The Baltimore Book Festival, one of my favorite literary events of the year, begins a week from today. And this time, it’s going a be a bit different than usual.

Because the date has been shifted from the end of September to the beginning of November, when it might be too chilly to wander Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the SFWA-sponsored panels will no longer be outside in a tent but instead inside the Columbus Center at 701 East Pratt Street.

This will certainly change some of the feel of the event, where random passersby might be attracted to our open-air conversation, but I hope it doesn’t change its basic character.

Here’s where you’ll be able to track me down and hear me pontificate —

Friday, November 1

Plays Well With Others: Collaborative Worlds, IP, and Other Shared Worlds
2:00 p.m.
Writing has traditionally been a solo occupation, but there are plenty of opportunities these days to work in shared worlds, other people’s worlds, or even tag team fiction. What are some of the challenges of working with others, and who is doing it well? (I volunteered to play moderator for this one, because I am fascinated by collaboration, perhaps because it’s a thing for which I am totally unsuited and find baffling.)
with Bob Bates, Malka Older, Erin Roberts, Richard C. White, and Alison Wilgus

Recognize Me? Writing Real People and Other People’s Characters Into Your Fiction
5:00 p.m.
Many authors love writing non-fictional characters into their fiction. Others get a kick out of using characters from books. What’s the appeal? What’s fair use? When can you stray from the canon for that character?
with Lara Elena Donnelly, Ruthanna Emrys, Jeffrey Ford, Natasha D. Lane

Saturday, November 2

With the Lights on It’s Less Dangerous
7:00 p.m.
Talking dark fantasy and horror with some of the stars of those fields.
with Nino Cipri, Craig Gidney, Micah Dean Hicks, AC Wise

Sunday, November 3

Sandman to Saga: Great Comics & Graphic Novels for Adults
12:00 p.m.
Our panel weighs in on the comics you should be reading.
with Bill Campbell, Michael R. Underwood, Alison Wilgus

When not on panels, I’ll likely be in the audience to hear what the other participants have to say, except for when I’m off recording two episodes of Eating the Fantastic.

I hope to see you there!