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Horror and dark fantasy are having a real time to shine in middle grade and young adult fiction—but we all know the love of scary transcends age. Check out this discussion of how to make the story scary. What tricks and tips do authors use? How do they know it’s scary enough—or when it might be too scary? Whether an author is amplifying suspense, giving gothic flair, or just plain spilling blood across the floor, attendees are sure to shiver hearing these authors share their experience of writing scary.

Read more about Panel 2.5 It’s a Scream: Writing Horror Across the Ages

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Libraries and bookstores are an integral part of the reading community, and they’re a great way to reach people who might otherwise never find your books. Librarians and booksellers are your friends, and like you, they love engaging with delighted and excited readers. That said, they are also bombarded with sales pitches and author requests. They want to support your book. You just have to make it easy and give them a reason why it belongs on their shelves. Misha Stone (Reader Services Librarian, Seattle Public Library), Paula J. Gallagher (Adult and Community Engagement Specialist, Baltimore County Public Library), and Jennifer Marchisotto (Mysterious Galaxy) will help participants develop tools to successfully partner with libraries and bookstores. At the end of the session, participants will understand how to successfully pitch collaborations with bookstores and librarians. In break out sessions, participants will get feedback on outreach emails to bookstores and libraries.

Read more about Seminar 2.3 The Business of Writing: Working with Bookstores and Libraries

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Office hours scheduled by appointment.

Read more about Office Hours -D-

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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)

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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!

Read more about Panel 2.4 How to Give Good Panel

Grandmasters Lois McMaster Bujold and Nicola Griffith join SFWA’s President, Kate Ristau, in conversation – followed by an exciting announcement about the 2026 Nebulas!

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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Office hours scheduled by appointment.

Read more about Office Hours -C-

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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.

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