Imaginarium 2021 Panel and Workshop Programming

Below is a list of topics and descriptions for panels and workshops featured in the Imaginarium 2021 Programming. In-Person Panels and Workshops are listed first, followed by the Virtual Event Panels and Workshop.

Sunday Morning Church Service will be hosted by Dave Mattingly on Sunday @9 am in the room Ashland.

In-Person Panel and Workshop Programming

Writing Panels (In-Person Event)

A Love Story – Panelists include: (MOD – De De Cox) Chasity Bowlin, David Simms, Jessica Cardwell, Missy Goodman, Cathy Jackson – Join in on a discussion with several Romance writers and discuss how to write an enchanting love story, that is fresh and will leave your readers wanting more. (60 min Fri 5pm / Claiborne)

A Creative’s Mind – Panelists include: (MOD – Carma Haley Shoemaker) Amy McCorkle, James Hunter, Brian K. Morris, Arlan Andrews, Jesse Coffey – There are proven links between the creative mind and mental illness. Discuss ways to cope and make the most of your creativity while maintaining good mental health. (60 min Sun 11:15 am / Calumet)

A Writer’s Two Worlds – Panelists include: (Mod – Michael Williams) Lynn Hightower, Carol Preflatish, eden Hudson, Bruce Wilson, Brick Marlin. – Tips from seasoned authors, on how to balance your personal life with a writing career. (60 min Sat 3 pm / Claiborne)

Activism in Writing – Panelists include: (Mod – Jayson William Allen) Amy McCorkle, Rebecca Duvall Scott, Nini Mohamed – Discuss the power that your words have. Define what makes you a writer-activist and how you can use your writing to push for social change? (60min Fri 5 pm / Ellis)

Animals as Characters – Panelists include: (Moderator – Barbara Evers) Sandy Lender, Cassandra Morgan, Willa Reece, Brittany Cummings, Robb Hoff – Join in on a discussion regarding using animals as characters in your writing. (Sun 12:30 pm / Claiborne)

Audiobook’s Overview – Panelists include: (Moderator – James O.Barnes) R.J. Sullivan, Becky Muth – A discussion and introduction into the realm of audiobooks. (60 min Sat 11:15am / Derby)

BDSM & Erotica in Writing (18yrs + ONLY) – Panelists include: (Moderator –S. Cinders) Carl Moore, Jessica Cardwell, Cathy Jackson, Jesse Coffey, Randi Perrin – Learn proper terminology and writing techniques to keep your erotica reader lusting for the next book in your series. (60 min Sat 4:15 pm / Calumet)

Being Your Brand – Panelists include: (Moderator – John Pyka) Steven Shrewsbury, Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Sandy Lender, Jeanette Strode – Discuss how you are your own brand no matter what you are selling and tips to improve your sales. (60 min Fri 1:15 pm / Ellis)

Books & Bourbon IV: (21yrs+ ONLY! Attendees must be 21yrs+ & BYOB) (Cash Bar for attendee’s convenience will be open in the Turfway Rm from 8pm-12am) – Panelists include:(Moderator – Michael Knost) F. Paul Wilson, Stephen Zimmer, Carma Shoemaker, James Fox, Barbera Evers, Steven Shrewsbury, Carl R. Moore – A group of authors having a drink and talking shop. Join in for this entertaining panel and maybe even learn a thing or two. (90 min + (Stream) Fri 8 pm / Ashland)

Character Anatomy – Panelists include: (Moderator – Ian Kirkpatrick) Michael Houtchen, Sandy Lender, Elizabeth Donald – Discussing the creation of character anatomy, to allow for physical engaugement with your other characters and the enviroment in which it lives or comes from. (60 min Sat 11:15 am / Claiborne)

Character Cliches – Panelists include: (Moderator –Tommy B. Smith) Paul J. Hoffman, James Hunter, Laurel Hightower, David Simms, Rip Rawlings – Learn how to avoid the cliche trap when writing your next story. Learn tips on putting a new spin on some old favorites within the speculative fiction realm. (60 min Sat 4:15 pm / Claiborne)

Character Creation – Panelists include: (Moderator Marian Allen) F. Paul Wilson, Richard A. Knaak, Steven Shrewsbury, Mick Williams, Jen Selinsky – Learn how to create compelling charaters for your story. (60 min Sat 3 pm / Ellis)

Crackaccino and Prose – Panelists include: (Moderator Carl R. Moore) Marian Allen, Tommy B. Smith, Ian Kirkpatrick, Steven Shrewsbury – How to kick of your writing days. Grab a cup of joe and join in on the discussion. (60 min Sat 9am / Calumet)

Do you Nano?- Panelists include: (Moderator Robb Hoff) Carma Haley Shoemaker, R.G. Westerman, R.A. Muth – Learn what is NaNoWriMo and how to win. Does it help or hurt your writing process? (60 min Fri 12 pm / Ellis)

Faithful Fiction – Panelists include: (Dave Mattingly) Robert Krog, Bruce Wilson, Cathy Jackson – A discuss on Christian writing and the birth of new sub-genres in the Christian Writing genre. (60 min Sun 10 am / Claiborne)

GATEWAYS TO HORROR – Panelists include: (Moderator James Sabata) Robb Hoff, Donald R. Guillory, Tommy B. Smith, Lee E. E. Stone, Brick Marlin – When people say, “I don’t like horror,” they usually mean they don’t like blood, gore, and nonstop screams. This panel explores some Horror-Lite films and television shows to use to work your way into enjoying the horror genre more. including Gremlins, Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters, Dr. Who, Buffy, and Scooby Doo. Come take a nostalgic look at some of the horror that opened the gateways for our panelists and find a new appreciation for a genre you might think you’re scared of but find you’ve enjoyed for years. (60 min (STREAMING) Fri 5 pm / Calumet)

Guide to YA Fiction – Panelists include: (Moderator Penny Pearson) Molly Daniels – How to decide if your work should be consider and follows the guidelines to fit into the growing young adult market. Writing for the young adult. (60 min Fri 2:30 pm / Ellis)

Importance of Cover Art – Panelists include: (Gil Hough) Paul J. Hoffman, Debra B. Dixon, James Hunter, Sako Tumi – A discussion on the importance of great cover art, the different types of art that you can utilize, and where to seek out the right artist for your project. (60 min Fri 3:45 pm / Ellis)

Layout / Design – Panelists include: (Paul J. Hoffman) James Hunter, Matthew Jackson, ML McIntosh – This panel will help walk you through the layout and design processes for both eBooks and print. (60 min Sat 12:30 pm /Calumet)

Let the Truth Be Told– Panelists include: (Paul J. Hoffman) Rebecca Duvall Scott, Nini Mohamed, Molly Daniels – Discuss writing the prose reagarding real people, places, and events. Learn tips on where to research and the legalities that come with writing in this genre. (60 min Fri 1:15 pm / Calumet)

Literally Fiction – Panelists include: (Moderator Robb Hoff) Michael Williams, Tommy B. Smith – A discussion reagrding the major types of literary fiction: Fiction-Prose, non-fiction prose, and poetry. Defining Literary Fiction. (60 min Fri 2:30 pm / Calumet)

Magical Realism – Panelists include: (Moderator Robb Hoff) Michael Williams, Lee E. E. Stone, Willa Reece, Nathan Day, Dorothy Nguyen – How to write using this dreamy style of narrative. Bringing the strange, magical elements of “normalcy” into the everyday life of your characters. (60 min Sat 12:30 pm / Claiborne)

MAKING LIGHT OF THE DARK: HUMOR IN HORROR – Panelists include: (Moderator James Sabata) Dave Mattingly, Donald R. Guillory, Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Lee E. E. Stone, Robb Hoff- Terror seems like it should preclude amusement. What makes us laugh does not seem like it should be capable of also making us scream. But while seeming attempting to achieve opposite results, comedy and horror are intricately linked. While playing on different emotions, both are devised to generate specific and extreme reactions from their audiences. Two sides of the same coin, humor, and horror are strong on their own, but working together, they can create a marriage of unexpected twists and turns. This panel will explore the rise of horror comedy and address why the combination works and why it sometimes fails. (60 min Sun 12:30 pm / Ellis)

Marketing Through Covid – Panelists include: (Moderator John Pyka) De De Cox, Simon Andé Kledtke, Jeanette Strode, Gil Hough, Lorne Dixon – Learn from the industry pros regarding how Covid changed sales, different ways to approach your customers, and what no longer seems to work. (60 min Sat 11:15 am / Ellis)

MENTAL ILLNESS – HOW WE WRITE IT, HOW WE LIVE IT– Panelists include: (Moderator James Sabata) Amy McCorkle, Carma Haley Shoemaker, R.G. Westerman, Donald R. Guillory, Jayson William Allen – Horror has long gone hand in hand with mental illness. Many great works of art have been the direct result of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In this panel, we will openly discuss our own private battles with mental illness and how we use them or work around them to stay working. This panel will also explore the role books and other media plays in helping people find information about mental illness and gives them proof that they are not alone. (60 min (Streaming) Sat 11:15 am / Calumet)

Paranormal Romance – Panelists include: (Moderator Carma Haley Shoemaker) Penny Pearson, R.A. Muth, Chasity Bowlin, S. Cinders, Molly Daniels – A discussion about writing in the unique subgenre, that blends romance with speculative fiction. (60 min Sat 12:30 pm / Ellis)

Plot or Pantsing – Panelists include: (Moderator Richard A. Knaak) Barbara Evers, R.G. Westerman, Steven Shrewsbury, Kimberly Hoffman, Eric Moser – Discussing the pros and cons to plotting or pantsing before you start your next story. (60 min Sat 10 am / Ellis)

Polytheist Religions for Authors – Panelists include: (Moderator Michael Knost) Robb Hoff, Stephen Zimmer, Joseph Isenberg – Many fantasy (and SF) worlds have their own religions. However, we often assume that religions with more than one deity work the same as more familiar monotheist ones, or we rely on simplistic retellings of mythology or “shaggy god stories”. Which writers do a good job weaving ‘the gods’ into their stories? How did different polytheist cultures interact? What features of historical (or current) polytheist religions can we use to enrich our worlds and generate plot points?” (60 min Sun 10am / Ashland)

Point of View – Panelists include: (Moderator Carl Moore) F. Paul Wilson, Debra B. Dixon, Willa Reece, Rip Rawlings, J.B. Dane – Explaining first, second, and third person. The importance of using and maintaining tense within your narrative. (60 min Fri 2:30 pm / Claiborne)

Quick Read – Panelists include: (Moderator Marian Allen) Lee E. E. Stone, eden Hudson, Laurel Hightower, Arlan Andrews – Tips on how to write a short story and options on what to do with your finished work. (60 min Fri 12 pm / Claiborne)

“Sir May I Have Another?”– Panelists include: (Moderator Alan Goldstein) Sara Marian, T.Lee Harris, Joseph Isenberg – Discussing the proper techniques to use when writing historical fiction and how to effectively research. (60 min Fri 1:15 pm / Claiborne)

Taming the Squirrel – Panelists include: (Moderator Tommy B. Smith) Eric Moser, Sandy Lender, Bruce Wilson – Tips to rid of distractions and increase your writing potential. (60 min Fri 12 pm / Calumet)

The Search for Editors – Panelists include: (R. A. Muth) Jen Selinsky, Simon Andé Kledtke, Paul J. Hoffman, James O.Barnes, Dorothy Nguyen – Learn why you should not self-edit from skilled editors, what to look for when searching for the right editor for your book, and where to find great editors for hire. (60 min Sun 10 am / Calumet)

To the Moon! – Panelists include: (Moderator Dave Mattingly) James Fox, Arlan Andrews Sr.,R.J. Sullivan, Dirk Griffin, ML McIntosh – Learn the past, present, and future of science fiction writing. Where do we go from here? (60 min Sat 1:45 pm / Claiborne)

Urban Fantasy – Panelists include: (Moderator Tommy B. Smith) Richard A. Knaak, R.G. Westerman, Lee E. E. Stone, Gil Hough, Sako Tumi – Tips and rules to follow when writing in the subgenre of Urban Fantasy. (60 min Sun 10 am / Ellis)

What a Mystery! – Panelists include: (Moderator Lynn Hightower) Michael Houtchen, Mick Williams, Carol Preflatish, T.Lee Harris, J.B. Dane – A discussion on writing exticting mystery / thrillers for today’s audience. (60 min Sat 10 am / Claiborne)

Where the Wild Things Are – Panelists include: (Moderator Penny Pearson) Kimberly Hoffman, David Simms, Brittany Cummings – Join in on a discussion regarding writing for children. Learn ways to grab and keep the young reader’s attention. (60 min Sun 11:15 am / Claiborne)

Writing / Illustrating Comics – Panelists include: (Moderator John Pyka) Sako Tumi, Brian K. Morris, Jim Haas – Learn the ins and outs of what goes into creating a great comic book! (60 min Sat 4:15 pm / Ellis)

Writing Anthology – Panelists include: (Moderator Drew Graber) Jen Selinsky, Robert Krog, Brick Marlin, Molly Daniels – A discussion on tips, steps, and guidelines to follow when writing an anthology. (60 min Sat 10 am / Calumet)

WRITING IS THE EASY PART – THE MANY JOBS OF AN AUTHOR – Panelists include: (Moderator James Sabata) Kimberly Hoffman, Donald R. Guillory, T.Lee Harris, Chasity Bowlin – Writing a novel is an easy part of being a writer. It’s the part most of us enjoy. The real work starts after the first draft. This panel will walk the audience through the different aspects of being an author many people haven’t even thought about, from editing to picking between traditional publishing and self-publishing; from marketing to locking down your elevator pitch. (60 min Sat 3 pm / Calumet)

Writing Forums – Panelists include: (Moderator Cassandra Morgan) Michael Knost, Matthew Jackson, Elizabeth Donald, Jonathan Fable –Published authors will share their insights on their favorite writing forums, groups, and websites. (60 min Fri 3:45 pm / Calumet)

Writer’s Programs – Panelists include: (Moderator Paul J. Hoffman) Lee Pennington, R.J. Sullivan, John F. Allen, Robb Hoff, Jim Haas, Jonathan Fable – A discussion regarding the different writing programs now available and the benefits of each one. (60 min Sun 11:15 am / Ellis)

Writing Religions – Panelists include: (Moderator David Simms) Nathan Day, Robert Krog, Joseph Isenberg – Whether it is a religion of your own creation or a real one, learn the guidlines and tips to intergrate religion into your story. (60 min Sat 1:45 pm / Ellis)

Writing Steampunk – Panelists include: (Moderator Tony Acree) Sara Marian, Dirk Griffin – Join in this fun discussion regarding everything steam, from gadgets & gizmos to alternate universes and how to include the proper terminology in your writing. (60 min Fri 3:45 pm / Claiborne)

Writing Tips – Panelists include: (Moderator Eric Moser) J.B. Dane, Randi Perrin – Using Correct Pronouns: Discussion on correct pronoun usage in your writing regarding gender / sexual identity. Avoid confusing sex with gender, principles to reduce bias, etc. (60 min Sat 1:45 pm / Calumet)

Writing / Filmmaking Panels (In-Person Event)

The Pitch – Panelists include: (Moderator Ian Kirkpatrick) Deaton Gabbard, Michael Knost, Matthew Jackson, Missy Goodman – Learn ways to deliver the pitch of your film or books fast and effectively. (60 min Fri 12pm / Derby)

Timelines – Panelists include: (Moderator Marian Allen) Carol Preflatish, James O.Barnes, Lorne Dixon, Antonio Pantoja – Discussing the importance of maintaining timelines throughout your character development in both film and books. (60 min Fri 5 pm / Derby)

Social Media Platforms – Panelists include: (Moderator John Pyka) De De Cox, R.A. Muth, Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Morgan Hazelwood – Talk with industry professionas who use multi-media platforms, such as YouTube, Instargram, Snap Chat, e.t.c. to promote their work. (60 min Fri 3:45 pm / Derby)

Filmmaking Panels (In-Person Event)

Acting / Modeling – Panelists include: (Moderator Silvio Wolf Busch) Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Deaton Gabbard, Jayson William Allen, Rocco Pepe, Erik Kyr – A discussion on the precautions you must take when getting into acting and modeling. Tips on where to start. (60 min Stream – Sat 3 pm / Derby)

Book to Screenplay – Panelists include: (Moderator Nathan Day) Amy McCorkle, Simon Andé Kledtke, Lee Pennington, Tony Acree – This panel will help teach you how to turn your book into a screenplay. Learn from screenwriting professionals on how they elevated their craft and where to turn to for help. (60 min Fri 1:15 pm / Derby)

Costuming / Cosplay on a Budget – Panelists include: (Moderator Dave Mattingly) Matthew Smith, Jayson William Allen, Herschel H. Zahnd – Learn tips and tricks to get the look you want for pennies on the dollar. (60 min Sun 4:15 pm / Derby)

Film Character Creation – Panelists include: (Moderator Michelle Gussow) James Fox, Demetrius Witherspoon, James Tackett, Silvio Wolf Busch, Matthew Smith, Rocco Pepe – A panel to discuss innovating techniques to create relatable characters for film and TV. (60 min Sat 10 am / Derby)

Film Distribution – Panelists include: (Moderator Herschel H. Zahnd) Amy McCorkle, – Learn where to get started in your search for the right distribution platforms for your project. (60 min Sat 12:30 pm / Derby)

Indie Filmmaker’s Equipment – Panelists include: (Moderator Matthew Smith) Silvio Wolf Busch, Herschel H. Zahnd, Thomas Moore, David Wate, Justin Haas – Whether you are just getting into film or photography, these industry experts will be here discussing the brands and types of equipment they use and what they like best. (60 min Sat 4:15 pm / Derby)

Making Great Indie Films – Panelists include: (Moderator Michelle Gussow) R.G.Westerman, Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, James Tackett, Silvio Wolf Busch – Learn from industry experts about what it takes to make a great indie film and where to pitch it after you do. (60 min Sun 1:45 pm / Derby)

Pre-Production in Film – Panelists include: (Moderator Silvio Wolf Busch) Lee Pennington, Deaton Gabbard, Matthew Smith, Herschel H. Zahnd, Rocco Pepe – Learn all the details that go into making a film from the beginning. (60 min Stream- Fri 2:30 pm / Derby)

Screenwriter’s Room – Panelists include: (Moderator James Fox) Lee Pennington, Thomas Moore, Antonio Pantoja – Join in with a few screenwriters, while they discuss the screenwriting process, distribution, and answer your questions. (60 min Sun 12:30 pm/ Calumet)

Series Vs Feature Films – Panelists include: (Moderator Herschel H. Zahnd) Amy McCorkle, James Fox, Demetrius Witherspoon, James Tackett, Antonio Pantoja – Discussing whether it is best to make series or feature films in the post Covid world. (60 min Sun 10 am / Derby)

Video Editing – Panelists include: (Moderator David Sheridan) Matthew Smith, Herschel H. Zahnd, Thomas Moore, Antonio Pantoja, Justin Haas – Join in on a discussion all about video/film editing, covering techniques, software, working as an editor, and much more! (60 min Fri 12pm / Triple Crown)

Game / Fandom Panels (In-Person Event)

Anime / Manga – Panelists include: (Moderator Drew Graber) eden Hudson, Dorothy Nguyen – A discussion on what’s hot in the anime and manga realm right now and what is out. (60 min Sun 11:15 am / Derby)

Marvel Vs DC – Panelists include: (Moderator Tony Acree) Dave Mattingly, Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Eric Moser – A throw-down discussing who has the best content! (60 min Sat 11:15 am / Turfway (stage)

Music Theory – Panelists include: (Moderator Carl Moore) David Simms, Jayson William Allen, Erik Kyr, Hippyhead – The basics you need before you start making music. The effects music has on us. (60 min Streaming Sun 12:30 pm / Derby)

My Hero Academia – Panelists include: (Moderator Jesse Coffey) Drew Graber, Martin Roberts – Moderator Jesse Coffey: Eighty percent of the world’s population has developed a special power, called a quirk. While a large number have turned to crime to use those quirks, many more have turned to use their quirks to keep order, and they’re known as professional heroes. And thus begins the story of Izuku Midoriya and “My Hero Academia”. A manga series that’s been turned into an extremely popular anime series, My Hero Academia tells the story of Midoriya and Class 1A of UA High School as they train to become heroes. Join us as we discuss the manga and the anime, the characters, and the surprises that have been cropping up along the way. Come join us and go Plus Ultra!! ( 60 min (STREAMING) Sat 1:45 pm / Derby)

Workshops (In-Person Event)

How to Marathon-Write Like a Creative Boss – Presented by Sandy Lender Join a multi-titled, hybrid author to learn not just how she prepped for and garnered a second-place win with “”Return to the Tribe and Fire”” in the 2020 International 3-Day Novella Contest*, but also to participate in structured writing sprints during Imaginarium 2021. Get your creative juices flowing with this informative and interactive workshop designed to offer insight into the before, during, and euphoric after of a writing marathon. Sandy will have resources and tips for making the most of 24-hour, 72-hour, and month-long writing marathons for your creative and marketing goals, but she’s also interested in setting your creativity on fire with this program. Show up with your favorite writing instruments, blank paper, a full charge on your tablet’s battery, and whatever source of caffeine you prefer.

Sandy Lender’s “Problems on Eldora Prime,” published through Night Wolf Publishing, and “Problems Above Pangaea Moon,” published through ArcheBooks Publishing, were completed during two 3-Day Novel contest weekends and edited afterward to prepare them for the world. Several other titles were completed during various NaNoWriMos. One of her more recent poems was published in “The 2020 Poetry Marathon Anthology.” She has a four-year degree in English from Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri, to assist with the language and writing, and a three-decade career in editing.

Her hope is this workshop will encourage others to jumpstart new projects and experience the endorphin rush that a writing marathon brings.

“Return to the Tribe and Fire” tied for second place in the 2020 International 3-Day Novella Contest, hosted by Feybreak Books over the 2020 Labor Day Weekend, and will be available for purchase at Sandy’s booth in the vendor hall.

Key Takeaways:

How to prepare for a short writing marathon.

How to prepare for a long writing marathon.

How to sprint (on your own/in a group).

How to get more words onto the page.

Actual words on the page via sprints in the workshop.

Suggested marathons to participate in. (60 min / Sat 12:30 pm / Ashland)

Crafting Cross-Genre Fiction – Presented by Sara Marian (60 min / Saturday 10 am / Ashland): 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!

Interior Payout For Print (& ebook) – Presented by Ian Kirkpatrick (60 min / Friday 2:30pm / Triple Crown): You don’t need an expensive programmer to create a beautiful and professional layout for your novel. Microsoft Word or FreeOffice are perfect tools for formatting. Learn how to utilize these easily available options to layout your novel like a pro without breaking the bank!

Meisner for Writing – Presented by Ian Kirkpatrick (60 min / Saturday 1:45pm / Triple Crown): Meisner is an acting method with the focus of staying in the moment and responding to present circumstances. By applying the basics of Meisner, authors can resolve or worsen the conflict, build deep characters, and avoid plot holes while staying dynamic, present, and responsive in their manuscript.

Casting, Production, and Distribution Options for Audiobooks – Presented by Ian Kirkpatrick (60 min / Sunday 11:15 am / Triple Crown): Between travel, work, and easy, audiobooks are growing in popularity. In this workshop, learn about the three biggest audiobook distributors, the contract fine print, royalties, store reach, and typical etiquette to get the best experience while casting and bringing your book to life with an audiobook.

“Neuro-Diverse Characters in Writing: Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder and Tips to Manage It” – Rebecca Duvall Scott (90 min / Saturday 4:15 pm / Triple Crown): Sensory processing disorder coexists with many other diagnoses your neuro-diverse literary character may have. Rebecca Duvall Scott, author of best-selling and Imadjinn nonfiction award finalist memoir, “Sensational Kids, Sensational Families: Hope for Sensory Processing Differences,” and contributing author and occupational therapist, Hannah Ragan, will explain what it is, how it contributes to neurodiversity, and offer tips to manage it. The workshop will also offer hands-on experiences to help you “get into character” and time to answer your specific questions. Whether you join in the conversation for personal or literary reasons, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of self and those around you. Includes lecture following with a Q & A.

There’s No crying In Self-publishing – Presented by S. Cinders (60 min / Sunday 10 am / Triple Crown): Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a self-published author? Or are you wanting to level up your author business so that your self-publishing career pays the bills? Come spend an hour with full time, USA Today Bestselling Author, S. Cinders as she helps other writers navigate the waters of being your own publisher. Subjects to be discussed: editing, graphic design, formatting, marketing, vanity publishing, newsletter building, and author platform.

The Secret Sauce to Serial Writing – Presented by S. Cinders (60 min / Sun 3:45 pm / Triple Crown): Have you wondered what is serial writing and if you can make a living writing it? Are you interested in the new Kindle Vella program only you don’t know what serial writing entails? Come spend an hour with full time, USA Today Bestselling Author S. Cinders as she teaches the tips and tricks that caused seven of her serial novels to hit #1 on the Radish app and reach over 5 million viewers on one book alone. Fasten your seat belts, we are about to embark on a journey into serial writing. Subjects to be discussed: chapters vs episodes, gearing toward a serial audience, how to make your story visible, creating an author tribe.

Character Development: Using the MBTI to Create Believable, Multi-layered Characters – Presented by Barbara Evers (60 min / Saturday 1:45 pm / Ashland): Don’t make your readers toss the book across the room in disgust.

What makes your characters tick? How do they recharge? What kinds of information do they trust and how do they gather it? What goes into their decision making process? What’s their approach to organization, structure, and planning?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) will help you answer these questions and more. Mix up the traits in the wrong way, and you will send a frustrating message to your reader—you don’t know your character. By understanding the concepts behind the MBTI, you can create believable personalities for your characters…and you might learn something about yourself in the process!

This workshop will discuss the four areas that make up the sixteen MBTI types and provide examples and resources to help your characters leap off the page. Not only will you learn how your characters behave under normal circumstances, but you will discover how their environment might change their behaviors, and, of utmost importance, what happens to a normal person under stress and conflict.

Whose Head is This? Getting Your Point of View Right – Presented by Barbara Evers (60 min / Friday 5 pm / Ashland): You’re head-hopping. Has anyone said that about your writing? A point of view character must tell your story. If your story switches to the thoughts of more than one character than you might be guilty of head-hopping. This workshop will help you identify the point of view character and what you can and cannot write in that person’s point of view. In addition, participants will explore the relationship between point of view and first or third person as well as how to write stories with multiple points of view.

“Voice” Writing Workshop – Writing with Voice – Presented by Lynn Hightower (60 min / Saturday 12:30pm / Triple Crown):

Everyone is looking for it…agents, editors, readers. You too.

And everyone says they know it when they see it. But they can’t quite tell you what it is.

This is the workshop where you’ll learn what Voice actually is and how to define it. Where you will get a feel for recognizing it when you read it. And where you can do a quick writing exercise to work on your ‘voice craft.’

You’ll get direct feedback from me on what you are doing right, and how to enhance your voice skill set.

Y’all come!

“Defaults – Presented by Michelle Gussow (60 min / Saturday 3pm / Triple Crown): 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.

Create Your Own Fantasy Novel – Presented by Simon André Kledtke (90 min / Saturday 4:15 pm / Ashland): How do I create my own worlds, languages, and creatures? How do I get people to like my main character? And why is a story exciting in the first place? In this writing workshop, participants will learn the basics of writing and develop their own concept for a novel or a fantastic short story.

In the process, I impart the knowledge I have acquired myself over the past 10 years.

A healthy mix of theory and practice – that’s the key to success for me.

It is especially important to me that the participants write a lot and develop their stories and characters together with me.

We discuss each step and progress where each participant’s strengths and weaknesses lie and how we can get the most out of their stories.

Alternative Revenue Streams – Presented by Chasity Bowlin (60 min / Saturday 11:15 am / Ashland): This workshop is an in-depth look at how to maximize book related income via alternate revenue streams.

Selling Your Books at Conventions – Presented by John Pyka (60 min / Friday 12 pm / Ashland & Streaming live to Accelevents): John Pyka spent over 20 years as a sales and marketing trainer in the corporate market, and was the Trade Show sales director for one of the largest record labels in the world for 7 years! In this workshop, John will teach you easy-to-implement techniques that will immediately increase your sales by at LEAST 20% immediately!

Turning Your Geek Hobby Into a Career! – Presented by John Pyka (60 min / Sunday 12:30 pm / Triple Crown & Streaming live to Accelevents): John Pyka is the most successful entertainer you’ve never heard of. He isn’t famous, but he has made a steady living doing what he loves – telling stories and entertaining people! John will share ideas to get you thinking about ways to create income doing what you love!

Nuance – Presented by Robert Krog (60 min / Friday 3:45 / Ashland): A workshop aimed at helping you to better employ the vast variety of meanings available in the English Language.

Like words? Like writing stories? Come practice being more precise and accurate in your description at this workshop focusing on nuance and variety in writing fiction.

We’ll go over a few choice words exploring their origin, current meaning, synonyms, and antonyms followed by a writing exercise designed to make you think about what you really mean to say and how to say it with greater precision and accuracy. Add color, depth, and subtle shades of meaning to your stories.

The Author Marketing Journey – Presented by Jeanette Strode (90+ min / Sunday 3 pm / Ashland): Come join Jeanette Strode, an Indie Marketing and Business Specialist, as she walks each author through what their next steps should be on their author marketing journey. The focus will be on each individual authors’ challenges, as time allows.

First Impressions – Presented by Debra Dixon (60 min / Saturday 3 pm /Ashland): Attendees submit the 1st 3 pages of their work to receive first impressions and constructive criticism by author/editor Debra Dixon. The number of works is limited by time and participation.

Using Music Rhythm in Speculative Fiction – Presented by David Simms (2 hrs / Friday 1:15 pm / Ashland): This interactice workshop is designed to describe the psychology behind how music (both listening to and playing it) can imbue a certain flow, rhythm, style – whatever one might call it – into the storytelling process that eliminate clunky writing and adds almost a lyrical element. Writers will interact with each other both in a musical and lyrical manner that is intended to create sentences, pages, and stories into rhythmic scenes that entrance the readers. Participants will also leave with a customized playlist for their own tastes and preferences along with continued online guidance.

Writing Romantic Scenes in an Action/Thriller – Presented by Rip Rawlings (60 min / Friday 5 pm / Triple Crown): So you planned the gunz, you printed the gutz and you penned the glory, but now your characters must lay down their arms to lay down in arms. Problem is, that’s much easier said than done. Join us for a discussion on how to toss a little bit of romance into your already awesome action.

Your First Ten Pages – Presented by Rip Rawlings (60 min / Sunday 1:45 pm / Calumet): Getting started got you down? Or maybe, you have spent so much time on your first ten pages that the rest of your novel is suffering from dreaded “time starvation.” Fight the urge to spend another ten days on your first ten pages and join us to talk about how to make the opener to your concert cantillate like a concerto!

Let’s Get Down to Business – What happens after “the end”? Presented to you by Elizabeth Donald (2 hrs / Sun 1:45 pm / Triple Crown): A two-hour workshop on what you do once you’ve finished your book. We will cover traditional publishing, self-publishing, agents, contracts, the production process, marketing, money matters, and many other topics to help you launch your book – and yourself – into the publishing world.

“Taxes! Taxes! Money Matters for Freelance Writers.” – Presented by Elizabeth Donald (60 min / Fri 1:15 pm / Triple Crown): Elizabeth Donald shares best practices for managing money as a freelance writer, compiled from interviews with real live accountants and experts as well as her own experience. Includes tax law updates for 2021 and the pandemic, bookkeeping for the math-impaired, using Square, etc.

“Sartre and Imagination” – Presented by Sangi David (60 min/Sunday 3pm/Triple Crown): A discussion of Jean Paul Sartre’s philosophy of the imagination applied to fantasy.

Virtual Event Panels

Writing Panels (Virtual Event)

A Creative’s Mind – Panelists include: (Moderator – Ann Marie Bryan) D.L. Gardner, Brian Rodman, Kimberly B. Richardson, Kim Smith, Howard Scott Warshaw – There are proven links between the creative mind and mental illness. Discuss ways to cope and make the most of your creativity while maintaining good mental health. ( 60 min Sat 3 pm)

A Love Story – Panelists include: (Moderator – ) Kim Smith – Join in on a discussion with several Romance writers and discuss how to write an enchanting love story, that is fresh and will leave your readers wanting more. (60 min Fri 1:15 pm)

A Writer’s Two Worlds – Panelists include: (Moderator – Lee Martindale) D.L. Gardner, Kimberly B. Richardson, Dan R. Arman – Tips from seasoned authors, on how to balance your personal life with a writing career. (60 min Fri 2:30 pm)

Activism in Writing – Panelists include: (Moderator – Lee Martindale) Bobby Nash – What kind of power do words have? What is a writer-activist? How can you use your writing to push for social change? (60 min Fri 1:15 pm)

Audiobooks – Panelists include: (Moderator – Patrick Dugan) Bobby Nash –What makes a good audiobook? How to create your own audiobook. (60 min Sun 10 am )

Being Your Brand – Panelists include: (Moderator – Sallyanne Monti) Aaron Drown, Kimberly B. Richardson, Mark Schuenemann – Discuss how you are your own brand no matter what you are selling and tips to improve your sales. (60 min Sat 12:30 pm)

Books & Bourbon IV (Streaming from LIVE event) – Panelists include: (Moderator – Michael Knost) F. Paul Wilson, Stephen Zimmer, Carma Shoemaker, James Fox, Barbera Evers, Steven Shrewsbury, Carl R. Moore – A group of authors having a drink and talking shop. Join in for this entertaining panel and maybe even learn a thing or two. (60 min (Stream) Fri 8 pm)

Character Creation – Panelists include: (Moderator – Kathryn Sullivan) C.L. Polk, Kellie Doherty, L.R. Braden, Dan R. Arman, Morgan Hazelwood, Jonathan Zarantonello – Learn how to create compelling characters for your story. (60 min Sat 11:15 am)

Cliches in Horror – Panelists include: (Moderator – Matt Leyshon) Kristy Strouse, Jonathan Zarantonello – Learn how to avoid the cliche trap when writing your next horror story. Learn tips on putting a new spin on some old favorites within the horror genre. (60 min Sat 10 am)

Cross-Genre Narrative – Panelists include: (Moderator – Mary Ann Poll) C.L. Polk, L.R. Braden, Michael Williams, Sara Marian, Willa Reece – Discussing the blending of genres to add a twist to your narrative. (60 min Sat 4:15 pm )

Do you Nano? – Panelists include: (Moderator – Brian K. Morris) Alison Kimble, D.L. Gardner, Kim Smith, Jeffery James Higgins – Learn what is NaNoWriMo and how to win. Does it help or hurt your writing process? (60 min Sat 1:30 pm)

GATEWAYS TO HORROR (Streaming from LIVE event) – Panelists include: (Moderator – James Sabata) Robb Hoff, Donald R. Guillory, Tommy B. Smith, Lee E. E. Stone, Brick Marlin – When people say, “I don’t like horror,” they usually mean they don’t like blood, gore, and nonstop screams. This panel explores some Horror-Lite films and television shows to use to work your way into enjoying the horror genre more. including Gremlins, Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters, Dr. Who, Buffy, and Scooby-Doo. Come take a nostalgic look at some of the horror that opened the gateways for our panelists and finds a new appreciation for a genre you might think you’re scared of but find you’ve enjoyed for years. (60 min / Fri 5 pm)

Guide to YA Fiction – Panelists include: (Moderator –Kathryn Sullivan) Alison Kimble, Patrick Dugan, Valerie Estelle Frankel – How to decide if your work should be considered and follows the guidelines to fit into the growing young adult market. Writing for the young adult. (60 min Fri 5 pm)

Importance of Cover Art – Panelists include: (Moderator – Drew Graber) Aaron Drown, Ana Maria Selvaggio – A discussion on the importance of great cover art, the different types of art that you can utilize, and where to seek out the right artist for your project. (60 min Sat 4:15 pm)

Let the Truth Be Told – Panelists include: (Moderator – Drew Graber)Discuss writing the prose regarding real people, places, and events. Learn tips on where to research and the legalities that come with writing in this genre. (60 min Fri 3:45 pm)

Marketing through Covid – Panelists include: (Moderator – Deaton Gabbard) Matt Leyshon, Roxy Eloise – Learn from the industry pros regarding how Covid changed sales, different ways to approach your customers, and what no longer seems to work. (60 min Sat 1:30 pm)

MENTAL ILLNESS – HOW WE WRITE IT, HOW WE LIVE IT (LIVE)– Panelists include: (Moderator – James Sabata) Amy McCorkle, Carma Haley Shoemaker, R.G. Westerman, Donald R. Guillory, Jayson William Allen – Horror has long gone hand in hand with mental illness. Many great works of art have been the direct result of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In this panel, we will openly discuss our own private battles with mental illness and how we use them or work around them to stay working. This panel will also explore the role books and other media plays in helping people find information about mental illness and gives them proof that they are not alone. (60 min (Streaming) Sat 11:15 am)

Point of View – Panelists include: (Moderator – Kathryn Sullivan) Dan R. Arman – Explaining first, second, and third person. The importance of using and maintaining tense within your narrative. (60 min Sat 3 pm)

Quick Read – Panelists include: (Moderator – Lee Martindale) Kellie Doherty- Tips on how to write a short story and options on what to do with your finished work. (60 min Sat 12:30 pm)

“Sir May I Have Another?”– Panelists include: (Moderator – Jonathan Kruk) Matt Leyshon – Discussing the proper techniques and research to use when writing historical fiction. (60 min Fri 12 pm)

Taming the Squirrel – Panelists include: (Moderator – Dirk Griffin) C.L. Polk, Kellie Doherty, Valerie Estelle Frankel – Tips to rid of distractions and increase your writing potential. (60min Fri 12 pm)

The Search for Editors – Panelists include: (Moderator – Peter Welmerink) Lanny J. Larcinese – Learn why you should not self-edit from skilled editors, what to look for when searching for the right editor for your book, and where to find great editors for hire (60 min Sat 10 am)

To the Moon! – Panelists include: (Moderator – Matt Leyshon) Peter Welmerink – Learn the past, present, and future of science fiction writing. Where do we go from here? (60 min Fri 5 pm)

Urban Fiction – Panelists include: (Moderator – John F. Allen) Lanny J. Larcinese – Tips and rules to follow when writing in the subgenre of Urban Fiction. (60 min Sat 1:30 pm)

Virtual vs Physical – Panelists include: (Moderator – Kathryn Sullivan) Aaron Drown, Kim Smith, John Pyka – A discussion on the pros and cons of virtual vs physical events. (60 min Fri 12 pm)

What a Mystery! – Panelists include: (Moderator – Jeffery James Higgins) Kimberly B. Richardson – A discussion on writing exciting mystery/thrillers for today’s audience. (60 min Fri 3:45 pm)

Where the Wild Things Are – Panelists include: (Moderator – Becky Muth) Join in on a discussion regarding writing for children. Learn ways to grab and keep the young reader’s attention. (60 min Fri 1:15 pm)

Writing / Illustrating Comics – Panelists include: (Moderator – Peter Welmerink) Brian Rodman – Learn the ins and outs of what goes into creating a great comic book! (60 min Sat 1:45 pm)

Writing Anthology – Panelists include: (Moderator – Lee Martindale) A discussion on tips, steps, and guidelines to follow when writing an anthology. (60 min Sat 4:30 pm)

Writing Forums – Panelists include: (Moderator – Elizabeth Donald) Cathy Jackson – Published authors will share their insights on their favorite writing forums, groups, and websites. (60 min Sat 1:45 pm)

Writing Religion – Panelists include: (Moderator – Ann Marie Bryan) Mary Ann Poll – Whether it is a religion of your own creation or a real one, learn the guidelines and tips to integrate religion into your story. (60 min Sat 12:30 pm)

Writing Steampunk – Panelists include: (Moderator – ) Patrick Dugan – Join in this fun discussion regarding everything steam, from gadgets & gizmos to alternate universes, and how to include the proper terminology in your writing. (60 min Sat 11:15 am)

Writing / Filmmaking Panels (Virtual Event)

Cryptocurrency Payment – Panelists include: (Moderator – ) Mark Schuenemann – A discussion regarding cryptocurrency and using it as a payment option to buy your goods. (60 min Sun 1:45 pm)

The Pitch – Panelists include: (Moderator – Sallyanne Monti) Willa Reece, Daniel Dark – Learn ways to deliver the pitch of your film or books fast and effectively. (60 min Sun 10 am)

Timelines – Panelists include: (Moderator – Jeffery James Higgins) Tony Acree, John F. Allen, ML McIntosh – Discussing the importance of maintaining timelines throughout your character development in both film and books. (60 min Sun 10 am)

Social-Media Platforms – Panelists include: (Moderator – Jessica Cardwell) Alison Kimble, Mark Schuenemann, Brian K. Morris, Daniel Dark – Talk with industry professionals who use multi-media platforms, such as YouTube, Instagram, Snap Chat, e.t.c. to promote their work. (60 min Sun 3 pm)

Worldbuilding – Panelists include: (Moderator – Ana Maria Selvaggio) Alison Kimble, Kellie Doherty, Kathryn Sullivan, Valerie Estelle Frankel, Sara Marian – Tips on building the maps and worlds for your narratives. (60 min Sun 12:30 pm)

Zoom Etiquette – Panelists include: (Moderator – Sallyanne Monti) Kathryn Sullivan, Morgan Hazelwood – A discussion on proper virtual meeting etiquette across many of the available platforms offered today. (60 min Sun 11:15 am)

Filmmaking Panels (Virtual Event)

Acting / Modeling (Streaming LIVE from the event) – Panelists include: (Moderator – Silvio Wolf Busch) Rose Marie Machario, Les Murphy, Deaton Gabbard, Jayson William Allen, Rocco Pepe, Erik Kyr –A discussion on the precautions you must take when getting into acting and modeling. Tips on where to start. (60 min Stream Sat 3 pm)

Book to Screenplay – Panelists include: (Moderator – Michael Knost) Tony Acree, Jonathan Kruk – This panel will help teach you how to turn your book into a screenplay. Learn from screenwriting professionals on how they elevated their craft and where to turn to for help. (60 min Sun 4:15 pm)

Pre-Production in Film (Streaming from LIVE event)– Panelists include: (Moderator – Silvio Wolf Busch) Lee Pennington, Deaton Gabbard, Matthew Smith, Herschel H. Zahnd, Rocco Pepe – Learn all the details that go into making a film from the beginning. (60 min Stream Fri 2:30 pm)

The Filmmaker’s Budget – Panelists include: (Moderator – Tony Acree) Stephen Lackey – A discussion regarding budgeting techniques for the indie filmmaker. The importance of sticking to a budget and crowdfunding ideas. (60 min Sun 1:45 pm)

Game / Fandom Panels (Virtual Event)

Music Theory (Streaming from LIVE event) – Panelists include: (Moderator – Carl Moore) David Simms, Jayson William Allen, Erik Kyr, Hippyhead – The basics you need before you start making music. The effects music has on us. (60 min Stream Sun 12:30 pm)

My Hero Academia (Streaming from LIVE event) – Panelists include: (Moderator Jesse Coffey) Drew Graber, Martin Roberts – Eighty percent of the world’s population has developed a special power, called a quirk. While a large number have turned to crime to use those quirks, many more have turned to use their quirks to keep order, and they’re known as professional heroes. And thus begins the story of Izuku Midoriya and “My Hero Academia”. A manga series that’s been turned into an extremely popular anime series, My Hero Academia tells the story of Midoriya and Class 1A of UA High School as they train to become heroes. Join us as we discuss the manga and the anime, the characters, and the surprises that have been cropping up along the way. Come join us and go Plus Ultra!! (60 min Stream Sat 1:45 pm)

Podcasting 101 – Panelists include: (Moderator John Pyka) Stephen Lackey, Kristy Strouse, Bobby Nash, Daniel Dark – Learn how to become a podcaster from experienced podcasters. Discuss tips and tricks to keep your audience engaged. (60 min Sun 11:15 am)

RPG Design – Panelists include: (Moderator Ana Maria Selvaggio) Mark Schuenemann, Howard Scott Warshaw – What you need to know to start creating your own game. (60 min Sun 4:15 pm)

Trekker or Trooper – Panelists include: (Moderator Deaton Gabbard) Kristy Strouse – The great debate. Are you a Star Wars or Star Trek fan? Are you a fan of both? Come join in this fun discussion written in the stars. (60 min Sat 6 pm)

Streaming Platforms (Streaming from LIVE event) – Panelists include: (Moderator David Sheridan) Lorne Dixon, David Wate – Fun panel discussing how to stream your gaming to twitch, sharing your creations on YouTube, Tik Tock, and more. (60 min Stream Sun 3:00 pm)

Workshops (Virtual Event)

How to Marathon-Write Like a Creative Boss – Presented by Sandy Lender (Sat 2:45 pm 60 min): Join a multi-titled, hybrid author to learn not just how she prepped for and garnered a second-place win with “Return to the Tribe and Fire” in the 2020 International 3-Day Novella Contest*, but also to participate in structured writing sprints during Imaginarium 2021. Get your creative juices flowing with this informative and interactive workshop designed to offer insight into the before, during, and euphoric after of a writing marathon. Sandy will have resources and tips for making the most of 24-hour, 72-hour, and month-long writing marathons for your creative and marketing goals, but she’s also interested in setting your creativity on fire with this program. Show up with your favorite writing instruments, blank paper, a full charge on your tablet’s battery, and whatever source of caffeine you prefer.

Her hope is this workshop will encourage others to jumpstart new projects and experience the endorphin rush that a writing marathon brings.

Key Takeaways:

how to prepare for a short writing marathon

how to prepare for a long writing marathon

how to sprint (on your own/in a group)

how to get more words onto the page

actual words on the page via sprints in the workshop

suggested marathons to participate in”

Scrivener Workshop – Presented by Michael La Ronn (Sat 1:30 pm 50+ min): Join YouTube personality/ Author/Professional Speaker, Michael La Ronn, as he guides you through getting started with Scrivener.

4th Wave Feminism in Scifi Fantasy – Presented by Valerie Estelle Frankel (Sat 6 pm 50+ min): The fourth wave has decidedly arrived, celebrating women and minorities in central roles. Utopias like Black Panther celebrate non-European alternate paths. Disney princesses reject the old patterns. Now women can be Ghostbusters or Jedi, captain Stormtroopers, fly the TARDIS. Superheroines have found a sense of humor. Meanwhile, self-publishing and internet platforms have dispersed with many gatekeepers and established new levels of diversity. Thanks to the speed of the internet, the backlash for this new wave appears simultaneous. However, progress keeps coming. Fans are finding alternatives to the Bechdel Test and clamoring for diverse creators, even as they replace bland strong female characters and gratuitous sexualization with amazing alternatives.”

Promote Your Work! – Presented by Valerie Estelle Frankel (Fri 12 pm 50 + min): What are the wackiest ways people promote their books? Or comics? Or art? Which methods really draw fans to the table? Posters? Silly hats? Contests? Parties? Do book trailers, Facebook advertising, eBay, really work? Where do you get reviews? Valerie Estelle Frankel, editor of Self Promo Stories: Authors’ Boldest, Cleverest & Wackiest Strategies to Sell their Books will share her favorites and send you off with all kinds of unconventional ideas.

Speed Authoring – Presented by Valerie Estelle Frankel (Sun 1:45 pm 50+ min): Valerie Estelle Frankel has written and published over 80 books, at one point fifteen in a year. But how? She’ll take you through shortcuts to go from concept to product in a week or two. After this come clipart cover, formatting, and self-publishing on Amazon’s KDP, with a process, she’s gotten down to a quick checklist and template. Next, ebooks on KDP and Smashwords for good measure. Then she tops it all off with free marketing on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, WordPress, and everywhere else. There’s something for everyone in this energetic, caffeine-driven snapshot of an author’s life.

The Century Cycles Around – Presented by Valerie Estelle Frankel (Sat 12:30 pm 50+min): Harry Potter Hits 1920s America By creating Fantastic Beasts, a new series in the Roaring Twenties, JK Rowling has moved her beloved franchise closer to Retrofuturism. Of course, her world suggests that in the enlightened hidden world, gender and race reflect current values. Even on its surface, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is rife with prejudice. Fantastic Beasts and the films that will follow reveal how the wizards have built up intolerance in a world of fundamentalism, culminating in the Second World War. In fact, the New Salemers’ chilling cruelty fits well into the 1920s – corruption and smuggling were balanced by a campaign of family values and religious doctrine. Thus, like the American goblins and house-elves, those who seek alternative ways of life are stigmatized. This represents a closeting of magical people, marginalized with all those who are different. Lately, America is following a similar path – is there a way out? Or must we let the dark times run their course?”

Brand YOU – Building Your Brand For Bigger Bucks – Presented by Sallyanne Monti (Sat 10 am 90 min): 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 an experienced author, this class is for you.

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)

Starting Your Author Instagram – Presented by Alison Kimble (Sun 3 pm 60 min): This session isn’t just for “authors”–it’s for all writers who want to publish one day because the best time to start building your social media platform is now. Marketing in general and social media, in particular, are very intimidating prospects for many authors and writers because we don’t write books to put ourselves on display. But if you know how to spend your time wisely, you can build a platform gradually over time, and uncover tremendous opportunities connecting with writers and readers. Leaving this presentation, attendees will understand:

The unexpected value Instagram and other social channels can offer authors and writers.
Effective best practices to grow engagement and followers, to look like you know what you’re doing fast.
Common misconceptions or “”traps”” people can fall into getting started.

Writing Killer Openings – Presented by Lee Martindale (Sun 12:30 pm 60 min): No matter the genre, medium, or whether you’re writing short form or long, a killer opening line and a solid hook can grab the attention and increase the odds of making a sale. Writer, editor and publisher Lee Martindale will help you develop that ‘killer opening’ with live exercise & professional critique. Participants should bring means with which to write and from which they can read aloud to an instructor and other participants. No non-participating audience is permitted.

He Said, She Said, Who Said? Dialogue Punctuation & Other Problems – Presented by Barbara Evers (Sat 11:15 am 60 min): What makes your dialogue work? Often, it’s the simple things, such as punctuation, that prevent your reader from enjoying your work. Once you have the punctuation down, what else must you consider when writing dialogue? This workshop will start with punctuation—which many people do incorrectly—and advance into using your dialogue to move the story along. Participants will learn the difference between a beat and a tag and when to use them as well as how to create realistic dialogue without boring your reader

I Will Totally Judge Your Book By Its Cover ( And So Will Everyone Else) – Presented by Aaron Drown (Sat 3 pm 60 min): A workshop on cover art and design presented by award-winning cover designer and graphic artist Aaron Drown!

Selling Your Books at Conventions – Presented by John Pyka (Fri 12 pm 60 min): John Pyka spent over 20 years as a sales and marketing trainer in the corporate market, and was the Trade Show sales director for one of the largest record labels in the world for 7 years! In this workshop John will teach you easy-to-implement techniques that will immediately increase your sales by at LEAST 20% immediately!

Turning Your Geek Hobby into a Career – Presented by John Pyka (Sun 12:30 pm 60 min): is the most successful entertainer you’ve never heard of. He isn’t famous, but he has made a steady living doing what he loves – telling stories and entertaining people! John will share ideas to get you thinking about ways to create income doing what you love!

Polytheist Religions for Authors – Presented by Paul Kemner (Sun 10 am 60 min): Many fantasy and science fiction worlds include invented or historical religions. However, we often assume that religions with more than one deity work the same as familiar monotheist ones. In reality, they’re quite different. In a wide-ranging conversation, modern-day polytheists discuss the historical and contemporary role of polytheism in society; the place of polytheism in current literature, including (but not limited to) fantasy, horror, romance, mystery, and science fiction; and offer examples to writers of successful world-building that includes polytheist characters and societies. Featuring Rebecca Buchanan: author and Editor-In-Chief of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Kaye Boesme: author, poet, and blogger on Hellenistic Syncretic Polytheism, and Paul Kemner: author and researcher into ancient Egyptian magical and domestic religious practice.

Anime for Cat Lovers – Presented by Cassandra Morgan (Fri 2:30 pm 60 min): Anime featuring pet cats and their owners! Cassandra Morgan author and cat nutritionist, haven’t watched anime before. Paul Kemner, author, and trainer of feral cats has watched anime for decades. Join them as they review some great cat-oriented series, talk about cat behavior, and the storytelling in the shows.

Building Out Your Book: Make Your Promotion Uniquely Yours by Utilizing Alternative Materials – Presented by Ana Maria Selvaggio/Renmeleon (Sat 12pm 2 hours): 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

Marketing With Minds – Presented by Mark Schuenemann ( Starting Sun 1:45 pm): Learn how to and strategies to advertise on the fast-growing, blockchain-based social media platform Minds.

Creating Compelling Characters – Presented by Cassandra Morgan (Fri 3:45 pm) Cassandra Morgan takes you step-by-step through creating compelling characters for your story. Wants vs Needs, Archetype, Character Arcs, and Stakes. Explore the 6 elements of character creation, and take your good characters to great.