Balticon is this weekend—and I have schedule. Sort of. We’re talking Balticon, after all. Plans and schedules tend to be (ahem) fluid.
The one thing you can be sure of is a lot of fun. So if you happen to be in the vicinity of Hunt Valley, Maryland, this weekend, I hope I’ll see you there!
Friday
9 p.m., Salon A
Steam-powered: Rage of the New Victorians
Moderator: Jean Marie Ward
Panelists: Martin Berman‐Gorvine, Richard Allen Leider, Neal Levin, Jeffrey P. Young
From werewolves of property to anti-zombie airship pilots, the Empire has struck back. Meet the writers of this Brave Old World and learn about their stories and novels and where they get the ideas for those crazy gadgets.
11 p.m., Chase Room
Cover Trends
Moderator: Collin Earl
Panelists: Richard Allen Leider, Starla A. Huchton, Philip Giunta, Jean Marie Ward
What are the latest trends in science fiction, fantasy and horror covers? How are the new media changing the rules? What’s next?
Saturday
4 p.m., Salon B
Broad Universe Rapid Fire Readings
Moderator: Kelly A. Harmon
Panelists: Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Gail Z. Martin, Christine Norris, Sarah Pinsker, KT Pinto, Morgen Rich, Roberta Rogow, Jean Marie Ward, Trisha J. Wooldridge
Bite-sized readings from the amazing women/authors of Broad Universe.
Sunday
7 p.m., Salon B
Marketing and Promotion
Moderator: Roxanne Bland
Panelists: Ian Randal Strock; Cecilia Tan, Jean Marie Ward
What marketing and promotion will publishers do, and how much of it? What marketing and self-promotion do publishers expect authors to do? Do the big houses do more for their authors than the small press houses, or do they only do more for their “big name” authors?
9 p.m., Parlor 3041
Balancing Creative Life with Real Life
Moderator: Leona Wisoker
Panelists: Phil Giunta, Jean Marie Ward
How do you get your creative time in while still getting to work, having clean underwear and remembering to feed the cat?
10 p.m., Belmont Room
Promoting Your Book
Panelists: Jean Marie Ward, Michael Ventrella
What works in promoting a book? Do book-signings really help a small author? Are bookmarks and/or postcards effective at garnering attention? Does a blog help or hurt an author? Does an author have to have a website? How do you find good reviewers? What tactics do NOT work? What methods might work for an established author that wouldn’t work for a beginner?
Posted 3 hours, 14 minutes ago at 9:40 am. Add a comment
Monday, May 28th, 2012 | Author: jmward14 | balticon | No Comments
While I was at Balticon. Sorry about that, folks. Hopefully, changing the password took care of that.
The con, however, was great. Joshua Palmatier and I hosted the Maryland launch of The Modern Fae’s Guide to Surviving Humanity with help from his brothers Jacob and Jason. Well, really, it was mostly Joshua and me, but J2 and J3 were very decorative, which didn’t hurt the launch party any. People came for the books and then looked for the food. Joshua and I were intensely flattered.
The Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading was enormous: Guest of Honor Jody Lynn Nye, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Roxanne Bland, Emilie P. Bush, Elaine Corvidae, Meriah Crawford, Kelly Harmon, Reesa Herberth, Gail Martin, Michelle Moor, T.J. Perkins, KT Pinto, Roberta Rogow, Trish Wilson, Trisha Wooldridge and me. And we still had more folks in the audience than lurking around the front of the room. As I always say, feed them cookies and strawberries, and they will come. 
But as always, the best part of the con was connecting with friends, old and new. Well, that and having someone actually ask me to sign something at the autographing session. (Thanks, Patty!)
Looking forward to next year, everyone!
Posted 11 months, 4 weeks ago at 4:46 pm. Add a comment
This year’s Balticon will nothing if not exciting. I’m scheduled for fifteen (fifteen!) panels. Gulp.
Friday 4:00 pm (Salon B)
Symbology of Animals in Folk and Fairy Tales (Readers Track)
Are certain animals used to symbolize certain character types. How? Why? In a modern fairy tale, what animals would you use and in what way?
(M): Trisha J. Wooldridge, (S): Jean Marie Ward, Ray Ridenour, D.H. Aire, Phil Giunta
Friday 5:00 pm (Salon D)
Worst. Panel. Ever. (Fan Track)
Panelists trade stories about their worst ever panel experiences.
(M): Jean Marie Ward, (S): Wayne Arthur Hall, Perrianne Lurie, Stephanie M. Burke
Friday, 10:00 pm (Parlor 1041)
The Role of Anthologies, Roundtable Discussion (Readers Track)
As both a source of fiction and a means of promotion, what do anthologies have to offer? Fan and author panelists discuss.
(M) Danielle Ackley-McPhail, (S): Michael A. Ventrella, Joshua Bilmes, C.J .Henderson, Trisha J. Wooldridge, Bernie Mojzes, Pete Prellwitz, Jean Marie Ward
Saturday, 12:00 noon (Parlor 1041)
Magical Systems in Fantasy Literature (Readers Track)
A Roundtable Discussion. Panelists look at what are some of the things we expect to see in magical systems and give examples of works that are missing those factors, but work just fine for the reader anyway.
(M): Gail Z. Martin, (S): Hildy Silverman, Trisha J. Wooldridge, Myke Cole, Jody Lynn Nye (Guest of Honor, David Wood, Barba¬Friend Ish, Elektra Hammond, Bill Fawcett, Jean Marie Ward
Saturday, 1:00 pm (Salon B)
The Effects of War on SF & F (Readers Track)
How has our war torn era shaped fantasy and SF?
(M): Myke Cole, (S): Charles Edward Gannon, Bill Fawcett, Jon Sprunk, Jean Marie Ward
Saturday, 2:00 pm, (Maryland Foyer)
Autographing: Jaclyn Dolamore, Christine Norris and Jean Marie Ward
Saturday, 7:00 pm (Parlor 1041)
Modern Fae Book Launch (Readers Track)
Come join editor Joshua Palmatier and contributing author Jean Marie Ward as they celebrate the release of the anthology The Modern Fae’s Guide to Surviving Humanity from DAW Books, containing tales of the fae and how they have adapted to fit into modern society. From leprechauns on Wall Street to Selkies at Sea World, see how the fae have learned to live with the infestation that is humanity. Drinks and snacks available, along with books for purchase and Autographing at the event.
(M) Joshua Palmatier/Benjamin Tate, Jean Marie Ward
Saturday, 12:00 midnight to Sunday 1:00 AM (Pimlico)
The Wild Hunt and the Payment To Hell (Readers Track)
Fairies Are NOT Nice! Panelists discuss the ugly side of the beautiful Fae.
(M): James Daniel Ross, (S): Elaine Corvidae, Jagi Lamplighter, Stephanie M. Burke, Jean Marie Ward
Sunday, 1:00 pm, (1 hr, 20 mins) (Salon B)
Broad Universe Reading (Readers Track)
Rapid Fire readings from some amazing women/authors.
(M): Jean Marie Ward, (S): Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Emilie, P. Bush, Elaine Corvidae, Roxanne Bland, Jody Lynn Nye (Guest of Honor)
Sunday, 7:00 pm (Belmont Room)
History as a Source of Fantasy (Readers Track)
Panelists discuss the use of history to develop fantasy and which sources are good ones.
(M): Jagi Lamplighter, (S) Walter H. Hunt, Bill Fawcett, Pete Prellwitz, Jean Marie Ward
Sunday, 8:00 pm (Parlor 3041)
Which Comes First: Main Character or Supporting Cast? (Readers Track)
Do you start with a main character and build the rest around them? Or do you start with a cast of characters and wait for the most compelling to “”become” the main character? What do you do when you start with a main character in mind and another character steals the show?
(M): David Wood, (S): Jean Marie Ward, Barbara Friend Ish, James Maxey, Elaine Corvidae, David Sherman, Pete Prellwitz
Sunday, 9:00 pm (Parlor 3041)
Fessing Up to the Adult Themes in YA Literature (Teen Track)
Young adult literature is growing up, tackling such hard issues as good and evil, abuse, abandonment, grief and loss. And then there’s sex. Is there a line that shouldn’t be crossed or is no subject taboo for today’s teens? A roundtable of teens and YA authors discuss these topics and takes questions and comments from the audience.
(M): Jean Marie Ward, (S): Sarah Taylor, Janine K. Spendlove, Michael Andrew D’Ambrosio, Daniel Hack, Sarah Sexton, Christine Norris
Sunday, 10:00 pm (Parlor 3041)
Films, Books and TV Shows That Everyone Likes, But I Don’t (Film, TV, Film Making Track)
Panelists bash the things we hold dear.
(M): Joshua Bilmes, (S) Daniel M. Kimmel, Ian Randal Strock, Trish Wilson (Elizabeth Black), Jean Marie Ward
Monday, 11:00 am, (Salon C)
Old Fandoms and Favorite Cancelled Shows (Fan Track)
Star Trek, Farscape, Lexx, Firefly: What keeps their fans hanging on? What are some other series that still have strong fan follow¬ings?
(M): Billy Flynn, (S): Zan Rosin, Yoji Kondo/Eric Kotani, Hildy Silverman, Jean Marie Ward, Lisa Adler-Golden
Monday, 12:00 noon (Salon D)
The Discreet Charm of the Historical Fantasy (Readers Track)
What prompts otherwise sane writers to spend years research¬ing the Imperial Japan, the Silk Road, or the Ripper’s London? How do they know when they’ve gotten it right?
(M): Christine Norris, (S): Diane Weinstein, Patrick Scaffido, Bill Fawcett, D.H. Aire, Jean Marie Ward
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Posted 1 year ago at 6:58 pm. Add a comment
Thursday, May 26th, 2011 | Author: jmward14 | cons | No Comments
I know, two posts in a single week. Try not to die of shock.
I posted my photos of Nebula Weekend on Flickr. I wanted to get them done before heading to Balticon. They’re smaller than usual. Next time I won’t resize in Corel Paint, but I have the full-size originals if anyone is interested. Besides they’re big enough to see the smiles.
When I get back from Balticon, I’ll be working pedal to the metal on a fiction deadline as well as on a spate of video interviews for Buzzy Multimedia. Yes, me, making movies. Mwahahaha!
I turned in the first, an interview with Carole Nelson Douglas (the Delilah Street paranormal mystery series, among many, many others) on Tuesday. It should air in a few days. Next up will be the interviews I recorded at the Nebulas: Connie Willis (this year’s winner for best novel–I think Connie owns more Nebulas thany anyone), John Scalzi, Joe Haldeman, Mary Robinette Kowal and Chris Claremont.
Who knows who’ll find themselves in my lens in Balticon? Be afraid. Be very afraid.
But don’t forget to attend my panels!
Posted 1 year, 12 months ago at 1:27 pm. Add a comment
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 | Author: jmward14 | Blog | No Comments
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
No, not the big Red/Green holiday. I mean con season! For me it’s kicking off in a big way with Balticon 45 at the Marriott in Hunt Valley, Maryland, this weekend, May 27-30. So far, my schedule includes six panels and events:
Friday, May 27
7 p.m. , Salon B – Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading
Join us for a selection of sweet and savory readings by seven exciting women authors.
Panelists: Danielle Ackley-McPhail, D. Renee Bagby, Vonnie Winslow Crist, Gail Z. Martin, Roberta Rogow, Jean Marie Ward (moderator), Phoebe Wray.
10 p.m., Parlor 1041 – Anime: Why Do We Love It?
Anime fans in self-analysis. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Panelists: D. Renee Bagby, Ruth Lampi, Grig “Punkie” Larson, Jean Marie Ward (moderator).
Saturday, May 27
1 p.m., Salon B – Whose Program Is It Anyway?
Panelists—and audience members—behaving badly at cons. What’s the worst thing that ever happened to you or somebody you know at a con? Those are the best stories EVAH!
Panelists: Hildy Silverman, Jennifer Stone, Michael Swanwick, Jean Marie Ward, Leona Wisoker (moderator)
7 p.m., Belmont – Clark Ashton Who? Great Forgotten Science Fiction Authors
So much great literature, so little time. Panelists discuss their favorites among yesterday’s greats and their candidates for that great File 13 in the sky.
Panelists: Marc “Grailwolf” Bailey, Carl Cipra (moderator), Michael Swanwick, Jean Marie Ward, Diane Weinstein.
Sunday, May 28
4 p.m., Salon D – Best SF TV Shows
The audience is invited to help the panel decide which science fiction television shows (a) are really science fiction and (b) the best.
Panelists: Marc “Grailwolf” Bailey, T.J. Perkins, Hildy Silverman (moderator), Suzanne Rosin, Jean Marie Ward.
5 p.m., Salon B – Science Fiction Title Chain
It’s a game! The audience provides the words for a science fiction story or novel’s title. The panelists arrange them in a more or less coherent order, and each panelist comes up with a descriptive synopsis. The audience votes on the synopsis they like best.
Panelists: Lisa Adler-Golden (moderator)Nancy Brauer, Brian Koscienski, Grig “Punkie” Larson, Jean Marie Ward.
And if I’m lucky, I may be added to two more:
History as a Source of Fantasy, 4 p.m. Saturday, Belmont Room.
Ghosts, 5 p.m., Saturday, Salon C.
See you in Hunt Valley!
Posted 1 year, 12 months ago at 9:26 pm. Add a comment
Friday, May 28th, 2010 | Author: jmward14 | Blog | No Comments
I took a page out of S.J. Willing’s book today and posted a short short story for my Samhain blog. Consider it a free pass into the weirder corners of my mind. It’s "All About the Flies". Really.
Also want to remind everyone that I’ll be heading out to Hunt Valley, Maryland, for Balticon early tomorrow–er, today. Hope you’ll join me, especially for my five panels. The Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading and the Legendary Triple Launch will have cooookieeeees. And the Triple Launch will have Dragon’s Lure, where you can make the acquaintance of the Estimable Lord Bai.
Posted 2 years, 12 months ago at 12:19 am. Add a comment
Monday, May 24th, 2010 | Author: jmward14 | Blog | No Comments
Memorial Day and Balticon—the two go together like fun and three-day weekends. Balticon is the premier Maryland regional science fiction and fantasy convention, which this year runs from May 28-31 at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn. Tanya Huff will be the Writer Guest of Honor, but that’s only the beginning, folks: Gail Carriger, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Laura Anne Gilman, Gail Z. Martin, Jeri Smith-Ready, Maria Snyder… and, well, me.
This year I snagged five fabulous panels. Hope to see you there.
Friday, 7 p.m.
Are You Sure You Want to Go There? Writing about the darker things in life: Rape. Torture. Childhood trauma. Sex with Dwarves. Sometimes it’s done for a laugh. Sometimes it is done for an emotional response. Sometimes, we ask ourselves “What was THAT all about?!” So why not ask the pros who do it? When is shock essential to the story, and when is it sensational? Find out if authors add in moments of terror and extreme situations in order to surprise an audience, or as an alternative to group therapy. Jennifer Andrea, Allison Duncan, Chris Lester, Tee Morris (moderator) and Jean Marie Ward.
Friday, 10 p.m.
Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading – Seven Broad Universe authors resent tasty, bite-sized readings of their work that will leave you hungry for more. Danielle Ackley McPhail, Roxanne Bland (moderator), Elaine Corvidae, Kelly A. Harmon, Gail Z. Martin, Roberta Rogow and Jean Marie Ward.
Saturday, 11:30 a.m.
The Many Faces of Fantasy or the Road to Victory – Peter Beagle once divided fantasy into High and Low categories. One web site lists more than 20 sub-genres. Let’s discuss some examples of these. Can we say that Frodo Baggins and Vicky Nelson are characters from the same genre? What is urban fantasy? Is it the same as contemporary fantasy? Elwin Cotman(m), Tanya Huff, Misty Massey, Darrell Schweitzer, Jean Marie Ward
Sunday, 6 p.m.
Creating Three Dimensional Characters – When writing an adventure or a story, having characters that the readers can get into is half the battle. If the readers or players become intrigued by the characters, then the rest of the story will fall into place. Join our writers as they discuss creating compelling characters. Gail Carriger, C.J. Henderson, Kory Kaese (moderator), Bernie Mojses, and Jean Marie Ward.
Sunday, 7 p.m.
The Legendary Triple Launch – Bad-Ass Faeries 3: In All Their Glory, Dragon’s Lure, and New Blood. Faeries, dragons and vampires; a little bit of something for everyone. See writers in costume try to read their works. There will be too many of us to name. And yes, I will be wearing wings. Be afraid, be very afraid.
###
Posted 2 years, 12 months ago at 11:52 pm. Add a comment
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 | Author: jmward14 | Blog | No Comments
Normally I wait until I’ve got my schedule in my hand to do a long Balticon promo post, but I think this merits a special post. Danielle Ackley-McPhail—writer, editor and hostess of some of the wildest con parties around—will be launching not one, not two, but three anthologies at Balticon from 7-9 p.m., Sunday May 30, at the Hunt Valley Marriott outside Baltimore, Maryland.
On the surface dragons, fairies and vampires might not seem to have a lot in common, but as Dani says, fiction readers never grow tired of them. “Each of these anthologies takes one of those legends and gives the reader what they want…and so much more.”
Since one of my favorite short stories, “Lord Bai’s Discovery”, is included in Dragon’s Lure, I must heartily agree. 
As always with Dani’s parties, there will be scads of writers, great refreshments and marvelous prizes, including a hand-sculpted dragon box by acclaimed artist Linda Saboe. There will also be readings by the anthology contributors including Dani, Linda, Elaine Corvidae, Keith R.A. DeCandido, John Grant, Kelly Harmon, C.J. Henderson, Brian Koscienski, Jeffrey Lymon, L. Jagi Lamplighter, Terri Osborne, Chris Pisano and me, Me, ME!
Well, to be honest, I won’t be reading three times. But I do plan to read “Lord Bai’s Discovery”. Hope to see you there. In the meantime, if you want to learn more, check out Dani’s launch page.
Posted 3 years ago at 12:43 am. Add a comment
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 | Author: jmward14 | Blog | No Comments
Yeah, yeah. I know I owe you reports and photos for three conferences, but I couldn’t resist.
If you want to put it all together, you’ll have to check out Kelly Harmon’s opening Balticon blog. And for more mememe, check out Gail Z. Martin’s podcast of the Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading. Better yet, check it out for the other fabulous writers, including Gail and Kelly, whose stories I highly recommend.
Cheers,
Posted 3 years, 12 months ago at 12:07 am. Add a comment
Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 | Author: jmward14 | Blog | No Comments
I’m going back on con time this weekend. From Friday to Monday, May 22-25, you’ll find me at Balticon, Baltimore’s premier science fiction and fantasy con, held over the Memorial Day Weekend at the Hunt Valley Marriott. I hope you’ll check it out. And if you’re looking for me in particular, here’s where you’ll find me:
Friday, 6 p.m.
Humor in Science Fiction and Fantasy – Panelists will help you see the humor you may have missed in the work of Charles Stross and others. They will also look at the history of humor in the genres from Feghoots to the present. Panelists: Tom Doyle, Grig Larson, James Daniel Ross and Jean Marie Ward.
Saturday, 3 p.m.
Television Science Fiction and Fantasy – Admit it, you love it. But it makes you feel so guilty in the morning. Panelists: Dale Arnold, Brenda Clough, Thomas Horman, Elaine Stiles and Jean Marie Ward.
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading – Six of Balticon’s featured women writers bring you into their worlds with six-minute readings from their newest fiction. (I plan to read my latest, “Lord Bai’s Discovery of Bacon”. The editor who asked for it will be in the audience. Be afraid. Be very afraid.) Panelists: Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Roxanne Bland, Kelly A. Harmon, Gail Z. Martin, Jean Marie Ward and Trisha J. Woolridge.
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Reading as Exploration – Tell us about books you have explored recently or those you remember from the past. Panelists: David Glenn Anderson, Robert R. Chase, Darrell Schweitzer, Jean Marie Ward and Martin Morse Wooster.
Posted 4 years ago at 1:01 am. Add a comment
