2010 Conference Schedule

Please Note: Descriptions of the Sessions follow the schedule grid.

Presentations

Title: Book Soup: Allez cuisine!

Presenter: Karin Kallmaker

Description: From mise en place to surprise ingredients, happy accidents and recipe substitutions, writing is a continual test kitchen where the final dishes go to the ultimate judges. Join Karin Kallmaker for a metaphor-infused look at balancing a writer's signature flavors to the taste buds of the readers.

Title: Engaging the Reader

Presenters: Kenna White and Tracey Richardson

Description: Discuss how to create images that engage all five of the reader's senses through  scene selection and word description.

Title: Talking 'Bout My Generation: Millennial Readers and the Future of Lesbian Fiction

Presenter: Rachel Spangler

Description: The generation currently graduating college reads more than any generation in recent history, but their views on life, family, technology, and sexuality differ vastly from that of readers only a few years older. It's essential that we as writers and publishers tap into their culture if we want lesbian literature to thrive over the next twenty years The goal of this panel is to inform writers and publishers about the generational markers that define the millennial generation (born 1982-2000), especially those characteristic likely to affect their readership habits.

Presenters: Ellen Hart and Greg Herren

Description: Crime fiction is one of the most popular forms of writing in America today.  If you love a good mystery and have begun writing one--or have an idea you’d like to pursue--this is the workshop for you.  Ellen and Greg will explore the process of creating a vivid, memorable crime novel.  They will cover such topics as plot development, dramatic structure, to outline or not to outline, scene creation, development of “the hook,” suspense, characterization, and comments on the art of research.  

Title: Crafting Your Work for Clarity, and Perhaps for Laughs!

Presenter: Fay Jacobs

Description: A workshop designed to craft your prose in the clearest, most readable way - useful for all manner of writing, with the added opportunity to learn a little about writing humor at the same time. Form novels, to essays, to short stories, how to make sure the reader has the most enjoyable experience possible.

Presenter: KG MacGregor

Description:

Which characters stay with you long after you close the book? Chances are they are richly-developed and multi-layered, qualities you may think only gifted, experienced writers can deliver. Pffft! Any writer can add depth to her characters by putting them through any or all of seven simple steps.

Presenter: Lori L. Lake

Description: How do you work best in creating your stories? Do you plan? Or plunge in? Are you an outliner? Do you fly by the seat of your pants? This session will show you how planning and spontaneity can be both useful and problematic. With an understanding of the many ways you can put together a narrative, you can pick and choose the style that works best for you.

Presenter: Lori L. Lake

Description: Most writers do not realize how many expenses they can deduct from their taxes. This session will talk about what you can keep track of to save big when tax time comes.

Presenter: Mikaya Heart

Description:  Self-publishing is stigmatized, and not without reason, yet sometimes it is the only option. As someone who has self-published four books, and had one published traditionally, Ms. Heart has the know-how you need.

She will explain how to get your manuscript ready, what to look out for, what to expect, what to demand, how much it will cost, which company to go with or whether to form your own, and how to deal with promotion and marketing.

Panels

Title: A Day in the Life of a Reviewer

Moderator: Renee Bess

Description: How does a reviewer justify her craft? How does she remain objective? How does she defend herself when others disagree with her opinions? How much influence does the reviewer believe she should exert in the commercial success of a book?

Title: Mixing it Up and Crossing Genres

Moderator:  Nat Burns

Description: A panel discussion about the popularity of mixed-genre fiction: i.e. romance with intrigue; crime with sci-fi; mystery with romance, etc.

Title: Life Under the Big Top: The Circus of Promotions

Moderator:  Mary Griggs

Description: How can authors become their own best promoters? A discussion and information from panelists who are excellent at getting the word out.

Title: At First Blush…The Naughty Bits

Moderator:  AnaIza Otis

Description: A discussion about writing erotica. Authors may choose to read selections as well as participate in the discussion.

Title: Readers In Rapture: Talking About Favorite Works

Moderator: Mary Phillips

Description: Readers sharing excerpts from their favorite authors' books and discussing why they are favorites. “I missed several important boats in my life,but the luxury liner of listening to readers tell my stories in my words is one that didn’t sail without me. Invite me, and I will come, and I will read. But, I’ll want you to read to me, too. . . Readers should read, and writers should listen.” ~Author Sheila Morris in her recently published article, Readings, Golden Crown Newsletter, January 2010

Moderator:  Jessie Chandler

Description: How do writer's deal with writers' block, retain their sanity, and keep writing? Strategies, tips, and thoughts to help you through your own midnight hour.

Title:  A Journey Into the Secret World of Editing: It’s Not Just a Job, It’s an Adventure!

Moderator: Andi Marquette

Description: This workshop/session is geared toward current and prospective writers who are interested in what editing is, how editing works in a publishing milieu, and what an author's responsibilities are with regard to editing and editors. We'll discuss the different types and levels of editing, and which type goes with which stage of the writing and the publishing process. We'll also talk about the differences between editors and beta-readers and we'll talk about whether you as a writer should hire an editor prior to submission, and we'll address bringing out your inner editor. Kelly and Andi will address types of editing, along with acquisitions, and Ellen brings her experience as a veteran writer editing her own work and working with an editor. This is an educational approach to the process of editing, from the perspective of editor, publisher, and writer. The process is different for each and it's thus important to know and understand the expectations and responsibilities of each.

Title:  Romance Writers on Romance 

Moderator:  Georgia Beers?

Description: Panel of authors talking about the structure of a romance. What is romance?

Title: Con Virgins Get-Together

Presenter: Val Brown

Description: This session will provide new attendees a forum for asking questions, meeting people, and understanding the schedule and all that's offered. EVERYONE is welcome - newcomers and those who've attended before. In fact, we'd love to see plenty of those who've been to the conference before so they can help answer questions and provide moral support.