Valerie Valdes

Speaker & Moderator

Valerie Valdes’s work has been featured in Uncanny Magazine, Magic: the Gathering, and numerous anthologies. Her debut novel CHILLING EFFECT was shortlisted for the 2021 Arthur C. Clarke Award, and was also named one of Library Journal’s best SF/fantasy novels of 2019. Her space fantasy novel, WHERE PEACE IS LOST, was named a 2024 Reading List Council honor title. Writing as Lia Amador, her first contemporary fantasy romance novel, WITCH YOU WOULD, was published by Avon Books in September 2025.

10:00AM - 11:30AM EDT

Saturday July 11th

Predicting the Future: Where Science Fiction Could Explore Next

Science fiction is often a way for authors to explore real life scientific possibilities in imaginary circumstances, and sometimes these fictional stories accurately predict the future! Join this panel to see what our authors think the genre is going next. (Moderator: Adria Bailton)

2:30PM - 3:30PM EDT

Saturday July 11th

Crafting a Killer Opening (LIVE)

LIVE VIA ZOOM - Gothic suspense author Paulette Kennedy presents a webinar on crafting a "killer" opening, using examples from a variety of genres, helping you learn to apply compelling elements to your opening chapters that will hook readers and keep them invested. She'll cover opening lines, pacing and voice, whether or not to include a prologue, and more. After watching this presentation, you'll have the confidence to craft your own killer opening. (Moderator: Valerie Valdes)

7:00PM - 8:30PM EDT

Saturday July 11th

Cozy Stories and Why They Matter

Cozy stories have been on the rise in recent years. Join our panel of cozy authors to explore why this is, how to write an effective cozy story, and where the future of cozy stories might be heading next. (Moderator: Valerie Valdes)

10:00AM - 11:30AM EDT

Sunday July 12th

What Writers Should Know about Libraries from Librarians

Libraries are an important resource for readers but for writers as well! Learn about what they can offer you including hosting your book on their shelves, holding promotional events, and other benefits you might not have thought about! (Moderator: Valerie Valdes)