Back in August, it was GenCon and the Key City Steampunk Festival. In September, it was TwitchCon 2019. Now in October, I am heading home to Richmond, Virginia, for the James River Writers Conference. Pip and I were guests at the event a few years ago, where we met Bill Blume who went on to appear in a trailer I shot on (truly) the coldest night on record that year…
This year “Twitch Dad & Twitch Mom†return to the James River Writers Conference, and we have a schedule. Here’s where you will find me (and my better half) throughout the weekend:
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Compelling Characters
Room: E10C
Track: The Art of the Craft
Speakers: Philippa Ballantine, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Nafissa Thompson-Spires, Padma Venkatraman
Moderator: Kristin Swenson
This session will explore techniques to bring your characters to life. Learn what they need to become fully formed in the reader’s mind. Discover strategies for deepening characterization, including ways to give your characters secrets, needs, goals, and fears.
Saturday, 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Write What You Don’t Know
Room: Shoptalk
A One-on-One chat with me about the value of (yep, you guessed it) research.
Sunday, 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Podcast Essentials
Room: E10C
Track: The Business Side of Writing
Speakers: Jennifer Baker, Philippa Ballantine, Tee Morris
Moderator: Sharvette Mitchell
Podcasting is everywhere, and everyone is listening. In this panel, we’ll discuss tips on how the beginner can get started and best practices for keeping an established podcast going.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Building & Sustaining Your Brand
Room: E10A-B
Track: The Business Side of Writing
Speakers: Michelle Dodd, Maureen Moretti, Tee Morris
Moderator: Stacy Hawkins Adams
It’s good to think about how you want to position yourself as a writer and how you can stand out from the crowd. Do you put your real self out there (including your political views and family photos)? Or do you create a persona? And what does brand have to do with selling your work?
Sunday, 2:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Authentic World Building
Room: E10C
Track: The Art of Craft
Speakers: Tee Morris, Philippa Ballentine, Brenna English-Loeb
Moderator: Bill Blume (so this should be a REALLY GOOD TIME!)
Worldbuilding is the lifeblood of compelling storytelling, especially in science fiction and fantasy. But at the same time, it can be fraught with challenges, from weak infrastructure to one-dimensional societal groups. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls and get guidelines to simplify your process.
Expect a few pop-up streams and even a streamed panel or two throughout the weekend! My first time at the James River Writers Conference was a right blast, and this year is shaping up to be just as dynamic a run. I hope you got your tickets for this event as I found out last night the conference is SOLD OUT for 2019! Once through the door, don’t be shy. Find Pip and me at a panel or a signing, and say “Hi!â€
See you in Richmond! Make sure to save a Stone for me.