SF:SE 2015 (SPECULATIVE FICTION: SOUTHEAST) is one of several speculative fiction conventions for writers —and lovers—of horror, scifi, fantasy, and weird fiction, to be held September 25th-27th, in Orlando, FL.
Con director Rachel Litt says, “At SF:SE, expect a marriage of con cultures, including conference standards like workshops, panels, and editor consultations, as well as convention devilry and a masquerade ball!”
Speculative Fiction Conventions Are Great for Writers
For writers of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other forms of speculative fiction, conventions offer something especially valuable: the chance to connect with people who share a passion for imagining worlds beyond the ordinary.
Writing speculative fiction presents some fascinating creative challenges. How do you build an imaginary world that feels believable? How do you establish the rules of magic or futuristic technology without overwhelming readers with explanations? And how do you create compelling characters whose emotional experiences feel authentic, even when their circumstances are extraordinary?
These are exactly the kinds of questions writers can explore at speculative fiction conventions.
Workshops and panel discussions offer opportunities to learn from published authors, editors, and other industry professionals. Writers can discover new approaches to world-building, character development, and plotting. There’s so much to learn about the particular challenges of writing within their chosen genres.
And for writers hoping to publish, editor consultations and discussions about the submission process can provide useful insights into preparing manuscripts and approaching potential publishers.
One of the greatest benefits is the community itself.
Writing can be a solitary undertaking. And never more so than when your imagination regularly takes you into worlds populated by dragons, extraterrestrials, supernatural creatures, or things that go bump in the night!
Spending time with fellow writers and readers who love those same possibilities can be wonderfully energizing.
And who knows? A conversation in the hallway or an encounter at the masquerade ball might even inspire your next story!
You can also get query-ready with help from renowned guests such as Orson Scott Card, Jacqueline Carey, Peter V. Brett, and Kelley Armstrong! Visit SF:SE2015.com, for more info—then get writing, get costuming, and get weird!
Writing speculative fiction can take you into some wonderfully strange territory! Congratulations! You’re developing an imaginary world, wrestling with a complicated plot, or bringing unusual characters to life! But you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. If you’d like some support bringing your story to life, let’s connect. You might also be interested in my books: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.