Ongoing Events
Blades in the Dark: The Case of the Cindered Seal
A series of Speculate 2.0’s actual play episodes using the Blades in the Dark system, in a joint production with Gregory A. Wilson’s Twitch channel. Brandon O’Brien GMs the crew of Michael R. Underwood, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin as they explore a cultist mystery in the city of Duskwall. New episodes once a month.
Next episode: December 20th at 7pm EST on Twitch
Upcoming Events
Given the current pandemic situation, all upcoming events are virtual; there are no in-person events being planned for the foreseeable future.
Book Boot Camp: How to Write a Novel Fast
Saturday, January 16th at 2:00pm EST
Writing a book can be a logistical and emotional challenge. Author Valerie Valdes shares techniques and tools to help you commit to and follow through on finishing a novel in a short time frame.
Thursday, January 21st at 6:30pm EST
The people who bring you HNN author events are now starting a writer’s group! Meet with established authors to learn from them about the craft, learn what the publishing world is like, talk with people on how to get past your creative blocks, or ask how to build your world. Featuring Randy Gravitt and Valerie Valdes, presented by the Newnan Carnegie Library.
Completing a Novel in a Short Time Frame
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 from 7-8:30pm EST (4-5:30pm PST)
This workshop covers how to prep for and make it through a noveling marathon over a short, fixed time period (such as 60 days or eight weeks!). It includes time management strategies, self-analysis tools to maximize productivity, typical emotional trajectories the writer might experience and how to handle them, rewards and incentives, and other tips and tricks to get from idea to finished draft as quickly and smoothly as possible. It will also include exercises designed to help you leave with a solid plan for how to start or complete your own project.
Past Events
Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at 12pm EST
Featuring Mur Lafferty, Casey Lucas-Quaid, Vida Cruz, Coral Alejandra Moore and Valerie Valdes.
Experience “Blades in the Dark”
Friday, December 11th, 2020 at 8pm EST
The Strange Friends crew brings new characters to a one-shot that showcases the heist-filled fun of Blades in the Dark. Featuring GM Brandon O’Brien, Michael R. Underwood, Valerie Valdes, Iori Kusano, and Jeoi Gawain Lin.
Rituals for Moving On From 2020
Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 at 12pm EST
Featuring Valerie Valdes, S.L. Huang, Gray Miller and Jamie Dillion.
New Voices from Orbit 2020 Reddit AMA
Tuesday, December 8 through Wednesday, December 9
Head over to Reddit r/Fantasy to ask me and other Orbit authors your questions about life, the universe and everything.
Soundclash: The Clampdown Fundraiser
Sunday, November 22nd, 2020 at 10:00am EST
A fundraiser to help improve the production of an all-BIPOC cast actual-play of a brand new game, with Brandon O’Brien and a bunch of cool folks.
Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WCXPGRspyU&feature=emb_title
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Live Author Panel
Friday, November 20th, 2020 at 3:30pm EST
Organized by the South Hampton public library in collaboration with Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
RoberCon (all times EDT)
Saturday, September 26th, 2020
- 11:00am: Speculative Poetry: Tips for Writing the Best Verse in the ‘Verse
- 3:00pm: Speculative Poetry Reading: Dramatic Journeys to Unknown Realms
- 4:00pm: Sprint to the Finish: Completing a Novel in a Short Time Frame
Sunday, September 27th, 2020
- 11:00am: From the Mind to the Story: Making the Journey of Ideas Smoother
- 4:00pm: Hooked to Our Screens: Video Games in the Time of COVID-19
Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, 4pm-10pm
Karen Osborne and Valerie Valdes host a virtual literary house party to celebrate their book releases. Scheduled to appear are: Andrea Stewart, Marina Lostetter, Mike Chen, Megan O’Keefe, C.L. Polk, K.B. Wagers and Michael R. Underwood, with more guests to be announced.
- Friday, August 21st at 8:00pm EDT: BIPOC Round Table
- Saturday, August 22nd at 12:00pm EDT: The Ever-Expanding Universe of Space Operas
- Sunday, August 23rd at 1:00pm EDT: Reading
Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 7:00pm EDT
Hosted by the Newnan Carnegie Library, featuring Valerie Valdes, Pat McKee and Angie Gallion. Each author will share about themselves, their writing journey, and their latest book(s). Books will be available to purchase from the Carnegie or Corner Arts Gallery & Studios.
R.A. Salvatore In Conversation
Sunday, August 16 at 10:00am EDT
A virtual panel at ReedPop Metaverse with Salvatore in conversation with author Valerie Valdes (Prime Deceptions) as they discuss the highly anticipated release of the final book in the Drizzt trilogy, Relentless (Legend of Drizzt: Generations #3) and their mutual love affair with fantasy and games in general.
- Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 8:00pm EDT: Reading
- Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 8:00pm EDT: Kaffeklatsch
- Friday, July 31, 2020 at 11:00pm EDT: Not Your Parents’ Space Opera
- Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 8:00pm EDT: In Space No One Can See You Hide the Evidence: Crimes in Space
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 6:30pm EDT
A virtual reading and conversation with Michael R. Underwood (Annihilation Aria) and Valerie Valdes.
Friday, July 24, 2020 from 3:00pm – 4:00pm PDT (6:00pm – 7:00pm EDT)
Galaxy Grrls, or the Female and Non-Binary Authors who Bridge the new Frontier of Space Fiction
Featuring Nicky Drayden (Escaping Exodus), Marina Lostetter (Noumenon Ultra), Jessie Mihalik (Chaos Reigning), Valerie Valdes (Chilling Effect), and K.B. Wagers (A Pale Light in the Black).
May 16, 2020
- 12pm: When Conflict Becomes Combat
- 9pm: Reading
May 17, 2020
- 11am: Plot & Revision
- 1pm: Infinity and Beyond
- 9pm: #Squadgoals: Group Dynamics in Fiction
Note: all times are in ET (UTD-4). Check the website directly to see the schedule converted to your time zone.
New York Comic Con
October 5th, 2019 at 1:30pm
Room 1A18
Magic Space Opera/Science Fantasy panel
Book Release
September 17th, 2019 at 6:30pm
Books & Books at Suniland Shops
11297 South Dixie Highway
Pinecrest, FL 33156
Phone: 786-552-3290
Cancelled Events
Atlanta Science Fiction and Fantasy Expo
March 15, 2020 at 3:00pm
How to Write a Novel in 30 Days
North DeKalb Mall
2050 Lawrenceville Hwy
Southwest corner of N. Druid Hills Rd. and Lawrenceville Hwy.
Decatur, GA 30033
March 20, 2020 at 5:00pm
Can We Build a Better Society Beyond Earth
Spring 2020 Emerging Writers Showcase
March 28, 2020 at 1:00pm
Fayette County Library
1821 Heritage Pkwy
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Phone: 770-461-8841