S. Morgan Burbank

Speaker & Moderator

S. Morgan Burbank (they/them) is a writer whose works focus on the topics of mental health, sexuality, love, and relationships, told through the lens of varying genres. Their debut novel, Kotov Syndrome, was the 2021 Queer Indie Awards winner for Best Dystopian Novel, while its much awaited sequel, Woodpusher, released in January 2024.

7:30PM - 9:00PM EDT

Saturday July 11th

Master Class on Writing Dystopian Literature

Dystopian stories are opportunities for authors to explore what could be -- or what shouldn't be. This panel defines dystopian literature and its tropes, themes, and how it is related to science fiction and post-apocalyptic stories. (Moderator: Sean Morrissey Carroll)

2:30PM - 4:00PM EDT

Sunday July 12th

Trains are Awesome: Transportation in Fiction

Moving a character from one location to the next can be as easy as writing, "They left and then they arrived," but there are also plenty of opportunities for development and worldbuilding during these scene changes! This panel discusses how to get your character where they need to go, literally and metaphorically. (Moderator: S. Morgan Burbank)

6:30PM - 8:00PM EDT

Sunday July 12th

What to Know about Political Writing

What does it mean for your writing to be "political"? And is all art inherently political? Join our panel for a discussion about intention, the purpose of art, and taking a stand. (Moderator: S. Morgan Burbank)