GLAWS Special Speaker panel Sat. Sept 17, 2016

Contributors to Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror will discuss craft in a way that goes beyond the usual writers’ panel.  Our panelists will speak candidly about their own writing and share their favorite tools.  Be inspired by Kim Dower’s encouragement to capture material from you dreams, learn Michelle Newman’s secrets on how to effectively ground fantasy in reality and have fun with Derek Taylor Kent’s approach to character development.  We will do one of our guests’ exercises during the event, so bring a notebook, pens will be provided.  Moderated by Now Write! editor, Laurie Lamson.

Kim Dower

(“Steal From Your Dreams With a Twist of Fevered Writing” in Ideas and Inspiration chapter.)

Kim Dower is a poet with three collections: Air Kissing on Mars (2010), Slice of Moon (2014) and Last Train to the Missing Planet came out earlier this year (all published by Red Hen Press.) Her poems have appeared in journals including Ploughshares, Eclipse, Rattle, and Barrow Street. She has taught creative writing at Emerson College and teaches Come Dressed as Your Favorite Poem, at Antioch University Los Angeles.

Derek Taylor Kent

(“FUNdamentals of Writing” in Memorable Heroes, Villains and Monsters chapter.)

Derek Taylor Kent is an author, screenwriter, performer and director based in Los Angeles. His award-winning book series Scary School (written under pen-name Derek the Ghost) has become one of the most popular new series for middle-readers ages 7 to 12. His bi-lingual picture book El Perro Con Sombrero came out August 18, 2015 through Holt/Macmillan and was a #1 best-selling new release. His first novel for an adult audience, Kubrick’s Game, is set for release September 26, 2016 through Evolved Publishing.

Other books include the award-winning educational picture book Simon and the Solar System and the magical adventure Rudy and the Beast, both available now. Derek also specializes in writing narrative scripts for Virtual Reality content.

Michelle Newman

(“Make It Real” in Scene Construction and Style chapter.)

Michelle Newman is completing her first historical fantasy novel, “Mistaken Knights,” while trying to save the world one kilowatt hour at a time: She moonlights for a company that creates green energy solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

2:00 – Doors open to the public – Register & Network with other writers
2:30 – Announcements
3:00 – Now Write! Panel
4:15 – Q&A
4:45 – Meet the Speaker(s)
5:30 – Library must close
6:00 – Guest of Honor Dinner – Members-only by RSVP.