The GenreCon program is being finalised and going to print at the end of this week, which means we’ll have the full details online by the end of the coming weekend. Since we know there are a lot of people who are eager to start planning their weekend, we’re making a draft version of the program timetable available for download.

Most of the items listed are pretty close to final, although we’re still locking down a handful of details and participants may have changed in the final version. To tide you over until the final version goes live, we’re also going to release the details of some confirmed events.

Cutlasses and Kimonos Banquet

Saturday, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: $59; Location: Rydges South Bank, 9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane

On Saturday night we relocate to the dining room at Rydges South Bank for the Cutlasses and Kimono’s banquet. We invite you to frock up in the costume of your choice and interpret the banquet’s theme in the manner best suited to your favourite genre. The evening will be hosted by our special guest, Kate Cuthbert, and feature a special presentation by author and Terribleminds blogger Chuck Wendig.

Banquet tickets must be pre-ordered prior to the conference. They will not be available once online registration is closed.

Panel Previews

Saturday, October 12
1:30pm – 2:30pm

UNDERSTANDING OTHER GENRES (AND STEALING THE BEST BITS)
Location: QWC Learning Centre

What happens when you combine fantasy with detective fiction? Romance with sci-fi? Historical fiction and the conventions of a high-tech thriller? Whether you’re itching to work in a hybrid genre or simply borrowing a few tropes to spice up your latest project, our panellists are here to help you understand how genres work and what you can learn stealing the best bits of other genres.

Chair: Patrick O’Duffy; Participants: Sandy Curtis, Kate Cuthbert, Kim Wilkins

WRITING FAST
Location: Auditorium 1

Steven King writes 2,000 words a day. Rachel Aaron talks about hitting 10,000 words in twenty four hours. Join our panellists as they discuss productivity, project management, when speed truly matters, and why writers are so obsessed with word-counts.

Chair: Denise Rossetti; Participants: Charlotte Nash, Anita Heiss, Anne Gracie

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
2:30pm – 3:30pm

DIGITAL FIRSTS
Location: QWC Learning Centre

Digital First publishers and imprints are emerging across Australia and the world, launching the careers of emerging writers and providing new options for those already published. We bring together three writers who’ve launched books via digital first imprints to discuss their experiences and advice for working with a digital publisher.

Chair: Simon Groth; Participants: Rebekah Turner, Amanda Bridgeman, Amy Andrews

THE JUGGLING ACT
Location: Auditorium 2

Every writer performs a juggling act, keeping the creative and business side of their career in the air along with the demands of family, friends, other jobs, and more. How do keep it all moving and stay productive? If you have to drop a ball, which one goes first? Our panellists discuss the realities of managing your practice and writing career when life keeps throwing you obstacles.

Chair: Tehani Wessley; Participants: Gracie McGregor, Chuck Wendig, Lisa Hannett

 Workshop Preview

BEYOND RIPPLING MUSCLES AND UZI 9mms
Location: Auditorium 1

Some might accuse the action movies of the 80s and 90s era of being campy, with cheesy one-liners and predictable plots. But these films are also enduringly popular and work just as well now as they did back then. The reason? Look carefully, and you will find a treasure trove of memorable characters and engaging plots, so often overlooked in today’s CGI overloaded action films. CHARLOTTE NASH and REBEKAH TURNER examine how these classic movies can teach us the art of storytelling. Our core films are: The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), Predator (1987), Die Hard (1988), Speed (1984), and The Matrix (1999).

SAY IT WITH FEELING
Location: Auditorium 2

You’ve written your masterpiece. A publisher has bought it and now it is time is attend your launch. Or do a reading from your book. Or even just stand in front of a crowd and talk. Many authors do themselves a disservice by not focussing on this increasingly essential part of promotion. Reading an extract from your book shouldn’t be scary and there is no need sound like you have escaped from the BBC’s radiophonic workshop in the 1960s. Join DAMON CAVALCHINI as he takes you through some simple hints and tips to help you sell yourself and your book.