Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? Getting published? Maybe you’re halfway through your WIP, or just scribbling worldbuilding notes between panels. Wherever you are on your writing journey, Eastercon is here to cheer you on—and help you grow.

From its earliest days, Eastercon has been a place where professional creators and fans who love stories come together. It’s long been a stepping stone for writers, where the love of the creation and the craft join with curiosity about how stories work which in turn turns into confidence about how you can write your own.

This year’s Eastercon (in Belfast, April 18-21) is packed with panels, workshops, and talks designed specifically for aspiring writers. Whether you’re after honest industry advice, craft tips, or just a creative boost, the support and knowledge is here—and it’s being shared by people who’ve walked this path themselves.

And best of all? You’re not just in the audience—you’re part of the conversation. Most sessions include Q&A, so bring your questions, your curiosity, and your love of storytelling.

Some panels you won’t want to miss include:

• “Publishing, Pitfalls, and Persistence” – Learn from horror legend Stephen Jones about what it takes to make it as a writer or editor.
• “Bad Endings and How to Avoid Them” – Find out how to stick the landing, even in a trilogy!
• “Switching Genres as an Author” – Discover what happens when writers shift from fantasy to crime to romance and back again.
• “Writing Comedy in SFF” – A joyful dive into one of the trickiest (and most rewarding) parts of speculative fiction.
• “Taking a Toll? Chronic Illness and Creative Work” – A heartfelt discussion about navigating creativity when health gets tough.

And so many more—including panels on writing the body, literary criticism, and unreliable narrators!

Then there is an amazing selection of Workshops to help develop and encourage you whether you’re just getting started or deep into your tenth draft:

• “Overcoming Procrastination” – We’ve all been there. Let Emma Newman help you move forward.
• “Writing Queer People, Editing Queer People” – Talk representation, identity, and how to avoid pitfalls in queer storytelling.
• “The Journey of a Book” – From submission to publication, Luna Press’s Francesca Barbini takes you through it all.
• “What to Expect from a Sensitivity Read” – A friendly, clear-eyed look at how to approach this important step.

One of the best parts of Eastercon? The people. You’re surrounded by folks who get the weird joy of plotting time travel romance or figuring out how your dragon economy works: and they want to talk about it, possibly with diagrams! 

The authors and editors here remember what it was like to be in your shoes—and they want to help. The expertise to hand is staggering, with editors who have over forty years of work to their name, and it is not just talk these are people who love what they do and are not only *really* good at it but incredibly generous with their talent.

Writing can be tough. Publishing can be confusing. But you’re not alone. Come for the stories then stay for the support. Whether you’re just curious or already deep in your writer era, Eastercon is full of fans and professionals who are rooting for you. So, bring your notebook. Bring your questions. Bring that idea you haven’t told anyone about yet.

You belong here.

[Based on a press release.]

GUESTS OF HONOUR