2025 Quasar

November 16, 2025

Panel 2.1 Science Fact in Science Fiction: Getting It Right in SFF


November 16, 2025 9:00 am to 10:00 am

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We’ve come a long way since early commercial science fiction, which boasted scientific components that were often wedged in as heavy-handed asides to the plot. Now, we still have SFF writers who can rock a good scientific tangent, and others who have subtler strategies for depicting scientific concepts well in their speculative prose. In this opening panel for Quasar: Day 2, we’re thrilled to talk with accomplished SFF writers who have differently blended fact in fiction. Join us to figure out which approach is right for you!

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Seminar 2.1: The Business of Writing: Publishing Short Story Anthologies


November 16, 2025 9:00 am to 10:30 am

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Working with so many different voices is no easy feat! How do we curate short story collections with care? What makes for a strong theme, and how do we strengthen our own editorial voice as we go forward? At Quasar, we’re sitting with Sheree Renée Thomas and Nick Wells to learn what it takes, and how to prepare ourselves for the slings and arrows of advancing good work in anthology form.

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Panel 2.2 Science Fiction in Science Fact: Myth-Busting with the National Association of Science Writers


November 16, 2025 10:30 am to 11:20 am

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Nonfiction science writers love a good tall tale as much as anyone – but that doesn’t mean they don’t wince when a beloved subfield is poorly represented in SFF! So here’s a terrific opportunity, brought to us by the brilliant minds at the National Association of Science Writers, for speculative writers to sharpen their game. Join moderator Takara Small, in conversation with Corey Powell, Jane C. Hu, and Tara C. Smith to shake off misconceptions about a number of key scientific concepts for our most far-ranging and “out there” prose.

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Seminar 2.2 Tarot Need-to-Knows for Writers (with Bonus Breakout-Room Chats and Readings!)


November 16, 2025 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

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Tarot has a potent history, including in SFF. It inspires and helps us connect with Mystery, the Unknown, and with Allies in all the realms. It helps us look within and bring forth intuition and creativity. The cards themselves evoke beauty and story. The ritual of Tarot, its deep history, and its intuitive form can provide the most wonderful foundation for our tales and help us navigate story creation.

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Panel 2.3 Poetry, Flash, & the Power of Hybrid Storytelling


November 16, 2025 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

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Where does “the poetic” begin and end? What differentiates a prose poem from flash fiction? And why are we so hung up on dividing lines in genre in the first place – and not on the power of hybrid storytelling? In this panel, members of SFWA’s Poetry Committee are in conversation with a dynamic creator of flash and other experimental SFF forms, to explore the liminal in speculative writing – and to encourage fellow writers to make full use of whatever medium best reflects the idea they wish to convey.

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Panel 2.4 How to Give Good Panel


November 16, 2025 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

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Ever moderated a panel where some of your panelists were seasoned pros and others were just getting started? What should panelists do to optimize their time on a bigger platform? Is there a difference in presentation style for peer-based and reader-facing industry events? And how can moderators and panelists support each other better, to provide a thrilling and memorable experience wherever they may roam in the genre? Join Day Al-Mohamed, Joyce Reynolds Ward, and Fran Wilde for a rich conversation with seasoned presenters from a range of promotions contexts, and take your panel game to the next level!

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