For those of you attending the Shore Leave Convention this weekend in Hunt Valley, Md., here is a quick run-down of where and when to catch up with me at the show.

UPDATE: The “Upcoming Star Trek Books” panel has been rescheduled for Saturday at 5PM.

UPDATE 2: Room assignments have changed all around, and I’ve got one more panel on Sunday.

UPDATE 3: This one is big news! A limited number of copies of my new Star Trek 50th Anniversary novel Legacies, Book 2: Best Defense will be available at Shore Leave this weekend, ahead of the official July 26 publication date!

Friday — July 15, 2016

“Where Do Writers Start?”
7PM–8PM, Derby Room

You’re finally ready to start writing. You sit down at your computer, open a blank document—and freeze. You have absolutely no idea what to do next. We’re here to help! We’ll offer tips on how to start your story and how to prepare before you even type the first word.

Panelists: Howard Weinstein (M), David Mack, Stephen Kozeniewski, Aaron Rosenberg, Jeff Lang, John Coffren, Melissa Scott

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Meet the Pros
10PM–Midnight, Hunt Valley Corridor

Come down to the lower level of the hotel, buy books from retailer Novel Spaces, then get them autographed. I’ll be there to sign books, chat, and chew bubble gum, and I expect to be all out of bubble gum.

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Saturday – July 16, 2016

“Crossing Genres”
4PM–5PM, Belmont Room

Are you a sci-fi writer aiming to cross into fantasy? An adult fiction writer hoping to cross into YA or children’s lit? Are you looking to write a noir/sci-fi mash-up? We’ll discuss genre switch-ups, whether you’re aiming to try something new or writing a story that doesn’t fit into a traditional category.

Panelists: Glenn Hauman (M), Roberta Rogow, David Harten Watson, Greg Cox, David Mack, Peter David, Melissa Scott

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“Upcoming Star Trek Books”
5PM–6PM, Salon A

There are a lot of novels and other Star Trek books coming out for the original series’ 50th anniversary and in 2017. Our author guests give you a look at what’s coming down the pike.

Panelists: Greg Cox (M), Dayton Ward, David Mack, Christopher L. Bennett, Scott Pearson

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Sunday – July 17, 2016

“The Dos and Don’ts of Research”
11AM–Noon, Salon E

Learn how to conduct effective research for fiction projects, how to organize your information, and how to know when to stop researching and start writing.

Panelists: Howard Weinstein (M), David Mack, Roberta Rogow, Jenifer Rosenberg, Jeff Lang, T.A. Chafin, Melissa Scott

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“Collaboration: Writing as a Team Project”
1PM–2PM, Salon E

Our panel of professional authors discuss the rewards, drawbacks, methods, and challenges of writing in collaboration on projects large and small.

Panelists: Greg Cox (M), Dayton Ward, David Mack, Paula M. Block, Terry J. Erdmann, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, T.A. Chafin