Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Here are the writing workshops we offered at Context in 2008.
Friday Workshops
Michael A. Arnzen: Fiction in a Flash(Friday, September 26th, 7:30-9:30 pm)
Join award-winning writing professor Mike Arnzen as he leads a 2-hour workshop on writing flash fiction.
Flash fiction – short-short stories no longer than 1500 words – is a form that is becoming more and more popular in genre publications, especially online, where tight stories that can fit on one or two screens are the ones that sell. A good short-short – like a good hit of espresso – can be a potent form of storytelling that not only excites a reader, but also helps the writer sharpen and hone his/her skills to a fine point.
In "Fiction in a Flash" we will analyze successful flash fiction, discuss the strategies that writers can employ to approach this form like an expert, and critique one another's "sudden storytelling" written live (with help) in this two-hour workshop. Bring a pen and paper. $15.
Gary A. Braunbeck: Short Story Masterclass(Friday, Sept. 26th, 7:30 - 10:30 pm)
This small-group short story critique workshop is intended for writers who have sold at least one short story. Students should submit a story of up to 6,000 words at least 1 month before the convention; submission details will be sent to students after they register.
This is an intensive, hands-on workshop, so come prepared to participate. Bring your laptop (if you have one) or pen and paper. In addition to in-class Milford-style peer critique, students will receive a written critique from Mr. Braunbeck. $50.
Saturday Workshops
Paula Guran: Novel Package Critiques(Saturday, Sept. 27th, times TBA)
Editor Guest of Honor Paula Guran will be offering individual critiques of novel submission packages. Fantasy, horror, cross-genre, and paranormal manuscripts will be accepted. To participate, you will need to submit the first three chapters and a one-to-five page synopsis of your novel between August 1st and September 5th; submission details will be sent to students after they register.At the convention, Ms. Guran will meet with you individually to discuss your manuscript. In addition to the discussion, she will give you a written critique of your work. Students will be scheduled for their 20-minute sessions during the morning and early evening Saturday based on other workshop scheduling. Not for those with easily hurt feelings as comments will be direct. $85.
Tim Waggoner: Story/Novel Excerpt Critiques(Saturday, Sept. 27th, times TBA)
Prolific author and writing professor Tim Waggoner will be offering individual critiques of short stories or novel excerpts of up to 6,000 words. Any genre is acceptable. You must submit your manuscript at least three weeks before the convention.At the convention, Mr. Waggoner will meet with you individually to discuss your manuscript; in addition to the discussion, he will give you a written critique of your work. Submission details will be sent to students after they register; students will be scheduled for their 20-minute sessions during the morning and early evening Saturday based on other workshop scheduling. $50.
Diana Botsford: Creating Compelling Plots(Saturday, Sept. 27th, 9:00am-12:15pm)
Join award-winning screenwriter and instructor Diana Botsford for a rigorous 3-hour workshop on creating compelling storylines for long works such as novels and screenplays. Participants will learn how to incorporate enough twists and turns to create a well-constructed plotline of the dramatic, emotional, and thematic elements of your project. While using a wide variety of tools – from 'hanging lanterns' to 'backshoveling' to tapping into the foundation of mythic structure – workshop attendees will complete this intensive workshop with a personalized plot map.Bring your laptop (if you have one) or pen and paper. This workshop should be helpful for those ramping up for a new work or preparing for a rewrite. $20.
Diana Botsford and Chun Lee: Creating the Comic Book Series(Saturday, Sept. 27th, 2:00-4:00pm)
Join Chun Lee and Diana Botsford, authors of the new FE comic book series,
The Fracture, in this 2-hour workshop on creating and writing a comic book series for publication. Learn how to write a proposal for a series, how to write a 'pilot' issue, what it takes to collaborate with others (illustrators, inkers, colorists, etc) and most importantly, how to tell a story visually.Attendees will create opening scenes and sequences, and participate in writing exercises to get the collaborative juices going. Bring your laptop (if you have one) or pen and paper. $15.
Gary A. Braunbeck: Creating Character Through Dialogue(Saturday, Sept. 27th, 1:00pm-4:30pm)
Join award-winning novelist/short story author Gary A. Braunbeck for his acclaimed 3-hour workshop on creating well-rounded, believable characters through the use of dialogue. You'll learn not only how to create good dialogue, but how to recognize the different types of dialogue and which one best suits your own writing style.Mr. Braunbeck has written nearly 200 published short stories and over 14 books; his fiction has won the Bram Stoker Award and the International Horror Guild Award. This is an intensive, hands-on workshop, so come prepared to participate. Bring your laptop (if you have one) or pen and paper. $30.
Tobias Buckell: Effective Blogging(Saturday, Sept. 27th, 4:30pm-6:00pm)
Blogging. Everyone is doing it ... should you? And what are some of the best tools, practices, and approaches? Join noted blogger and SF author Tobias Buckell as he shares his blogging tips. This workshop is FREE. No formal registration is required, but space is limited to 30 people, so get there promptly!
Sunday Workshops
Timons Esaias: World-Building Workshop(Sunday, September 28th, 10am-1pm)
World-Building isn't just charts, maps, forms, voids, clans and tedious courses in orbital mechanics. And it's not just for SF/F/H, either. We'll discuss when to do it and how not to let it bog you down; world-building resources; techniques for designing and developing your world; and then selling it to the reader. Exercises will focus on
your project, with chocolate and malt-ball rewards for sharing. Emphasis on craft rather than details, though we will address the Moon Muddle, the Pack Animal Question, and other specific pitfalls. Not to mention those charts, maps, orbits, lineages and social structures. $20.
Jackie Gamber: Novel Package Critiques(Sunday, Sept. 28th, times TBA)
Jackie Gamber of Meadowhawk Press will be offering individual critiques of novel submission packages. Science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, alternate history, or magic realist manuscripts will be accepted. To participate, you will need to submit the first three chapters, a cover letter and a one-to-five page synopsis of your novel between August 1st and September 5th; submission details will be sent to students after they register.At the convention, Ms. Gamber will meet with you individually to discuss your manuscript. In addition to the discussion, she will give you a written critique of your work. Students will be scheduled for their 20-minute sessions during the morning and early afternoon Sunday based on other workshop scheduling. $50.
Erin Hoffman: Interactive Narrative and Game Design(Sunday, September 28th, 11am-2pm)
This workshop explores the fundamentals of video game design through the use of interactive fiction, exploring the places where interactivity and storytelling overlap. No technology or game training is necessary, though a laptop computer is highly recommended. Attendees will be provided with advance reading and will create a small interactive fiction game using the Inform7 Engine. Erin Hoffman has been working in video games since 1999 on an assortment of genres from massively multiplayer online games to Nintendo DS titles for young audiences to action-RPGs for PC, XBox, and PlayStation2. $20.
Tobias Buckell and Paul Melko: Writing Great Openings(Sunday, September 28th, 2pm-5pm)
The most important part of any story is its beginning. Without a strong opening, you risk losing your reader's interest. Strong openings become even more important when it comes time to try to sell your story or novel, since many editors won't read past the first page or even the first paragraph if you don't enthrall them right away. Tobias Buckell and Paul Melko will give you tips and exercises to help you write prose that grabs your reader from the first sentence and doesn't let go. $20.
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Monday, January 26, 2009
Here are the panels we offered at Context 21 in 2008.
FRI 6 PM Opening Ceremonies
Welcome to Context 21! A brief introduction to what is going on for Context this year.
FRI 6 PM Friday night Anime
Our usual Friday night Anime selection will start as soon as we can get it set up!
FRI 7 PM Modern Forensics
How forensic science relates to CSI.
FRI 7 PM Writing Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Not SciFi, not Fantasy, what is it when you deal with telepaths, kinetics, precogs, and so on? And how do you WRITE it?
FRI 7 PM Samuel T. Clemmons Reading
Our Storyteller, Samuel T. Clemmons, provides a reading of his recently published work.
FRI 7 PM A Strong Foundation: Storytelling Fundamentals for all RPGs
What a GM should have to tell his gaming story well.
FRI 7 PM Ohio Historical Society Presentation
A presentation by the Archeological Director of the Ohio Museum of Natural History.
FRI 7 PM Writers' Guide to Conventions
How to use Conventions to further your writing career.
FRI 7:30 PM SHORT STORY WORKSHOP
Filled Braunbeck
FRI 7:30 PM FLASH FICTION WORKSHOP
Filled Arnzen
FRI 8 PM Dead Body Guy Interview
Local celebrity, Chuck Lamb is known as the "Dead Body Guy" for his roles in film. Come visit and learn of his internet-fueled career!
FRI 8 PM Tanya Huff Birthday Party!
Our Author Guest of Honor is ONLY another day older! Help her celebrate!
FRI 8 PM Out Of Context
Balderdash for Genre fans!
FRI 8 PM General Author Autographs
FRI 8 PM The Science of Anthropology
Our Science GOH and midwest anthropologists and interested panelists discuss the state of Anthropology.
FRI 8 PM Brian Keene Reading
Our Horror GoH reads
FRI 9 PM The Future of "Hard" Science Fiction
People are good, but we want to hear about the spaceship!
FRI 9 PM Mortuary Science
The science of how your friendly mortician makes your loved ones look "better than life".
FRI 9 PM Marc Twain: Tea & Scones with Elizabeth I
Time Traveler Marc Twain (Samuel T. Clemmons) interviews Queen Elizabeth I (Kit Matulich). Refreshments will be served.
FRI 9 PM Writing Modern Vampires
Vampire presentations in literature has changed over the years. See how modern horror writers have changed the topic.
FRI 10 PM Who's The Villain?
Game Show presentation on how NOBODY wakes up in the morning and says "Today, I'll do villainous things!". Win prizes for identifying quotes.
FRI 10 PM The Rise of the Medium Press
Advances in Publishing have provided mid ground publishing access, between the huge houses and the University presses. Our visiting publishers and editors discuss this new market.
FRI 10 PM Southern Indiana Writers Read
FRI 10 PM The Future of Physics
Gordon Aubrecht uses any tool for his research and classes.
FRI 11 PM Friday Concert
A light acoustic introduction to our Musical Guests, Wild Mercy.
FRI 11 PM Apollo
An Independent Film production presented by Diana Botsford.
FRI 11 PM Writing Horror
A general discussion by attending panelists on the hows and whys of horror.
FRI 11 PM 75 Years of King Kong
In 1933, "King Kong" hit the theaters, and the movie industry has never been the same since. We will be showing the videos Saturday.
SAT 09 AM Millennicon Breakfast
Our fellow conventioneers, Millennicon in Cincinnati, host a breakfast for us all!
SAT 09 AM ONE ON ONE CRITIQUES WORKSHOPS
SAT 09 AM PLOT STRUCTURE WORKSHOP
SAT 10 AM Author GOH Autographs
SAT 09 AM Saturday Morning Cartoons
Get a chance to see those wonderful (or awful) cartoons from your youth again!
SAT 10 AM Writing Poetry or Lyrics
Poetry stirs people, but it also goes well to music!
SAT 10 AM The Role of the Gamemaster
Seven Things Every Good Gamemaster Would NEVER Do!
SAT 10 AM A Web Site in 24 Hours!
An experienced webmaster shows how you can set up your website quickly and easily.
SAT 10 AM Trivia Contest
Start the day with a trivia game! Guess what - prizes are books - duh!
SAT 10 AM Zombies from Voodoo to Movie Monster
This is a panel to discuss the all things related to our favorite undead everyman. We'll look at how this creature was created from its Haitian roots to how Hollywood took this monster and changed it to its current form and what to expect evolving.
SAT 11 AM Fran Friel Reading
SAT 11:30 AM Tanya Huff Reading
SAT 11:30 AM Interview With Brian Keene
SAT 11:30 AM Working With Police Dogs
How the police use the K-9 corps in airport security
SAT 11:30 AM How To Build a Dystopia
How civilization can go wrong, and how you can use such in your writing.
SAT 11:30 AM Improv with Tristan
Tristan MacAvery, our Anime Friend, is an exceptional improvisational artist. Come and Enjoy -participation MAY be mandatory!
SAT 11:30 AM Great Movie Soundtracks
A discussion of the great music from our favorite movies.
SAT 1 PM The Proliferation of Drugs - And Drug Ads!
What are they really telling you in those ads? And Why?
SAT 1 PM Getting Published 101
Learn how to get your Science Fiction manuscript before an interested audience
SAT 1 PM Horror Makeup
Our Costumer Experts Give a demonstration of why they are GOOD!
SAT 1 PM CHARACTER THROUGH DIALOG WORKSHOP
SAT 1 PM Mary Turzillo Reading
Mary Turzillo, A well-known writer and poet from northern Ohio, reads.
SAT 1 PM Don't Be A Bobblehead: Stupid Things To Avoid In Your Fiction
A presentation by Timons Esaias, an experienced writer and teacher.
SAT 1 PM Genre Labels
Do they impede creativity? Or are they a useful tool to market your work?
SAT 1 PM SpyFi video
Saturday morning is ending. Time for "Man From U.N.C.L.E.", Wild, Wild, West", and all the great spifi of the 60s.
SAT 2 PM CREATING THE COMIC BOOK SERIES WORKSHOP
SAT 2 PM Gary Frank Reading
SAT 2:30 PM Ask The Editor
An interview and opportunity to ask your burning questions on why one piece is published, another is not.
SAT 2:30 PM Broad Universe
A presentation about the international writing group supporting women who write Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction.
SAT 2:30 PM Learn To Play Texas Hold-em
Learn to play the card game getting all the publicity!
SAT 2:30 PM Classic King Kong
Around 2:30, we will show the original "King Kong".
SAT 2:30 PM Where's the Dread?
Have horror stories become so commonplace that they are watered down? Why isn't horror scaring us anymore? Our writers discuss putting the scare back in!
SAT 2:30 PM The Real Amazons Video
This is the PBS special from the discoveries of Jeannine Davis-Kimball about the REAL Amazons.
SAT 2:30 PM Geoffrey Landis Reading
Geoffrey Landis, A well-known award-winning author from northern Ohio reads.
SAT 2:30 PM Self-Publishing: Yes or No?
Discussion of the taboo subject of publishing your own work
SAT 4 PM The Real Amazons
Jeannine Davis-Kimball presents the famous work which led to the PBS Special in Archeology
SAT 4 PM Writing Genre Poetry
The Art of writing Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction poetry.
SAT 4 PM Can the Horror Market Sustain Itself?
Does the genre have a future?
SAT 4 PM Phoebe Wray Reading
SAT 4 PM Working With Small Press Publishers
May be a help for SciFi and Horror Writers.
SAT 5 PM Peter Jackson's "King Kong" 5th
This is another version of the King Kong theme, from much more recently.
SAT 4:30 PM Mike Resnick Reading
SAT 4:30 PM Effective Blogging
A well-known blogger and author discusses how to catch peoples' interest and sustain it!
SAT 5:30 PM NASA Slide Show
Geoffrey Landis, a NASA scientist, shows recent progress in NASA.
SAT 7 PM Inteview With Tanya Huff
Our Author Guest of Honor is interviewed to open the evening.
SAT 8 PM Movie Surprises
We hope to offer some surprises for our video fans.
SAT 8 PM Costume Contest
SAT 8 PM The Science of Comics
Let's explore what superpowers would REALLY need! Mutant Superpowers? Heavy Gravity Flying? Hmmm!
SAT 8 PM Book Promotion 101
How to get your book read (and purchased!)
SAT 8 PM Writers Groups: How They Help
Many authors get their starts, and many continue, in writers groups. Here is why.
SAT 9 PM Has Sex Ruined Genre Fiction?
A Discussion panel on this trend.
SAT 9 PM Open Poetry With Cathy Callaghan
Bring your speculative poetry - you WILL find friends!
SAT 9 PM Regional Fantasy/Horror/Science Fiction
This is putting your story in your own back yard! What to watch for, how not to (or to) offend your neighbors!
SAT 10 PM Weird Science
This is deliberately a late night panel.
SAT 10 PM Wild Mercy Concert Toledo
Wild Mercy, our musical guests, bring wonderful music and fun!
SAT 11 PM Saturday night Open Filk
After the Wild Mercy Concert, please join in presenting your own music!
SUN 09 AM Dr. Who Video
The Classic Sunday morning British SciFi.
SUN 10 AM Strong Women Characters
Women are no longer damsels in distress - writers are creating much more powerful female characters - what is the evolution here?
SUN 10 AM The Forgotten Prozines
In 1952, there were 56 prozines being published. Where are they now? Why aren't they here?
SUN 10 AM ONE ON ONE WORKSHOP
SUN 10 AM Christianity and Horror
How do Christian archetypes influence horror stories?
SUN 10 AM Self-Editing
How to ensure you don't look bad.
SUN 10 AM The Mummies of China
This is from the PBS video, from the discoveries of Jeannine Davis-Kimball.
SUN 10 AM WORLD BUILDING WORKSHOP
SUN 11 AM INTERACTIVE NARRATIVE & GAME DESIGN
SUN 11:30 AM Horror And Real Life
How far should horror go as a medium to imitate real life?
SUN 11:30 AM The Mummies of China
Jeannine Davis-Kimball reviews the research that led to the PBS video.
SUN 11:30 AM Survival Skills For Writers
How to tiptoe through the minefields of writing AND publishing.
SUN 11:30 AM Anime As Art
A look at the past, present, and future of Anime Art
SUN 11:30 AM Linda Robertson
SUN 11:30 AM Celestial Prime – Online Writing and You!
SUN 1 PM 4th Assessment Report-Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
SUN 1 PM Are Agents Necessary?
A discussion on a potentially valuable resource for writers.
SUN 1 PM Are Awards Necessary?
Do authors need self-actualization? Or do the publishing houses need them?
SUN 2 PM WRITING OPENINGS WORKSHOP
SUN 2 PM Lucy Snyder, Gary Braunbeck Readings
SUN 2:30 PM Histones & Nucleosomes: Little Teeny Spools For Your DNA
Robin Nakkula presents recent research.
SUN 3:30 PM Closing Ceremonies
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Monday, October 22, 2007
More and more, Context is exploring the intersection of gaming and literature in our programming. Aside from the all-hours gaming at Context, these are some of the game-related panels offered in 2007:
"Writing for Interactive Media"
Shawn Sines, Erin Hoffman, James Daniel Ross
Are there really differences between writing a story and writing a video game? What about role playing vs. interactive? Come join our panelists as they discuss and compare game writing processes.
"Getting the Most Out of Gaming"
Erin Hoffman, James Daniel Ross, Shawn Sines, Ferrett Steinmetz
How do you make your gaming experiences fun and enjoyable for yourself and the other players? Panelists also discuss their favorite games and any new games you should know about.
"The Game as Literature"
Jim C. Hines, Shawn Sines, Erin Hoffman, Chun Lee, James Daniel Ross
How many role playing and video games play out like a SF/F novel? Are games lower class or do they stack up against published literary works?
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In addition to the Context 20 Writing Workshops, many panels of interest to writers and readers were offered in 2007:
"Writing for Interactive Media"
Shawn Sines, Erin Hoffman, James Daniel Ross
Are there really differences between writing a story and writing a video game? What about role playing vs. interactive? Come join our panelists as they discuss and compare game writing processes.
"A Day in the Life of an Editor"
Mike Resnick, Rae Carson, Jackie Gamber, Sandy Lender, Steve Nagy
Just what is it an editor does all day? Read manuscripts? Take Stephen King out to lunch? Plot nefarious plots?
"The Academics of Popular Fiction"
Michael Arnzen, D. Harlan Wilson, Joseph Martino, Karen Nagel, Heidi Ruby Miller, Jason Miller
With more university writing programs taking an interest in the popular side of fiction, what does it means to be a genre or literary writer in today's publishing market, and can you be both?
"Electronic Publishing, Print-On-Demand, and the Death of the Book"
Doug Johnson, Lucy Snyder, Ferrett Steinmetz, James Daniel Ross, Kevin Eaches, Sandy Lender
Will there be any readers to attend a convention ten years from now? Right now, SF is a profession for many of its practitioners; it's what they do for a living. But if e-books end up being priced very cheaply, and if readership doesn't expand as we switch from print to digital, SF may end up being solely a hobbyist activity. Will the genre survive the transition to new forms of publishing? How will readers be able to distinguish quality work from the mountain of crap that will flood the net in the post-publisher economy?
"Humor in Science Fiction and Fantasy"
Mike Resnick, Jim C. Hines, Rae Carson, Matt Cook, Anne Harris
What happens when you cross a kzin with Roadrunner? It screams and it beeps. Aside from a richer, stranger trove of reference, are our yuks different from anybody else's? Can our humorous writers get any respect? What are some SF/F high points of hilarity?
"Writing an ADR Script"
Matt Greenfield, Tiffany Grant
What's really involved in changing an anime from Japanese to English language? Shouldn't all of the characters in translated shows talk like an old Godzilla movie? Our panelists will explain the process of taking a translated script and reworking the dialog to properly fit the finished video.
"Writing Characters You Didn't Create"
Tim Waggoner, Juanita Coulson, John Dalmas
It's one thing to create characters, come up with who they are, what they're like, and how they talk. It's quite another to come into someone else's world and have to tell stories with and about those characters. How do you keep them the same and still put some of yourself into them? Or should you even try?
"Author's Fears"
Michael Arnzen, Gary Braunbeck, Matt Cook, Steve Nagy, Tim Waggoner
How do an author's own fears inspire his or her stories and books?
"Different Types of Writing"
Timons Esaias, Fran Friel, Anne Harris, Diana Botsford,
The novel, novella, short story, etc. Is one just longer than the other or are they really different? And what about screenplays?
Poetry Readings
Michael Arnzen, Lucy Snyder, Timons Esaias, John Dalmas, James Daniel Ross
Poetry readings by some of our panelists, followed by open reading. Poetry people, bring your poems from the poetry workshop or any of your original work.
"I Really Did It, But How?"
Matt Cook, James Daniel Ross, Fran Friel, Daniel O'Riordan, Paul Melko, Raven Bower
These panelists have all accomplished a remarkable feat. They've gotten their first novel published. Was it discipline and scheduling that got them through, or workshops and other writer's resources? Come hear them discuss how they reached this goal.
"How Traveling and Travel Writing Affects Our Writing"
Mike Resnick, Timons Esaias, Heidi Ruby Miller, Jason Miller
Traveling is meant to take you some place different, as is reading a good book, so it's no surprise that the writers on this panel are also travelers whose experiences on the road and abroad not only have led to travel writing stints, but also enhanced their fiction.
"How to Kill Off a Character"
Geoffrey Girard, Jim C. Hines, Diana Botsford, Matt Cook, Steve Nagy, Chun Lee
You spend your time crafting characters, thinking about who they are, what they want what they care about. You tell stories about them, lovingly crafted. Now it's time for them to die. How do you do it? And what can happen if you do?
"How Do You Research Things That Don't Exist?"
Walter Hunt, Geoffrey Girard, Anne Harris, Sandy Lender, Heidi Ruby Miller
A look at how authors research things like elves, fairies, demons, wizards and gods to name a few.
"Fan Fiction"
Kevin Eaches, Chandra Morgan-Henley, Chris Stephenson
Is fan fiction real literature, or just a time killing hobby? Come voice your opinion at this panel with our fan fiction writers and fans.
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(For more panels offered in 2007, please also see the Science and the Future Symposium, Game-Related Programming, Writing-Related Programming, and Science and the Future Symposium)
Science Fiction in Comics
Diana Botsford, Chun Lee, D. Harlan Wilson, Ferrett Steinmetz, Matt Cook
A discussion of past and current science fictional themes in comics.
The Rocky Horror Phenomenon
The Fishnet Mafia
Join Columbus' own Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast group as they discuss the ongoing popularity of this cult classic.
Universal Monsters
Gary Braunbeck, Tim Waggoner, Juanita Coulson, Dan Young, Mark Evans
A look back at the universal monsters that made up the classic horror movies. To be followed later in the day with a viewing of the original Mummy in the video room.
Why Should We Mind? SF/F and Consciousness
Robert Pyatt, Matt Greenfield, Paul Melko, Matt Jarpe
Telepathy, life after death, uploaded consciousness, etc. When did these ideas become so popular and where are they going in the future?
Out of Context
Diana Botsford, Samuel T. Clemmons, Jim C. Hines, Paul Melko, D. Harlan Wilson
Come see our panelists think fast as they test their creativity in our Science fiction version of Beyond Balderdash.
Fan Groups
Have you ever wondered what the story is with all the fan groups? How they got started, or what they do when they get together? Well, here's your chance to find out. We're getting a person from each of the fan groups in attendance at the con together to talk about their group and answer questions. That's right, this is the time to ask them anything, nothing is too weird for these people....
Military Tactics in Science Fiction
Walter Hunt, Joseph Martino, Daniel O'Riordan
Many science fiction stories have a military background. Heinlein, Dickson, Pournelle, and many others have used space-faring soldiers as the centers of their stories. But how would those tactics work in "real life"? Who gets it right? What should be done better?
Filking 101
Tom Smith, Luke Ski, Juanita Coulson, Samuel T. Clemmons
An introduction to what filk is with our musical guests.
Real Aliens
Dave Creek, Jackie Gamber, Mark Evans
Aliens in science fiction come in virtually all shapes, sizes, and colors. But, if they're out there, what will real aliens be like? Not just physically. How will they think? Will they have the same type of emotions and moral/ethical feelings we do? How will they say "Hello"?
Interview With Tim Powers
Tim Powers, Dan Young
This is your chance to learn more about our Guest of Honor.
Roast of Juanita Coulson
Juanita Coulson, Dan Young, Tom Smith, Samuel T. Clemmons, Bruce Coulson
Come join us for an amusing look at the life and accomplishments of author and filker Juanita Coulson.
The Dark Ascent: Contemporary Horror
Gary Braunbeck, Rae Carson, Fran Friel, Geoffrey Girard
If quality is any measure, the horror genre may once again be rising from the grave. Do dark times hinder or help horror? What themes are becoming frighteningly fashionable: gore or ghosts? Kinky sex or the straight supernatural? We'll discuss old stalwarts plus dark new stars such as Caitlin Kiernan, Holly Phillips, M. Rickert, Laird Barron, Joe Hill, and some of our own panelists.
Female Fandom
CarrieLynn Reinhard, Tiffany Grant, Karen Nagel, Erin Hoffman
An educated look at the world of fandom and women. What areas of fandom are the most appealing to the fairer sex, and why do others drive them away?
Interview With Michael Arnzen
Michael Arnzen, Gary Braunbeck
An enlightening look into the work of Michael Arnzen, folled by the viewings of his short film Exquisite Corpse, and the short film "One of Those Faces", based on Gary Braunbeck's story "Rami Temporales".
Voice Acting
Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield
Have you ever wondered how character voices and personalities were created? Well, here's your chance to find out from the professionals. Come listen to Tiffany and Matt share stories and information about the creative world of voice acting.
Religion in SF/F
Tim Powers, Walter Hunt, Joseph Martino, Samuel T. Clemmons, Sandy Lender, Daniel O'Riordan
Is it too simplistic to say that C.S. Lewis's and J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy promoted Christianity, while Philip Pullman's subverts it? How is creating a credible religion like creating a workable economy? Who are the best fantasy writers at this? Must you believe, even a little, in a god you make yourself?
Twenty Years of Star Trek:TNG
U.S.S. Maximillian
This panel is a retrospective of TNG, tracing its humble and uncertain origins to the cultural phenomenon it is today. A panel by fans, for fans. Come join the crew of the U.S.S. Maximillian as they look back fondly on Star Trek the Next Generation on it's 20th anniversary.
Time Travel -- Just Who Is Your Grandfather?
Jackie Gamber, Dave Creek, Mark Evans
Time Travel is a staple of science fiction, but just what is it that fascinates us about traveling to another time and place? Is it possible? What are the benefits and paradoxes of time travel?
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Sunday, October 22, 2006
The following exists for archival purposes; workshops like these may be offered at Context in the future.
Do you have a completed short story or novel chapter you want to whip into publishable shape? Then this is the workshop for you! Charles Coleman Finlay, Tobias Buckell, and Paul Melko, who directed the 2005 much-praised workshop, are back on board to lead the Mega Writing Workshop. Up to 24 writers can submit short manuscripts for professional critique and participate in this workshop, which will run 6-8 hours total over two days. This workshop requires internet access; manucripts will be submitted and initial discussions will be held online. The actual, in-person workshop will be held on Saturday and Sunday and will ensure that every member has a small-group (3-4 person) session with one of the pros.
There were also shorter Mini Writing Workshops offered on specific subjects. These workshops required no advance preparation on the part of participants.
Gary A. Braunbeck: Creating Character Through Dialogue (Sunday)
Join novelist/short story author Gary A. Braunbeck for his acclaimed 3-hour workshop on creating well-rounded, believable characters through the use of dialogue. You'll learn not only how to create good dialogue, but how to recognize the different types of dialogue and which one best suits your own writing style. Mr. Braunbeck has written nearly 200 published short stories and over 14 books; his fiction has won the Bram Stoker Award and has been nominated for the British Fantasy Award. This is an intensive, hands-on workshop, so come prepared to participate. Bring your laptop (if you have one) or pen and paper.
Diana Botsford: Screenwriting (Saturday)
Join award-winning screenwriter and instructor Diana Botsford for an intensive 3-hour introduction into the world of writing for television and film. Gain an understanding of how the script process affects the development of plot, character development and theme. Through discussion, viewing and hands-on exercises, learn how to use the visual (and aural!) medium to tell your story beyond the printed page. Ms. Botsford has written for Star Trek, was visual effects director for From Dusk Till Dawn, and has produced a variety of other television series and movies.
Tim Waggoner: Writing Media Tie-Ins (Saturday)
Thousands of people write fan fiction; do you want to become one of the few who actually get paid to write stories and novels about movie, TV and game characters? Learn the ins and outs of writing and publishing media-related fiction with Tim Waggoner, author of A Nightmare on Elm Street: Protege and Eberron: Thieves of Blood. Topics to be covered: the differences between visual and written media and making them work to your advantage, capturing the tone of a media property, respecting the property and the fans, maintaining originality in media-related fiction, and finally, landing tie-in contracts. 2 hours.
Rosemary Laurey: Writing Paranormal Romance (Friday night)
There's a huge market for paranormal romance, and the demand for "hot" fiction is fast expanding to include other types of SF, fantasy, and horror. Want to tap into these lucrative fiction markets? Novelist Rosemary Laurey will show you the differences between romance, romantica, and erotica, and will teach you how to blend these genres with speculative fiction to create stories readers (and publishers) will love. 2 hours.
Labels: programming, workshops, writing
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Monday, October 6, 2003
In 2003, Context 16 took place on October 3-5, 2003 at The Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Here are some of the panel discussions that were offered at the convention:
What future do you see? Asaro (m), Aubrecht, Eaches, Nimersheim, Wyatt.
Art and beauty in the near future. Dunn(m), Martel, Carmi, Miller, Hawkins, Meluch.
Privacy, the web, and homeland security. How does the advent of the internet affect our privacy and our civil rights? Can (or should) anything be done? Nimersheim (m), L. Dunn, Wyatt, Meluch.
What is the source of creativity? Is it innate or can it be learned? Gross (m), Coulson, Neube.
Women characters in science fiction. How have they changed? Dunn(m), Asaro, Minz, Carmi, Hillis.
Concert: Juanita Coulson.
Religion in the 22nd century. Gross(m), Taylor, Flint, Wyatt, Calleghan, Connors.
How not to get published, or How to Drive an Editor Absolutely Nuts. Strock.
Is science fiction losing its imagination? Wasylyk(m), Nimersheim, Dunn, Minz.
Editor's Roundtable. Flint(m), Strock, Asaro, Minz, Waggoner, Wasylyk.
The future of comics Miller(m), Evans, Fabian.
The future of Islam and Islamic culture in a global society. Hillis (m), Taylor, Nimersheim, Neube.
Play reading: "Roll Model" by Renee Alper. Wyatt, Robinette, Asaro, Carmi.
The Dune recall election - inspired by events in California. Disorganized by David Wyatt. Open to entries - draw up a platform for your favorite SF character.
Does science fiction have any influence on our society? Should it? What do we do to make sure that it has? Asaro(m), Martel, Eaches, Neube, Wasylyk.
What makes a truly evil character? Miller(m), McKibben, Gressman, Minz, Meluch.
Terrorism in the future: High-tech or teenagers with a bomb? Johnson(m), Hillis, Wyatt, Evans, Wasylyk.
It's not right vs. left but rather individualism vs. communitarianism Wyatt(m), Flint, Evans, Hillis.
Publishing short-short stories. Strock(m), Dunn, Miller.
Publishing on the net. Flint(m), Johnson, Wasylyk.
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