Mad, Biting Cows Threaten Writers’ Track Audience

Tales of biting cows threatened to turn otherwise tame writers feral during a Writers’ Track research panel on Sunday afternoon. What could have been a deadly dull panel on research dos and don’ts became an amusing showcase of research disasters. Among the research mistakes described by panelists were pregnant mules and a bizarre magical village perched atop an active volcano. Perils of dialect usage also engendered a lively discussion. Research mistakes were touted as an opportunity for creative prevarication. One panelist said, “We are all liars; our job is to lie so well, we transport you away.” Novice moderator Nancy Northcott commented that the panel was especially easy to moderate since all the panelists had so much to contribute.

Author of the article

Amy L. Herring (Louise Herring-Jones) writes speculative fiction, with a preference for historical fantasy and alternate mystery. Her stories, appearing in fourteen anthologies, include “The Poulterer’s Tale” in God Bless Us, Every One—Christmas Carols beyond Dickens (Voodoo Rumors Media). Amy coordinates the HSV Writers’ group in Huntsville, AL. Visit her online at http://www.louiseherring-jones.com.