Did I mention this event is totally free? 

The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Line-Up

We worked really hard to put together a diverse and interesting set of interviews that covered all aspects of writing and publishing science fiction and fantasy. But even if Sci-Fi/Fantasy isn’t your jam, you can still get a lot of good information and advice from these interviews.

Here is our line-up and little bit of information about each interview:

Introduction to Speculative Fiction: Interview with Ada Palmer

In this interview, Ada and Gabriela discuss why human beings need and want an origin story. They also developed a working definition for sci-fi, fantasy, magical realism, and horror. They talk about the role and influence of history in speculative fiction. Ada explains what she means when she says history doesn’t repeat itself. Ada also talks about why she believes sci-fi and fantasy are great tools for galvanizing activism.

Story Structure in a Time Travel Narrative: Interview with Constance Sayers

In this interview, Constance and Gabriela discuss why she wrote in a linear manner as opposed to interlocking the narratives and how she avoided getting overwhelmed when writing multiple storylines. Constance talks about the writerly devices she used to connect her characters as they developed. She also explains her decision to use multiple points of view to create closeness. Constance and Gabriela discuss ways her book differs from a pure time travel narrative. Lastly, they talk about Constance’s intentional use of different locations throughout her novel.

Whose Story Is It? Point of View in a Dystopian Tale: Interview with Rob Hart

In this interview, Rob and Gabriela discuss how his start in journalism helped his later career as an author. They also talk about correlations between a smash Broadway musical and matters of storytelling. Rob explains his method for playing three point of view characters off each other and why fiction can be a more powerful vehicle for tackling heavy concepts. They discuss what happens when the speculative aspects of fiction meet reality. Lastly, Rob talks about his method for collecting and organizing ideas for future Sci-Fi/Fantasy projects.

The Politics of Voice: Interview with Curdella Forbes

In this interview, Curdella and Gabriela discuss how a relative’s storytelling style influenced her approach to her writing and what books and stories were a large part of her formative years. Curdella reveals which Nobel-winning author she is often compared to (and why she doesn’t mind!). They talk about why the Caribbean provides such a rich background for telling stories. They also discuss how magical realism has elements of sci-fi and what question they have in common. Curdella shares her advice for seamlessly using vernacular throughout her story.

Creating Dynamic Characters through Conflict: Interview with Fonda Lee

In this interview, Fonda and Gabriela talk about why speculative fiction is more character-driven than many people think and how dynamics between characters can ripple in or ripple out to create conflict. Fonda explains the advantages (and challenges) of writing multiple points of view in fantasy. Fonda talks about what role status can play in creating three-dimensional characters. They discuss why you should put your characters in situations where there are no good choices. Lastly, they talk about the differences and similarities between antagonists and villains.

World Building in Noir Fantasy: Interview with Dan Stout

In this interview, Dan and Gabriela talk about how similes and metaphors can become more powerful in fantasy novels. They discuss the importance of small touches in world building and how to use them effectively, and why world building is like going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Dan gives advice on ways to balance the fantastical and common elements of a mixed-genre plot. Dan also shares how he created a non-episodic sequel to his noir novel. Dan gives his take on writing book two and avoiding the sophomore slump.

Cracking the Code of Middle Grade Sci-Fi: Interview with Nicole Valentine

In this interview, Nicole and Gabriela identify the intersection between sci-fi and fantasy and the difference between hard and soft sci-fi. They explore how writing for Middle Grade readers differs from writing for adult readers. Nicole explains the research process for her book and the ways it resembled planning a bank heist. Nicole and Gabriela also talk about why being a programmer prepared her for becoming an author. Nicole shares her thoughts on the healing powers of wonder and awe and how to provide that in books. Finally, Nicole talks about what she is doing to close the gender gap in Upper Middle Grade fiction.

Crossing Boundaries and Managing Reader Expectations: Interview with Leanna Nicole Hieber

In this interview, Leanna identifies which classic author was her gateway to spooky, paranormal fiction. Leanna and Gabriela talk about how she juggles being at the intersection of multiple genres. Leanna shares her method for managing reader expectations. Leanna and Gabriela discuss why it was so important to create a diverse cast set in a historically repressive period and what she does to create an immersive world without creating an info dump. Lastly, Leanna talks about how she balances multiple jobs, how they interrelate, and why that’s useful.

Race, Capitalism, and the Multiverse: Interview with Micaiah Johnson

In this interview, Micaiah shares her writing process—and whether she is a planner or a pantser. Micaiah and Gabriela discuss why she likes her secondary characters more than her main characters. They also talk about how an outsider status can provide clarity through increased observation. They also discuss what made her focus on the haves and the have nots in her novel. Also, Micaiah reveals why she chose to break her world’s rules by the end of chapter two. Finally, they discuss genre harvesting and how that helped her create some great plot twists.

A Publishing Imprint of One: Interview with Glynn Stewart

In this interview, Glynn and Gabriela discuss why he shifted his thinking about self-publishing and how that made all the difference. Glynn shares what it means to write as creative versus as commodity and the third path he chose. They share tips on how to connect with your ideal readers, even ones who aren’t able to find you easily. Glynn reveals his process for doing due diligence when he writes diverse points of view. Glynn and Gabriela talk about the possibilities for creating unexpected non-human characters in your stories. They also discuss how he manages to be so prolific, while also maintaining the quality of his work.

Craft Your Career and Build a Body of Work: Interview with Chuck Wendig

In this interview, Chuck and Gabriela discuss how his latest book ultimately broke his writing process—and why that’s good. They share tips on what writers can do to create a separate space for their writing if they can’t leave home. Chuck talks about why social media doesn’t actually help make sales and what it does instead. They talk about the need for writers to take more ownership of the business side of their career. Chuck reveals how he stays informed on the latest in publishing and how to discern what is worthwhile. Lastly, they talk about why it’s important to evolve and modulate your voice throughout your Sci-Fi/Fantasy writing career.

Whew! That was a lot of ground! So many awesome Sci-Fi/Fantasy writers! I hope you’ll sign up one or more of those interviews. Again, you can sign up by clicking here. But don’t delay—sign-ups close on December 6. If you have any questions about the summit, don’t hesitate to email support@DIYMFA.

Lori Walker is the Operations Maven at DIY MFA. Though she’s fallen off the wagon as a writer, she’s hoping to return to writing essays (perhaps even a novel!) through her involvement with DIY MFA. She also teaches yoga part-time in Smalltown, Oklahoma, where she lives with her husband and their cat, Joan Didion. You can follow her on Instagram at @LoriTheWriter.

The post Writer Igniter Sci-Fi/Fantasy Summit appeared first on DIY MFA.

On Friday night, I clicked “send” on the email to my publisher containing the DIY MFA manuscript. Cue happy dance in 3… 2… 1…

There is still a lot of editing and other work to do before it’s ready for launch, but I’m very excited about this milestone and wanted to share it with you. Plus, one thing I always say is that writers must celebrate their wins.

Will you come celebrate this one with me?

Last week’s webinar was such a success and so much fun, my team and I thought we’d run it again, only this time with a twist. I’ll do a reprise of my “Get The Most Out of a Writing Conference” presentation, but I’m adding something to it. I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at how conferences have been instrumental in making this DIY MFA book a reality.

During the Presentation, You’ll Learn…

• The #1 thing you can do at a conference to propel your writing career forward.
• Top tips to get the most out of the experience, before, during and after the conference.
• The biggest mistake writers make when attending events or conferences.

At the end of the Open House event, I’ll open up for Q&A and also introduce you to some other members of the Writer Igniter Con team. In the last few minutes, I’ll tell you a little bit about Writer Igniter Con, which is this coming weekend! Oh, and make sure you stay to the very end because I have a super-secret surprise. (Hint: it may involve a sneak peek at the DIY MFA book cover…)

To register for the Open House, just sign up with your email below.If you signed up for last week’s Open House, you don’t have to do a thing. You’ll get the info for this open house automatically.

Webinar and Open House

Monday, October 19
8pm ET / 5pm PT

Sign up with your email below.

 Plus, there’s a Giveaway!

Enter the raffle for a chance to win a ticket to Writer Igniter Con, and other great prizes! Earn extra entries by tweeting about the conference and helping to spread the word.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post OMG, Come Celebrate With Me! appeared first on DIY MFA.

Drumroll please…

DIY MFA is hosting its first ever online writing conference! I have been a combination of nervous and excited about this announcement and I haven’t been able to keep my head on straight for the past few weeks. Now the big day is here and I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce Writer Igniter Con 2015.

This event is going to be extra-special because I’m carefully crafting and curating it from beginning to end. All of the talks will be given by members of the DIY MFAt team hand-picked and trained by yours truly. Plus, the sessions are organized so that each one builds on the material that came before. My goal isn’t to cram everything into this event, but to teach you the most important things. Finally, unlike other conferences that might overwhelm you with a ton of information, this Writer Ignite Con is designed to make you take action. By the end of the weekend you will have a crystal-clear plan about what to do next and how to apply the information.

To learn more about Writer Igniter Con or to register, head on over the conference registration page. We’ve got some limited early action bonuses (including critique spots!) so hurry and claim yours before they’re gone.

Curious about sessions?

Check out the handy-dandy infographic below.

Plus, there’s a giveaway!

Running an event like this has been a dream of mine since I first started DIY MFA. To celebrate this milestone, I’m running a giveaway. Prizes include one-on sessions with some members of the DIY MFA team, enrollment in the DIY MFA flagship course, and free registration for this conference. Earn extra entries by tweeting, pinning, and helping to spread the word about Writer Igniter Con. The giveaway is now officially open.

Join using the widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember, there’s a limited number of early action bonuses so don’t wait: register now. Also, you can get extra entries by tweeting this event (one tweet per day), so the sooner you start spreading the word, the more entries you can earn.

Hope to see you at Writer Igniter Con in October.

Keep writing and keep being awesome!

The post Announcing Writer Igniter Con! appeared first on DIY MFA.

With this new look, it means that we’ve made lots of changes to the format at DIY MFA. Read on for details about the new-and-improved version.

A Word About Change

Change can be scary–or at the very least–uncomfortable. Personally, I’m not a huge fan. In fact, I usually resist even the smallest of changes, kicking and screaming and tearing my hair out. OK, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.

The truth is, I don’t have time for change. (Who does?) I like to know that my favorite breakfast cereal is sitting in that same spot in the supermarket aisle so that I can swoop it up without thinking as I zip toward check-out. I haven’t changed my Starbucks order in ages because I like not having to think about all those options. Not thinking is key, especially when it’s first thing in the morning and my brain is only half awake.

And I like websites that keep things the same. Some sites are almost pathological in their need to update and change things (ahem, Facebook) and it feels like just when I’ve started getting used to a new format, BOOM! there’s some crazy upgrade that throws me for a loop. I don’t like figuring out a new system or layout; it slows me down or worse, frustrates me because I can’t make the site do what I want it to do.

Most of all, change means taking the time to understand whatever that new thing is. We’re all busy people. Time is a lot to ask.

Since there there are so many new things at DIY MFA, let me give you a two-minute tour. I’ll walk you through some of the cool new features and point out the important landmarks so that when you have time to amble through the new site, you’ll know which things you won’t want to miss. Sound like a plan?

New and Improved DIY MFA

We’ve redesigned the homepage so that whether you’re new to DIY MFA or you’ve been following the program for a while, you’ll always see what’s new and important front and center. The latest articles will be featured on the front page. When we start launching products and courses you’ll find the newest ones on the homepage as well.

If you haven’t already signed up for our mailing list, you can click here or enter your email in the sidebar. As a thank you, we’ll send you a free DIY MFA Starter Kit. You’ll also get our newsletter, Writer Fuel, which means each week you’ll get an in-depth look at a topic related to writing that’s getting the most buzz, plus you’ll get additional goodies you won’t find on the site.

Finally, don’t forget to check out the Writer Igniter, our very own DIY MFA web app! Just click over to the page and hit the shuffle button and it will randomly generate a story prompt for you, like magic!

Now that I’ve given you the rundown of the most important features, go ahead and explore the site. If you’re viewing this in a RSS reader, click through so you can see the new look!  And if you like what you see, please tell your friends by hitting one of the “share” buttons below.

To those about to write, I salute you.
To everybody else, I suggest you stay out of our way.

The post New Features at DIY MFA appeared first on DIY MFA.