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

Office hours scheduled by appointment.

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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 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

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

Collaboration is an essential part of many SFF projects, but it’s not always easy. Whether working in video games and shared narrative worlds, or with editors and sensitivity readers, there will be challenges as well as rewards. How much expectation-setting is necessary? What can we do to keep our professional partnerships healthy and mutually rewarding? What do we do when they aren’t working out? Join our panel in talking from experience about how best to work collaboratively in the genre.

We’re collaborating with Anthony Eichenlaub, Sydnee Thompson, Darusha Wehm, and Rosemary Jones on this event!

Read more about Panel 1.4 SFF Collaboration Done Right

Rob Cameron – teacher, linguist, writer – will be guiding us through the process of creating hope for the next generation through SFF. How do we get out of our own way as older writers, to create spaces in prose where the next generation can learn about and explore the world as confidently as possible? How do we lead with curiosity, when meeting younger readers where they are, and help them to understand that there are older helpers on hand, to face whatever challenges lie ahead?

Read more about Workshop 1.2 Creating Real-World Hope through Speculative MG/YA

One of the most important lessons writers learn over their careers is adaptation. There is no “one size fits all” for creative success, especially when each of us has a different relationship to disability, illness, and neuro-variation. What happens when that relationship is further changed mid-stream? When something that worked for you for years is now affected by new challenges? For Quasar, SFF creators share their experiences with adjusted workflows, and offer insight into centering wellness all along.

We’re delighted to be in conversation with Eugen Bacon, Scott Edelman, Vanessa Ricci-Thode, and Catherine Tavares.

Read more about Panel 1.3 Centering Wellness as Creators

Office Hours scheduled by appointment.

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Sometimes art emulates life, and sometimes life emulates art. For writers who also do the work of developing stronger community networks, worldbuilding strategies show up in far more than plans for the latest story draft. What lessons for better community organizing can we take from SFF, and how does our work in community organizing improve the speculative tales we tell? This year at Quasar, four dynamic creators will invite you to think more ambitiously about how you dream up community – on the page, and in the world around you. Join us for a co-facilitated conversation between BrightFlame, Curtis Chen, and James Stegall.

Read more about Panel 1.2 Mutual Resilience: How SFF Writers Build Community On and Off the Page

Join Jennifer Hudak for some healing techniques to improve our bodies right from our chairs. You do not need extra equipment for this series of yoga moves with SFF flair.

Read more about Outpost Station (Wellness Activity)