Authors talk a lot about reviews. The truth is: we need them! But how much do we really know about them? This panel tackles book reviews from reviewers' perspectives, allowing us to see what it really takes to write reviews (and why they matter).

Fanfiction is perhaps one of the most underrated writing genres out there--but why should it be? It has plenty of merits, not the least of which are its voracious fanbase and its prolific writers! This panel is meant to celebrate fanfiction, as well as dig into what it takes to make great fanfic.

Since its earliest days, genre fiction has been a means to talk about our world... by talking about another world. Fantasy, of course, has its roots in reality. Check out this awesome panel, featuring renowned fantasy author Andy Peloquin (author of The Silent Champions and Hero of Darkness series, among others), talking about how we can use fantasy to speak on big issues facing our real world.

​Listen live as a panel of experienced writers and editors critique original fiction! You'll not only get an insider's look into what real-time editing/critique sounds like, but you might just pick up some useful tips for your next critique group!

Whether you believe in them or not, ghostwriters exist. In fact, a lot of them use ghostwriting as an excellent way to pay the bills, practice their skills, and learn the industry. So if you've ever been curious about ghostwriting and what goes into it, check out this panel! Maybe we can make you a believer!

The times are changing! These days, readers and viewers are interested in seeing more than just the typical "good guy/bad guy" dynamic. Morally gray characters, antiheroes, and team-switching are becoming more popular in fiction. Check out this panel, featuring fantasy authors Andy Peloquin, Jesse Pohlman, and KD Edwards, to learn about these characters, how to write them, and why they matter.

Representation can be tricky. There are a lot of facets to representing marginalized or underrepresented groups in our works of fiction. How do we navigate this terrain to ensure that what we're doing is adding value to the overall discussion instead of causing harm? Learn more from writers and members of the LGBTQ+ community on this panel!

Writing great, memorable characters means that... well, sometimes they want to run the show. Very often, that can be a good thing! Tune in to this panel to get tips on how to listen to your characters and help them tell their story. 

Each month, our Patrons get an ebook from one of our amazing partners, as well as an exclusive author interview. This month, during the con, the interview is for everyone! Our Asst. Executive Coordinator, Tyler Zeoli, sits down with Always Greener author J.R.H Lawless for a live interview! Listen in to learn why James Dashner (The Mazerunner Series) calls J.R.H.'s work "as clever as it is hilarious, as profound as it is captivating."

Critique groups are an absolutely invaluable resource for authors and writers looking to enhance their skill. But navigating them can be tricky. Check out this panel for a discussion on how to get the most out of your critique group, including etiquette tips.

Middle Grade, New Adult, Young Adult, Teenage Fiction... there are a lot of genres marketing to people in the tween-to-teenage range. Some of those terms overlap, some have distinctions all their own, and some might be downright offensive! Check out this panel to learn how to distinguish these genres from one another, which will help you market (and write!) more effectively!

Writing can be a really emotional experience. I can be draining, uplifting, used as therapy... it might even be harmful. Navigating the emotional impact writing has can be difficult when you're so close to your work. Check out this panel to learn techniques for recognizing and managing that impact in yourself.

NSFW = Not Safe for Work! Not all stories can be told in public. Sometimes, writing involves some explicit content. Sexual themes, illicit drug use, and excessive violence are just some of the things that can make your work NSFW. But just being NSFW doesn't make your story less legitimate. In fact, it might make it more fun! Check out this panel to learn how to write quality NSFW material!

Somebody ring the bell! The age-old debate is going LIVE. In this panel discussion, writers from across the plotting/pantsing spectrum will discuss their writing process. Come on in, root for your team, and perhaps discover that we have more in common than we like to admit.

Romance is--and always has been--the biggest market in the literary community. And for a lot of good reasons! But for an old genre, romance sure has pushed the envelope over the years! Check out this panel to learn about setting and managing reader expectations to ensure the right readership is loving your book.

These days, publishing a book is simple. Doing it right? Well, that's a whole different story. (Pun intended.) Check out this panel to grab tips from self-published authors on how to find success in self-publishing.

One of the hardest things about writing science fiction is, well... the science! Not all of us are astrophysicists and biochemists. But some of us are! Check out this amazing panel from real scientists as they discuss how to write convincing science into your fiction!

It's easy to write when inspiration strikes. But that doesn't always happen. Writing is work, and sometimes you need to tell your muse to sit down next to you and quit being so fleeting. This panel, hosted by the No Sleep 'Til Bookdun crew--a collective of writers who focus on keeping motivation and finishing work--is a must-watch for those of us who need a little discipline in our process!

Writing--as an activity and as a business--has come a long way since the Internet boom. Authors can self-publish books, make covers, create websites, format their novels, and outline with software that didn't exist even five years ago. As trends move toward tech, it's important to understand what tech to use AND how to use it. Check out this panel for tips on getting tech-savvy!

Worldbuilding is everyone's favorite thing, but it's not everyone's best skill. Check out this panel from some amazing worldbuilders on the tips, tricks, and techniques they use to make their fictional worlds come to life!

The Young Adult market is HUGE, and it's growing by the day. YA Fantasy has taken off as one of the breakout genres of our time. When working with such a voracious and imaginative readership, how do authors in this genre keep things interesting? Fly into his panel and explore the wisdom found in it!