthralling fantasy epic or a thrilling mystery series, this talk will empower you to bring your vision to life on platforms like Kindle Vella and Ream. (60 min – Sat 3:30pm / Derby)
Small Actions, Big emPact: Marketing Your Book in Just 15 Minutes a Day: Presenter – Stephanie Feger. Book marketing doesn’t have to be daunting, and it doesn’t have to require hours upon end to execute effectively. In fact, Stephanie Feger believes that the secret to successful book marketing is consistency. How you show up is equally as important as the frequency in which you do. Most authors are busy and often struggle finding time to market their book (or they don’t know where to start and are immobilized by it). In this interactive workshop, Stephanie will emPower you with a 15-minute-a-day approach to stay in launch mode and effectively achieve the book marketing results you seek. Learn the basics of effective book marketing and uncover practical strategies that you can implement in small doses to make the most of your limited time. You’ll learn how to define your target audience, build a strong author platform and promote your book through various channels, such as social media, email marketing, and collaborations with others. Walk away with a customized 15-minute book marketing plan that fits your busy schedule and helps you achieve your goals. You’ll leave this workshop feeling inspired and equipped with the tools you need to take small actions that have a big impact on your book’s success. (60 min – Sat 2:15pm / Derby)
Stoker on Stoker Multi Media Presentation: Presenter – Dacre Stoker. Dacre Stoker’s compelling and informative Keynote presentation, Stoker on Stoker, the Mysteries Behind the Writing of Dracula, weaves together the details of Dracula’s history with Stoker family lore, and Bram Stoker’s life in Dublin and London, then separates fact from popular fiction, revealing the truth about all things Stoker and Dracula. Stoker on Stoker has fascinated audiences around the world, exploring the issues behind the mysteries that have baffled Dracula scholars and fans since the book’s publication in 1897. Illustrated with Dacre’s collection of never before published, and seldom-seen historic images, Stoker on Stoker is a glimpse behind the scenes of the life and the writing of one of the least known authors and one of the worlds most famous books.. Including these topics:
• Bram Stokers notes for the writing of Dracula
• Books Bram used for his research from the London Library
• The Dracula Typescript • Real locations Bram chose to include in Dracula
• The location of Bram’s fictional Castle Dracula in Transylvania
• Bram’s summer holiday in Whitby in 1890
• Bram in Cruden Bay Scotland, where he wrote parts of Dracula
(60 min – Sat 2:30pm / Stage)
Stories That Sparkle: Presenter – Virginia Smith. You’ve finished the book. Yay! How do you make it stand out? This workshop delves into self-editing techniques for fiction writers that will make your story sparkle. (60 min – Fri 3:30pm / Calumet)
Structuring Stories Around Strong Character Arcs For Graphic Novels And Webcomics: Presenter – Megan Redmon. Having a well-structured story makes your story consistently entertaining. It hooks your reader and keeps them returning every week. Strong structure is made up of consistency, a healthy balance of answering questions, bringing up new questions and regularly breaking expectations. Strong character arcs give your story the meat it needs while bringing the reader into the story by putting them in different people’s shoes. The combination of all of these is what will make a story engaging, memorable and marketable. (60 min – Sat 10am / Triple Crown)
The Way of Poetry: Presenter – Lee Pennington. Learning to write the way of poetry will enhance your quality of writing even if you never write poetry. This workshop will teach you the language of poetry and how to use it in poems or short stories or novels. This is a hands on workshop where you have the opportunity to express yourself as a poet. You will learn your writing voice and ways to make it sing. (90 min – Sat 4:45pm Derby)
Worldbuilding: Presenter – William Joseph Roberts. This workshop will focus on how to create your fictional world basics and how to make it coherent to the reader (90 min – Sun 10:15am / Derby)
Writing & Marketing Queer Romance: Presenter – C.W. Gray. Beginner seminar on the benefits and downsides of using common romance formulas and tropes while writing queer romance. (60 min – Sat 8:30pm / Calumet).
Writing the Romantic Mystery: Presenter – Lynn Slaughter. In this workshop, we’ll talk about the ways in which injecting romance into your mysteries ups the emotional stakes and enhances reader engagement, as well as tips for how best to integrate romance into your stories. (60 min – Sun 1:45pm / Triple Crown)
Writing Serial Fiction: Presenter – S. Cinders. Adapting traditional writing to serial fiction without reinventing the wheel. How to create multiple passive income streams with serial fiction through wide sales. Understanding the rhythm and flow of serial writing, with tips and tricks to get your work noticed. (60 min – Sat 8:30pm / Triple Crown)
Understanding Amazon’s Algorithms: Presenter – Chasity Bowlin. How does Amazon’s data mining work for you? What can you do to make the targeted marketing algorithms of the world’s biggest retailer work in your favor? In this workshop, USA Today Bestselling and Multi-Award Winning Author, Chasity Bowlin will give you an in depth look at what to do and what not to do to keep your algorithms happy, healthy and producing sales. (60 min 10:15am / Calumet)
You, The Writer: Presenter – Michael J. Allen. Learn 5 keys to get out of your own way! (60 min – Sun 10:15am / Claiborne)
Premium Exclusive Writing Workshop
(note – Premium Exclusive Workshops have very limited attendance and an additional fee required to participate)
Building a Better Short Story: Presenter – Michael Knost. We’ll learn what elements a story needs to actually be considered a story, but we’ll focus more on elements that will strengthen your story and improve your chances at receiving an acceptance letter. (60 min – Sat 4:30 pm Triple Crown)
Link to Register for Building a Better Short Story
Independent Film and Screenwriting Workshops
The Art of the Audio Drama: Presenter – Michael Ignacio, Jr. A discussion on how to make your stories come to life in a different way. During this presentation, I will discuss my process for writing, casting, and producing audio dramas. I will also discuss 10 tips I wish I knew as a voice actor when I started as well. (60 min – Sun 1:15pm / Derby)
Firearm Tactics and Safety on Film Sets: Presenter – Silvio Wolf Busch. Firearms Tactics and Safety on a movie set, or how to “Un-Rust” the industry! This workshop will guide you through all of the essentials for running a safe independent film set when it comes to the use of firearms in your production! (60 min – Sat 4:30pm / Claiborne)
Silvio Wolf Busch’s credentials include:
- 8 years Naval Special Warfare EOD –
- small arms instructor –
- competitive marksman sub-gun, rifle, and machine gun qualified
- Deployments on two continents
- Military and Technical advisor for film productions
How to Turn Your Comic into a Film: Presenter – Demetrius Witherspoon. Would you like to see your comic turned into a movie, but you just don’t know how to get started? Then you don’t want to miss this workshop with Award-Winning Sci-Fi Writer, Director, Comic Creator, Demetrius Witherspoon. He has worked with Actors from Marvel, Star Wars, DC and Walking Dead. Learn how to make your film on a low budget! (60 min – Sat 2pm / Triple Crown)
Let’s Talk Film Production: Presenter – Herschel Zahnd. Producing a film involves teamwork. Learn how to take your idea from concept to finished product. (60 min – Sun 11:30am / Claiborne)
The Life-Changing Film Funding Secret: Presenter – Josiah Stendel. “I’ll fund your film!” The four words every filmmaker lives for. We’re suckered in by rags-to-riches stories of Hollywood sensations while most of us remain starving artists with boring day jobs.
But what if you could fund your films independently? From anywhere—downtown L.A. or small-town U.S.A.—without another mortgage, begging your friends, or selling your soul to shady distributors. What if your film created a sustainable and profitable filmmaking career for you, completely outside the Hollywood system? Imagine if your film launched a movement, going viral for the lives it’s changing and selling out theaters in the process.
While it may sound like wild ambition, Josiah Stendel experienced it firsthand when his desperate fundraising experiment for a low-budget action flick generated nearly six-figure support for his film and adoptions across America.
By creating a movement around your project and harnessing the support of a passionate community, filmmakers can experience an incredible surge of momentum and leave behind a lasting impact, regardless of whether they’re crafting a side-splitting comedy or a spine-chilling slasher flick.
Discover the power of FilmFuel in this workshop, and uncover practical ways to fund your film by leveraging a social mission. Don’t miss this dynamic and interactive session, where creative and business wisdom merge to equip you with an actionable film funding plan. Secure your spot now and unlock the FilmFuel secret. (90 min Sat 11:30am /Calumet)
Making It On Your Own Terms: Presenter – Amy Leigh McCorkle. From new screenplays and unpublished manuscripts to prolific, award-winning author and filmmaker. Amy takes you from idea to represented creative and shares what that really means in today’s creative landscape. (60 min – Friday 12 noon / Claiborne)
Screenwriting Vs Prose: Presenter – Ethan Avery. Writer/director Ethan Avery will present a breakdown of the differences between novel and screenwriting, focusing on dialogue, expanded vs. condensed storytelling, and how adding visuals can affect how an audience interprets a story. Depending on the length of the workshop, we can go through audience exercises as well, where they craft and share short stories, trying both methods of storytelling. (90 min – Sat 9am / Triple Crown)
Gaming and Game Development Workshops
Game Design: Where Do I Start?: Presenter – Brent Campbell. Have you ever played an analog game, TTRPG, Board Game, or Card Game, and thought to yourself “I could do something like this,” well chances are that you can. Many people have thought about making a game, but may not know where to begin or how to take their first step into game design. I was in the same place not that long ago and all it took was talking with someone on how to start and how to focus my ideas, and now I’ve written several games. I want to share with others how I began my journey so that they may realize their dream of making a game. We will go over game ideas, game mechanics, rules writing, play testing, and we will talk about resources you can use to self publish your game. This workshop is for the novice, but I’m sure those with game design experience would find something interesting and helpful as well. (60 min – Sat 8:30pm / Carriage)
I Have Created a Game, Now What? Presenter – David Sherrer. In this discussion you will learn how to get your game into production and have a completed project that you can market and sell. (60 min – Fri 4:45pm / Triple Crown)
Music Workshops
Ocarina of Time: Loving and Playing the Ocarina: Presenter – Lydia Sherrer. A presentation for Zelda, ocarina, and music lovers. Join Lydia Sherrer to hear about the history of the ocarina, its influence and place in the world-wide famous Zelda game series, and even try playing an ocarina yourself! Music demos will be given showing the different types of ocarinas and styles that can be played, and participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of ocarina playing (if you have an ocarina, please bring it! If not, there are a limited number of practice ocarinas to use, first come first serve!) (60 min – Sat 3:15pm / Triple Crown)
Networking Activities and Other Events!
Author Readings: 10-12 min blocks for author’s to read from the books of their choosing. Featured authors and times: 2 pm (10 min) Stephanie Feger, 2:15 pm Jennifer Mulvihill, 2:30 pm Michael Williams, 2:45 pm Donald Guillory, 3 pm Marian Allen, 3:15 pm Tommy B. Smith, 3:30 pm Barbara Evers, 3:45 pm Michael Knost, 4 pm Brian Anderson, 4:15 pm Dacre Stoker, 4:30 pm Colleen Green, 4:45 pm James Sabata, 5 pm Terry Brooks, 5:15 pm S.B. Pearce, 5:30 pm Lawrence Weill, 5:45 pm Nic Plume (Sun 2pm-6pm / Turfway Stage)
Back of the Cereal Box LIVE Podcast – Hosted by John Pyka. Grab some cereal and join the audience for the live broadcast of Back to the Cereal Box! (90 min Sat 9:30 am / Turfway/Stage)
Hillbilly Court / Bar Con – Hosted by Three Ravens Publishing A time to hang out, grab some drinks, meet other attendees, and network! (60 min Sat 8:30 pm / Bar Area)
Kaffee Klatsch I – Hosted by Three Ravens Publishing. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, wake up, hang, out, and network! (60 min Sat 8am / Front Desk Lobby)
Kaffee Klatsch II – Hosted by Three Ravens Publishing. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, wake up, hang, out, and network! (60 min Sun 8am / Front Desk Lobby)