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M. Scott Carter

Oklahoma native M. Scott Carter is a young-adult novelist and analytical/investigative reporter who has covered Oklahoma politics for four decades. A 1981 graduate of Yale (OK) High School, Carter holds an Associate of Arts degree from Northern Oklahoma College and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma. In 2014, he earned a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. His first novel, 2011’s Stealing Kevin’s Heart, was a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award. His second novel, The Immortal Von B, earned the Oklahoma Book Award for Young Adult Fiction, the Gold Award for Young Adult Fiction from the National Independent Book Publishers Association, and Foreword magazine’s 2013 Gold Award for Young Adult Fiction. His McAfee and Taft: The First 70 Years was published in 2022. During that same year, he was named one of the Oklahoma’s top three political reporters by The Washington Post’s blog, The Fix. Carter has also earned numerous state and national awards. In 2016, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Northern Oklahoma College. In 2021 he was named Newspaper Advisor of the Year by the Oklahoma Scholastic Media Association. 

02:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Unnatural Critters

Let's discuss cryptids and their roles in folklore and tale. What might have inspired Nessie or the loup-garou? What do impossible animals imply about folk knowledge, or people's trust in those “experts” who deny the beast?

Moderator: Trina Jacobs

Panelists: Trina Jacobs, M. Scott Carter, Tim Frayser, Karen Thrower

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Supernatural & Paranormal

02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Separating Art from Artist ... or Author

Fans are bound to encounter beloved stories and art created by individuals whose personal actions or beliefs are disappointing. Is it possible to separate the art from the artist and continue to enjoy these works? While there are no easy answers, we aim to foster reflection and understanding of the complex relationship between creator and creation.

Moderator: Chaz Kemp

Panelists: Chaz Kemp, M. Scott Carter, Robert Daniels, Dara Fogel, PhD, Julia S. Mandala, Ted Pennella

Tracks: Art, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment

09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

Smash or Pass: Hear Me Out Edition

Get ready for a wild ride through the realm of unconventional attractions! Play "Smash or Pass" with notable NPCs and well-known characters of the fantasy genre and make some truly unpredictable matches. It's a game where anything goes, and you never know who might steal your heart! (18+ Adult evening programming.)

Moderator: Shay Griffith

Panelists: Shay Griffith, M. Scott Carter, Matt Cavanaugh

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

10:00 AM | Location: University B

Hollow Humanism?

Some happy futures like Asimov’s projections or Star Trek assure us that eventually we'll all get along and be polite. Does this square with humanity’s nature? Would material prosperity, a healthier climate, and better collaboration bring peace to the world?

Moderator: Brian A. Hopkins

Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Paul Carlson, M. Scott Carter, Neal Hallford, Joshua Caudill, M.A., Craig Wolf

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Comics, Film & TV

03:00 PM | Location: University B

Agents of Chaos in Storytelling

Shakespeare’s Puck, DC’s Harley Quinn, Arcane's Jinx. Debate the indispensable character who shakes things up – the jester or class clown, even a wisecracking bad guy like Loki of Norse lore or Efnysien of Welsh mythology. Love or hate them, stories wouldn't be the same without the trickster.

Moderator: Chaz Kemp

Panelists: M. Scott Carter, Chaz Kemp, Carolyn Kay, vickey malone kennedy, Ash King, Craig Wolf

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy