Noon | Location: Boomer A
Would you want to live forever? If you could, what would it look like? What are the pros and cons? Our panelists discuss the timeless theme of immortality in storytelling and the art of creating believable everlasting characters.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: A C Smart, Madilynn Dale, Mark Alfred, Stephen Patrick
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Noon | Location: Boomer B
Writers and gamers teach the art of building an original character, or OC. Whether you're crafting a character for cosplay, D&D campaigns, story writing, or art, this will be a fun collaboration between you and the panelists. Come prepared to unleash your creativity and bring a character to life. You will be given prompts designed to spark inspiration, develop backstories, and flesh out personalities. Who will you create?
Moderator: Brook Bullock
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, Brook Bullock, Phoenix Noire BouRey, TattedSith Cosplay
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Join us for the ultimate showdown battle of the books as we pitch the best science-fiction and fantasy books against each other! Panelists will argue for their favorites and vote to see which incredible reads in the championship bracket progress and which don't. There can be only one winner, who will it be?
Moderator: Mrs. Babb
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Britt Alfred, Buck Berlin, Mrs. Babb, Okie Space Queen
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Meetup, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Noon | Location: Oklahoma E
Build an origami dragon and take flight in a new game by Lisa Smedman (designed for Soonercon!) that that mixes RPG elements with improv storytelling.
In Dragonflight, each player is a helper to a newly hatched dragon bound for adventure. Players must seek each other out and combine their puzzle pieces to solve Tetris-like puzzles that unlock quests, then work cooperatively to overcome story-based challenges. Can your hatchling survive, thrive – and perhaps most importantly, start amassing a hoard of treasure?
Dragonflight can be played in small bursts over the course of the convention, whenever players have time. Participants can identify each other by the origami dragons each wears. The quests are designed to be tackled by ever-changing groups of three to twelve players (or even more!) and feature a real-time rock-paper-scissors mechanic to resolve challenges. The emphasis is on storytelling: how, exactly, will your little hatchling defeat opponents, triumph in a battle of wits, or negotiate hazards along the road to treasure? Participants in the game will be invited to enter their names for a prize.
The game is designed for up to 500 players. Components (character card, puzzle pieces, link to the rules) will be available from Lisa Smedman's table in the Exhibtors Hall – or, for that matter, anywhere she happens to be during the convention. Feel free to ask her for everything you need to get into the game – and don't forget to ask her to autograph your dragon's character card while you're at it!
Moderator: Lisa Smedman
Panelists: Lisa Smedman
Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publishing
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Everyone knows RPGs are so much more fun when everyone is in character! Let us help equip you with the tools and techniques to take your RPG experience to the next level! Actors and DMs share acting and improv tips to help you bring your characters to life on the fly and make your games even more interactive.
Moderator: Thousand Faces Cosplay
Panelists: Aidyn Cross, David Rike, Shai Fenwick, Thousand Faces Cosplay, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Delve into the art of crafting immersive puzzles that will challenge your players in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. (2 hours. Limit 14 Participants. $10 fee)
Moderator: Michael Dean
Panelists: Michael Dean
Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Workshop
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
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: Karen Thrower, M. Scott Carter, Tim Frayser, Trina Jacobs
03:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
From Greek mythology to modern-day heroes, we explore the Percy Jackson series' impact on literature and pop culture. We celebrate its varied characters and imaginative storytelling. Join us for an exploration of Percy's enduring magic that will entertain.
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, C.C. Caldwell, Chaz Kemp, Mrs. Babb
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing
03:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
The moderator will choose a topic (cheese, TV shows, all those weird Oreo flavors, whatever) and the puns will fly until the panelists run dry. The topic will be over if one minute passes without a new pun being offered, at which point the moderator chooses another topic, or asks the audience for one. The final ten minutes of the panel will be a pun free-for-all, any topic goes.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Mark Alfred, Melinda LaFevers, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sean Hinckley, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Writing & Publishing
04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: -
Panelists: Joshua Caudill, M.A., Steven E. Wedel, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
05:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Embark on a quest to create the perfect realm! Whether you're a Dungeon Master, game designer, or author, a vibrant world can breathe life into your story. Our panelists discuss developing cultures, lore, geography, and magical systems that will make your world a fantastic experience. We'll give you the knowledge and tools to unleash your creativity and imagination.
Moderator: Lisa Smedman
Panelists: David Carrico, J.H. Fleming, Lisa Smedman, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Gaming
05:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: -
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Julia S. Mandala, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
07:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator: -
Panelists: A C Smart, Brenna Deutchman, Cap'n Ed, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, Dara Fogel, PhD, Julia S. Mandala, Kimber E Chessmore, Mark Finn, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Neal Hallford, Rook Riley, Scott Zrubek, Shai Fenwick, Stephen Patrick, Tracy S. Morris, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art
09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
Panelists share an AITA-style story from the perspective of a famous fantasy character. Audience members guess which character the story is about and decide whether they're deemed an A-hole or not. Grab your thinking caps and get ready to play a game filled with plenty of laughs. (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Amber Hanneken
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, Caleb Haldane, Lollalotus, Matt Cavanaugh, Sally Hamilton
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Contest, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
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: C.C. Caldwell, David Rike, Laura J. Underwood, Lollalotus, Shay Griffith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma E
Build an origami dragon and take flight in a new game by Lisa Smedman (designed for Soonercon!) that that mixes RPG elements with improv storytelling.
In Dragonflight, each player is a helper to a newly hatched dragon bound for adventure. Players must seek each other out and combine their puzzle pieces to solve Tetris-like puzzles that unlock quests, then work cooperatively to overcome story-based challenges. Can your hatchling survive, thrive – and perhaps most importantly, start amassing a hoard of treasure?
Dragonflight can be played in small bursts over the course of the convention, whenever players have time. Participants can identify each other by the origami dragons each wears. The quests are designed to be tackled by ever-changing groups of three to twelve players (or even more!) and feature a real-time rock-paper-scissors mechanic to resolve challenges. The emphasis is on storytelling: how, exactly, will your little hatchling defeat opponents, triumph in a battle of wits, or negotiate hazards along the road to treasure? Participants in the game will be invited to enter their names for a prize.
The game is designed for up to 500 players. Components (character card, puzzle pieces, link to the rules) will be available from Lisa Smedman's table in the Exhibtors Hall – or, for that matter, anywhere she happens to be during the convention. Feel free to ask her for everything you need to get into the game – and don't forget to ask her to autograph your dragon's character card while you're at it!
Moderator: Lisa Smedman
Panelists: Lisa Smedman
Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publishing
11:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
Dark, suspenseful, gritty. Some movies, podcasts and TV shows balance these elements masterfully to create an engaging and nail-biting experience. But how to align and synergize these various elements well? Does crime storytelling have a place in the world of horror and mystery? We'll discuss the narrative techniques that keep audiences riveted.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Caleb Masters, Crash Thunderpants, Mark Finn, Rhonda Eudaly, Stephen Patrick
Tracks: Film & TV, Horror, Writing & Publishing, Content Creation & Podcasting, Supernatural & Paranormal
Noon | Location: Boomer A
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: Aaron Bossig, Crash Thunderpants, Laura J. Underwood, Rhonda Eudaly, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, General Interest, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Even though it's set in space, Star Wars has its share of knights, damsels, magic, and monsters. Join us in a discussion about the fantasy elements of Star Wars.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Johnnie Johnson, Mrs. Babb, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Film & TV, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing
01:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Two poems or songs, or six minutes of freestyle, whichever comes first. Share your poetry and music and listen to fellow creatives in this open-mic session.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, David Carrico, Mark Alfred
Tracks: Meetup, Performing Arts, Writing & Publishing, Music
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
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: Kim Ventrella, Laura J. Underwood, Okie Space Queen, Pallas the Librarian, Rook Riley, Shai Fenwick
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Writing & Publishing, General Interest
02:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: -
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Karen Thrower, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
03:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Unlock your imagination in the world of fantasy map making! Create towering mountains, hidden valleys and mysterious oceans that create an adventure teeming with wonder for your players. This class is taught by a professional cartographer who will teach you the techniques to bring your maps to life. (1 hour. Limit 14 Participants. $15 fee)
Moderator: Brian Russell
Panelists: Brian Russell
Tracks: Art, Writing & Publishing, Maker, Workshop
03:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Writers, editors, and audience relate shocking tales of typos missed, facts uncorrected, or egos left unmassaged.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Bradley H. Sinor, Craig Wolf, Stephen Patrick, Sue Sinor
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Business & Marketing, Pop Culture & Entertainment
04:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Tired of books and modules? Want to create an adventure that's all your own? Our panelists will share their ideas for building your very own RPG adventure from scratch. They will cover world-building, plot development, creating memorable NPCs, and balancing encounters. Discover new ideas and techniques to use in your own adventure.
Moderator: Magician Michael Corley
Panelists: Ash King, Ela Evella, Karen Thrower, Magician Michael Corley, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: -
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, Rook Riley, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
04:00 PM | Location: University B
Imagine a world where science-fiction novels transport you to distant galaxies, and board games spark lively conversations. This is the creative realm of Lisa Smedman, a multifaceted creator who thrives at the intersection of storytelling and interactivity. A prolific author with 24 books across various genres, Lisa is also an experienced RPG-game designer. Her work bridges the gap between traditional narratives and interactive experiences. In this presentation, join Lisa for a Q&A where she will delve into her works and the creative approach that fuels her passion for fostering imaginative communities.
Moderator: Lisa Smedman
Panelists: Lisa Smedman
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Gaming, Fantasy
05:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Soonercon's classic game-show panel. Panelists spin the wheel for wacky plotline components and actor combinations, and create an original Sword and Sorcery Saturday night feature.
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: Dennis Spielman, James Hollaman, Julia S. Mandala, Scott Zrubek, Teddy Harvia, Trina Jacobs, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Art, Writing & Publishing
05:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
Join us and fuse the timeless art of haiku with the boundless realms of science fiction! Whether you're a seasoned poet or a curious novice, you'll learn how to distill vast futuristic visions with the elegant simplicity of haiku. We'll explore techniques to capture the essence of advanced technologies, alien worlds, and speculative futures in just 17 syllables. Come prepared to write, share, and be inspired! (1 hour. Limit 14 Participants. No Fee)
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Art, Workshop
05:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: -
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Madilynn Dale, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
05:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Sometimes the best way is to write what you know. How can you bring your passions, life experiences, and skills into your storytelling? We will discuss how to tap into your own personal well of knowledge to bring your story to life on the page and perhaps pique readers' newest interest(s)!
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, David J. Pedersen, Julie Barrett, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Tommy B. Smith, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
05:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Long a staple of Urban Fantasy and other speculative fiction, the vampires of folklore are markedly different from Stoker's Count – even more so from Yarbro's noble St. Germain, or the sparkles from Twilight. We discuss the influences of those early roots, and look at the many changes in the Vampyre.
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: Adam J. Whitlatch, Jeff Provine, Sherri Dean, Steven E. Wedel, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Horror, Supernatural & Paranormal, Film & TV, Science Fiction, Comics, History
06:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
We share insights into the tools and resources needed to maintain a life as a creative while managing chronic illnesses. Our focus will be on the challenges and strategies specific to authors and artists facing chronic conditions, and will discuss the diverse array of autoimmune and chronic diseases and their varied impacts on creativity.
Moderator: Jacklyn Hennion
Panelists: Jacklyn Hennion, Joshua Caudill, M.A., Kimber E Chessmore, Mel White, Shai Fenwick
Tracks: Health & Wellness, Writing & Publishing, Art
07:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator: -
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Craig Wolf, Daniel Erickson, David J. Pedersen, Demi Gray, J.H. Fleming, Kathleen M. O'Brien, Kent Cordray, La Blanke, Liz Campbell, Mel White, Melinda LaFevers, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Selina Rosen, Tim Frayser, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Meetup, General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Art
09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
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: M. Scott Carter, Matt Cavanaugh, Shay Griffith, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
11:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Heard of the witch at Kitchen Lake? Visited the Hatchet House where Little Carey was murdered? Seen Effie at the Skirvin Hotel? Oklahoma folklorist Jeff Provine tells our state's spooky stories while presenting his research techniques.
Moderator: Jeff Provine
Panelists: Jeff Provine
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Supernatural & Paranormal, Horror
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma E
Build an origami dragon and take flight in a new game by Lisa Smedman (designed for Soonercon!) that that mixes RPG elements with improv storytelling.
In Dragonflight, each player is a helper to a newly hatched dragon bound for adventure. Players must seek each other out and combine their puzzle pieces to solve Tetris-like puzzles that unlock quests, then work cooperatively to overcome story-based challenges. Can your hatchling survive, thrive – and perhaps most importantly, start amassing a hoard of treasure?
Dragonflight can be played in small bursts over the course of the convention, whenever players have time. Participants can identify each other by the origami dragons each wears. The quests are designed to be tackled by ever-changing groups of three to twelve players (or even more!) and feature a real-time rock-paper-scissors mechanic to resolve challenges. The emphasis is on storytelling: how, exactly, will your little hatchling defeat opponents, triumph in a battle of wits, or negotiate hazards along the road to treasure? Participants in the game will be invited to enter their names for a prize.
The game is designed for up to 500 players. Components (character card, puzzle pieces, link to the rules) will be available from Lisa Smedman's table in the Exhibtors Hall – or, for that matter, anywhere she happens to be during the convention. Feel free to ask her for everything you need to get into the game – and don't forget to ask her to autograph your dragon's character card while you're at it!
Moderator: Lisa Smedman
Panelists: Lisa Smedman
Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publishing
10:00 AM | Location: University B
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, Craig Wolf, Joshua Caudill, M.A., M. Scott Carter, Neal Hallford, Paul Carlson
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Comics, Film & TV
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
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, David Carrico, Laura J. Underwood, Lisa Smedman, Paul Carlson, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Sure, why not? These days, fantasy elements are found in historicals, thrillers, political dramas, mysteries … the list goes on and on. Stories that borrow hallmark plot devices from other genres can delight us and create room for interesting series expansion.
Moderator: Selina Rosen
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Chris Curtis, Rhonda Eudaly, Selina Rosen, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Supernatural & Paranormal, Pop Culture & Entertainment, YA - Young Adult Fiction
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: -
Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Jan S. Gephardt, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
How would you create a world with magic? Will the magicians cast spells by speaking, making gestures with their hands, praying to a god? How does magic interact with the rest of the world? Inventing systems of magic requires creativity and an incredible attention to detail. Creatives discuss their approach to creating memorable magical worlds.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Daniel Erickson, Lisa Smedman, Magician Michael Corley, Sally Hamilton
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing
01:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: -
Panelists: Stephen Patrick
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
02:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
It's a vocabulary test based on the big word-hoards of Lovecraft and Poe. Can YOU give the correct definition of these obscure words?
Moderator: Mark Alfred
Panelists: J.H. Fleming, Kim Ventrella, Mark Alfred, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Horror, Meetup, General Interest, Supernatural & Paranormal, Writing & Publishing
03:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
What is the process of publishing your own novels and stories? How do you find editors, readers, graphic designers for layouts, cover artists, a distribution platform (Amazon or Wide or what?) and begin marketing? It's time to get your work out there!
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Adam J. Whitlatch, Madilynn Dale, Melinda LaFevers, Phillip Drayer Duncan
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Business & Marketing, YA - Young Adult Fiction
03:00 PM | Location: University B
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: Ash King, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, Craig Wolf, M. Scott Carter, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy