When: Aug 30 – Sep 3, 2012 Where: Hyatt Regency, Chicago, IL. Chicon 7, the 70th World Science Fiction Convention, also known as “Worldcon,” is the premier gathering of authors, artists, fans, dealers, and more in the world science fiction community. Worldcon covers all the genres of written speculative fiction including science fiction, fantasy, horror, slipstream, and alternate history, as well as science, media (movies, television, anime, and online), fanzines, gaming, costuming, filking, and more. More than 5,000 attendees from more than thirty countries will be attending the five-day event. Chicon 7 will be held on August 30 to September 3, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601; all programming and convention activities will be held within the hotel. Come join us in 2012 at Chicon 7!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
9:00 AM
Columbus EF

So You Wanna Be A Writer

Join experienced pros and up-and-coming professionals to talk about the business of writing and publishing. How’d they get their start? What advice do they have for newcomers? What’s a realistic view of your career arc? How best to start–novels or short stories? These questions and many more. (90 minutes)

Panelists: Allen M. Steele, Betsy Dornbusch, Eldon Thompson,
J. Kathleen Cheney, Jason Hough

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
6:00 PM
Grand Suite 3

Conquering Writer’s Block

Has your story fizzled out or hit a wall before completion? There are common reasons for this, and common solutions which work for most writers. Pros discuss their tips and tricks for getting a story back on track. (90 minutes)

Panelists: Gene Wolfe, Monica Valentinelli, Russell Davis,
Tom King
Moderator: Eldon Thompson

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
9:00 AM
Columbus CD

Perseverance

Writing for the long haul. Learning to cope with the years of rejection and self-doubt that usually precede eventual publication and mastery. (90 minutes)

Panelists: David Marusek, Eldon Thompson, Richard A. Lovett, Tim Waggoner
Moderator: Laura Anne Gilman