It’s time for Philcon, Philadelphia’s oldest literary convention. It’s in New Jersey. (Look, it was cheaper, okay?)
This year’s Guest of Honor is my good friend NY Times Bestselling Author Jonathan Maberry! Jonathan and I edited the Baker Street Irregulars series together and he’s also contributed a story to my anthology Three Time Travelers Walk Into… . We’re both featured in the new anthology The Four ??? of the Apocalypse, edited by Keith R.A. DeCandido and Wrenn Simms, and there will be a release party at the convention.
I’ve been a guest at Philcon for years, and it’s always great to go back there and see so many of my friends. This year’s event will be on the weekend of November 17-19.
Here’s my schedule:
Meet the Pros (Friday 9 pm): This is where all the guests come out and have a nice reception with everyone
Autographs (Saturday noon): Keith R.A. DeCandido and I will be sharing an autographing table
Bending the Elements: Comparing Avatar: The Last Airbender and the Dragon Prince (Saturday 3 pm): Tim Souder (moderator), Eric Hardenbrook, Michael A. Ventrella, Katrina S. Forest. Despite being released in 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender still resonates with audiences today. The first season of Dragon Prince premiered in 2018 to much anticipation. How does this new series compare – a triumph or a pale imitation? Is it a worthy successor to Avatar? What are the similarities and differences?
Reading (Saturday 4:40 pm): I’ll be reading my new story “Horseman, Horseman, Horseman & Horseman, Attorneys at Law” (assuming the Masquerade rehearsal is done in time)
Tips for New Writers (Saturday 5:00 pm): Michael A. Ventrella (moderator), Christopher Stout, P.D. Cacek, Jon McGoran, Kelley Armstrong. So you’ve got an idea for a story that you think could really *be* something. The problem is, you’ve not written much before – other than what you had to for school assignments – and you’re finding the process a little daunting. Here’s some advice that might help you find your groove. (And if you’ve got questions, please ask them!)
The Sandy Swank Memorial Masquerade (Saturday 8:00 pm): Abigail Welsher (moderator), Heidi Hooper, Michael A. Ventrella, Jonathan Maberry, Keyo: The Masquerade entrants take to the stage to show off all their hard work and creativity. Recreation costumes and cosplay, original designs, and historical recreations will all be on display. Our Young Fan Division will present first, with awards to follow immediately, then the adults will have their turn to shine. This year’s halftime will feature the triumphant return of “Trailer Park” to entertain you while the judges deliberate on awards. (I’m the Master of Ceremonies for this!)
The Four ???? of the Apocalypse Release Party (Saturday 9:00 pm): I’ll be attending this as soon as the Masquerade is over.
The Rejection Letter (Sunday 10 am): Ty Drago (moderator), Eric Avedissian, Neil Clarke, Christine Norris, Michael A. Ventrella. Every writer has received this politely worded “Thanks but no thanks” note, leaving the writer clueless about what might be a very good reason for the rejection. If a publication’s submission webpage mentions a 6-week turnaround time and you get a rejection within a day, what does that mean? What are the most common reasons for a rejection at the slush pile stage? At later stages? How can you tell when it’s worth resubmitting a new draft to the same publisher?
Michael A. Ventrella 
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