• Wednesday October 25 2023
  • Thursday October 26, 2023
  • Friday October 27, 2023
  • Saturday October 28, 2023
  • Sunday October 29, 2023
  • All
  • Dragon's Den (terrace)
Registration Hours
02:00 PM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours

Pre-con Reg on the Terrace (what will become the Dragon’s Den).

Registration Hours
02:00 PM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours

Pre-con Reg on the Terrace (what will become the Dragon’s Den).

  • All
  • Chicago A
  • Chouteau A
  • Chouteau B
  • Empire A/B
  • San Francisco (registration)
  • Gilham Hall
  • Dragon's Den (terrace)
  • Atlanta/New York
Reading: Ann Marie Wilson
03:00 PM - 03:30 PMReading: Ann Marie Wilson

Chouteau B

Registration Hours
09:00 AM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours
The Worst Advice
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMThe Worst Advice

Kick back, settle in, and listen as these authors recount the worst writing advice they’ve ever received. Ridiculous? Oh, yes. Embarassing? Maybe. Entertaining? You bet!

Phillip Drayer Duncan (M), Adam-Troy Castro, Usman T. Malik

Atlanta/New York

The Infernal Salon
11:00 AM - 12:50 PMThe Infernal Salon

A fun, low-stakes writing workshop that uses spooky cards for writing prompts, a timed writing session, and an impromptu open mic at the end for people to share what they’ve written.

C.S.E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez

Empire A/B

The Best of Both Worlds? Hybrid Self/Traditional Publishing
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMThe Best of Both Worlds? Hybrid Self/Traditional Publishing

In the unending debate of traditional vs self-publishing, some authors ask, why not both? Join a panel of hybrid authors as they talk about their journey to hybrid publishing, what the positives and negatives have been for them, and how might this model serve you?

Paul Levinson (M), Summer Hanford, Gini Koch

Atlanta/New York

Dealers Hours
03:00 PM - 06:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Illustrating Fantasy Maps
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMIllustrating Fantasy Maps

For many of us, the first thing we do when we crack open a new fantasy novel is find and pore over the map. What makes these particular pieces of art so special, and what elements must an artist consider when creating them?

Michael Kingsley (M), Dave Smeds, David Hopkins, Crystal Bechler

Empire A/B

Sketchbook Tour: Vincent Villafranca
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Vincent Villafranca

Chicago A

Reading: Rita Oakes
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Rita Oakes

Chouteau A

Reading: David D Lavine
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: David D Lavine

Chouteau B

Art Show Hours
03:00 PM - 06:00 PMArt Show Hours

Gillham Hall

Reading: Tananarive Due
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Tananarive Due

Chicago A

Reading: Walter Jon Williams
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Walter Jon Williams

Chouteau A

Technomagic: When Do Magic & Science Become Indistinguishable?
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMTechnomagic: When Do Magic & Science Become Indistinguishable?

From gaslamp to solarpunk, Stormlight Archive to Arcane, storytellers have long integrated magic into their worlds’ technology. Characters shape the mystic arts into science, bringing the debate between hard and soft magic systems to a head. In what works do we see this implemented well? And what might it mean for the genre as a whole as authors continue to blur the lines between fantasy and science fiction

T.K. Rex (M), Steven Barnes, Betsy Dornbusch, Usman T. Malik, J.L. Doty

Atlanta/New York

Spotlight: Elizabeth Leggett
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMSpotlight: Elizabeth Leggett

A conversation with our Artist Guest of Honor, Elizabeth Leggett

Elizabeth Leggett, Lauren Raye Snow

Empire A/B

Reading: Kij Johnson
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Kij Johnson

Chicago A

Reading: Noncorporeal reading
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMReading: Noncorporeal reading

Brenda Carre, Rosemary Williams

Chouteau A

Reading: Mark L. Van Name
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Mark L. Van Name

Chouteau B

Registration After Hours
07:00 PMRegistration After Hours
Reading: W.A. Thomasson
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: W.A. Thomasson

Chouteau B

Horror From Diverse Perspectives
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMHorror From Diverse Perspectives

Horror and fantasy fiction draws readers into a mindset that comes from a perspective that takes them out of their cultural norms and introduces them to societies, cultures, and lifestyles that are different from the ones that fantasy and horror have visited before. Authors like Stephen Graham Jones, Tananarive Due, Kelly Robson, and Nghi Vo have introduced the world to all manner of different experiences. We’ll talk about their work and more.

Penelope Flynn (M), Tananarive Due, Wole Talabi, Rena Mason, L.P. Kindred

Atlanta/New York

Spotlight: Kij Johnson
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMSpotlight: Kij Johnson

A conversation with our Author Guest of Honor, Kij Johnson

Kij Johnson, Gary Wolfe

Empire A/B

Sketchbook Tour: Lauren Raye Snow
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Lauren Raye Snow

Chicago A

Cancelled Reading: Beth Carlberg
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMCancelled Reading: Beth Carlberg

Chouteau A

Reading: Andrea Stewart
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: Andrea Stewart

Chouteau B

Reading: Amy Avery/Avery Ames
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Amy Avery/Avery Ames

Chouteau B

Reading Jenny Rae Rappaport
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading Jenny Rae Rappaport

Chicago A

Reading: Ann Marie Wilson/Lynn Ericson
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Ann Marie Wilson/Lynn Ericson

Chouteau A

Opening Ceremonies
08:00 PM - 09:00 PMOpening Ceremonies

Join us as we usher in the 2023 World Fantasy Convention.

 Ruth Lichtwardt, Rosemary Williams, Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Jonathan Strahan, Kij Johnson, Adam-Troy Castro, Elizabeth Leggett, Vincent Villafranca

Atlanta/New York

The Dragon’s Den Grand Opening Reception
09:00 PM - 10:00 PMThe Dragon’s Den Grand Opening Reception

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Brandon O’Brien’s Fantastical Speculative Open Mic Night
10:00 PM - 12:00 AMBrandon O’Brien’s Fantastical Speculative Open Mic Night

WFC is full of wonderful writers telling amazing stories, and that includes YOU! Hosted by Special Guest Brandon O’Brien, this open mic event is a safe space to share your speculative poetry, short fiction and more with other fans. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or just scribbling words for fun, whether you’ve read in front of a crowd before or this is your first time, take a chance and let everyone discover your brilliant words!

Brandon O’Brien

Atlanta/New York

Work/Work Balance: Writing With A Day Job
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMWork/Work Balance: Writing With A Day Job

So you want to be an author, but you also have to pay the bills. The harsh truth is only a very, very small percentage of authors actually make a living from their craft. For the majority of us, that means maintaining a day job. How do you balance the demands on your time without neglecting your friends and family? How do you safeguard against burnout?

Crystal Bechler (M), Kij Johnson, Scott Edelman, William Ledbetter, Sharon Shinn

Empire A/B

The Dragon’s Den – Open
10:00 PM - 12:00 AMThe Dragon’s Den – Open

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Sketchbook Tour: Vincent Villafranca
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Vincent Villafranca

Chicago A

Reading: Tananarive Due
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Tananarive Due

Chicago A

Reading: Kij Johnson
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Kij Johnson

Chicago A

Sketchbook Tour: Lauren Raye Snow
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Lauren Raye Snow

Chicago A

Reading Jenny Rae Rappaport
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading Jenny Rae Rappaport

Chicago A

Reading: Rita Oakes
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Rita Oakes

Chouteau A

Reading: Walter Jon Williams
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Walter Jon Williams

Chouteau A

Reading: Noncorporeal reading
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMReading: Noncorporeal reading

Brenda Carre, Rosemary Williams

Chouteau A

Cancelled Reading: Beth Carlberg
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMCancelled Reading: Beth Carlberg

Chouteau A

Reading: Ann Marie Wilson/Lynn Ericson
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Ann Marie Wilson/Lynn Ericson

Chouteau A

Reading: Ann Marie Wilson
03:00 PM - 03:30 PMReading: Ann Marie Wilson

Chouteau B

Reading: David D Lavine
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: David D Lavine

Chouteau B

Reading: Mark L. Van Name
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Mark L. Van Name

Chouteau B

Reading: W.A. Thomasson
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: W.A. Thomasson

Chouteau B

Reading: Andrea Stewart
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: Andrea Stewart

Chouteau B

Reading: Amy Avery/Avery Ames
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Amy Avery/Avery Ames

Chouteau B

The Infernal Salon
11:00 AM - 12:50 PMThe Infernal Salon

A fun, low-stakes writing workshop that uses spooky cards for writing prompts, a timed writing session, and an impromptu open mic at the end for people to share what they’ve written.

C.S.E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez

Empire A/B

Illustrating Fantasy Maps
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMIllustrating Fantasy Maps

For many of us, the first thing we do when we crack open a new fantasy novel is find and pore over the map. What makes these particular pieces of art so special, and what elements must an artist consider when creating them?

Michael Kingsley (M), Dave Smeds, David Hopkins, Crystal Bechler

Empire A/B

Spotlight: Elizabeth Leggett
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMSpotlight: Elizabeth Leggett

A conversation with our Artist Guest of Honor, Elizabeth Leggett

Elizabeth Leggett, Lauren Raye Snow

Empire A/B

Spotlight: Kij Johnson
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMSpotlight: Kij Johnson

A conversation with our Author Guest of Honor, Kij Johnson

Kij Johnson, Gary Wolfe

Empire A/B

Work/Work Balance: Writing With A Day Job
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMWork/Work Balance: Writing With A Day Job

So you want to be an author, but you also have to pay the bills. The harsh truth is only a very, very small percentage of authors actually make a living from their craft. For the majority of us, that means maintaining a day job. How do you balance the demands on your time without neglecting your friends and family? How do you safeguard against burnout?

Crystal Bechler (M), Kij Johnson, Scott Edelman, William Ledbetter, Sharon Shinn

Empire A/B

Registration Hours
09:00 AM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours
Dealers Hours
03:00 PM - 06:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Art Show Hours
03:00 PM - 06:00 PMArt Show Hours

Gillham Hall

Registration After Hours
07:00 PMRegistration After Hours
The Dragon’s Den Grand Opening Reception
09:00 PM - 10:00 PMThe Dragon’s Den Grand Opening Reception

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

The Dragon’s Den – Open
10:00 PM - 12:00 AMThe Dragon’s Den – Open

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

The Worst Advice
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMThe Worst Advice

Kick back, settle in, and listen as these authors recount the worst writing advice they’ve ever received. Ridiculous? Oh, yes. Embarassing? Maybe. Entertaining? You bet!

Phillip Drayer Duncan (M), Adam-Troy Castro, Usman T. Malik

Atlanta/New York

The Best of Both Worlds? Hybrid Self/Traditional Publishing
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMThe Best of Both Worlds? Hybrid Self/Traditional Publishing

In the unending debate of traditional vs self-publishing, some authors ask, why not both? Join a panel of hybrid authors as they talk about their journey to hybrid publishing, what the positives and negatives have been for them, and how might this model serve you?

Paul Levinson (M), Summer Hanford, Gini Koch

Atlanta/New York

Technomagic: When Do Magic & Science Become Indistinguishable?
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMTechnomagic: When Do Magic & Science Become Indistinguishable?

From gaslamp to solarpunk, Stormlight Archive to Arcane, storytellers have long integrated magic into their worlds’ technology. Characters shape the mystic arts into science, bringing the debate between hard and soft magic systems to a head. In what works do we see this implemented well? And what might it mean for the genre as a whole as authors continue to blur the lines between fantasy and science fiction

T.K. Rex (M), Steven Barnes, Betsy Dornbusch, Usman T. Malik, J.L. Doty

Atlanta/New York

Horror From Diverse Perspectives
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMHorror From Diverse Perspectives

Horror and fantasy fiction draws readers into a mindset that comes from a perspective that takes them out of their cultural norms and introduces them to societies, cultures, and lifestyles that are different from the ones that fantasy and horror have visited before. Authors like Stephen Graham Jones, Tananarive Due, Kelly Robson, and Nghi Vo have introduced the world to all manner of different experiences. We’ll talk about their work and more.

Penelope Flynn (M), Tananarive Due, Wole Talabi, Rena Mason, L.P. Kindred

Atlanta/New York

Opening Ceremonies
08:00 PM - 09:00 PMOpening Ceremonies

Join us as we usher in the 2023 World Fantasy Convention.

 Ruth Lichtwardt, Rosemary Williams, Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Jonathan Strahan, Kij Johnson, Adam-Troy Castro, Elizabeth Leggett, Vincent Villafranca

Atlanta/New York

Brandon O’Brien’s Fantastical Speculative Open Mic Night
10:00 PM - 12:00 AMBrandon O’Brien’s Fantastical Speculative Open Mic Night

WFC is full of wonderful writers telling amazing stories, and that includes YOU! Hosted by Special Guest Brandon O’Brien, this open mic event is a safe space to share your speculative poetry, short fiction and more with other fans. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist or just scribbling words for fun, whether you’ve read in front of a crowd before or this is your first time, take a chance and let everyone discover your brilliant words!

Brandon O’Brien

Atlanta/New York

  • All
  • Ballroom Foyer
  • Chicago A
  • Chouteau A
  • Chouteau B
  • Empire A/B
  • Benton A/B
  • San Francisco (registration)
  • Gilham Hall
  • Dragon's Den (terrace)
  • Atlanta/New York
Colonial Gaze/White Gaze
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMColonial Gaze/White Gaze

Too often the default assumption is that a writer’s primary audience is white. How does this affect the work of BIPOC writers. What are some of the stark differences we see when looking at white vs BIPOC stories?

Moses Ose Utomi (M), Steven Barnes, Chikodili Emelumadu, Angeli Primlani

Atlanta/New York

Registration Hours
09:00 AM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours
Dealers Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Board Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:50 AMBoard Meeting
The Art of Graphic vs Quiet Horror
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMThe Art of Graphic vs Quiet Horror

We’ve often heard it said that the fear of the unknown is one of the greatest drivers of human fear. Keep the monster off-screen, leave it to the audience’s imagination. But how, then, does that translate to a purely visual medium? Horror artists share their process for creating truly monstrous works of art.

P.L. Stuart, Elizabeth Leggett, Lauren Raye Snow, Usman T. Malik

Empire A/B

Art Show Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMArt Show Hours

Gillham Hall

Sketchbook Tour: Shauna Aura Knight
10:00 AM - 10:50 PMSketchbook Tour: Shauna Aura Knight

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Alex Jennings
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Alex Jennings

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Louise Marley/Louisa Morgan
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Louise Marley/Louisa Morgan

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Jeremy Billingsley
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Jeremy Billingsley

Chouteau A

Reading: Esther Friesner
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Esther Friesner

Chouteau B

Reading: Alex Irvine
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Alex Irvine

Chouteau A

Reading: Laura Anne Gilman
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Laura Anne Gilman

Chouteau B

The Lasting Influence of Stephen King
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMThe Lasting Influence of Stephen King

Stephen King has long been acknowledged as a Master of Horror. From bullied paranormal teenagers to vampires to the frightfully insane, his work has had a lasting and haunting impact on the genre. Panelists will discuss how King’s ideas and stories have influenced fantasy and horror over the years.

Luke Elliott (M), Tananarive Due, Wendy Bolm, Adam-Troy Castro, Erik M. Johnson

Atlanta/New York

Fantasy Versus Historical Fantasy
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMFantasy Versus Historical Fantasy

They’re not the same thing, but one is often mistaken for the other. Some authors, in fact, are so adept at writing both that it can be hard to place a given work into its appropriate category. What are the hallmarks and calling cards that differentiate one from the other?

David Boop (M), Ginjer Buchanan, Rob Chilson, Josh Rountree

Empire A/B

Reading: Moses Ose Utomi
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Moses Ose Utomi

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Brenda W. Clough
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Brenda W. Clough

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Marie Brennan
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Marie Brennan

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Tracy S. Morris
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Tracy S. Morris

Chouteau A

Reading: David Hopkins
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: David Hopkins

Chouteau B

Sketchbook Tour: Ellen Klages
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMSketchbook Tour: Ellen Klages

Chicago A

Reading: Louisa Marley (Louise Morgan)
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Louisa Marley (Louise Morgan)

Chouteau A

Reading: Barbara Cottrell
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Barbara Cottrell

Chouteau B

The Growth of Female Characters in Fantasy
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMThe Growth of Female Characters in Fantasy

We’ve come a long way from the pulp days, from damsels in distress to heroines in their own right. How have the tropes progressed over the years? What characters do we most admire, and what authors just keep hitting the target every time?

Chikodili Emelumadu (M), Esther Friesner, Leah Ning, Nancy Jane Moore, Deborah Millitello

Atlanta/New York

Animals in Fiction
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMAnimals in Fiction

Human readers of fiction often identify with animals. From Anne McCaffrey’s dragons to Christopher Rowe’s “knowledgeable creatures” and Kij Johnson’s foxes and ponies, what makes us want to connect with animals? Panelists will discuss the books that draw us into animal characters, and what makes them believable.

Laura Anne Gilman (M), Kij Johnson, Rich Horton, Rachel Neumeier

Empire A/B

Reading: Steven Barnes
12:00 AM - 12:25 PMReading: Steven Barnes

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Gary K. Wolfe
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Gary K. Wolfe

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Book View Cafe
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMReading: Book View Cafe

David Smeds, Brenda Clough, Marie Brennan

Chouteau A

Reading: T.K. Rex
12:00 PM - 12:25 PMReading: T.K. Rex

Chouteau B

Reading: Sharon Shinn
12:30 PM - 12:55 PMReading: Sharon Shinn

Chouteau B

Sidewise Awards Presentation
12:30 PM - 12:45 PMSidewise Awards Presentation

The Sidewise Awards have been presented since 1995 to recognize excellence in alternate history fiction. This year’s winners are being announced at World Fantasy Con.

Chicago A

Fantasy and the Civil War
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMFantasy and the Civil War

There is a tradition of using speculative fiction to process societal trauma. The Civil War left a rough legacy on the entire United States, and on Missouri in particular. What works of fantasy delve into this dark piece of our history, and what do they have to say on the shadows of human nature versus the hope for being better?

R.W.W. Greene (M), Donna J.W. Munro, Steven H. Silver, L.P. Kindred

Atlanta/New York

Spotlight: Adam-Troy Castro
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMSpotlight: Adam-Troy Castro

A conversation with our Author Guest of Honor, Adam-Troy Castro

Adam-Troy Castro, Scott Edelman

Empire A/B

Coode Street Podcast
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMCoode Street Podcast

Jonathan Strahan and Gary K. Wolfe record an episode of their podcast, live at con!

Jonathan Strahan, Gary K. Wolfe

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: C.S.E. Cooney
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: C.S.E. Cooney

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Sarah Beth Durst
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Sarah Beth Durst

Chouteau A

Reading: Molly Tanzer
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Molly Tanzer

Chouteau B

Reading: Tim Burke
01:30 PM - 01:55 PMReading: Tim Burke

Chouteau A

Reading: Brandom Ketchum
01:30 PM - 01:55 PMReading: Brandom Ketchum

Chouteau B

The Protagonist’s Parents
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMThe Protagonist’s Parents

We know how the story goes. The young protagonist, often from humble origins, rises to the call to adventure and goes on an epic quest to save their farm/their lover/the world! But what do their parents think about all of this? How do you deal with world-threatening situations when it’s your own child putting their life on the line? What works have we seen that deal with this in a thoughtful and realistic way?

Tracy S. Morris, Donna Glee Williams, Elise Stephens, Madeleine E. Robins

Empire A/B

Publishing Contracts 101
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMPublishing Contracts 101

What should a new author expect to see out of a contract with a publisher? What differences might you see between one of the Big Five and a smaller press? And how can an agent help you negotiate the best deal?

Lucienne Diver (M), Jonathan Strahan, Tod McCoy, Sally Wiener Grotta, Mary G. Thompson

Chicago A

The Dragon’s Den – Open
02:00 PM - 12:00 AMThe Dragon’s Den – Open

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Apex Publishing
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMReading: Apex Publishing

Leah Ning, Marie Croke, Beth Dawkins, A.C. Wise, Izzy Wasserstein

Chouteau A

Reading: Usman T. Malik
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: Usman T. Malik

Chicago A

Reading: Brenda Carre
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMReading: Brenda Carre

Chouteau B

Reading: Brandon McNulty
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: Brandon McNulty

Chouteau B

Gothic Horror and Ghost Stories
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMGothic Horror and Ghost Stories

We all love a good spooky story, or at least most of us do. But what exactly is it that draws us to this type of horror? What are the elements that make the subgenre tick?

Brenda Carre (M), Tananarive Due, Adam-Troy Castro, A.C. Wise, Donald McCarthy

Atlanta/New York

Reading: Brandon O’Brien
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Brandon O’Brien

Chouteau A

Anti-Imperialist Themes In Contemporary Fantasy Fiction
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMAnti-Imperialist Themes In Contemporary Fantasy Fiction

Anti-imperialist sentiments in fantastic literature date back to (and predate) Mark Twain, but in recent decades the commercial fantasy genre has included many high profile works that are explicitly anti-imperialist in nature. With recent WFA winners and nominees like Kacen Callender’s Queen of the Conquered, and R. F. Kuang’s Babel, it seems as if literature like this has a much higher profile compared to decades past. For a genre that has often fetishized feudalism & empire, this development is of significant interest. This panel will discuss possible reasons for this evolution, spotlight contemporary writers who are using the fantastic genre to explore anti-imperialist themes, and highlight significant anti-imperialist fantasy works that pre-date the last two decades.

Jeremy Lassen (M), P.L Stuart, Naseem Jamnia, Glenn Parris, Alexandra Manglis

Empire A/B

Is This Real or What?
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMIs This Real or What?

How much information does a cover artist receive from a traditional publisher when being hired to design a cover? How do the trends in artwork tend to shift from year to year? To what extent does cover art need to reflect the details of a story?

Marina Lostetter (M), Elizabeth Leggett, Eileen Gunn, Ginjer Buchanan, Ginny Smith

Chicago A

Reading: Brenda W. Clough
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Brenda W. Clough

Chouteau A

Reading: Allen Stroud
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Allen Stroud

Chouteau B

Cancelled Reading: Carrie Callahan
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMCancelled Reading: Carrie Callahan

Chouteau A

Reading: Bryan Thomas Schmidt
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Bryan Thomas Schmidt

Chouteau B

The Mythology and Fantasy of the Fox
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMThe Mythology and Fantasy of the Fox

From the clever helper to the sly trickster, the fox figures heavily into the mythology of multiple traditions. Due to this, it’s also commonly featured in fantasy fiction as well. What are some of those mythological roles? How have authors adapted these myths for their literature?

Alyc Helms (M), Kij Johnson, Gillian Polack, Rena Mason, D.G. Valdron

Atlanta/New York

The Fantasy Fiction of Robert Heinlein
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMThe Fantasy Fiction of Robert Heinlein

A Missouri native, Heinlein has long been distinguished as one of the greats of science fiction. But did you know that he also wrote fantasy? We’ll talk about his forays into the other side of sf/f and their importance to fantasy literature as a whole.

Gordon Van Gelder (M), Barbara E. Hill, Michael Cassutt, John Kessel

Empire A/B

Sculpture Workshop With Vincent Villafranca
04:00 PM - 05:50 PMSculpture Workshop With Vincent Villafranca

Join Vincent Villafranca as he leads a workshop on some of the traditional methods of three-dimensional art!

Slots are limited to 10 people. Signups are at Registration.

Chicago A

Reading: DEEP Well
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMReading: DEEP Well

Pat Murphy, Eileen Gunn, Diane Silver

Chouteau B

Reading: Christine Taylor-Butler
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: Christine Taylor-Butler

Chouteau A

Crossing the (Genre) Streams
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMCrossing the (Genre) Streams

There are a multitude of philosophies on genre. Keep them separate, add a dash of one to another, mix them wholesale, or smash them together and make them kiss. What exactly is the appeal of genre-mixing? What works capture our enthusiasm the most?

Eugen Bacon (M), Darrell Schweitzer, Marie Croke, Jeffrey Ford, Mark L. Van Name

Empire A/B

Reading: C.S.E. Cooney
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: C.S.E. Cooney

Chouteau A

Reading: Crystal Bechler
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: Crystal Bechler

Chouteau B

Reading: Carlos Hernandez
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Carlos Hernandez

Chouteau A

Reading: Christopher McKitterick
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Christopher McKitterick

Chouteau B

Mass Autograph Session
08:00 PM - 10:00 PMMass Autograph Session

Atlanta/New York

Mass Autograph Reception
08:00 PM - 10:00 PMMass Autograph Reception

Ballroom Foyer

Mass Autograph Reception
08:00 PM - 10:00 PMMass Autograph Reception

Ballroom Foyer

Sketchbook Tour: Shauna Aura Knight
10:00 AM - 10:50 PMSketchbook Tour: Shauna Aura Knight

Chicago A

Reading: Moses Ose Utomi
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Moses Ose Utomi

Chicago A

Sketchbook Tour: Ellen Klages
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMSketchbook Tour: Ellen Klages

Chicago A

Reading: Steven Barnes
12:00 AM - 12:25 PMReading: Steven Barnes

Chicago A

Sidewise Awards Presentation
12:30 PM - 12:45 PMSidewise Awards Presentation

The Sidewise Awards have been presented since 1995 to recognize excellence in alternate history fiction. This year’s winners are being announced at World Fantasy Con.

Chicago A

Coode Street Podcast
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMCoode Street Podcast

Jonathan Strahan and Gary K. Wolfe record an episode of their podcast, live at con!

Jonathan Strahan, Gary K. Wolfe

Chicago A

Publishing Contracts 101
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMPublishing Contracts 101

What should a new author expect to see out of a contract with a publisher? What differences might you see between one of the Big Five and a smaller press? And how can an agent help you negotiate the best deal?

Lucienne Diver (M), Jonathan Strahan, Tod McCoy, Sally Wiener Grotta, Mary G. Thompson

Chicago A

Reading: Usman T. Malik
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: Usman T. Malik

Chicago A

Is This Real or What?
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMIs This Real or What?

How much information does a cover artist receive from a traditional publisher when being hired to design a cover? How do the trends in artwork tend to shift from year to year? To what extent does cover art need to reflect the details of a story?

Marina Lostetter (M), Elizabeth Leggett, Eileen Gunn, Ginjer Buchanan, Ginny Smith

Chicago A

Sculpture Workshop With Vincent Villafranca
04:00 PM - 05:50 PMSculpture Workshop With Vincent Villafranca

Join Vincent Villafranca as he leads a workshop on some of the traditional methods of three-dimensional art!

Slots are limited to 10 people. Signups are at Registration.

Chicago A

Reading: Jeremy Billingsley
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Jeremy Billingsley

Chouteau A

Reading: Alex Irvine
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Alex Irvine

Chouteau A

Reading: Tracy S. Morris
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Tracy S. Morris

Chouteau A

Reading: David Hopkins
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: David Hopkins

Chouteau B

Reading: Louisa Marley (Louise Morgan)
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Louisa Marley (Louise Morgan)

Chouteau A

Reading: Book View Cafe
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMReading: Book View Cafe

David Smeds, Brenda Clough, Marie Brennan

Chouteau A

Reading: Sarah Beth Durst
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Sarah Beth Durst

Chouteau A

Reading: Tim Burke
01:30 PM - 01:55 PMReading: Tim Burke

Chouteau A

Reading: Apex Publishing
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMReading: Apex Publishing

Leah Ning, Marie Croke, Beth Dawkins, A.C. Wise, Izzy Wasserstein

Chouteau A

Reading: Brandon O’Brien
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Brandon O’Brien

Chouteau A

Reading: Brenda W. Clough
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Brenda W. Clough

Chouteau A

Cancelled Reading: Carrie Callahan
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMCancelled Reading: Carrie Callahan

Chouteau A

Reading: Christine Taylor-Butler
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: Christine Taylor-Butler

Chouteau A

Reading: C.S.E. Cooney
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: C.S.E. Cooney

Chouteau A

Reading: Carlos Hernandez
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Carlos Hernandez

Chouteau A

Reading: Esther Friesner
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Esther Friesner

Chouteau B

Reading: Laura Anne Gilman
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Laura Anne Gilman

Chouteau B

Reading: Barbara Cottrell
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Barbara Cottrell

Chouteau B

Reading: T.K. Rex
12:00 PM - 12:25 PMReading: T.K. Rex

Chouteau B

Reading: Sharon Shinn
12:30 PM - 12:55 PMReading: Sharon Shinn

Chouteau B

Reading: Molly Tanzer
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Molly Tanzer

Chouteau B

Reading: Brandom Ketchum
01:30 PM - 01:55 PMReading: Brandom Ketchum

Chouteau B

Reading: Brenda Carre
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMReading: Brenda Carre

Chouteau B

Reading: Brandon McNulty
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: Brandon McNulty

Chouteau B

Reading: Allen Stroud
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Allen Stroud

Chouteau B

Reading: Bryan Thomas Schmidt
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Bryan Thomas Schmidt

Chouteau B

Reading: DEEP Well
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMReading: DEEP Well

Pat Murphy, Eileen Gunn, Diane Silver

Chouteau B

Reading: Crystal Bechler
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: Crystal Bechler

Chouteau B

Reading: Christopher McKitterick
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Christopher McKitterick

Chouteau B

The Art of Graphic vs Quiet Horror
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMThe Art of Graphic vs Quiet Horror

We’ve often heard it said that the fear of the unknown is one of the greatest drivers of human fear. Keep the monster off-screen, leave it to the audience’s imagination. But how, then, does that translate to a purely visual medium? Horror artists share their process for creating truly monstrous works of art.

P.L. Stuart, Elizabeth Leggett, Lauren Raye Snow, Usman T. Malik

Empire A/B

Fantasy Versus Historical Fantasy
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMFantasy Versus Historical Fantasy

They’re not the same thing, but one is often mistaken for the other. Some authors, in fact, are so adept at writing both that it can be hard to place a given work into its appropriate category. What are the hallmarks and calling cards that differentiate one from the other?

David Boop (M), Ginjer Buchanan, Rob Chilson, Josh Rountree

Empire A/B

Animals in Fiction
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMAnimals in Fiction

Human readers of fiction often identify with animals. From Anne McCaffrey’s dragons to Christopher Rowe’s “knowledgeable creatures” and Kij Johnson’s foxes and ponies, what makes us want to connect with animals? Panelists will discuss the books that draw us into animal characters, and what makes them believable.

Laura Anne Gilman (M), Kij Johnson, Rich Horton, Rachel Neumeier

Empire A/B

Spotlight: Adam-Troy Castro
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMSpotlight: Adam-Troy Castro

A conversation with our Author Guest of Honor, Adam-Troy Castro

Adam-Troy Castro, Scott Edelman

Empire A/B

The Protagonist’s Parents
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMThe Protagonist’s Parents

We know how the story goes. The young protagonist, often from humble origins, rises to the call to adventure and goes on an epic quest to save their farm/their lover/the world! But what do their parents think about all of this? How do you deal with world-threatening situations when it’s your own child putting their life on the line? What works have we seen that deal with this in a thoughtful and realistic way?

Tracy S. Morris, Donna Glee Williams, Elise Stephens, Madeleine E. Robins

Empire A/B

Anti-Imperialist Themes In Contemporary Fantasy Fiction
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMAnti-Imperialist Themes In Contemporary Fantasy Fiction

Anti-imperialist sentiments in fantastic literature date back to (and predate) Mark Twain, but in recent decades the commercial fantasy genre has included many high profile works that are explicitly anti-imperialist in nature. With recent WFA winners and nominees like Kacen Callender’s Queen of the Conquered, and R. F. Kuang’s Babel, it seems as if literature like this has a much higher profile compared to decades past. For a genre that has often fetishized feudalism & empire, this development is of significant interest. This panel will discuss possible reasons for this evolution, spotlight contemporary writers who are using the fantastic genre to explore anti-imperialist themes, and highlight significant anti-imperialist fantasy works that pre-date the last two decades.

Jeremy Lassen (M), P.L Stuart, Naseem Jamnia, Glenn Parris, Alexandra Manglis

Empire A/B

The Fantasy Fiction of Robert Heinlein
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMThe Fantasy Fiction of Robert Heinlein

A Missouri native, Heinlein has long been distinguished as one of the greats of science fiction. But did you know that he also wrote fantasy? We’ll talk about his forays into the other side of sf/f and their importance to fantasy literature as a whole.

Gordon Van Gelder (M), Barbara E. Hill, Michael Cassutt, John Kessel

Empire A/B

Crossing the (Genre) Streams
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMCrossing the (Genre) Streams

There are a multitude of philosophies on genre. Keep them separate, add a dash of one to another, mix them wholesale, or smash them together and make them kiss. What exactly is the appeal of genre-mixing? What works capture our enthusiasm the most?

Eugen Bacon (M), Darrell Schweitzer, Marie Croke, Jeffrey Ford, Mark L. Van Name

Empire A/B

Board Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:50 AMBoard Meeting
Registration Hours
09:00 AM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours
Dealers Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Art Show Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMArt Show Hours

Gillham Hall

Kaffeeklatsch: Alex Jennings
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Alex Jennings

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Louise Marley/Louisa Morgan
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Louise Marley/Louisa Morgan

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Brenda W. Clough
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Brenda W. Clough

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Marie Brennan
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Marie Brennan

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Gary K. Wolfe
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Gary K. Wolfe

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: C.S.E. Cooney
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: C.S.E. Cooney

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

The Dragon’s Den – Open
02:00 PM - 12:00 AMThe Dragon’s Den – Open

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Colonial Gaze/White Gaze
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMColonial Gaze/White Gaze

Too often the default assumption is that a writer’s primary audience is white. How does this affect the work of BIPOC writers. What are some of the stark differences we see when looking at white vs BIPOC stories?

Moses Ose Utomi (M), Steven Barnes, Chikodili Emelumadu, Angeli Primlani

Atlanta/New York

The Lasting Influence of Stephen King
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMThe Lasting Influence of Stephen King

Stephen King has long been acknowledged as a Master of Horror. From bullied paranormal teenagers to vampires to the frightfully insane, his work has had a lasting and haunting impact on the genre. Panelists will discuss how King’s ideas and stories have influenced fantasy and horror over the years.

Luke Elliott (M), Tananarive Due, Wendy Bolm, Adam-Troy Castro, Erik M. Johnson

Atlanta/New York

The Growth of Female Characters in Fantasy
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMThe Growth of Female Characters in Fantasy

We’ve come a long way from the pulp days, from damsels in distress to heroines in their own right. How have the tropes progressed over the years? What characters do we most admire, and what authors just keep hitting the target every time?

Chikodili Emelumadu (M), Esther Friesner, Leah Ning, Nancy Jane Moore, Deborah Millitello

Atlanta/New York

Fantasy and the Civil War
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMFantasy and the Civil War

There is a tradition of using speculative fiction to process societal trauma. The Civil War left a rough legacy on the entire United States, and on Missouri in particular. What works of fantasy delve into this dark piece of our history, and what do they have to say on the shadows of human nature versus the hope for being better?

R.W.W. Greene (M), Donna J.W. Munro, Steven H. Silver, L.P. Kindred

Atlanta/New York

Myths – Telling Their Story Your Way
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMMyths – Telling Their Story Your Way

The market is rife with retellings of myths and fairy tales. What makes these stories so enthralling? What recent stories have successfully presented fresh takes on old tales?

Gary K. Wolfe (M), Steven Barnes, Ann Marie Wilson, Dennis Danvers, Susan Shell Winston

Atlanta/New York

Gothic Horror and Ghost Stories
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMGothic Horror and Ghost Stories

We all love a good spooky story, or at least most of us do. But what exactly is it that draws us to this type of horror? What are the elements that make the subgenre tick?

Brenda Carre (M), Tananarive Due, Adam-Troy Castro, A.C. Wise, Donald McCarthy

Atlanta/New York

The Mythology and Fantasy of the Fox
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMThe Mythology and Fantasy of the Fox

From the clever helper to the sly trickster, the fox figures heavily into the mythology of multiple traditions. Due to this, it’s also commonly featured in fantasy fiction as well. What are some of those mythological roles? How have authors adapted these myths for their literature?

Alyc Helms (M), Kij Johnson, Gillian Polack, Rena Mason, D.G. Valdron

Atlanta/New York

Mass Autograph Session
08:00 PM - 10:00 PMMass Autograph Session

Atlanta/New York

  • All
  • Chicago A
  • Chouteau A
  • Chouteau B
  • Empire A/B
  • San Francisco (registration)
  • Gilham Hall
  • Dragon's Den (terrace)
  • Atlanta/New York
Registration Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours
Tai Chi with Steven Barnes
09:00 AM - 09:50 AMTai Chi with Steven Barnes

Join Toastmaster Steven Barnes in a morning Tai Chi lesson

Chicago A

Beyond Dirigibles: Mixing Historical Fantasy with Futurism
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMBeyond Dirigibles: Mixing Historical Fantasy with Futurism

Let’s take retrofuturism a step farther. Beyond steampunk or even gaslamp, what happens when someone drops futuristic technology into a historical fantasy? What are some of our favorite examples?

Jenny Rae Rappaport (M), Molly Tanzer, Aparna Verma, Paul Levinson, Rich Horton

Atlanta/New York

Dealers Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Art Show Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMArt Show Hours

Gillham Hall

Witch Literature
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMWitch Literature

Let’s get witchy! What exactly is witch literature? While our initial thoughts might turn toward urban fantasy, this subgenre can delve into other subgenres as well. Join our panel as they discuss just what makes this genre tick.

Emma Törzs (M), Jonathan Strahan, J.H. Fleming, Kate Heartfield, Louise Marley/Louisa Morgan

Empire A/B

Sketchbook Tour: Crystal Bechler
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMSketchbook Tour: Crystal Bechler

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Elizabeth Leggett
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Elizabeth Leggett

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Steven Barnes
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Steven Barnes

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Elise Stephens
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Elise Stephens

Chouteau A

Reading: Darrell Schweitzer
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Darrell Schweitzer

Chouteau B

Reading: Susan Forest
10:30 PM - 10:55 PMReading: Susan Forest

Chicago A

Reading: Erin M. Evans
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Erin M. Evans

Chouteau A

Reading: Deborah Millitello
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Deborah Millitello

Chouteau B

LGBTQ+ Characters Done Well
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMLGBTQ+ Characters Done Well

Does an author have to identify as LGBTQ+ in order to create a believable LGBTQ+ character ? Are there cishet writers who have written this kind of representation respectfully, wisely, and kindly?

Ellen Klages (M), Elizabeth Leggett, Alex Jennings, Naseem Jamnia, Fiona Moore

Atlanta/New York

Kickstarter – the Ins and Outs
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKickstarter – the Ins and Outs

Individual authors, artists, and even small press publishing companies are using Kickstarter more and more in order to fund new projects. What kinds of projects do or don’t work well on the platform? And what are the strategies a publisher can use in order to make the launch as strong as possible?

Joshua Palmatier (M), Blake Hausladen, Carlos Hernandez, Jennifer (J.M.) Landels

Empire A/B

Horror & Children’s Stories
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMHorror & Children’s Stories

There is a long history of fairy tales as vehicles to warn children of danger. Most of the versions of these stories we know today have been vastly sanitized from their original forms. As it turns out, some of our favorite stories as adults are often the ones that terrified us as children, so perhaps our ancestors were on to something. Why is that?

Brandon McNulty (M), Adam-Troy Castro, Beth Dawkins, Matthew LaWall-Shane, Alex Irvine

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Tananarive Due
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Tananarive Due

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Ellen Datlow
11:00 AM - 11:55 AMKaffeeklatsch: Ellen Datlow

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: John C. Tibbetts
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: John C. Tibbetts

Chouteau A

Reading: Dennis Danvers
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Dennis Danvers

Chouteau B

Diane Silver Hosts an Open Mic for Poets
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMDiane Silver Hosts an Open Mic for Poets

Chouteau A

Reading: Donna Glee Williams
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Donna Glee Williams

Chouteau B

Spotlight: Steven Barnes
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMSpotlight: Steven Barnes

A conversation with our Toastmaster, Steven Barnes

Steven Barnes, Tananarive Due

Atlanta/New York

Magical Healing & Disability Aids in Fantasy
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMMagical Healing & Disability Aids in Fantasy

Different stories have different takes on disability, and magic opens up a whole new realm of options. What are some good examples, and at what point does it go too far? When do stories fly past creativity and venture into offense and erasure?

Brandon Ketchum (M), W.A. Thomasson, Susie Williamson, Nicola Griffith

Empire A/B

State of the Industry
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMState of the Industry

Industry professionals discuss what’s going on with publishing these days, what it all means, and how it affects all of us.

Sally Wiener Grotta (M), Jacob Weisman, Liza Groen Trombi, Lucienne Diver, Terri M. LeBlanc

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Kij Johnson
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Kij Johnson

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: David Boop
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: David Boop

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Donna J.W. Munro
12:00 PM - 12:25 PMReading: Donna J.W. Munro

Chouteau A

Reading: Hitherto Secrets of Marie Curie
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMReading: Hitherto Secrets of Marie Curie

Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Christine Taylor-Butler

Chouteau B

Reading: Eileen Gunn
12:30 PM - 12:55 PMReading: Eileen Gunn

Chouteau A

Queer Themes in Horror
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMQueer Themes in Horror

The horror genre has deep roots in themes surrounding LGBTQ+ identities. We deconstruct some of the most prevalent ones, their positives and negatives, and what they have to say about society as a whole.

Izzy Wasserstein (M), Lauren Raye Snow, Catherine Lundoff, Brandon O’Brien

Atlanta/New York

Neurodivergence in Fantasy
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMNeurodivergence in Fantasy

There’s a high incidence of neurodivergence amongst creatives, and they’re bit by bit chipping away at some of the less-than-stellar portrayals ADHD and autistic people have received in popular media over the years. Join our panel of neurodivergent individuals as they talk about what characters they love, which ones make them cringe, and the direction they’d like to see this representation take.

Rosemary Williams (M), Wendy Bolm, Rajan Khanna, Leonard Wilson

Empire A/B

In Memoriam
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMIn Memoriam

We discuss those the fantasy world has lost in the past year, their contributions, and how much they will be missed.

Ginjer Buchanan, John C. Tibbetts, Gordon Van Gelder

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Michael Cassutt
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Michael Cassutt

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Nicola Griffith
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Nicola Griffith

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading:  Big Book of Cyberpunk
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Big Book of Cyberpunk

Jared Shurin, Molly Tanzer

Chouteau A

Reading: Emma Törzs
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Emma Törzs

Chouteau B

Reading: Tod McCoy
01:30 PM - 01:55 PMReading: Tod McCoy

Chouteau B

Races in Fantasy & Racism
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMRaces in Fantasy & Racism

Orcs, goblins, and elves — the races of fantasy have generated their own encyclopedia of tropes. Unfortunately, they also have a history of real-world racial coding. Have these races become problematic in and of themselves, or are they a viable vehicle for painting a critique of our own world?

P.L Stuart (M), Elijah Kinch Spector, Eva L. Elasigue, Sultana Raza, Andrea Stewart

Atlanta/New York

Novelettes and Novellas: Literature’s Middle Children Have Grown Up
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMNovelettes and Novellas: Literature’s Middle Children Have Grown Up

With the popular embrace of ebook and online publishing, mid-length formats have surged in popularity, increasingly utilized by Tor.com, Subterranean Press, and Titan Books. What was once neglected has now become a force to be reckoned with. What makes fiction of this length into a gem, and which ones should we all be seeking out to read?

Pat Murphy (M), Jonathan Strahan, Jeremy Billingsley, Lettie Prell, Ellen Datlow

Empire A/B

Sketchbook Tour: Elizabeth Leggett
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Elizabeth Leggett

Chicago A

The Dragon’s Den – Open
02:00 PM - 12:00 AMThe Dragon’s Den – Open

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Fran Wilde
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMReading: Fran Wilde

Choutea A

Reading: Gini Koch
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMReading: Gini Koch

Chouteau B

Reading: J.H. Fleming
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: J.H. Fleming

Chouteau A

Reading: Jennifer Hudak
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: Jennifer Hudak

Chouteau B

The Upcoming Impact of AI on Media
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMThe Upcoming Impact of AI on Media

By now, we’ve all heard the buzz: generative AI is ripping into the art and publishing worlds and leaving a giant mess in its wake. What do we expect the long-term impact will be? And how can artists and authors safeguard their work from the data scrapers?

Nancy Jane Moore (M), R.W.W. Greene, Jared Shurin, Matthew Kressel, Carrie Callahan, Mary Anne Mohranj 

Atlanta/New York

Stories Without Stories – Non-Narrative Fiction
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMStories Without Stories – Non-Narrative Fiction

Including created documents in fiction is a tried and true method of worldbuilding, but speculative fiction and horror have taken that a step further further to tell stories entirely through footnotes, art gallery exhibit descriptions, FAQs, bibliographies, articles, technical instructions, and more. What are the advantages and disadvantages of storyless storytelling?

Glen Engle-Cox (M), Kij Johnson, Andrea Corbin, Vic Peterson, Amber Logan

Empire A/B

Reading: Aparna Verma
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Aparna Verma

Chicago A

Reading: Lettie Prell
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Lettie Prell

Chouteau B

Reading: Adam-Troy Castro
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Adam-Troy Castro

Chicago A

Reading: Jeffrey Ford
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Jeffrey Ford

Chouteau A

Reading: Saytchun Maddux-Creech
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Saytchun Maddux-Creech

Chouteau B

The Evolution of Female Characters in Horror
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMThe Evolution of Female Characters in Horror

Once upon a time, many women in horror stories were victims, either to suffer or be saved. In recent years these trends have shifted, and we see more heroic women of deep inner strength, or even monstrous women who are themselves what we fear in the dark. What are some of our favorites who have contributed to this shift, and what do we love about them?

Gini Koch (M), Tananarive Due, Barbara Cottrell, Barbara Randall Kesel, Rebecca Roland

Atlanta/New York

Fantasy Artwork – Has Etsy (and Similar Sites) Helped or Hurt the Artist?
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMFantasy Artwork – Has Etsy (and Similar Sites) Helped or Hurt the Artist?

All you have to do is Google “Fantasy Art” and you’ll see thousands of sites that list fantasy artwork for sale. Is the plethora of fantasy artwork helping or hurting the fiction genre? In what ways?

Penelope Flynn (M), Elizabeth Leggett, Sultana Raza

Empire A/B

A Tribute to the British Writer Marjorie Bowen
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMA Tribute to the British Writer Marjorie Bowen

Since her death in 1952, she and her work have fallen into obscurity. As her biographer, John C. Tibbets is on a mission to restore her name to the honored list of the greatest writers of the Weird and the Gothic of the 20th century, and to this end has prepared a presentation.

John C. Tibbetts

Chicago A

Reading: Josh Rountree
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Josh Rountree

Chouteau A

Reading: Joshua Palmatier
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Joshua Palmatier

Chouteau B

Reading: R.W.W. Greene
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: R.W.W. Greene

Chouteau A

Reading: Guardbridge Books
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: Guardbridge Books

David Stokes, Gustavo Bondini

Chouteau B

The Culture of Fantasy
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMThe Culture of Fantasy

How does the fantasy genre transmit a society’s ideals, mores, and taboos? What can we learn about an author’s culture by digging into their work?

Steven Barnes (M), Eugen Bacon, Gregory A. Wilson, Kari Sperring

Atlanta/New York

Spotlight: Jonathan Strahan
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMSpotlight: Jonathan Strahan

A conversation with our Editor Guest of Honor, Jonathan Strahan

Jonathan Strahan, Gary K. Wolfe

Empire A/B

Sketchbook Tour: Nikki Rossignol McCoy
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Nikki Rossignol McCoy

Chicago A

Reading: Treehouse Writers
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMReading: Treehouse Writers

Laura Anne Gilman, Nancy Jane Moore, Madeline E. Robins

Chouteau A

Reading: Leon Perniciaro
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: Leon Perniciaro

Chouteau B

Reading: D.G. Valdron
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: D.G. Valdron

Chicago A

Reading: Marina Lostetter
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Marina Lostetter

Chouteau B

Art Show Reception
08:00 PM - 10:00 PMArt Show Reception

Gillham Hall

Erotic Fantasy
09:00 PM - 09:50 PMErotic Fantasy

Plenty of genre stories rely on an element of erotica to enhance and advance the plot. What books are the best examples? What makes their sex scenes effective, making sure they continue to drive the story forward?

Thea Hutcheson (M), Eileen Gunn, Rhiannon Held, Amy Avery, Christine Amsden

Atlanta/New York

Beyond Feudalism: Multifaceted Governments in Fantasy
09:00 PM - 09:50 PMBeyond Feudalism: Multifaceted Governments in Fantasy

Kings and Queens, serfs and peasants; these are often the default expressions of government and economics in fantasy. What works have moved beyond this to build different types of fantasy societies? And how has this been used to better reflect and critique the world we live in?

David Stokes (M), Marie Brennan, Erin M. Evans, Jenna Hanchey, Marina Lostetter

Empire A/B

Reading: Alexandra Manglis
09:00 PM - 09:25 PMReading: Alexandra Manglis

Chouteau A

Reading: Sarah Stegall
09:00 PM - 09:25 PMReading: Sarah Stegall

Chouteau B

Reading: Izzy Wasserstein
09:30 PM - 09:55 PMReading: Izzy Wasserstein

Chouteau A

Sexual & Erotic Horror
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMSexual & Erotic Horror

Sex and horror have been thematically intertwined since time immemorial. This discussion will explore the differences between sexual and erotic horror, what makes them so effective in storytelling, and how we can use those themes to explore our fears and our own dark sides in a structured way.

A.C. Wise (M), Penelope Flynn, Chris M. Arnone

Atlanta/New York

Breaking the Rules For Fun and Profit
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMBreaking the Rules For Fun and Profit

Always save the cat. Prologues are verboten. Beware of mixing your genres. Avoid passive voice at all costs. We all know the rules, but aren’t they really more like guidelines? What can you get away with breaking, by how much, and for how long? And if you’re going to break the rules, what do you need to keep in mind in order to make it work?

Erik M Johnson(M), Susan Forest, Tim W. Burke, T.K. Rex

Empire A/B

Writing a Series
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMWriting a Series

Some of us look at books like a bag of potato chips: bet you can’t write just one! But if you’re going to write a series, you might want to consider going in with a plan. Join our panel of series authors as they offer advice and wisdom on how to plan and execute a good series.

Brenda W. Clough (M), Marie Brennan, Mark L. Van Name, Sarah Stegall

Chicago A

Tai Chi with Steven Barnes
09:00 AM - 09:50 AMTai Chi with Steven Barnes

Join Toastmaster Steven Barnes in a morning Tai Chi lesson

Chicago A

Sketchbook Tour: Crystal Bechler
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMSketchbook Tour: Crystal Bechler

Chicago A

Reading: Susan Forest
10:30 PM - 10:55 PMReading: Susan Forest

Chicago A

Horror & Children’s Stories
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMHorror & Children’s Stories

There is a long history of fairy tales as vehicles to warn children of danger. Most of the versions of these stories we know today have been vastly sanitized from their original forms. As it turns out, some of our favorite stories as adults are often the ones that terrified us as children, so perhaps our ancestors were on to something. Why is that?

Brandon McNulty (M), Adam-Troy Castro, Beth Dawkins, Matthew LaWall-Shane, Alex Irvine

Chicago A

State of the Industry
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMState of the Industry

Industry professionals discuss what’s going on with publishing these days, what it all means, and how it affects all of us.

Sally Wiener Grotta (M), Jacob Weisman, Liza Groen Trombi, Lucienne Diver, Terri M. LeBlanc

Chicago A

In Memoriam
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMIn Memoriam

We discuss those the fantasy world has lost in the past year, their contributions, and how much they will be missed.

Ginjer Buchanan, John C. Tibbetts, Gordon Van Gelder

Chicago A

Sketchbook Tour: Elizabeth Leggett
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Elizabeth Leggett

Chicago A

Reading: Adam-Troy Castro
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Adam-Troy Castro

Chicago A

Reading: Jeffrey Ford
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Jeffrey Ford

Chouteau A

A Tribute to the British Writer Marjorie Bowen
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMA Tribute to the British Writer Marjorie Bowen

Since her death in 1952, she and her work have fallen into obscurity. As her biographer, John C. Tibbets is on a mission to restore her name to the honored list of the greatest writers of the Weird and the Gothic of the 20th century, and to this end has prepared a presentation.

John C. Tibbetts

Chicago A

Sketchbook Tour: Nikki Rossignol McCoy
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMSketchbook Tour: Nikki Rossignol McCoy

Chicago A

Reading: D.G. Valdron
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: D.G. Valdron

Chicago A

Writing a Series
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMWriting a Series

Some of us look at books like a bag of potato chips: bet you can’t write just one! But if you’re going to write a series, you might want to consider going in with a plan. Join our panel of series authors as they offer advice and wisdom on how to plan and execute a good series.

Brenda W. Clough (M), Marie Brennan, Mark L. Van Name, Sarah Stegall

Chicago A

Reading: Elise Stephens
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Elise Stephens

Chouteau A

Reading: Erin M. Evans
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Erin M. Evans

Chouteau A

Reading: Deborah Millitello
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Deborah Millitello

Chouteau B

Reading: John C. Tibbetts
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: John C. Tibbetts

Chouteau A

Diane Silver Hosts an Open Mic for Poets
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMDiane Silver Hosts an Open Mic for Poets

Chouteau A

Reading: Donna J.W. Munro
12:00 PM - 12:25 PMReading: Donna J.W. Munro

Chouteau A

Reading: Eileen Gunn
12:30 PM - 12:55 PMReading: Eileen Gunn

Chouteau A

Reading:  Big Book of Cyberpunk
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Big Book of Cyberpunk

Jared Shurin, Molly Tanzer

Chouteau A

Reading: Fran Wilde
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMReading: Fran Wilde

Choutea A

Reading: J.H. Fleming
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: J.H. Fleming

Chouteau A

Reading: Rosemary Williams
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Rosemary Williams

Chouteau A

Reading: Josh Rountree
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Josh Rountree

Chouteau A

Reading: R.W.W. Greene
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: R.W.W. Greene

Chouteau A

Reading: Treehouse Writers
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMReading: Treehouse Writers

Laura Anne Gilman, Nancy Jane Moore, Madeline E. Robins

Chouteau A

Reading: Marina Lostetter
05:30 PM - 05:55 PMReading: Marina Lostetter

Chouteau B

Reading: Alexandra Manglis
09:00 PM - 09:25 PMReading: Alexandra Manglis

Chouteau A

Reading: Izzy Wasserstein
09:30 PM - 09:55 PMReading: Izzy Wasserstein

Chouteau A

Reading: Darrell Schweitzer
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Darrell Schweitzer

Chouteau B

Reading: Dennis Danvers
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Dennis Danvers

Chouteau B

Reading: Donna Glee Williams
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Donna Glee Williams

Chouteau B

Reading: Hitherto Secrets of Marie Curie
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMReading: Hitherto Secrets of Marie Curie

Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Christine Taylor-Butler

Chouteau B

Reading: Emma Törzs
01:00 PM - 01:25 PMReading: Emma Törzs

Chouteau B

Reading: Tod McCoy
01:30 PM - 01:55 PMReading: Tod McCoy

Chouteau B

Reading: Gini Koch
02:00 PM - 02:25 PMReading: Gini Koch

Chouteau B

Reading: Jennifer Hudak
02:30 PM - 02:55 PMReading: Jennifer Hudak

Chouteau B

Reading: Aparna Verma
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Aparna Verma

Chicago A

Reading: Lettie Prell
03:00 PM - 03:25 PMReading: Lettie Prell

Chouteau B

Reading: Saytchun Maddux-Creech
03:30 PM - 03:55 PMReading: Saytchun Maddux-Creech

Chouteau B

Reading: Joshua Palmatier
04:00 PM - 04:25 PMReading: Joshua Palmatier

Chouteau B

Reading: Guardbridge Books
04:30 PM - 04:55 PMReading: Guardbridge Books

David Stokes, Gustavo Bondini

Chouteau B

Reading: Leon Perniciaro
05:00 PM - 05:25 PMReading: Leon Perniciaro

Chouteau B

Reading: Sarah Stegall
09:00 PM - 09:25 PMReading: Sarah Stegall

Chouteau B

Witch Literature
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMWitch Literature

Let’s get witchy! What exactly is witch literature? While our initial thoughts might turn toward urban fantasy, this subgenre can delve into other subgenres as well. Join our panel as they discuss just what makes this genre tick.

Emma Törzs (M), Jonathan Strahan, J.H. Fleming, Kate Heartfield, Louise Marley/Louisa Morgan

Empire A/B

Kickstarter – the Ins and Outs
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKickstarter – the Ins and Outs

Individual authors, artists, and even small press publishing companies are using Kickstarter more and more in order to fund new projects. What kinds of projects do or don’t work well on the platform? And what are the strategies a publisher can use in order to make the launch as strong as possible?

Joshua Palmatier (M), Blake Hausladen, Carlos Hernandez, Jennifer (J.M.) Landels

Empire A/B

Magical Healing & Disability Aids in Fantasy
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMMagical Healing & Disability Aids in Fantasy

Different stories have different takes on disability, and magic opens up a whole new realm of options. What are some good examples, and at what point does it go too far? When do stories fly past creativity and venture into offense and erasure?

Brandon Ketchum (M), W.A. Thomasson, Susie Williamson, Nicola Griffith

Empire A/B

Neurodivergence in Fantasy
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMNeurodivergence in Fantasy

There’s a high incidence of neurodivergence amongst creatives, and they’re bit by bit chipping away at some of the less-than-stellar portrayals ADHD and autistic people have received in popular media over the years. Join our panel of neurodivergent individuals as they talk about what characters they love, which ones make them cringe, and the direction they’d like to see this representation take.

Rosemary Williams (M), Wendy Bolm, Rajan Khanna, Leonard Wilson

Empire A/B

Novelettes and Novellas: Literature’s Middle Children Have Grown Up
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMNovelettes and Novellas: Literature’s Middle Children Have Grown Up

With the popular embrace of ebook and online publishing, mid-length formats have surged in popularity, increasingly utilized by Tor.com, Subterranean Press, and Titan Books. What was once neglected has now become a force to be reckoned with. What makes fiction of this length into a gem, and which ones should we all be seeking out to read?

Pat Murphy (M), Jonathan Strahan, Jeremy Billingsley, Lettie Prell, Ellen Datlow

Empire A/B

Stories Without Stories – Non-Narrative Fiction
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMStories Without Stories – Non-Narrative Fiction

Including created documents in fiction is a tried and true method of worldbuilding, but speculative fiction and horror have taken that a step further further to tell stories entirely through footnotes, art gallery exhibit descriptions, FAQs, bibliographies, articles, technical instructions, and more. What are the advantages and disadvantages of storyless storytelling?

Glen Engle-Cox (M), Kij Johnson, Andrea Corbin, Vic Peterson, Amber Logan

Empire A/B

Fantasy Artwork – Has Etsy (and Similar Sites) Helped or Hurt the Artist?
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMFantasy Artwork – Has Etsy (and Similar Sites) Helped or Hurt the Artist?

All you have to do is Google “Fantasy Art” and you’ll see thousands of sites that list fantasy artwork for sale. Is the plethora of fantasy artwork helping or hurting the fiction genre? In what ways?

Penelope Flynn (M), Elizabeth Leggett, Sultana Raza

Empire A/B

Spotlight: Jonathan Strahan
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMSpotlight: Jonathan Strahan

A conversation with our Editor Guest of Honor, Jonathan Strahan

Jonathan Strahan, Gary K. Wolfe

Empire A/B

Beyond Feudalism: Multifaceted Governments in Fantasy
09:00 PM - 09:50 PMBeyond Feudalism: Multifaceted Governments in Fantasy

Kings and Queens, serfs and peasants; these are often the default expressions of government and economics in fantasy. What works have moved beyond this to build different types of fantasy societies? And how has this been used to better reflect and critique the world we live in?

David Stokes (M), Marie Brennan, Erin M. Evans, Jenna Hanchey, Marina Lostetter

Empire A/B

Breaking the Rules For Fun and Profit
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMBreaking the Rules For Fun and Profit

Always save the cat. Prologues are verboten. Beware of mixing your genres. Avoid passive voice at all costs. We all know the rules, but aren’t they really more like guidelines? What can you get away with breaking, by how much, and for how long? And if you’re going to break the rules, what do you need to keep in mind in order to make it work?

Erik M Johnson(M), Susan Forest, Tim W. Burke, T.K. Rex

Empire A/B

Registration Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMRegistration Hours
Dealers Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Art Show Hours
10:00 AM - 06:00 PMArt Show Hours

Gillham Hall

Art Show Reception
08:00 PM - 10:00 PMArt Show Reception

Gillham Hall

Kaffeeklatsch: Elizabeth Leggett
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Elizabeth Leggett

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Steven Barnes
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Steven Barnes

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Tananarive Due
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Tananarive Due

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Ellen Datlow
11:00 AM - 11:55 AMKaffeeklatsch: Ellen Datlow

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Kij Johnson
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Kij Johnson

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: David Boop
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: David Boop

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Michael Cassutt
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Michael Cassutt

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Nicola Griffith
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMKaffeeklatsch: Nicola Griffith

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

The Dragon’s Den – Open
02:00 PM - 12:00 AMThe Dragon’s Den – Open

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Beyond Dirigibles: Mixing Historical Fantasy with Futurism
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMBeyond Dirigibles: Mixing Historical Fantasy with Futurism

Let’s take retrofuturism a step farther. Beyond steampunk or even gaslamp, what happens when someone drops futuristic technology into a historical fantasy? What are some of our favorite examples?

Jenny Rae Rappaport (M), Molly Tanzer, Aparna Verma, Paul Levinson, Rich Horton

Atlanta/New York

LGBTQ+ Characters Done Well
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMLGBTQ+ Characters Done Well

Does an author have to identify as LGBTQ+ in order to create a believable LGBTQ+ character ? Are there cishet writers who have written this kind of representation respectfully, wisely, and kindly?

Ellen Klages (M), Elizabeth Leggett, Alex Jennings, Naseem Jamnia, Fiona Moore

Atlanta/New York

Spotlight: Steven Barnes
12:00 PM - 12:50 PMSpotlight: Steven Barnes

A conversation with our Toastmaster, Steven Barnes

Steven Barnes, Tananarive Due

Atlanta/New York

Queer Themes in Horror
01:00 PM - 01:50 PMQueer Themes in Horror

The horror genre has deep roots in themes surrounding LGBTQ+ identities. We deconstruct some of the most prevalent ones, their positives and negatives, and what they have to say about society as a whole.

Izzy Wasserstein (M), Lauren Raye Snow, Catherine Lundoff, Brandon O’Brien

Atlanta/New York

Races in Fantasy & Racism
02:00 PM - 02:50 PMRaces in Fantasy & Racism

Orcs, goblins, and elves — the races of fantasy have generated their own encyclopedia of tropes. Unfortunately, they also have a history of real-world racial coding. Have these races become problematic in and of themselves, or are they a viable vehicle for painting a critique of our own world?

P.L Stuart (M), Elijah Kinch Spector, Eva L. Elasigue, Sultana Raza, Andrea Stewart

Atlanta/New York

The Upcoming Impact of AI on Media
03:00 PM - 03:50 PMThe Upcoming Impact of AI on Media

By now, we’ve all heard the buzz: generative AI is ripping into the art and publishing worlds and leaving a giant mess in its wake. What do we expect the long-term impact will be? And how can artists and authors safeguard their work from the data scrapers?

Nancy Jane Moore (M), R.W.W. Greene, Jared Shurin, Matthew Kressel, Carrie Callahan, Mary Anne Mohranj 

Atlanta/New York

The Evolution of Female Characters in Horror
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMThe Evolution of Female Characters in Horror

Once upon a time, many women in horror stories were victims, either to suffer or be saved. In recent years these trends have shifted, and we see more heroic women of deep inner strength, or even monstrous women who are themselves what we fear in the dark. What are some of our favorites who have contributed to this shift, and what do we love about them?

Gini Koch (M), Tananarive Due, Barbara Cottrell, Barbara Randall Kesel, Rebecca Roland

Atlanta/New York

The Culture of Fantasy
05:00 PM - 05:50 PMThe Culture of Fantasy

How does the fantasy genre transmit a society’s ideals, mores, and taboos? What can we learn about an author’s culture by digging into their work?

Steven Barnes (M), Eugen Bacon, Gregory A. Wilson, Kari Sperring

Atlanta/New York

Erotic Fantasy
09:00 PM - 09:50 PMErotic Fantasy

Plenty of genre stories rely on an element of erotica to enhance and advance the plot. What books are the best examples? What makes their sex scenes effective, making sure they continue to drive the story forward?

Thea Hutcheson (M), Eileen Gunn, Rhiannon Held, Amy Avery, Christine Amsden

Atlanta/New York

Sexual & Erotic Horror
10:00 PM - 10:50 PMSexual & Erotic Horror

Sex and horror have been thematically intertwined since time immemorial. This discussion will explore the differences between sexual and erotic horror, what makes them so effective in storytelling, and how we can use those themes to explore our fears and our own dark sides in a structured way.

A.C. Wise (M), Penelope Flynn, Chris M. Arnone

Atlanta/New York

  • All
  • Chicago A
  • Chouteau A
  • Chouteau B
  • Empire A/B
  • Benton A/B
  • San Francisco (registration)
  • Gilham Hall
  • Dragon's Den (terrace)
  • Atlanta/New York
Tai Chi With Steven Barnes
09:00 AM - 09:50 AMTai Chi With Steven Barnes

Join Toastmaster Steven Barnes in a morning Tai Chi lesson.

Chicago A

Registration Hours
09:00 AM - 12:00 PMRegistration Hours
The Rise of Cozy Fantasy
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMThe Rise of Cozy Fantasy

Epic battles, dystopian worlds, and crushing sorrow — you won’t find any of those things here. Let’s take a dive into this subgenre, explore what it is (and isn’t). What about works like Legends & Lattes, The Singing Hills Cycle, and Nettle & Bone that are attracting today’s audience? Is this a natural shift away from the prevalence of grimdark fantasy that has dominated the market, or is something bigger at work here?

Jennifer Hudak (M), Megan Bannen, Paige L. Christie, Sara Beth Durst, Sherry Peters

Atlanta/New York

Dealers Hours
10:00 AM - 12:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Art Show Hours (Buyer Pickup)
10:00 AM - 01:00 PMArt Show Hours (Buyer Pickup)

Gillham Hall

Board Meeting (if needed)
10:00 AM - 11:50 AMBoard Meeting (if needed)
Art Generating Story
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMArt Generating Story

While often an artwork is created to depict a story that already exists, so too does art in turn inspire fresh stories. What artworks in fantasy or horror have generated such stories? Artists who have created illustrations from both perspectives discuss the details behind each.

Elizabeth Leggett (M), Sam W. Pisciotta, C.S.E. Cooney, Nikki Rossignol McCoy, Shauna Aura Knight

Empire A/B

Cancelled The Ad Astra Center for Science Fiction and the Speculative Imagination
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMCancelled The Ad Astra Center for Science Fiction and the Speculative Imagination

Join Chris McKitterick and Kij Johnson as they talk about their new center for speculative fiction.

Kij Johnson, Chris McKitterick

Chicago A

Kaffeeklatsch: Adam-Troy Castro
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Adam-Troy Castro

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: William Ledbetter
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: William Ledbetter

Chicago A

Reading: Alex Jennings
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Alex Jennings

Chouteau A

Reading: Matthew Kressel
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Matthew Kressel

Chicago A

Reading: Nicola Griffith
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Nicola Griffith

Chouteau B

Reading: Vic Peterson
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Vic Peterson

Chouteau A

Reading: Rajan Khanna
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Rajan Khanna

Chouteau B

Spotlight: Tananarive Due
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMSpotlight: Tananarive Due

A conversation with our Toastmaster, Tananarive Due

Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes

Atlanta/New York

Where Have the “Shared Worlds” Gone?
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMWhere Have the “Shared Worlds” Gone?

Once upon a time, it was commonplace to see multiple authors writing in the same sandbox. Is the tradition dying off? What are some of the features that made these shared worlds special, and how can we revive/revisit them?

Adam-Troy Castro (M), Walter Jon Williams, Susan Sinor, Bradley H. Sinor, Allen Stroud

Empire A/B

Kaffeeklatsch: Jonathan Strahan
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Jonathan Strahan

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Reading: Sally Wiener Grotta
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Sally Wiener Grotta

Chouteau A

Reading: Rebecca Roland
11:00 AM - 11:30 AMReading: Rebecca Roland

Chouteau B

Reading: Paige L. Christie
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Paige L. Christie

Chouteau B

World Fantasy Awards Banquet
01:00 PM - 02:00 PMWorld Fantasy Awards Banquet

Tickets required. Doors open at 12:30 for seating.

Atlanta/New York

World Fantasy Awards Ceremony
02:00 PM - 03:45 PMWorld Fantasy Awards Ceremony

Doors open at 1:45 for seating.

Atlanta/New York

WFA Judging Panel
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMWFA Judging Panel

Following the WFA Ceremony, the judges will discuss this year’s award process and answer questions.

Ginny Smith, A.C. Wise, Kelly Robson, Ian Whates

Atlanta/New York

WFC 2023 Feedback Panel
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMWFC 2023 Feedback Panel

What went well? What could have gone better? The chairpersons of WFC 2023 and WFC 2024 listen to members’ comments about this year’s convention.

Rosemary Williams and Ruth Lichtwardt, WFC 2023 Chairs

Catelynn Cunningham and Debi Chowdbury, WFC 2024 Chairs

Karen Fishwick, WFC 2025

Chicago A

Tai Chi With Steven Barnes
09:00 AM - 09:50 AMTai Chi With Steven Barnes

Join Toastmaster Steven Barnes in a morning Tai Chi lesson.

Chicago A

Cancelled The Ad Astra Center for Science Fiction and the Speculative Imagination
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMCancelled The Ad Astra Center for Science Fiction and the Speculative Imagination

Join Chris McKitterick and Kij Johnson as they talk about their new center for speculative fiction.

Kij Johnson, Chris McKitterick

Chicago A

Reading: William Ledbetter
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: William Ledbetter

Chicago A

Reading: Matthew Kressel
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Matthew Kressel

Chicago A

WFC 2023 Feedback Panel
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMWFC 2023 Feedback Panel

What went well? What could have gone better? The chairpersons of WFC 2023 and WFC 2024 listen to members’ comments about this year’s convention.

Rosemary Williams and Ruth Lichtwardt, WFC 2023 Chairs

Catelynn Cunningham and Debi Chowdbury, WFC 2024 Chairs

Karen Fishwick, WFC 2025

Chicago A

Reading: Alex Jennings
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Alex Jennings

Chouteau A

Reading: Vic Peterson
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Vic Peterson

Chouteau A

Reading: Sally Wiener Grotta
11:00 AM - 11:25 AMReading: Sally Wiener Grotta

Chouteau A

Reading: Nicola Griffith
10:00 AM - 10:25 AMReading: Nicola Griffith

Chouteau B

Reading: Rajan Khanna
10:30 AM - 10:55 AMReading: Rajan Khanna

Chouteau B

Reading: Rebecca Roland
11:00 AM - 11:30 AMReading: Rebecca Roland

Chouteau B

Reading: Paige L. Christie
11:30 AM - 11:55 AMReading: Paige L. Christie

Chouteau B

Art Generating Story
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMArt Generating Story

While often an artwork is created to depict a story that already exists, so too does art in turn inspire fresh stories. What artworks in fantasy or horror have generated such stories? Artists who have created illustrations from both perspectives discuss the details behind each.

Elizabeth Leggett (M), Sam W. Pisciotta, C.S.E. Cooney, Nikki Rossignol McCoy, Shauna Aura Knight

Empire A/B

Where Have the “Shared Worlds” Gone?
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMWhere Have the “Shared Worlds” Gone?

Once upon a time, it was commonplace to see multiple authors writing in the same sandbox. Is the tradition dying off? What are some of the features that made these shared worlds special, and how can we revive/revisit them?

Adam-Troy Castro (M), Walter Jon Williams, Susan Sinor, Bradley H. Sinor, Allen Stroud

Empire A/B

Board Meeting (if needed)
10:00 AM - 11:50 AMBoard Meeting (if needed)
Registration Hours
09:00 AM - 12:00 PMRegistration Hours
Dealers Hours
10:00 AM - 12:00 PMDealers Hours

Gillham Hall

Art Show Hours (Buyer Pickup)
10:00 AM - 01:00 PMArt Show Hours (Buyer Pickup)

Gillham Hall

Kaffeeklatsch: Adam-Troy Castro
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Adam-Troy Castro

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

Kaffeeklatsch: Jonathan Strahan
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMKaffeeklatsch: Jonathan Strahan

Signups at Registration

The Dragon’s Den (Terrace)

The Rise of Cozy Fantasy
10:00 AM - 10:50 AMThe Rise of Cozy Fantasy

Epic battles, dystopian worlds, and crushing sorrow — you won’t find any of those things here. Let’s take a dive into this subgenre, explore what it is (and isn’t). What about works like Legends & Lattes, The Singing Hills Cycle, and Nettle & Bone that are attracting today’s audience? Is this a natural shift away from the prevalence of grimdark fantasy that has dominated the market, or is something bigger at work here?

Jennifer Hudak (M), Megan Bannen, Paige L. Christie, Sara Beth Durst, Sherry Peters

Atlanta/New York

Spotlight: Tananarive Due
11:00 AM - 11:50 AMSpotlight: Tananarive Due

A conversation with our Toastmaster, Tananarive Due

Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes

Atlanta/New York

World Fantasy Awards Banquet
01:00 PM - 02:00 PMWorld Fantasy Awards Banquet

Tickets required. Doors open at 12:30 for seating.

Atlanta/New York

World Fantasy Awards Ceremony
02:00 PM - 03:45 PMWorld Fantasy Awards Ceremony

Doors open at 1:45 for seating.

Atlanta/New York

WFA Judging Panel
04:00 PM - 04:50 PMWFA Judging Panel

Following the WFA Ceremony, the judges will discuss this year’s award process and answer questions.

Ginny Smith, A.C. Wise, Kelly Robson, Ian Whates

Atlanta/New York