The Stannex

Okay, it’s not really much of a trip, seeing as the convention hotel is less than 10 miles from my apartment … but still, I’ll be spending a lot of time at NorWesCon 35 this weekend. If you’re in the greater Seattle area, you’re a science-fiction/fantasy fan, I expect to see you at the show!

I’ve got a relatively busy itinerary on Friday and Saturday, so in case you’re looking for me (or just looking for something interesting to do), here’s my schedule:

FRIDAY

4:00–5:00 pm: Freelancing 101 — One of the best, sure-fire ways of writing for the gaming industry is by doing freelance work. Great! But…how does one do that? What are the benefits and drawbacks to freelancing? Our panel of freelancers (and the people who hire them), will share their stories, and give advice on how to be a successful freelancer for the gaming industry. (Room: Cascade 7)

6:00–7:00: Have Licenses Taken Over Creativity In Gaming?—RPG companies used to spawn settings like Dragonlance and the Forgotten Realms, but now they just license Dresden Files or Marvel. There have been few or original settings since Eberron and Eclipse Phase. What’s gone wrong with RPG publishing? (Room: Evergreen 3&4)

9:00–9:30 pm: Reading — The event listing says I’ll be reading “Unusual Suspects,” but that isn’t going to happen (I can explain why at the reading). Either I’ll be talking about Unusual Suspects, or I’ll be reading Ekhar Lorent: Gnome Detective, whichever the audience prefers. (Room: Cascade 1)

SATURDAY

10:00–11:00 am: Webcomics —Are they replacing newspaper comics as the preferred daily or weekly comic strip? How does this sort of continuation differ from recurring monthly comics? Write for the web, or with the intent to print? What are some of the challenges and limitations for creating web comics? (Room: Cascade 6)

11:00 am–Noon: The Writer/Editor Relationship — An editor is interested in your story. Hurray! But he wants big changes. Boo! Now what do you do? Find out what goes on behind the scenes and how you as a writer can increase your chances of closing a sale.

3:00–4:00 pm: Autograph Session — I’ll be at one of the tables in the big signing room, trying to stay out of the way of the people folks REALLY want to meet. But I might have some freebies to give away to interested folks who stop and talk to me!

7:00–8:00 pm: *POW* Breaking Into Comics — How hard is it to get work in the field? Is it easier working as an individual or for a publishing company? All the insider advice you could want, including how to start your own publishing company, publishing tips and tricks, art tools, collaboration advice, self-promotion and a whole lot more.

In between all those events I may be in the bar shmoozing with anyone who’ll buy me a Diet Coke, or I might hunker down in a quiet corner (if I can find one) to do a little work. (Unfortunately, I have deadlines next week.)

If you’re going to be at the show, stop by and say hi!