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Thursday, May 17
 

11:00am EDT

Pittsburgh Stroll
Take a walk Into to the city, with a focus on restaurants.  We'll wind up in Market Square which has many restaurants and a farmers' market with even more dining choices every Thurdsday for lunch.  
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Mann

Laurie Mann

Nebula Weekend Local Coordinator 2018, 2017, 1999, co-runner of Program for Pittsburgh's Confluence for 2018, chair of Smofcon 2017, co-chair of Smofcon 2012

Thursday May 17, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  Social, Off-site tour

12:00pm EDT

Quiet Writing
It's a convention, but you're a writer and you have deadlines. Take advantage of the grandballroom and get some words in before programming starts. During the day, if you want more time, check out the Quiet Room in City Center B.
Thursday May 17, 2018 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Grand Ballroom - Salon 1
  Professional Development

12:00pm EDT

Registration
Thursday May 17, 2018 12:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  SFWA function

1:00pm EDT

Convention Mentor meetup
The SFWA mentor program pairs established writers with early career writers, or people attending the Nebula Award Conference for the first time. Participants will attend a brief orientation explaining the weekend, and then be paired with a peer who will help introduce the writer to people. 
Thursday May 17, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

2:00pm EDT

Prepare for the Press Like a Pro
There's an art and a craft to conducting a good media interview. Preparation is key to conveying the message you want to present and getting your points across without letting the interviewer sidetrack you. Learn the same tricks corporate executives use for dealing with the press from a former media trainer for a major public relations firm. Participants will work on developing their key messages, using bridging techniques, and keeping cool under pressure. Depending on time/interest, there may be opportunity for a demonstration with a willing participant.
Moderators
avatar for Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about. She’s written a number of fantasy novels for teens and adults and spends her spare time on knitting and music.

Thursday May 17, 2018 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Solo presentation

2:00pm EDT

Business and Pleasure: The not-so-secret handshakes of convention life
When you are an early career writer, how do you get the most out of a convention without seeming pushy? Everyone knows that you shouldn't give an editor your manuscript in the bathroom (except for the guy who did it) but you also know that business takes place at conventions. What are the tricks and secrets?
Speakers
avatar for Bill Campbell

Bill Campbell

Bill Campbell is the author of Sunshine Patriots, My Booty Novel, and Pop Culture: Politics, Puns, "Poohbutt" from a Liberal Stay-at-Home Dad and Koontown Killing Kaper. Along with Edward Austin Hall, he co-edited the groundbreaking anthology, Mothership: Tales from Afrofuturism and... Read More →
avatar for Susan Forest

Susan Forest

Laksa Media Groups
Susan Forest writes SF, fantasy and horror, and is an award-winning fiction editor for Laksa Media. Her novel, Bursts of Fire, came out in 2019, to be followed by Flights of Marigolds. She has published over 25 short stories, contributes to When Words Collide, and has appeared at... Read More →
avatar for Laura Anne Gilman

Laura Anne Gilman

d.y.m.k. productions
Relapsing Editor, Recurrent Novelist, Occasional Short Story Writer. Proud Hybrid. Never met a sub-genre she didn't flirt with.
BG

Barry Goldblatt

Literary Agent, Barry Goldblatt Literary

Thursday May 17, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Career Management, Panel

2:00pm EDT

How to fail gracefully
It's not a question of IF you will make a mistake, but one of when. More important is the question of how you will handle the mistake. Mistakes are oppotunities to learn, while failure is a refusal to learn. Learn practical techniques for defusing your own desire to become defensive and, hopefully, learn to fail gracefully enough that it becomes a simple mistake.
Moderators
avatar for Annalee Flower-Horne

Speakers
avatar for Carrie DiRisio

Carrie DiRisio

Author
Carrie Ann DiRisio runs multiple popular social media accounts including @BroodingYAHero, and has worked for Serial Box Publishing. She is the author of the upcoming YA Parody novel BROODING YA HERO'S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING MAIN CHARACTER STATUS.Her speaking engagements include talks... Read More →
avatar for Vanessa Rose Phin

Vanessa Rose Phin

Associate Editor, Strange Horizons
Ness is a developmental editor, learning designer, writer, sensitivity reader, and calligrapher--sometimes all at once. Ve is a Midwestern transplant to Baltimore, where ve somehow earned a history degree writing about crossdressing sailors and genderqueer deities.
avatar for Michael R. Underwood

Michael R. Underwood

Attendee
Michael R. Underwood is an author, podcaster, and publishing professional. Mike's books include space opera Annihilation Aria, the Ree Reyes Geekomancy books, the Stabby Award-finalist Genrenauts series, and Born to the Blade (written with Malka Older, Cassandra Khaw, and Marie Brennan... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Marquis C
  Career Management, Panel

2:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Copyright, Licensing, Open Licensing, Creative Commons
  • Writing for Kids, Historical Research, Whimsy
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Genetics
  • Partner/Spouse Roundtable
  • Supporting Your Writer
  • Trade Terms and More
  • Taking Care of (the) Business
  • Short Fiction, Novelettes, Novellas
  • Workshops, MFAs, Clarions
  • Research
  • Awards and Juries
  • Forteana and Weirdness
  • White Cane Training Exercises - we WILL be walking around
  • Disability inclusion
  • Editing non-fiction
  • Online Marketing: Websites, Blogs, and Email Lists
  • Self Publishing
  • Board Game Design
  • Book Design
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Appel

Michelle Appel

Working to connect partners and spouses of writers. I'm just here to set the table... (In my non-spouse role, I crunch data and implement software.)
avatar for Vera Brook

Vera Brook

Writer
Vera Brook is a neuroscientist turned science fiction & fantasy writer, braving the indie publishing route. Her debut novel, Sand Runner, was published in June 2017, and Cage Runner, book 2 in the series, followed in February 2018. She's also working on several short stories, but... Read More →
avatar for Ellen Klages

Ellen Klages

Writer, self
I write historical fiction for middle grade readers and SF/F for adults. I have won multiple awards in both fields. I love research. I have played poker every Tuesday night for 35 years. I collect lead civilians and other odd, old toys. I sometimes give ultraviolet tours of my dining... Read More →
avatar for Jo Miles

Jo Miles

Attendee
Jo Miles lives in Maryland and writes optimistic science fiction and fantasy. Their stories have appeared in Strange Horizons, Analog, Fireside, and more.
avatar for Todd Sanders

Todd Sanders

Director, Air and Nothingness Press
I have run my own press - Air and Nothingness Press - since 1997. I’ve published five books of the translated poetry of Robert Desnos, three of my own books of poetry and am now publishing the writing of Jamie Lackey and UK fantasy authors Steph Swainston and Jonathan L. Howard.I... Read More →
avatar for Ethan Senack

Ethan Senack

Outreach and Policy Manager, Creative Commons USA
As Outreach and Policy Manager for Creative Commons USA, Ethan's focus is on crafting a message and strategy around open licensing, educating decision-makers about its potential, and expanding use of the Creative Commons licenses in the US. Previously at U.S. PIRG, Ethan worked as... Read More →
ES

Elsa Sjunneson

Attendee
Hugo, BFA and Aurora award winning editor Elsa Sjunneson is a Deafblind hurricane in a vintage dress. Her written work has appeared in CNN Opinion, Uncanny Magazine, Women of Marvel #1, and many other projects and venues. Being Seen, her debut memoir on media and disability releases... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

2:00pm EDT

Book Sales
Buy books from your favorite authors!
Thursday May 17, 2018 2:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Salon 6 (Grand Ballroom)
  SFWA function

2:30pm EDT

Archivos
ARCHIVOS - a new online story development app - introduces a new dimension to the organization and documentation of stories and narratives. By linking people to places and events - and "tagging" those connections according to the storyteller's unique criteria - the app unlocks new perspectives on the way story elements interact that provides a whole new way to examine and analyze stories. During this presentation, ARCHIVOS Creator Dave Robison will explore how the application can be applied to education, gaming, writing, and genealogy, and how users can leverage the unique interactive displays to reveal unexpected insights into the stories they love.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Robison

Dave Robison

Evil Genius, ARCHIVOS
Dave Robison is an avid Literary and Vocal Alchemist who pursues a wide range of creative explorations. A Brainstormer, Keeper of the Buttery Man-Voice, Pattern Seeker, Dream Weaver, and Eternal Optimist, Dave's efforts to boost the awesomeness of the world can be found through his... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Expert Knowledge, Solo presentation

3:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Demystifying Scrivener
  •  Blogging to Build an Audience
  • Prepare for the Press
  • Short Fiction, Novelettes, Novellas
  • Research
  • Story Development
  • Story Analysis
  • Visual Wikis
  • Collaboration
  • Self-publishing


Speakers
avatar for Kris Austin

Kris Austin

Chief Executive Officer, Draft2Digital
Kris Austin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Draft2Digital, the top ebook distribution platform online. Founded in 2012 and proudly based in Oklahoma City, D2D offers an ever-expanding array of tools and resources to help authors start and grow their indie publishing careers, allowing... Read More →
avatar for barbara barnett

barbara barnett

Author
Barbara Barnett is the author of three  books,  including  the award-winning The Apothecary’s Curse, a finalist for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for a debut novel. As publisher and executive editor of Blog- critics (blogcritics.org), an Internet maga- zine of pop culture... Read More →
avatar for Dave Robison

Dave Robison

Evil Genius, ARCHIVOS
Dave Robison is an avid Literary and Vocal Alchemist who pursues a wide range of creative explorations. A Brainstormer, Keeper of the Buttery Man-Voice, Pattern Seeker, Dream Weaver, and Eternal Optimist, Dave's efforts to boost the awesomeness of the world can be found through his... Read More →
avatar for Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about. She’s written a number of fantasy novels for teens and adults and spends her spare time on knitting and music.
avatar for Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Director of Author Relations, Draft2Digital
Dan Wood is the Director of Operations and Author Relations at Draft2Digital. Prior to this he spent many years as a technology advisor in the energy industry and served two years as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer. Draft2Digital gives over 53,000 authors simple tools to format and... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

3:30pm EDT

They Gave Me a Reading! Now What?!
One of the trickiest bits of transforming from your writer-self to your author-self is doing a reading of your own work. Is it a solo reading, or are you sharing a one-hour spot with two (or three or four) others? Have you been given a luxurious half hour, a spare 15 minutes — or maybe just a flash five? Should you read all of a short piece or an excerpt from your current novel/novella/trilogy? How about a WIP? Do you clue the audience in on what’s come before and after, or let the work speak for itself? With a longer piece,  how do you know where to end, to leave the listeners craving more? Decision, decisions, decisions....
Speakers
avatar for Ellen Klages

Ellen Klages

Writer, self
I write historical fiction for middle grade readers and SF/F for adults. I have won multiple awards in both fields. I love research. I have played poker every Tuesday night for 35 years. I collect lead civilians and other odd, old toys. I sometimes give ultraviolet tours of my dining... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Professional Development, Solo presentation

3:30pm EDT

How to Investigate a Publishing Partner
In an age of misinformation, it's important to ask questions before signing a contract with a publishing partner. Whether you are an indie author or traditional, understanding how to spot red flags is important. Panelists will offer insight as to why you shouldn't believe everything that's posted on the internet, and also offer suggestions to find better sources of information.
Moderators
avatar for Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli is a writer, artist, and game developer who lurks in the dark. She is a hybrid author who writes both original and media tie-in fiction and works on games, essays, comics, too.A frequent guest at conventions, Monica is best known for creating the Make Art Not War... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Colin Coyle

Colin Coyle

Publisher, Parvus Press
Colin is the co-founder of Parvus Press. He is a technologist with an education in theater, a more comprehensive but less interesting education in business, and a background in enterprise network design who turned to the dark side of sales and marketing.He fell in love with genre... Read More →
avatar for Michael R. Underwood

Michael R. Underwood

Attendee
Michael R. Underwood is an author, podcaster, and publishing professional. Mike's books include space opera Annihilation Aria, the Ree Reyes Geekomancy books, the Stabby Award-finalist Genrenauts series, and Born to the Blade (written with Malka Older, Cassandra Khaw, and Marie Brennan... Read More →
avatar for Jacob Weisman

Jacob Weisman

Publisher, Tachyon Publications
Jacob Weisman is the editor and publisher at Tachyon Publications, which he founded in 1995. He has been nominated for the World Fantasy Award three times for his work at Tachyon and is the series editor of Tachyon’s Hugo, Nebula, Sturgeon, and Shirley Jackson Award-winning novella... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Marquis C
  Career Management, Panel

3:30pm EDT

Ignite Talks
Get snapshot talks on a variety of subjects, geared toward jumpstarting your brain. Presenters get 20 slides, which automatically advance every 15 seconds. The results are fast and fun presentation each of which lasts just 5 minutes.

http://www.ignitetalks.io/

Topics include:
Senses of Sailing - Rekka Jay
Poetry in Science (119 times) - Mary Soon Lee
How to Accurately Portray Mental Illness - Dr. Shana Feibel
Medieval European Swordsmanship - John Appel
how covers differ between countries and genres, and how readers interpret them - Claire Humphrey
Ghost Hunting - J.R. Dawson
The Emotions of Salvage Archaeology - Jason Sanford
SF and Rock and Roll - Larry Ivkovich
Elementary Particle Physics - Lesley L. Smith
Moderators
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Lady Astronaut series and historical fantasy novels: The Glamourist Histories and Ghost Talkers. She’s the president of SFWA, a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for John Appel

John Appel

Author
John Appel volunteered to jump out of planes before he’d ever been in a plane; his friends and family say this sums up his approach to life pretty well. He writes science fiction and fantasy and the occasional tabletop RPG adventure. A lifelong Marylander, he lives in the Baltimore... Read More →
avatar for J. R. Dawson

J. R. Dawson

Writer
Dawson (she/they) has been seen in places like The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Escape Pod, Lightspeed, and DSF. Her debut novel, The First Bright Thing, is now available from Tor. Find her at www.jrdawsonwriter.com and on twitter @j_r_dawson.
DS

Dr. Shana Feibel

Psychiatrist, Lindner center of Hope, mason ohio
avatar for Claire Humphrey
avatar for Larry Ivkovich

Larry Ivkovich

Writer, Myself
I love talking about all things SF, both in literature and media, and enjoy discussing with other writers about their writing and publishing experiences. SF and Rock and Roll is a favorite niche subject of mine.My own speculative fiction has been published in over twenty online and... Read More →
avatar for Rekka Jay

Rekka Jay

Attendee, R J Theodore
SFF author of Peridot Shift and Phantom Traveler series. She/her. Early riser. Graphic designer by profession. Co-host of WE MAKE BOOKS podcast (wmbcast.com) with Kaelyn Considine of Parvus Press. Contributor to Glitter + Ashes anthology.
avatar for Mary Soon Lee

Mary Soon Lee

Author
Mary Soon Lee was born and raised in London, but now lives in Pittsburgh. She writes both fiction and poetry, and has won the Rhysling Award and the Elgin Award. Her two latest books are from opposite ends of the poetry spectrum: "Elemental Haiku," containing haiku for each element... Read More →
avatar for Jason Sanford

Jason Sanford

Author
Jason Sanford is an award-winning author of short stories, essays, and articles. A two-time finalist for the Nebula Award, Jason has published more than a dozen stories in the British SF magazine Interzone, which also devoted a special issue to his fiction. He has also published numerous... Read More →
avatar for Lesley L. Smith

Lesley L. Smith

Physicist & SF Author
By day, Lesley L. Smith is a Ph.D. physicist. By night, she's an M.F.A. author and a founder and editor of the speculative fiction ezine Electric Spec. Her speculative short fiction has appeared in a variety of venues including Analog Science Fiction and Fact. She's published seven... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Marquis B
  Expert Knowledge, Solo presentation

4:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Book Marketing
  • Writing Craft
  • Indie Publishing
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Genetics
  • Hacking
  • Computer Crime
  • Information Security
  • Magazine production, automation, title management
  • Board Game Design
  • Book Design
  • Agenting
  • Publishing Tips
  • Middle Grade
  • Young Adult
  • Organizing book readings/tour
  • Organizing in-person critique groups
  • Submitting fiction and novels
  • Story Development
  • Story Analysis
  • Visual Wikis
  • Collaboration
Speakers
avatar for John Appel

John Appel

Author
John Appel volunteered to jump out of planes before he’d ever been in a plane; his friends and family say this sums up his approach to life pretty well. He writes science fiction and fantasy and the occasional tabletop RPG adventure. A lifelong Marylander, he lives in the Baltimore... Read More →
avatar for Vera Brook

Vera Brook

Writer
Vera Brook is a neuroscientist turned science fiction & fantasy writer, braving the indie publishing route. Her debut novel, Sand Runner, was published in June 2017, and Cage Runner, book 2 in the series, followed in February 2018. She's also working on several short stories, but... Read More →
avatar for Pablo Defendini

Pablo Defendini

Publisher, Fireside Fiction Company
Pablo Defendini is a designer and developer for hire. He works with clients that sit in the overlap between publishing and technology. In addition to his design and development consultancy, Pablo runs Fireside Fiction Company, a small independent publisher.
avatar for Rebecca Gomez Farrell
BG

Barry Goldblatt

Literary Agent, Barry Goldblatt Literary
avatar for Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin

Writer, Role of the Hero Publishing
Kevin McLaughlin is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels, with over thirty books published. He has been a speaker at DragonCon, the Nebula Conference, 20Books, WorldCon, Arisia, Boskone, and other events. He believes in giving back to the writing community... Read More →
avatar for Dave Robison

Dave Robison

Evil Genius, ARCHIVOS
Dave Robison is an avid Literary and Vocal Alchemist who pursues a wide range of creative explorations. A Brainstormer, Keeper of the Buttery Man-Voice, Pattern Seeker, Dream Weaver, and Eternal Optimist, Dave's efforts to boost the awesomeness of the world can be found through his... Read More →
avatar for Todd Sanders

Todd Sanders

Director, Air and Nothingness Press
I have run my own press - Air and Nothingness Press - since 1997. I’ve published five books of the translated poetry of Robert Desnos, three of my own books of poetry and am now publishing the writing of Jamie Lackey and UK fantasy authors Steph Swainston and Jonathan L. Howard.I... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

4:15pm EDT

The state of publishing in China
Learn about Chinese science fiction and the adaptation situations in China.
Speakers
avatar for Regina Kanyu Wang

Regina Kanyu Wang

International PR Manager, Storycom
Born in 1990, Regina Kanyu Wang is a writer from Shanghai and member of Shanghai Writers’ Association. She has been invited as a guest for Shanghai-Taipei Writing camp, Melon HK, Shanghai International Literary Week and Euro-Asia Economic Forum. She is a multi-winner of Xingyun... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 4:15pm - 4:45pm EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Solo presentation

5:00pm EDT

Collaborations: More than the sum of their parts
Collaborations can sound appealing from the outside, but there are a lot of moving pieces involved in collaborating successfully. Learn about many of the opportunities, and gotchas, that doing collaborations have including:

  • How to request / contact a potential collaborator to help your IP or your career
  • How to continue your IP in directions fans want using collaboration (there is only so many words we can write.)
  • Personality conflicts in collaborations
  • How to retain your calm.
  • IP discussions on who owns what
  • What you bring if you own the Universe?
  • Working with collaborators who are higher level than you are
  • Rough numbers for sales / rough numbers for those who seek out the collaborative author.
  • A couple of ways to treat collaborators right
  • Sales benefits for collaborations
Moderators
avatar for Sara Glassman

Sara Glassman

Book Seller, Little Professor Book Center
Sara Glassman spent eleven years as the children's and YA buyer for Birmingham's oldest Indie bookstore. She now works as a school librarian for a local Montessori School. Areas of unexpected expertise include: jewelry making, knitting, and forensic anthropology.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Anderle

Michael Anderle

CEO, LMBPN Publishing
SFWA Member and Science Fiction and Fantasy Author and a bestselling top #100 Author on Amazon.com.Known for his bestselling Kurtherian Gambit series, Michael is also the co-creator of the Oriceran Universe and collaborates with well over a dozen other authors.His publishing company... Read More →
avatar for Andy Duncan

Andy Duncan

Associate Professor, Frostburg State University
I have been publishing science fiction and fantasy at the short story, novelette and novella lengths since 1997, receiving a Nebula Award, a Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award and three World Fantasy Awards. I have taught undergraduate writing since 1993. I attended Clarion West in... Read More →
avatar for Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning, best-selling author who writes fantasy with romantic elements and contemporary romance. She serves on the Board of Directors for SFWA as a Director at Large. Her most recent works include the high fantasy trilogy from Rebel Base books, The Chronicles... Read More →
avatar for Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

Director, Craig Martelle, Inc
Craig Martelle has published well over 100 books and has sold over a million copies in his favorite genres of Science Fiction and Thrillers. He also runs the largest indie author conferences in the world along with the group that has changed innumerable authors’ lives for the better... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Marquis C
  Career Management, Panel

5:00pm EDT

Making hopeful art in hopeless times
When the real world continues to bombard us with fear and disappointment, it can be easy to write dark endings, or even worse, not write at all. Then along came Hopepunk. Alexandra Rowland describes this term as the opposite of grimdark. It’s not about writing happy endings, but creating stories where characters show true bravery by standing up for each other and fighting for a better world. This panel will bring authors and editors of optimistic fiction together to discuss the significance of using hope as an aesthetic, examples we've found, and how we as writers can use this subgenre to heal not only ourselves, but our readers.
Moderators
avatar for J. R. Dawson

J. R. Dawson

Writer
Dawson (she/they) has been seen in places like The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Escape Pod, Lightspeed, and DSF. Her debut novel, The First Bright Thing, is now available from Tor. Find her at www.jrdawsonwriter.com and on twitter @j_r_dawson.

Speakers
avatar for Lettie Prell

Lettie Prell

writer
Lettie Prell is a science fiction writer whose work has appeared on Tor.com, and in Clarkesworld, Analog, and Apex Magazine. Her stories have been reprinted in a number of anthologies, including The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018, and The Year's Best Science Fiction... Read More →
avatar for Alexandra Rowland
ES

Elsa Sjunneson

Attendee
Hugo, BFA and Aurora award winning editor Elsa Sjunneson is a Deafblind hurricane in a vintage dress. Her written work has appeared in CNN Opinion, Uncanny Magazine, Women of Marvel #1, and many other projects and venues. Being Seen, her debut memoir on media and disability releases... Read More →
avatar for Michael R. Underwood

Michael R. Underwood

Attendee
Michael R. Underwood is an author, podcaster, and publishing professional. Mike's books include space opera Annihilation Aria, the Ree Reyes Geekomancy books, the Stabby Award-finalist Genrenauts series, and Born to the Blade (written with Malka Older, Cassandra Khaw, and Marie Brennan... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Professional Development, Panel

5:00pm EDT

Shape of Narrative Arcs in Gaming
Stories can be found in games just as much as fiction. Panelists will discuss how they emerge in games, how the type of game affects the narrative arc, and how writers impact the story. The panel will also highlight techniques to evaluate the narrative arcs in published games.
Moderators
avatar for Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli is a writer, artist, and game developer who lurks in the dark. She is a hybrid author who writes both original and media tie-in fiction and works on games, essays, comics, too.A frequent guest at conventions, Monica is best known for creating the Make Art Not War... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for John Appel

John Appel

Author
John Appel volunteered to jump out of planes before he’d ever been in a plane; his friends and family say this sums up his approach to life pretty well. He writes science fiction and fantasy and the occasional tabletop RPG adventure. A lifelong Marylander, he lives in the Baltimore... Read More →
avatar for Jason Stevan Hill

Jason Stevan Hill

Chief Operating Officer, Choice of Games
Hill is the author of two interactive fictions (Choice of the Vampire, Choice of the Vampire: Fall of Memphis). He spends most of his time as an editor and managing partner for Choice of Games.
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Lady Astronaut series and historical fantasy novels: The Glamourist Histories and Ghost Talkers. She’s the president of SFWA, a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer... Read More →
avatar for Todd Sanders

Todd Sanders

Director, Air and Nothingness Press
I have run my own press - Air and Nothingness Press - since 1997. I’ve published five books of the translated poetry of Robert Desnos, three of my own books of poetry and am now publishing the writing of Jamie Lackey and UK fantasy authors Steph Swainston and Jonathan L. Howard.I... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Professional Development, Panel

8:00pm EDT

Welcome Reception honoring Peter S. Beagle, Grandmaster
Thursday May 17, 2018 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

9:00pm EDT

Kickstarter Party
Margot Atwell, the Director of Publishing for Kickstarter and Drip (Kickstarter's new ongoing funding platform) invites you to hang out, have a drink and a snack, and celebrate great writing together. 
Speakers
avatar for Margot Atwell

Margot Atwell

Head of Publishing, Kickstarter
Margot Atwell is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she helps authors and publishers build community and find support for their creative projects. Previously, Margot was Publisher at Beaufort Books, an independent publisher of fiction and non-fiction books. Her first book, The... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for Kickstarter

Thursday May 17, 2018 9:00pm - Friday May 18, 2018 1:00am EDT
SFWA's Hospitality Suite - 10th floor, Pittsburgh Room
  Social

9:30pm EDT

Tour of Allegheny Observatory
Limited Capacity seats available
Allegheny Observatory (159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214) belongs to the University of Pittsburgh and is over 100 years old. It houses three telescopes in white domes standing high on a hill in Riverview Park, 4.4 miles from the Marriott. Tours of the building include the three-floor, glass-roofed library and a crypt set in the sub-basement pier of one of the telescopes where the remains of former astronomers have been laid to rest.

Use the online app to sign up by clicking to add it to your schedule. Or, visit the registration desk to use the paper sign-up sheet.
Speakers
avatar for Diane Turnshek

Diane Turnshek

Carnegie Mellon University
Diane Turnshek is an astronomer at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has been on the Board of Directors for both the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and Parsec, Pittsburgh’s premier science fiction organization. For nine years, she mentored graduate... Read More →

Thursday May 17, 2018 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  Social, Off-site tour
 
Friday, May 18
 

9:00am EDT

Quiet Writing
It's a convention, but you're a writer and you have deadlines. Take advantage of the grandballroom and get some words in before programming starts. During the day, if you want more time, check out the Quiet Room in City Center B.
Friday May 18, 2018 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Quiet room - City Center B
  Professional Development

9:00am EDT

Pittsburgh Stroll
This stroll will introduce you to moviemaking locations in Pittsburgh, especially The Dark Knight Rises (distance: about 2 miles) and some discussion of the books written in Pittsburgh
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Mann

Laurie Mann

Nebula Weekend Local Coordinator 2018, 2017, 1999, co-runner of Program for Pittsburgh's Confluence for 2018, chair of Smofcon 2017, co-chair of Smofcon 2012

Friday May 18, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  Social, Off-site tour

9:00am EDT

Registration
Friday May 18, 2018 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  SFWA function

10:00am EDT

Disclosure in the Age of #MeToo
Current events are inspiring harassment and abuse victims to stop whispering and start publicly naming bad actors in our industry, but these public disclosures remain difficult and risky. Community manager and code of conduct consultant Annalee Flower Horne walks through some best practices for protecting yourself and others when speaking up.

Outline:

Personal and Digital Security
Legal Liability
The Costs and Benefits of Disclosing Anonymously
Writing Your Disclosure
Handling Backlash
Speakers
avatar for Annalee Flower-Horne

Friday May 18, 2018 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
Marquis B
  Professional Development, Solo presentation

10:00am EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings. These can either be a one-on-one about an area of expertise such as hypnotism, sailing, or contract law. Or it could be an offer to talk shop such as brainstorming sticky plot points, world-building dilemmas, or how to set up book tours.

Topics available this hour are:
  • Demystifying Scrivener
  •  Blogging to Build an Audience
  • Self-Publishing
  • Story Structure
  • Publishing Non-Fiction
  • Board Games
  • Writing and selling SF/F poetry
  • Personal Conflict Dynamics and Resolution (for your character or you!)
  • Partner/Spouse Roundtable
  • Supporting Your Writer 
  • Trade Terms and More 
  • Taking Care of (the) Business
  • Marketing
  • Editing
  • Workshops, online courses
  • Novels vs. short fiction
  • Director-at-Large general questions of concern
  • Romance and Romantic Elements
  • Writing Cross-Genre
  • Being a Hybrid Author
  • Changing Agents
  • Writing Novels
  • Story Development
  • Story Analysis
  • Visual Wikis
  • Collaboration




Speakers
avatar for Michelle Appel

Michelle Appel

Working to connect partners and spouses of writers. I'm just here to set the table... (In my non-spouse role, I crunch data and implement software.)
avatar for barbara barnett

barbara barnett

Author
Barbara Barnett is the author of three  books,  including  the award-winning The Apothecary’s Curse, a finalist for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for a debut novel. As publisher and executive editor of Blog- critics (blogcritics.org), an Internet maga- zine of pop culture... Read More →
avatar for Alyx Dellamonica

Alyx Dellamonica

A.M. Dellamonica's first novel, Indigo Springs, won the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. Their fourth, A Daughter of No Nation, won the 2016 Prix Aurora for Best Novel. They have published over fifty short stories in Tor.com, Asimovs SF, and elsewhere, along... Read More →
avatar for Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning, best-selling author who writes fantasy with romantic elements and contemporary romance. She serves on the Board of Directors for SFWA as a Director at Large. Her most recent works include the high fantasy trilogy from Rebel Base books, The Chronicles... Read More →
avatar for Scott King

Scott King

Attendee
Scott King is an author, board game photographer, and all around geek!
avatar for Mary Soon Lee

Mary Soon Lee

Author
Mary Soon Lee was born and raised in London, but now lives in Pittsburgh. She writes both fiction and poetry, and has won the Rhysling Award and the Elgin Award. Her two latest books are from opposite ends of the poetry spectrum: "Elemental Haiku," containing haiku for each element... Read More →
avatar for Anne Leonard
avatar for Nathan Lowell

Nathan Lowell

Author, Durandus, Ltd
Nathan has been a full-time, self-published author since 2012 and working in social media since before it was called social media. His doctoral research involved teasing out the factors that govern how people relate in virtual spaces. That research helped him leverage social media... Read More →
avatar for Dave Robison

Dave Robison

Evil Genius, ARCHIVOS
Dave Robison is an avid Literary and Vocal Alchemist who pursues a wide range of creative explorations. A Brainstormer, Keeper of the Buttery Man-Voice, Pattern Seeker, Dream Weaver, and Eternal Optimist, Dave's efforts to boost the awesomeness of the world can be found through his... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

10:00am EDT

Ask me about Deathbuilding
You pick the darlings, we'll help you plan their gruesome, protracted, and highly entertaining demise and/or near death experience! Learn why you can't really sword-fight after taking a bullet in the shoulder, why not all toxins are created equal, and how to have fun with anatomy, pathophysiology, and epidemiology.
Moderators
avatar for Sarah Gailey

Sarah Gailey

Author
Hugo, Campbell, and Nebula award finalist Sarah Gailey lives and works in beautiful Portland, Oregon. Their nonfiction has been published by Mashable and the Boston Globe, and their fiction has been published internationally. They are a regular contributor for Tor.com and Barnes... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Anatoly Belilovsky

Anatoly Belilovsky

writer
Anatoly Belilovsky is a Russian-American author and translator of speculative fiction. He was born in a city that went through six or seven owners in the last century, all of whom used it to do a lot more than drive to church on Sundays; he is old enough to remember tanks rolling... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Brazee

Jonathan Brazee

Writer
I am a retired Marine infantry colonel and now a full-time hybrid writer living in Colorado Springs with my wife Kiwi and twin pre-school-age girls, Danika Dawn and Darika Marie. I am a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, a two-time Dragon Award Finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling... Read More →
avatar for Patrick Rothfuss
avatar for Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli is a writer, artist, and game developer who lurks in the dark. She is a hybrid author who writes both original and media tie-in fiction and works on games, essays, comics, too.A frequent guest at conventions, Monica is best known for creating the Make Art Not War... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Marquis A
  Professional Development, Panel

10:00am EDT

We're New Here: How to Navigate Being an "Emerging Author"
At some point, every published creator was a newcomer to their field. This panel will bring together both established creators and those in the early years of their careers to talk about the challenges they've faced in the publishing world and what they've learned about navigating through them.
Moderators
avatar for Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee

Author
Fonda Lee is the author of the Nebula-nominated fantasy novel Jade City, and the Andre Norton-nominated science fiction novels Exo and Zeroboxer. Her next novel, Cross Fire, the sequel to Exo, releases in May 2018. A former corporate strategist for Fortune 500 companies, when she... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Vera Brook

Vera Brook

Writer
Vera Brook is a neuroscientist turned science fiction & fantasy writer, braving the indie publishing route. Her debut novel, Sand Runner, was published in June 2017, and Cage Runner, book 2 in the series, followed in February 2018. She's also working on several short stories, but... Read More →
avatar for Peng Shepherd

Peng Shepherd

Writer, HarperCollins
Peng was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where she rode horses and trained in classical ballet, and has lived in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York. Her first novel, The Book of M, won the 2019 Neukom Institute for Literary Arts Award for... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Thorne

Rebecca Thorne

Writer
R.K. Thorne writes science fiction and fantasy with strong romantic subplots and an all too frequent theme of baked goods. She's a full-time indie who works from the hills of Pennsylvania with her two gray cats at her side.
avatar for Tracy Townsend

Tracy Townsend

Writer, English Instructor
Tracy Townsend is the author of The Nine, book one of the Thieves of Fate series (Pyr), a gaslamp fantasy debut set in a world where theology is a science, three sentient species live in an uneasy truce, and the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of nine unsuspecting individuals... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Marquis C
  Professional Development, Panel

10:00am EDT

Support Squad Meetup
In recognition of those who give unfailing support to the writers in their lives, Gay Haldeman will host an intimate meet and greet with ever-patient significant others/partners/spouses. Light breakfast fare will be served.
Moderators
avatar for Gay Haldeman

Gay Haldeman

retired, MIT
Gay Haldeman  (Mary Gay Potter Haldeman) has two Masters degrees.  She taught in the Writing Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for thirty years, specializing in English as a second language.  Now she resides in Gainesville, Florida, where she manages science... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
SFWA's Hospitality Suite - 10th floor, Pittsburgh Room
  SFWA function

10:00am EDT

Book Sales
Buy books from your favorite authors!
Friday May 18, 2018 10:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Salon 6 (Grand Ballroom)
  SFWA function

10:30am EDT

Learn to Love The Microphone
All writing business professionals will at some point likely find themselves on the business end of a microphone. This will be a hands-on workshop where authors and other professionals get a chance to try microphones for themselves and learn how close to be to different types, how to adjust levels if necessary, how to troubleshoot, and how to come across professionally at a panel or reading. Handy for those starting reading series as well!
Moderators
avatar for Sarah Pinsker

Sarah Pinsker

Director at Large, SFWA

Friday May 18, 2018 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Marquis B
  Professional Development, Solo presentation

11:00am EDT

"Office Hours"
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings. These can either be a one-on-one about an area of expertise such as hypnotism, sailing, or contract law. Or it could be an offer to talk shop such as brainstorming sticky plot points, world-building dilemmas, or how to set up book tours.

Topics available this hour are:
  • Self-Publishing
  • Story Structure
  • Publishing Non-Fiction
  • Board Games
  • Writing and selling SF/F poetry
  • Hobby Games
  • Marketing
  • Hybrid Author
  • Business Plans
  • Brainstorming
  • Unlocking plot
  • Dialogue differentiation
  • Worldbuilding credibility
  • White Cane Training Exercises - we WILL be walking around
  • Disability inclusion
  • Editing non-fiction
  • Magazine production, automation, title management
  • Hypnosis
  • Writing short fiction
  • Creating alien beings
  • SFWA board
  • Mentor program
  • Music
  • Horses
  • Short fiction
  • How to accurately portray characters with mental Illness
  • Story Development
  • Story Analysis
  • Visual Wikis
  • Collaboration

Speakers
avatar for Sue Hollister Barr

Sue Hollister Barr

Author, SFWA
My sci fi is adult, a touch raunchy/bohemian, and an eclectic mix of sentiment and dark humor. I need help getting my books sold. I can provide help with all aspects of wordsmithing from line-edits to story structure.
avatar for Dave Creek

Dave Creek

Author
Dave Creek is the author of the novels CHANDA'S AWAKENING and SOME DISTANT SHORE, novellas TRANQUILITY and THE SILENT SENTINELS, and short story collections A GLIMPSE OF SPLENDOR and THE HUMAN EQUATIONS.He's also published the Great Human War trilogy, including A CROWD OF STARS (2016... Read More →
avatar for Pablo Defendini

Pablo Defendini

Publisher, Fireside Fiction Company
Pablo Defendini is a designer and developer for hire. He works with clients that sit in the overlap between publishing and technology. In addition to his design and development consultancy, Pablo runs Fireside Fiction Company, a small independent publisher.
DS

Dr. Shana Feibel

Psychiatrist, Lindner center of Hope, mason ohio
avatar for Scott King

Scott King

Attendee
Scott King is an author, board game photographer, and all around geek!
avatar for Mary Soon Lee

Mary Soon Lee

Author
Mary Soon Lee was born and raised in London, but now lives in Pittsburgh. She writes both fiction and poetry, and has won the Rhysling Award and the Elgin Award. Her two latest books are from opposite ends of the poetry spectrum: "Elemental Haiku," containing haiku for each element... Read More →
avatar for Nathan Lowell

Nathan Lowell

Author, Durandus, Ltd
Nathan has been a full-time, self-published author since 2012 and working in social media since before it was called social media. His doctoral research involved teasing out the factors that govern how people relate in virtual spaces. That research helped him leverage social media... Read More →
avatar for Dave Robison

Dave Robison

Evil Genius, ARCHIVOS
Dave Robison is an avid Literary and Vocal Alchemist who pursues a wide range of creative explorations. A Brainstormer, Keeper of the Buttery Man-Voice, Pattern Seeker, Dream Weaver, and Eternal Optimist, Dave's efforts to boost the awesomeness of the world can be found through his... Read More →
ES

Elsa Sjunneson

Attendee
Hugo, BFA and Aurora award winning editor Elsa Sjunneson is a Deafblind hurricane in a vintage dress. Her written work has appeared in CNN Opinion, Uncanny Magazine, Women of Marvel #1, and many other projects and venues. Being Seen, her debut memoir on media and disability releases... Read More →
avatar for Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli is a writer, artist, and game developer who lurks in the dark. She is a hybrid author who writes both original and media tie-in fiction and works on games, essays, comics, too.A frequent guest at conventions, Monica is best known for creating the Make Art Not War... Read More →

Nominees
avatar for Sarah Pinsker

Sarah Pinsker

Director at Large, SFWA
avatar for Lawrence M. Schoen

Lawrence M. Schoen

Author, Paper Golem LLC
Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, is a past Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula, nominee, twice won the Cóyotl award for best novel, founded the Klingon Language Institute, and occasionally does work as a hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues. His science... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

11:30am EDT

Makeup for Writers
You're at a con, you're exhausted and have to look like you're in top form. Learn tricks for femme, ace, masc, and everyone on the gender spectrum to spackle over the fatigue. This isn't about conforming to media stereotypes but about using a tool to look like the best version of you.

And if you're a nominee wanting a little extra sparkle... this is a hands-on workshop.
Moderators
avatar for Meg Frank

Speakers
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Lady Astronaut series and historical fantasy novels: The Glamourist Histories and Ghost Talkers. She’s the president of SFWA, a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer... Read More →
avatar for Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine is speculative fiction writer and, as Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, a historian of the Byzantine Empire and a city planner. She is currently a policy advisor for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she works on climate change mitigation... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Marquis C
  Career Management, Solo presentation

11:30am EDT

An hour with Peter S. Beagle, SFWA's newest grandmaster
Patrick Rothfuss sits down with SFWA's newest grandmaster, Peter S. Beagle, and asks him all the questions.
Speakers
avatar for Peter Beagle

Peter Beagle

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is pleased to announce that Peter S. Beagle has been named the 34th Damon Knight Grand Master for his contributions to the literature of Science Fiction and Fantasy.The Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award is given by SFWA... Read More →
avatar for Patrick Rothfuss

Friday May 18, 2018 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Marquis A
  Expert Knowledge, Solo presentation

11:30am EDT

How to decolonize your fiction
The history of western colonialism is integrated into the foundational texts of the genre. From Verne to Tolkein, empire has been at the forefront of our visions of the future and of fantastical worlds. But change is here. The recent success of Black Panther provides a vision of an afrofuturistic society untouched by colonial powers. How, then, do we tell stories that build on these beginnings that gesture towards alternative paths forward? How can we envision futures that celebrate cultural difference while acknowledging violent histories and the realities of our shared present?
Moderators
avatar for DongWon Song

DongWon Song

Agent, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
DongWon Song is an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency representing science fiction and fantasy for adults, young adult, and middle grade readers as well as select non-fiction. They were formerly an editor at Orbit and a product manager for the ebook startup, Zola Books and has... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Bill Campbell

Bill Campbell

Bill Campbell is the author of Sunshine Patriots, My Booty Novel, and Pop Culture: Politics, Puns, "Poohbutt" from a Liberal Stay-at-Home Dad and Koontown Killing Kaper. Along with Edward Austin Hall, he co-edited the groundbreaking anthology, Mothership: Tales from Afrofuturism and... Read More →
avatar for Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee

Author
Fonda Lee is the author of the Nebula-nominated fantasy novel Jade City, and the Andre Norton-nominated science fiction novels Exo and Zeroboxer. Her next novel, Cross Fire, the sequel to Exo, releases in May 2018. A former corporate strategist for Fortune 500 companies, when she... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Roanhorse

Rebecca Roanhorse

Author
Rebecca Roanhorse is a Nebula/Hugo/Sturgeon/Locus Award Finalist for her short fiction and a 2017 Campbell Finalist. Her debut novel TRAIL OF LIGHTNING Book #1 in the SIXTH WORLD SERIES (Saga Press) drops June 26th, 2018. She lives in Northern New Mexico with her husband, daughter... Read More →
avatar for JY Yang

JY Yang

JY Yang is a Hugo/Nebula/Locus award finalist and the author of the Tensorate novellas from Tor.Com Publishing (The Red Threads of Fortune, The Black Tides of Heaven and the forthcoming The Descent of Monsters). A graduate of the Clarion West class of 2013, they live in Singapore... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Marquis B
  Professional Development, Panel

11:30am EDT

Draft2Digital lunch
Speakers
avatar for Kris Austin

Kris Austin

Chief Executive Officer, Draft2Digital
Kris Austin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Draft2Digital, the top ebook distribution platform online. Founded in 2012 and proudly based in Oklahoma City, D2D offers an ever-expanding array of tools and resources to help authors start and grow their indie publishing careers, allowing... Read More →
avatar for Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Director of Author Relations, Draft2Digital
Dan Wood is the Director of Operations and Author Relations at Draft2Digital. Prior to this he spent many years as a technology advisor in the energy industry and served two years as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer. Draft2Digital gives over 53,000 authors simple tools to format and... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 11:30am - 1:30pm EDT
SFWA's Hospitality Suite - 10th floor, Pittsburgh Room
  Social

12:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings. These can either be a one-on-one about an area of expertise such as hypnotism, sailing, or contract law. Or it could be an offer to talk shop such as brainstorming sticky plot points, world-building dilemmas, or how to set up book tours.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Book Marketing
  • Indie Publishing
  • Self-Publishing
  • Story Structure
  • Publishing Non-Fiction
  • Board Games
  • Writing and selling SF/F poetry
  • Chinese science fiction
  • International Market
  • Adaptation
  • Brainstorming
  • Unlocking plot
  • Dialogue differentiation
  • Worldbuilding credibility
  • White Cane Training Exercises - we WILL be walking around
  • Disability inclusion
  • Editing non-fiction
  • Rights Reversion: Getting your book back
  • How to accurately portray characters with mental Illness
  • Organizing book readings/tour
  • Organizing in-person critique groups
  • Submitting fiction and novels
  • Agenting
  • WWI
Speakers
avatar for Sue Hollister Barr

Sue Hollister Barr

Author, SFWA
My sci fi is adult, a touch raunchy/bohemian, and an eclectic mix of sentiment and dark humor. I need help getting my books sold. I can provide help with all aspects of wordsmithing from line-edits to story structure.
avatar for Michael Capobianco

Michael Capobianco

Advisor, SFWA
Michael Capobianco has published two solo science fiction novels, Purlieu (Placeholder Press) and Burster (Bantam). He is co-author, with William Barton, of the controversial hardcore sf books Iris (Doubleday, Bantam, reprinted by Avon Eos), Alpha Centauri (Avon), Fellow Traveler... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Gomez Farrell
avatar for Scott King

Scott King

Attendee
Scott King is an author, board game photographer, and all around geek!
avatar for Mary Soon Lee

Mary Soon Lee

Author
Mary Soon Lee was born and raised in London, but now lives in Pittsburgh. She writes both fiction and poetry, and has won the Rhysling Award and the Elgin Award. Her two latest books are from opposite ends of the poetry spectrum: "Elemental Haiku," containing haiku for each element... Read More →
avatar for Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin

Writer, Role of the Hero Publishing
Kevin McLaughlin is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels, with over thirty books published. He has been a speaker at DragonCon, the Nebula Conference, 20Books, WorldCon, Arisia, Boskone, and other events. He believes in giving back to the writing community... Read More →
JU

Jen Udden

Agent, Barry Goldblatt Literary LLC
avatar for Regina Kanyu Wang

Regina Kanyu Wang

International PR Manager, Storycom
Born in 1990, Regina Kanyu Wang is a writer from Shanghai and member of Shanghai Writers’ Association. She has been invited as a guest for Shanghai-Taipei Writing camp, Melon HK, Shanghai International Literary Week and Euro-Asia Economic Forum. She is a multi-winner of Xingyun... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

1:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings. These can either be a one-on-one about an area of expertise such as hypnotism, sailing, or contract law. Or it could be an offer to talk shop such as brainstorming sticky plot points, world-building dilemmas, or how to set up book tours.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Copyright, Licensing, Open Licensing, Creative Commons
  • Book Marketing
  • Writing Craft
  • Indie Publishing
  • Writing and selling SF/F poetry
  • Prepare for the Press
  • Social media expert
  • Medieval & Byzantine History
  • Structural Issues at Novel Length
  • Hacking
  • Computer Crime
  • Information Security
  • Editorial & Publishing Thoughts
  • Synopses & Queries
  • Writing Comedy
  • Puzzles?
  • Brainstorming
  • World-Building
  • Fight Scenes!
  • Dialogue Writing

Speakers
avatar for John Appel

John Appel

Author
John Appel volunteered to jump out of planes before he’d ever been in a plane; his friends and family say this sums up his approach to life pretty well. He writes science fiction and fantasy and the occasional tabletop RPG adventure. A lifelong Marylander, he lives in the Baltimore... Read More →
avatar for Curtis Chen

Curtis Chen

Secretary, SFWA
Once a Silicon Valley software engineer, Curtis C. Chen (陳致宇) now writes stories and runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon. He's the author of the Kangaroo series of funny science fiction spy thrillers and has written for the Realm originals Ninth Step Station, Machina, and... Read More →
avatar for Carrie DiRisio

Carrie DiRisio

Author
Carrie Ann DiRisio runs multiple popular social media accounts including @BroodingYAHero, and has worked for Serial Box Publishing. She is the author of the upcoming YA Parody novel BROODING YA HERO'S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING MAIN CHARACTER STATUS.Her speaking engagements include talks... Read More →
avatar for Mary Soon Lee

Mary Soon Lee

Author
Mary Soon Lee was born and raised in London, but now lives in Pittsburgh. She writes both fiction and poetry, and has won the Rhysling Award and the Elgin Award. Her two latest books are from opposite ends of the poetry spectrum: "Elemental Haiku," containing haiku for each element... Read More →
avatar for Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine is speculative fiction writer and, as Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, a historian of the Byzantine Empire and a city planner. She is currently a policy advisor for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she works on climate change mitigation... Read More →
avatar for Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin

Writer, Role of the Hero Publishing
Kevin McLaughlin is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels, with over thirty books published. He has been a speaker at DragonCon, the Nebula Conference, 20Books, WorldCon, Arisia, Boskone, and other events. He believes in giving back to the writing community... Read More →
avatar for Diana M. Pho

Diana M. Pho

Editor
Diana M. Pho is a queer Vietnamese-American independent scholar, playwright, and Hugo Award-nominated fiction editor. She has over a decade of experience in traditional, Big Five publishing, including Tor Books, Tor.com Publishing, and the Science Fiction Book Club. Additionally... Read More →
avatar for Ethan Senack

Ethan Senack

Outreach and Policy Manager, Creative Commons USA
As Outreach and Policy Manager for Creative Commons USA, Ethan's focus is on crafting a message and strategy around open licensing, educating decision-makers about its potential, and expanding use of the Creative Commons licenses in the US. Previously at U.S. PIRG, Ethan worked as... Read More →
avatar for Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about. She’s written a number of fantasy novels for teens and adults and spends her spare time on knitting and music.
avatar for Tracy Townsend

Tracy Townsend

Writer, English Instructor
Tracy Townsend is the author of The Nine, book one of the Thieves of Fate series (Pyr), a gaslamp fantasy debut set in a world where theology is a science, three sentient species live in an uneasy truce, and the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of nine unsuspecting individuals... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

2:00pm EDT

Building Safer, More Inclusive Spaces in Writing Groups
Writing groups, critique circles, and other creative communities are critical to building a writing practice. How do you form, nurture, and evolve an inclusive writing group? What do you do with problem members? Learn practical, actionable tips that you can apply to either starting or growing your writing group!
Speakers
avatar for Jane Pinckard

Jane Pinckard

Attendee
Miyuki Jane Pinckard is a writer, critic, and educator who has studied the culture of video games for fifteen years. She's spoken about building safer, more inclusive spaces at conferences including the Game Developers Conference and the Queer Games Conference. She's served as Vice... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom - Salon 1
  Career Management, Solo presentation

2:00pm EDT

Creating a Speaking Career Related to Your Books
Personal appearances are not only great promotions for your books but can be money makers, if you treat your speaking career like a business. What are the pros and cons of pursuing speaking engagements? What do you need to know and do in order to jump-start your speaking career? How do you get the paid bookings?
Moderators
avatar for Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee

Author
Fonda Lee is the author of the Nebula-nominated fantasy novel Jade City, and the Andre Norton-nominated science fiction novels Exo and Zeroboxer. Her next novel, Cross Fire, the sequel to Exo, releases in May 2018. A former corporate strategist for Fortune 500 companies, when she... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Sally Wiener Grotta

Sally Wiener Grotta

Author
Sally Wiener Grotta’s books include The Winter Boy (a Locus Magazine’s 2015 Recommended Read) and Jo Joe (a Jewish Book Council Network book). Her story "One Widow's Healing" was a 2019 Health Odyssey winner.Her hundreds of stories, columns and essays have appeared in scores of... Read More →
avatar for Merrie Haskell.

Merrie Haskell.

Author
Merrie Haskell’s novels are The Princess Curse, Handbook for Dragon Slayers and The Castle Behind Thorns. She won the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle Grades) and the DetCon1 Middle Grade Speculative Fiction award, and she was twice a finalist for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award... Read More →
avatar for PJ Manney

PJ Manney

author, PJ Manney
PJ Manney is the author of the P.K. Dick Award-nominated (R)EVOLUTION, book 1 in a trilogy with (ID)ENTITY, and the upcoming (CON)SCIENCE, out April 27, 2021. She also writes non-fiction and consults about emerging technology, future humans, empathy-building through storytelling... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Career Management, Panel

2:00pm EDT

Short Fiction Contracts Workshop
A workshop covering the basics of publishing contracts for short fiction. The workshop would be broken up into three sections: Understanding contract terms, managing rights, and contract negotiation. (Keep your film rights)
Moderators
avatar for Pablo Defendini

Pablo Defendini

Publisher, Fireside Fiction Company
Pablo Defendini is a designer and developer for hire. He works with clients that sit in the overlap between publishing and technology. In addition to his design and development consultancy, Pablo runs Fireside Fiction Company, a small independent publisher.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Capobianco

Michael Capobianco

Advisor, SFWA
Michael Capobianco has published two solo science fiction novels, Purlieu (Placeholder Press) and Burster (Bantam). He is co-author, with William Barton, of the controversial hardcore sf books Iris (Doubleday, Bantam, reprinted by Avon Eos), Alpha Centauri (Avon), Fellow Traveler... Read More →
avatar for Andy Duncan

Andy Duncan

Associate Professor, Frostburg State University
I have been publishing science fiction and fantasy at the short story, novelette and novella lengths since 1997, receiving a Nebula Award, a Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award and three World Fantasy Awards. I have taught undergraduate writing since 1993. I attended Clarion West in... Read More →
avatar for Caroline M. Yoachim

Caroline M. Yoachim

Author
Hugo and three-time Nebula Award finalist Caroline M. Yoachim is a prolific author of short stories, appearing in Asimov’s, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Clarkesworld, and Lightspeed, among other places. Her work has been reprinted in multiple year’s best anthologies and translated... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Panel

2:00pm EDT

Considering Gender While Worldbuilding
Worldbuilding is complicated—and so is gender! On this panel, transgender and/or non-binary authors discuss aspects of gender that cisgender authors don’t always consider, methods of working gender into fictional societies, and how gender can be complicated by historical, magical, and futuristic settings. 
Moderators
avatar for K. M. Szpara

K. M. Szpara

Author
K.M. Szpara is a queer and trans author who lives in Baltimore, MD, with a tiny dog. Kellan's debut alt-/near-future novel, DOCILE (Spring 2020, Tor.com Publishing), explores the snowballing debt crisis, consent, and privilege, and can be described as "really gay". He is the author... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Vanessa Rose Phin

Vanessa Rose Phin

Associate Editor, Strange Horizons
Ness is a developmental editor, learning designer, writer, sensitivity reader, and calligrapher--sometimes all at once. Ve is a Midwestern transplant to Baltimore, where ve somehow earned a history degree writing about crossdressing sailors and genderqueer deities.
avatar for Merc Rustad

Merc Rustad

author / AV
avatar for JY Yang

JY Yang

JY Yang is a Hugo/Nebula/Locus award finalist and the author of the Tensorate novellas from Tor.Com Publishing (The Red Threads of Fortune, The Black Tides of Heaven and the forthcoming The Descent of Monsters). A graduate of the Clarion West class of 2013, they live in Singapore... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Marquis C
  Expert Knowledge, Panel

2:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings. These can either be a one-on-one about an area of expertise such as hypnotism, sailing, or contract law. Or it could be an offer to talk shop such as brainstorming sticky plot points, world-building dilemmas, or how to set up book tours.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Copyright, Licensing, Open Licensing, Creative Commons
  • Self-publishing
  • Writing for Kids
  • Historical Research
  • Whimsy
  • Medieval & Byzantine History
  • Structural Issues at Novel Length
  • Hobby Games
  • Marketing
  • Hybrid Author
  • Business Plans
  • Brainstorming
  • Partner/Spouse Roundtable
  • Supporting Your Writer 
  • Trade Terms and More 
  • Taking Care of (the) Business
  • All Things Military
  • Synopses & Queries
  • Writing Comedy
  • Puzzles?
  • Agenting
  • Publishing Tips
  • Middle Grade
  • Young Adult
  • Director-at-Large general questions of concern
  • Romance and Romantic Elements
  • Writing Cross-Genre
  • Being a Hybrid Author
  • Changing Agents
  • Writing Novels
  • Story Development
  • Story Analysis
  • Visual Wikis
  • Collaboration

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Appel

Michelle Appel

Working to connect partners and spouses of writers. I'm just here to set the table... (In my non-spouse role, I crunch data and implement software.)
avatar for Kris Austin

Kris Austin

Chief Executive Officer, Draft2Digital
Kris Austin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Draft2Digital, the top ebook distribution platform online. Founded in 2012 and proudly based in Oklahoma City, D2D offers an ever-expanding array of tools and resources to help authors start and grow their indie publishing careers, allowing... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Brazee

Jonathan Brazee

Writer
I am a retired Marine infantry colonel and now a full-time hybrid writer living in Colorado Springs with my wife Kiwi and twin pre-school-age girls, Danika Dawn and Darika Marie. I am a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, a two-time Dragon Award Finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling... Read More →
avatar for Curtis Chen

Curtis Chen

Secretary, SFWA
Once a Silicon Valley software engineer, Curtis C. Chen (陳致宇) now writes stories and runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon. He's the author of the Kangaroo series of funny science fiction spy thrillers and has written for the Realm originals Ninth Step Station, Machina, and... Read More →
BG

Barry Goldblatt

Literary Agent, Barry Goldblatt Literary
avatar for Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning, best-selling author who writes fantasy with romantic elements and contemporary romance. She serves on the Board of Directors for SFWA as a Director at Large. Her most recent works include the high fantasy trilogy from Rebel Base books, The Chronicles... Read More →
avatar for Ellen Klages

Ellen Klages

Writer, self
I write historical fiction for middle grade readers and SF/F for adults. I have won multiple awards in both fields. I love research. I have played poker every Tuesday night for 35 years. I collect lead civilians and other odd, old toys. I sometimes give ultraviolet tours of my dining... Read More →
avatar for Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine is speculative fiction writer and, as Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, a historian of the Byzantine Empire and a city planner. She is currently a policy advisor for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she works on climate change mitigation... Read More →
avatar for Dave Robison

Dave Robison

Evil Genius, ARCHIVOS
Dave Robison is an avid Literary and Vocal Alchemist who pursues a wide range of creative explorations. A Brainstormer, Keeper of the Buttery Man-Voice, Pattern Seeker, Dream Weaver, and Eternal Optimist, Dave's efforts to boost the awesomeness of the world can be found through his... Read More →
avatar for Ethan Senack

Ethan Senack

Outreach and Policy Manager, Creative Commons USA
As Outreach and Policy Manager for Creative Commons USA, Ethan's focus is on crafting a message and strategy around open licensing, educating decision-makers about its potential, and expanding use of the Creative Commons licenses in the US. Previously at U.S. PIRG, Ethan worked as... Read More →
avatar for Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli is a writer, artist, and game developer who lurks in the dark. She is a hybrid author who writes both original and media tie-in fiction and works on games, essays, comics, too.A frequent guest at conventions, Monica is best known for creating the Make Art Not War... Read More →
avatar for Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Director of Author Relations, Draft2Digital
Dan Wood is the Director of Operations and Author Relations at Draft2Digital. Prior to this he spent many years as a technology advisor in the energy industry and served two years as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer. Draft2Digital gives over 53,000 authors simple tools to format and... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

3:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings. These can either be a one-on-one about an area of expertise such as hypnotism, sailing, or contract law. Or it could be an offer to talk shop such as brainstorming sticky plot points, world-building dilemmas, or how to set up book tours.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Writing for Kids
  • Historical Research
  • Whimsy
  • Medieval & Byzantine History
  • Structural Issues at Novel Length
  • Hobby Games
  • Marketing
  • Hybrid Author
  • Business Plans
  • Brainstorming
  • World-Building
  • Fight Scenes!
  • Dialogue Writing
  • Magazine production, automation, title management
  • Hypnosis
  • Writing short fiction
  • Creating alien beings
  • Short Fiction, Novelettes, Novellas, 
  • Workshops, MFAs, Clarions, 
  • Research, 
  • Awards and Juries, 
  • Forteana and Weirdness

Speakers
avatar for Dave Creek

Dave Creek

Author
Dave Creek is the author of the novels CHANDA'S AWAKENING and SOME DISTANT SHORE, novellas TRANQUILITY and THE SILENT SENTINELS, and short story collections A GLIMPSE OF SPLENDOR and THE HUMAN EQUATIONS.He's also published the Great Human War trilogy, including A CROWD OF STARS (2016... Read More →
avatar for Pablo Defendini

Pablo Defendini

Publisher, Fireside Fiction Company
Pablo Defendini is a designer and developer for hire. He works with clients that sit in the overlap between publishing and technology. In addition to his design and development consultancy, Pablo runs Fireside Fiction Company, a small independent publisher.
avatar for Sara Glassman

Sara Glassman

Book Seller, Little Professor Book Center
Sara Glassman spent eleven years as the children's and YA buyer for Birmingham's oldest Indie bookstore. She now works as a school librarian for a local Montessori School. Areas of unexpected expertise include: jewelry making, knitting, and forensic anthropology.
avatar for Ellen Klages

Ellen Klages

Writer, self
I write historical fiction for middle grade readers and SF/F for adults. I have won multiple awards in both fields. I love research. I have played poker every Tuesday night for 35 years. I collect lead civilians and other odd, old toys. I sometimes give ultraviolet tours of my dining... Read More →
avatar for Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine is speculative fiction writer and, as Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, a historian of the Byzantine Empire and a city planner. She is currently a policy advisor for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she works on climate change mitigation... Read More →
avatar for Tracy Townsend

Tracy Townsend

Writer, English Instructor
Tracy Townsend is the author of The Nine, book one of the Thieves of Fate series (Pyr), a gaslamp fantasy debut set in a world where theology is a science, three sentient species live in an uneasy truce, and the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of nine unsuspecting individuals... Read More →
avatar for Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli

Monica Valentinelli is a writer, artist, and game developer who lurks in the dark. She is a hybrid author who writes both original and media tie-in fiction and works on games, essays, comics, too.A frequent guest at conventions, Monica is best known for creating the Make Art Not War... Read More →

Nominees
avatar for Lawrence M. Schoen

Lawrence M. Schoen

Author, Paper Golem LLC
Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, is a past Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula, nominee, twice won the Cóyotl award for best novel, founded the Klingon Language Institute, and occasionally does work as a hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues. His science... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

3:30pm EDT

Ad Management for Authors
AMS (Amazon Marketing Services) and Facebook ads collectively represent the two most powerful marketing tools available to authors today. Learning to understand and master ROI, ad generation, ad campaign management, and more will teach authors attending this workshop how to use these tools to maximize sales of their books and games. 
Speakers
avatar for Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin

Writer, Role of the Hero Publishing
Kevin McLaughlin is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels, with over thirty books published. He has been a speaker at DragonCon, the Nebula Conference, 20Books, WorldCon, Arisia, Boskone, and other events. He believes in giving back to the writing community... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Solo presentation

3:30pm EDT

Planning your literary estate
Depressing though it is, get an outline of the basics of planning for the disposition of an author's (or artist's) creative work after they die. Topics include basics of getting the literary estate in order, will preparation, finding and defining the duties of a literary executor, and potential challenges.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Capobianco

Michael Capobianco

Advisor, SFWA
Michael Capobianco has published two solo science fiction novels, Purlieu (Placeholder Press) and Burster (Bantam). He is co-author, with William Barton, of the controversial hardcore sf books Iris (Doubleday, Bantam, reprinted by Avon Eos), Alpha Centauri (Avon), Fellow Traveler... Read More →
avatar for Lawrence M. Schoen

Lawrence M. Schoen

Author, Paper Golem LLC
Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, is a past Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula, nominee, twice won the Cóyotl award for best novel, founded the Klingon Language Institute, and occasionally does work as a hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues. His science... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom - Salon 1
  Career Management, Solo presentation

3:30pm EDT

The Money is in Your (back)List
Your backlist has the potential to contain found money. The work of writing them is already done, so all that's left is continuing to connect that work with an audience. What are the aspects of reviving your backlist, whether traditionally published or indie published, and how do you acquire the contacts necessary to get the core competencies together to accomplish selling your work? This panel will also look at the mechanics of rights reversion of backlist books
Moderators
avatar for Margot Atwell

Margot Atwell

Head of Publishing, Kickstarter
Margot Atwell is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she helps authors and publishers build community and find support for their creative projects. Previously, Margot was Publisher at Beaufort Books, an independent publisher of fiction and non-fiction books. Her first book, The... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Michael Anderle

Michael Anderle

CEO, LMBPN Publishing
SFWA Member and Science Fiction and Fantasy Author and a bestselling top #100 Author on Amazon.com.Known for his bestselling Kurtherian Gambit series, Michael is also the co-creator of the Oriceran Universe and collaborates with well over a dozen other authors.His publishing company... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Brazee

Jonathan Brazee

Writer
I am a retired Marine infantry colonel and now a full-time hybrid writer living in Colorado Springs with my wife Kiwi and twin pre-school-age girls, Danika Dawn and Darika Marie. I am a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, a two-time Dragon Award Finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling... Read More →
avatar for Cat Rambo
avatar for DongWon Song

DongWon Song

Agent, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
DongWon Song is an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency representing science fiction and fantasy for adults, young adult, and middle grade readers as well as select non-fiction. They were formerly an editor at Orbit and a product manager for the ebook startup, Zola Books and has... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Marquis A
  Career Management, Panel

3:30pm EDT

The Joys and the Hazards of Writing #OwnVoices Fiction
"Write what you know" sounds easy, but is it always? #OwnVoices was created to celebrate the works of marginalized writers telling stories from their lived experience. But distilling experience into fiction comes with unique challenges and risks that we don't often get to talk about. Panelists discuss how to tap into your own life for stories without damaging themselves or their loved ones, the insights and liberations that can come from that experience, and the challenges of speaking for a community. 
Speakers
avatar for Jaime O. Mayer

Jaime O. Mayer

Attendee
SFF writer based out of the Seattle area. Korean American adoptee. Soaked in tea, would rather be knitting. Fountain pen obsessed. Fiction and nonfiction at/forthcoming: Cast of Wonders, Cicada Magazine, The Learned Fangirl, Invisible 3, and Disabled People Destroy Science Fiction... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Roanhorse

Rebecca Roanhorse

Author
Rebecca Roanhorse is a Nebula/Hugo/Sturgeon/Locus Award Finalist for her short fiction and a 2017 Campbell Finalist. Her debut novel TRAIL OF LIGHTNING Book #1 in the SIXTH WORLD SERIES (Saga Press) drops June 26th, 2018. She lives in Northern New Mexico with her husband, daughter... Read More →
avatar for Karlo Yeager Rodriguez

Karlo Yeager Rodriguez

Attendee, Author
Karlo Yeager Rodríguez is originally from the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, but moved to the Baltimore area some years ago where he now lives with his wife and one odd dog. His fiction has appeared in places like Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Seize the Press, Pseudopod, and khōréō. He... Read More →
ES

Elsa Sjunneson

Attendee
Hugo, BFA and Aurora award winning editor Elsa Sjunneson is a Deafblind hurricane in a vintage dress. Her written work has appeared in CNN Opinion, Uncanny Magazine, Women of Marvel #1, and many other projects and venues. Being Seen, her debut memoir on media and disability releases... Read More →
avatar for K. M. Szpara

K. M. Szpara

Author
K.M. Szpara is a queer and trans author who lives in Baltimore, MD, with a tiny dog. Kellan's debut alt-/near-future novel, DOCILE (Spring 2020, Tor.com Publishing), explores the snowballing debt crisis, consent, and privilege, and can be described as "really gay". He is the author... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Marquis C
  Professional Development, Panel

4:00pm EDT

Draft 2 Digital
Join the Draft2Digital team to learn about the free tools they've built to help indie authors run their business and how they can help make your book available to retailers and libraries worldwide.
Moderators
avatar for Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Draft2Digital - Dan Wood

Director of Author Relations, Draft2Digital
Dan Wood is the Director of Operations and Author Relations at Draft2Digital. Prior to this he spent many years as a technology advisor in the energy industry and served two years as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer. Draft2Digital gives over 53,000 authors simple tools to format and... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kris Austin

Kris Austin

Chief Executive Officer, Draft2Digital
Kris Austin is the CEO and Co-Founder of Draft2Digital, the top ebook distribution platform online. Founded in 2012 and proudly based in Oklahoma City, D2D offers an ever-expanding array of tools and resources to help authors start and grow their indie publishing careers, allowing... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Solo presentation

4:00pm EDT

Office Hours
Often the best conversations at a convention are the ones that carry over after a panel. Here we have provided a space for authors, editors, agents, and our partners to share their expertise in intimate meetings. These can either be a one-on-one about an area of expertise such as hypnotism, sailing, or contract law. Or it could be an offer to talk shop such as brainstorming sticky plot points, world-building dilemmas, or how to set up book tours.

Available topics this hour are:
  • Book Marketing
  • Writing Craft
  • Indie Publishing
  • Personal Conflict Dynamics and Resolution (for your character or you!)
  • Ask an Editor Publishing Questions
  • Social media expert
  • Medieval & Byzantine History
  • Structural Issues at Novel Length
  • Copywriting
  • Freelancing
  • Work-for-Hire
  • Brainstorming
  • World-Building
  • Fight Scenes!
  • Dialogue Writing
  • Online Marketing: Websites, Blogs, and Email Lists

Speakers
avatar for Carrie DiRisio

Carrie DiRisio

Author
Carrie Ann DiRisio runs multiple popular social media accounts including @BroodingYAHero, and has worked for Serial Box Publishing. She is the author of the upcoming YA Parody novel BROODING YA HERO'S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING MAIN CHARACTER STATUS.Her speaking engagements include talks... Read More →
avatar for Sara Glassman

Sara Glassman

Book Seller, Little Professor Book Center
Sara Glassman spent eleven years as the children's and YA buyer for Birmingham's oldest Indie bookstore. She now works as a school librarian for a local Montessori School. Areas of unexpected expertise include: jewelry making, knitting, and forensic anthropology.
avatar for N.R. (Nancy) Lambert

N.R. (Nancy) Lambert

N.R. Lambert (she/her) is a speculative fiction author from New York City. Her stories appear or are forthcoming in Lightspeed, Vastarien, The Modern Deity's Guide to Surviving Humanity, PseudoPod, Lovecraft Mythos, Don’t Turn Out the Lights, and elsewhere. She’s also written... Read More →
avatar for Anne Leonard
avatar for Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine is speculative fiction writer and, as Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, a historian of the Byzantine Empire and a city planner. She is currently a policy advisor for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she works on climate change mitigation... Read More →
avatar for Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin

Writer, Role of the Hero Publishing
Kevin McLaughlin is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels, with over thirty books published. He has been a speaker at DragonCon, the Nebula Conference, 20Books, WorldCon, Arisia, Boskone, and other events. He believes in giving back to the writing community... Read More →
avatar for Jo Miles

Jo Miles

Attendee
Jo Miles lives in Maryland and writes optimistic science fiction and fantasy. Their stories have appeared in Strange Horizons, Analog, Fireside, and more.
avatar for Tracy Townsend

Tracy Townsend

Writer, English Instructor
Tracy Townsend is the author of The Nine, book one of the Thieves of Fate series (Pyr), a gaslamp fantasy debut set in a world where theology is a science, three sentient species live in an uneasy truce, and the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of nine unsuspecting individuals... Read More →
avatar for Jacob Weisman

Jacob Weisman

Publisher, Tachyon Publications
Jacob Weisman is the editor and publisher at Tachyon Publications, which he founded in 1995. He has been nominated for the World Fantasy Award three times for his work at Tachyon and is the series editor of Tachyon’s Hugo, Nebula, Sturgeon, and Shirley Jackson Award-winning novella... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge, Office Hours

4:30pm EDT

Convention Mentor Meetup
The SFWA mentor program pairs established writers with early career writers, or people attending the Nebula Award Conference for the first time. Participants will attend a brief orientation explaining the weekend, and then be paired with a peer who will help introduce the writer to people. 
Friday May 18, 2018 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

5:00pm EDT

The SFWA Self Publishing Committee: Plans, Projects and Q&A
Meet the SFWA Self Publishing Committee for a community hall.  We'll give a brief overview of what projects we have in the works before we open the floor up for questions, feedback and suggestions.
Moderators
avatar for Mr. Nibs

Mr. Nibs

Author, Fallen Kitten Productions

Speakers
avatar for Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning, best-selling author who writes fantasy with romantic elements and contemporary romance. She serves on the Board of Directors for SFWA as a Director at Large. Her most recent works include the high fantasy trilogy from Rebel Base books, The Chronicles... Read More →
avatar for Nathan Lowell

Nathan Lowell

Author, Durandus, Ltd
Nathan has been a full-time, self-published author since 2012 and working in social media since before it was called social media. His doctoral research involved teasing out the factors that govern how people relate in virtual spaces. That research helped him leverage social media... Read More →
avatar for Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

Director, Craig Martelle, Inc
Craig Martelle has published well over 100 books and has sold over a million copies in his favorite genres of Science Fiction and Thrillers. He also runs the largest indie author conferences in the world along with the group that has changed innumerable authors’ lives for the better... Read More →
avatar for Terry Mixon

Terry Mixon

Author, Yowling Cat Press
#1 Bestselling Military Science Fiction author Terry Mixon served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He later worked alongside the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at the NASA Johnson Space Center supporting the Space Shuttle... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom - Salon 1
  Career Management, Panel

5:00pm EDT

Language to use when writing and speaking about disability
From the outside, disability is something people observe at a distance. People stare, or they look away, but to talk about it can be somewhat daunting. This panel will address the language of disability in order to enable writers to be more inclusive of disabled people within their work, and to acknowledge disabled writers within their communities.
Moderators
avatar for John Wiswell

John Wiswell

John (@Wiswell) is a disabled writer who lives where New York keeps all its trees. His work has appeared at Uncanny Magazine, Weird Tales, Fireside Magazine, Daily Science Fiction, Pseudopod, Podcastle, and Flash Fiction Online.

Speakers
avatar for Kari Maaren

Kari Maaren

Author
Kari Maaren is a writer, cartoonist, musician, and academic whose first novel, the YA fantasy Weave a Circle Round, was published by Tor Books in 2017. It tied for the 2018 Copper Cylinder Award (YA category), was a finalist for the Andre Norton Nebula Award for Young Adult Science... Read More →
avatar for Jaime O. Mayer

Jaime O. Mayer

Attendee
SFF writer based out of the Seattle area. Korean American adoptee. Soaked in tea, would rather be knitting. Fountain pen obsessed. Fiction and nonfiction at/forthcoming: Cast of Wonders, Cicada Magazine, The Learned Fangirl, Invisible 3, and Disabled People Destroy Science Fiction... Read More →
avatar for Diana M. Pho

Diana M. Pho

Editor
Diana M. Pho is a queer Vietnamese-American independent scholar, playwright, and Hugo Award-nominated fiction editor. She has over a decade of experience in traditional, Big Five publishing, including Tor Books, Tor.com Publishing, and the Science Fiction Book Club. Additionally... Read More →
ES

Elsa Sjunneson

Attendee
Hugo, BFA and Aurora award winning editor Elsa Sjunneson is a Deafblind hurricane in a vintage dress. Her written work has appeared in CNN Opinion, Uncanny Magazine, Women of Marvel #1, and many other projects and venues. Being Seen, her debut memoir on media and disability releases... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Professional Development

5:00pm EDT

New vs. Experienced: The evolution of a writer
Editors and agents are always looking for fresh voices. Why, when they have already experienced writers to work with? This year's Nebula nominees span five decades of age and experience. How does a writer evolve over the course of their career? Using short fiction as a lens, our panelists examine the differences between working with a new voice and the experienced author.
Moderators
avatar for Ellen Klages

Ellen Klages

Writer, self
I write historical fiction for middle grade readers and SF/F for adults. I have won multiple awards in both fields. I love research. I have played poker every Tuesday night for 35 years. I collect lead civilians and other odd, old toys. I sometimes give ultraviolet tours of my dining... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alyx Dellamonica

Alyx Dellamonica

A.M. Dellamonica's first novel, Indigo Springs, won the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. Their fourth, A Daughter of No Nation, won the 2016 Prix Aurora for Best Novel. They have published over fifty short stories in Tor.com, Asimovs SF, and elsewhere, along... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Roanhorse

Rebecca Roanhorse

Author
Rebecca Roanhorse is a Nebula/Hugo/Sturgeon/Locus Award Finalist for her short fiction and a 2017 Campbell Finalist. Her debut novel TRAIL OF LIGHTNING Book #1 in the SIXTH WORLD SERIES (Saga Press) drops June 26th, 2018. She lives in Northern New Mexico with her husband, daughter... Read More →
avatar for Erin Roberts

Erin Roberts

Attendee
avatar for Sheila Williams

Sheila Williams

Attendee, Asimov's
I'm a science fiction short story editor.

Friday May 18, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Marquis C
  Professional Development, Panel

5:00pm EDT

Ongoing funding for authors
There are more ways for a writer to earn income now than every before. This panel focuses specifically on the subscription or patronage model for providing an author with on-going support. From Patreon to Drip to Koffi, what are some ways to reduce the uncertainty of your income stream?
Moderators
avatar for Margot Atwell

Margot Atwell

Head of Publishing, Kickstarter
Margot Atwell is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she helps authors and publishers build community and find support for their creative projects. Previously, Margot was Publisher at Beaufort Books, an independent publisher of fiction and non-fiction books. Her first book, The... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Pablo Defendini

Pablo Defendini

Publisher, Fireside Fiction Company
Pablo Defendini is a designer and developer for hire. He works with clients that sit in the overlap between publishing and technology. In addition to his design and development consultancy, Pablo runs Fireside Fiction Company, a small independent publisher.
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Lady Astronaut series and historical fantasy novels: The Glamourist Histories and Ghost Talkers. She’s the president of SFWA, a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer... Read More →
avatar for Merc Rustad

Merc Rustad

author / AV

Friday May 18, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Professional Development, Panel

5:00pm EDT

Local Beer Tasting Happy Hour
Join beer fans James J. Walton & Jim & Laurie Mann and try some local beer, cider and at least one kind of Wigle Whiskey.
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Mann

Laurie Mann

Nebula Weekend Local Coordinator 2018, 2017, 1999, co-runner of Program for Pittsburgh's Confluence for 2018, chair of Smofcon 2017, co-chair of Smofcon 2012

Friday May 18, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
SFWA's Hospitality Suite - 10th floor, Pittsburgh Room
  Social

7:00pm EDT

Registration
Friday May 18, 2018 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  SFWA function

7:30pm EDT

Nebula Nominee Presentation
Here is your chance to meet and congratulate this year's Nebula Nominees before the mass autographing. As a way to celebrate the nominees' work, we have partnered with SAG/AFTRA to have two professional audiobook narrators who will read excerpts from the nominated work.
Speakers
avatar for James Cronin

James Cronin

VoiceOver Actor, Los Angeles, CA
James Patrick Cronin has narrated over 600 audiobooks including New York Times Best Sellers, Edgar and Nebula Awards nominees, and a National Book Award finalist. He has narrated the works of Noam Chomsky and Dean Koontz, among others. His work has been recognized with numerous Audie... Read More →
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Lady Astronaut series and historical fantasy novels: The Glamourist Histories and Ghost Talkers. She’s the president of SFWA, a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer... Read More →

Friday May 18, 2018 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

7:30pm EDT

Book Sales
Buy books from your favorite authors and get them autographed during the Mass Signing
Friday May 18, 2018 7:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Salon 6 (Grand Ballroom)
  SFWA function

9:00pm EDT

ARCHIVOS party
Friday May 18, 2018 9:00pm - Saturday May 19, 2018 1:00am EDT
SFWA's Hospitality Suite - 10th floor, Pittsburgh Room
  Social
 
Saturday, May 19
 

9:00am EDT

Pittsburgh Stroll
This stroll will focus on Pittsburgh history (distance: about 2 miles)
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Mann

Laurie Mann

Nebula Weekend Local Coordinator 2018, 2017, 1999, co-runner of Program for Pittsburgh's Confluence for 2018, chair of Smofcon 2017, co-chair of Smofcon 2012

Saturday May 19, 2018 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  Social, Off-site tour

9:30am EDT

Registration
Saturday May 19, 2018 9:30am - 4:30pm EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  SFWA function

10:00am EDT

SFWA Business meeting
Speakers
avatar for Kate Baker

Kate Baker

Executive Director, SFWA
Kate Baker is the Podcast Director and Non-fiction Editor for Clarkesworld Magazine.Kate won the Hugo Award for Best Semiprozine in 2011 and 2013, the British Fantasy Award for Best Magazine in 2014 and the World Fantasy Award for Special Award: Non Professional in 2014 alongside... Read More →
avatar for Curtis Chen

Curtis Chen

Secretary, SFWA
Once a Silicon Valley software engineer, Curtis C. Chen (陳致宇) now writes stories and runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon. He's the author of the Kangaroo series of funny science fiction spy thrillers and has written for the Realm originals Ninth Step Station, Machina, and... Read More →
avatar for Andy Duncan

Andy Duncan

Associate Professor, Frostburg State University
I have been publishing science fiction and fantasy at the short story, novelette and novella lengths since 1997, receiving a Nebula Award, a Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award and three World Fantasy Awards. I have taught undergraduate writing since 1993. I attended Clarion West in... Read More →
avatar for Erin M. Hartshorn

Erin M. Hartshorn

SFWA Vice President
Erin M. Hartshorn did her graduate work in fish olfaction (and yes, she’s heard all of the jokes about how fish smell) before turning to words to make her living. Her freelance business makes others’ words look good through copyediting, proofreading, and indexing. Her fiction... Read More →
avatar for Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning, best-selling author who writes fantasy with romantic elements and contemporary romance. She serves on the Board of Directors for SFWA as a Director at Large. Her most recent works include the high fantasy trilogy from Rebel Base books, The Chronicles... Read More →
JM

John Murphy

John P. Murphy is an engineer and author, with a background in robotics, machine learning, and network security. His novella The Liar was a finalist for the Nebula Award, and his debut novel Red Noise will be out June 2020.
avatar for Sarah Pinsker

Sarah Pinsker

Director at Large, SFWA
avatar for Cat Rambo
avatar for Lawrence M. Schoen

Lawrence M. Schoen

Author, Paper Golem LLC
Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, is a past Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula, nominee, twice won the Cóyotl award for best novel, founded the Klingon Language Institute, and occasionally does work as a hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues. His science... Read More →
avatar for Bud Sparhawk

Bud Sparhawk

CFO, SFWA, Inc

Saturday May 19, 2018 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

10:00am EDT

Book Sales
Buy books from your favorite authors!
Saturday May 19, 2018 10:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Salon 6 (Grand Ballroom)
  SFWA function

11:00am EDT

SFWA Services -- What we can do for you?
SFWA has dozens of services for its members and it's easy to overlook things. In this presentation, we present an overview of things SFWA can do for you. Afterwards, SFWA representatives will be available if you have more in-depth questions.

PLEASE NOTE: This panel is directly following the business meeting, in the same room, so the start time might be a little late.
Speakers
avatar for Andy Duncan

Andy Duncan

Associate Professor, Frostburg State University
I have been publishing science fiction and fantasy at the short story, novelette and novella lengths since 1997, receiving a Nebula Award, a Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award and three World Fantasy Awards. I have taught undergraduate writing since 1993. I attended Clarion West in... Read More →
avatar for Cat Rambo

Saturday May 19, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Expert Knowledge

11:30am EDT

ARCHIVOS lunch
Saturday May 19, 2018 11:30am - 1:30pm EDT
SFWA's Hospitality Suite - 10th floor, Pittsburgh Room
  Social

1:00pm EDT

A Users Guide to Writers’ Workshops
When do you need a workshop? How do you find one, or failing that, start one? And is a workshop a lifelong tool or something you might well grow out of? Many of us break into the field through fee-based writers' workshops, of which there are many, serving a variety of needs. Some published writers are still in the market for these workshops, to develop their skills or to pursue an advanced degree or both. But eventually the student-mentor model no longer serves our needs and we look to peer workshops. This panel brings together writers who have had experience with workshops at all levels, from the occasional gathering to formal teaching workshops and the proliferating MFA programs and on to longstanding local and national pro workshops.
Moderators
avatar for James Patrick Kelly

James Patrick Kelly

Write reply here...
I write novels, short stories, plays and a column for Asimov's. I know a lot about writers' workshops. A little about writing. Despite this, they let me teach Creative Writing at an MFA program. I used to podcast a lot and maybe should get back into it. I have extensive experience... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Curtis Chen

Curtis Chen

Secretary, SFWA
Once a Silicon Valley software engineer, Curtis C. Chen (陳致宇) now writes stories and runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon. He's the author of the Kangaroo series of funny science fiction spy thrillers and has written for the Realm originals Ninth Step Station, Machina, and... Read More →
avatar for John Kessel
avatar for Matthew Kressel

Matthew Kressel

Full-stack developer, writer, Tyrell Corporation
Matthew Kressel is a three-time Nebula Award finalist and a World Fantasy Award finalist. His short fiction has appeared in many places, and his work has been translated into six languages. He is a full-stack developer, environmentalist, and cautious optimist. He co-hosts the Fantastic... Read More →
avatar for Mur Lafferty

Mur Lafferty

Writer
Mur Lafferty is a Hugo-award winning podcaster, a Hugo and Nebula award nominated writer, and co-editor of the first science fiction podcast, Escape Pod. She streams gaming and live podcasts on Twitch.
avatar for Fran Wilde

Fran Wilde

Author
Fran Wilde’s novels and short stories have been finalists for four Nebula awards, two Hugo Awards, and a World Fantasy Award. They include her Nebula/Andre Norton- and Compton Crook-winning debut novel, Updraft (Tor, 2015); its sequels, Cloudbound and Horizon; the double-starred... Read More →

Saturday May 19, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Career Management, Panel

1:00pm EDT

How to teach classes in storytelling
Whether you are teaching peers or in public school classroom, there is an art and a science to planning a class. Finding that spark inside each student means lots of scaffolding, differentiation, and getting down to the core of what a story is. A beginning writing workshop should teach effective communication of a student’s ideas and inspire further exploration into not only writing, but self-advocacy and self-esteem. Advanced courses should help students push farther in their skills.

These two presenters will discuss how to structure a lesson plan, fit the needs of every student, and support a creative and safe space.

Speakers
avatar for J. R. Dawson

J. R. Dawson

Writer
Dawson (she/they) has been seen in places like The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Escape Pod, Lightspeed, and DSF. Her debut novel, The First Bright Thing, is now available from Tor. Find her at www.jrdawsonwriter.com and on twitter @j_r_dawson.
avatar for Cat Rambo

Saturday May 19, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Solo presentation

1:00pm EDT

We’re Going to Need a Bigger Ship: Uncloaking the Missing Half of the SFF Market
Join Data Guy, the pseudonymous industry analyst who cofounded AuthorEarnings.com along with mega-selling indie Sci-Fi author Hugh Howey, for a deep dive into today’s vibrant and vastly expanded Science Fiction & Fantasy market. Surprisingly, tens of millions of online SFF book purchases are going unreported each year, so come and see the hidden half of the SFF market—the half which statistics from Bookscan, Pubtrack, and the AAP are blind to. Learn for the first time what SFF genres and subgenres truly sell best, which formats and price points really generate the most revenue, and how SFF sales are trending compared to other genres—last year, last quarter, last month and even last week.
Speakers
DG

Saturday May 19, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  Career Management, Solo presentation

1:00pm EDT

The problem with history
History repeats itself, so it's natural to look to history for inspiration for fiction. While it's obvious that historical details should be treated in the same way as any other piece of world-building, how does the author navigate the changes in culture? Is there a responsibility to be factually accurate, even when that means replicating problematic language and attitudes from the past? Are there certain cultures' histories that we shouldn't write about? If so, why? This panel will seek to place planks over the pitfalls in writing historical fantasy fiction.
Moderators
avatar for Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine is speculative fiction writer and, as Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, a historian of the Byzantine Empire and a city planner. She is currently a policy advisor for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she works on climate change mitigation... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Lara Elena Donnelly

Lara Elena Donnelly

Lara Elena Donnelly is the author of the vintage-glam spy thriller Amberlough and it’s forthcoming sequels Armistice and Amnesty (Tor). Lara’s other work has appeared in venues including Strange Horizons, Escape Pod, Nightmare, and Uncanny. A graduate of the Clarion and Alpha... Read More →
avatar for Annalee Newitz

Annalee Newitz

writer
Annalee Newitz writes science fiction and nonfiction. She's the author of the Nebula-nominated novel Autonomous, and the nonfiction book Scatter, Adapt, and Remember: How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction. She was the co-founder of io9.com, and is currently editor-at-large for... Read More →
avatar for Kat Otis

Kat Otis

Kat Otis writes speculative fiction – everything from historical fantasy to urban fantasy, with a bit of science fiction thrown in for good measure. She lived a peripatetic life for almost two decades and is now rather bemused to be living in one place; she’s not recycling her... Read More →
avatar for Angus Watson

Angus Watson

Writer, Angus Watson
I'm a British historical fantasy writer currently living in New York. My first trilogy, Age of Iron, is a fantastical epic adventure based around the Roman Invasions of Britain in 55 and 54BC. My current trilogy, West of West, is about Vikings crossing a fantasy North America a thousand... Read More →

Saturday May 19, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Marquis C
  Professional Development, Panel

1:00pm EDT

Kickstarter Masterclass - registration required
Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
In this Masterclass, Margot Atwell from Kickstarter, will work with participants to fine tune their projects for maximum effect. Participants will receive material before the conference and do some work before the masterclass to prepare.

You must pre-register for this class.

To do so, add this to your schedule. When the class fills, additional names will go on the waitlist.
Speakers
avatar for Margot Atwell

Margot Atwell

Head of Publishing, Kickstarter
Margot Atwell is the Head of Publishing at Kickstarter, where she helps authors and publishers build community and find support for their creative projects. Previously, Margot was Publisher at Beaufort Books, an independent publisher of fiction and non-fiction books. Her first book, The... Read More →

Saturday May 19, 2018 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Three Rivers Room
  Career Management, Workshop

2:30pm EDT

Social Media Theory and Practice
Social media can be a cornerstone of building an author brand, reaching new readers, and increasing your visibility in the author community. It’s also confusing, dangerous, infuriating, and has set back as many careers as it's launched. What are the basic hows and whys of a social media presence? How do you engage with your peers? With your fans? And with industry gatekeepers? Discuss some best practices, some common pitfalls, and advantages of different social channels.
Moderators
avatar for DongWon Song

DongWon Song

Agent, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
DongWon Song is an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency representing science fiction and fantasy for adults, young adult, and middle grade readers as well as select non-fiction. They were formerly an editor at Orbit and a product manager for the ebook startup, Zola Books and has... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Carrie DiRisio

Carrie DiRisio

Author
Carrie Ann DiRisio runs multiple popular social media accounts including @BroodingYAHero, and has worked for Serial Box Publishing. She is the author of the upcoming YA Parody novel BROODING YA HERO'S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING MAIN CHARACTER STATUS.Her speaking engagements include talks... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Gailey

Sarah Gailey

Author
Hugo, Campbell, and Nebula award finalist Sarah Gailey lives and works in beautiful Portland, Oregon. Their nonfiction has been published by Mashable and the Boston Globe, and their fiction has been published internationally. They are a regular contributor for Tor.com and Barnes... Read More →
avatar for Nathan Lowell

Nathan Lowell

Author, Durandus, Ltd
Nathan has been a full-time, self-published author since 2012 and working in social media since before it was called social media. His doctoral research involved teasing out the factors that govern how people relate in virtual spaces. That research helped him leverage social media... Read More →
avatar for Fran Wilde

Fran Wilde

Author
Fran Wilde’s novels and short stories have been finalists for four Nebula awards, two Hugo Awards, and a World Fantasy Award. They include her Nebula/Andre Norton- and Compton Crook-winning debut novel, Updraft (Tor, 2015); its sequels, Cloudbound and Horizon; the double-starred... Read More →

Saturday May 19, 2018 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Marquis A
  Career Management, Panel

2:30pm EDT

What Teens are Looking for in YA Literature
YA Literature is consumed, enjoyed, and written by people of all age groups. But what about its original target demographic? What, exactly, do teenagers enjoy about YA? What makes or breaks a good YA book? In this panel, a group of teenagers discuss what they love and hate about the genre and its many subgenres, tropes, and traits. Come listen and learn.
Moderators
avatar for Ana Maria Curtis

Ana Maria Curtis

Student, Swarthmore College
Ana studies English Lit, Economics, and Mandarin Chinese. She wrote some words once.

Speakers
OG
IE
avatar for Alina Sichevaya
avatar for George Stewart-Walkling

Saturday May 19, 2018 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Marquis C
  Expert Knowledge, Panel

2:30pm EDT

Health and Happiness for Writers
This panel begins with the radical idea that writers do their best work when they're healthy, happy, and reasonably secure: when they are not living up (or down) to the stereotype of the starving, possibly addicted, probably self-destructive artist. We will discuss what makes for a good, and hopefully productive, writing life. How can we arrange our days . . . and years? How can we cultivate healthy and productive habits, and what does that mean, anyway? How do we deal with the problems and challenges of writing--lack of time, lack of money, the inevitable criticism and rejection? The panelists will share their (positive and negative) experiences creating lives for themselves that enable and support their writing, and hopefully give you some ideas for how you can think about and create your own writing life.
Moderators
TG

Speakers
avatar for Lara Elena Donnelly

Lara Elena Donnelly

Lara Elena Donnelly is the author of the vintage-glam spy thriller Amberlough and it’s forthcoming sequels Armistice and Amnesty (Tor). Lara’s other work has appeared in venues including Strange Horizons, Escape Pod, Nightmare, and Uncanny. A graduate of the Clarion and Alpha... Read More →
avatar for Rekka Jay

Rekka Jay

Attendee, R J Theodore
SFF author of Peridot Shift and Phantom Traveler series. She/her. Early riser. Graphic designer by profession. Co-host of WE MAKE BOOKS podcast (wmbcast.com) with Kaelyn Considine of Parvus Press. Contributor to Glitter + Ashes anthology.
avatar for Matthew Kressel

Matthew Kressel

Full-stack developer, writer, Tyrell Corporation
Matthew Kressel is a three-time Nebula Award finalist and a World Fantasy Award finalist. His short fiction has appeared in many places, and his work has been translated into six languages. He is a full-stack developer, environmentalist, and cautious optimist. He co-hosts the Fantastic... Read More →
avatar for Erin Roberts

Erin Roberts

Attendee
avatar for Patrick Rothfuss

Saturday May 19, 2018 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Marquis B
  Professional Development, Panel

4:00pm EDT

Why use a SAG/AFTRA narrator for your audiobook?
Representatives from the Screen Actors Guild/Association of Film, Television, and Radio Actors (SAG/AFTRA) discuss their union and how narrators can partner with indie-produced audiobooks.
Speakers
avatar for James Cronin

James Cronin

VoiceOver Actor, Los Angeles, CA
James Patrick Cronin has narrated over 600 audiobooks including New York Times Best Sellers, Edgar and Nebula Awards nominees, and a National Book Award finalist. He has narrated the works of Noam Chomsky and Dean Koontz, among others. His work has been recognized with numerous Audie... Read More →
RL

Saturday May 19, 2018 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Marquis C
  Expert Knowledge, Solo presentation

4:00pm EDT

What science fiction can learn from archaeology
Worldbuilding requires us to imagine societies that are radically different from our own. This is also what archaeologists do when they explore ancient civilizations. What can archaeological discoveries and methods teach us as writers? What does archaeological science fiction look like? Let's talk about the science of creating fictional civilizations.
Moderators
avatar for Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine

Arkady Martine is speculative fiction writer and, as Dr. AnnaLinden Weller, a historian of the Byzantine Empire and a city planner. She is currently a policy advisor for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, where she works on climate change mitigation... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for barbara barnett

barbara barnett

Author
Barbara Barnett is the author of three  books,  including  the award-winning The Apothecary’s Curse, a finalist for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for a debut novel. As publisher and executive editor of Blog- critics (blogcritics.org), an Internet maga- zine of pop culture... Read More →
avatar for Annalee Newitz

Annalee Newitz

writer
Annalee Newitz writes science fiction and nonfiction. She's the author of the Nebula-nominated novel Autonomous, and the nonfiction book Scatter, Adapt, and Remember: How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction. She was the co-founder of io9.com, and is currently editor-at-large for... Read More →
avatar for Jason Sanford

Jason Sanford

Author
Jason Sanford is an award-winning author of short stories, essays, and articles. A two-time finalist for the Nebula Award, Jason has published more than a dozen stories in the British SF magazine Interzone, which also devoted a special issue to his fiction. He has also published numerous... Read More →
avatar for Rosemary Claire Smith

Rosemary Claire Smith

Writer
My interactive choose-your-own-adventure game, T-Rex Time Machine, is available from Choice of Games. My story, “Diamond Jim and the Dinosaurs” (April 2016), placed third in Analog's AnLab Readers' Poll. I draw on my background as an archaeologist to write fantasy, science fiction... Read More →

Saturday May 19, 2018 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Career Management, Panel

4:00pm EDT

Skynet, Matrix, Other: Where Will AI Lead Us?
A survey of artificial intelligence as it currently stands, this talk will survey what AI is good at and what it's likely to continue to stink at. Hint: our expectations for AI are as likely to be as predictive as were the SF stories anticipating those air-cars, jetpacks, and interstellar flights we enjoy today.
Moderators
avatar for Martha Wells

Martha Wells

Martha Wells has written many fantasy novels, including The Books of the Raksura series (beginning with The Cloud Roads), the Ile-Rien series (including The Death of the Necromancer) as well as YA fantasy novels, short stories, media tie-ins (for Star Wars and Stargate: Atlantis... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kenneth Chiacchia

Kenneth Chiacchia

Senior Science Writer, Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center
Ken Chiacchia’s bio reads like a random sampling of events from different people’s lives. A defrocked biochemist, he has since been a public relations writer, freelance newspaper reporter, science fiction author, EMT, search-and-rescue dog handler and search manager, firefighter... Read More →
avatar for Matthew Kressel

Matthew Kressel

Full-stack developer, writer, Tyrell Corporation
Matthew Kressel is a three-time Nebula Award finalist and a World Fantasy Award finalist. His short fiction has appeared in many places, and his work has been translated into six languages. He is a full-stack developer, environmentalist, and cautious optimist. He co-hosts the Fantastic... Read More →
avatar for David D. Levine
avatar for PJ Manney

PJ Manney

author, PJ Manney
PJ Manney is the author of the P.K. Dick Award-nominated (R)EVOLUTION, book 1 in a trilogy with (ID)ENTITY, and the upcoming (CON)SCIENCE, out April 27, 2021. She also writes non-fiction and consults about emerging technology, future humans, empathy-building through storytelling... Read More →
avatar for Aaron M. Roth

Aaron M. Roth

Science Fiction / Fantasy writer, Artificial Intelligence / Robotics Scientist
Aaron Roth is a science fiction / fantasy writer. He currently pursues research in robotics and artificial intelligence as a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. He has worked as a software engineer at tech startups in fields such as machine learning, finance, healthcare... Read More →

Saturday May 19, 2018 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Professional Development, Panel

4:30pm EDT

The How and Why of Creative Commons licensing
You've been curious about Creative Commons, but aren't quite sure what it does and how to approach it. In this presentation, a representative from Creative Commons explains the concepts and best practices.
Speakers
avatar for Ethan Senack

Ethan Senack

Outreach and Policy Manager, Creative Commons USA
As Outreach and Policy Manager for Creative Commons USA, Ethan's focus is on crafting a message and strategy around open licensing, educating decision-makers about its potential, and expanding use of the Creative Commons licenses in the US. Previously at U.S. PIRG, Ethan worked as... Read More →

Saturday May 19, 2018 4:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Marquis C
  Career Management, Solo presentation

6:00pm EDT

Nebula Reception
Saturday May 19, 2018 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

6:00pm EDT

Registration
Saturday May 19, 2018 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  SFWA function

7:00pm EDT

Nebula Banquet
Saturday May 19, 2018 7:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

8:30pm EDT

Nebula Award Ceremony
Approximate time
Saturday May 19, 2018 8:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function

9:00pm EDT

Book Sales
The Book Sales room times are "soft" on Saturday night.  the room will be open for about an hour at the conclusion of the Nebula Awards so you can pick up some books by the winners!
Saturday May 19, 2018 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Salon 6 (Grand Ballroom)
  SFWA function

10:00pm EDT

Nebula Alternate Universe speeches
Saturday May 19, 2018 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
 
Sunday, May 20
 

9:00am EDT

Pittsburgh Stroll
This stroll will take you to see PNC Park, Heinz Field and Point State Park and talk about the sports history of Pittsburgh  (distance:  3.5 miles).
Speakers
avatar for Laurie Mann

Laurie Mann

Nebula Weekend Local Coordinator 2018, 2017, 1999, co-runner of Program for Pittsburgh's Confluence for 2018, chair of Smofcon 2017, co-chair of Smofcon 2012

Sunday May 20, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  Social, Solo presentation

9:30am EDT

Registration
Sunday May 20, 2018 9:30am - 11:00am EDT
Registration - Grand Foyer Lobby
  SFWA function

10:00am EDT

Navigating the Demand for Diversity from an Agent's Point of View:
How agents act as go-betweens to meet the increasing demand for diverse books from publishers and readers alike. How do agents source projects that represent a wider array of experiences? How does that affect pitching projects to publishers? And, ultimately, how do we see our role in this conversation? Are we steering the ship or are we caught in the tides of greater forces?
Speakers
SF

Seth Fishman

Literary Agent, The Gernert Company
KK

Kim-Mei Kirtland

Attendee, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency, Inc.
avatar for DongWon Song

DongWon Song

Agent, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency
DongWon Song is an agent at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency representing science fiction and fantasy for adults, young adult, and middle grade readers as well as select non-fiction. They were formerly an editor at Orbit and a product manager for the ebook startup, Zola Books and has... Read More →
JU

Jen Udden

Agent, Barry Goldblatt Literary LLC

Sunday May 20, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Marquis C
  Career Management

10:00am EDT

Self-publishing an audiobook
A narrator can make or break a book. How do you find, evaluate, and work with a narrator to create the best possible audiobook? Representatives from SAG/AFTRA, (the union representing audiobook narrators) join with narrators and audiobook publishers to give you the low-down on what goes into creating an audiobook and how to proceed if you don't want to sell your audiobook rights but would rather produce it yourself. 
Moderators
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Lady Astronaut series and historical fantasy novels: The Glamourist Histories and Ghost Talkers. She’s the president of SFWA, a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kate Baker

Kate Baker

Executive Director, SFWA
Kate Baker is the Podcast Director and Non-fiction Editor for Clarkesworld Magazine.Kate won the Hugo Award for Best Semiprozine in 2011 and 2013, the British Fantasy Award for Best Magazine in 2014 and the World Fantasy Award for Special Award: Non Professional in 2014 alongside... Read More →
avatar for Colin Coyle

Colin Coyle

Publisher, Parvus Press
Colin is the co-founder of Parvus Press. He is a technologist with an education in theater, a more comprehensive but less interesting education in business, and a background in enterprise network design who turned to the dark side of sales and marketing.He fell in love with genre... Read More →
avatar for Jane Love

Jane Love

Associate Executive Director, Washington-Mid Atlantic Local, SAG-AFTRA
Jane Love joined the staff of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and Screen Actors Guild in 1989 as a Contract Administrator.  Before joining the union staff, Jane worked for 3 years as a production coordinator on feature films and television movies/specials... Read More →
avatar for Dave Robison

Dave Robison

Evil Genius, ARCHIVOS
Dave Robison is an avid Literary and Vocal Alchemist who pursues a wide range of creative explorations. A Brainstormer, Keeper of the Buttery Man-Voice, Pattern Seeker, Dream Weaver, and Eternal Optimist, Dave's efforts to boost the awesomeness of the world can be found through his... Read More →

Sunday May 20, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Panel

10:00am EDT

Short Story Collections
Single-author short story collections used to be the way authors made their living, but these days they seem to be more of a labor of love. How do you put a collection together and find a home for it?
Moderators
avatar for Cat Rambo

Speakers
avatar for Ellen Klages

Ellen Klages

Writer, self
I write historical fiction for middle grade readers and SF/F for adults. I have won multiple awards in both fields. I love research. I have played poker every Tuesday night for 35 years. I collect lead civilians and other odd, old toys. I sometimes give ultraviolet tours of my dining... Read More →
avatar for David D. Levine
avatar for Todd Sanders

Todd Sanders

Director, Air and Nothingness Press
I have run my own press - Air and Nothingness Press - since 1997. I’ve published five books of the translated poetry of Robert Desnos, three of my own books of poetry and am now publishing the writing of Jamie Lackey and UK fantasy authors Steph Swainston and Jonathan L. Howard.I... Read More →
avatar for Caroline M. Yoachim

Caroline M. Yoachim

Author
Hugo and three-time Nebula Award finalist Caroline M. Yoachim is a prolific author of short stories, appearing in Asimov’s, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Clarkesworld, and Lightspeed, among other places. Her work has been reprinted in multiple year’s best anthologies and translated... Read More →

Sunday May 20, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Marquis A
  Career Management, Panel

10:00am EDT

Book Sales
Buy books from your favorite authors!
Sunday May 20, 2018 10:00am - 3:00pm EDT
Salon 6 (Grand Ballroom)
  SFWA function

11:00am EDT

Synopses & Queries, How Do They Work?
Summarizing your work can be a daunting task. After months or years of building an intricate and nuanced 100,000-word novel, now you have to describe all of it to a complete stranger in just a few paragraphs? Don’t panic! You can simplify without being reductive. We’ll look at a “reverse outline”; discuss techniques for refining voice, clarity, and focus; and use exercises to help break down a manuscript into fundamentals that can be built back up into various types of “pitches.” Even if you're not currently working on a novel, these skills will help you think critically about any story. 
Speakers
avatar for Curtis Chen

Curtis Chen

Secretary, SFWA
Once a Silicon Valley software engineer, Curtis C. Chen (陳致宇) now writes stories and runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon. He's the author of the Kangaroo series of funny science fiction spy thrillers and has written for the Realm originals Ninth Step Station, Machina, and... Read More →

Sunday May 20, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Marquis B
  Career Management, Solo presentation

11:00am EDT

Toastmaster Q&A
Sunday May 20, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Marquis A
  Expert Knowledge

11:00am EDT

Structuring a Series
Series books, whether a trilogy, quintology, or open-ended slide into infinity, have a very different story arc than the one-off single title. Knowing that, how do you approach one? How do you plot it, structure it, talk about it? What makes for a good long-running series, and what are the pitfalls to be avoided?
Moderators
avatar for Laura Anne Gilman

Laura Anne Gilman

d.y.m.k. productions
Relapsing Editor, Recurrent Novelist, Occasional Short Story Writer. Proud Hybrid. Never met a sub-genre she didn't flirt with.

Speakers
avatar for Susan Forest

Susan Forest

Laksa Media Groups
Susan Forest writes SF, fantasy and horror, and is an award-winning fiction editor for Laksa Media. Her novel, Bursts of Fire, came out in 2019, to be followed by Flights of Marigolds. She has published over 25 short stories, contributes to When Words Collide, and has appeared at... Read More →
avatar for Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin

Writer, Role of the Hero Publishing
Kevin McLaughlin is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels, with over thirty books published. He has been a speaker at DragonCon, the Nebula Conference, 20Books, WorldCon, Arisia, Boskone, and other events. He believes in giving back to the writing community... Read More →
avatar for Mark Tompkins

Mark Tompkins

Author
Mark Tompkins is the Author of The Last Days of Magic and Days of The Witchhunters (Penguin Random House). Last Days was hailed by The Washington Post as “a beautifully detailed book and an entertaining read” and named one of The Best New Books by People Magazine. Mark is under... Read More →
avatar for Martha Wells

Martha Wells

Martha Wells has written many fantasy novels, including The Books of the Raksura series (beginning with The Cloud Roads), the Ile-Rien series (including The Death of the Necromancer) as well as YA fantasy novels, short stories, media tie-ins (for Star Wars and Stargate: Atlantis... Read More →

Sunday May 20, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Marquis C
  Professional Development, Panel

1:00pm EDT

Mass Autographing
Speakers
avatar for Michael Anderle

Michael Anderle

CEO, LMBPN Publishing
SFWA Member and Science Fiction and Fantasy Author and a bestselling top #100 Author on Amazon.com.Known for his bestselling Kurtherian Gambit series, Michael is also the co-creator of the Oriceran Universe and collaborates with well over a dozen other authors.His publishing company... Read More →
avatar for Charlie Jane Anders

Charlie Jane Anders

Attendee
Charlie Jane Anders is the author of the forthcoming Victories Greater Than Death, the first book in a young adult trilogy. Plus an upcoming short story collection, Even Greater Mistakes. And a collection of essays about how to make up stories during tough times, called Never Say You Can't Survive. With Annalee Newitz, she co-hosts the Hugo Award-winning podc... Read More →
AB

Alan Bailey

Creator/Producer/Co-host, Alan & Jeremy Vs Science Fiction
avatar for barbara barnett

barbara barnett

Author
Barbara Barnett is the author of three  books,  including  the award-winning The Apothecary’s Curse, a finalist for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for a debut novel. As publisher and executive editor of Blog- critics (blogcritics.org), an Internet maga- zine of pop culture... Read More →
avatar for Sue Hollister Barr

Sue Hollister Barr

Author, SFWA
My sci fi is adult, a touch raunchy/bohemian, and an eclectic mix of sentiment and dark humor. I need help getting my books sold. I can provide help with all aspects of wordsmithing from line-edits to story structure.
avatar for Peter Beagle

Peter Beagle

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is pleased to announce that Peter S. Beagle has been named the 34th Damon Knight Grand Master for his contributions to the literature of Science Fiction and Fantasy.The Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award is given by SFWA... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Brazee

Jonathan Brazee

Writer
I am a retired Marine infantry colonel and now a full-time hybrid writer living in Colorado Springs with my wife Kiwi and twin pre-school-age girls, Danika Dawn and Darika Marie. I am a two-time Nebula Award Finalist, a two-time Dragon Award Finalist, and a USA Today Bestselling... Read More →
avatar for Vera Brook

Vera Brook

Writer
Vera Brook is a neuroscientist turned science fiction & fantasy writer, braving the indie publishing route. Her debut novel, Sand Runner, was published in June 2017, and Cage Runner, book 2 in the series, followed in February 2018. She's also working on several short stories, but... Read More →
avatar for Michael Capobianco

Michael Capobianco

Advisor, SFWA
Michael Capobianco has published two solo science fiction novels, Purlieu (Placeholder Press) and Burster (Bantam). He is co-author, with William Barton, of the controversial hardcore sf books Iris (Doubleday, Bantam, reprinted by Avon Eos), Alpha Centauri (Avon), Fellow Traveler... Read More →
avatar for Curtis Chen

Curtis Chen

Secretary, SFWA
Once a Silicon Valley software engineer, Curtis C. Chen (陳致宇) now writes stories and runs puzzle games near Portland, Oregon. He's the author of the Kangaroo series of funny science fiction spy thrillers and has written for the Realm originals Ninth Step Station, Machina, and... Read More →
avatar for Gwendolyn Clare
avatar for Neil Clarke

Neil Clarke

Editor, Clarkesworld Magazine
Neil Clarke (neil-clarke.com) is the editor of the Hugo and World Fantasy Award-winning Clarkesworld Magazine and several anthologies, including the Best Science Fiction of the Year series. He has been a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Editor (Short Form) eight times, won the... Read More →
KC

Kaelyn Considine

Acquisitions Editit, Parvus Press
MC
avatar for Sherrie Cronin

Sherrie Cronin

retired geophysicist and writer
I'm a former scientist from Houston and the author of six science fiction/fantasy novels. I am interested in ways to improve my writing and alternative approaches to marketing my newest project.
avatar for Beth Dawkins
DD
avatar for Alyx Dellamonica

Alyx Dellamonica

A.M. Dellamonica's first novel, Indigo Springs, won the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. Their fourth, A Daughter of No Nation, won the 2016 Prix Aurora for Best Novel. They have published over fifty short stories in Tor.com, Asimovs SF, and elsewhere, along... Read More →
avatar for Rob Dircks

Rob Dircks

Writer/Editor/Designer/Narrator/Producer, Goldfinch Publishing
Rob Dircks is the Audible bestselling author of Where the Hell is Tesla? The Wrong Unit, Don't Touch the Blue Stuff!, and a member of SFWA (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America). His prior work includes the anti-self-help book Unleash the Sloth! 75 Ways to Reach Your Maximum... Read More →
avatar for Carrie DiRisio

Carrie DiRisio

Author
Carrie Ann DiRisio runs multiple popular social media accounts including @BroodingYAHero, and has worked for Serial Box Publishing. She is the author of the upcoming YA Parody novel BROODING YA HERO'S GUIDE TO ACHIEVING MAIN CHARACTER STATUS.Her speaking engagements include talks... Read More →
avatar for Lara Elena Donnelly

Lara Elena Donnelly

Lara Elena Donnelly is the author of the vintage-glam spy thriller Amberlough and it’s forthcoming sequels Armistice and Amnesty (Tor). Lara’s other work has appeared in venues including Strange Horizons, Escape Pod, Nightmare, and Uncanny. A graduate of the Clarion and Alpha... Read More →
GD
avatar for Scott Edelman
avatar for Rebecca Gomez Farrell
DS

Dr. Shana Feibel

Psychiatrist, Lindner center of Hope, mason ohio
avatar for Stephanie Fink
avatar for Susan Forest

Susan Forest

Laksa Media Groups
Susan Forest writes SF, fantasy and horror, and is an award-winning fiction editor for Laksa Media. Her novel, Bursts of Fire, came out in 2019, to be followed by Flights of Marigolds. She has published over 25 short stories, contributes to When Words Collide, and has appeared at... Read More →
LF
TF
TF
avatar for Sarah Gailey

Sarah Gailey

Author
Hugo, Campbell, and Nebula award finalist Sarah Gailey lives and works in beautiful Portland, Oregon. Their nonfiction has been published by Mashable and the Boston Globe, and their fiction has been published internationally. They are a regular contributor for Tor.com and Barnes... Read More →
avatar for Laura Anne Gilman

Laura Anne Gilman

d.y.m.k. productions
Relapsing Editor, Recurrent Novelist, Occasional Short Story Writer. Proud Hybrid. Never met a sub-genre she didn't flirt with.
TG
avatar for Daryl Gregory

Daryl Gregory

Writer
Daryl Gregory is an award-winning writer of genre-mixing novels, stories, and comics. His novels include Spoonbenders (upcoming from Knopf), Harrison Squared, Afterparty, Pandemonium, Raising Stony Mayhall, The Devil’s Alphabet, and the World Fantasy Award- winning short novel We... Read More →
avatar for A. J. Hackwith

A. J. Hackwith

Author
A. J. Hackwith is (almost) certainly not an ink witch in a hoodie. She’s a queer writer of fantasy and science fiction living in Seattle. THE LIBRARY OF THE UNWRITTEN, the first in her fantasy trilogy, is coming October 1 2019 with Ace. She also writes sci-fi romance as Ada Harper... Read More →
avatar for Joe Haldeman

Joe Haldeman

writer, MIT
Joe Haldeman is an American science fiction author and combat veteran of Vietnam. He is best known for his 1974 novel The Forever War. That novel, and other of his works including, The Hemingway Hoax (1991) and Forever Peace (1997), have won major science fiction awards including... Read More →
avatar for Erin M. Hartshorn

Erin M. Hartshorn

SFWA Vice President
Erin M. Hartshorn did her graduate work in fish olfaction (and yes, she’s heard all of the jokes about how fish smell) before turning to words to make her living. Her freelance business makes others’ words look good through copyediting, proofreading, and indexing. Her fiction... Read More →
avatar for Merrie Haskell.

Merrie Haskell.

Author
Merrie Haskell’s novels are The Princess Curse, Handbook for Dragon Slayers and The Castle Behind Thorns. She won the Schneider Family Book Award (Middle Grades) and the DetCon1 Middle Grade Speculative Fiction award, and she was twice a finalist for the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award... Read More →
avatar for Claire Humphrey
avatar for Larry Ivkovich

Larry Ivkovich

Writer, Myself
I love talking about all things SF, both in literature and media, and enjoy discussing with other writers about their writing and publishing experiences. SF and Rock and Roll is a favorite niche subject of mine.My own speculative fiction has been published in over twenty online and... Read More →
avatar for Rekka Jay

Rekka Jay

Attendee, R J Theodore
SFF author of Peridot Shift and Phantom Traveler series. She/her. Early riser. Graphic designer by profession. Co-host of WE MAKE BOOKS podcast (wmbcast.com) with Kaelyn Considine of Parvus Press. Contributor to Glitter + Ashes anthology.
DJ
MJ
avatar for Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy

Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning, best-selling author who writes fantasy with romantic elements and contemporary romance. She serves on the Board of Directors for SFWA as a Director at Large. Her most recent works include the high fantasy trilogy from Rebel Base books, The Chronicles... Read More →
avatar for John Kessel
avatar for Scott King

Scott King

Attendee
Scott King is an author, board game photographer, and all around geek!
avatar for Ellen Klages

Ellen Klages

Writer, self
I write historical fiction for middle grade readers and SF/F for adults. I have won multiple awards in both fields. I love research. I have played poker every Tuesday night for 35 years. I collect lead civilians and other odd, old toys. I sometimes give ultraviolet tours of my dining... Read More →
avatar for Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of the Lady Astronaut series and historical fantasy novels: The Glamourist Histories and Ghost Talkers. She’s the president of SFWA, a member of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer... Read More →
avatar for Matthew Kressel

Matthew Kressel

Full-stack developer, writer, Tyrell Corporation
Matthew Kressel is a three-time Nebula Award finalist and a World Fantasy Award finalist. His short fiction has appeared in many places, and his work has been translated into six languages. He is a full-stack developer, environmentalist, and cautious optimist. He co-hosts the Fantastic... Read More →
avatar for Jamie Lackey

Jamie Lackey

Jamie Lackey lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and their cats. She has had over 170 short stories published in places like Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Apex Magazine, and Escape Pod. Her debut novel, Left-Hand Gods, was published by Hadley Rille Books, and she’s created five successful... Read More →
avatar for Mur Lafferty

Mur Lafferty

Writer
Mur Lafferty is a Hugo-award winning podcaster, a Hugo and Nebula award nominated writer, and co-editor of the first science fiction podcast, Escape Pod. She streams gaming and live podcasts on Twitch.
avatar for Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee

Author
Fonda Lee is the author of the Nebula-nominated fantasy novel Jade City, and the Andre Norton-nominated science fiction novels Exo and Zeroboxer. Her next novel, Cross Fire, the sequel to Exo, releases in May 2018. A former corporate strategist for Fortune 500 companies, when she... Read More →
avatar for jennifer lee

jennifer lee

I teach middle school math in Baltimore. I write literary fiction, science fiction and experimental short fiction. I have lived in Greece and hope to live there again in the future. I like all people except for the mean ones.
avatar for David D. Levine
avatar for Beca Lewis

Beca Lewis

Author, Coach, The Shift Center
BECA LEWIS thinks the world is not what it looks like, so spends her time looking for what isn’t always visible. Addicted to reading from childhood, she thought that the worlds she read about were real. Now she asks, who says they are not? Beca writes and coaches on shifting the... Read More →
avatar for Sam Linton

Sam Linton

I am a full-time pastor, corporate trainer, and a real estate investor. I always wanted to be a writer, and I wrote my first book in 2017 during NaNoWriMo. I had every intention of going the traditional publishing route until I discovered 20Booksto50K. Now, I am Indie all the way... Read More →
avatar for Kari Maaren

Kari Maaren

Author
Kari Maaren is a writer, cartoonist, musician, and academic whose first novel, the YA fantasy Weave a Circle Round, was published by Tor Books in 2017. It tied for the 2018 Copper Cylinder Award (YA category), was a finalist for the Andre Norton Nebula Award for Young Adult Science... Read More →
avatar for PJ Manney

PJ Manney

author, PJ Manney
PJ Manney is the author of the P.K. Dick Award-nominated (R)EVOLUTION, book 1 in a trilogy with (ID)ENTITY, and the upcoming (CON)SCIENCE, out April 27, 2021. She also writes non-fiction and consults about emerging technology, future humans, empathy-building through storytelling... Read More →
avatar for Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

Director, Craig Martelle, Inc
Craig Martelle has published well over 100 books and has sold over a million copies in his favorite genres of Science Fiction and Thrillers. He also runs the largest indie author conferences in the world along with the group that has changed innumerable authors’ lives for the better... Read More →
avatar for Kevin McLaughlin

Kevin McLaughlin

Writer, Role of the Hero Publishing
Kevin McLaughlin is a USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels, with over thirty books published. He has been a speaker at DragonCon, the Nebula Conference, 20Books, WorldCon, Arisia, Boskone, and other events. He believes in giving back to the writing community... Read More →
avatar for Sam Miller

Sam Miller

Sam J. Miller is the last in a long line of butchers, and the Nebula-Award-winning author of The Art of Starving (an NPR best of the year) and Blackfish City (a “Must Read” in Entertainment Weekly and O: The Oprah Winfrey Magazine). He lives in New York City, and at samjmille... Read More →
avatar for Terry Mixon

Terry Mixon

Author, Yowling Cat Press
#1 Bestselling Military Science Fiction author Terry Mixon served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division. He later worked alongside the flight controllers in the Mission Control Center at the NASA Johnson Space Center supporting the Space Shuttle... Read More →
avatar for Mr. Nibs

Mr. Nibs

Author, Fallen Kitten Productions
avatar for Dave Palmer

Dave Palmer

Author, D. Thourson Palmer
I'm about bourbon, cooking, martial arts, my blind cat Lt. Commander Geordie La Forge, and also bourbon. I wrote Ours Is the Storm and the web serial RAZE.
avatar for Sarah Pinsker

Sarah Pinsker

Director at Large, SFWA
avatar for Cat Rambo
avatar for Jim Reid

Jim Reid

I am a building contractor, a fiction writer, and a romantic lover. I'm gay and live in San Francisco. The Federation of Earth is a science-fiction novel about benevolent aliens coming to Earth to create a just planet where all sentient beings have equal rights and 70% of humans... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Robson

Kelly Robson

Writer, SFWA
Kelly Robson is an award-winning short fiction writer. In 2018, her story “A Human Stain” won the Nebula Award for Best Novelette, and in 2016, her novella “Waters of Versailles” won the Prix Aurora Award. She has also been a finalist for the Nebula, World Fantasy, Theodore... Read More →
avatar for Karlo Yeager Rodriguez

Karlo Yeager Rodriguez

Attendee, Author
Karlo Yeager Rodríguez is originally from the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, but moved to the Baltimore area some years ago where he now lives with his wife and one odd dog. His fiction has appeared in places like Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Seize the Press, Pseudopod, and khōréō. He... Read More →
avatar for Patrick Rothfuss
avatar for Jason Sanford

Jason Sanford

Author
Jason Sanford is an award-winning author of short stories, essays, and articles. A two-time finalist for the Nebula Award, Jason has published more than a dozen stories in the British SF magazine Interzone, which also devoted a special issue to his fiction. He has also published numerous... Read More →
avatar for Lawrence M. Schoen

Lawrence M. Schoen

Author, Paper Golem LLC
Lawrence M. Schoen holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, is a past Campbell, Hugo, and Nebula, nominee, twice won the Cóyotl award for best novel, founded the Klingon Language Institute, and occasionally does work as a hypnotherapist specializing in authors’ issues. His science... Read More →
avatar for Nancy Schrock

Nancy Schrock

Writer
I'm the author of the recently published novel Incense Rising. I worked in industry as a chemist for 25 years then left the corporate world to pursue writing and teaching. I teach at the University of West Florida.
ES

Elsa Sjunneson

Attendee
Hugo, BFA and Aurora award winning editor Elsa Sjunneson is a Deafblind hurricane in a vintage dress. Her written work has appeared in CNN Opinion, Uncanny Magazine, Women of Marvel #1, and many other projects and venues. Being Seen, her debut memoir on media and disability releases... Read More →
avatar for Alan P. Smale

Alan P. Smale

In addition to singing bass with the Chromatics, this year’s Musical Guests of Honor, Alan Smale writes alternate and twisted history, and occasional pure SF and fantasy. His novella of a Roman invasion of ancient America, “A Clash of Eagles”, won the Sidewise Award for Alternate... Read More →
avatar for Lesley L. Smith

Lesley L. Smith

Physicist & SF Author
By day, Lesley L. Smith is a Ph.D. physicist. By night, she's an M.F.A. author and a founder and editor of the speculative fiction ezine Electric Spec. Her speculative short fiction has appeared in a variety of venues including Analog Science Fiction and Fact. She's published seven... Read More →
avatar for Rosemary Claire Smith

Rosemary Claire Smith

Writer
My interactive choose-your-own-adventure game, T-Rex Time Machine, is available from Choice of Games. My story, “Diamond Jim and the Dinosaurs” (April 2016), placed third in Analog's AnLab Readers' Poll. I draw on my background as an archaeologist to write fantasy, science fiction... Read More →
avatar for Bud Sparhawk

Bud Sparhawk

CFO, SFWA, Inc
MS
avatar for Jerome Stueart

Jerome Stueart

Jerome is a writer whose work has appeared in Fantasy, Lightspeed's Queers Destroy Science Fiction, Tor.com, Strange Horizons, several Tesseracts anthologies and other magazines and journals. His 2016 self-illustrated collection of stories, The Angels of Our Better Beasts (ChiZine... Read More →
avatar for Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about. She’s written a number of fantasy novels for teens and adults and spends her spare time on knitting and music.
TS
avatar for Rebecca Thorne

Rebecca Thorne

Writer
R.K. Thorne writes science fiction and fantasy with strong romantic subplots and an all too frequent theme of baked goods. She's a full-time indie who works from the hills of Pennsylvania with her two gray cats at her side.
avatar for Tracy Townsend

Tracy Townsend

Writer, English Instructor
Tracy Townsend is the author of The Nine, book one of the Thieves of Fate series (Pyr), a gaslamp fantasy debut set in a world where theology is a science, three sentient species live in an uneasy truce, and the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of nine unsuspecting individuals... Read More →
avatar for Michael R. Underwood

Michael R. Underwood

Attendee
Michael R. Underwood is an author, podcaster, and publishing professional. Mike's books include space opera Annihilation Aria, the Ree Reyes Geekomancy books, the Stabby Award-finalist Genrenauts series, and Born to the Blade (written with Malka Older, Cassandra Khaw, and Marie Brennan... Read More →
JW
avatar for Martha Wells

Martha Wells

Martha Wells has written many fantasy novels, including The Books of the Raksura series (beginning with The Cloud Roads), the Ile-Rien series (including The Death of the Necromancer) as well as YA fantasy novels, short stories, media tie-ins (for Star Wars and Stargate: Atlantis... Read More →
avatar for Fran Wilde

Fran Wilde

Author
Fran Wilde’s novels and short stories have been finalists for four Nebula awards, two Hugo Awards, and a World Fantasy Award. They include her Nebula/Andre Norton- and Compton Crook-winning debut novel, Updraft (Tor, 2015); its sequels, Cloudbound and Horizon; the double-starred... Read More →
avatar for Sheila Williams

Sheila Williams

Attendee, Asimov's
I'm a science fiction short story editor.
CW
avatar for JY Yang

JY Yang

JY Yang is a Hugo/Nebula/Locus award finalist and the author of the Tensorate novellas from Tor.Com Publishing (The Red Threads of Fortune, The Black Tides of Heaven and the forthcoming The Descent of Monsters). A graduate of the Clarion West class of 2013, they live in Singapore... Read More →
avatar for Caroline M. Yoachim

Caroline M. Yoachim

Author
Hugo and three-time Nebula Award finalist Caroline M. Yoachim is a prolific author of short stories, appearing in Asimov’s, Fantasy & Science Fiction, Clarkesworld, and Lightspeed, among other places. Her work has been reprinted in multiple year’s best anthologies and translated... Read More →
PZ

Peter Zuckerman

Author, Journalist, Political Advocacy, Self

Sunday May 20, 2018 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom
  SFWA function
 
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