Conference Schedule 2024

[ K E Y N O T E ]
Face the Facts

Whatever we face suggests its opposite—what we are unwilling to confront. Either way, a story emerges. The ironic nature of literature, whether dramatic or otherwise, is reflected in words that carry dual meanings or purposes. For this reason, these words often serve to express paradox. J.C. Hallman challenges the concept of “face” and its absence in nonfiction (Steinbeck), fiction (Salinger), and poetry, as he looks squarely at the fundamental truths of literature. As the poet says, “Your car is your face.” But what does she really mean?

Speaker: J.C. Hallman
Moderator: Barrie Sherwood

[ P A N E L ]
All Around Me Are Familiar Faces: Notes on Author Branding

In a literary world teeming with faces, how do you sculpt a unique visage that’s unmistakably yours? Whether you’re a fresh face striving to get your foot in the door or a seasoned author seeking new pathways, explore how to present your authentic self as an author brand, leverage social media to showcase your features, and leave a memorable impression in the publishing industry.

Speakers: Mindy Pang, Clarissa Goenawan, Jemimah Wei
Moderator: Lauren Ho

[ P A N E L ]
You Think You Know? Think Again: Varied Narratives

Theophilus Kwek, Meihan Boey, and Prasanthi Ram delve into the ‘face’ as a symbol of identity, perception, and transformation. They look at how various narrative forms—poetry, mythology, and the short story cycle—reveal the multifaceted nature of characters and their identities.

Moderator: Desmond Francis Xavier Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé

Portraits of the Past: Uncovering History’s Many Faces
Speaker: Theophilus Kwek

Compared to historical fiction writers, poets wield a different set of tools to bring the past to life. Yet they share the same purpose: both aim to revive historical characters and let them speak to the present. Drawing from his own practice and examples from Singapore literature, Theophilus Kwek explores how poets tackle the challenge of recreating voices from the past through one of the most ephemeral forms of writing – poetry.

Damn(ed), these Beautiful Faces!
Speaker: Meihan Boey

Vampires (think Dracula, Lestat, and Alucard), the Pontianak, sirens, and witches. They’re beautiful, seductive, yet oh so evil. We’re drawn to a compelling face, even when we know it spells trouble. Is a beautiful monster more acceptable than an ugly one? Meihan Boey discusses how a beautiful face can mask a monstrous soul and why the allure of these hypnotic monsters captivates us to the point of no return.

Face to Face(s): Encountering the Short Story Cycle’s Infinite Possibilities
Speaker: Prasanthi Ram

Prasanthi Ram explores how the short story cycle, by rejecting the novel’s “fixed centrality” (Driss 60), serves as an ideal genre for delving into a character’s multifaceted nature. Through an analysis of her debut work, Nine Yard Sarees (2023), she demonstrates in this practice-led research paper how the short story cycle is particularly useful in presenting contradictory or difficult characters who may intentionally construct facades of themselves to deflect accountability or blame.

[ P A N E L ]
Saving Face: Writing Right or Righting Write?

We know how societal expectations shape authors’ lives and works. But when they must balance these pressures with their literary integrity, what unfolds? Explore the authorial struggle to “save face” while remaining authentic. Discover how these dynamics shape character motivations and storylines, revealing the interplay between societal norms and literary expression. The question remains: is preserving one’s image worth the price?

Speakers: Azhagunila, Nor Faridah, J.C. Hallman
Moderator: Yeo Wei Wei

[ P A N E L ]
You Think You Know? Think Again: Hidden Faces

Isa Kamari, Arin Alycia Fong, and Tham Cheng-E unpack our inner layers of self-presentation, personal struggles, and internalised cultural expectations, examining how they can sometimes shape, or distort, our understanding of ourselves.

Moderator: Annaliza Bakri

Faces of Alienation in Singapore Malay Novels
Speaker: Isa Kamari

The Japanese and British colonisation, the separation from Malaysia in 1965, and the political culture shaped by the Singapore government have all contributed to the various faces of alienation among Singapore Malays. This phenomenon is vividly reflected in the novels written by Mohd Ariff Ahmad, Suratman Markasan, Mohamed Latiff Mohamed, Jamal Ismail, Hamed Ismail, and Isa Kamari. Join Isa Kamari as he unpacks how these novels reflect the diverse causes and characteristics of alienation while revealing the common principles that underpin this powerful narrative of dislocation and identity.

Mask in the Mirror: Facing the Self
Speaker: Arin Alycia Fong

What if the masks we wear don’t just conceal our true selves, but also mirror our inner struggles? In this presentation, writer and editor Arin Alycia Fong delves into the symbol of the mask in Myle Yan Tay’s debut novel catskull. The story follows Ram, a troubled teenager who adopts a mask to fight injustices in Singapore. Initially a tool for courage and purpose, the mask gradually merges with Ram’s identity, revealing his inner demons. Fong examines how this mask complicates and shapes Ram’s evolving sense of self, turning a symbol of empowerment into a reflection of his deepest fears.

First Impressions: Faces of Fiction
Speaker: Tham Cheng-E

A prima facie that captivates and startles. Monumental works that transform perceptions and opinions. Storytelling empowers writers to create compelling first impressions of distant places, events, and ideas. Tham Cheng-E questions: If fiction is a carefully curated amalgam of impressions, reflections, and human experience, what can we see within its portraits? And what do they reveal to us?

[ W O R K S H O P ]
SEAworthy: Writing Stories from a Southeast Asian Core

Interested to add more dimension and flavour to your writing? Learn first-hand from independent comic publisher Difference Engine about the considerations and frameworks they draw from to bring unique Southeast Asian stories to life through intricate worldbuilding and character design. Whether you write fiction, prose, or poetry, discover ways to incorporate Southeast Asia’s diversity and narrative richness into your writing through hands-on exercises and group discussions. Leave with practical tips on bringing your own heartfelt stories to life!

Workshop Facilitators: Aditi Shivaramakrishnan, Shreya Davies, Charlene Shepherdson

[ W O R K S H O P]
The Write Match

Feeling a little shy on the publishing scene? Swap the nerves for excitement as we match you up in this whirlwind of literary connections with select writers and publishers #F2F.  Engage in rapid-fire conversations, pitch your book ideas and potential publishing partnerships, or simply enjoy chatting about life. Who knows? Your next big break could be just a conversation away!

Writers: Arianna Pozzuoli, Jason Erik Lundberg, Lauren Ho, Nuraliah Norasid, Shamini Flint, Suffian Hakim, Yeow Kai Chai

Publishers: Edmund Wee, Farihan Bahron, Felicia Low-Jimenez, Fong Hoe Fang, Mindy Pang, Sim Ee Waun, Tung Roh Suan

Host: Joses Ho

Here’s the lowdown: 

• Grab a Seat:  When you arrive, you’ll find groups of four with either a writer or a publisher. At every interval, there will be one writer or publisher per group of four attendees. Choose a group and get comfy– that’s your home base for the session. Fastest legs first!
• Speaker Shuffle: Get ready for a whirlwind of conversations! Every 15 minutes, the big screen will reveal which writer or publisher will be joining your table next (this will be assigned at random). You don’t have to leave your seat, the writer/publisher will be doing the moving.
• Find Your Match: In your groups, you’ll have 15 minutes with each speaker to ask them ANYTHING. Pick their brains, get advice, or just enjoy a lively chat. Over the session, you’ll get to meet three writers and three publishers!

Due to scheduling conflicts, Ng Kah Gay will no longer be presenting at the conference. Fong Hoe Fang will now represent Ethos Books for this programme.

[ W O R K S H O P ]
How to Construct an Unforgettable World

World-building isn’t just for science fiction and fantasy— it’s the secret ingredient that brings every genre to life. Whether you’re crafting historical novels, gritty thrillers, romantic suspense, memoirs, creative nonfiction, or even literotica, mastering world-building will do more than just draw readers into your world; they’ll crave to return to it, losing themselves in its vivid details time and time again.

Join speculative fiction author and Milford (UK) fellow Victor Fernando R. Ocampo in this hands-on, interactive deep dive as he guides you through techniques and methods to imagine new worlds and explore what it would be like to live in them.

This workshop embraces the radical, the absurd, and the improbable— no matter the genre.

Workshop Facilitator: Victor R. Ocampo

[ P E R F O R M A N C E ]
4by4

Join us for a closing performance headlined by four leading artists whose work spans music and poetry. These narratives on identity range from quiet meditation to proud proclamations and ask us to consider if there really is such a thing as taking anything at face value.

Performers: ABANGSAPAU, ArunDitha, Cyril Wong, Melizarani T. Selva

Due to health reasons, ABANGSAPAU will not be appearing at the conference’s closing performance. We wish him a speedy recovery. :’)