Monica Valentinelli: Author, Game Designer and Consultant

Posted on August 18, 2009 - by Monica Valentinelli

GenCon 2009 and the Writer’s Symposium Wrap-Up

GenCon this year was a world of difference from last year, partially because instead of running a booth I was on several panels at the Writer’s Symposium. This selection of panels, organized by Jean Rabe was structured so that budding writers and game designers could get the help that they needed on a variety of topics ranging from world-building to their careers. In my opinion, even with my late evenings, I thought that the panels went really well because they were focused and pragmatic. Some of the panelists included authors like: Anton Strout, Pat Rothfuss, Mike Stackpole, John Helfers and Kerrie Hughes, Jean Rabe, Paul Genesse, Jennifer Brozek, Kelly Swails, Chris Pierson and more!

Part of the reason why I felt the panels went well, was because they were highly organized but didn’t limit the type of writing someone might be interested in. As you might be aware, game writing is different from writing in shared world settings, which is different from writing original fiction. Panelists came from a variety of backgrounds, and I felt that really helped provide a rainbow of advice and tips for upcoming writers.

Read the rest of my wrap-up at www.flamesrising.com.

Related posts:

1. My GenCon 2009 Writer’s Symposium Schedule
2. My Schedule at the GenCon 2010 Writer’s Symposium
3. GenCon 2008: Wrap-Up and Notes from the Booth
4. Who I’ll be Hanging Out With at GenCon: Indy
5. Observations from OddCon