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Convention Panels, Readings and Workshops
Bookstore Readings, Signings and Q&As
Past Randy Sightings
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CONVENTION PANELS, READINGS AND WORKSHOPS
I ironically took 2019 off from most conventions and such, to refill the well, give other voices more space, and planned to participate again in 2020.
That didn’t go so well.
But I’ve got a couple of virtual things coming up now in 2021!
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NORWESCON 2021 – THURS-SUN, APRIL 1st-4th (Virtual via Airmeet)
Friday
Aaand…Scene! 4:00pm – 5:00pm @ Seaports
Kate Ristau (M), Randy Henderson, Barth Anderson, Carol Berg
What makes a memorable scene? Panelists discuss not only the mechanics of scene construction in fiction, but also why one scene hits a reader in the heart while other scenes may only be responsible for getting a character across town. What is a “beat” (as in, “good stories hit certain beats”) and how do good scenes assist the writer’s goal of “hitting beats?” We’ll discuss scene construction in both short stories and novels.
Saturday
First Page Idol – 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Maxis
Curtis C. Chen (M), Randy Henderson, Kisa Whipkey, K.G. Anderson
Want to see how your first page holds up in a cold read? Send the first page of your manuscript to idol@norwescon.org to have it anonymously read aloud and critiqued by a panel of pros.
Dear Teen Me, Norwescon Edition – 3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Evergreen
Elisabeth Van Every (M), Sang Kromah, Shweta Adhyam, Benjamin Gorman, Elsa Sjunneson, Randy Henderson, Mikko Azul, Jason Brick
Most of us probably have a word or two of advice we could have imparted to ourselves back in the day. Come listen to the letters composed by our panelists to their teenage selves, and contribute your own time-machine pearls of wisdom.
Atheists and Activists – 7:00pm – 8:00pm @ Evergreen
Benjamin Gorman (M), Agathon McGeachy, Randy Henderson, Elisabeth Van Every
Teens in the 21st Century are sophisticated, with the knowledge of the ages at their fingertips. This panel explores the trends away from traditional religion and blind faith to a new belief and passion in science, ecology, political activism, and a return to simplicity.
Sunday
Writers of the Lost Arcs – 11:00am – 12:00pm @ Seaports
Randy Henderson (M), Dale Ivan Smith, Nancy Kress, Julie McGalliard
The arc of a story is vital to successful narrative, but what are the expectations of the length of these arcs in flash vs. short fiction, novelette vs. novel? Listen and join in as professionals share their approach to arc and story development in a variety of story lengths.
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APRIL 10th – CASCADE WRITERS – WRITING HUMOR WORKSHOP
“Keep Your Wits About You: Writing Humor Workshop” (via Zoom)
April 10th, 10am-3:30pm Pacific
With Curtis C. Chen, and agent Sam Morgan.
Register at link above.
BOOKSTORE READINGS, SIGNINGS, Q&As
All done with book tour readings for Smells Like Finn Spirit for now. Check back for future bookstore readings and signings.
I THINK I SAW YOU AT … (PAST EVENTS)
More readings and signings announced as they are scheduled …
NORWESCON 2018
Thursday
Tools of the Trade: Story Arcs
3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Cascade 12
Randy Henderson (M), Dean Wells, Andy Dudak, Scott James Magner
From Start to Finish
6:00pm – 7:00pm @ Cascade 11
Fonda Lee (M), Patrick Hurley, Susan Chang, Randy Henderson
Friday
Using Real Places in Fantasy Settings
12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Cascade 10
Django Wexler (M), Kat Richardson, Rhiannon Held, Randy Henderson
Hobby or Career?
5:00pm – 6:00pm @ Evergreen 3 & 4
Randy Henderson (M), Fonda Lee, Lisa Mantchev
Saturday
Ready, Set, Practice That Pitch!
5:00pm – 6:00pm @ Cascade 11
Curtis C. Chen (M), Susan Chang, Cory Skerry, Randy Henderson
What Responsibility Do We Have As Writers?
6:00pm – 7:00pm @ Cascade 12
Randy Henderson (M), K. C. Alexander, Tina Connolly, E. Lily Yu, Steven Barnes
2017
MISCON 2017 – FRI-MON, MAY 26-29 (MISSOULA, MT)
SIGNING: Early Bird Book Signing (Meet & Greet/Signing)Fri 2:00 – 2:50 PM, (Ballroom C)
Pros and Guests: Carol Berg, C.J. Cherryh, Jane Fancher, David Farland, Ann Gimpel, James Glass, Randy Henderson, Michael Hodges, Peter Wacks (pjwacks)
Moderator: Justin Barba
Some of our authors will sign books.
READING: Multiple Author Reading (Writing)
Fri 4:00 – 4:50 PM, (Yellowstone)
Pros and Guests: James Glass, Randy Henderson, Tod McCoy
Join our authors as they read from their latest works!
PANEL: The Flawed Hero: Writing Realistic Characters (Writing)
Saturday 10:00am – 10:50am, (Ballroom C)
Carol Berg, Larry Bonham, David Farland, Deby Fredericks, Randy Henderson
There are workbooks full of exercises to create well-rounded characters, but how do professional writers really do it? Do they actually know what a particular character would eat for breakfast? Let’s discuss characters from the very start and maybe even create one of our own to show one way it can be done.
PANEL: Popular Books and Movies: The Elevator Pitch (Writing)
Saturday 2:00pm – 2:50pm, (Dragon Pavilion (1))
Claire Eddy, Spencer G. Ellsworth, Randy Henderson, Lane Heymont
Moderator: Spencer G. Ellsworth
Before we learn how to write a good elevator pitch, let’s first discuss some examples using popular books or films. Join us for what promises to be a fun time!
PANEL: Writers of the Future Panel (Writing)
Saturday 3:00pm – 3:50pm, (Ballroom C)
Pros and Guests: David Farland, Julie Frost, James Glass, Randy Henderson
MisCon is proud to have many Writers of the Future winners among our guests. In addition, this year’s guest of honor, David Farland, is a judge for the Writers of the Future contest. Let’s discuss the benefits and the ins and outs of the contest.
SPOTLIGHT: Meet & Greet (Meet & Greet/Signing)
Saturday 4:00pm – 4:50pm, (Spotlight)
Pros and Guests: Randy Henderson, Carter Reid.
Meet a couple of our authors, get signatures, and see what they’re up to these days.
PANEL: Raising the Stakes without Violence (Writing)
Sun 11:00 – 11:50 AM, (Gallatin)
Pros and Guests: Eric Scott Fischl, Randy Henderson, Todd Lockwood, Krista Wallace
Sure you can raise the stakes by placing your character in physical danger, but what are some other ways you can raise the stakes? What about internal, interpersonal, and familial stakes?
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BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL 2017 – SUNDAY JUNE 4 (BERKELEY, CA)
PANEL (and signing): Imagining the Other: Using Fantasy to Build Empathy
1:30pm – 2:45pm @ Hotel Shattuck Plaza – Crystal Ballroom
Randy Henderson, Erika Lewis, Chuck Wendig, moderated by Ellen Klages
You’ve no doubt heard the adage, “Write what you know,” but what if you want to write about aliens, dragons, wizards, or people from an entirely different culture? Four writers debunk the myth that “knowing” trumps all, and how it’s far more important to write what you imagine, what inspires you, and what story you want to tell.
Friday, June 30th – Sunday, July 2nd
Book Signing Location: Interior patio
Additional Info: https://www.baybookfest.org/2017-schedule/
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DENVER COMICON 2017 – JUNE 30th-JULY 2nd (DENVER, CO)
PANEL: TBD
Randy Henderson, Dan Wells, Robert Brockway, Michael Haspil
Book Signing Location: TBD
EMERALD CITY COMIC CON 2017 – MARCH 4 (SEATTLE, WA)
6:30 -7:30 PM – WSCC 603
Panel: Authors Against Humanity
Description: Ever laugh when someone falls? Ever think “Should I be laughing at this?” Well it sounds like you might be a fan of the darker side of humor, and you’re not alone. Join authors Randy Henderson (Finn Fancy Necromancy), Dan Wells (John Cleaver series), Robert Brockway (The Unnoticeables), and Richard Kadrey (Sandman Slim) as they discuss what inspires and tickles their funny bones.
Speakers: Randy Henderson, Dan Wells, Robert Brockway, and pending
Autographing Time PRIOR TO PANEL: 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
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TUCSON BOOK FESTIVAL 2017 – MARCH 12 (TUCSON, AZ)
Sun 11:30 AM-12:30 PM – Integrated Learning Center Room 141
How to make your plot work with the inner transformation of your main character to enhance the impact of both,and how to get unstuck when they don’t play well together.
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area – Integrated Learning Center (following workshop)
Sun 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm – UA Mall Tent
Panel: Why So Serious?
Dark fantasy vs. whimsical fantasy.
Randy Henderson, Mira Grant, V. E. Schwab, Sam Sykes, Moderator: John Muñoz
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area – Central Mall (following panel)
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BAYOU BOOK FESTIVAL 2017 – SAT, APRIL 8 (HOUSTON, TX)
Lonestar College – Kingwood
4 – 5PM – location TBD
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THURS-SUN APRIL 13-16
NORWESCON 2017 – SEATAC, WA
FRIDAY
Reading: Randy Henderson
11:30am – 12:00pm @ Cascade 2
Finn Fancy book 3
Character and Transformation
12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Evergreen 1&2
Mark J. Ferrari (M), Peter Orullian, Tina Connolly, Randy Henderson
SATURDAY
Koffee Klatsch: Randy Henderson
12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Pro Suite
Randy Henderson (M)
Autograph Session 1
2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Grand 2
Ethan Siegel, Ian McDonald, Catska Ench, Cory Ench, Nancy Kress, Marc Gascoigne, Mike Underwood, Carol Berg, Alex Irvine, Annie Bellet, Caroline M. Yoachim, Curtis C. Chen, Dean Wells, Greg Bear, Jack Skillingstead, James C. Glass, Jeff Sturgeon, John Cramer, Kat Richardson, Lee Moyer, Nathan Crowder, Nisi Shawl, Peter Orullian, Randy Henderson, Rhiannon Held, Scott James Magner, Sonia Orin Lyris, Todd Lockwood, Tori Centanni, Wendy N. Wagner, PJ Manney, Julie McGalliard, Crystal Connor, David D. Levine, Hayley Stone
But I’m Too Busy to Write
3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Cascade 11
Adam Rakunas (M), Jack Skillingstead, Randy Henderson, Shannon Page, Kristy Acevedo
SUNDAY
The Art of Critique
2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Cascade 11
Sienna Saint-Cyr (M), Jak Koke, Randy Henderson
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TUESDAY, APR 18, 6-9pm
GET LIT! FESTIVAL, AUNTIE’S BOOKS 2017 – SPOKANE, WA
402 West Main Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
Additional Info: WRITING WORKSHOP, Plot vs Character Arc
TUESDAY, JAN 31 at 7pm
SFWA READING SERIES 2017 – KIRKLAND, WA
Readings by Curtis Chen, Fonda Lee, and Randy Henderson
Wilde Rover Irish Pub
111 Central Way, Kirkland, Washington 98033
Additional Info: Books will be sold at event by University Bookstore
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THURSDAY, FEB 2 at 7pm
SFWA READING SERIES 2017 – PORTLAND, OR
Readings by Curtis Chen, Fonda Lee, and Randy Henderson
Lucky Labrador Brew Pub
915 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97214
Additional Info: Booksellers will be at event.
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WEDNESDAY, MAR 8 2017 at 7:00pm
BOOK LAUNCH – UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE – SEATTLE
Launch for Smells Like Finn Spirit (Finn Fancy book 3)!
4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Additional Info: Reading, Signing, and Celebrationing the official release of SMELLS LIKE FINN SPIRIT.
AFTERPARTY is at The District Lounge!
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THURSDAY, MAR 9 at 6pm
LIBERTY BAY BOOKS at LOVECRAFT BREWING CO. – BREMERTON, WA
LoveCraft Brewing co.
Additional Info: Reading, Signing, and Celebration for Smells Like Finn Spirit. Books will be available from Liberty Bay Books.
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SATURDAY, MAR 18 at 7pm
VILLAGE BOOKS – BELLINGHAM, WA
1200 11th St
Bellingham, WA 98225
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Smells Like Finn Spirit
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FRIDAY, APRIL 14 11:30-12PM
NORWESCON – SEATAC, WA
DoubleTree by Hilton, Seattle Airport
Reading: Randy Henderson
11:30am – 12:00pm @ Cascade 2
FIRST SNEAK PEEK AT THE NEW EPIC FANTASY SERIES I’M WORKING ON!
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TUESDAY, APR 18, 6-9pm
GET LIT! FESTIVAL, AUNTIE’S BOOKS – SPOKANE, WA
402 West Main Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
Additional Info: READING for Smells Like Finn Spirit.
Additional details forthcoming.
2016
CASCADE WRITERS WORKSHOP – Friday JULY 29, 2016 (Tacoma, WA)
1pm: Workshop: Level Up as a Writer (including exercises)
7pm: Panel: Resources for Authors (with Anthea Sharp, Rhiannon
Held)
8pm Workshop: Personal Weakness and How to Exploit It (with Spencer Ellsworth)
Additional Info: See Cascade Writers website for programming schedule and details
WORLDCON PANELS – August 17-21, 2016 (Kansas City, MO)
Thursday 10:00 – 11:00AM, 3501F – A/V (Kansas City Convention Center)
Gaming has dramatically changed in the last few years – we’ve seen the rise of boardgames, and videogames now frequently outsell movies. Many of these games take old elements of games design and reimagine or revive them. What legacies from gaming development and design can we bring with us to make more exciting titles, and which ones should we leave behind? Our panel discuss the merits of everything from collision detection to point and click, choose a couple of favourites and suggest others for the trash.
Randy Henderson, Symantha Reagor, Vivian Trask (M), Andrea G. Stewart, Brianna Spacekat Wu, Carrie Patel
Thursday 12:00 – 1:00PM – 3501F – A/V (Kansas City Convention Center)
50 YEARS OF STAR TREK PART 1: The Franchise
Star Trek is fifty years old. Let’s discuss how it has changed and developed as a franchise. Join our panelists for a fun exploration of how Star Trek: The Original Series is different from The Next Generation, how the movies vary, and the canonical relevance of the tie-in novels. Everything from writing styles, special effects, characters, ethics, social norms, toys, and more will be considered.
Dave Creek, Randy Henderson (M), Ms. Melinda Snodgrass, David Gerrold, Shanna Swendson
Friday 12:00 – 1:00PM – 2502B – A/V (Kansas City Convention Center)
GENDER FLIP IN TV AND MOVIES
Sandra Bullock asked her agent to look for male roles for her that she could play because female roles were so limiting. Changing the genders of characters is one way big name stars get to act in interesting roles, it is also one way women get representation on screen. Whether we consider Ripley in the Alien franchise, Kara Thrace in Battlestar Galactica, Zula in Conan the Destroyer, Dizzy Flores in Starship Troopers, Captain Phasma in the new Star Wars trilogy to name but a few. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this increasingly common trope.
Sandee Rodriguez, MR Eric Kaplan, Ms. Melinda Snodgrass, Mrs. ElizaBeth Gilligan, Randy Henderson (M)
Friday 3:00PM – 4:00PM – 2503B (Kansas City Convention Center)
LEGENDS AND MYTHS IN URBAN FANTASY
Most urban fantasy draws upon folklore and legnds. How do these old mystical beliefs inform modern fantasy? What place does magic have in downtown New York, Mexico City, or London? Do the rules of magic and the supernatural change between when you cross between city street and countryside?
Dana Cameron (M), Randy Henderson, Sharon Joss, Yanni Kuznia, Chelsea Mueller
NORWESCON PANELS – FRI MARCH 25, 2016 (SEATTLE, WA)
WONDERCON PANEL – SAT MARCH 26, 2016 (LOS ANGELES, CA)
EMERALD CITY COMICON PANEL – SAT APRIL 9, 2016 (SEATTLE, WA)
NORWESCON READING – SUN MARCH 27, 2016
I’ll read from Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
RUSTYCON PANELS – JAN 15-17, 2016
Additional Info: http://www.rustycon.com/index.php
FOOLSCAP WRITING WORKSHOP – FEB 5, 2016
LEVEL UP AS A WRITER
This “kitchen sink” presentation will cover everything from beginning writer mistakes to advanced plotting techniques, and the common evolutionary stages many writers go through from aspiring writer to published pro. Whatever stage you are at, you will hopefully learn something to help you level up as a writer. With handouts! And exercises! But not the sweaty kind of exercises.
Instructor: Randy Henderson
Friday, February 5, 2016, 1:30 pm
To Register: http://www.foolscap.org/workshops/
THURSDAY, JAN 21
BELLINGHAM SCI-FI AND FANTASY CLUB – BELLINGHAM, WA
Book club visit
Dropping by Bellingham book club to discuss Finn Fancy Necromancy
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MONDAY, FEB 8 at 6:30pm
LIBERTY BAY BOOK CLUB (at Valholl Brewery) – POULSBO, WA
Book club visit
Dropping by Liberty Bay Book club to discuss Finn Fancy Necromancy
Additional Info: Led by Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo
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TUESDAY, FEB 16 at 7:00pm
BOOK LAUNCH – UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE – SEATTLE
Launch for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free!
4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Additional Info: Reading, Signing, and Celebrationing the official release of BIGFOOTLOOSE AND FINN FANCY FREE.
There will be an 80’s Costume Contest!
AFTERPARTY is at The District Lounge!
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 at 7:00pm
Powell’s Books – BEAVERTON, OR
(Cedar Hill Crossing Location)
3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
Beaverton, OR
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
Join me for dinner at McMenamins beforehand, or for dessert/drinks nearby after 🙂
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 at 6:30 pm
Grassroots Bookstore – CORVALLIS, OR
227 SW 2nd St
Corvallis, OR 97333
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 at 7:00pm
Copperfield’s Books – PETALUMA, CA
140 Kentucky Street
PetalumaPetaluma, CA 94952
Additional Info: Interview/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
Rather than just a reading, there will be a live conversation/ interview: Brave New Worlds: Conversation with Ross E. Lockhart for their website: http://wordhorde.com/)
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 at 2:00pm
Borderlands – SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Joint reading with Alyx Dellamonica!
866 Valencia St.
San Francisco, California 94110
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free, AND a reading by Alyx Dellamonica!
And join me after for conversation over food and drinks!
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 at 2pm
Mysterious Galaxy – SAN DIEGO, CA
5943 Balboa Avenue, Suite #100,
San Diego, CA 92111
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
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WENDESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 at 7pm
Third Place Books – LAKE FOREST PARK, WA
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
And join me for dinner before the reading, and/or dessert and drinks after the reading, at Lake Forest Bar & Grill (same parking lot). If possible, let me know if you plan to join so I can arrange for seating.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 at 6:30pm
Barnes & Noble (Kitsap Mall) – SILVERDALE, WA
10315 Silverdale Way NW
Silverdale, WA 98383
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
Join me after for drinks/ dessert at the Silver City bar and grill.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 at 7pm
Village Books – BELLINGHAM, WA
1200 11th St
Bellingham, WA 98225
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
Afterparty at The Racket with pinball, food and drinks available.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 1 at 7:00pm
The Tattered Cover – DENVER, CO
2526 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
Join me after for drinks/ dessert at a nearby location
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TUESDAY, MARCH 15 at 7:00pm
Auntie’s Books – SPOKANE, WA
WITH SHARMA SHIELDS
402 West Main Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free, AND reading by Sharma Shields!
Join me before for dinner, or after for drinks/ dessert nearby. Let me know if interested in joining so I can arrange for enough seats.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 at 7:00pm
Rediscovered Books – BOISE, ID
180 N 8th St
Boise, ID, 83702
Additional Info: Reading/Q&A/Signing for Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
Join me after for drinks/ dessert at a nearby location
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AUGUST 19-23, 2015
WORLDCON/ SASQUAN – SPOKANE, WA
Panel: Writing Diverse Characters
Thursday, August 20 2015, 4:00 pm
Spokane Falls Suite A/B (Doubletree)
with Kameron Hurley, Mary Soon Lee, Grá Linnaea, Walidah Imarisha
Kaffee Klatche – Randy Henderson
Thursday, August 20 2015, 5:00 pm
202A-KK1 (CC)
Panel: The Work of Being a Writer
Thursday, August 20 2015, 9:00 pm
Bays 111A (CC)
with Brenda Cooper, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Susan Palwick
Reading – Randy Henderson
Saturday, August 22 2015, 4:00 pm
303b (CC)
Autographing – Randy Henderson
Saturday, August 22 2015, 11:00 am
Exhibit Hall B (CC)
JULY 23-26, 2015
CASCADE WRITERS WORKSHOP
Kent, WA
Panel: Writing Stories with Emotion
Panel: Novel Arcs
Panel: Editing
Query Pitch Practice
Additional Info: See Cascade Writers website for schedule and details
APRIL 2-5, 2015
NORWESCON – SEATTLE, WA
Seatac, WA
Additional Info: My reading and panel are all on
Saturday 2/4:
Reading: 1:30pm (See Program)
Autograph Session: 3:00PM-4:00PM (Grand 2)
Panel: Character Arc, Plot Arc, Story: 5:00PM-6:00PM (Evergreen 1&2)
With: Nina Post (M), Randy Henderson, Craig English, Nancy Kress, Alex C. Renwick, Susan DeFreitas
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