Many writers and game designers have only an academic knowledge of modern weapons, much of it drawn from movies and TV, which is either wrong or impractical. Come listen to our panel of experts dispel some of the myths that continue in fiction. This is not intended to be a political panel so please check those agendas at the door.

Discussing experimental archaeology, historical reenactment, recreating the past for recreation, and what we learn from them all.

It may seem simple to deal with voicing a book or story. Read it. It's not always that simple. We will talk about things that can be done to make the conversion from written word to audio run a little smoother.This is a hybrid virtual/live panel. Virtual attendees may join here:Join Zoom Meetinghttps://zoom.us/j/93625070880?pwd=MzMxeC93bkxuU25acjZrUTl3WGtKdz09Meeting ID: 936 2507 0880Passcode: 220820

What are the skills required to get an entry level positions in film, video and TV production, related media fields.

From science to history to magic, the world is full of source material for writes if you only know where to look. Our panel of writers, game designers and fellow travelers will discuss how they develop their background to make their creative endeavor more realistic.

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.

A hands-on discussion from the bronze age to Bulletproof Vests, with a focus towards the 1800s.

Fantastical tales! Venture into the realm of creative writing where sci-fi, fantasy, and magic intertwine. Join us for a journey through storytelling, character development, and world-building, and unlock your potential to craft captivating tales from other dimensions.

A panel to discuss importance of great characters-how to design them, avoids tropes, create unique characters in stories. Also discuss good and bad characters in books & media. Breaking stereotypes and goals for characters. Discuss issues (example why is a strong woman often tagged stubborn instead of strong).

"Own Voices" deserve to be heard, and people, especially underrepresented people should get to tell their own stories. But, does that mean we can only write about characters that look like us and have the same background? Taken to a logical extreme, can men ever write authentic female characters? Where are the lines when it comes to "writing the other?" When does the folk process become cultural theft or exploitation? What is the role of "sensitivity readers" in all this, and can they help of...

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.

How go from idea to draft to publishing by learning how to manage your writing tasks and still keep it fun and engaging.  Bonnie K.T. Dillabough has written and published 7 books in the last 5 years with an 8th currently in process.  She and fellow panelists will share tips for overcoming your challenges on getting from page one to a finished book in your hands and on your readers' shelves (both virtual and physical)

Ever wonder how fight scenes are created for your favorite show? From Witcher to Wick... from pirates to vikings to space wizards with laser swords, the process can be a complicated one.  This session will cover the collaborative fight design process for featured “Hero” fights and mass battles for film/tv.  From the Writer to Director to Director of Photography, to Fight Coordinator/Choreographer to Stunt Performer to Editor, there are many influences that affect the final product w...

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.

We know that swords can't cut machine gun barrels, but can a steel breastplate stop a bullet?  Does a hero really need a helmet?  Back-scabbards look great, but would you ever want one in real life?  Does it really take a crane to get a knight onto horseback for a joust?  Lots of myths come from movies, books, and legends.  I'll bring historic weapons and armor and lets handle them and learn about the way they really behave.

Yes, writing is a lonely business. But feedback from peers, encouragement from others, and prods to keep writing are important, too. And you can get all that in a Writers' Group. Discussed will be how to find a writer's group, writer's group etiquette, and other topics important to the group environment.

Making a movie in 72 hours, what you need to know.