Heather Rose Jones

Participants and moderators-to-be will consider how to help foster discussion, guide a conversation, avoid a runaway panel, and bring more voices into the discussion when it comes time to share the mic. Keeping yourself organized, queuing up comments and questions, and discouraging premature audience participation will also be discussed.

Using knowledge and research of real-life history as world-building fantasy and science fiction.

As easy as a Babel Fish is, usually alien languages are handled differently in science fiction. The panelists discuss various alien languages and how they are understood.

I sign books, if you bring them. Or come and chat. I'll sign your cat. I'll sign your program book. Really, just come and say hi to me. If there's enough interest, we can adjourn to a bar-like-equivalent afterward for a completely unofficial kaffeeklatsch. This is your chance!

Historical Fantasy: What is it and how does it differ from fantasy or historical fiction? What makes for good historical fantasy? What are some variations within this genre? How can it illuminate our understanding of the past and future?

Knowing Your Character's Cultural Priorities and Personal Rebellions

What does utopia look like if you're queer or female?

Planning Long Term Arcs for Plots and Characters.

Much of modern speculative fiction has roots in ancient mythology. We'll explore how myth and fiction play together, and how myth has shaped fiction over time.

Readings from current and recent projects.