Laura J. Underwood

Laura J. Underwood has been writing stories, articles, and novels most of her life. She is a retired librarian and a former fencer whose interests range from old folklore to ball-jointed dolls to collecting old typewriters. Most of her still-published work is available from Yard Dog Press, though occasionally you will find a story by her in Lorelei Signals. Two books are forthcoming/currently available from Wolfsinger Publications. She still lives in East Tennessee where she likes to go hiking now and again.

10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

They're a 10, But ...

How charming are the characters we know and love when their flaws are laid bare and they're only identifiable by their red flags? Can we really tell the differences between the heroes and their villains?

Moderator: Shay Griffith

Panelists: Shay Griffith, C.C. Caldwell, Lollalotus, David Rike, Laura J. Underwood

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

Noon | Location: Boomer A

Science Fiction and Funtasy

Douglas Adams. Terry Pratchett. The names alone tell you what you're about to read will have you laughing at every page. Many authors have taken up the mantle, but humor in spec fic definitely takes a certain finesse. Who can lit fans turn to, to heal our hurts with humor? And what makes these works comedy standouts?

Moderator: Tracy S. Morris

Panelists: Tracy S. Morris, Aaron Bossig, Crash Thunderpants, Rhonda Eudaly, Laura J. Underwood

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, General Interest, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction

02:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Libraries, Intellectual Freedom, and Book Challenges

Do you read banned books? You probably do without knowing it. Teachers, writers, and others in this panel discuss the challenges they face in the classroom, the library, and life in general as they do their best to shield our freedom to choose what to read and when in spite of active opposition and censorship.

Moderator: Rook Riley

Panelists: Rook Riley, Shai Fenwick, Okie Space Queen, Pallas the Librarian, Laura J. Underwood, Kim Ventrella

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Writing & Publishing, General Interest

09:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Koffeeklatch

Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.

Moderator: -

Panelists: Michael "Gecko" Adams, Alice-of-Hearts, Julie Barrett, Aaron Bossig, Dara Fogel, PhD, Divine Creations Cosplay - Allison, Divine Creations Cosplay - Marlie, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rhonda Eudaly, Mark Finn, J.H. Fleming, Tim Frayser, GalaxyGhost, Teddy Harvia, Trina Jacobs, Melinda LaFevers, Tracy S. Morris, Mrs. Babb, Stephen Patrick, Jeff Provine, Rook Riley, Collin Salmonowicz, A C Smart, Tommy B. Smith, Laura J. Underwood, Yakisoba Zay Michaels

Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Professional Development

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

Build Your Own Pantheon

How to create your own array of gods and goddesses for a new world. Will you have a god of hiccups, or a goddess of lint? How will your divinities be served or worshipped? What is their role and how does a religious system enhance the worlds fantastic?

Moderator: Chaz Kemp

Panelists: Chaz Kemp, Paul Carlson, David Carrico, Selina Rosen, Lisa Smedman, Laura J. Underwood

Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing

01:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E - Back Wall Table