Conventional Matters

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Nov 27

Con-Tinual Visits The Hellmouth

Con-Tinual Panelists discuss the first season of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

https://www.facebook.com/james.nettles/videos/1356840888595169?idorvanity=563373290941914

Con-Tinual Panel Outs Another Guilty Pleasure

Enjoy another fine Con-Tinual panel, this one on Highlander.

https://www.facebook.com/GailZMartin/videos/2653717948111321?idorvanity=563373290941914

Nov 26

"I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost"

A genre writer traveling. A hotel with a "reputation". What could possibly go wrong?

Con-Tinual panel "Haunted Travels" has us sharing spooky tales from the road. Enjoy it at

https://www.facebook.com/GailZMartin/videos/2533758136791554?idorvanity=563373290941914

Aug 30

Discussing Classic SF With Con-Tinual

A grand time was had discussing the SF Classics and writers who influenced members of the panel. Watch it at::

https://www.youtube.com/c/ConTinualConvention

Jul 25

Con-Tinual Strike A Third Time: Weapons 101!

Discussing weapons and writing about them convincingly is a happy thing, especially when in the company of folks who know how and how to learn how. Enjoy the Weapons 101 panel at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0FqH1oIPBw&t=275s

Jun 23

Con-Tinual Strikes Yet Again: "Lost Conventions"

Gail Martin, Nancy Northcutt, Wendy Van Camp and I got together for another Con-Tinual panel on "Lost Conventions". You can view it at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ConTinual/posts/1343663882912847/?notifid=1687552324711287&notift=grouppostmention&ref=notif

Jun 9

Con-Tinual Strikes Again! Firefly!

I had the honor and pleasure of being part of Con-Tinual's Firefly panel with Jim Nettles, Bishop O'Connell, Sue Phillips, Misty Massey, Doc Coleman, and Carole M. Stokes. A grand time was had, and you can enjoy it at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJr5skdIg0w

Feb 6

New Interview Posted

The delightful Cat Rambo has posted the interview she did with me. Visual evidence that fun was definitely had now available for your view pleasure at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo8dbebgWUA

Jan 14

Latest Virtual Panel Appearance: Con-Tinual

I may have said this before, but one of the things that has kept me relatively sane during nearly two years of mostly-quarantine has been the virtual panels I've participated in. The latest one is now available.

Con-Tinual's Panel Room 99 is about getting it right when writing martial arts, and was great fun to be part of. You can find it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIsBiNqnrRA or at https://www.facebook.com/james.nettles/videos/652921502380951.

Sep 20

Virtually Conventional

We’ve always known that the genre community is resilient and inventive, and 2020 has gone a long way toward illustrating that. Con-runners, creatives, and fans coming together in virtual versions of conventions have been a joy to see. I’ve had the pleasure of working a couple of panels for Con-Tinual and, between Sept 21 - Sept 27, I’ll be a happy participant in the online version of Imagination on the Accelevents platform. My schedule looks like a lot of fun.

(All start times are Eastern Time Zone. All panels except the Workshop are 1 hour.)

Monday, Sept 21

8:00pm: “Submissions”. How to submit to a press, writing the perfect cover letter, pitches, and much more. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Michele Sagan, Lynn Slaughter, RJ Sullivan, Morgan Hazelwood.

Thursday, Sept 24

7:00pm: “Well, That Was Short”. Writing the perfect story, that is short and leaves the readers wanting more. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Lee E.E. Stone, Sela Carsen, Kathryn Sullivan.

Friday, Sept 25

10:00am: “How To Be A Good Panelist”. Many writers will tell you that being on a panel is great in terms of gaining new readers. Being a good panelist does the same for gaining new fans and a go-to reputation among convention-runners. Our experienced panelists offer hints, tips, and things to avoid for those new or newish to being a panelist. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Paul J.Hoffman, Lynn Slaughter, Carma Haley Shoemaker, Daniel Dark.

Saturday, Sept 26

11:00am: “Interview with a Writer”. Join in this discussion to hear the hardest and greatest aspects about being a writer. Questions from the audience are welcome. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Anne Marie Lutz, Tommy B. Smith, F. Paul Wilson, Anna Bowman.

3:00pm: WORKSHOP: “Writing Killer Openings”. No matter the genre, medium, or whether you’re writing short form or long, a killer opening line and a solid hook can grab the attention and increase the odds of making a sale. Writer, editor, and publisher Lee Martindale will help you develop that ‘killer opening’ with live exercises & professional critiques. (Attendees please have writing supplies with you.)

Sunday, Sept 27

1:00pm: “Contracts: The Good, The Bad, And the Oh-HECK-No”. Even with an agent, one should read the contract for a sale for it’s signed. The panel offers tips and cautions about the kind of clauses that should be included and clauses that should prompt negotiation or a hasty retreat. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Eric Moser, Paul J. Hoffman, Carma Haley Shoemaker/

3:00pm: “Everything You Wanted To Know About The Writing Business And Weren’t Afraid To Ask”. A panel of experienced writers, editors. and publishers answers questions from the audience. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Tony Acree, Gery Deer, Janie Franz, James Hunter, Carol Preflatish.

5:00pm: “Tips from an Editor”. Learn editing tips from seasoned editors and why not to self edit. Panelists: H.R. Raymer (M), Lee Martindale, Dionne Lister, Kelly Ferguson, Kristina Kaye.

For more information, go to https://www.entertheimaginarium.com/

Mar 12

Well, Drat

First off, kudos to the folks at OutlantaCon 2020 for being on top of things with a robust and practical plan for the convention during the current Covid-19 outbreak, for acknowledging that we each have to make the call for ourselves, and for graciously accepting the call when it’s made.

In my case, the call was not an easy one. I love this convention, the people who put it on, the guests and attendees. I love the mischief they get me into. It’s a convention I always want on my schedule. However, age and several chronic medical issues put me squarely in the segment of the population most seriously affected by the Covid-19 virus, with air travel and large groups of people being serious risks. The decision to cancel was not an easy one, but the right one under the circumstances.

That doesn’t mean I have to like it, or that I’m still not sorry I have to cancel.

Jan 30

On The Road Again

On the one hand, I’m happy to begin my 2020 convention schedule and looking forward to the fun that is AnachroCon. On the other hand, I’m sad that this will be the final year for that lovely convention. But it will be going out in style - 1920s style. Flappers and Speakeasies and Mobsters, Oh MY!

When not on a panel, I’ll be spending as much time as possible at my spot in the Dealer Room, selling the limited number of books I can when flying a trip, and enjoying visits and conversations with those who stop by.

Here are my assignments for Programming, and they look like fun. Unless otherwise noted, all panels are 50 minutes in length.

Friday, Feb. 14

5:00pm - How To Write Effective Villains: Villains can be fun to write, do wonders for plot advancement and character development, and turn into fan favorites. Panelists: Taylor S. Hoch, Lee Martindale (M), Matthew Quinn, Bill Ritch

6:00pm - Opening Ceremonies: Let’s get this party officially started!

7:00pm - That Took Me Out Of The Story! How to avoid losing your readers.: You can’t foresee what might disconnect a reader from your story, but there are some common trip points. Panelists: Lee Martindale, Cecilia Dominic (M), Jo Scott

Saturday, Feb. 15

3:00pm - How To Research Effectively. We discuss how to get the details right without wandering in the wastelands or becoming ensnared. Panelists: Lee Martindale (M), Matthew Quinn, Cecilia Dominic

Sunday, Feb. 16

11:00am - "How I Did It" Different Writers Do Different Stuff, Differently. We discuss and compare our methodology.

1:00pm - Give the Princess a sword! Writing Heroes That Aren't Dudes: It starts with writing a believable female first. Panelists: Mandy & GD Burkhead, Dennis Medbury, Lee Martindale (M)

3:00pm - Closing Ceremonies

Dec 6

There Comes A Day...

...when a decision you know is inevitable must be made. When going one way is impossible, and going the other breaks your heart. For me, that day came this week.

If you know me or have been reading here for any time at all, you know how much I love the convention known as Dragon Con. Except for two years when WorldCon, where I had to be while on the SFWA Board of Directors, fell on the same weekend, Dragon Con has been, professionally and personally, the highlight of every convention year since 2008.

But it goes beyond that. Dragon Con has been a family reunion and gathering of the clan. It’s been spending time in the company of people who had my back, made me laugh, facilitated experiences that I would never have dreamed I’d be part of, and been there with what I needed when I needed it to do what I do. Friends who fit the definition of “family of the heart”.

The decision I’d been putting off couldn’t be put off any longer. The upper body strength that, as a wheelchair-using paraplegic, I’ve been relying on has been degrading over the year or so. Strength and stamina have likewise decreased. Solo travel and the physical stresses of a weeklong, 80,000-attendee convention spread out over multiple hotels and venues has become more than my body can handle.

I’m still able to work smaller, shorter conventions, and will be doing so. But not Dragon Con. That day has passed.

For all the wonderful memories, to my DC family, friends, and fans - thank you for everything. It was one hell of a good ride.

Nov 27

And That’s A Wrap!

The final convention on my 2019 schedule is now a happy memory, in what was a very special travel year for me. It began in February with the 10th Anniversary AnachroCon, on the theme of “Time Travelers’ Ball” and in the company of many of my Atlanta con family. The first convention of the year is always a joy, and one that encourages me to pack a bit of costuming even better.

In May, I guested at the final gathering of Wholanta!, a convention that’s been near and dear to my heart since Atlanta fandom seduced me into the world of Doctor Who in 2007. Many happy memories of that convention over the years, and I’m going to miss it.

Also in May, it was out to Los Angeles for the Nebula Awards Weekend, where my volunteer work for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America was recognized with the 2019 Kevin J. O’Donnell, Jr. Service to SFWA Award. To say this means the world to me is putting it mildly. I managed *not* to cry, but it was a very near thing.

The week around Labor Day Weekend saw me, once again, at Dragon Con, where I did two sold-out sessions of the “Killer Openings” workshop, a mentoring session, and a full schedule of excellent panels. I’ve loved this convention every year I’ve attended, and this year was no exception.

In October, I guested at the inaugural year of MultiVerseCon. Fun panels, good people, and great conversations in between my various scheduled events. This convention is off to a good start, and I look forward to returning. Plus the added fun of getting to introduce The Mighty Himself and the aforementioned Atlanta con family to each other.

And, finally, headed to Lombard, IL to serve as ToastMistress for WindyCon in Lombard, IL. And what a splendid time was had. These folks know how to throw a convention and spoil their GoHs, and every minute was a delight. Many thanks to Kerry Kuhn, Con Chairman, and a crack cadre of volunteers for all their many kindnesses to me and The Mighty Himself. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. November in the Chicago area is not for wimps, but I learned the joys of lap robes and multiple layers.

The traveling boots are drying by the fire, the suitcases have been put away for a few months, and I’m charging headfirst into the holidays with a very satisfied smile. It was a glorious year.

Nov 9

One More For The Road

The curtain is about to come down on my 2019 convention season, but not before one last, very special engagement. I’ll be serving as ToastMistress for WindyCon 2019, Nov 15 - 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL in the Chicago area. To say I am both honored and excited is putting it mildly.

Consider the most excellent company I’ll be in, including:

Author GoH: Elizabeth Moon Artist GoH: Mitchell Bentley Science GoH: Geoffrey Landis Musical GoHs: The Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly Kitt Fan GoH: Chris M. Barkley Special Guest: Eric Flint

And there’s what I’ll be getting into, according to the schedule:

On Friday at 7:00pm, Opening Ceremonies, wherein we get this party started.

On Saturday, I’ll be signing and visiting with folks from 11:00am to noon. Then I have about an hour to get into my fencing gear and warmed up for Fencing GoHs at 1:00pm with Geoffrey Landis, Mary A. Turzillo, and Elizabeth Moon. Yes, there will be pointy steel put to use in a variety of styles. Then at 6:00pm, in an hour called What Makes a Good Space Opera, I’ll have the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Moon.

My Sunday begins with a reading from 10:00am - 11:00am and concludes with Closing Ceremonies at 2:00pm.

I can’t think of a more perfect way to finish off the year’s schedule.

Oct 7

Gearing Up For MultiverseCon

With very few exceptions, I enjoy working first-time conventions. Certainly, I’ve seen my share of disasters, but I’ve also seen the first year turn into the second and on to a long tradition. And it’s a lot of fun to be part of that. Which is why I’m looking forward to MultiverseCon’s inaugural weekend. So far, the folks behind this one seem to be doing things right.

My schedule certainly looks like a lot of fun. Here’s what I’ll be up to:

Friday October 18

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: Opening Ceremonies. Meet the ConComm! Meet the Guests of Honor! Hear about some of the fun in store for us! And we’re OFF!

2:30 pm to 3:30 pm: So You Want to Write. A good panel for new and aspiring writers to learn more about being a writer from veteran writers. Panelists: Darin Kennedy, Lee Martindale (M), Rena Mason, Seanan McGuire, Jarvis Sheffield

Saturday, October 19

11:30 am to 12:30 pm: Reading: Darin Kennedy and Lee Martindale. I’m leaning toward reading “Combat Shopping”, but that could change.

2:30 pm to 3:30 pm: Place As Character. The write-up: “Urban fantasy often delights its audience by setting stories in places they know like New Orleans, Atlanta, and New York. How important is Place to the authors of Urban Fantasy and how important is it that those places be from the real world or is approximation enough? Panelists: Stuart Jaffe, Kyoko M (M), Lee Martindale, L.L. McKinney

5:30 pm to 6:30 pm: Accessibility in Futuristic Societies. The write-up: “Accessibility is not just about bigger bathrooms or assistive devices. Creating welcoming environments for people with differing abilities and challenges is vital to a well-functioning society. From dampening loud noises for people with autism or PTSD, to strengthening floors for people wearing exoskeletons, panelists will discuss ways future societies can apply advancements to ensure everyone has what they need to thrive. Panelists: Meg Elison, Tiara Janté, Lee Martindale (M), Josh Roseman, Alex White

Sunday, October 20

10:00 am to 11:00 am: Beyond The Sword. The write-up: “The sword has a central place in fantasy. Panelists will discuss the swords they love and the swords they hate and what weapons from other cultures might fill the place the sword currently holds in fantasy. Panelists: Paige L. Christie, Milton Davis (M), Lee Martindale, Balogun Ojetade

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm: The Outsiders. The write-up: “Inclusion has become a large and important area of focus in fantasy. How do you write characters from outside your own experience? How do you avoid the pitfalls of stale, stereotypical characterizations that depend on old tropes that have become unviable in storytelling and bring something fresh and new to the genre? The panel will discuss writing characters from outside your culture, gender, and orientation. Panelists: Darin Kennedy, Kyoko M, Lee Martindale (M), Errick Nunnally

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Closing Ceremonies.

Aug 27

Workshop News

Preregistration for my "Writing Killer Openings" workshops at Dragon Con 2019 has closed, and the news is making me smile. Thursday afternoon's session is completely SOLD OUT!

There are, as of this posting, 10 slots open for the Friday morning session that will be available for sale at the door. If last year's response is any indication, these won't last long.

A grand way to start my Dragon Con.

Aug 21

And Another Thing.....

My final schedule for DragonCon arrived and included an addition to my schedule. And it’s a goodie!

Sunday, Sept 1: Dealin' with the Devil. Getting published really doesn’t involve Faustian bargains. Editors and agents discuss what they look for from new writers. Panelists: Lucienne Diver, Anne Sowards, Steve Saffel, Claire M. Eddy, Jonathan Maberry, Chris A Jackson, Lee Martindale(M)

What a grand way to finish out my DragonCon 2019!

Aug 6

Hearing The Rustle of Dragon Wings

It’s that time of year again. Lists are being made. The BattleChariot is getting a good checking out. Electronics are being paired with their chargers are being tested. I’m banking a little extra sleep against upcoming nights of not nearly enough. And my tentative programming schedule has arrived. DragonCon is less than a month away!

Here’s what currently on my schedule:

Thursday, Aug 29

1:00pm - 3:30pm: Writing Killer Openings Workshop. No better way to kick off my DragonCon than by warping young writer minds and, hopefully, improving slush piles near and far. Live exercises, on-the-spot critiques by yours truly, and fun will be had by all. At last report, there were still spots available. Check it out at https://www.dragoncon.org/things-to-do/programming/workshops/#killer

The evening will be spent with friends from the Costuming Track.

Friday, Aug 30

10:00am - 12:30pm: Writing Killer Openings Workshop. No, you’re not seeing double. Last year, there were so many on the waiting list that, this year, it was decided to add a second session. Same as above, including there being spots still available and where to check it out.

2:30pm - 3:30pm: Why We Read. So many reasons, so little time to talk about why we pick up a book.

Saturday, Aug 31

1:00pm - 2:00pm: Edit, Edit, Edit--& Edit Some More. The “heavy lifting” begins after you type The End on the first draft. Seasoned pros talk about their approach to the revision process. Panelists: R.R. Virdi, Lee Martindale (M), Trisha J. Wooldridge, Patricia Briggs, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Clay and Susan Griffith

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Writing for Today's Savvy Audiences. How do you catch the attention of today’s more sophisticated readers and keep them coming back for more? Panelists: Jonathan Maberry, Cinda Williams Chima, John G. Hartness, Lee Martindale

7:00pm - 8:00pm: Reading. They’re turning me loose for an hour with an audience and my stories. Which story I’ll read hasn’t been decided yet.

Sunday, Sept 1

11:30am - 12:30pm: Who Needs Research? One writer’s casual toss-off of a minor detail can be the reason a reader stops reading if it’s wrong. There’s isn’t a genre out there where it doesn’t happen. We’ll discuss how to research and when to stop and start writing. Panelists: Lee Martindale, D.J. Butler, Marc Alan Edelheit, Declan Finn, John L. Flynn (M), K.N. Lee (M)

1:00pm - 2:00pm: 15-Minute Mentor Session: A chance for budding authors to talk one-on-one with a successful industry professional about business, promotion, the writing process, & career advice. Sign up in the Writer's Track. (Embassy C-D)

4:00pm - 5:00pm: Author Signing: Come by and say hello!

As I said above, this is going to be fun. And having all of Monday free (so far!) may give me a chance to catch a panel or two or catch up with friends. I definitely want to catch one of Tom Smith’s concerts some time during the weekend. And who knows what other mischief I might get into. It’s DragonCon, after all!

Jun 25

A Gentle Reminder

Are you a writer? Are you going to DragonCon? Would you like to sharpen your skills in grabbing the reader’s attention right off the bat? Thanks to the success of last year’s sold-out-and-then-some “Writing Killer Openings” workshop, I’ll be teaching two sessions during DragonCon 2019. We’ll use live exercises and individual critiques to help students get out of the slush pile and into shopping carts.

Students signing up can chose either the Thursday, Aug. 29th session at 1:00pm or the Friday, Aug. 30th session at 10:00am. There’s a hard limit of 20 students per session. If last year’s response is any indication, advanced registration is highly recommended.

For further information, see http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=Acting_Workshop

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