Sponsored by: FictionAlley

Phoenix Rising's Artists and Authors Night will be a highlight of the various interactive programs offered by the Exploratory Programming team, which devises opportunities for conference attendees to experience the creative process through hands-on production. A complete schedule, including information about Artists and Authors Night, will be available next spring. In the meantime, we hope the information included below will give you an idea of the variety of programming in store.

The entire evening of Saturday, May 19, 2007 will be devoted to the creation of — and appreciation of — writing, art, and other crafts. In fact, attendees will take an active part in the evening's programming by presenting Harry Potter fanfiction or fanart, or by staffing our creative booths.

Booths: Artists, authors, art critiquers, and editors will staff a series of booths, for an hour at a time, and offer their services to attendees. Get a very short piece of fiction written to your request at the drabble booth, or have a bit of line art added to your name badge at the sketch booth. At the beta booth, have an editor become your second set of eyes for previously written fiction, and don't forget to stop by the art critique booth too for feedback on your fanart.

Drabble Night: Fanfiction author Starrysummer will host Drabble Night, where writers of all levels will meet the challenge: In exactly 100 words... With only fifteen minutes and 100 words to evoke a mood, set a scene, or tell a story, can it still be done? Attending writers will frantically attempt to scribble their short, short, short stories before time is up.

Drawble Night: Fanartist Jessica (_odella_) will host Drawble Night, a sketch-in for artists of all persuasions. Jessica (_odella_) will issue a series of challenges, from comedy to drama, for artists to draw within a limited amount of time.

Fanfiction Readings: Authors selected for participation may read from a single work, or a number of works, and discuss the creative process with the audience. The current list of works can be found here.

Favorite Things: It's open-mike night for those who love the Harry Potter books. Attendees can choose their favorite quote, paragraph, or page, and share it with others whose love of reading equals their own. Be sure to bring your books along!

Meet the Author: Published authors whose works relate to fan studies, fantasy, science fiction, young adult literature, the Harry Potter series and more will be on hand to read from and sign their books. Participating authors include George Beahm, Gina Burkart, Rachel Caine, Valerie Frankel, Henry Jenkins, and Mathilde Madden.

Paintbrush and Quill Society Meetup: The first one hundred registrants who add the Paintbrush and Quill Society to their registration are being matched up as teams of one artist and one author. These teams will turn in an illustrated work of fiction prior to Phoenix Rising, and their works will be on display as part of the gallery for all attendees to read and enjoy. At the meetup, the artists and authors will come together to meet in person and to discuss the collaborative process, including the challenges and rewards of working together online. The Paintbrush and Quill Society has filled its spaces for authors, but still seeks artists interested in collaborating on an illustrated story.

SpellCast: Sit in on a recording of FictionAlley's official podcast from Phoenix Rising. SpellCast features fanfic reviews, fandom news, tips and thoughts for artists, a Writer's Corner, and a new type of creativity - from knitting to vidding to conference organization - on each episode, and is working on something special for Phoenix Rising.

Wireless Web Network: Online archives and fan sites, communities, ships, and other groups will receive a complimentary table during Artists and Authors Night with any Phoenix Rising sponsorship. Use your table to promote your website or group, hand out trinkets, or conduct challenges. Offer attendees a chance to meet your staff, learn more about your online resources, and take part in whatever activities you choose to plan.

Other workshops, roundtable discussions, lectures, and programming related to the convergence of creativity and the Harry Potter series may also be scheduled on this evening.

Artists and Authors Night at Phoenix Rising is made possible by the generous sponsorship of FictionAlley, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and online website hosting fanfiction, fanart, discussions and essays on Harry Potter series, writing resources, and more.