Lessons From Our Past
|
| |
| (WEDNESDAY, 2:15-3:15) Historical romance stars share the lessons they’ve learned along the way and how to effectively turn back the clock for timeless storytelling and unforgettable characters. Historicals are here to stay, but they’re also constantly evolving, and each of these award-winning authors will reveal how they use the lessons of the past to stay one exhilarating step ahead of the crowd and keep their fans riveted! |
| |
Captain: Renee Bernard
Panelists: Victoria Alexander, Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, Donna MacMeans |
|
| |
Worldbuilding: It’s Not Just for Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Paranormal
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 10-11) Top contemporary authors and industry experts explore the key elements of worldbuilding in contemporary romance. From small towns to elite societies to social clubs, discover the challenge in creating a unique, reality-based universe that readers will love. |
| |
Captain: Beth Ciotta
Panelists: Stephanie Bond, Susan Donovan, Monique Patterson (executive editor, St. Martin’s Press), Roxanne St. Claire, Lori Wilde |
|
Writing Big in a Short Format
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 1:30-2:30) Series romances must be rich, complex, dynamic, emotional and between 50,000 and 75,000 words long. How do writers get all that story into those little books? Join bestselling, multipublished and award-winning authors as they go over some tips for writing big in small books. |
| |
Captain: Kimberly Lang
Panelists: Caitlin Crews, Molly O’Keefe, Ann Voss Peterson |
| |
The Trouble with Layers
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 11:15-12:15) It’s a fresh look at the dilemma every historical romance writer faces: researching historical accuracies and getting it right vs. making sure that the fictional element can carve out pure magic for modern readers. Striking the balance, inserting a fresh take and new voices requires skill and intuition to carry it off successfully. These ladies will share some of the tricks of the trade for making sure that bodices are not ripped (there are better ways to separate a lady from her undergarments, right?) and keeping the heat on in even the coldest castles. |
| |
Captain: Renee Bernard
Panelists: Celeste Bradley, Loretta Chase, Sabrina Jeffries, Sarah MacLean, Veronica Wolff |
|
Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30) No vamps, no weres, no demons or shifters. Contemporary romance authors and industry experts discuss breathing excitement into everyday heroes and heroines, the challenge of reality-based conflict and the power of empathy. |
| |
Captain: Beth Ciotta
Panelists: Louisa Edwards, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Christina Skye, Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches, Trashy Books) |
|
|
MYSTERY, THRILLER AND ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
| Mystery Captain |
Thriller Captain |
Romantic Suspense Captain |
 |
 |
 |
| Carole Nelson Douglas |
Andrew Peterson |
Gennita Low |
| |
|
|
Writing Those Crazy-Hot NYT Bestselling Cozies
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 10-11) Romance the bestseller lists in print and in e-book with mysteries that blend humor and hunky crime guys with artsy crafts and paranormal touches. Magic bakeries, crime-solving pets or haunted bookstores, anyone? Top-selling authors show how to let your imagination soar so readers’ hobbies make your concepts and sales sizzling hot. |
| |
Captain: Carole Nelson Douglas
Panelists: Laura Caldwell, Joanne Fluke, Julie Kramer, Sarah Zettel |
| |
The Faces of Romantic Suspense
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 11:15-12:15) Hear from authors specializing in different niches of romantic suspense, from thriller to adventure to procedural, from inspie to spy-fi. Authors will talk about research, expertise and how to make readers care about your characters and their specialties without info-dumping. |
| |
Captain: Gennita Low
Panelists: Kylie Brant, Cindy Gerard, Andrew Petersen, Roxanne Rustand |
| |
Great Thriller Villains
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 1:30-2:30)An in-depth look at the driving force behind a great thriller: its villain. How does the villain drive the story and why is he or she so essential to plotting, pace and character development? In this workshop, we’ll explore all the aspects of what makes a great thriller villain. |
| |
Captain: Andrew Peterson
Panelists: Jamie Freveletti, Gregg Hurwitz, A. Scott Pearson, James Rollins, F. Paul Wilson |
| |
Creating Deliciously Dark Mystery Chills & Thrills
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 10-11) How dark can you go? Today’s cutting-edge mystery series sell, sell, sell with their black humor, dystopic settings and outrageously creative protagonists like serial killer Dexter and “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.” Learn how bestselling writers amp up the suspense by dealing with the darkest side of crime and punishment. |
| |
Captain: Carole Nelson Douglas
Panelists: Lori Armstrong (aka Lorelei James), Alma Katsu, Rick Mofina
|
| |
Cooking Up Sex, Lies and Weapons
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 11:15-12:15) Authors will concoct a recipe for a tasty romantic suspense and give you the ingredients for what spices it up and what strange and new things can be added to give it the right twist. Add a quick stir-fry or a slow-cooked romance and you will have the secret ingredient these top-selling authors use in their own books. Free books for all who attend! |
| |
Captain: Gennita Low
Panelists: Cherry Adair, Stephanie Bond, Ann Voss Peterson |
|
|
Great Opening Scenes
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 2:45-3:45) Why is the opening scene so vital to thrillers and mysteries, and genre fiction in general? In this workshop, authors will discuss some of their favorite opening scenes from their own books and from books they love. How do these scenes grab readers and make them want to read more? |
| |
Captain: Andrew Peterson
Panelists: Laura Caldwell, Heather Graham, Julie Kramer, Patrick Lee, Rick Mofina, Marcus Sakey |
| |
PARANORMAL, URBAN FANTASY AND VAMPIRE
| Paranormal Captain |
Urban Fantasy Captain |
Vampire Captain |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| Angela Knight |
Richelle Mead |
Caridad Pineiro |
|
| |
|
|
|
Ain’t Yo’ Momma’s Vampires — Reinvent What’s Been Overdone
|
| |
| (WEDNESDAY, 3:30-4:30) A panel of bestselling romance authors discusses how to sink your teeth into the paranormal field and stake out new territory in a highly competitive market. |
| |
Captain: Angela Knight
Panelists: Jacquelyn Frank, Molly Harper, Rebecca York |
|
The Graveyard Smash-Up
|
| |
| (WEDNESDAY, 4:45-5:45) A discussion of vampires and their appearance in various genres. How do you mix the undead with other elements in order to create a winning novel? |
| |
Captain: Caridad Pineiro
Panelists: Eden Bradley (aka Eve Berlin), Clay & Susan Griffith, Kerrelyn Sparks, Jeanne C. Stein |
| |
Trends — What’s Hot, What's Not & What’s Next in UF
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 10-11) Is urban fantasy on its way out? We don’t think so! Come find out what keeps this genre so addictive and popular as we discuss and answer questions about what the future holds. Is it still OK to write about vampires and werewolves? What other paranormal elements are coming on the scene? And where do sister genres like steampunk and dystopian lit fit in all of this? |
| |
Captain: Richelle Mead
Panelists: Kelley Armstrong, Jennifer Estep, Nancy Holzner, Melissa Marr, Nicole Peeler
Moderator: Lucienne Diver (agent, The Knight Agency) |
| |
Hotblooded
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 2:45-3:45)Explore the secrets of paranormal eroticism with a panel of bestselling authors who discuss how to keep the passion sizzling — even when it gets a little weird. |
| |
Captain: Angela Knight
Panelists: Lora Leigh, Cheyenne McCray, more speakers to be announced |
| |
Nalini Singh On Writing the Paranormal Romance
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 10-11) This workshop will focus on what makes a strong paranormal romance, what you can do to make your proposal stand out and the state of the market as far as paranormals are concerned. There will be time for questions, so bring them along. |
| |
| Panelist: Nalini Singh |
| |
The Good, the Bad and the Undead
|
| |
(FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30) Sex and violence, violence and sex. Where do readers and writers draw the line in today’s modern vampire novels?
|
| |
Captain: Caridad Pineiro
Panelists: Carole Nelson Douglas, Jeaniene Frost, Charlaine Harris, Lynda Hilburn, Jeri Smith-Ready, Jaye Wells |
| |
Kick-Ass Characters that Make Us Keep Coming Back For More
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 2:45-3:45) Urban fantasy is often known for its fantastic elements and worldbuilding, but at the heart of each story are characters that readers can’t get enough of. Listen as authors reveal what it takes to write the addictive characters that drive this genre, discussing everything from antiheroes and inner conflict to relationships and star-crossed lovers. |
| |
Captain: Richelle Mead
Panelists: Jeaniene Frost, Charlaine Harris, Christina Henry, Chloe Neill, Jeanne C. Stein
|
| |
SCIENCE FICTION AND STEAMPUNK
| Fantasy and Science Fiction Captain |
Steampunk Captain |
 |
 |
| Ann Aguirre |
Kathryn Smith |
|
Popular Tropes & Themes & How to Write SF that Dazzles
|
| |
| (WEDNESDAY, 1-2) Learn what tropes and themes sell from acclaimed and bestselling authors of science fiction. We’ll cover what ideas have performed well, what markets may be untapped and how to put your best manuscript forward. Audience Q&A is encouraged. |
| |
Captain: Ann Aguirre
Panelists: Beth Revis, Cindy Holby, Cindy Spencer Pape, Linnea Sinclair |
| |
Writing, Selling & Marketing Steampunk
|
| |
| (WEDNESDAY, 1-2) Are your cogs feeling congested? Maybe you’ve got an idea but it’s lodged in the aether? Do you long to write a steampunk novel, but are unsure of where to start and how to set your automatons apart from all the others out there? Steampunk is becoming more mainstream, but there are still a lot of questions about its aspects. Join an editor, an agent and established authors as they discuss what you need to know about writing steampunk (in romance, young adult and fantasy genres), how to sell it and what editors are looking for! |
| |
Captain: Kathryn Smith (aka Kady Cross/Kate Cross)
Panelists: Clay and Susan Griffith, Miriam Kriss (agent, Irene Goodman Literary Agency), Devi Pillai (editor, Orbit) |
| |
Beyond Unicorns & Elves — Writing Extraordinary Fantasy Fiction
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 11:15-12:15) Join us for an analysis of what makes a compelling fantasy, whether dark or light. We’ll talk about key elements of worldbuilding, character development, witty banter 101 and help kill your plot bunnies. Bring your questions and insatiable curiosity! |
| |
Captain: Ann Aguirre
Panelists: Jenna Black, Yasmine Galenorn, Robin Hobb, Shawntelle Madison, Sarah Zettel (aka Marissa Day)
|
| |
Steam and other Punks — The Full Scope of Steampunk
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30) A combination of historical and science fiction, sometimes with fantasy and paranormal, steampunk is one of the hottest genre trends! Authors will discuss the subgenres of steampunk books, films and video games featuring the various offshoots of steampunk. Get ready to kick-start your imagination as you learn about the intricacies of what the “punk” in the various forms of steampunk is, including: “classic” neo-Victorian steampunk, oil punk, diesel punk, cyberpunk, gaslamp, clockpunk, biopunk, nanopunk, decopunk, sailpunk, cyberprep, elfpunk, candlepunk and sandalpunk. A handout listing the examples used by our panelists will be provided. |
| |
Captain: Kathryn Smith (aka Kady Cross/Kate Cross)
Panelists: R.G. Alexander (aka Rachel Grace), Eden Bradley (aka Eve Berlin), Karina Cooper, Suzanne Lazear |
| |
Romancing the Stars — This Isn’t Your Brother’s SF!
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 2:45-3:45) Today’s science fiction has changed, especially in the romance genre. With crossovers knowing no bounds, like the universe itself, authors have more freedom than ever to bend time and space and create familiar stories set in the far reaches of the galaxies. How far can you go? Werewolves in space? A space Regency? Even space pirates? It’s all up to you and what you can imagine. If you can dream it up and write it, there are readers waiting to read it. |
| |
| Panelists: Lynn Lorenz, Belinda McBride |
|
EROTICA
| Erotica Captain |
 |
| Sharon Page |
| |
What’s Your Preference?
|
| |
| (WEDNESDAY, 2:15-3:15) The hottest erotica authors today dish on writing erotic romance. Paranormal, historical, contemporary — these authors know it all. No topic is too hot, so come with your burning questions. Push your boundaries and find out what works, what’s hot and how new opportunities are opening up in the erotica world. |
| |
Captain: Sharon Page
Panelists: Skylar Kade, Kathy Love, Janet Miller (aka Cricket Starr), Kate Pearce, Kayla Perrin |
| |
What’s Hot Now
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 2:45-3:45) Where is erotica going from here? Get the scoop on the genre from editors, authors, and an agent. Learn what editors are buying. Find out if it is easier or harder to break into the erotic romance market today — and what it takes to break out. |
| |
Captain: Sharon Page
Panelists: Opal Carew, Kelli Collins (editor-in-chief, Ellora’s Cave), Lindsey Faber (Managing Editor, Samhain Publishing), Kelly Jamieson, Miriam Kriss (agent, Irene Goodman Agency) |
| |
COMIC BOOKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS
| Graphic Novel Captain |
 |
| Anne Elizabeth |
| |
WIN! A Digital Comic Contract
|
| |
| Sea Lion Books, LLC will be taking email submissions during the month of February in 2012 for their upcoming WIN A DIGITAL COMIC CONTRACT. You must be registered for the RT BOOKLOVERS Convention before you submit your entry and it is recommended that entrants scale their stories or scripts to ten pages of action, romance, history, science fiction, or adventure. The official website entry email is: contest@sealionbooks.com. The winner will be announced at the HOW TO WRITE A COMIC Workshop during the RT BOOKLOVERS Convention. |
| |
How To Write a Comic
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 10-11) Sign up to learn how to capture the reader’s attention with eye-grabbing openings, page-turning cliffhangers and edge-of-your-seat endings. The winner of the SEA LION BOOKS digital comic contract will be announced at the end of this session. |
| |
Captain: Anne Elizabeth (creator/author/columnist)
Panelists: Les Dabel (publisher, Dabel Brothers), Alisa Kwitney (author/creator & former editor, DC Comics) |
|
The Creators
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 11:15-12:15) Last year’s panel was such a hit that RT is offering another opportunity to talk with some of your favorite comics/manga/graphic novel and fiction creators. Join us as we chat about craft, conflict and other cool stuff that makes comic storylines enticing, engaging and completely enthralling. |
| |
Moderator: Anne Elizabeth (creator/author/columnist)
Panelists: Heather Graham, Gregg Hurwitz, Alisa Kwitney, Jade Lee, F. Paul Wilson |
| |
WHISPERS FROM THE VOID: Tips on the Making of a Comic Book Series
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 2:45-3:45) Join the monster team of the series Whispers From the Void, along with the owner of Silver Phoenix Entertainment, to learn how their comic book project began and where it goes from here. |
| |
Captain: Anne Elizabeth (creator/author/columnist)
Panelists: Sherrill Bodine, Laurie DeMarino, Rosemary Paulas, Patricia Rosemoor |
| |
INSPIRATIONAL
Writing Inspirational Historical Fiction
|
| |
(THURSDAY, 10-11) Come learn the nuts and bolts of writing historical romance, including creating an appealing hero and heroine, developing the moral premise, conducting research, and writing in dual points of view.
|
| |
| Panelist: Dorothy Love (An award-winning author in secular and inspirational markets whose most recent books are in the Hickory Ridge Romances series for Thomas Nelson) |
| |
Christian Fiction Finally Gets REAL!
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 2:45-3:45) Living in faith is not about never stumbling, never leaving the straight and narrow, never making a mistake, never wanting more than we’re supposed to have. It’s what we do about it. Join us in an open discussion about the evolution of Christian romance, reflecting the imperfections of life and the choices we make. Leave behind the prairie bonnet and rose-colored glasses for reality-based Christian fiction. |
| |
| Panelists: Gail R. Delaney (editor-in-chief, Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.), Michelle Levigne, Roxanne Rustand, Michelle Sutton, Shawna K. Williams |
| |
Making the Transition from Secular to Inspirational Fiction
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 10-11) Inspirational fiction covers all genres now, from romance, women’s fiction, suspense, mystery, young adult and historicals to Amish vampire stories and speculative fiction. Quality writing and captivating stories are a given, but what makes inspirational fiction different from secular? How do you go about writing these novels and making a first sale? Join these authors, who have published more than 150 books, and who look forward to sharing their experiences and advice with anyone interested in this exciting and very popular area of publishing. |
| |
| Panelists: Lyn Cote, Shelley Shepard Gray, Winnie Griggs, Maureen Lang, Allie Pleiter, Roxanne Rustand |
| |
YOUNG ADULT
Murder, Mayhem and Madness: YA ACTION & SUSPENSE
|
| |
| (WEDNESDAY, 1-2) Sometimes the scariest things in the dark look a lot like us. Murderers, revolutionaries, angry goddesses and serial killers populate increasingly dark YA novels. Discuss taking your readers into the darkness. How far is too far? Authors will share insight on writing action and suspense — and evoking readers’ fears. |
| |
Moderator: Melissa Marr
Panelists: Kiera Cass, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Kimberly Derting, Jennifer Estep, Carrie Ryan |
| |
The Kids are All Right — Adult to YA Fiction
|
| |
(WEDNESDAY, 3:30-4:30) A number of established authors have made the transition from adult fiction to YA novels. What are the pitfalls? How does your writing change? Can you do both? This panel of authors will guide you through the transition — or the multitasking — necessary to add YA fiction to a writer’s repertoire.
|
| |
Moderator: Kelley Armstrong
Panelists: Ann Aguirre, Jenna Black, Sophie Jordan, Jeri Smith-Ready, Rachel Vincent |
| |
Voices Inside Me: Shifting Between Narrators
|
| |
| (THURSDAY, 1:30-2:30) Not all series use just one narrator. In fact, not all books stick with a solitary narrator. Join these authors as they discuss the possibilities, benefits and struggles with various narrative structures in YA. |
| |
Moderator: Sarah Rees Brennan
Panelists: Kelley Armstrong, Melissa de la Cruz, Nancy Holder, Melissa Marr, Stephanie Perkins
|
| |
Wasting My Time: Making Sense of the Changing Landscape
|
| |
| (FRIDAY 10-11) E-books, anthologies, group tours and a seemingly constant flow of exposure possibilities are everywhere. Join us as we discuss the pros and cons of some of these options as well as the more traditional activities: library visits, tours, book signings and conventions. |
| |
Moderator: Melissa Marr
Panelists: Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Saundra Mitchell, Beth Revis, Deborah Schneider (programming, King County Library), Margaret Stohl |
| |
My Immortal — I Really Can Love You Forever
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 11:15-12:15) Immortals — of any sort — present a different set of challenges than other paranormal creatures. The eternal have been pronounced dead/full/over repeatedly, yet they’re still thriving year after year. Panelists will discuss the unique challenges of writing such creatures and how to make your series survive in this crowded market. |
| |
Moderator: Melissa de la Cruz
Panelists: Tera Lynn Childs, Cynthia Hand, Mari Mancusi, Alyson Noël, Aprilynne Pike
|
| |
Heartthrobs & Heartbreaks: Writing Romance for Teens
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 1:30-2:30) Writing YA romance for teens is a tricky business. These bestselling authors will talk about how they keep the love stories in their books hot and how to write swoon-worthy heroes and relatable heroines. |
| |
Moderator: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Panelists: Melissa de la Cruz, Kami Garcia, Alyxandra Harvey, Michelle Jaffe, Stephanie Perkins, Aprilynne Pike
|
| |
What Do I Have To Do? Boundaries in YA
|
| |
| (FRIDAY, 2:45-3:45) The never-ending question in writing YA seems to be one of boundaries. Articles have popped up in the Wall Street Journal, Twitter has been a-flurry, and rebuttals (on both sides) abounded this past year. The questions about “how far” aren’t going away any time soon. An array of authors discuss the shifting boundaries in YA fiction. |
| |
Moderator: Margaret Stohl
Panelists: Sara Rees Brennan, Rachel Caine, David Macinnis Gill, Stephanie Kuehnert, Richelle Mead, Aprilynne Pike
|
| |
Back to the Top >>
View Craft Workshops >>
View Specialty Workshops >>
View Hands On Workshops >>
View Self-Publishing And E-Book Program >>
View Business, Media and Marketing Panels >>
Convention Home Page >>
|
Account Login
