This final list of panels is up to date as of March 23, 2010.
If you have any questions regarding programming,
please contact
A list of Panelists can be found here.
A Schedule of Panels can be found here.
Autographs
Autograph Session (to 5:30)
Autograph Session - Aaron Allston, Eric Flint, Kate Hewlett, Todd McCaffrey, Robert J. Sawyer, Kelley Armstrong, Gregory A. Wilson, Rick Wilber, Eric Choi, Suzanne Church, John Robert Colombo, Megan Crewe, Karen Dales, Ed Greenwood, Marcy Italiano, Guy Gavriel Kay, Nancy Kilpatrick, Claude Lalumiere, Karin Lowachee, Derwin Mak, Stephen B. Pearl, Douglas Smith, Rob St. Martin, Hayden Trenholm, Adrienne Kress, Tamora Pierce, Brad Carson, David Nickle, Kate Story, Eileen Bell, Timothy Carter, Erik Buchanan, Dan Falk, Marie Bilodeau
Autographs - Douglas Smith
Autographs - Gemma Files
Autographs: Stephanie Bedwell-Grime
Book Launch
Cold Magics Launch (to 1am)
CZP Launch
Evolve Launch
Evolve Launch to 3:30
Lost Myths Launch
Truthseekers 3 Launch
Canadian Literature
My Take on Canadian Fantastic Literature
The Dragon and the Stars
The Dragon and the Stars (DAW) will be the first collection of science fiction and fantasy stories written by ethnic Chinese living outside of China. Join the editors and some of the contributing authors for a sneak preview of this unique new anthology.
Canadian Literature/Writing Publishing
ChiZine Publications Panel
Beginning as the print off-shoot of Chiaroscuro, in less than two years, ChiZine Publications has grown into a small but influential player in independent genre publishing. CZP staff and authors discuss and answer questions about its growth in a bad time for publishing, the future of genre publishing, why a small press might be a better option for beginning writers, and how they have fun doing it.
Comics
Hoverboy
Convention
Feedback Panel
Let us know what you liked about the convention, what you didn't like, and what changes you want to see for next year.
Opening Ceremonies
Costuming
All Dressed Up so Time for the Show
Learn about stage presentation, how to start with basic walk on displays for masquerades, how to put on a fuller showcase using action, music, voice dubs etc....also what to expect in terms of registering, showing up for the green room and so on.
Beyond the Tickle Trunk: Cosplay for Everyday TM
Costuming and cosplay elements and tricks of the trade presented by The Bad Wolves.
Costuming Panel TBA
Fabric Swap
Let's face it, we all have leftover fabric from projects clogging our workspace. Here is your chance to trade it all in for stuff you might use. Bring in not just your fabric but also crafting materials, spools of thread or other bobbles, and see what you can trade them in for with the other attendees.
Leatherworking
Chris is back once again with his bag full of nifty door prizes to hand out at the end of this panel. More importantly, he is also bringing his bag of knowledge about leather, and will be more than happy to share his experiences in this age-old profession.
Lightning Round
Meet the 501st
Come and find all the information about the 501st and 'bad guy' Star Wars costuming. We will have many props on display and you can get up close and find out how it's done and everything else related to costuming and the group's activities.
Modding Toys 101: Anatomy of a NERF
Sit and enjoy as our expert tinkerer extraordinaire leads you through the full disassembly and reassembly of a NERF Maverick, the most commonly modified NERF gun out there.
Steamed to Perfection- A Steampunk Salon (starts at 3:30)
Ad Astra invites you to show off your finery or just enjoy the spectacle as we parade visiting dignitaries and the latest in steam haute couture. Join your hosts and mingle with some real characters.
Steamed to Perfection- A Steampunk Salon (to 4:30)
Ad Astra invites you to show off your finery or just enjoy the spectacle as we parade visiting dignitaries and the latest in steam haute couture. Join your hosts and mingle with some real characters.
Stitch and Bitch
Nothing beats a little bit of quiet time on a Sunday morning. Polish up on your knitting skills and learn about all the new gossip since last year.
The Art of Decomposition
Through the use of simple everyday product you can turn yourself into a zombie on a dime. Come and learn the techinques and even have your make-up done by our pro's for the following Top Zombie contest right after the panel.
The Art of Making Something Out of Everything Else
It's a very well known fact that shoestrings, bubblegum wrappers and a paperclip are all you need to stop an impending disaster. But that theory can be expanded to include cereal boxes and softdrink bottles when it comes to making costumes. Come on in and be inspired by our mad costuming scientists.
Weapon Security at Conventions
Weapons are often a key element for portraying your favourite character, but weapons at conventions in a busy public environment can become a nightmare for security. In an effort to make your life (and theirs) a bit more simple come on in and learn how to make your costume pieces fit the accepted standards of convention security. Like they used to say, knowing is half the battle
Event
Ad Astra's Next Top Zombie and Dead Spiel
First they came in pairs and trios, and then they came in groups and hordes and now they come in undead SWARMS...All for the chance to showcase their shuffles, their moans, their wounds and their lurches...Ultimately they come to compete for the title of Ad Astra's Next Top Zombie
Bad Wolves Movie Night
Beefcake/Cheesecake Charity Event
Dance
Ghosts, Monsters and Music
An intimate acoustic performance by musician Giasone Italiano sharing his haunted songs and tales of the mysterious and the macabre. Songs will be accompanied by images.
Heather Dale Concert
Masquerade
Meet and Greet
Drop by to mingle with the Guests of Ad Astra 2010
Nerdgasm Comedy
Writing Workshop
This workshop, given by Robert J. Sawyer, will be FREE to Ad Astra members with a full weekend or Sunday membership. Space will be limited and spots must be booked in advance. Sign up early to avoid disappointment. Please note: Robert J. Sawyer will not be reviewing manuscripts.
Fandom
Canadian Conrunners Meeting
An open meeting for all who are involved or interested in running conventions.
Fans and Ink
For some fans it is not enough just to share your love of Star Wars or anime by word of mouth or by a logo on your t-shirt, and though you would love to wear your Trek costume to the office... What's the solution? For some fans it is ink. Come see our tattoos, show off your own, or just come on in and discuss the love affair that we have with our hobbies and ink.
From Generation to Generation
Your love of fantasy, SF, horror, and other non-mainstream' things is an important part of your life. Who inspired it in you? How do you share it with your children? What's the best way to introduce it?'
Geek University
Does majoring in anime or fan fiction sound too good to be true? Learn how you can turn your fandom into legitimate academic studies. Find out about local pop culture programmes, key readings in media fandom studies and amazing conferences and publications.
Mental Health and Fandom
Many actors, artists and authors have suffered or are suffering from mental illness. Art can be therapy and an escape from mental illness, like exorcising your demons. How do you recognize mental illness in yourself and others? What resources are available for help?
Zombie Walks - A Celebration of Undead
Did you know that the first Zombie Walk ever occurred in Toronto 7 years ago and consisted of 6 zombies? Now Zombie Walks are an international phenomenon, occurring in cities all over the world. Join the founder Thea Munster and crew to learn about this Toronto cultural event, how you can participate and, with the undead numbers growing every year, how you can help keep it going.
Fantasy
Fairytale Inspiration
Why retell stories that many people already know, and likely grew up with? How do you use elements of fairytales effectively? What can they bring to your story?
Inventing Real People: History & Fiction
Richard III wasn't an evil hunchback; King John was a better king than Richard Lionheart. But thanks to Shakespeare and the Robin Hood legend, their reputations are sealed. How do modern SF&F writers use/abuse the lives of real people in their fiction?
It Looks Good-But It's Not Steampunk!
You see the aesthetic in the media, the shops, and on your friends, and you're saying to yourself, I love that but is it really steampunk? How do we define a genre that defies definition? We have all been told what it is; let's take a look at what it isn't.
Modern-Day Conceptions of Fairies
What if anything do people today find compelling about the Fair Folk?
Gaming
Are You a Werewolf?
Join host Todd McCaffrey in an interactive game where villagers must discover secret werewolves before the entire population is killed. You will either prey on the villagers or help defend them from werewolves.
Roleplaying system vs. setting
Basic game theory postulates most games as increasingly more complicated versions of rock paper scissors, and roleplaying systems are no different, but they also take place in a world, and a world is what draws people in and fires the imagination. Where in the intersection between math and poetry do you find inspiration and fun?
General
'Quest for Research Excellence' Sneak Preview
Sneak preview of the first draft of the presentation Todd McCaffrey will give to the Office of Research Integrity's 'Quest for Research Excellence' conference. This hour-long presentation will look at the successes and failures that occurred from first survey to first Threadfall (and its aftermath) with an eye toward lessons that can be applied to our world, today.
Audiobook Technology
The problems and benefits of technology for audiobooks. Audiobooks used to come on multiple cassette tapes and now you can fit more than one in something the size of a stick of gum. What possibilities does this pose for the future of audiobooks? What are the future markets for those growing up with such technology? How can accessibility be balanced with protecting the rights of the creator?
Bellydancing Workshop
Stop by and learn some introductory belly dancing moves. No previous dance experience required.
By Her Hand, She Draws You Down
View the short film based on a story by Douglas Smith. Learn about the changes that were required to go from the print medium to film with illustrative excerpts from the story. Free chapbook copies of the story will be available.
Choosing a Format
How do you know if a given idea is best suited to being a novel, movie, comic, short story, serial, game module, etc? Can any idea fit any format, with a bit of reshaping and adaptation? What kind of adaptation is needed for each format?
Delphic Oracle
In this game a group of people will form the 'Delphic Oracle'. They will answer open-ended questions or situations. Each participant gets to say one (and only one) word, then the next person speaks, building up sentences and paragraphs.
E-Change in History
With more and more information being stored electronically and the vulnerability of electronic media to adaptation through virus attack and intentional manipulation, is the information revolution paving the way for government and industry to rewrite history to suit their own ends?
Grassroots on Virtual Soil
Word of mouth advertising has taken on a new life with current technologies. Learn how social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace can help advertise and build support for new books, movies, fan events and more.
Guilty Pleasures
You know they're terrible. You love them anyway. Come share your favourite bad movies, trashy fiction, etc., and discuss why you just can't put them down, even though you know you should.
Hard Core Pern
For over forty years fans have been fascinated by the world of Pern. What is it that has made this series draw such a dedicated fan base? How does it manage to stay fresh and interesting over all this time? What do you want to see in the future of Pern? Whether you have been a fan for years or are just discovering the world of Pern, come join the discussion about this creative and beloved world.
Modern Mythology
We think of myths as old-fashioned beliefs, but there are many myths that shape us today. Do we have to believe in these, or similar things, in order to function in society? To whose benefit -- ours or society's?
Not Your Bitch! - Entitlement
What responsibilities, if any, do creators have to their fans? Are fans entitled to anything?
Origami Workshop
Origami is the ancient art of making amazing shapes through paper-folding. Though origami creations can be fantastically complex, they all start with a simple sheet of paper, and anyone can learn to transform a blank sheet into a miniature sculpture.
Paranormal Fiction
What is paranormal fiction and why is it becoming more popular? What do we want to see more/less of?
Polaris Presents: Geek-Offs
Appearing for Ad Astra the Geek-Offs plan to be more intense then ever with TWO hours of intense non-stop trivia! So come out to show your genre pride, and challenge some sci fi tv, movie and literary trivia.
Secret Societies: Fact or Fiction?
From Opus Dei to the Illuminati, a lot of attention has been given to secret societies lately in films and novels, etc. Why and why now?
Sex Bots
Oh those sexy robots that look like us and function too. From Red Dwarf to Star Trek we've all seen them. Now that companies are producing primitive sex bots that can have a basic conversation as well as lay there and think about their shopping list what are the implications of this technology in fiction and the real world? Why date when you've already got a sure thing? Participants in this panel should be 18 or over.
Stories That Inspire the Genre
Listen to stories and song as a professional storyteller weaves together legends, myths, folk tales and history. Please note: this performance is not age restricted, but is not considered to be children's programming.
Superheroes on the Printed Page
Comics are full of them. Every year more of them make it to the big screen. The small screen has had plenty of larger-than-life action too. So where are the superhero novels? What's out there, what's good? Is the world ready for this subgenre to take off? Why or why not?
Too Happily Ever After
When will readers or viewers accept a happy ending? Are they currently out of fashion? When is a happy ending not a satisfying ending? How happy is too happy?
GoH Hour
GoH Hour Aaron Allston
Aaron Allston will do a reading followed by Q&A
GoH Hour Cathy Palmer-Lister
GoH Hour Eric Flint
GoH Hour Kate Hewlett
GoH Hour Todd McCaffrey
GoH Hour: Robert J. Sawyer
Life in Cartoons: GoH Hour Robert Pincombe
Got a question about animation? Wondering why your child is obsessed with Bakugan or where Max and Ruby's parents are? Using his own extensive career as a living example, Animation Guest of Honor Robert Pincombe dishes on the joys and pitfalls of his chosen profession: the trials of breaking in, the challenge of writing for different age groups and different kinds of animation, and the often hilarious cultural disconnects you run into when adapting anime.
Horror
History of the Zombie: an Undead Retrospective
See how zombies have changed over time, looking at examples from film.
Laughing in the Face of Death
There's more crossover than you'd expect between horror and humour. You can find black comedy, horror franchises becoming self-parodies, and intentional and unintentional humour in horror; why does it work? Why do we laugh at horrifying things?
Masters of Horror
Discussing the works of horror writer Maurice Level and terror writer Algernon Blackwood and other horror authors.
Monster as Political Statement
Zombies and body snatchers and communism, Frankenstein and the enlightenment, vampires and Victorian morality, the role of women and sexuality. When is a walking corpse just a walking corpse and when does it have a greater message?
Vampires through the Ages
A look at how vampires have changed through the years and why they are so popular. What has changed about vampires and/or society to make them appealing?
Media
Apocalypse Now
From Supernatural to Legion... why is the end of the world so trendy?
Avatar: The Future of SF In Film
Avatar has met with a lot of protest in the US because some feel it is anti-American but has Cameron merely shed light on the very real and present practices of corporate America? Avatar has the potential to raise awareness of aboriginal peoples' resistance to the mining and pillaging of traditional lands for profit. Should not sci-fi be employed as a tool to promote counter trends that could conserve species and prevent ecological catastrophe? Is the film really anti-American or just anti-American foreign policy?
Constellation Awards Fan Forum
Nominations for the 2010 Constellation Awards closed at the end of March, and Ad Astra will be one of the first places where you'll be able to find out who the final nominees are for this year! What sci-fi actors, series, films, and technical teams from 2009 made the ballot? Come find out here first! And for each category, our Fan Forum will then discuss the nominees and debate who will win. Join us for the big announcement and all the fun discussion that will follow!
Dollhouse
Joss Whedon's eagerly anticipated series Dollhouse met with mixed critical reviews and was cancelled in its second season. Where did it go wrong? Or did it?
FlashForward
What would you do if you caught a glimpse of your own future? A discussion of the first season of FlashForward, based on the novel by Robert J. Sawyer -- hear fans of the series talk about the show based on his work!
Lost's Final Season
How is the final season looking this far, is it living up to your expectations, are you getting the answers you need, or is it just more questions... Where is this going, and is it going to get there in time?
The British Model
Does SF TV work best in shorter seasons? What lessons can American SF learn from British SF?
Torchwood: Children of Earth
How do we feel about this epic miniseries now that nearly a year has passed?
Who Is Your Doctor?
Which is the Doctor you think of as THE Doctor Who? Which actor would you have picked for the next Doctor? If you could team up any Doctors you wanted, which ones would you love to see interact?
Paranormal/Occult
Ghosts in Popular Culture
From real life Ghost Hunters to Ghostbusters to popular shows like Medium and Ghost Whisperer, our society is fascinated by ghosts. Where does this interest stem from? What does Hollywood get right or wrong?
History of Spirtualism
Do you believe that we can contact the spirits of the dead? This panel will trace the origins of the Spiritualist movement, discuss some famous practitioners, and show how the movement and its practices have developed.
Paranormal: Good or Evil?
People in North America seem to automatically associate paranormal phenomena with 'evil'... In Britain, for example, people don't seem to share that opinion. Some families share their homes with spirits and aren't much bothered by them. What shapes our ideas about the paranormal?
Witches: Real and Imaginary
When real life intersects with the author's imagination/ignorance of something that IS real, and how it should be managed.
Poetry
Horror in Poetry
A discussion of the use of horror in poetry. Panelists will examine past and present horror poets, and what it is about the form of poetry that allows writers to explore the darker aspects of life and humanity.
Magnetic Poetry
Small tin sheets and magnetic words will be provided to all who wish to participate. Everyone gets a random handful of magnets and two blanks. Compete to write the best poem!
Poetry Round Robin
Bring your science fiction, fantasy, or horror poetry, and read aloud with your fellow poets. Or just listen!
Reading
Reading Stephen B. Pearl, Ira Nayman
Reading Gemma Files, Suzanne Church
Reading Nick DiChario, Rick Wilber
Reading Tamora Pierce, Adrienne Kress, Lesley Livingston
Reading: David Nickle, Peter Watts
Reading: Dena Bain-Taylor, Karin Lowachee
Reading: Douglas Smith, Claude Lalumiere,
Reading: Ed Greenwood, Chris A. Jackson, Gregory A. Wilson
Reading: Hayden Trenholm, Marie Bilodeau
Reading: Leah Bobet, Sarah Jane Elliott
Reading: Stephanie Bedwell-Grime, Karen Dales
Reading: Stop Watch Gang
Reading: The Dragon and the Stars
Reading: Timothy Carter, Kate Story
Reading: Todd McCaffrey, Marcy Italiano
Reading: Violette Malan,Grant Carrington
readingKelley Armstrong, Megan Crewe, Rob St. Martin
Robert J. Sawyer Reading
Science
ALL OUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET
With overpopulation, resource depletion and the potential for extinction-level natural disasters, does the future survival of humanity demand that we move into space?
Astronomy in the Parking Lot
It's full of stars! Let's go stargazing.
Commercial space flight
This panel will discuss commercial space ventures such as Space Ship 2 (now being readied), and how the Augustine report encourages commercial launchers to supply the ISS
Copenhagen was a bust, now what?
Will the nations of the world ever make a real commitment to fighting climate change? If not, what should we do about it?
In Search of Time
In this illustrated talk, science journalist Dan Falk explores the physics and philosophy of time, from the Scientific Revolution through to Einstein and beyond, including a brief look at the science of time travel and the paradoxes it seems to entail.
LAUNCH SYSTEMS
Gene Roddenberry conceived the transporter because he needed a way of getting his spacemen on and off the planets they visited. Given that the first step in going to the stars is getting off the Earth, how can this be done cheaply, safely and effectively?
Legal Issues for the 21st Century
How digital forensics is influencing the Shepard Fairey v AP copyright case in the USA and other cutting edge issues where science and technology are colliding with the law.
Solar Power Satellites: An energy panacea or just Pie in the Sky?
An energy panacea or just pie in the sky? An examination of solar power satellites and whether they could be a viable and substantial source of energy for the world
The Apollo 12 Press conference
A short version of the restored 1.5 hour press conference with the Apollo 12 astronauts.
The big birds are flying
Are the new BIG airplanes such as the Airbus A 380 really necessary? In this age of heavy security will they make money? What are their effects on the environment?
The Electric/Alternative Car
Because of the price of gas people want a cheap alternative to gas guzzlers. Will these alternative cars really take off?
The Electro Mechanical World.
A look at Tesla, Faraday, Babbage, Stevenson, Brunel, Volta and their effects on to present day and future Science and Science Fiction.
The Energy Mosaic: Why We Don't Need to Freeze in the Dark
An examination of sustainable energy technologies, from solar panels to methane composting sewage-treatment plants, and the parts they can play in saving our society.
The Father of the Chinese Space Program
The story of Tsien Hsue-shen, the father of the modern Chinese space and ballistic missile programs.
The Future of Human Space Flight
Considering the Augustine report, the Obama space policy and other nations' human space flight programmes.
SF
A.I. in SF
A.I. is a staple in SF. This panel discusses the current reality and probable future of artificial intelligence research
Body and Person in SF
How SF has treated the connection between the body and the personality, from completely disconnected to very integrated.
Characterization in SF: Is It Worth It?
Classic SF often eschewed characterization in favour of plot and/or idea. Characterization has been emphasized more recently, but are the characters any better or do we just have shallow character drama which actually detracts from the story?
Disasters and Apocalypses
All the ways our civilization could perish, and the best ways to avoid it or to minimize the damage -- with comparisons to how it has been treated in SF.
Intersection Between SF and Contemporary Issues
Does an average 14-year-old understand that The Forever War is really about Vietnam? Are such allusions wasted effort? Does a writer limit his or her shelf-life by tying work too closely to the present day?
Not Just Jedis
We all know that Jedi Knights are cool, but they are just one part of the Star Wars universe. Learn more about the fascinating world of Star Wars.
Putting the Science Into Science Fiction
How can authors effectively use cutting-edge science in their SF works?
SF for a YA Audience
YA Fantasy is a hot market, so why hasn't YA SF taken off the same way? Will it be the next big trend?
The Joy(s) of Teaching Speculative Fiction
An opportunity to discuss the benefits and fruits of the academic study and teaching of SF&F -- as well as how SF&F can positively influence the teaching of literature. How the SF&F community views the teaching and study of SF&F, as well as how the academic/teaching community views the significance of SF&F as a literature and as an important cultural phenomenon.
The relevance of older science fiction
Do younger fans still read older science fiction? Why? What can we learn from the science fiction of the past? Does it matter that many of these stories of the future now seem dated? Is there such a thing as 'timeless' science fiction?
Time Travel That Alters History
Isn't the fact that we live in a world in which the Holocaust happened proof that such time travel is impossible? Does chaos theory mean that altering the past will never have the effect you intend?
Writing/Publishing
ADD Writers: Turning the Curse into a Gift
An Editor's Dream
Learn the characteristics that editors appreciate in an author
Beating the Block Writing Exercises
Writing is essentially a spontaneous endeavour. When we get stuck, we lose our ability to free associate and intuitively respond to our own narrative. This workshop pairs improv games with writing exercises designed to get you back in touch with your personal creative process in a friendly, fast-paced and high energy environment
Beyond Wikipedia
Research techniques and pitfalls for writers. How do you know whether the information on the internet is accurate? What are your best reference sources, when are books better than the internet, and when (and how!) do you talk to an expert?
Business Basics of Writing
Learn about all the business-side and organizational jobs that come with starting up a writing career, and good resources for getting that done.
Collaborations
Advantages (and disadvantages) of collaborating, especially in the digital world, with all the latest tools at our fingertips
Critiquing Groups
Being a good writer does not necessarily make you a good editor/critiquer. What skills, strategies and techniques are needed to set up a critiquing group and provide constructive criticism of a story?
Diversity Balance in SF/Fantasy Anthologies
Are women and racial minorities being given fair representation in anthologies? Is this an issue? What are the best ways for a publication to broaden its range of authors and to reach out beyond its 'comfort zone'?
Dueling Openings
Aspiring short fiction writers (audience participation required!) take turns reading the opening lines of their published stories, and the audience chooses which opening(s) they like best. Authors discuss what makes a good opening, why they're important
Each Characters Voice
How to keep characters distinct, without resorting to stereotypes.
Editing Your Own Work
Authors and editors share tips on how to spot the problems that are so easy to miss in your own work, how to add a bit more polish to your writing, and how to prepare your draft so that editing goes as smoothly as possible.
Genre Crossing
Can cross-over books ever be the best in either field? Will an SF novel ever win an Edgar? Do crossovers get a bigger audience (all SF plus all mystery fans) or a smaller one (only mystery fans who like SF)?
Getting Started
One of the hardest aspects of writing is beginning a project. Novels, in particular, require a large time commitment. Writers share tips on the best ways to begin writing a story or novel.
How to Get an Agent
Where should you start looking? What should you look for?
Life of An Anthology
From concept to publication, what is involved in producing an anthology?
Marketing Tags
When works are tagged with labels such as YA, does this have anything to do with content? Does each publisher define these tags' in a slightly different way? How much can a tag harm sales or help a book find its audience?'
Podcast vs. Print
We respond differently to the spoken word than we do to the printed page. What are the differences that authors need to keep in mind between writing for podcasts and writing for print?
Print on Demand
How is this new technology changing publishing? What are the pros and cons for authors? For readers?
Publicity - The Good, The Bad and the Bonkers
What are the best and worst ways to promote your work?
Reading Your Writing to an Audience
Learn what you need to know to be an effective and engaging reader of your work. Authors who are also actors share their secrets on voice projection, pacing, volume and other skills.
Romance or Porn?
At what point does romantic fiction become pornography? The number of sex scenes? The emphasis? The tastefulness of the writing -- but how do you define 'taste'?
Same Old Settings
What settings are overused and underused in SF, fantasy, and horror works? What would you like to see more of, and what have you seen enough of? If you are looking for more creative ideas for settings, where should you go? What works do you think have the most original settings?
Someone else's playground
Writers work within the framework of setting. But what effect does it have when someone else designed the setting? What do you owe to the people who love it? How do you make it your own while keeping the spirit of the original work?
The East Block Irregulars
Ottawa's newest speculative fiction writers' group does more than just provide critiques. We share market information and help each other promote (and sell) our work. We write and even blog together. Come meet the members of EBI and find out how a small writers' group works, and how we went from being unpublished to published authors.
Working with Smaller Presses
Is a smaller press the right choice for you? How does a small press work? How can you find them? Panelists will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of working with a smaller press.
World-Building - A Balancing Act
How do you research a world that doesn't exist? How important is world-building to a story? Can too much emphasis on world-building hurt other aspects of the story? How can you find the right balance of story elements?
Writing & Time Management
Writers say they never have enough time. We've all heard turn off the TV'
Writing the Future
How do you create a credible near future (up to 50 years from now)? What things are likely to change and what will stay the same? Technological and scientific changes aren't the whole story. How do you incorporate probable or possible changes in the environment, economy and politics, culture and social mores into a believable future?
Writing the Young Adult Novel
Think writing YA means dumbing down plot-lines and taking out all the sex, profanity and violence? Think again. Come find out more about the fastest growing sub-genre in the business.
