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!

Join moderator Kemi Ashing-Gawa, in conversation with Julie Nováková, Steven D. Brewer, Gabrielle K. Byrne, and Bert-Oliver Boehmer.

Read more about Panel 2.1 Science Fact in Science Fiction: Getting It Right in SFF

Office hours scheduled by appointment.

Read more about Office Hours -B-

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 to learn what it takes, and how to prepare ourselves for the slings and arrows of advancing good work in anthology form.

Read more about Workshop 2.1 The Business of Writing: Publishing Short Story Anthologies

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.

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

In an age of portents, how could we resist? Join BrightFlame and Lane Smith for a rich conversation about how and why to incorporate Tarot concepts into your speculative storytelling. What does a structure, an art form, and a ritual like Tarot do for your worldbuilding? How does it empower and how can it be inflected to improve and imperil? This conversation will be followed by a breakout room activity that allows participants (limited sign-up!) to get deeper into the nuances of the form.

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

Office hours scheduled by appointment.

Read more about Office Hours -C-

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.

Join Wendy Van Camp, as she moderates a chat between Mary Soon Lee, Brian U. Garrison, Gwynne Garfinkle, and Jennifer Hudak.

Read more about Panel 2.3 Poetry, Flash, & the Power of Hybrid Storytelling

Read more about Keynote: Grand Masters Nicola Griffith and Lois McMaster Bujold, with SFWA President Kate Ristau

Join us for a very exciting announcement about the 2026 Nebulas!

Read more about SECRET NEBULA ANNOUNCEMENT

Join Jennifer Hudak for an “out of this world” experience – or, at least, a much needed meditative pause, with SFF flair.

Read more about Meditation Station (Wellness Activity)