Imaginarium 2025 is proud to announce the addition of one new Workshop and five new Panels to our programming! There will be over 135 panels and workshops hosted in our 12th year, so make sure to check back regularly on our official site to see all new additions!
The titles, presenters, and descriptions for these new programming additions are as follows:
New Workshop Added:
Victorian Slang and Wordsmithing: Presenter – Jennifer (Queen Bee) Noran. Interested in joining a jammy church-bell for some nanty-narking? She isn’t selling you a dog when she says that this might be a fifteen puzzle at first, but after a while, you will find yourself quite afternooned in Victorian vernacular. Can you translate the sentences above? If not, you might want to spend some time with the Queen Bee of Queen City Steam and learn some of the fun slang that was used during the Victorian Era! Instead of just having a discussion, you will have the opportunity to compete with other guests as you try to be the first to figure out what some of these words and phrases mean. So, if you’re feeling bricky and want to take the egg, make a beeline to this event for a smashing good time.
New Panels Added:
Assembling Worlds: The Art & Business of Anthology Writing: Moderator – TBA. Anthologies offer unique opportunities for writers to explore diverse themes, experiment with new voices, and connect with a wider readership. But how do you get your work into one? And what’s it like to be part of a curated collection? Join our panel of experienced authors and editors as they pull back the curtain on the world of anthologies.
This dynamic discussion will cover:Finding the Right Fit: How to identify anthologies that align with your writing style, genre, and career goals.
Crafting a Killer Submission: Tips and tricks for tailoring your story to an anthology’s theme, adhering to guidelines, and standing out in the slush pile.
The Editor’s Perspective: What do anthology editors look for in submissions? What makes a story resonate with them? (And what are common pitfalls to avoid?)
The Collaborative Process: What’s it like working with an editor and other authors in an anthology? Navigating feedback, revisions, and promotion as part of a collective.
Beyond the Page: Leveraging an anthology appearance to build your platform, attract new readers, and expand your writing network.The Business Side: Understanding contracts, royalties, and rights when contributing to an anthology.
Whether you’re an emerging writer looking for your first publication or a seasoned author considering the unique challenge of anthology work, this panel will provide invaluable insights into the art and business of assembling worlds, one story at a time.
Beyond the Board: Crafting Engaging Game Modules & Rulebooks: Moderator TBA. Game writing isn’t just about crafting a compelling story; it’s about building a world that players can interact with, rules they can understand, and adventures they can experience. Whether you’re designing a tabletop RPG module, a board game rulebook, or an interactive narrative, the clarity of your writing and the depth of your design are paramount. Join our panel of experienced game designers, writers, and editors as they break down the unique challenges and rewards of crafting effective game modules and rulebooks.
This practical and insightful discussion will cover:
The Player’s Journey: How to approach writing from the player’s perspective, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and an immersive experience from setup to victory (or defeat!).
The Art of the Rulebook: Mastering the balance between conciseness and comprehensiveness. Learn techniques for clear explanations, intuitive flow, effective examples, and essential formatting for readability.
Module Magic: Story, Structure, and Stakes: For RPG modules, discover how to design compelling plots, memorable NPCs, engaging encounters, and adaptable scenarios that allow for player agency.
Lore vs. Mechanics: Finding the Balance: Weaving rich world lore and thematic elements into your rules and adventures without overwhelming or confusing the player.
Playtesting, Feedback, and Iteration: The critical role of playtesting in refining your writing and design, and how to effectively incorporate feedback to improve your module or rulebook.
Terminology and Jargon: Establishing consistent terminology, defining key concepts, and avoiding ambiguity that can lead to player frustration.
Working with Designers & Artists: Understanding the collaborative process of bringing a game to life and how your writing facilitates a cohesive final product.
Forging New Worlds: Crafting Epic and Engaging Fantasy: Moderator – TBA. From ancient myths to sprawling sagas, fantasy literature has captivated readers for centuries, offering escape, wonder, and profound insights into the human condition. But how do you build a world that feels real, populate it with unforgettable characters, and weave a story that keeps readers turning pages late into the night? Join our panel of acclaimed fantasy authors as they delve into the art and craft of creating compelling fantasy novels.
This immersive discussion will cover:
Magic Systems That Sparkle (and Make Sense): Whether hard or soft, discover how to design magic that is both awe-inspiring and integral to your plot and characters, avoiding deus ex machina pitfalls.
Heroes, Villains, and the Shades Between: Crafting complex, multi-dimensional characters—from the chosen one to the morally gray antagonist—whose journeys resonate with readers.
The Epic Scope vs. Intimate Stakes: Balancing grand conflicts that shape entire realms with personal struggles that connect readers to individual characters.
Once Upon a Time… and Beyond: Crafting Engaging Children’s Books: Moderator – TBA. The world of children’s literature is vibrant, imaginative, and incredibly rewarding. But writing for young readers comes with its own unique set of joys, challenges, and responsibilities. Join our panel of celebrated children’s book authors and illustrators (if applicable) as they share their insights into bringing stories to life for the most important audience of all.
This lively discussion will explore:
Understanding Your Audience: Delving into the nuances of writing for different age groups – from board books and picture books to early readers and middle grade – and tailoring your voice and themes accordingly.
The Art of the Hook: How to grab a young reader’s attention from the very first page and keep them captivated until the end.
Picture This! (For Picture Books): The crucial relationship between text and illustration, and how to write a manuscript that leaves room for visual storytelling.
Developing Relatable Characters: Crafting memorable protagonists and supporting characters that children can connect with, learn from, and cheer for.
Tackling Big Themes, Little Words: How to explore complex emotions, important life lessons, and even challenging topics in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner.
The Journey to Publication: Navigating the children’s book market, from finding agents and editors to understanding submissions and contracts.
The Joy of Connecting: The unique satisfaction of seeing your stories impact young lives and foster a love of reading.
Whether you’re just beginning to dream of your first picture book or you’re an experienced author looking to refine your craft, this panel will offer inspiration, practical advice, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to create a truly enchanting children’s book
The Queen Bee’s Royal-tea: Moderator – Jennifer “Queen Bee” Noran. The Queen Bee’s Royal-tea is a hosted event with many types of teas and treats. While the party is going on, The Queen with talk about tea, where to find some delicious teas, how to make your own teas and share recipes and resources for her treats. LIMITED to 20 attendees, please sign up at the registration desk in-person before Sunday at 2 PM.
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