Gather at the virtual Hanged Man, bring your own cheese and whine, and we'll all talk about Dragon Age!

According to Jung's archetypes theory and Campbell's Hero with a Thousand Faces, humans seem to need story the way we need sunlight and air. What is it about stories that makes them so compelling to our nature? Why do we seek them out and how do they help us? Can a story do the opposite of helping? If you are a reader, movie watcher, or even a creator, come learn the behind-the-scenes mental mechanisms of why we like to watch the journey of someone else.

From aliens to furries, we'll discuss how to write the non-human pov, how to create an character that is still relatable without coming off as a human in alien skin, and how to capitalize on unique non-human traits to make epic alien, animal, and inanimate objects come to life on the page.

Even before the pandemic threw publishing schedules into disarray, the publishing industry was facing enormous change. The change from physical to electronic books, blurring of boundaries between traditional, small press and independent authors. What is our industry becoming? How can writers plan for the future?

Tropes are one of the building blocks of stories, but they can be misused, overused, and just plain worn out. How can you use tropes effectively in your writing? What are some stories that have done to well? Let's talk about using tropes, with and without flipping them around.

What are tropes, how are they used, and how can we use them effectively as story-telling tools without falling back on the same old cliches?

How do writers choose the right point of view to tell a story. How do you know if you need more than one point of view character? What special tricks can writers play, using point of view?

Those beings that often drive your stories and games, the characters. How does one write/build a character so that it is believable and enjoyable. From the hero to the villain, the most beloved characters are those we can relate to. But what makes a character relatable?

Social Media has become an important promotional tool for all writers during the Covid era, but even more so for the independent writer. What tools are available for the independent writer to use, and what are the trends?This is a hybrid virtual/live panel. Virtual attendees may join here:https://zoom.us/j/99397631149?pwd=aDZwNUdPZXcxQmRGQ0wzV0xWSXh1UT09Meeting ID: 993 9763 1149Passcode: 546477

It’s the 1980s again. Technology is developing faster than ever. The NES & SEGA Genesis have shown us what gaming can do. The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi are changing the way we see science fiction. In Japan, Otaku culture is exploding with content.

In all of our fictional worlds, there is some way that the world came into being. And then, there is the way the denizens of that world believe that they came into being. From the creation of gods to the way people explain their world without them we will examine how to create truths and fallacies that make your world more compelling and relatable.

Contestants in the Student Writing contest receive feedback from the judges. This session is for contestants and judges only.

Writers, artists and crafters face many challenges as we produce our creations. Sometimes we're asked if it's a "real career" or "just a hobby," but that ignores the other needs we can fulfill by writing, painting, and crafting.

We'll look at what kind of work is being produced now in our genres (SF, Fantasy, Horror, Comics, Games) and what may be coming in the near future. Plus a respectful discussion of our likes and dislikes in what's being offered.

It's a familiar accusation for many writers. We're told our work is "woke" or someone tries to ban our books. But SF and Fantasy have always been political. We'll talk about holding off the dreaded accusation, "That's Too Political."

Do you have this wonderful story idea that you can’t find the time or energy to write about? Our panel of writers with real day jobs will share stories of how they fit it in.

What defines the cozy genre? What are some of the tropes? How does it cross pollinate with other genres: mystery, ghosts, romance, fantasy?

Gather at the virtual Hanged Man, bring your own cheese and whine, and we'll all talk about Dragon Age!

According to Jung's archetypes theory and Campbell's Hero with a Thousand Faces, humans seem to need story the way we need sunlight and air. What is it about stories that makes them so compelling to our nature? Why do we seek them out and how do they help us? Can a story do the opposite of helping? If you are a reader, movie watcher, or even a creator, come learn the behind-the-scenes mental mechanisms of why we like to watch the journey of someone else.

Did George Washington really chop down a cherry tree? Did he have wooden teeth? Was Napoleon really short? We'll examine common myths that have been passed along as historical fact and discuss how they became so well (and incorrectly) known.

From aliens to furries, we'll discuss how to write the non-human pov, how to create an character that is still relatable without coming off as a human in alien skin, and how to capitalize on unique non-human traits to make epic alien, animal, and inanimate objects come to life on the page.

Tips, tricks, and suggestions on how to keep motivated and have forward progress on your writing projects while still balancing a busy life.

Even before the pandemic threw publishing schedules into disarray, the publishing industry was facing enormous change. The change from physical to electronic books, blurring of boundaries between traditional, small press and independent authors. What is our industry becoming? How can writers plan for the future?

Tropes are one of the building blocks of stories, but they can be misused, overused, and just plain worn out. How can you use tropes effectively in your writing? What are some stories that have done to well? Let's talk about using tropes, with and without flipping them around.

We have to eat when we send people beyond Earth's surface. What has been done so far to prepare for that need?

Since the dawn of the Satellite age we've been putting man made things into space, particularly around Earth.How much junk is out there? How much of it is useful? How much isn't useful? What is it used for?

Come bid farewell to our guests!