#B2BCyCon Think Tank discussion

I would like to organize (and host) some panel discussions for the 2016 Cy-Con.

I am open to suggestions for topics, right now I'm thinking genre-related somehow? What do you think readers would love?

Each panel will be limited to 8 people besides myself and I'll need at least 3 people besides myself to actually schedule a panel on any given idea.

Brainstorm away! I'll post more organizational stuff once we've got ideas flowing.

Sounds ace, I'm interested in helping if possible :)

I'm interested. I'd love to do a panel on The Heroine's Journey, if that works. I can scare up some authors who know the subject well.

I'm just not sure how it works, so I'll have to go do my research.

I would be interested. How about a panel on "How to tweet and sell" or something to that effect. Most who know me would tell you I have done some good things in this area.

This post is back! Sorry guys! Didn't mean to archive it!

Aurelia wrote: "I would like to organize (and host) some panel discussions for the 2016 Cy-Con.

I am open to suggestions for topics, right now I'm thinking genre-related somehow? What do you think readers would l..."

I am very intrigued, Aurelia, but I need more info before I jump in and say, "Ooh! Me! Pick me!" What is a panel? As an example, what did you have in mind for discussions?

Aurelia wrote: "I would like to organize (and host) some panel discussions for the 2016 Cy-Con.

I am open to suggestions for topics, right now I'm thinking genre-related somehow? What do you think readers would l..."

And for the record, I heard your post read in your voice. lol

I'm also a scientist. I'd be open for a panel on "The Science In Science Fiction" or about what is that makes a SF story a SF story, with input from Damon Knight, Theodore Sturgeon, Ben Bova, Asimov, and others. Yes, including myself ;)

I might be interested.
And I can throw out a genre topic: Multicultural Steampunk

A panel discussion of the sort that they have at in-person conventions: several people, and one moderator (me) discussing a topic and answering relevant questions.

I like the Science in Sci Fi idea, because I'm an engineer myself. Also the multicultural steampunk sounds fun, maybe with a focus on making the genre accessible to new readers?

I'll put together some sign-ups soon, I'd like more discussions, though :)

I'll organize this with Google hangouts, so the members will be live in the hangout and I'll monitor the goodreads thread for reader questions.

Hi Aurelia:
I'm thinking Memoirs...lots of women my age and younger connect through Memoir and a panel topic may be "Memoir: How much Reveal is Too Much?" or " Memoir: Fiction Thinly Disguised?"
I'll keep steaming on it...

Kelly wrote: "I'm interested. I'd love to do a panel on The Heroine's Journey, if that works. I can scare up some authors who know the subject well.

I'm just not sure how it works, so I'll have to go do my rese..."
I participated in a panel discussion on this very topic for FantasyCon last year. Well, it started out The Hero's Journey but most of us had strong female characters so ... we used Zoom but I've also done GoogleHangouts that were recorded and posted.

These are all AWESOME ideas. I'm working on getting some admin stuff done and then I'll start setting things up and scheduling them. Yay!

This is a neat idea, the key thing is going to be making sure that people's points aren't lost in the forum format, i.e. might be good to have an explicit moderate keeping an eye out. This would improve the experience for people overall, I think.

I'm always happy to be on panels :D
As for ideas:
- The Edge of YA, where's the line & is there a line
- Genre Hopping, the good, the bad & the oh oh

Adam wrote: "This is a neat idea, the key thing is going to be making sure that people's points aren't lost in the forum format, i.e. might be good to have an explicit moderate keeping an eye out. This would im..."

Very good point, Adam.

I am putting together a 72 hour live broadcast of the convention. I would love to include some panels. I love all these panel ideas, anybody wanting to do them live on Google Hangout? I can moderate a couple and anybody else who wants to do the same I can help get you started if you don't know.

Let me know what you all think.

Cheers,

Joe Compton

Kelly wrote: "I'm interested. I'd love to do a panel on The Heroine's Journey, if that works. I can scare up some authors who know the subject well.

I'm just not sure how it works, so I'll have to go do my rese..."

Great topic for a panel!

I'd love to be involved in panels if possible.

Are these writer's topics or reader's topics? Seems like most of them so far are for writers rather than readers.

What would readers want to see?

P.D. wrote: "Are these writer's topics or reader's topics? Seems like most of them so far are for writers rather than readers.

What would readers want to see?"

I've done a few panels at conventions on these topics and am always surprised how many readers actually want to know about world building, heroes / heroines journeys etc and particularly the science in science fiction. I sat in on a panel on that and it was VERY lively - readers of sci-fi get really peeved about dud science writing in sci-fi. Often readers are curious about our research and idea generation - really the whole creative process.

However maybe there should be some lighter topics too.

P.D. wrote: "Are these writer's topics or reader's topics? Seems like most of them so far are for writers rather than readers.

What would readers want to see?"

Tracy wrote: "P.D. wrote: "Are these writer's topics or reader's topics? Seems like most of them so far are for writers rather than readers.

As a passionate Fantasy reader/writer, readers love hearing about magic-systems and the worlds. I'm always looking for "additional short stories" on a fantasy world I love and am fascinated to know how writers pull from history and myth to build their worlds.

Just some thoughts. I have too much to do to host a panel, sadly enough or I would do one for Fantasy. :(

I love the idea of something about genre hopping or at least genre mash ups. I also like Tracy's idea about sci fi and science/world building. I'm sure that would be of interest to readers.

Maybe something about humorous books, too? As a reader, I love them (which is why I write them).

I'm also interested, particularly in worldbuilding and the Heroine's Journey. I also think a panel on anti-heroines would be great, maybe even an Anti-Heroine's Journey panel to complement a Heroine's Journey panel?

A.F. wrote: "I might be interested.
And I can throw out a genre topic: Multicultural Steampunk"

I'd be happy to do that with you.

Adam wrote: "A.F. wrote: "I might be interested.
And I can throw out a genre topic: Multicultural Steampunk"

I'd be happy to do that with you."

And I'd be happy to have your input.

Aurelia wrote: "A panel discussion of the sort that they have at in-person conventions: several people, and one moderator (me) discussing a topic and answering relevant questions.

I like the Science in Sci Fi ide..."

It would be good if we could record the panels, for those who missed it and put it up on youtube too.

Yes. That's why I do google hangouts: automatically they'll be recorded and saved to youtube :) And I'll make sure there's an easy way for readers and listeners to find the schedule and recordings.

I had an idea for a topic:
Paranormal Fascination: A Discussion of the Myths, Legends, & Superstitions that Inspire our Favorite Stories

Aurelia wrote: "Yes. That's why I do google hangouts: automatically they'll be recorded and saved to youtube :) And I'll make sure there's an easy way for readers and listeners to find the schedule and recordings...."

Love that idea. Myths and legends are my writing staple.

Here are the topics I have so far (I'll give them titles to make it clear what's in it for readers later):

1. Science in Science Fiction
2. Memoir: Facts and Fiction
3. Introducing Steampunk
4. Multiculturalism & Diversity in Fiction
5. Paranormal Fascination
6. The Heroine's Journey & The Hero's Journey
7. Romance: Would you really want that guy/girl?
8. Epic: Bardic Sagas Inspiring Fantasy
9. Aliens: Friendly & Menacing
10. Zombies: Apocalyptic Preparedness
11. Detectives: Stereotypes and Quirks of Mystery, Crime, & Thriller

I haven't done anything like this before, but I'd be interested in multiculturalism and diversity. I write about marginalized members of society - mentally ill, addicted, abused, street kids, disabled, Aboriginal, intersex, etc.

I am interested in Romance: would you really want that guy/girl? or Multiculturalism and diversity in fiction. Please let me know what I need to do next.

I love the myths and legends idea and would LOVE to sit in on that panel as my novel deals with the Greek Fates in a way.

Also, the use of magic, mythical, or mystical elements in different genres? I work in general adult fiction, but I write magical realism. It could be fun to team up with different genres to have a conversation about our use of the mystical and magical.

Aurelia wrote: "Here are the topics I have so far (I'll give them titles to make it clear what's in it for readers later):

1. Science in Science Fiction
2. Memoir: Facts and Fiction
3. Introducing Steampunk
4. Mu..."
Aurelia wrote: "Here are the topics I have so far (I'll give them titles to make it clear what's in it for readers later):

1. Science in Science Fiction
2. Memoir: Facts and Fiction
3. Introducing Steampunk
4. Mu..."


Aurelia! Put me down please for the following...

2. Memoir: Facts and Fiction
6. The Heroine's Journey & The Hero's Journey
8. Epic: Bardic Sagas Inspiring Fantasy

Also, Fantasy and Mythology and Magical Realism...

I think that is it :)

Aurelia wrote: "Yes. That's why I do google hangouts: automatically they'll be recorded and saved to youtube :) And I'll make sure there's an easy way for readers and listeners to find the schedule and recordings...."

Fabulous idea for a discussion topic!

Tracy wrote: "Aurelia wrote: "Yes. That's why I do google hangouts: automatically they'll be recorded and saved to youtube :) And I'll make sure there's an easy way for readers and listeners to find the schedule..."
I'd love to be involved in the Hero / heroines journey and / or the fantasy mythology and magical realism.

If you're looking for areas of myth expertise for the paranormal panel I have a semi-specialty in Celtic mythology and Arthurian Legend. Also ghost stories.

Cool! If I'm available at the time of the hangout, would love to try help with Heroines - I'm thinking something around Miyazaki perhaps

A.F. wrote: "If you're looking for areas of myth expertise for the paranormal panel I have a semi-specialty in Celtic mythology and Arthurian Legend. Also ghost stories."

Celtic Myth! I forgot that one! Thank you A.F.! :)

I'd LOVE to help out with some panels. I really liked the idea of a panel on World Building. I have done a lot of research on ancient Mesopotamia, cuneiform, and Sumerian mythology for my books. I've created a whole new magic system and rune script as well, and that's just my one series. We should really make world building a topic!!!

I'd also be interested in a panel on: Suspension of Disbelief: how to make your reader believe the unbelievable

Of the currently listed topics, I'd also love to participate in The Heroine's Journey & The Hero's Journey.

Lydia wrote: "I'd LOVE to help out with some panels. I really liked the idea of a panel on World Building. I have done a lot of research on ancient Mesopotamia, cuneiform, and Sumerian mythology for my books. I'..."

OOoh! World Building! I really need to limit myself on this event.

I'd love to participate... I would contribute to Paranormal Fascination and Myths & Legends. My Demimonde trilogy combines Egyptian mythology with vampiric lore so... yeah. I'm sweet on those subjects.

Any thoughts on a discussion aimed at novice writers? A lot of readers have a hidden writer within.

How about a YA panel? Something like "YA for Grown-ups" because many adults are writing and reading YA. Encompasses all sub genres.

I would be interested in the Romance: Would you really want that guy/girl? I agree with Melina above....this is my first year and I'd love to know more about how the panel would work.

I'm going to touch base with Aurelia and see if we can put together more of a panel FAQ. This has turned into a VERY popular idea and I would love to see it repeated next year.

Go ahead and start posting your FAQ's and we're start answering them :)

I'm not sure how this works but I know any discussion about sexual harassment is always a huge topic and something I know a lot about. It is the main focus of my memoir. I wouldn't mind participating in in that.

Joy, I would be happy to join you, touching on stalking. I have a YA literary fiction piece that is coming out in March on the topic.

Great Heidi.

Joy wrote: "I'm not sure how this works but I know any discussion about sexual harassment is always a huge topic and something I know a lot about. It is the main focus of my memoir. I wouldn't mind participati..."

Heidi wrote: "Joy, I would be happy to join you, touching on stalking. I have a YA literary fiction piece that is coming out in March on the topic."

I'm right there with you, ladies. My memoir is right on this topic.

Huge topic sexual harassment and extremely important. Please include me on the panel if possible...

Yeah, I'll make a sexual harrasment/domestic violence-related panel discussion. My anthologies are on that topic, too.