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It does my heart and mind good to know how many spec-fic writers and fans are out there. We're a unique bunch. And--in case you didn't know--there's a conference just for us: Realm Makers.
Our guest today is Becky Minor, Realm Makers Conference Director, author, and artist. Are you looking for a place to sharpen your spec-fic arsenal?
What To Expect at a Realm Makers Conference
The Realm Makers conference is a rare breed of event. Maybe
you’ve been to writers conferences before and gotten a lot out of them. Maybe you’ve
been to some where you felt a bit like the only weirdo in the room who would
wear a TARDIS t-shirt. If you haven’t been to a Realm Makers Conference yet,
maybe you’re wondering if it’s going to be worth investigating. Ask anyone who
came to either our 2013 or 2014 events, and I bet they’d respond with a
resonant “Yes!” What did they find at Realm Makers? Here are a few of the
qualities of this one-of-a-kind conference that make it stand out in a sea of
author education opportunities.
Relevant teaching
Those of us who organize this conference have been working
since last summer—literally before Realm Makers 2014 was even over—wracking our
brains for which fiction personalities would provide the best teaching for
future conferences. We began pounding our keyboards and the pavement to enlist
authors, editors, and agents who would not only provide current information,
but who “get” speculative fiction and the specific breed of writer who creates
it. All this advance effort has compiled what I believe is the best faculty
you’ll find anywhere for the spec-fic writer.
There are lots of wonderful people out there who can teach
on story structure, editing, and professionalism. But let’s face it. It’s way
more interesting when all the examples the teacher uses are from Star Wars or Dune or The Fellowship of the
Ring.
The bottom line: Expect top notch teaching from folks who
won’t smile and back away a step when you tell them you write magical realism
or horror. For a list of the fabulous faculty for Realm Makers 2015, drop by
the faculty page on our website.
Shenanigans
I heard it once said that adults who like fantasy and
science fiction are very in touch with their youthfulness. When we’re young, we
have a sense of wonder about the world around us, and our imaginations are in
overdrive. At least deep down, some part of a speculative fiction writer never
grows up. And so, we put a heavy emphasis on FUN at this conference. Sure, you
can still make plenty of grown-up, professional connections. But we’ll also
laugh at crazy in-jokes, put on our best costumes for the awards dinner, and
this year, have the option of a little zombie apolcalypse nerf tag.
Don’t worry, none of the zaniness is mandatory…join in if
you want. Shake your heads at those who do if that suits you better.
Bang for your buck
One of the areas I’ll confess I hate about conference
development is that it has to cost money. But clinicians need to be paid for
their time, space rental costs money, food has to happen one way or another…the
list goes on. So I assure you, we squeeze every drop of efficiency out of every
dime we charge. There are no expenses-paid planning retreats for our
committees, no real salary for me as a director, and generally few frills. (Hence,
dorm housing on a college campus rather than holding the event at a hotel.)
Not only do we keep registration costs as low as humanly
possible, but you can guarantee there won’t be stretches where you’re wishing
there was something on the schedule that applies to you. We’ll go beyond the
101-level teaching that happens at so many conferences, and you’ll go home with
practical ammunition in more areas than you can count.
Theological
Differences
Realm Makers attendees, while united by a mutual, faith-based
worldview, come from the entire spectrum of theological leanings. This can make
for some spirited discussion, but we assure you, we on the planning committee
and volunteer corps will be keeping a close eye for all those discussions to
remain respectful to all involved. Speculative fiction has a unique power to
bring up the sticky questions. We want people to explore those tricky domains.
But we also want to be sure everyone who wants a voice feels they comfortably
have one.
Camaraderie
Any past attendee will tell you, one of the top benefits of
coming to a Realm Makers conference is spending two-plus days with a hundred or
so people who love what you love. This conference is a safe haven where you can
both believe in God and explore the implications of “What if…” We are confident
that you won’t go home with just information, but a renewed dose of
inspiration, and likely a new group of best friends who will encourage you to
“Write on!” until you see one another again at a future conference.
Sounds fabulous, Becky. I'll be there. Thanks for the low down.
Guys, here are some links to follow for more deets:
http://www.realmmakers.com main site
http://faithandfantasyalliance.blogspot.com conference blog
http://www.rebeccapminor.com Becky's personal website
Now, put this on your calendars and register May 1! I'd love to meet you there. Comment below if you've been there or if you're planning to join us.
Realm Makers Conference
August 7-8, 2015
J C Penney Conference Center
St Louis, MO
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