Capclave kicks off in four days, and I’ll be there, in person, taking part in six programing items and recording two episodes of my Eating the Fantastic podcast. (Three, if there’s no rain and I can pull off one of my lightning-round donut episodes out on the patio.)

Will you be in Rockville, Maryland, too?

If so, here’s where you’ll be able to find me.

Networking in Publishing
Friday, September 30 4:00 p.m. (Washington Theater)
Networking can be a valuable part of your professional writing career. It can help you identify mentors, learn tricks of the trade, and otherwise find community in your writing career. But it doesn’t come easy for everyone. How might writers address social anxiety, financial barriers, and other challenges to navigating professional spaces?
with Ty Drago, Irene Gallo, and Christopher Rowe

Reading
Saturday, October 1, 2:30 p.m. (Monroe)
Not yet which new story I’ll read, so perhaps I’ll allow the audience to vote.

Critical Reading
Saturday, October 1, 4:00 p.m. (Truman)
Reading critically is a valuable skill, whether you’re a beta reader, reviewer, professional editor, or avid reader. How do you process the elements of a story as you read? What techniques help build these skills? Panelists discuss the art of reading beyond just pleasure.
with Christopher Rowe, Michael Dirda, Natalie Luhrs, and Jennifer R. Povey

Positive SF
Saturday, October 1, 5:30 p.m. (Eisenhower)
Many people are craving stories right now with gentle plots and hopeful themes to contrast the recent dystopic trends in publishing, media, and real-life dramas. Panelists discuss what makes for positive science fiction and some of their favorite examples of the brighter side of science fiction.
with Bill Lawhorn, Suzanne Palmer, and Jeanne Adams

Responding to the Moment: Writing for Today’s World
Sunday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. (Washington Theater)
From space-faring billionaires and a global pandemic to climate activism, cryptocurrencies, and a racial justice reckoning, there is much about today’s world to inspire interesting literary questions. How does science fiction, fantasy, and horror help us navigate these political environments? What stories are useful for better understanding our current world? Our panelists talk about how societal and cultural aspects of today impact the ideas they seek to explore in their writing.
with Tom Doyle, Adam R Shannon, Suzanne Palmer, and A. T. Greenblatt

Community-Building: Making Space for New Perspectives
Sunday, October 2, 11:30 a.m. (Jackson)
Science Fiction and fantasy have conquered culture! And it opened up more opportunities for fandom to celebrate together the things they love online and in person. But it’s also created challenges for new people coming into an established community and for long-time fans to accommodate new voices and perspectives. How can we ensure these environments grow in a way that’s respectful and inclusive for all?
with Jean Marie Ward, Ingeborg Heyer, Suzanne Palmer, and Courtni Burleson

I hope to see you there!