When Words Collide 2026

Writers live by Copyright, it is a fundamental principal of our existence. But it is often only vaguely understood.

What is it? Where did it come from and how did it develop? What rights do I have and how far do they extend? How and when should I negotiate these rights? What are similar rights? What is fair use? What is public domain? How do I know when I am infringing? Or when I am infringed upon? There are books and libraries of books written on the subject, and there are decades of court decisions. We can't make you an expert. But this Crash Course can teach you enough of the basics to navigate your way through the business of writing, and give you the tools to make decisions.

Join Cipher in the games room and try out some board games, meet people, and chat.

Plus, if you are interested, play or learn to play Magic the Gathering. We will have a few sets of cards available, but if you play - bring yours and join us!

***Please note that Masterclasses are add-ons that require pre-registration and a separate payment. Masterclasses are only available to Festival Passholders. Adding to your SCHED schedule does not mean you are registered for the class.***

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When are you actually ready to write your mystery novel? You have an idea, a theme, or a moment—but no idea how to proceed forming that inspiration into a story. Or you’re three-quarters through your manuscript and have the sneaking suspicion that something isn’t quite the way it should be. But you don’t know what ‘should be’ is.
 
This session cuts through the uncertainty with ten signs that show when you can confidently move forward; no matter if you are going from vague concept to first draft or from finished manuscript to polished plot. You can break through the chaos of conflicting advice, assumed obstacles and disconnected information with some structural understanding and insider secrets. 
 
You don't need a complete outline or the perfect twist—but you do need key fundamentals. This talk reveals what those fundamentals are and why they matter. Missing a few? You'll know exactly which skills to develop next. No guesswork, no overwhelm. Each sign points you towards concrete techniques you can learn and apply immediately. This session guides you, step by step, through some well-known and some lesser-known mystery writing basics to keep you inspired and on track while writing your murder mystery.