Kate Ristau

Kate Ristau is the President of SFWA and the Executive Director of Willamette Writers. She is a folklorist and the author of three middle grade series, Clockbreakers, Mythwakers, and Wylde Wings, and the young adult series, Shadow Girl. You can read her essays in The New York Times and The Washington Post. 

Related Events

It’s No Joke: Honing Humor in Your Work

Kansas City Local Time:
June 6, 2024 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Please note: all times are displayed in the Pacific timezone, unless otherwise marked for Kansas City local time for the Nebulas. Timezone calculator

Panelists: Erik Grove, Neve Maslakovic, Curtis C. Chen and Kate Ristau (moderator)
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This is a panel that will discuss the merits of adding humor to any story, as well as the ways to do it in a nuanced way. A well-timed joke can break the ice and bring readers into a story but misplaced humor can do the opposite. Writing “funny” is serious business. From quips to pointed satire, comedy comes in many forms; this panel will offer a sample of them and discuss when and how to use them.
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Short Story Market

Kansas City Local Time: June 6, 2025 8:00 am - 9:30 am
June 6, 2025 6:00 am to 7:30 am

Please note: all times are displayed in the Pacific timezone, unless otherwise marked for Kansas City local time for the Nebulas. Timezone calculator

Panelists: Kate Ristau, John P. Murphy, Michael Capobianco and Anthony Eichenlaub
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The short story market is rapidly changing, and SFWA has been working on a new tool to analyze paying markets. Join us to test out the Short Story Matrix. We will discuss what writers should look for in professional markets—from payment to legalese.

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