All about books at NASW this November

The National Association of Science Writers will be getting together in my backyard over in New Haven in November. The lineup is coming together nicely. I pitched in a little on organizing two sessions on books, which I think will be fantastic. (I’m on one of the panels, but it would still be fantastic if I were bound and gagged in the corner.)

Here are the book sessions:

Great science writing part I: How I found that story
TIME: Saturday, November 6th, 9:15 am – 10:45 am

SPEAKERS:
Misha Angrist
Maryn McKenna
Annie Paul
Douglas Starr
Brian Switek

MODERATOR: Mariette DiChristina

Finding the right story idea at the right time is an elusive art, and turning an idea into a compelling story is a challenge for even the best of writers. All-star science writers explain how they chose story ideas that inspire them and their readers, and how the story evolved in the process.

…and in the afternoon:

Great science writing, part II: How great ideas become best-sellers
TIME: Saturday, November 6th, 2:15 pm – 3:45 pm

SPEAKERS:
KC Cole
Jennifer Ouellette
Charles Seife
Jonathan Weiner
Carl Zimmer (NOTE: BEING BOUND AND GAGGED TO BE CONFIRMED)

MODERATOR: Lee Hotz

Just having a great idea isn’t enough. Today a science writer must know how to write stories with compelling narratives that lure readers. They also need to reach those readers on multiple platforms, including the Web and social media. Masters of the art read from their work, and explain how they popularize science without dumbing down or selling out.

That’s not all! I’m organizing a public reading at Yale by some wonderful science book authors from 4 to 6 pm on Friday, November 5. So if you’re coming to NASW, you may want to take that early train. Details to come.