Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Going Indie After a Lifetime of Trade
Got a passion project no publisher wants? A short-story collection languishing in your old file?. New stories, but no place to sell them? Thanks to changing tech, an indie writer can get the same level of distribution as any NY Times bestseller, and release their works far faster than the glacially slow trade market. This panel discusses the pros and cons of independent publishing.
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: J.H. Fleming, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Steven E. Wedel, Tommy B. Smith, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Business & Marketing
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
The Age of the Mega Media Machine
Comcast, Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros, Fox: The top 5 media corporations own a majority of the media we consume worldwide. Netflix is a close sixth, piloting the streaming model we enjoy today. That's A LOT of control over message and narrative. As Wilde said, "Things are because we see them, and what we see, and how we see it, depends on the Arts that influenced us.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Caleb Masters, Daniel Erickson, Dr Paisley, Kevin Dilmore, Matthew Price, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Business & Marketing, Film & TV, History, Writing & Publishing, Art
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
2:00 PM | Location: University C
Ask Scalzi Anything About Writing & Publishing!
Got a writing question or want to learn more about the publishing industry? Join NYT best-selling author and lifelong creative John Scalzi for this interactive discussion on the creative act of writing and the business aspects of writing -- whatever you want to know!
Moderator: John Scalzi
Panelists: John Scalzi
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
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: 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
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: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Rook Riley
Panelists: Dennis Spielman, Rook Riley, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
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
5:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
Making Up Urban Legends
“It’s totally true! I heard it from a friend of a friend!” Here’s your chance to be that FOAF. Join with others as we discuss some of the most popular urban legends, why they’re so contagious, and create brand new urban legends that people will soon be whispering along with a call coming from inside the house, hook-handed escapees, and vanishing hitchhikers.
Moderator: Jeff Provine
Panelists: Jeff Provine
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Supernatural & Paranormal, YA - Young Adult Fiction, Workshop
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: Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, Crazy Red Artist, Dara Fogel, PhD, Elizabeth Leggett, J.H. Fleming, Julie Barrett, Kent Cordray, Kimber E Chessmore, La Blanke, Mel White, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rook Riley, Scott Zrubek, Shai Fenwick, Sherri Dean, Sue Sinor, Tall Chick Cosplay, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art
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
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
When The Story Writes Itself
Sometimes it just happens. You're writing the story, maybe you even worked out an outline, then suddenly the pen writes something else. Authors tell tales of when a book or series decided to go rogue.
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, David J. Pedersen, Madilynn Dale, Rhonda Eudaly, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
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
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: Sooner A
Reading Is Power
Tom Disch (Soonercon 1 guest): “Blessed are those who read, for they shall inherit the future.” Discuss literacy’s threat to totalitarianism, and the promise of an informed society. What's so threatening about free thinking? Seems like books are always the first to go ...
Moderator: Shai Fenwick
Panelists: Cheyanne Weller - Library Associate, Moore Public Library, Jan S. Gephardt, Matthew Price, Melinda LaFevers, Shai Fenwick, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment
1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House
John Scalzi Q&A
Soonercon's Literary Guest of Honor John Scalzi shares about his life and offers his insights on writing and blogging, making music and keeping a sharp wit handy in this audience Q&A.
Moderator: John Scalzi
Panelists: John Scalzi
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Linda Donahue
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Craig Wolf, Jan S. Gephardt, Linda Donahue
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: University C
Poetry & Acoustic Music Open Mic
Two poems or songs, or six minutes of freestyle, whichever comes first. Share your poetry and music and listen to fellow creatives in this open-mic session.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, David Carrico, Mark Alfred, Melinda LaFevers, Rook Riley
Tracks: Meetup, Performing Arts, Writing & Publishing, Music
2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Oklahoma’s Ghost Stories
Heard of the witch at Kitchen Lake? Visited the Hatchet House where Little Carey was murdered? Seen Effie at the Skirvin Hotel? Oklahoma folklorist Jeff Provine tells our state’s spooky stories while presenting his research techniques.
Moderator: Jeff Provine
Panelists: Jeff Provine
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Supernatural & Paranormal, Horror, Workshop
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
3:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: John Allen Small, Julia S. Mandala, Rhonda Eudaly, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
3:00 PM | Location: Noble
Build your own Fairy Tale
Kids choose raw components from a list of story elements and assemble their own Heroic Journey. (Adults welcome too.)
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Kids, Writing & Publishing, YA - Young Adult Fiction
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Fan-Made Content: Reimagined Creation or Copyright Issue?
What is considered acceptable (and unacceptable) use of existing works in fan-made creations like art, cosplay, or fan fiction? Isn’t a little creative license part of nerd culture? Where's the line for such creative inspirations?
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Hall of Femme, James Farr, Jan S. Gephardt, L.L.Killjoy, Peri Charlifu, Sally Hamilton
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Maker, Art, Writing & Publishing, Comics, Content Creation & Podcasting, General Interest
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
4:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Madilynn Dale
Panelists: Bradley H Sinor, Madilynn Dale, Mel White, Sue Sinor
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
2023: Welcome to the Singularity. Sorta.
We've talked for a long time about how AI would someday reach “the Singularity.” With things like the recent deployment of ChatGPT, is that day today? Whether this is a positive development or a negative one remains unknown. As a society, what's our role in steering this technology towards a positive direction rather than one that destroys our perception of facts, critical thinking, and language composition? Are things that desperate?
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Daniel Erickson, Loretta McKibben, THE james k burk, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, STEM, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Build a SyFy™ Saturday Night
Soonercon’s classic game-show panel. Panelists spin the wheel for wacky plotline components and actor combinations, and create an original Saturday Night SyFy™ feature!
Moderator: Craig Wolf
Panelists: Allison Stein, Craig Wolf, James Hollaman, Julia S. Mandala, Linda Donahue, Rook Riley, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Gaming, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing
5:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Ted Pennella
Panelists: Karen Thrower, Selina Rosen, Ted Pennella, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
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
8:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Filk & Bardic Circle
Open Filk in the round. Share your SF-inspired songs and jam along with others. BYO instruments. (4 hours)
Moderator: Melinda LaFevers
Panelists: Mel White, Melinda LaFevers
Tracks: Music, Meetup, Performing Arts, Writing & Publishing
10:00 AM | Location: University C
Turn Fandom into Your Job
There's money to be made in being a geek artist/maker/writer etc., if you can turn your passion into your profession. Join our panelists as they discuss tips, tricks, and how-tos on turning your interests into income.
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: Buck Berlin, FoxDaddy, Kevin Dilmore, Liz Campbell, Robert Daniels, What’s Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Business & Marketing, Maker, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Writing & Publishing, Art, Content Creation & Podcasting, Gaming, Comics
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
11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Authors on F.I.R.E.
The dream of every aspiring creator is to make a living selling their art. We ALL dream about hitting the big time and quitting our day jobs. Unfortunately, 99.99% of us still need those day jobs. But what if there was another option? F.I.R.E., or Financial Independence Retire Early, is a movement of regular folks who are learning how to save and invest their money towards buying back their freedom. In this session, author Phillip Drayer Duncan helps our creative friends view finances a little bit differently, teaching the basics of saving and investing, and merging the idea of pursuing creative endeavors with building a financial backbone toward an early retirement. Because we all just want the time to focus on our art. (1 hour. Limit 14 participants.)
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Workshop
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: William Ledbetter
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, B. J. Thrower, David J. Pedersen, William Ledbetter
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
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
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
John Scalzi Reading
Enjoy as John Scalzi reads from a range of his works, including a piece from Whatever Scalzi and his upcoming book.
Moderator: John Scalzi
Panelists: John Scalzi
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: David Carrico
Panelists: David Carrico, Jeff Provine, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Who Decides High Culture?
Jim Grealy: “Popular culture is the culture of a subordinate class.” Do you agree? What pop culture trends have achieved recognition by the cognoscenti (think Andy Warhol)? Is it only a matter of time before a work or artist can ascend to Art? Don't forget college classes on Trek or pulp detectives. Turns out, pop culture creation and collecting is BIG MONEY nowadays and it's still the art of the people.
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Kevin Dilmore, Mark Alfred, Red Bard
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, Art, Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Helpful Peer-Review Critique Techniques for Writers
As writers, we often depend on each other for critique. It's not always comfortable or easy to give constructive criticism about someone's pride and joy. Join us to discuss how we, the writing community, can help each other improve our works in a pleasant and constructive way. Writers groups and beta readers welcome!
Moderator: Allison Stein
Panelists: Allison Stein, Craig Wolf, Julia S. Mandala, Sally Hamilton, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Business & Marketing
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Steampunk for Everyone
Steampunk style is alive and well nearly two hundred years after its inspiration. An introduction to steampunk for the curious and a resource share for the familiar, we’ll discuss fashion and props, and innovative historical twists on modern amenities as the hallmarks of this community of makers, dreamers and doers
Moderator: Melinda LaFevers
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Kathleen M. O'Brien, Mace Kendu, Melinda LaFevers, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, Writing & Publishing, Art, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion
3:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Penny Fielder
Panelists: Cary Herwig, Evan T. Wardwell, Laura J. Underwood, Penny Fielder
Tracks: Writing & Publishing