Being a Published Author . . . (Writing)
Fri 2:00 – 2:50 PM, (Great Hall)
Pros and Guests: Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Rhiannon Held, J.A. Pitts
Moderator: J.A. Pitts
Learn about some of the things no one told the panelists about being published. What surprised them, both positive and negative about their newfound status?

Writers’ Workshop Meet and Greet (Writing)
Fri 4:00 – 4:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Carol Berg, S. A. Bolich, Larry Bonham, M. H. Bonham (Maggie), Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Brenda Carre, Diana Pharaoh Francis (Di), Deby Fredericks, James Glass, Rhiannon Held, Andrea Howe, J.A. Pitts, Joyce Reynolds-Ward, Peter Wacks (pjwacks), Parris ja Young
Moderator: Justin Barba
Participants and Critiquing Authors get together to meet and discuss how the workshop works. They’ll also discuss workshops in general, and how to take criticism. Even though he’s not critiquing manuscripts, Jim Butcher will add his 2 cents. Open to anyone interested in the Writers’ Workshop.

Opening Ceremonies (Geek Discussion)
Fri 7:00 – 7:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Paizo Publishing , Justin Barba, Jim Butcher, John Compton, Adam Daigle, Dragon Dronet, Kyle Elliott, Dave Gross, CthulhuBob Lovely, Ryan Macklin, Theresa Mather
Moderator: CthulhuBob Lovely
Attend our opening ceremonies and watch CthulhuBob cry. Also find out what’s happening at MisCon 27.

Jim Butcher Book Signing (Writing)
Sat 10:00 – 11:50 AM, (Hotel Lobby of Doom)
Pros and Guests: Jim Butcher
Moderator: Justin Barba
Jim will sign books. This is a controlled event, and is limited to 3 items per person per trip through the long line. Jim will only personalize one item per person.

Plot, Plot, Plot (Writing)
Sat 2:00 – 2:50 PM, (Great Hall)
Pros and Guests: Carol Berg, Jim Butcher, J.A. Pitts, Patrick Swenson
Moderator: Carol Berg
What is plot? How is it different from storyline? How do you keep your writing moving fast? Our experts will share what they know.

The Dresden Files: a Discussion (Geek Discussion)
Sat 4:00 – 4:50 PM, (Upstairs Programming 1)
Pros and Guests: Beth Stoops
Moderator: Beth Stoops
An affectionate discussion/hint of roast of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Series.
[Note: Why is this at the same time as another of Jim's panels? We don't know either.]

Private Eyes in Fiction and Real Life (Writing)
Sat 4:00 – 4:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Carol Berg, Jim Butcher, John Goff, Peter Wacks (pjwacks)
Moderator: Jim Butcher
How do you put a little mystery in your fantasy and science fiction? In addition to discussing the fictional side of private eyes, John Goff, a private detective for 12 years, will bring some realism to the table.

Working With Licensed Intellectual Properties (Gaming, Writing)
Sat 5:00 – 5:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Paizo Publishing , David Boop, Jim Butcher, John Goff, Dave Gross, Ryan Macklin
Moderator: Ryan Macklin
A discussion of the issues and pitfalls of working with someone else’s property and dealing with fan expectations of said property.

Dystopia/Utopia (Writing, Gaming)
Sun 10:00 – 10:50 AM, (Great Hall)
Pros and Guests: Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Diana Pharaoh Francis (Di), J.A. Pitts
Moderator: Diana Pharaoh Francis (Di)
We’ve heard a lot lately about post-apocalyptic dystopia, but what about utopia? Could utopia ever truly exist? Could a story exist within a utopia? If so, how do you write about conflict in a world where conflict is minimized? Or IS that the conflict?

Snarking Up Your Characters (Writing)
Sun 11:00 – 11:50 AM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Carol Berg, Jim Butcher, C.J. Cherryh, Diana Pharaoh Francis (Di)
Moderator: Jim Butcher
Who would Malcolm Reynolds, Harry Dresden, and Tyrion Lannister be without their snark? Join us to learn what it means to be snarky, how to add snark to your characters, and how to write perfect one-liners.

Reading: Jim Butcher (Writing)
Sun 1:00 – 1:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Jim Butcher
Jim will read from one of his recent works. *If the weather is nice, this panel will relocate to the BBQ Area*

Writing Yourself Into (and Out of) Corners (Writing)
Sun 4:00 – 4:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: M. H. Bonham (Maggie), Jim Butcher, John Goff, Dave Gross
Moderator: Jim Butcher
“Jack scoured the alley for a brick, a broken piece of glass—anything he could use as a weapon. But the alley was as bare as his backside, which he now pressed against the wall blocking his escape. He’d have to remember to thank Pallermo for that little jape. The thug behind the wheel hit the gas…” In this panel we’ll talk about how to write your character into a corner (literally, figuratively, emotionally), and how to get them back out again.

Jim Butcher Q and A (Writing, Geek Discussion)
Sun 5:00 – 5:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Justin Barba, Jim Butcher
Moderator: Justin Barba
A question and answer session with Jim Butcher. If time permits, he will take moderated questions from the audience.

Jim Butcher Book Signing (Writing)
Mon 10:00 – 10:50 AM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Jim Butcher
Moderator: Justin Barba
Jim Butcher’s signing is moderated, and we will maintain a STRICT 3 item maximum per person–zero exceptions. In order to keep the line moving, Jim can only personalize one item per person per trip through the line.

Author Book Signing (Writing)
Mon 11:00 – 11:50 AM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Carol Berg, S. A. Bolich, M. H. Bonham (Maggie), David Boop, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Brenda Carre, C.J. Cherryh, Jane Fancher, Diana Pharaoh Francis (Di), Deby Fredericks, James Glass, Dave Gross, Rhiannon Held, J.A. Pitts, Timothy Quill, Patrick Swenson, Peter Wacks (pjwacks)
All authors are invited. Jim Butcher’s signing is moderated, and we will maintain a STRICT 3 item maximum per person–zero exceptions. In order to keep the line moving, Jim can only personalize one item per person per trip through the line.

Breaking Through Writer’s Block (Writing)
Mon 1:00 – 1:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Jim Butcher, Dave Gross, Rhiannon Held, Patrick Swenson
Moderator: Jim Butcher
How do the pros beat writer’s block? They will share tips, tricks, and the best ways to cope with a writer’s worst nightmare.

Writing Fight Scenes and Arguments (Writing, Fight Demo or Class)
Mon 2:00 – 2:50 PM, (Containment Room)
Pros and Guests: Larry Bonham, Jim Butcher, Dragon Dronet, J.A. Pitts, Chad Volpe (The Fin)
Moderator: J.A. Pitts
We can talk about conflict until we’re blue in the face, but how do you write the details? Better yet, how do you know the right details? What’s the best way to write a sword fight? A fist fight? An everyday argument? You may have seen the fighting all weekend, now come learn how to translate that into words.

Closing Ceremonies (Geek Discussion)
Mon 3:00 – 3:50 PM, (Great Hall)
Pros and Guests: Paizo Publishing , Justin Barba, Jim Butcher, John Compton, Adam Daigle, Dragon Dronet, Kyle Elliott, CthulhuBob Lovely, Ryan Macklin, Theresa Mather, Chad Volpe (The Fin)
Come see CthulhuBob cry for joy and catch a sneak peek at what’s in store for you next year at MisCon 28 May 2014.

You know how it is. You’re talking with your nerdy friends over a beverage of choice. You’re about to game or you just finished gaming. Dice are out; pizza’s almost gone. Then, cutting into a brief silence, someone says it:

“Well, clearly, Harry would have 26 refresh by now.”

And that is so wrong, right? I mean, we don’t have to assume that every novel is a major turning point for his character sheet. In fact, you could argue that he spends three whole books at relatively the same level of power and…

…and then it’s on. The geekiest of geeky conversations: how do we stat up a character that everyone knows and loves? It is the greatest crucible in licensed RPGs, because it reveals the very heart of fandom, and everyone’s got a different take.

Today, we offer you a chance to show us the heart of your fandom.

Your task: A statblock for Harry Dresden–as he appears at the beginning of Changes–for the award-winning Dresden Files Roleplaying Game.

The prize: A copy of Dresden Files RPG Vol. 3: The Paranet Papers, where the statblock is going to be published, credit in the book, and eternal bragging rights. (approximate retail value $35)

How this is going to work:

* You make a statblock for Harry Dresden and post it somewhere on the Internet. Your blog, tumblr, the official forums, some other forum, whatever – get it out there. Include a link to this post with your submission so people don’t think you’ve completely lost it.

* Fill out this form with a link to your statblock, so we can broadcast your submission to the world.

* A team of system heads and Dresden Files loremongers, led by Leonard Balsera, will evaluate the entries and choose the winner.

* Your name and statblock ends up in a book and you look awesome.

The criteria:

* Compatibility. The statblocks need generally to look like and work with all existing rules in the Dresden Files RPG. Format them like they appear in the rulebooks. That said, if you need to invent a power or something to make it work, do so and include the power writeup with your submission.

* System Accuracy. Have the right number of aspects, make sure all the math works out, etc. Also, where necessary, show your work – tell us how you arrived at a particular set of bonuses and whatnot.

* Setting Knowledge. Harry’s been through a lot since we statted him up for Storm Front. Your statblock represents the definitive picture of that character at the beginning of Changes, and your design choices should reflect your knowledge of what has happened to the character. (Yes, that means you’re responsible for including all of Harry’s amassed magical gear.)

The fine print:

* You have from now till 5/31/2013 to get submissions in.

* Your submission will go through the standard editing and development process that we do to ourselves, which means it might not appear exactly as you wrote it, even if you win.

* If taking pieces-parts of multiple submissions seems to be the best way to get at the statblock, there may be multiple winners.

* No one currently working on a project for Evil Hat Productions, Dresden Files or otherwise, can submit to this contest.

* You may submit as a team. If you know a lot about the Dresden Files setting, but aren’t as game-savvy, and you want to hook up with someone who is, go for it!

* The winning entry will become the sole property of Evil Hat. All other entries will remain the sole property of their creator.

Submit entries here!

Issue #4 of the original Dresden Files graphic novel, GHOUL GOBLIN, came out last week.

A small, isolated Midwestern town is being terrorized by a pair of the Nevernever’s most vile creatures, who’vemanaged to decimate the star-crossed Talbot family. Harry’s sworn to protect the survivors and end the curse—something that can only be accomplished if he can convince them to take refuge in what amounts to a supernatural fortress. And if the ancient guardian spirit he’s summoned doesn’t kill him first…and if the local cops don’t toss him into a jail cell…

JIM BUTCHER’S DRESDEN FILES: GHOUL GOBLIN #4 (OF 6) •  Written by Jim Butcher and Mark Powers • Art by Joseph Cooper • Cover by Ardian Syaf

Available now at Comixology and comic stores everywhere!

Check out our preview, below.

• Geek Hard flagged Jim down at Ad Astra for a four-part interview spectacular: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
• So did Rebecca Lovatt
• John Ward interviewed Jim for his new G+ Urban Fantasy community Salt Circle
• Angelique Toschi chatted with Jim at the conclusion of the WyrdCon Kickstarter.

But that’s not all that’s coming out from the guys at Evil Hat. They’ve just released the Kindle (.mobi) and Nook (.epub) friendly formats of the Dresden Files RPG as well, and at a low price too so you can get a copy that works on your tablet-of-choice. You can pick both volumes in ebook formats at their web-store, on DriveThruRPG, at Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble.

Good gaming, folks!

MisCon 2013
Missoula, MT
May 24-27, 2013
“MisCon is a four-day celebration of literacy and the arts within the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Held each Memorial Day weekend (Friday through Monday), MisCon has something to fascinate, educate, and entertain you at all times.”

Space City Con
Houston, TX
August 2-4, 2013
“Space City Con is an all-ages festival of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, literature, and art, in the spirit of Houston, Texas! Envisioned as a “geek festival with free parking,” our goal is to put on the best convention possible for current generations of fans, and instill a love of comics, Sci-fi and fantasy in the next generation. It was founded in 2012, and with only 5 months to prepare, the event drew nearly 2000 unique individuals, most of whom attended all weekend.”

Dragon*Con
Atlanta, GA
August 30 – September 2, 2013

WyrdCon
Costa Mesa, CA
September 12-15, 2013

Encounters 2013
Wichita, KS
October 11-13, 2013
Encounters’ FB Page

We also have the following announcement from WyrdCon:

The Wyrd Con Kickstarter is in it’s final countdown and they’ve recently expanded their offerings, even bringing out an option to earn every aspect of the Kickstarter including a lunch with Jim himself!

Check out the Kickstarter, each contribution helps improve the world of Storytelling, a portion of the proceeds will even benefit Jim’s favorite charity, the Missouri Pit Bull fund!

There is even still an opportunity to play a game live with Jim with a Steward badge. Give Wyrd Con a shot a try the live version of storytelling for yourself!

Join us at Wyrd Con IV in Southern California on September 12th – 15th!

Also, Jim is headed to Toronto for Ad Astra this weekend! Jim is slated for the following panels:

I Love to Hate You
Friday @ 10pm, Franklin
Ed Greenwood (m), Jim Butcher, Fiona Patton, Gregory A. Wilson, Catherine Fitzsimmons
In this panel, examine what is involved in creating a truly great villain. By discussing some examples of favourite well-written villains and what makes them memorable, you will gain a better understanding of how to make your antagonist someone that everyone loves to hate.

Is the Stand-Alone Novel an Endangered Format?
Saturday @ 10am, Berczy A
Julie Czerneda (m), Robert J. Sawyer, Catherine Fitzsimmons, Jim Butcher
More and more books are coming out in series format. While this may be publisher driven, it is just as likely consumer driven. In the face of this trend, it may become impossible to successfully pitch a stand-alone work, and the temptation to force a series may become irresistible. Is there still a place in publishing for a stand-alone book? This panel seeks an answer.

Magic in the Big City
Saturday @ 12pm, Ellsemere West
Lesley Livingston (m), Kelley Armstrong, Jim Butcher
With its banality and cynicism, what does it take to make magic become a reality in a modern city? The challenges to writing about the supernatural in a metropolis are many, but they are not insurmountable. In fact, there are many reasons a city is the ideal setting for magical happenings. Join our panelists and learn how they take magic to the streets.

Demons, Werewolves, and Necromancers
Saturday @ 3pm, Ellsemere East
Douglas Smith (m), Jim Butcher, Timothy Carter, Andrew Pyper, Timothy Liebe
There are new trends forming in the paranormal genre. Traditionally ‘evil’ characters are turned into heroes. Paranormal fiction is expanding and so is the demographic of people who read it. How do you keep these new ideas from becoming cliché? What works and what doesn’t? Attend this panel to plumb the depths – and shallows – of the unknowable.

The Force is With Mickey!
Sunday @ 11am, Ellsemere East
Sebastian Mineau (m), Jim Butcher, Max Turner, Cris Macht, Amy De Ruyte
As a result of the sale of LucasArts to Disney, the future of the Star Wars universe lies in the hands of a mouse. Surely such an infusion of fresh creative juices bodes well for this beloved franchise. In this panel, we’ll discuss what kinds of stories we might expect, and whether the fact that the new movies won’t be controlled by George Lucas is a good thing…or a great thing!

If you’re interested in LARPing, don’t forget about WyrdCon in southern California in September!

Also, for fans in Toronto, don’t miss Jim next weekend at Ad Astra!

GHOUL, GOBLIN is an original comic series set in the official Dresden Files continuity, and issue 3 is now in stores!

Harry’s traveled from his home turf of Chicago to investigate a series of inexplicable murders in a small Missouri town. He’s already managed to turn half the burg against him, with the other half’s motives even murkier. And that’s not even taking the Ghoul and Goblin who’ve both separately nearly killed him. Unfortunately, they may have succeeded in murdering the eldest of the cursed family he’s trying to protect—a man who harbors his own dark secrets. It’s time for Harry to seek the help of a higher authority…

DOWNLOAD GHOUL, GOBLIN #3 NOW AT COMIXOLOGY, OR GO TO YOUR LOCAL COMICS SHOP TODAY!

Check out a five-page preview:

From Publishers Weekly:

Penguin Group is continuing its relationship with bestselling fantasy writer Jim Butcher. The author of the Dresden Files and Codex Alera closed a seven-figure, three-book deal with his current publisher for a new series. Anne Sowards, at Roc, took world English rights to The Cinder Spires: The Aeronaut’s Windlass, and two sequels, from agent Jennifer Jackson at Donald Maass Literary. Butcher recently published the 14th book in the Dresden Files, a series that has been adapted to TV (on SyFy channel) and turned into a comic book (published by Dynamite Entertainment). The Cinder Spires, Jackson said, is set in a world “of black spires that tower for miles over a mist-shrouded surface” and follows a war between two of the Spires: Spire Albion and Spire Aurora.

At the Reddit AMA a few months ago, Jim said, “It’s kinda League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets Sherlock meets Hornblower. There are goggles and airships and steam power and bizarre crystal technology and talking cats, who are horrid little bullies.”

Jim is still writing the first book, The Aeronaut’s Windlass, so we don’t have a release date yet. We’ll let you know as soon as there’s something to announce!