#capclave

Sooo… Capclave 2025 was nearly 2 months ago, and I am clearly very late with this con report. Long story short: I was really busy the week after the event, and then the government shut down. The stress tried to eat me. It wasn’t pretty. I did have amazing convention, with panels and a reading between Friday and Saturday. In lieu of a detailed summary, please enjoy these pictures and a sneak peek…

How has it been 5 years since I attended Capclave? I had to double-check my own blog because I didn’t believe it. I participated virtually in 202, and I unfortunately had to cancel my appearance in 2022 to quarantine after an international trip. Regardless, I’m thrilled to be back this year to an event I consider one of my “hometown” cons, since I live less than an hour north of Rockville,…

The life of a writer involves hearing many variations of the word "no." Rejection comes w/the territory but that does not make it easier to experience. Let's discuss coping w/rejection, how to continue writing through them, & what you can learn from a no.

The life of a writer involves hearing many variations of the word “no.” Rejection comes with the territory but that does not make it easier to experience. Let’s discuss coping with rejection, how to continue writing through them, and what you can learn from receiving a no. Here are more notes from my CapClave 2023. The panelists for the titular panel were: A.T. Greenblatt, R. Z. Held, and Nate…

We're entering the rise of the Cozy Fantasy! What exactly is that subgenre, and why is it becoming popular? Plus, theories about where it came from. Do you have any favorites?

Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes, a 2023 Nebula & Hugo Best Novel Finalist, is an example of a relatively new subgenre being called “cozy fantasy.” These stories generally feature heartwarming characters, little to no danger, and low stakes. They are like settling down with a warm fluffy blanket and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in your most comfortable reading nook. What are some other…

This past weekend, I celebrated the end of Sept by heading to another writer con: CapClave 2023: "Where Reading is Not Extinct". I was on 4 panels, held a success workshop, attended 4 panels, 1 concert, 1 book launch, & a reading. A great weekend!

This past weekend, I celebrated the end of September by heading to another writer convention: CapClave 2023. Held annually by the Washington DC Science Fiction Society (WSFS), its motto is “Where Reading is Not Extinct”. Friday: Aka – Mistakes were made I had taken the day off from my day job, as my first panel was at 4pm and I had things to do first. As I mentally ran through my to-do list, I…

Many people are craving stories right now with gentle plots & hopeful themes to contrast the recent dystopic trends in publishing, media, and real-life dramas. So, what makes for positive #sf & #fantasy who's writing the good stuff these days?

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. So, what makes for positive science fiction and fantasy and what are some favorite examples of the brighter side of speculative fiction. The panelists for the titular CapClave 2022 panel were as follows: Bill Lawhorn, Suzanne Palmer,…