(Click the image for the large version)

This incredible cover was done by artist Dawne Dominique. It’s my first ever book cover… very exciting!

While I’m here, I also now have my panel schedule for Conclave:

The Death of the American Author – Fri 6:30pm-8:00pm – Ballroom 5
Ebooks. Anyone with a computer can format a novel and sell it on Amazon for download. What does this mean for the future of books, for the future of publishing? Why should it matter? Do we need to redefine what constitutes of literature? And will the democratizing of publishing redefine what is what it means to be a writer and a reader?

Self-Promotion and Networking – Fri. 8:00pm-9:00pm – Ballroom 5
It’s not just about the promoting writing, it’s about promoting yourself, whether it’s in search of a new job, or keeping the one you have. What is your digital footprint? How can you clean it up? How can you get people to “like” you online? What are some do’s and don’ts for Twitter and Facebook? How can you build a circle of professional and personal contacts?

When Should a Series End? – Sun 10:00am-11:30am – Ballroom 5
With a new novel in the Harry Dresden series, and an ending of the Harry Potter and Twilight series, the question must be asked: is there some point where a writer needs to close the door and move on? Should Laurel K. Hamilton or Charlaine Harris bring their series to a close? Did Stephen King do one Dark Tower too many? Should 007 put away his Walther PPK and take a desk job?

What Makes A Book Unreadable? – Sun 2:00pm-3:30pm – Ballroom 5
Bad grammar? Bad characters? Bad ideas? Each person has their own ideas as to what constitutes acceptable fiction, but are there some deal-breakers? And do we hold different standards for books based on film or video-games, or other existing franchises? And should we? Should we be more demanding? Or are we programmed to feed at the corporate trough? Is bad literature a statement about our culture? Is it what we deserve?

Hope to see you there!