Writer Katherine Monasterio teaches how to create more effective, interesting, and pleasing prose.
Description:
In this fun and engaging workshop, writer Katherine Monasterio will show you how to excise fluff and power up word choices to create more effective, interesting, and pleasing prose. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Writers discuss language choices in queernormative writing.
Description:
Beyond building worlds where queer people exist and thrive, how can our writing and word choices make our stories more queernormative? Join our panel of writing experts as they discuss. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Brandon O'Brien, Cat Rambo, Dedren Snead, K.B. Wagers. Track: GCWS Writing.
Quiet fiction writers discuss perceptions of the genre.
Description:
Quiet fiction is often confused with level of content, mood, gentleness, or even avoiding tough topics. Discuss quiet fiction with award-winning quiet fiction writers. Are you writing quiet fiction? Would you like to? Not sure? Join our panel of quiet fiction writers as they discuss how to talk about, embrace, and explore quiet fiction. Panelists: LaShawn M. Wanak (moderator), E.D.E. Bell, Carlos Hernandez, Cat Rambo, Erin Roberts. Track: GCWS Genre.
Read from your work in progress and receive safe, supportive feedback.
Description:
Got some writing you'd like feedback on? Join fellow writers and a panel of professional authors, editors, and reviewers for one of our longest-running features, the Read and Critique, where you'll read from your work-in-progress for a few minutes and get some initial impressions and advice from the panel. Some of our Read and Critique alumni have gone on to be members of the Symposium themselves in future years, so, if this interests you, we hope you'll take this opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment! Panelists: Karen Menzel, LaShawn M. Wanak, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Critique.
Read from your work in progress and receive safe, supportive feedback.
Description:
Got some writing you'd like feedback on? Join fellow writers and a panel of professional authors, editors, and reviewers for one of our longest-running features, the Read and Critique, where you'll read from your work-in-progress for a few minutes and get some initial impressions and advice from the panel. Some of our Read and Critique alumni have gone on to be members of the Symposium themselves in future years, so, if this interests you, we hope you'll take this opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment! Panelists: E.D.E. Bell, James Farner, Erin Roberts. Track: GCWS Critique.
Read from your work in progress and receive safe, supportive feedback.
Description:
Got some writing you'd like feedback on? Join fellow writers and a panel of professional authors, editors, and reviewers for one of our longest-running features, the Read and Critique, where you'll read from your work-in-progress for a few minutes and get some initial impressions and advice from the panel. Some of our Read and Critique alumni have gone on to be members of the Symposium themselves in future years, so, if this interests you, we hope you'll take this opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment! Panelists: Erik Scott de Bie, Kelli Fitzpatrick, Sarah Hans. Track: GCWS Critique.
Professional editors discuss avoiding ableism in writing and word choice.
Description:
Join our experienced panel of editors as they discuss the nuances of writing and editing to exclude ableist tropes and language, no matter how time-worn. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Diana M. Pho, Cat Rambo, Dedren Snead. Track: GCWS Editing.
Rule the Galaxy Together: Writing in a Shared Universe
Summary:
Writer John Jackson Miller teaches effective techniques for writing exciting, original fiction in a licensed universe.
Description:
In this seminar, veteran Star Wars and Star Trek writer and New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller draws upon his experience writing for media franchises to offer pointers to writers looking to write in shared story universes. Whether you’re looking to write tie-ins professionally, writing fan fiction, or collaborating with other authors on a project for prose, comics, or gaming, Miller offers some rules to write by in order to get the most out of your shared universe. Miller will discuss turning continuity problems into springboards, best practices for preserving future story opportunities for others, and the state of the market for tie-in fiction. Questions and answers will be taken in this fun and informative session. Track: GCWS Classroom.
Quiet Fantasy author E.D.E. Bell teaches techniques of organic scene setting.
Description:
Join quiet fantasy writer E.D.E. Bell for a workshop discussing ways to establish worldbuilding in a quiet fiction scene - how to set small details that feel organic to the story while deeply establishing the world and characters. Track: GCWS Classroom.