Balticon is the annual literary science fiction convention that I always try to attend. It’s Memorial Day weekend, and this year, they’re keeping me real busy on panels! If not on a panel, you’ll probably find me at the Fantastic Books table in the dealer’s room. The Guest of Honor this year is L.E. Modesitt, Jr.!
Here’s my schedule:
World Build First, Ask Questions Later (Friday 4 pm): Have you ever imagined your own world of characters and concepts that you could integrate into an RPG? Come to this panel for budding GMs to learn how to integrate your imagination with game lore. We’ll discuss the challenges of burying the bones in the sandbox, or laying the countryside for the railroad, bringing the campaign to life within the realms of the game mechanics. Bring your ideas and questions! With Misha Bushyager, Lee Hawkridge, and Michael R. Underwood
How to Speak “Editor” (Friday 5:30 pm): Turning your work over to an editor means giving someone else control over your creation. The difference in perspective between an author and an editor can lead to tension and disagreements. How do you interpret feedback and what do you do when multiple editors give you conflicting advice? With Joshua Bilmes, J.L. Gribble, and Lezli Robyn
Writing Compelling Villains (Saturday 2:30 pm): Are you tired of stereotypical villains? Are you sick of bad guys who keep making Bond villain mistakes? Do you want to create a villain who will make your hero regret the day they were born? Then you’ve come to the right place… With Ken Altabef, Ken Schrader, Jean Marie Ward, and Mark Roth-Whitroth
Designing a Government (Saturday 4:00 pm): Even if your character isn’t involved in the government, or has no particular feelings about it, it’s still an important aspect of world building. This panel will discuss creating the most appropriate governing system for your story and how to blend it into your narrative. With Jo Miles, Mark Roth-Whitroth, and T. C. Weber
Reading (Saturday 8:30 p.m.): I’ll be reading something or another of mine, depending on what the audience requests
Virtual Reading (Sunday 4:00 pm): Another reading, this one for the virtual convention for people who cannot attend in person!
Write What You Love While Paying the Bills (Sunday 7:00 pm): As a writer, how do you balance writing what you love and writing what the market wants? Balancing what sells with your passion while earning enough money to keep the lights on is a juggling act. How do you decide on your next project? Panelists will discuss how they’ve found their own place in this turbulent mix. With Joshua Bilmes, Jennifer Della’Zanna, Tavair Dominque, and Scott Edelman
Eye of Argon (Sunday 8:30 pm): Reading aloud, can participants make their way through the worst prose ever written without laughing? You’re a true pro if you can last more than a minute… With Jean Marie Ward
Steering the Ship of State (Monday 11:30 am): How do technology and magic effect your governmental systems and political machines? What are the differences between governments in Science Fiction and Fantasy? Are there any? What are some examples of governments and politics done well? With Ruthanna Emrys, Tim Livengood, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., and John Robison
Religion and Government Conspiracies (Monday 1:00 pm): Let’s face it, we all love a good conspiracy theory. Some more than others… Why do we find them so fascinating? Why do people continue to believe in them after they’ve been debunked by actual science? Let’s talk about Ancient Aliens, the Freemasons, and Lizard People. Just don’t let the Illuminati in the door! With Tavair Dominque, Tom Doyle, Ruthanna Emrys, and Bob Oliver
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Michael A. Ventrella 