Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Anti-Heroes and Why We Love Them
Killmonger, Homelander, Deadpool—the entire Doom Patrol and Suicide Squad. What makes one a villain and another an antihero? While superheroes dominate the landscape, there’s a growing trend of fan affection for the not-so-straight shooters of the super squad. Why are antiheroic characters so popular, and how is this shaping pop-culture storytelling?
Moderator: ET Wardwell
Panelists: ET Wardwell, Sherri Dean, John Eads, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Film & TV, Comics, Cosplay, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Gaming
5:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Tim Frayser
Panelists: Tim Frayser, Jan S. Gephardt, Melinda LaFevers, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
3:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
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, General Interest, Workshop
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Cafeteria Monsters
Are classic monsters like mummies or vampires being diluted by their many fictional riffs? Or do basic archetypes provide endless springboards for variation?
Moderator: ET Wardwell
Panelists: ET Wardwell, James Hollaman, Ted Pennella, A C Smart, B J Thrower
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Horror, Gaming, Supernatural & Paranormal
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Character-Building Exercises
Some characters spring forth, fully realized as Athena. Others might be throwaways, or that guy who annoyed you in high school. Panelists share tips and techniques for keeping characters real and memorable.
Moderator: Julia S. Mandala
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, David Carrico, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Ethan Nahté, Selina Rosen, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Fiction and Politics: How Can Stories Make a Difference?
Stories have power. They distill the past and tell us how to best predict the future. Can fiction writers make a difference in today's hyperpolitical discourse? Should they feel obliged to try?
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Sheila Hartney, Lyde Van Hoy, Pigeon, B J Thrower
Noon | Location: Boomer B
How to Design a New Creature
Designing vampires, werewolves, and other mythological creatures. Which parts should be incorporated into our own renderings and artworks? What new traits can be added, while still making them recognizable? How do we avoid derivative or stale monsters? Let’s make monsters terrifying again!
Moderator: Mike Kennedy
Panelists: Mike Kennedy, Mitzi Bartlett, Lyde Van Hoy
Tracks: Art, Writing & Publishing, Supernatural & Paranormal, Horror, Fantasy, Comics
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
I Can See a Trope from My Backyard!
Tropes are comfortable standbys for storytelling. But sometimes the cringe factor outweighs the narrative need. When's a trope welcome, and what do we really need to start leaving behind?
Moderator: A. Lee Martinez
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Aaron Bossig, Mark Finn, Sally Hamilton, Rook Riley, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Comics
5:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Intro to the Business of Writing
Agents, books deals, rights, contracts, beta readers ... where does a new writer get started? What are common first-timer publishing pitfalls? Is your story even sellable?
Moderator: Alan J Porter
Panelists: Alan J Porter, Daniel Erickson, Brian A. Hopkins, Ethan Nahté, Rie Sheridan Rose
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Business & Marketing
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Julie Barrett, La Blanke, Brook Bullock, Charles Dane Clark, Dr Paisley, Phillip Drayer Duncan, J.H. Fleming, Tim Frayser, Caleb Haldane, Nick Johnson, Bekah June, Mike Kennedy, Kimber, Dennis McDonald, Paula Helm Murray, Pigeon, Alan J Porter, James Simpson, Bradley H Sinor, Sue Sinor, A C Smart, Stevo the Gutter Nerd, ET Wardwell, Steven E. Wedel, Mario Wytch
Tracks: General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Meetup, Food & Drink
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Mapping Out Magic
Making sense of how a magic system works. What are the limits of magic in a fantasy world? How do those boundaries enrich the story?
Moderator: Julia S. Mandala
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, David Carrico, J.H. Fleming, Carolyn Kay, Dennis McDonald, Bradley H Sinor
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Supernatural & Paranormal
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Philosophy of Fear
Delve into what makes chilling tales so delicious. Purgation? Vicarious punishment? Just a sick psyche? Exactly why do we want to be frightened for entertainment?
Moderator: Tommy B. Smith
Panelists: Tommy B. Smith, Mark Alfred, Daniel Erickson, Pigeon, A C Smart
Tracks: Supernatural & Paranormal, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Horror
1:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom
Professional Development for Teachers: Brainstorming a Story
Can brainstorming really create a story that has never existed before in just a few minutes? Our workshop will define the three components of story (characters, plot, setting) with examples. We will then use improvisation and synthesis to ideate something new we can describe and define, which we will apply to these components to create a story that has never existed before. Further discussion will show how these techniques may also be applied to other fields of learning. (1 hour. Limit 14 participants.)
Moderator: Jeff Provine
Panelists: Jeff Provine
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Professional Development, Workshop
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom
Professional Development for Teachers: Genre YA and the Classroom
Genre YA allows teachers to provide mirrors, windows, and sliding doors for students to see analogous experiences of themselves and their peers in the classroom as part of rigorous curriculum and instruction. As school literary choice becomes more of a curricular necessity for teachers in Oklahoma and nationwide, YA lit provides an opportunity to engage students in transferable analytical skills in the classroom while providing multilevel scaffolding for reading exploration and mastery. Please bring your curriculum standards. We will work to help identify texts and strategies for decoding and using YA lit in the classroom! (1 hour. Limit 14 participants.)
Moderator: Shai Fenwick
Panelists: Shai Fenwick
Tracks: Professional Development, Writing & Publishing, Workshop
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Roots & Influences: Mythology in UF
Authors discuss how mythology from various cultures plays a role in their urban-fantasy works and in those of other writers they admire.
Moderator: Mark Finn
Panelists: Mark Finn, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Kyri Hester, Karen Thrower
Tracks: History, Writing & Publishing, Supernatural & Paranormal, Fantasy
9:30 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)
SoonerCon @ Midnight: 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! (Max occupancy 30 at one time.)
Moderator: Larry Nemecek
Panelists: Larry Nemecek, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Daniel Erickson, Mark Finn, Tim Frayser, vickey malone kennedy, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, General Interest
Noon | Location: Sooner A
The Magic of Plotting
How do you develop a novel's plot? Is it luck, trial and error, or are there classic approaches and outline techniques to bring out your best story? Learn to give your story form in the world. Bring forth your creativity to deliver a cohesive storyline and satisfying tale!
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: vickey malone kennedy, J.H. Fleming, Rie Sheridan Rose, James Simpson, Mario Wytch
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Art Imitating Life, Imitating…
Since the earliest times, we have experienced the world and shared that experience by creating works of art. New ideas emerge from creative expression. Examine this symbiotic journey, as how art eventually becomes reality and vice versa.
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Chaz Kemp, Tracy S. Morris, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Art, Anime, Cosplay, Film & TV, Internet Life, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
At the Author's Desk with A. Lee Martinez
Q&A with SoonerCon 30's literary guest of honor, A. Lee Martinez.
Moderator: A. Lee Martinez
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
11:00 AM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Philip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rhonda Eudaly, Mark Finn, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Tracy S. Morris, Rook Riley, Karen Thrower, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Steven E. Wedel, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Bekah June
Panelists: Bekah June, Ethan Nahté, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
4:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Brian A. Hopkins
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Julia S. Mandala, David J. Pedersen, B J Thrower
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
5:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Alan J Porter
Panelists: Alan J Porter, Jeff Provine, Bradley H Sinor, Sue Sinor
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Being Kind To Our Fellow Creatives
It’s easy to become competitive with other creatives when they get opportunities that you’d like to have. It’s frustrating. Our panel talks about how important it is to be kind to each other and to be nice to your fans no matter what.
Moderator: Peri Charlifu
Panelists: Peri Charlifu, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Sally Hamilton, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, Kim Ventrella, Mario Wytch
Tracks: Gaming, General Interest, Business & Marketing, Health & Wellness, Maker, Culture & World Affairs, Art, Writing & Publishing
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Beyond Libraries and Google: Practical Research Techniques for Writers
There are many ways to research for a story. Certainly, a strong Google-fu is needed, but what other research resources and hands-on practicums are available for writers?
Moderator: Gwenna Laithland
Panelists: Charles Dane Clark, Daniel Erickson, Shai Fenwick, Brian A. Hopkins, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Build a SyFy™ Saturday Night
Panelists spin the wheel for wacky plotline components and actor combinations, and create an original Saturday Night SyFy™ feature!
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan, Dr Paisley, David J. Pedersen, Rook Riley, Selina Rosen, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Fandoms, Film & TV
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Elevator to Success! What’s Your Pitch?
What’s an elevator pitch? It’s a brief explanation, presented in the time it takes to take an elevator ride. This skill is invaluable in sharing your work without being a bore or being too aggressive. Our panelists help you develop your own elevator pitch for fun and profit!
Moderator: Rosemary Clement-Moore
Panelists: Rosemary Clement-Moore, Jerry Bennett, Julia S. Mandala, Caleb Masters, Alan J Porter
Tracks: Art, Performing Arts, Music, Gaming, Business & Marketing, Cosplay, Writing & Publishing, Maker
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Fan Art vs. Original Art
While fan art is intended as a tribute to the original work, some creators and collectors are concerned. It’s use of an artists' intellectual property by someone else—particularly when put out for sale. Where does homage end and plagiarism begin?
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Chaz Kemp, JR Daniels, Brenna Deutchman, Jovial Juggernaut, Harold Neal, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Internet Life, Writing & Publishing, Cosplay, Gaming, Art, Business & Marketing
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Fantastic Connections
Stories explore the human condition in ways that help us think. Allegories analyze us and society. How does this work? Why are we so connected with fantastical people/places/stories? Can escaping into speculative fiction help us heal in the real world?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, J.H. Fleming, Melinda LaFevers, Bradley H Sinor, Tommy B. Smith, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Folk and Fantasy, Kith and Kin
Modern fantasy and urban fantasy often draw from oral and academic histories of folktales worldwide. How are these best incorporated into today's sf stories? And what's the line between appreciation and appropriation of these cultural myths in making new media mythologies?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, David Carrico, Shai Fenwick, A. Lee Martinez, Ted Pennella, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: History, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Supernatural & Paranormal, Writing & Publishing, Fantasy
3:00 PM | Location: Noble
I Want to Be a Gaming Journalist!
Video-game journalist Michael Mosley talks about how he got into the field, how others can get started, and the ups and downs to expect along the way for eager newcomers to the gaming industry.
Moderator:
Panelists: Michael Mosley
Tracks: Gaming, Business & Marketing, Writing & Publishing, Internet Life
Noon | Location: Oklahoma A1
Kids Writing Spooky Stories
Join award-winning author Kim Ventrella for an interactive spooky-story workshop. Young storytellers will learn how to choose the right main character for their spooky tale, how to plot for maximum chills, and how to get creative with their villains. Answer burning questions like, how do you make oatmeal scary? We'll walk through the brainstorming process from beginning to end, even touching on that scariest of all topics: writer's block. Our session ends with time for questions. Students will leave ready to write their own terrifying tales.
Moderator: Kim Ventrella
Panelists: Kim Ventrella
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Kids, YA
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator: Rosemary Clement-Moore
Panelists: Rosemary Clement-Moore, Daniel Erickson, Everyday Futurist, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Dara Fogel, PhD, Tyrell Gephardt, Sally Hamilton, Sheila Hartney, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, vickey malone kennedy, Melinda LaFevers, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Tracy S. Morris, Michael Mosley, Ethan Nahté, Ted Pennella, Rook Riley, Rie Sheridan Rose, Seth Skorkowsky, Karen Thrower, Mel. White, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Meetup, General Interest, Food & Drink
3:00 PM | Location: University C
Poetry Readings & Open Mic
Two poems, or six minutes. Come share your poetry and listen to fellow poets in this open-mic forum reading session. Featuring readings from featured guest, Muriel Fahrion.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Mark Alfred, David Carrico, Muriel Fahrion, Melinda LaFevers, Rie Sheridan Rose
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Return of the Seminar: How to Become an Evil Overlord
Expert overlords coach newcomers on many topics, such as lair construction, the ever-important costume, the best weapons, and the care and feeding of minions. (And disposing of those who mess up.)
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sherri Dean, John Ferguson aka Count Gregore, Jovial Juggernaut, Kimber, Julia S. Mandala
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Fandoms, Cosplay, Anime
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
RPG Adventure Writing
So you've decided to write a game module? Awesome! Game writers and developers share advice on how to write adventures, compensate when players derail the plot, and provide inspirational narrative elements to help players develop characters and engage in roleplaying.
Moderator: Michael Cross
Panelists: Michael Cross, Mark Finn, Lyde Van Hoy, Jeff Provine, Seth Skorkowsky, Christina Stiles
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Gaming
Noon | Location: Oklahoma G
Science and Religion: A Zero-Sum Relationship?
Some think religious faith precludes scientific objectivity. Others feel that science has outstripped “superstitions” like religion. Still others are calling for a New Enlightenment period in an increasingly misinformed world. How does the speculative-fiction writer address all sides and tell a compelling story?
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, David Carrico, Charles Dane Clark, Rebecca Jackson, B J Thrower
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, STEM
4:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 1 Boardroom
Scrivener Software 101 for Writers (Mac and Windows)
Frustrated with trying to manage your entire novel in Word? Us, too! Scrivener was the game changer we were looking for, but it’s not always easy getting started with a new application. We’ll give you an overview of Scrivener, how to get started using it, and show you some of the benefits, such as: the ability to segregate your novel by scene/chapter/section, how you can store your outline and research in one place, and how you can easily format for either trade or indie publishing with this amazing tool from Literature and Latte. (1 Hour. Limit 14 participants. $5 fee.)
Moderator: J.H. Fleming
Panelists: J.H. Fleming, Phillip Drayer Duncan
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Workshop
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
The Hero's New Reality
The Hero's Journey, one of the most appealing narrative structures, takes a person from the ordinary to extraordinary then back again. How do these steps define a hero? How do our encounters with fictional heroes shape our worldviews when we face similar challenges IRL?
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Pigeon, Alan J Porter, Selina Rosen, Bradley H Sinor
Tracks: Cosplay, Writing & Publishing, Gaming, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Where Do You Get Those Wonderful Ideas?
Writers describe the wildest inspirations they've had, or heard about, for a good plot or character. The best things can spring from the oddest places.
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: vickey malone kennedy, Tracy S. Morris, Rook Riley, Sue Sinor, A C Smart, Kim Ventrella
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Writers Change the STEM World
Talk about “a wish to build a dream on”! From Edward Bellamy's prediction of the credit card to Clarke's projection of communications satellites, we survey how imagined tech in science fiction has influenced the world.
Moderator: Pigeon
Panelists: Pigeon, Aaron Bossig, Rhonda Eudaly, Everyday Futurist, Brian A. Hopkins, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, STEM
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Writing Nonhuman Characters (for Humans)
Writing nonhuman characters can present its own set of challenges. What works well and what is just, no.
Moderator: Steven E. Wedel
Panelists: Steven E. Wedel, J.H. Fleming, Carolyn Kay, A. Lee Martinez, Selina Rosen, Mel. White
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Noble
A. Lee Martinez Reading and Q&A
A. Lee Martinez reading, with time for questions. (Limit 14 participants.)
Moderator: A. Lee Martinez
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: #REF!
Panelists: J.H. Fleming, Dennis McDonald, Ted Pennella, Rie Sheridan Rose
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: J.H. Fleming
Panelists: J.H. Fleming, Dennis McDonald, Ted Pennella, Rie Sheridan Rose
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner B
Cursed Talismans and Good Luck Charms
From “The Monkey’s Paw” to rabbits’ feet—four-leaf clovers to horseshoes (up or down?)—consider the odd notion that an object can convey supernatural influence for good or ill. Don't pass this rune!
Moderator: Rook Riley
Panelists: Rook Riley, Sherri Dean, Kyri Hester, Tommy B. Smith, Mel. White, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Designing Book Covers with Chaz Kemp
Grab your laptop, iPad, or notebook and join award-winning artist and illustrator Chaz Kemp to learn how to design a book cover. Chaz will help you understand WHY certain elements are important so you can get started ASAP on your book-cover project. For artists and authors. (1 hour. Limit 28 participants.)
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Chaz Kemp
Tracks: Art, Writing & Publishing, Workshop
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Entertaining the Climate Crisis
According to the 2022 World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, climate change is THE greatest global threat today. Speculative fiction is uniquely suited to explore these issues. From the wry satirical allegory of Don't Look Up, to Solarpunk futures, to biodiversity and ecosystem loss, natural disasters, survivalism, and what hope the future holds, how can we explore climate change in our specific media?
Moderator: Tyrell Gephardt
Panelists: Tyrell Gephardt, Tim Frayser, Brian A. Hopkins, Carolyn Kay, Caleb Masters, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, STEM, Culture & World Affairs, Film & TV, General Interest, Science Fiction, Writing & Publishing
10:00 AM | Location: Noble
Fairy Build-a-Tale
Kids choose raw components from a list of story elements to assemble their own Heroic Journey. (Adults welcome too. Limit 14 participants.)
Moderator: Steven E. Wedel
Panelists: Steven E. Wedel, Teddy Harvia
Tracks: Art, Kids, Writing & Publishing, YA
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
How to 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 how to turn your interests into income.
Moderator: Amber Hanneken
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, JR Daniels, Bekah June, Melinda LaFevers, Tracy S. Morris, David J. Pedersen
Tracks: Podcasting, Art, Gaming, Business & Marketing, Cosplay, Maker, Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Lovecraftian Reinterpretations
The conceit is that HP Lovecraft’s mythos explains every story. For instance, is the shapeshifter in The Thing a shoggoth? Are Tolkien’s Ringwraiths really Night-Gaunts? Don't forget the implications of Star Trek’s “Catspaw” and its “Old Ones”!
Moderator: Mark Alfred
Panelists: Mark Alfred, Mark Finn, Bradley H Sinor, Seth Skorkowsky
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Loving Loki: Tricksters and Other Cosmic Jokers
Sufi storytellers instruct with misleading tales; other fibbers just like to trick you, like Br’er Fox or Loki. Discuss those who itch to lead you astray, from dat ole debbil to America’s Coyote.
Moderator: Craig Wolf
Panelists: Craig Wolf, Rhonda Eudaly, Ash King, Melinda LaFevers, Julia S. Mandala, Ethan Nahté
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
11:00 AM | Location: Noble
Making Your Audiobook a Reality
We discuss the production of an audiobook, from rights acquisition to casting, production, recording, proofing, and format delivery. (Limit 11 participants.)
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Julie Barrett, Ethan Nahté, Rie Sheridan Rose
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Reimagining the Hero's Journey for SF
What does a good hero story look like today in spec fic? High tech, low tech, otherworldly and fantastic settings aside, how has the hero's journey changed in 2022? What stories need telling now? What's it mean to be a hero, anyway?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, Brook Bullock, David Carrico, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Daniel Erickson, A C Smart
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Film & TV, Gaming, Fandoms, Cosplay
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Serial Star Wars
Perhaps Star Wars was always destined for TV. In such an expansive universe of media tie-ins, why not? First The Mandalorian, then, uh, The Book of Boba Fett, then Obi-Wan Kenobi, then Andor. Are the possibilities truly endless, or will we need more feature films to sate our cravings for the onscreen stories from a galaxy far, far away?
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Tracy S. Morris, Michael Cross, James Dock, Carolyn Kay, Matthew Price, Karen Thrower
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Fandoms
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Small Presses and You
What's the world of small presses like? What are the advantages and disadvantages for writers looking to work with them? What's the market like, and how is it changing?
Moderator: Craig Wolf
Panelists: Craig Wolf, J.H. Fleming, Rie Sheridan Rose, Sue Sinor, B J Thrower, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Business & Marketing, Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
The Art of the Long Game: Keeping Momentum, Staying the Course
It’s easy to be super motivated when your business is brand new! But keeping momentum is hard. Setbacks and unexpected problems will face every artist. Our panel of professionals will talk about strategies that keep you focused and productive!
Moderator: Tommy B. Smith
Panelists: Tommy B. Smith, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, Christina Stiles, Kim Ventrella, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Business & Marketing, Writing & Publishing, Maker, Cosplay, Art, Gaming
Noon | Location: University C
Writing for Voice Acting: Anime Script Adaptation & Video Games
What's the process for getting an anime script adapted for English-language voice-over? What makes a GREAT video-game story? Michael and Jamie share their experiences and writing pro tips about the creative writing side of the film, TV, and video-game industries.
Moderator: J. Michael Tatum
Panelists: J. Michael Tatum, Jamie Marchi
Tracks: Film & TV, Anime, Gaming, Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Wry Wit for Writers: Humorous Fiction
Tips and techniques for writing humorous fiction. Incorporating humor is more than sarcasm, snark, and a few jokes. Timing, focus, placement, tone, motivation, plot impact and character arcs, reader's perceptions, and how much fun you're having writing – all impact the humor of a story...
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: vickey malone kennedy, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Jan S. Gephardt, David J. Pedersen, Sue Sinor, Mel. White
Tracks: Writing & Publishing