Speakers: Craig Russell & Van Kunder

Join our panelists in a discussion about how writers can use basic theatre principals to make their writing stronger and more believable.

Speakers: Melinda Friesen, Ronald Hore, & Den Valdron

Are there any new sub-genres to watch out for? What is selling and what is declining?  How are real books doing compared to the electronic market? How has small press and self-publishing developed? Does small press or self-publishing also mean a small market?

Speaker: Prof. Adriane Porcin

A panel comparing and contrasting copyrights, contracts, work-for-hire and other concepts related to art and art law, which make for different interpretations of what can and cannot be done with one’s art once it crosses the border.

Speakers: Lindsay Kitson & Daria Patrie

So you’re ready to share what you’ve written with others and get feedback on it. How do you find a critique group? How do you know if you’ve got a good one? How do critiquing meetings go, and how do you contribute effectively? And when is it time to move on to a different group? Bonus content: How to start your own critique group.

Speakers: Timothy Gywn, Sherry Peters, & Melinda Friesen

Timothy Gwyn reads from Avians, Sherry Peters reads from Mabel the Mafioso Dwarf, and Melinda Friesen reads from Subversion. A question and answer session follows the readings. Stay until the end to receive a free ticket for a chance to win $40.00 in Dealers Room Dollars. One ticket, per person, per Reading Session. Draw to be held Sunday at noon.

Speaker: Melinda Friesen

Join Melinda Friesen as she discusses with our convention members what publishers are looking for in contemporary Young Adult Science Fiction. Melinda Friesen is an author and the Acquisitions Editor with Rebelight Publishing Inc., a Winnipeg based publisher of young adult and middle grade novels.

Speakers: Gerald Brandt & M.C. Joudrey

What matters most in written storytelling?  Style? Pacing? Does it need to be character driven or full of action and adventure? Just what goes into making a really good story?

Speakers: Gerald Brandt, Melinda Friesen, Lindsay Kitson, & Daria Patrie

What writing point of view is most often found in SF&F literature and why? How does point of view change the narrative or style of the story? Is it more difficult to write a certain point of view?

Speakers: Sherry Peters, Den Valdron, & LeAmber Kensley

SF&F has been around since the 1800’s, and western society has changed over that time.  When discussing literature, should we separate the writer and their beliefs from their works? Does it matter if it’s a contemporary writer or a writer from the golden age (or earlier) of SF?

Speakers: Van Kunder & Daria Patrie

Myths, legends and folktales are the ancestral of fantasy literature, and have even been adapted into science fiction stories. Come gather while our panelists discuss their favorite myths and tales and why they matter, and perhaps even share your own.  What favorite myth or legend would you like to see adapted into a full novel?