Fantasy
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Getting Started with D&D 5e
Starting out on the Dungeons & Dragons journey? Learn everything from character creation, the basic rules of the game, and some how-tos and tips for getting your game group started and ready for RPG adventuring.
Moderator: What’s Up Fandom Podcast
Panelists: Aidyn Cross, Jacob Blackmon, Joshua Cook, Kimberly Cross, Michael Cross, What’s Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Gaming, Fantasy, General Interest
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
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Supernatural Variety in Urban Fantasy
Vamps, fairies, shapeshifters, witches, weres—creatures of legend are often the leading characters of Urban Fantasy, and we can't get enough! What makes them so likeable and relatable in these modern fantasy-meets-cityscape works?
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Bradley H Sinor, J.H. Fleming, Madilynn Dale, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sue Sinor, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Fantasy, Supernatural & Paranormal, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Film & TV
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Oops! The Plight of the Evil Genius
“I have created a monster!” Why can’t mad scientists ever figure out that maybe creating an omnipotent computer, or a creature with the strength of ten men, ain't such a great idea (good intentions or not)? What would sf be without the this classic character's hubris?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Allison Stein, John Scalzi, Pigeon, Rhonda Eudaly, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Film & TV, Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Thrifty Revisions: Adding SF Genre Elements to Thrift Store Paintings
Artists insert sf genre elements or monsters into reclaimed paintings and prints. Final works are up for sale in the Charity Sale and Auction. (Supplies provided)
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: Harold Neal, James Hollaman, Karen Thrower, Mike Kennedy, Rachael Mayo, Tim Chessmore, W. J. Hodgson
Tracks: Art, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics
5:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
In a Tech-Heavy World, Who Needs Magic?
Do you need a magic mirror when your phone tells you the news and weather? A flying carpet when you can take a plane? Does magic have a place in a technological world?
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, J.H. Fleming, Linda Donahue, Loretta McKibben, Tracy S. Morris, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
I Knew You'd Say That
Look into works which feature prophecy, from The Matrix and Dune to Bajoran edicts in DS9, Minority Report, or even tech versions, like Asimov’s Foundation tales. Does an accurate prediction require a deterministic universe?
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, J.D. Woods, M. Scott Carter, Mark Alfred, Selina Rosen, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Comics
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Re-Covered Books, for Charity!
Artists create new cover art for books in our charity collection. Books and their custom covers will be available for sale in the Charity Sale. (Books and cover paper provided)
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Harold Neal, James Hollaman, Mike Kennedy, Rachael Mayo, W. J. Hodgson
Tracks: Art, Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Imaginary Creatures: Essential to Fantasy?
Why are cryptids and creatures so prominent in SF? Can you call it fantasy if it doesn't have fantastic creatures? How do creatives bring these to life in ways that keep us imagining what else there could be?
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, B. J. Thrower, Linda Donahue, Rachael Mayo, Rook Riley, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Fantasy, Supernatural & Paranormal, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Art, Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Gaming
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Drugs: The Spice Must Flow!
Hobbits have pipeweed. Star Trek has felicium. Star Wars has glitterstim. Wash the Red or Blue Pill down with a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster. Chems, Soma, Nuke, Substance D, Wireheading, Plutonium Nyborg, or even a puff or two from the caterpillar's hookah -- isn't SF already escapism? Why do characters want to escape from the worlds we want to escape to? Panelists discuss the applications of recreational and illicit drug use in speculative fiction.
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Dr Paisley, Scott Zrubek, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
The B-Movie Panel
Bad sci-fi movies are a guilty pleasure for so many of us! Why do we love movies that love to be bad?
Moderator: Magician Michael Corley
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, James Hollaman, Kent Cordray, Kevin Dilmore, La Blanke, Magician Michael Corley
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Writing Nonhuman Characters (for Humans)
Writing nonhuman characters can present its own set of challenges. How can we make them relatable to humans, given that they will have different physical, cultural and emotional backgrounds? What works well and what is just, no?
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: A C Smart, Penny Fielder, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Shai Fenwick, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
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
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
5:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 1 Boardroom
Fantasy Art Class Basics
Artist Mike Kennedy shares simple techniques for fantasy artwork drawing. He'll focus on concept design, figure positioning and composition tips for creating a fully realized fantasy-style drawing. (1 hour, limit 14 participants. Supplies provided or BYO tablet/sketch pad.)
Moderator: Mike Kennedy
Panelists: Mike Kennedy
5:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Red Dirt DnD Live
Get ready for an epic event like no other at Soonercon! Join the cast of Oklahoma's premier Dungeons & Dragons podcast, Red Dirt DnD, for a live actual play experience, where fantasy comes to life before your eyes. Immerse yourself in a world of magic, quests, and daring adventures as our talented players navigate treacherous dungeons and face off against formidable foes. Witness the thrill of dice rolls and the laughter of our hilarious cast as they bring the game to life on stage. Whether you're a seasoned DnD fan or new to the realm, this is an event you won't want to miss. Join us and experience the Red Dirt DnD live actual play event. Prepare for an unforgettable journey into the world of tabletop gaming. (2 hours.)
Moderator: Michael Cross
Panelists: Aidyn Cross, Brook Bullock, Connor Shenold, Johnnie Payne, Kimberly Cross, Kyri Hester, Michael Cross
Tracks: Content Creation & Podcasting, Fantasy
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Designing Your Fortress of Solitude or Evil Lair of Evil
Lay out the specs for your own supervillain (or hero) hideaway. In a volcano? On a satellite or the Moon? Get creative with anti-burglary tech. What would you display in your own Museum of Victory?
Moderator: Mel White
Panelists: Bradley H Sinor, James Hollaman, Mark Alfred, Mel White, Mike Kennedy, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comics
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: 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: Boomer B
The Future of Identity in SF
SF has always been an outlet for exploring identity. Why does this matter now, more than ever? In worlds where infinite diversity in infinite combinations are always possible, spec fic creators use the genre for wider storytelling. This can bring diverse narratives into the mainstream. What's next?
Moderator: Pigeon
Panelists: A C Smart, Daniel Erickson, Pigeon, Selina Rosen, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy