Diction, Dialogue, & Dialect: Why Language Always Matters Language is at the core of every story ever told, and the choices an author makes in this arena will have a huge impact on reader experience. Should something be written in poetry or prose? Is it a better idea to go heavy on the slang or stick to a formal style? No matter the level or genre, these are questions an author has to answer. This workshop will touch on word…

There are rules to every world, and they interconnect as intricately as a web. An author has to know how these threads knot together in order to help a reader build a bridge from their reality to the book’s. In Erica Cameron’s presentation, we will discuss what worldbuilding is and how to form a world around one key point–concept, setting, character, or other element. In addition to the deep worldbuilding of speculative fiction, we will also discuss the ways in…

From finishing your first draft to finding your first agent and everything that comes after, publishing is often a tricky journey to navigate. Erica will talk about the traditional, the unexpected, and the modern paths to publishing. She will also discuss the basics of subrights (what are they?), agents (why have one?), movies (how does that work?), and more (what exactly is a mid-size house?). Get answers to your burning questions about editorial relationships, deadlines, twitter pitching, and everything else…