My OSFest8 Panel Schedule

If you’re a science fiction fan in the Omaha area, you should check out this year’s OSFest8 convention taking place this weekend from July 31 – August 2. The weekend is filled with great panels about everything science fiction, as well as cosplay, room parties, 24-hour film felt, and more gaming than you can shake a stick at.

This year I’ll be participating in a few of the writing panels taking place, so if you do make it to the convention and catch one of my panels be, sure to stop by a say hi.

Here is the list of panels I’m scheduled for:

Pantsers vs. Planners (Friday 5:00pm)

A panel of writers discuss two different approaches to writing, the advantages and disadvantages, varied approaches, etc.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Anthologies (Saturday 1:00pm)

Learn everything from how to create and sell.anthologies to how to find then and submit your stories to how they work behind the scenes. A Hugo nominated editor for Baen Books leads the discussion.

Writing a Great Villain (Saturday 2:00pm)

Let’s face it. What would Star Wars be without Darth Vader? What would Superman be without Lex Luther? A good villain is vital to an interesting conflict. In fact, the more evil and nefarious, the better! Come and listen to professional authors discuss villains and why they are so vital to a good story.

Building Tension in your Story (Saturday 3:00pm)

Okay, first this thing happens, but everybody is okay with it. And then this other thing happens, but no biggie. Boring, right? Great stories keep you turning the pages and on the edge of your seat, racing forward to see if, when, MAYBE our protagonist will catch a break! There is a reason professional authors advise new writers to “kill your darlings.” Come listen to professional authors discuss the vital element of tension building in story.

Getting Your Story Published (Saturday 5:00pm)

Now that you’ve attended the other writing panels, how to get your masterpiece in print? Come listen to professional authors discuss the ever-changing face of publishing, and the variety of ways your story can be ready by your soon-to-be adoring millions of fans!

Swimming in Slush: What Editors See (Saturday 6:00pm)

A panel discussion of what editors and agents experience in a typical day, sure to include a long list of dos and don’t s for writers of every skill level. What is it like to sift through a hundred manuscripts and query letters a day? And how does the writer leverage this knowledge in the best possible ways?

I believe there seventeen total panels about writing and anther 30-40 other panels, so even if the ones I’m on don’t catch your eye, you should still swing by the convention for a great weekend of sci fi, gaming, and drinking.

Hope to see you there!