Science fiction and fantasy stories don't rely purely on action and adventure, but also on mysteries and riddles. New magic systems and future technologies are also enigmas that readers love to solve. This workshop will offer tips to help writers craft engaging puzzles and intriguing magic systems central to their story, pace the reveals and clues, and keep readers guessing.

Instructor

Originally from Taiwan, Dr. Tony Pi is a Toronto-based writer with a Ph.D. in Linguistics. A past nominee for the Aurora Awards, he is again nominated this year in two categories: Best English Short Fiction (for "No Sweeter Art", set in Song Dynasty China) and Best English Poem/Song ("A Hex, With Bees", based on the I Ching). He is also a past finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and a second place winner of the Writers of the Future Contest. He has been published in Ricepaper, Clarkesworld Magazine, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and many other venues.