Mark Finn
Mark Finn is an author, editor, game designer and pop culture critic. He’s a nationally-recognized authority on the Texas author Robert E. Howard and has written extensively about him. When he’s not writing something interesting and geeky, he shares his opinions on several podcasts from atop an old movie theater in North Texas with his wife, Janice, an embarrassing excess of books, and old but agreeable pit bull named Sonya.
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Monsters, Villains, and Heroes
Character complexity is the spice that brings life to your page. How does understanding the motivation of villains or monsters change your readers' experiences with these antagonists? What's the secret sauce for pairing attributes like selfishness, cruelty, aloofness and megalomania with backstories, quirks, surprising moments of tenderness and the things that make audiences root for the bad guy, too?
Moderator: Mike Kennedy
Panelists: B. J. Thrower, David J. Pedersen, Mark Finn, Mike Kennedy, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, YA - Young Adult Fiction
9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Soonercon @ Midnight: THE Worst Book Ever
Join us with your beverage(s) of choice in hand as intrepid writers lay on their best purple prose to create titles and openings for THE Worst Book Ever, hosted by Larry "Dr. Trek" Nemecek! And it all depends on YOU, by audience vote!
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Mark Finn, Sherri Dean, Tim Frayser, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, General Interest
Noon | Location: Boomer B
Don't Get Caught: The Esteemed Thief Archetype
The concept of sneak-thieving runs from Prometheus, to Kirk stealing a cloaking device, or a certain hobbit and a ring. Many tales show the honor in theft, just ask your RPG party's rogue. What makes such a character admirable, not despicable?
Moderator: Mark Finn
Panelists: Craig Wolf, David Carrico, J.H. Fleming, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Finn, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy, History, Writing & Publishing
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
This Is the Way
The adventures of our favorite (though slightly disgraced) Mandalorian and cute little Grogu (AKA The Child) continue after being reunited in the Book of Boba Fett.
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Karen Thrower, Mark Finn, Matthew Price, Sherri Dean, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator:
Panelists: A C Smart, Aaron Bossig, Bradley H Sinor, Craig Wolf, Daniel Erickson, David J. Pedersen, Dr Paisley, Julia S. Mandala, L.L.Killjoy, Liz Campbell, Mark Finn, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Mike Kennedy, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art
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
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Tropes & How to Use Them, A Writerly Discussion
A long time ago, in a land far away The Chosen One and the Last Girl must battle the Designated Villain. What is a Trope and how can writers use (and mutate) them to surprise and engage readers?
Moderator: Steven E. Wedel
Panelists: David J. Pedersen, John Scalzi, Mark Finn, Sally Hamilton, Steven E. Wedel, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Noon | Location: Sooner A
The Antidote to Toxic Fandom
Toxic fandom hasn't gone away. In fact, it seems to be getting worse, even seeing death threats if fans aren't fed what they want, when they want, the way they want. What can be done about this problem, and what is your personal role in the solution?
Moderator: Aaron Bossig
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Finn, Rook Riley
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, Internet Life