Michael A. Ventrella

I’m looking forward to attending Ravencon on the weekend of April 8th. I grew up in Richmond and went to VCU so it’s great to go back and see how it’s changed, even if most of our time is spent in a hotel!

As I write this, there is a possibility that I will not be able to attend, but I hope we can work everything out (There’s a silly problem with the Hotel being booked).

Anyway, they’re keeping me busy, as I like. Here’s what they have planned for me:

Introduction to LARP (Friday 3:00 pm) What is LARP? Who does it? Why do they do it? Should you be afraid, or intriqued? These and other questions will be answered by our expert panel. With Heidi Hooper.

Bog-Standard Fantasy (Friday 4:00 pm): It’s all been done before, but people keep doing it. Why do fantasy authors keep writing the same story that’s been told a thousand times already? Is originality overrated, or something to which one should aspire despite being doomed to failure? With Allen Wold.

The Biggest Mistakes New Writers Make (Friday 5:00 pm): Like children, fools, and drunkards, new writers need someone to look out for them and keep them from doing silly, self-destructive things. Lucky for you our panel is here to do just that. With Tera Fulbright and Laurel Anne Hill.

Writing a First Chapter That Sells (Friday 8:00 pm): If the first chapter doesn’t hook the publisher, they’ll never read the second. How can you make that first chapter one that keep them reading — and wanting to publish your book?

Book Promotion for the Broke (Friday 10:00 pm): You did the hard part: you finished your novel. Now how do you get people to read it?

Artists verses Authors Pictionary (Saturday 9:00 am): Fun for the guests, fun for the audience, and at the end we have some drawings that can go in the charity auction. With Danny Birt, Chris Impink, Dave Joria, Monica Marier, James Mascia and KT Pinto.

Superheroes and the Law (Saturday 12 noon): What are the legal ramifications of anonymous vigilantes who can read minds, see through walls, and turn invisible? Would a confession compelled by the Lasso Of Truth be admissible in court? Is an invisible jet a hazard to navigation? With James Mascia, James Maxey, Jim Stratton, and John C. Wright.

Writing Combat Scenes (Saturday 1:00 pm): Panelists discuss techniques for writing combat scenes. How much detail is too much? What story purpose does the combat serve? How can you walk the line between accuracy and making the scene understandable to laymen? With Robert Buettner, Charles Gannon, Tom Kratman, Patrick Vanner, Robert Waters, Toni Weisskopf, Diane Whiteside, and John C. Wright.

A Book and its Cover (Saturday 3:00 pm): What is involved in obtaining or creating the cover art for a book? How difficult is it to find art that is both appropriate for the book and which will attract readers? How closely should the author work with the artist? With Robert Buettner, Debra Killeen, Gail Martin, Kurt Miller, Toni Weisskopf.

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