Below you can find our 2017 programming schedule!
(Last updated Monday, 2017-08-01 22:30)
If you would like to use a mobile app while you are onsite, go to http://guidebook.com/g/malcon2017 to start downloading Guidebook and our guide.
If you would like to use KonOpas, which provides easy-to-use mobile-friendly guides, go to malcondenver.org/konopas-0.8.0/2017MALCon/index.html to get started!
For a list of panelists and their panels in alphabetical order, please see our 2017 Panelist Schedule page.
You can download the 2017 program book here!: 2017 MALCon Program
You can see our scheduled panels in grid-form in the below three images: (Click to enlarge)
Here is the 2017 Convention map! (Click to enlarge):
3D Printing in Costuming
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Terre d’Ange
Charles Orndorff, Tauni Orndorff
This demonstration and discussion shows how you can design and 3D print costume pieces. We will talk about materials, software and devices.
Alliance LARP
Saturday, 12:00 PM-3:50 PM, Terre d’Ange
Cory Williamsen
Alliance Denver Live Action Role-playing is a live action role-playing game set in the medieval/fantasy world of Acarthia
American Horror Story -deconstructing each season-
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Nevernever
Ana MacDonell, Eddie Cross
Breaking down each season of AHS. The places, the characters, the stories. How close to the true events -if any-, how the seasons inter-relate.
Ancient Inventions
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, The Shire
Aaron Spriggs, Paul Lell, Veronica R. Calisto
Archimedes, all around amazing Greek guy, invented the lever and fulcrum to move items to heavy to otherwise lift about 2400 years ago. Besides these simple tools, what, more advanced inventions did they have back then? Steam powered toys? Electroplating? Are you kidding me? Tell me more!
Ask a Character
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Helms Deep
Janet Rose, Brian Ziman, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp
Ever wanted to ask Harry Dresden’s brother Thomas Raith, Harry Potter’s teacher Snape, or Kushiel’s Phaedra a question? Our panelists will embody these characters while the audience asks them questions.
Author Autograph Session
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:55 PM, Terre d’Ange
Catherine Winters, Colin Heintze, Eneasz Brodski, Ian Thomas Healy , Paul Lell, Sean Patrick Fannon, Stant Litore, Thomas A Fowler, Vivian Caethe
Many of our authors will be available to sell their books, provide autographs, and visit with fans.
Author Readings (15 min each)
Friday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Kings Landing
Aaron Michael Ritchey, Owen Wears, Travis Heermann
Readings by authors Travis Heermann, Aaron Michael Ritchey, and Owen Wears.
Author Readings (15 min each)
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Serenity
Ian Thomas Healy , Paul Lell, Scott Beckman
Readings by authors Scott Beckman, Ian Thomas Healy, and Paul Lell.
Author Readings (15 min each)
Friday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Kings Landing
Cersilla Wolf, J.D. Harpley, Stant Litore
Readings by authors Cersilla Wolf, JD Harpley, and Stant Litore.
Author Readings (15 min each)
Saturday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Kings Landing
Courtney Farrell, Jason Henry Evans, Richard E. Friesen
Readings by authors Courtney Farrell, Richard E. Friesen, and Jason Evans.
Author Readings (15 min each)
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, The Shire
Amalie Howard, Melissa Koons, Scott Beckman
Readings by authors Scott Beckman, Amalie Howard, and Melissa Koons.
Author Readings (15 min each)
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Aaron Spriggs, Colin Heintze, Veronica R. Calisto
Readings by authors Colin Heintze, Aaron Spriggs, and Veronica R. Calisto.
Better Halves: Spotlighting the Sidekicks
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Kings Landing
Christopher M. Salas, E. Godhand, James A. Hunter
Who are some of the best sidekicks and why do they work so well? What is the role of the sidekick in a story; how to you write them well, give them their moments to shine without upstaging the protagonist, and does a sidekick reflect or augment the protagonist?
Blanket Forts (adult session)
Saturday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Blankets, coloring books, crayons, and stuffed animals. Wind down the night, make a fort and relax. Adults and calm teens only please.
Blanket Forts (adult session)
Friday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, The Shire
Blankets, coloring books, crayons, and stuffed animals. Wind down the night, make a fort and relax. Adults and calm teens only please.
Blanket Forts (all ages)
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, The Shire
Remember how much fun it was to make forts in the livingroom with couch cushions? Let’s do it again! This time we’ll be using blankets and tables to take us on our imagination journey to the ocean or stars – wherever we want to go!
Body Image and Science Fiction & Fantasy
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Serenity
J.D. Harrison, Jacqueline Koyanagi, Kim Klimek
Delve into body image and how Science Fiction and Fantasy have paved the way and also hindered progress.
Brick Building Blast (Legos etc)
Sunday, 10:00 AM-11:50 AM, Serenity
Willm Ryan
Hundreds of bricks will be available for the brave builder. Adults and attended kids are welcome to come and create with us, but they should be old enough to not choke on small parts.
Building and Cultivating Your Creative Community
Friday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Helms Deep
Melanie Unruh, Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts), Stace Johnson, Veronica R. Calisto
How do you find people with shared creative energies to build community that inspires and helps you grow as an artist, author, musician, crafter, etc? Learn how others have found and built safe, creative communities with a spirit of helping one another thrive.
Building the Perfect Plot
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Room of Requirement
James A. Hunter, Colin Heintze, Jacqueline Koyanagi, Scott Beckman
Have you ever wanted to write a great story with a killer plot? Come join a panel of authors and learn how they compose a plot. We’ll discuss the Hero’s Journey and other tropes, and teach you the necessary parts for a great story!
Catastrophic Seasonal Climates in Game of Thrones
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Kings Landing
Aaron Michael Ritchey, Jason Henry Evans
If “winter is coming” just when will it arrive? How does the maesters know how to predict the seasons and how long they will last. Modern science knows, do you?
Chainmaille 101
Saturday, 12:00 PM-1:50 PM, Gallifrey
Billy Van Ark
This hands-on class will walk you through the basics of making chainmaille (a.k.a. maille). We’ll cover the tools of the trade (pliers, rings, and patterns), and learn how to make a simple piece of maille that you’ll take home with you!
Chainmaille 102
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Room of Requirement
Billy Van Ark
Chainmaille harder. If you have prior experience, or attended Chainmaille 102, this is the class for you!
Character Focused Storytelling
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, The Shire
Eneasz Brodski, Aaron Michael Ritchey, Catherine Winters, Melissa Koons
Theme, action, plot, or character driven; what do these mean, and what does character focused storytelling look like?
Characters Are Who, Not What
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Kings Landing
Vivian Caethe, A.M. Burns, Amalie Howard, E. Godhand
When writing characters not like ourselves, authors can make the mistake of thinking stereotypes represent the diversity they are striving for. Learn what stereotypes and tropes exist, and how they can be challenged to write better and more diverse characters!
Chewie, We’re Home: Sequels and Remakes
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Kings Landing
Andrew Hallam, Ian Brazee-Cannon
Can sequels/remakes ever be as good as the original? From Avengers to Star Trek to Star Wars we’ve been let down over and over again. What does it take to supersede the original?
Closing Ceremonies
Sunday, 4:00 PM-4:30 PM, Terre d’Ange
Jacqueline Carey, Jim Humble, Marian Call, Nikki Ebright
Come recap the weekend, relive the highlights, hear a few closing words from some of our guests, and say goodbye for another.
Color In
Friday, 9:00 PM-10:50 PM, Atrium Tables
Join fellow con-goers for a coloring session in the atrium. Bring things to color and items to color with or use the provided materials! Enjoy some quiet coloring time after a long busy day.
Commission Work: Designing Others’ Visions
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Kings Landing
Owen Wears
Why is it so hard to design for someone else’s vision? Why have some of us given up on commission work all together?
Coping with Character Deaths
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Thomas A Fowler, Losing Lara
Do you watch movies and TV shows, or read books, comics, etc, only to have your heart ripped out when your favorite character DIES? If so, then this panel is for you! We will discuss theories behind why we think our faves die, potential tropes between them, and have the opportunity to share our feelings around people who get it. Bring your own tissues.
Corsets Q&A: Tightlacing, Waist Training, and Myths
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Cynthia Settje, Amy Griswold, Jason Henry Evans
This panel will answer any and all questions regarding corsets, materials, fit, construction, what to look for when buying, as well as addressing common myths.
Costume Contest
Saturday, 7:30 PM-8:20 PM, Terre d’Ange
Erin Card, Cynthia Settje, Dame Ursula Whiffenpott
Join host as entrants show off their fabulous and creative costumes and are judged by our panel of special guests.
Costuming 101
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Ana MacDonell, Charles Orndorff, Jason Henry Evans, Melanie Unruh, Tauni Orndorff
How do you get into costuming and cosplay? What you need to know to decide which cosplay to make, how to research for the project, how to find or make wigs, props, clothing, armor, etc, and finally, how to take care of yourself and others while in costume. Great for beginners and those in a rut that need a little push back into the hobby!
Costuming for Every BODY
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Amy Griswold, J.D. Harpley
A detailed look into proper proportioning of your costume to fit any and all body types. If you are lost at how to take your costume from eh to “Wow that looks amazing!” the hidden secret is proper proportion!
Creating a Writing System
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, The Shire
Jacqueline Koyanagi, Jennifer Rose, Lou J Berger, Noelle Alladania Meade
Very few authors have the luxury of strictly writing. Those starting out will definitely need supplemental income. Discover ways to establish a writing life that works for your lifestyle.
Creating Multi-Cultural Steampunk Characters
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Nevernever
Corie Weaver, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp
Brainstorm a steampunk character that steps outside the normal upper-class British box. Audience participation is welcomed.
Creating the Anti-Hero
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Serenity
Melissa Koons, Owen Wears
Discussion group on creating anti-heroes, dark vigilantes, and others with super powers. Aged for 18+
Creativity Roundtable
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Serenity
Chaz Kemp, Owen Wears, Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts)
How do creatives do what we do? What drives us, inspires us, keeps us going when the muse has gone out for pizza and left us sitting at our desks…alone…in the dark. Artists, writers, actors, musicians or just becoming one, come join us.
Critique Groups: Care and Feeding Without Getting Your Hand Bitten
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Serenity
A.M. Burns, Aaron Spriggs, Amity Green
Many (most?) established authors will recommend “the right” critique group for aspiring writers. What are some of the things to look for and pitfalls to avoid? Be wary and be wise by knowing how to get yourself into the right company.
Crossplay & Genderbending: The Art of Cross-Gender Costuming
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Helms Deep
Erin Card, Ana MacDonell, Charles Orndorff, Tauni Orndorff
How do you approach cosplay when the character you love is a different gender or sex? Come join our discussion on reasons and techniques for manipulating your body, or the character’s look to fit yours.
Discussing Combat in Science Fiction & Fantasy
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Eneasz Brodski, Kal Spriggs, Paul Lell, Vivian Caethe
The good, the bad, and the ugly scenes of combat and action in Science Fiction and Fantasy, including the differences between games, movies, and literature. Also a discussion of the morality and emotional impact both upon the audience and the characters involved.
Distopia Rising LARP
Saturday, 9:00 AM-10:50 AM, Terre d’Ange
Cory Williamsen
An introduction to the post-apocalypse setting for live action role playing.
Diversity in Fandom
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Serenity
Corie Weaver, Chaz Kemp, Jason Henry Evans
Diversity is a buzzword, but what does it mean practically? How do shows like Supernatural, Doctor Who, and Firefly work toward greater representation?
Doctor Who Discussion
Friday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, The Shire
Ian Brazee-Cannon, Andrew Hallam, Tomas O’Dreams
Doctors, Companions, and TARDISes, oh my! Discuss some of your favorite memories and moments of Doctor Who.
Draw Off (Art Track)
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, The Shire
Jim Humble, Noelle Alladania Meade, Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts)
Artists are given a prompt from the audience and a time limit to draw their quick masterpiece. Ready, set, go!
Electronics in Costumes & Props
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Gallifrey
Charles Orndorff, Erin Card, Paul Lell, Tauni Orndorff
If you’re ready to take your costume or prop to the next level of awesomeness; adding lights, sounds, or moving parts will put you there and beyond. Come see some of the incredible possibilities of costume electronics and the hows and wheres of getting started on your own projects!
Epic Rap Battles of Literature!
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Helms Deep
Jason Henry Evans, Stace Johnson, Thomas A Fowler
Two teams go head to head in a rap battle where the topics are Harry Potter, Harry Dresden, Lord of the Rings, and more. Fight!
Establish Your Brand
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Helms Deep
Cynthia Settje, Peri Charlifu
Creating a brand can be a difficult yet crucial step. What marketing steps do you have to take to establish a brand? Learn how to research the market, develop a strategy, and create an actionable advertising plan.
Ethics and Art
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Helms Deep
Dame Ursula Whiffenpott, Peri Charlifu, Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts)
How do ethics affect the artist? Talk about different ideas and situation, including pricing, copyright, stealing ideas, borrowing themes, payment, taxes, and how we treat each other!
Exploding TARDIS Painting
Saturday, 3:30 PM-6:00 PM, Atrium Demo Area
Brenna
Kick back, relax, and let your creative juices flow! Blue Jasmine Studios presents this beginner-friendly class. Create your own beautiful ‘Doctor Who’ inspired canvas painting. Whether you are new to painting, or one of the Old Masters, you are sure to have a good time! Our experienced instructor will guide and encourage you as you follow a series of simple steps. Everyone gets to keep their masterpiece! Bring the whole family for painting fun! Recommend for ages 10 and up, children should be accompanied by an adult. Class is offered at a special show discount, $25/person. Seating is limited. Presented by Blue Jasmine Studios at Myths and Legends Convention in Denver. Please note, registration is non-refundable (we cannot refund a missed class).
Faery Treasure Bag – Collection Prizes
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Kings Landing
Tomas O’Dreams, Nissa LaFete
Time to find out which treasures the Faeries treasure the most! Bring your Faerie Treasures and turn in your collections to win prizes!
Feeding the Beast
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Kings Landing
Amity Green, Colin Heintze, Noelle Alladania Meade, Scott Beckman
Creating stories involves a lot of time seeing possibilities when you’re not writing, drawing or working on your craft. Where do find ideas and how to you collect and refine ideas for story-telling
Feminism and Inclusiveness in SF/F and Fandom
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Terre d’Ange
Vivian Caethe, Jacqueline Carey, Losing Lara, Veronica R. Calisto
SF/F has grown to be incredibly inclusive in some ways in the past five years or more. But there is still work to be done. What does that work look like and how can we personally make a difference?
Firefly RPG: Browncoat Breakout
Friday, 9:00 PM-11:50 PM, Nevernever
Willm Ryan
Fair coin for a simple haul to help an old war buddy seemed too good to be true. Captain Clever Moran and the crew of former-Browncoats aboard the Plausible D couldn’t afford to ask too many questions. Now they’re catalyzer deep in conspiracy theories and Alliance-sized trouble. What is the secret of Station 88 and how is it tied to a lost patrol of Browncoat marines. The war is long over? Isn’t it?
Freedom Squadron: The New Legends
Saturday, 9:00 AM-12:50 PM, Nevernever
Sean Patrick Fannon
Sean Patrick Fannon (Savage Rifts, Shaintar, Star Wars RPG, Champions) presents his latest Savage Worlds setting, Freedom Squadron. Set in the world of VENOM Assault, the board game from Spyglass Games, Freedom Squadron is a fantastic love-letter to “G.I. Joe,” featuring awesome heroes, colorful villains, and over-the-top action. The forces of VENOM threaten the whole world – will you stand against them? Features the new Plans & Operations rules for global missions that feature all characters and all their skills. Rules taught, characters provided.
Game Of Thrones: The TV Show Beyond the Books
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Kings Landing
Thomas A Fowler, Jason Henry Evans
While TV show creaters say they’re still following major plot points from GRRM, they’ve deviated and condensed a lot. A general, audience-involved discussion by GoT lovers for GoT lovers to gossip about where the books and the series are heading.
Games and Fandom Tie Ins
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Kings Landing
Brett J Baker, Layman Kingsford
More and more people are doing Kickstarters to fund the next brilliant game idea. Discuss game and module design, game mechanics, GMing, and media tie-in writing.
Geek Crafts
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Noelle Alladania Meade, Peri Charlifu
The panelists discuss what geeky crafts they have made and how they made them, like Jayne hats, stuffed TARDISes, and chainmaille shirts. Please bring things you’ve made to share with everyone!
Gender Representation in Fandom
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Helms Deep
Vivian Caethe, Aaron Michael Ritchey, Melanie Unruh, Veronica R. Calisto
People of all genders enjoy fandoms, but books, movies, and video games are generally not representative. What have we learned and what can we improve on?
Genre Mash-Ups
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Colin Heintze, Ian Thomas Healy , Richard E. Friesen
As anyone who has walked into a bookstore probably knows, genres are not easily cut and dried. Where do genres collide, and when they do what happens?
Gentle Suggestion: A Thoughtful Art Critique
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Kings Landing
Ashley Stoddard, Chaz Kemp, Owen Wears, Peri Charlifu
Come in for a rare opportunity to have your work critiqued in a safe and encouraging environment. No charge, but space is limited. Afterward artists are encouraged to hang around the art show and shmooze!
Get Up Off That Floor
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Helms Deep
Cynthia Settje, Erin Card
Tired of cutting on the floor? We’ll draw from experience in professional costume shops and small home business studios to show you clever ways to improve your costuming set up. Bring your questions and space challenges.
Get’r done: Fighting the Day Job
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Kings Landing
Aaron Spriggs, Amity Green, Jennifer Rose, Mason J. Torall, Scott Beckman
How do writers and artists do it? The running joke about being starving artists isn’t a joke. Finding time to write/do art and still have a day job, family, and manage working to pay the bills while creating your art.
God Made the Devil Too: Villians
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Helms Deep
Aaron Michael Ritchey, Carolyn Kay, Paul Lell, Veronica R. Calisto
What would Star Wars be without Darth Vader, Superman without Lex Luthor? What would Who be without its cast of baddies? A good villain is vital to an interesting conflict. The more evil and nefarious, the better!
Going Down the Research Rabbit Hole
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Room of Requirement
Aaron Spriggs, Amalie Howard, Jacqueline Koyanagi
Researching for a story or novel can be a Wonderland rabbit hole with no bottom. New writers often ask, How much research is enough? When should I stop? Should I stop at all?
Going with the Flow
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Serenity
Cersilla Wolf, Kim Klimek
Finding inspiration and balancing your job as a writer with your mundane job or other muggle responsibilities.
Grimm After Dark
Saturday, 8:30 PM-9:20 PM, Terre d’Ange
Liam Bootzin, Yvonne Larson
Liam Bootzin and Yvonne Larson present the darker side of fairytales. The early works of the Brothers Grimm often illustrate the harshness of life and how not all the endings are happy. Pg-13 Parental Guidance Suggested.
Harry Potter House Feud
Friday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Ana MacDonell, Eddie Cross, Pam Walker
A Harry Potter twist on the old tv show Family Feud. Bring your House team, and be ready to win points for your Hourglass. Never tickle a sleeping dragon!
Hats to Spats
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, The Shire
Melanie Unruh, Amy Griswold, Mike Cervantes
Dress accessories make the Genteel Steampunk. Ideas and resources for adding an air of authenticity to your Neo-Victorian attire.
Heroes and Monsters: What Separates the Two?
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Helms Deep
Thomas A Fowler, Carolyn Kay, Corie Weaver, Travis Heermann
In modern and ancient times, there are figures who straddle the lines, being both monstrous and heroic. What separates the two; is monstrousness something characters are born to or do they have a choice; and are heroes those who are born to it or do they transcend their own monstrousness to become great.
How Much is that Dragon in the Window
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Nevernever
Melanie Unruh, Chaz Kemp, Peri Charlifu
How do you come up with a price for your work? Pricing strategies, marketing tools and tricks, as well as secrets from artists you love.
How Not to Get Published
Friday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Serenity
J.D. Harpley, J.L. Forrest, Lou J Berger
What are some of the pitfalls involved in the pursuit of a writing career; what are some of the gotchas and consequences? Authors talk about their experiences and, in some cases, how they’ve shot themselves in the foot.
How to be a better Roleplayer
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Nevernever
Brett J Baker, Jason Henry Evans
How to be a better roleplayer Humorously covering everything from being an active player, to types of gamers, to not being a jerk.
How to Effectively Run a Role Playing Game
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Nevernever
Layman Kingsford, Mason J. Torall, Sean Patrick Fannon
Have you ever run a game that fell apart or left folks wanting? Have you had players arguing during combat about rules? Or just curious about how to run a great campaign? We can help!
How to Kill Your Best Friends (And Get Away With It)
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Helms Deep
Catherine Winters, Melissa Koons, Paul Lell, Scott Beckman
GRRM isn’t the first to kill beloved characters, but arguably he made it fashionable. When is it appropriate to drop a piano on protagonists and their sidekicks? How can you do it so it draws your fans in instead of pushing them away?
How to Write Circular Gallifreyan
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Nevernever
Billy Van Ark
Come learn how to write like a Time Lord using the fan-created Circular Gallifreyan.
I Wrote Something! Now What?
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Serenity
Catherine Winters, A.M. Burns, Amalie Howard, J.D. Harrison
Writing isn’t the only skill a writer needs in this day and age. We need to understand business, presentation, and sales. Once you’ve created that book and it’s ready to sell, how do you get the word out?
Inside Middle Earth
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, The Shire
Andrew Hallam, Brian Ziman
Dig deep into the details of the books by JRR Tolkein, including the ever asked question about why the eagles didn’t just fly the Hobbits to Mt. Doom.
Invent Imaginary Religions for an Imaginary World
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Helms Deep
Stant Litore
On your imaginary world, what do people worship and why, and how does this drive your characters and your story? Come invent some religions!
Is Digital Art Cheating?
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Gallifrey
Jim Humble, Ashley Stoddard, Peri Charlifu
The trend in art seems to be moving to the digital medium. Is push-button art cheating, or is there more to it ? Can a monkey do digital art, or does it still take skill, knowledge, and creativity?
Is It True You Always Have Story Ideas?
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, The Shire
Colin Heintze, Mike Cervantes
Panelists quickly come up with story based on audience suggestions.
It Ain’t the Writing, It’s the Rewriting: The Power of Revision
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Helms Deep
Colin Heintze, Dylan Edwards, Jennifer Rose, Stant Litore
Few first drafts are gold dripped upon the page, so how do we make them so?
It’s Alive!
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Kings Landing
Courtney Farrell, Richard E. Friesen
Bringing fantastical creatures to life in your urban fantasy story. What are some challenges, and how do you match the fantasy with the more real urban setting?
Jacqueline Carey Autograph Session
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Atrium Tables
Jacqueline Carey
Jacqueline Carey will be available at or near her table in the Atrium. Stop by for an autograph or just to chat! (Be sure to bring your own books, as she will not be bringing any to sell.)
Jacqueline Carey Autograph Session
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Atrium Tables
Jacqueline Carey
Jacqueline Carey will be available at or near her table in the Atrium. Stop by for an autograph or just to chat! (Bring your own books, or purchase them from the Book Bar who will be on site 9 AM-6PM Saturday.)
Jacqueline Carey Autograph Session
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Atrium Tables
Jacqueline Carey
Jacqueline Carey will be available at or near her table in the Atrium. Stop by for an autograph or just to chat! (Be sure to bring your own books, or purchase them Saturday from the Book Bar as she will not be bringing any to sell.)
Jacqueline Carey Inspired Painting
Saturday, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM, Atrium Demo Area
Brenna
Kick back, relax, and let your creative juices flow! Blue Jasmine Studios presents this beginner-friendly class. Create your own beautiful ‘Jacqueline Carey’ inspired canvas painting. Whether you are new to painting, or one of the Old Masters, you are sure to have a good time! Our experienced instructor will guide and encourage you as you follow a series of simple steps. Everyone gets to keep their masterpiece! Bring the whole family for painting fun! Recommend for ages 10 and up, children should be accompanied by an adult. Class is offered at a special show discount, $25/person. Seating is limited. Presented by Blue Jasmine Studios at Myths and Legends Convention in Denver. Please note, registration is non-refundable (we cannot refund a missed class).
Jacqueline Carey Q & A
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Terre d’Ange
Jacqueline Carey
Question and answer session with Jacqueline Carey. Ask her questions, and she may or may not answer them!
Karaoke Roulette
Friday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Serenity
Dame Ursula Whiffenpott, Sean Patrick Fannon
The machine has a mind of its own! Come and see what song pops up and jump in!
Learn to Love Your Writing
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Room of Requirement
Catherine Winters, Bryan Fields, Mike Cervantes
Everyone is their own worst critic. Stop worrying and love your writing: a motivational panel. How to stop hesitating because you feel you work isn’t “good enough” and put words on the paper.
Lego Build Judging
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Serenity
How did they do? Come see the results of the 2 hour Fast Lego Building Challenge!
Linking Pro and Fan
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Kings Landing
Sean Patrick Fannon, Scott Crosson
Creator, Content, Community, and Consumer – the Four C’s. A discussion on the extremely fluid and dynamic nature of today’s creative world, and how these changes directly impact professional creators and the fans.
Living a Creative Life with a Child with Special Needs
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, The Shire
Noelle Alladania Meade
Any child is a full time commitment, but raising a child with special needs requires something extra. How do you balance your child’s needs with feeding your creative soul?
Lord of the Rings: Digging Deeper
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, The Shire
Andrew Hallam, Brian Ziman, Jason Henry Evans
Discussion about various themes in LOTR such as the role of orphans, what happened to the Entwives, everpresent sadness/melancholy, anti-heroes such as Boromir and Gollum, the nature of the five Wizards/Istari, and the role of the children of Elrond.
Lord of the Rings: Myth or Mythopoetic
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Helms Deep
Aaron Michael Ritchey, Andrew Hallam, Stace Johnson
Tolkien’s works are often referred to as modern myth, but are actually mythopoetic. Our panelists explain the difference and how Tolkien fits into each.
Losing Lara Performance
Friday, 5:30 PM-6:20 PM, Terre d’Ange
Losing Lara
Come get lost in listening to wizard rock (Harry Potter), Firefly, and other nerdy themed music performed by Losing Lara!
Magical Abilities in Fiction: Fact or Fiction
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Brian Ziman, Courtney Farrell
A discussion concerning various fantasy fiction, and the reality of the magical abilities presented, such as crystal ball readings, tarot, and magical wands.
Make a Broomstick Pencil Make-and-Take
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Nevernever
Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts)
Learn how to make your own pencil-sized broomstick in this hands-on session. (Materials provided by Shiny Garden).
Make a Wizard Wand, staff, blasting rod, etc (Make-and-Take)
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Kings Landing
Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts)
Make your own wizard wand, short staff or blasting rod. No cost; materials provided by Shiny Garden. (Magic not included.)
Making Heroines Even Better
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Terre d’Ange
Thomas A Fowler, Carolyn Kay, Corie Weaver
Jupiter Rising, Mad Max: Fury Road, and the new Ghostbusters. What did they get right and how they could have been done better.
Marian Call – Musical GOH
Friday, 8:30 PM-9:30 PM, Terre d’Ange
Marian Call
Singer-songwriter Marian Call is grounded in Alaska, though she spends a lot of the year on the road. She has released nine albums since 2007, and her shows have been well-received on years of tours in all fifty United States, Canada, Europe, and the UK.
Marian Call Concert
Sunday, 1:30 PM-2:20 PM, Terre d’Ange
Marian Call
Come see this awesome live performance by our Music GoH!
Marketing for Writers
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Thomas A Fowler, Dylan Edwards
Don’t publishers handle all that marketing mumbo jumbo? In this booming era of indie authors, hybrids, and small presses, what does it take to get your name out there? How does a writer market him or herself?
Merging Steampunk and Fantasy
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, The Shire
Jason Henry Evans, Bryan Fields, Chaz Kemp, Tonya L. De Marco
A discussion on laying the ground work for creating a believable world using the elements of both Steampunk and fantasy.
Mixed Genre Authors and Writing
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, The Shire
A.M. Burns, Cersilla Wolf, J.L. Forrest
What are the ups and downs of being a cross-genre author? It’s not all roses, but its also not eating the same burger day after day after day.
Modesty in Cosplay: Don’t Have to Show a Lot of Skin
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Room of Requirement
Amy Griswold, Carolyn Kay, Cynthia Settje
A discussion on ways to modify your costumes for your comfort level.
Moments Only an Artist Can Relate To
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Helms Deep
Melanie Unruh, Jim Humble
We have all had moments that only an artist can really relate to, let’s air some dirty laundry for an audience and talk about the worst, the best and the weirdest things that have happened to us as artists.
Music Guest of Honor Marian Call
Saturday, 10:00 PM-11:00 PM, Terre d’Ange
Marian Call
Marian Call’s sound has been described as soulful, honest, and clever, by turns humorous and heartbreaking, sounding a little like Joni Mitchell & Ani DiFranco raising the love child of Jason Mraz & Regina Spektor.
My Little Pony Fashion
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Serenity
Tonya L. De Marco, J.D. Harpley
Don’t know what to wear for the Grand Galloping Gala? This panel will show you creative ways to create the perfect My Little Pony costume for adults and children.
New Authors Anonymous
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Nevernever
Cersilla Wolf, J.D. Harrison
Talk about what it’s like as a newbie in this crazy publishing world.
Notable Historical Women Authors
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Nevernever
Corie Weaver, Kim Klimek
Learn about great historical women authors – some you may know and love, and some who may be new to you.
Open Filking
Saturday, 8:00 PM-12:00 AM, Nevernever
Folk music, often with a sci fi or fantasy theme, played casually in a round-robin style. Bring an instrument if you have one, your voice as well, and a good sense of humor doesn’t hurt.
Opening Ceremonies
Friday, 6:30 PM-6:55 PM, Terre d’Ange
Jacqueline Carey, Jim Humble, Marian Call, Nikki Ebright
Organizer Nikki Ebright welcomes everyone and introduces this year’s Guests of Honor.
Overcoming Creative Fears
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, The Shire
James A. Hunter, Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts), Travis Heermann
There is a time when you have to introduce your work to the world; learn to overcome a common, harrowing experience for every creative person out there.
Ow, My Spleen!
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, The Shire
Courtney Farrell, Dylan Edwards, Lou J Berger
All too often in a book or movie, the characters undergo severe physical trauma, only for them to undertake heroic acts in the following scenes. How do you write realistic fiction where your characters are injured and face the consequences yet still manage to allow them to do what you need?
Pitching to the Editor
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Nevernever
Brett J Baker, Christopher M. Salas, Dylan Edwards
Want to pitch your next great novel in a flash? Learn how from pros who have been there.
Pitfalls of the Strong Female Character
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Serenity
Veronica R. Calisto, Amity Green, Catherine Winters, Noelle Alladania Meade
There is more to feminine strength than the assassin and the Chosen One built to kill all of the vampires. We will explore tropes and stereotypes of the way strength and females intertwine in our stories and media
Polyamory and Non-monogamy in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Terre d’Ange
Jacqueline Koyanagi, Stace Johnson, Vivian Caethe
Panelists will review SFF genre fiction throughout the decades with non-monogamous and polyamorous themes and how they have influenced current lifestyle trends.
Pursuing Your Dreams in Writing, Art and everything else
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Room of Requirement
J.L. Forrest, Mike Cervantes, Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts)
How to completely go for your dreams despite all of the good advice that you’ll be given to stop you. Beyond the pit falls and dealing with discouragement, a focus on how to put your dreams into action and how to stay happy when all seems bleak.
QUILTBAG Characters and Stories
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Helms Deep
A.M. Burns, J.D. Harpley, J.L. Forrest
How to write characters with diverse genders and sexualities that readers and viewers can connect with.
Relatable AND Interesting Characters
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Serenity
Christopher M. Salas, J.D. Harpley
Writing fictional worlds means creating characters and situations to keep the reader engaged, but where is the balance between larger-than-life characters that are relatable yet interesting.
Relationship, Sexual, and Gender Diversity in Fandoms
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Helms Deep
Catherine Winters, Layman Kingsford, Stace Johnson, Veronica R. Calisto
Sometimes representation of diverse relationships styles, sexualities, and genders is overt in fandoms, and other times they are fan created. What are some examples of non-cis/heterosexual/monoamorous relationships we see and are these characters authentic and fairly represented?
Religion in SF/F Outside the Western World
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Gallifrey
Jacqueline Carey, Kim Klimek, Stant Litore
What if the galaxy was explored by Islamic researchers? What if the next epic fantasy you read is set in Aztec Mexico? Speculative fiction is our chance to explore the cosmos through very different eyes than our own — and not just extraterrestrial or elven ones!
Rewriting History with the Living Dead
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Helms Deep
Christopher M. Salas, Stant Litore
What if the zombie plague has been a recurring phenomenon throughout the centuries? Alternate history gurus will lead you through an interactive imaginative exercise based on that premise!
RPG World-Building
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Serenity
Brett J Baker, J.D. Harpley
Covering everything from how to craft your own gameworld and where your player characters fit into it, to the dos and don’ts of world-building to common tropes that appear across genres.
Science Fiction vs Science Fact
Saturday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Kings Landing
Brian Ziman, Mason J. Torall, Richard E. Friesen
Discussion of how sci-fi influences real world tech; and how real world tech is incorporated into fiction; and how to keep your science and tech plausible, or at least believable.
Sculpting Demo with Jim Humble
Friday, 8:00 PM-9:50 PM, Atrium Demo Area
Jim Humble
Artist Guest of Honor Jim Humble demonstrates his sculpting prowess.
Sculpting Demo with Jim Humble
Sunday, 1:00 PM-2:50 PM, Atrium Demo Area
Jim Humble
Artist Guest of Honor Jim Humble demonstrates his sculpting prowess.
Self Defense Against the Dark Arts
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Terre d’Ange
Courtney Farrell, Galen Pereira
Come learn a few self defense moves to keep in your back pocket in case you’re approached by unsavory types such as dementors, werewolves, or ministry officials.
Self publishing (Print and eBook)
Sunday, 3:00 PM-3:50 PM, Serenity
A.M. Burns, Mason J. Torall, Travis Heermann
So many options out there. How do you choose the best company to work with and how do you actually make it happen, in physical form and electronically?
Serenity vs. Firefly: The Audience Quiz Bowl Game
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, Helms Deep
Ana MacDonell, Pam Walker, Stace Johnson
Do you know more about Serenity and Firefly than your friends? Now is your chance to find out how much you know in this family-friendly and fun game where deep knowledge is pitted against recall speed.
Severus Snape: It’s all about Me
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Kings Landing
Losing Lara
People debate if Snape was good or bad, but what if he didn’t care about Dumbledore or The Dark Lord. What if it was just all about his personal interests, and the rest was window dressing for him.
Sexy in Science Fiction
Saturday, 10:00 PM-10:50 PM, Kings Landing
Catherine Winters, Eneasz Brodski, Vivian Caethe
Love and sex are essential elements in any story. How these scenes in popular SFF can help you create more robust stories with fully fleshed-out characters.
Shiny Garden and New Events
Sunday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, The Shire
Jason Henry Evans, Billy Van Ark, Brian Ziman, Janet Rose, Nancy Kay Clark, Nikki Ebright, Sandra Wheeler
Come find out more about Shiny Garden and their events: WhimsyCon – Denver’s new Steampunk and Costuming convention, and HexaCon – Denver’s newest Tabletop Gaming convention, and Westercon – a traveling convention that we are hosting.
So Charming, Not Creepy
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Layman Kingsford, Sandra Wheeler
Make your convention experience better by learning how to approach people without being a creep. A discussion on etiquette, consent, common sense and enjoying fandom with respect. Audience is encouraged to share examples of good and bad interactions.
So You Want to Turn Your Hobby Into a Business
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Helms Deep
Lou J Berger, Brett J Baker, Sean Patrick Fannon
There are plenty of hobbies in fiction fandom, from costumes to artwork to tea to writing to pretty much everything. How does one go about making a living or at least creating income with a hobby?
Steven Universe Panel
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, The Shire
Vivian Caethe, Losing Lara
Steven Universe is awesome and we should all talk about it!
Sticking the Landing: How to End Your
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Room of Requirement
James A. Hunter, Scott Beckman, Travis Heermann
Why do some endings leave a lasting impact and others just fizzle?
Story in an Hour
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Helms Deep
Richard E. Friesen, Courtney Farrell, Ian Brazee-Cannon
Panelists and the audience will collaborate in a one-hour fun adventure, outlining a new story together.
Storytelling via Songwriting
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Helms Deep
Losing Lara, Seth Phillips
Sometimes the muse hits us with tunes and lyrics, and our geeky and musical sides combine. Let’s talk about geek-themed music, including specific genres such as wizard rock/wrock.
Storytelling with Tomas O’Dreams
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Kings Landing
Tomas O’Dreams, Nissa LaFete
Tomas O’Dreams and Nissa Of LaFete and their faerie friends brought stories from near and far to the Faerie Court. Now let them treat you! Be sure to catch this leprechaun and his faerie companions for myths, magic, and merriment for all ages!
Storytelling with Tomas O’Dreams
Sunday, 11:00 AM-11:50 AM, Kings Landing
Tomas O’Dreams, Nissa LaFete
Tomas O’Dreams and Nissa Of LaFete and their faerie friends brought stories from near and far to the Faerie Court. Now let them treat you! Be sure to catch this leprechaun and his faerie companions for myths, magic, and merriment for all ages!
Strong Female Characters in Harry Potter
Sunday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Nevernever
Corie Weaver, Losing Lara
Let’s investigate how the female characters at Hogwarts uniquely frame, shape, and drive the story based on their unique perspective on the way women interact with the world.
Superheroes: Myths and Legends of the Modern Age
Friday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Kings Landing
Andrew Hallam, Veronica R. Calisto
From Hercules and Coyote to Batman and Deadpool, the superhero has always existed in some form in the cultural roots of the world. Discussion to include why humans need these characters in our collective consciousness.
Sympathetic Villains
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Serenity
Eneasz Brodski, Carolyn Kay, Kal Spriggs
The old Master was patently evil, a nasty curmudgeon with nefarious design while the new Masters were made into sympathetic villains of galactic proportions. We root for Doctor Horrible over the good guy Captain Hammer. How does this change our view of villains?
Tai Chi Session
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Kings Landing
Galen Pereira
Tai chi is known for both defense training as well as its health benefits. Come get grounded with this interactive session, gentle enough for all abilities.
Tai Chi Session – Relax before Bed
Saturday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Serenity
Galen Pereira
Tai chi is known for both defense training as well as its health benefits. Come get grounded with this interactive session, gentle enough for all abilities.
Tea Dueling
Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:50 AM, Gallifrey
Melanie Unruh
Hoist your biscuits and prepare to duel in the spirited Sudden Death Tea Dueling Tournament. Hosted by the Denver Victorian and Steampunk Society (DVSS).
The Muse and the Devil
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, The Shire
Jim Humble, Kal Spriggs, Melanie Unruh, Sarin Tatroe (Sariochan Arts)
Where do artists get their inspiration and ideas, why does it seem that some of our best ideas don’t sell? How does inspiration hit and how do you ignite that spark?
The New Who
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Scott Crosson
Dr Who is going to change in the next few years, not only are we getting a new Doctor but the leadership if the production is changing. How will this affect the longest running Science Fiction show in history? Let’s discuss.
The Price of Magic
Saturday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Serenity
Amity Green, Kal Spriggs, Mason J. Torall, Veronica R. Calisto
For magic to mean anything, it has to cost something. What happens when the price must be paid? What happens if there is no cost for magic?
The Spirit of the Steampunk Era
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, Serenity
Melanie Unruh, Scott Crosson
Absinthe rose and fell in the Belle Epoch, so it is naturally the favored refreshment of Steampunks. Discussions for writers and imbibers.
Things You Wouldn’t Believe
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Room of Requirement
Bryan Fields, Stant Litore
True stories about fan interactions, con experiences, writing gaffs, and anything else panelists will admit to. Names will be changed to protect the (guilty, innocent, crazy.)
Time for a Female Who!
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Gallifrey
Ian Brazee-Cannon
The BBC announced Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor. The Mistress/Master is a living legend; what will be some of the impacts to Whovians?
To Self Pub or Not: Is It Really Easy?
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Serenity
Thomas A Fowler, Aaron Michael Ritchey, Dylan Edwards, Ian Thomas Healy , James A. Hunter, Melissa Koons
What does it take to transform your beloved manuscript from standard manuscript format to print and eBooks formats and get it out there for purchase?
Tolkien’s Influence on Art and Imagination
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, The Shire
Aaron Michael Ritchey, Andrew Hallam
How and why has Tolkien become an inspiration for artists and fans alike? Audience participation encouraged.
Trials and Triumphs of Short Fiction
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Kings Landing
J.D. Harpley, Owen Wears, Tonya L. De Marco
Discuss what it’s like to work the short fiction market, from getting into Gratis Anthologies all the way up to Pro sales. How do you climb that ladder, and what’s the fastest route into the big leagues?
Trivia for Geeks!
Saturday, 8:00 PM-9:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Peri Charlifu
Join Peri Charlifu and Lee Moody as they put you through the ringer, testing your knowledge of various fandoms in all its various forms. Compete with other self-proclaimed fans for prizes and the chance to show them who the real fan is! As seen at MileHiCon and COSine!
Trope if You Want To
Saturday, 4:00 PM-4:50 PM, The Shire
Amalie Howard, Bryan Fields, Kal Spriggs
You know that story you want to write about pirates? How about that one about aliens? Superheroes? Wizards? Secret agents? Just because a genre has already been beaten to death doesn’t mean you can’t bring something unique to it.
Twin Peaks
Saturday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Helms Deep
Aaron Michael Ritchey, Tonya L. De Marco
After over twenty-five years in the Black Lodge, Season 3 of Twin Peaks is in production. Enjoy this lively discussion of this surreal masterpiece, its cultural significance and reasons for its enduring appeal.
Understanding Amazon
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Room of Requirement
James A. Hunter
Amazon is the biggest distribution platform independent authors. How do you get discovered, stand out, and make a profit? Understanding how Amazon works can give many authors the opportunity and edge they need to find readers who will love their work.
Unsung Villainesses and Heriones of Fandom
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Serenity
Bryan Fields, Stace Johnson, Tonya L. De Marco
Starting with Professor McGonagall, who are some of the great unsung heroines and villainesses of fandom?
Verse in the ‘Verse: Poetry and the Firefly Universe
Saturday, 6:00 PM-6:50 PM, Kings Landing
Stace Johnson, Bryan Fields
Readings of fan poetry, impromptu Firefly poetry, and any poetry based on Firefly topics. Bring your material to share or provide prompts to the panelists.
VIP Speed Dating
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, Terre d’Ange
Jacqueline Carey, Jim Humble, Losing Lara, Marian Call, Nissa LaFete, Seth Phillips, Tomas O’Dreams
A FREE gathering of fans where the VIP and special guests visit YOUR tables just to meet YOU. Meet Jacqueline Carey, Jim Humble, Marian Call, and many more!
Wattpad 101: How to create fans before you publish (and read millions of books at the same time)
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Serenity
E. Godhand
Wattpad is the largest reading and writing app where authors can publish their works (for free) to gain visibility, feedback, a connection with fans, and a sense of community with other creatives. Come learn how to make the most of it, and what it has to offer!
What to Do With That First Manuscript
Friday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, The Shire
Lou J Berger, Ian Thomas Healy , J.D. Harrison
Once written, what should I do with my book? Where do I start, what decisions need to be made, and what are some common pitfalls to newbies?
When They Tell You They’re Too Old or Too Young
Sunday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Kings Landing
Corie Weaver, Melissa Koons, Mike Cervantes
There is YA literature that many consider to have topics beyond a YA audience (Hunger Games, Twilight), but does this mean they aren’t for adult readers?
Who’s Your Favorite Who?
Saturday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Serenity
Ian Brazee-Cannon
With a new Doctor on the loose, let’s look at the ones who came before. Who are you favorites, and why?
Wish You Were There: Worldbuilding
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, The Shire
Amalie Howard, Sean Patrick Fannon, Stace Johnson, Veronica R. Calisto
There are two kinds of worldbuilding: the kind that describes the story’s world, and the kind that makes you wish you were there. Authors discuss the difference, and offer tips and techniques to help you bring your own fictional worlds to life.
Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget – Part I
Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Helms Deep
Stant Litore
Unburying your character’s history
Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget – Part II
Saturday, 2:00 PM-2:50 PM, Helms Deep
Stant Litore
Writing unforgettable dialogue
Write Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget – Part III
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Helms Deep
Stant Litore
The character arc tool
Writing Animals in Fiction
Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:50 AM, Helms Deep
A.M. Burns, J.D. Harrison, Nancy Kay Clark
How far can a horse really travel? Does a rider really guide a horse with her knees? Do dogs and cats think like us, or do they even like us? How do we portray animal movement and behavior realistically in fiction?
Writing Combat in Science Fiction & Fantasy
Saturday, 1:00 PM-1:50 PM, Room of Requirement
Amalie Howard, James A. Hunter, Kal Spriggs, Owen Wears, Travis Heermann
What works (and doesn’t) in books and media. A friendly discussion about violence, bloodshed, what makes a fight scene realistic, and examples of combat done right.
Writing from Life’s Lessons
Saturday, 12:00 PM-12:50 PM, Serenity
Amity Green, E. Godhand, Melissa Koons
How have your life experiences impacted your craft?
Writing Historically – Medieval and Ancient Cultures
Sunday, 9:00 AM-9:50 AM, Terre d’Ange
Jacqueline Carey, Stant Litore, Vivian Caethe
We weren’t there, but we want to make our readers feel like they are. How do we manage that to accurately and adequately set the stage? Learn how much research is necessary, how much is too much, and where to go to get the best sources.
Writing in the 21st Century: What can we do now that we couldn’t do before?
Saturday, 7:00 PM-7:50 PM, The Shire
Cersilla Wolf, Courtney Farrell, Lou J Berger, Richard E. Friesen
Are there topics, characters, or situations that we can write about now that were taboo or forbidden in the past?
Writing Jobs That Aren’t Writing Fiction
Saturday, 8:00 PM-8:50 PM, Serenity
Sandra Wheeler, Courtney Farrell, Lou J Berger, Thomas A Fowler, Vivian Caethe
Learn about growing fields of writing outside of writing fiction that will grow your skills as a writer and pay above minimum wage.
Writing Systems of Gallifrey
Saturday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Nevernever
Billy Van Ark, Scott Crosson
Gallifreyan writing systems have appeared on screen many times over the years. When do we see them, and what do they look like?
Writing the story is the easiest part!
Friday, 5:00 PM-5:50 PM, Kings Landing
J.D. Harpley, James A. Hunter, Mason J. Torall, Richard E. Friesen
Panelists discuss tales and compare the indie and traditional publishing worlds.
Writing the Supernatural
Friday, 9:00 PM-9:50 PM, The Shire
Christopher M. Salas, E. Godhand, James A. Hunter
How can we make tropes like ghosts, vampires, and werewolves appeal to audiences who have had their fill? What constitutes writing about the supernatural and what can authors do to pep up the characters and brighten up the tropes?
Yule Ball in the Fall
Saturday, 11:00 PM-11:50 PM, Terre d’Ange
After enjoying the gorgeous warm, whimsical, and wonderful repertoire of Marian Call, it’s time to get on your feet! Put your wands in the air like you just don’t care! Dress up or down while we dream of cooler winter weather. Friendly to all ages of witches and wizards.
Zero Day Exploits band
Friday, 10:00 PM-11:00 PM, Terre d’Ange
Zero Day Exploits, Seth Phillips
Longmont geek-band, Zero Day Exploits, performs their original fun and geeky music!