Morgan Hazelwood: Writer In Progress
I grew up with parents attending Science Fiction and fantasy conventions. After a decade or two off, I’m now back as a writer! And spend FAR too much time in writing themed panels, taking notes from the experts! Plus, I squeeze in a bit of cosplay.
The ingredients of universe-building are morality, science, politics, art, and religion. The interplay of these creates a moral and political universe. Each ingredient packs its own punch, and getting the ratios right means you won’t have an overcooked souffle of a universe.
When you mix morals, ethics, and emotional fears, you get an array of Batman characters. Which match to what world viewpoints?
I’m home after a weekend at RavenCon in Richmond Virginia. Final tally: 7 times a panelist, attended 5 panels, 1 launch party, and the opening ceremonies. And more!
Are you interested in becoming a panelist?
Are you an experienced panelist? Tell me about your favorite panel — and any prep steps you take that I skipped!
Here’s what I do to get ready.
Many people are craving stories right now with gentle plots and hopeful themes to contrast the recent dystopic trends in publishing, media, and real-life dramas. So, what makes for positive science fiction and fantasy and what are some favorite examples of the brighter side of speculative fiction.
Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia have rich histories, interesting people, and lots of weird nooks and crannies that make a great setting for a story. Panelists discuss their favorite books set in the DMV and the fun and frustrations of setting stories in and around the nation’s capital.
In a sea of book series, the standalone novel can be a breath of fresh air. What are the virtues of the standalone novel and what makes for a good one? Might there be a resurgence of the standalone novel in the near future?
These days, the term trope is often used as a sign of derision, but not all tropes are bad! There … More
Poetry hasn’t always been my thing. Then, I spent a year and a half reading slush for an online Americana … More
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series has led to an explosion of YA speculative fiction that explores mythology and folktales through the adventures of modern-day characters. What made this subgenre so popular? And who are some authors to pick up after Percy Jackson? And how has the genre expanded to feature non-Western mythologies?
WRITING TIPS & WRITERLY MUSINGS 