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Rook Riley

Army vet Rook Riley (she/they) is a neurospicy nonbinary horror author, game writer, developmental editor, and former middle-school teacher. They split their time between the Dallas area and a farm that's been in the family since 1870. They are a member of the Horror Writers Association, Missing in America, the Texas Center for the Missing, and the Cold Case Coalition. Binge-watching horror and collecting tattoos are their current hobbies. Will fight you for the love and affection of Walton Goggins, Pedro Pascal, and Eliza Dushku. NOTE: Matthew Lillard may sub in as a love interest at any time.  Their first novel, A Cup of Ashes, was delivered to their agent on May 3rd.

04:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

The Big(foot) Bang Theory

In this urban fantastic liar's panel, let's create a believable origin story for our favorite cryptids of today. Are Chupacabras the larval stage of Bigfoot? Do Thunderbirds keep Nessie as a pet?

Moderator: Jeff Provine

Panelists: Jeff Provine, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris, Rook Riley

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup, General Interest

07:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Literary Beers

Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.

Moderator: -

Panelists: Michael "Gecko" Adams, Kimber E Chessmore, Dara Fogel, PhD, Brenna Deutchman, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Neal Hallford, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, vickey malone kennedy, Julia S. Mandala, Tracy S. Morris, Stephen Patrick, Rook Riley, A C Smart, Scott Zrubek

Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art

08:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

I Roll to Flirt: D&D and Romance

What to do if you want to hit on that hot NPC? I think my character has a crush. How do I keep my characters from trying to romance the BBG? Romance and D&D have always been involved, but how do you set up boundaries, to keep everyone comfortable?

Moderator: Ela Evella

Panelists: Ela Evella, Holly Beightol, Rook Riley

Tracks: Gaming

10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A

Everyone Has a NeverEnding Story

Bastian, an artist and dreamer, is told to give up fantasy and face reality. Chased by bullies, he escapes into a bookstore where he finds a book that leads to adventure. Sound familiar? Some of us have never left Fantasia. What is YOUR NeverEnding Story? How does an escape to fantastic worlds empower us in the real one?

Moderator: Melinda LaFevers

Panelists: Melinda LaFevers, Sara Felix, A. Lee Martinez, Rook Riley, Tommy B. Smith, Dennis Spielman

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

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

04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage

Author Readings

Authors read selections from their various works.

Moderator: -

Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, Rook Riley, Scott Zrubek

Tracks: Writing & Publishing

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

01:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Neurodivergent Characters in Fantasy and Anime

We shine the spotlight on characters who are coded as neurodivergent in media. We explore characters like Frieren, L, Violet Evergarden, Radical Edward, Steris, Shallan, and more. How do these characters challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive narrative? We'll highlight the importance of authentic representation, the impact it has on audiences, and the vital role these characters play in storytelling.

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Madilynn Dale, Clinton Girkin, Rook Riley

Tracks: Anime, Culture & World Affairs, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest