Laura J. Underwood

Laura J. Underwood has been writing stories, articles and novels most of her life. She is a retired librarian and a former fencer whose interests range from old folklore to ball jointed dolls. Most of her still published work is available from Yard Dog Press, though occasionally, you will find a story by her in Lorelei Signals. She still lives in East Tennessee where she likes to go hiking now and again.

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Tales from the Stacks: Why We Love Libraries!

Talk about your love for the library—early experiences, memorable librarians, the off-limits section, checking out too many books to carry … and the rumors of a secret black-magic section. Plus, there's WAY more than books at the library these days. Since libraries are essential to democracy, how can we better evangelize them?

Moderator: Laura J. Underwood

Panelists: Brook Bullock, Coral Hudson, MLIS - Librarian, Norman Public Library Central, Kimber E Chessmore, Laura J. Underwood, Martha Steele, Rook Riley

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B

Yin/Yang, Good/Bad, Light/Dark

It has been said that there could be no good without evil. But which is which? Are they two sides of a coin, never to meet, or are there degrees of each? What of the concept of a “necessary evil”?

Moderator: Julia S. Mandala

Panelists: A C Smart, Chaz Kemp, Julia S. Mandala, Laura J. Underwood, THE james k burk, Tommy B. Smith

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Art

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Multi-Genre Storytelling

Literature has many popular genres: science fiction, fantasy, adventure, mystery and beyond. Writers discuss how to incorporate multi-genre writing into your own storytelling and find out how to make such a story more than simply a sum of its parts.

Moderator: M. Scott Carter

Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, J.H. Fleming, John Scalzi, Laura J. Underwood, M. Scott Carter, Selina Rosen

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, YA - Young Adult Fiction

9:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Koffeeklatch

Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.

Moderator:

Panelists: A C Smart, Aaron Bossig, Bradley H Sinor, Brook Bullock, Harold Neal, Jeff Provine, Julia S. Mandala, L.L.Killjoy, Laura J. Underwood, Linda Donahue, Mark Alfred, Mark Finn, Michael Cross, Mimic Rae, Ms Fae Mullens, Peri Charlifu, Sally Hamilton, Scott Zrubek, Sue Sinor, Terry Southard, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris

Tracks: Meetup, General Interest

Noon | Location: Boomer A

Serving Up a Tasty World

Comfort food isn't just for the stomach. Readers and authors alike can indulge not only in the culinary aspects of a story but also how food plays a role in developing the culture of another world.

Moderator: Tracy S. Morris

Panelists: A C Smart, Julia S. Mandala, Karen Thrower, Laura J. Underwood, Sue Sinor, Tracy S. Morris

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Food & Drink, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy

3:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage