Program Descriptions, Locations, Times and Panelists

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Details, including panelists, are subject to change.

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For technical reasons not all panels will be livestreamed or recorded. Members, sign on to the virtual convention for details.

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New This Year! Sessions marked with (*) are business panels.

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 Thursday 11/3/2022

 

--------------------------3:00:00 PM--------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Queer in the Market: The State Of LGBTQ+ Representation in Fantasy and Horror Publishing

How are queer authors, storylines, and characters doing today? What is the State of Queerness when it comes to publishing storylines that may reach a small market, to those that reach a HUGE market? Let's assess. Have things gotten better for authors trying to reach an audience? Are publishers, big and small, able to get queer stories to the fans that want to hear them? Or are creatives still facing traditional headwinds at acquisitions and marketing? In recent years the landscape of queer representation has changed. But has it changed for the better? What's working? Where is there still a lot of work to do?

Panelists: Cheryl Morgan, Heather Osborne, Izzy Wasserstein, Vanessa Rose Phin, Talulah J. Sullivan

Location: Celestin D

 

Integrating Music into Fiction

People have always found music significant, whether for enjoyment in listening, the emotional response, or expression. Music is integral to a society's ability to express itself. This should also hold true in fictional societies if they are to resonate with readers. What books effectively portray the importance of music as a characterization or a worldbuilding tool? Is the musical style instrumental to the fictional society?

Panelists: Sheree Renée Thomas, Sephera Giron, Sarah Pinsker, Scott Andrews, J. H. Fleming

 

Location: Imperial 11

David Tucker  Reading

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Location: Imperial 12

Moses Ose Utomi  Reading

 

--------------------------3:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Marie Brennan  Reading

​

Location: Imperial 12

D. G. Valdron  Reading

Panelists:

 

--------------------------4:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Alternative History: Bending the Past

Most people have things in their past that they wish they could change. But what if you could change entire historical events? This rich field of fantasy explores the consequences of changing history at will.

Panelists: David Stokes, Madeleine E. Robins, Susan Forest, Kristin Janz, Kate Heartfield

 

Location: Celestin D

Creating the Monsters of the Human Soul

Philosophers of the past have said the worst monsters lurk within the human soul. Most keep them restrained, but there are those who unleash their inner demons. Our panelists will explore the ways they have created such characters in their own works and share their views of other authors who do it well.

Panelists: Victor LaValle, Kelly Robson, Matt Cardin, Nathan Ballingrud, Catriona Ward

 

Location: Imperial 11

Ellen Gunn Reading

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Location: Imperial 12

Jason A. Wyckoff  Reading

 

--------------------------5:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

The Crossroads of Poetry and Prose

How does writing poetry impact the author’s prose? What kind of creative tools do poets use for their work that can be used for other writings? Discussion will include both historic and current examples of how poets are influencing the prose of fantasy and horror.

Panelists: Darrell Schweitzer, Joe Haldeman, Sarah Grey, Pat Hauldren, Eugen Bacon

 

Location: Celestin D

The Importance of Dread in Horror

Dread is a primal sense of fear that isn't specifically present. It's at the core of all dark fiction and horror and is what compels us to keep reading even though we fear we won't like what we see. Writers who have mastered the technique discuss their books and others that use a sense of dread effectively.

Panelists: Brandon McNulty, Usman T. Malik, Sarah Pinsker, Jeremy Lassen, Julie C. Day, Sarah Read

 

--------------------------8:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin D

Opening Ceremonies

Welcome to New Orleans! Our Chair opens the convention with flair, bringing the New Orleans spirit to World Fantasy. Toastmaster Ursula Vernon will add her greetings then introduce our guests. Join our Mardi Gras Krewe for fun, festivities and Laissez les bons temps rouler!

ton

 

--------------------------8:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin Foyer

Meet & Greet

Join us in the Celestin Foyer for Bananas Foster! Take this opportunity to renew acquaintances and make you friends.

 

--------------------------10:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Brandon 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!

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 Friday 11/4/2022

 

--------------------------10:00:00 AM--------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Jo Walton Spotlight

A conversation with our Guest of Honor, Jo Walton

Panelists: Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Jo Walton

 

Location: Celestin D

Fantasy International

What is the world of fantasy like outside North America? Can cultural influences change the very meaning of fantasy. Is selling and marketing any different? And what changes are coming into the US market from these influences?

Panelists: Ahmad Siddiqi, Usman T. Malik, Gautam Bhatia, Ed McDonald, Oghenechovwe Ekpeki

 

Location: Imperial 5

Dena Bain Taylor  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 11

David Rose Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Zin E. Rocklyn  Reading

 

Location: Celestin E

Board of Directors Meeting

Many aspects of the World Fantasy Convention Board meeting are open to general membership. General membership will be excused from the meeting during some confidential discussions, such as convention awards.

 

 

--------------------------10:30:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 5

Andrei Codrescu Reading

 

Location: Imperial 11

Lucy A. Snyder Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Tina L. Jens Reading

 

--------------------------11:00:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Just Who Is the Villain?

A well-developed villain in fantasy and horror must be portrayed far beyond the traditional "figure dressed in black". Perhaps, at times, they may even be someone the reader finds more sympathetic than the hero. What are alternate ways of representing forces of "good" and "bad"? Which books (and authors) are pushing the boundaries between hero and villain?

Panelists: Susie Williamson, Jay Hartlove, David Boop, Ryan McFadden

 

Location: Celestin D

Combining Outlooks: Artists Who Are Authors

Writers who are artists often paint pictures in the mind with descriptions and word choice. Artists who are also writers often bring a greater sense of story to their art. Our multi-faceted panelists discuss the ways in which both their creative outlets commingle.

Panelists: Akua Lezli Hope, Terri Windling, Kathleen Jennings, Iris Compiet, Ursula Vernon

 

Location: Imperial 5

Eva L Elasigue Reading

 

Location: Imperial 11

Christine Taylor-Butler  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Holly Black Reading

 

 

--------------------------11:30:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Sharon Shinn Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Brandon O'Brien Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Emily C. Skaftun Reading

 

 

--------------------------12:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

The Well-Read Fantasy Lovers Bookshelf

Out of hundreds--even thousands--of new books being released every year, how do you find the must-reads? What books are on your "keep forever" shelves? Which authors' books do you buy as soon as they are released?

Panelists: Laurel Ann Hill, Donald S. Crankshaw, Jim Minz, Jo Walton, James Van Pelt

 

Location: Celestin D

New Orleans: Old Souls and New Rhythms

New Orleans is a city unlike others where the ghosts of pirates rub elbows with Mardi Gras Krewes, and Cajun culture. The colorful folklore and supernatural legends of New Orleans has inspired authors from its beginnings. What influence does this fabulous city and its rich history have on their stories?

Panelists: Darrell Schweitzer, Andrei Codrescu, Cheryl Owen-Wilson, Alex Jennings, James L. Cambias

 

Location: Imperial 11

Brenda Cooper  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Christopher M. Cevasco  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Chenelle Bremont Reading

 

 

--------------------------12:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Carrie Callahan  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Nisi Shawl Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Rosemary Williams Reading

 

 

--------------------------1:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Iris Compiet Spotlight

A conversation with our Guest of Honor, Iris Compiet

Panelists: Iris Compiet, Christine Avery

 

Location: Celestin D

Alternate Story Forms: Comics

From earlier comics such as the Classic Illustrated Comic Books, through Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower and the current stories such as Victor LaValle’s Destroyer, this combination of art and prose can combine to tell compelling, penetrating, and important stories. How do the creators combine the two to get the desired intensity in their tales? What design choices enhance the final work and why do some stories lend themselves to the graphic novel and comic format?

Panelists: Peter V. Brett, Jim Killen, Gwenda Bond, Deborah Daughetee, Steve Saffel

 

Location: Imperial 11

Brenda Carre  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Heather Osborne Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Erin M. Evans Reading

 

 

--------------------------1:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Ursula Vernon Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Tim Pratt  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki Reading

 

--------------------------2:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Brandon O'Brien Spotlight

A conversation with our Special Guest, Brandon O'Brien

Panelists: Brandon O'Brien, Holly Lyn Walrath

 

Location: Celestin D

Original Anthologies: From Idea to Finish

Experienced creators discuss the original anthology experience from beginning to end, from choosing a theme to inviting contributors to pulling it all together.

Panelists: Ellen Datlow, Eric J. Guignard, Rena Mason, Emily C. Skaftun, Joshua Palmatier

 

Location: Imperial 11

W. A. Thomasson Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Gini Koch  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Audiobooks: Behind the Microphone

What are the elements of a successful audiobook? Should a book be narrated or acted out? Our panelists discuss the challenges of turning the written word into a compelling spoken narrative.

Panelists: D. G. Valdron, Ms. C. S. E. Cooney, Ellen Kushner, Rajan Khanna, Mark Van Name

 

 

--------------------------2:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Christopher Rowe  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Jean Marie Ward  Reading

 

--------------------------3:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Ursula Vernon Spotlight

A conversation with our Toastmaster, Ursula Vernon

Panelists: Gwenda Bond, Ursula Vernon

 

Location: Celestin D

Books To Film/TV

How well do films and TV capture the essence of the books that they are based on? What can books do that film and TV can’t seem to duplicate?  What are the strengths of the more visual formats? Which works translate well and which ones are travesties of justice?

Panelists: Victor LaValle, Charlaine Harris, Peter S. Beagle, Bruce McAllister, Angeli Primiani

 

Location: Imperial 11

Carlos Hernandez  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

David Boop Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Military Meets Fantasy

What happens to tactics, supply chains and troop deployment when magic enters the picture? What authors are good at handling both the complexities of battle and the intimacy of the fight?

Panelists: Dr. David Tucker, Marie Brennan, David Rose, Walter Jon Williams

 

 

--------------------------3:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Karen Heuler   Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Donna-Glee Williams Reading

 

 

--------------------------4:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Societal Elements as a Character

Most stories are not just a protagonist and antagonist pitted against each other. Other elements come into play. The Government. The Religions. The Military. The Guilds. The Scholars. How do the Societal elements impact those who live under them and the stories that feature them.

Panelists: Andrei Codrescu, Arley Sorg, Gillian Polack, Louise Herring-Jones, E.C. Ambrose

 

Location: Celestin D

The Art of The Short Story

The short story has long been a strong force in speculative fiction. What types of narrative are best suited for the short story (under 7500 words) vs the novelette (8-17k words)? What are the unique challenges of captivating a reader in these smaller works?

Panelists: Howard Waldrop, Bruce McAllister, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, A. C. Wise, Sheree Renée Thomas

 

Location: Imperial 11

Delia Sherman Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Phillip Drayer Duncan  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Ginjer Buchanan Spotlight

A conversation with our Guest of Honor, Ginjer Buchanan.

Panelists: Ginjer Buchanan, Sharon Shinn

 

 

--------------------------4:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Izzy Wasserstein  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Jeffrey Ford  Reading

 

 

--------------------------5:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

The Continuing Legacy of Black Pioneers in Fantasy

From Pauline Hopkins of the early 1900s (an accomplished playwright and novelist) to Charles R. Saunders of the 1960s (who spearheaded the Sword and Sorcery sub-genre of fantasy) black writers have paved new ground with wonder, adventure , and triumph. These stories have captivated many for decades and inspired some of today's biggest names in fantasy. Panelists will discuss both past and current black writers who continue to awe readers with their prose and worlds.

Panelists: Victor LaValle, Nisi Shawl, Miguel O. Mitchell, Jesse Holland, Eugen Bacon

 

Location: Imperial 11

Adrian Simmons Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Tina Connolly & C. S. E. Cooney Musical Reading

Tina and Claire will perform a musical reading

 

 

 

Location: Imperial 5

Appalachian Fantasy and Horror

All along their length of the Appalachian Mountains, for all the thousands of years they have been inhabited, people have told stories. Fantasy and horror writers have drawn on both the geographical and sociological reality of the mountains almost since genre fiction came into flower. Now, the darker forms of fantasy are in full flower in Appalachia. This panel will discuss such stories, past and present, and consider why the region is such fertile ground for storytelling.

Panelists: Jaye Wells, Steve Shell, Jason B. Sizemore, Cam Collins, Christopher Rowe

 

 

--------------------------5:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Angeli Primlani  Reading

 

 

--------------------------10:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

The Outer Dark Weird Cluster Reading

After the mass signing and before you head to parties, The Outer Dark podcast invites you to grab a drink from the bar and come hear some of the exciting writers who represent the future of the vibrant literary mode of Weird fiction including Matthew M. Bartlett, Julie C. Day, Anya Martin, Sarah Read, A. C. Wise, and teri.zin!

 

Saturday 11/6/2022

 

------------------------10:00:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Hopepunk In Fantasy

The antithesis of grimdark, this sub-genre is dedicated to uplifting messages of hope. Are these stories realistic? Is Hopepunk SF different from Hopepunk Fantasy? And who is writing this form?

Panelists: Carrie Callahan, Kathryn Yelinek, Dr. Laura E. Goodin, J. R. Dawson, Leon Perniciaro

 

Location: Celestin D

The Rise Of Speculative Poetry

Poetry has seen an explosion in popularity. What markets now accept poetry? Are there good resources that support the speculative fiction poet? Who are the exciting poets to follow?

Panelists: Dr. Lynne Sargent, Brandon O'Brien, Akua Lezli Hope, Holly Lyn Walrath, Jo Walton

 

Location: Imperial 11

Bruce McAllister Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

David Stokes  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Trad. Small Press. Indie.  A Comparison*

While many aspire to publish with a large house (and those huge marketing budgets) authors now have many options beyond slogging through the slush pile. What are the advantages and drawbacks of pursuing other channels? As markets continue to evolve (ebooks, audiobooks, and tiktok, oh my!) panelists will offer their advice in navigating the various options and how to avoid career setbacks in the process.

Panelists: Tod McCoy, Kevin Kauffmann, Patrick Swenson, Ann Marie Wilson, J. L. Doty

 

 

-------------------------- 10:30:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Brandon Ketchum  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

J. H. Fleming  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 11:00:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Terri Windling Spotlight

A conversation with the Lifetime Achievement recipient for 2022, Terri Windling.

Panelists: Terri Windling, Ellen Kushner

 

Location: Celestin D

Urban Fantasy: Past and Present

The first book considered to be urban fantasy is "Moonheart" by Charles de Lint. Even though the term 'urban fantasy' was not coined until 1997, this genre has already seen great changes in style and its various sub-genres. How and why does this form of story continue to change?

Panelists: Nicole Peeler, Jean Marie Ward, Seb Doubinsky, Peter S. Beagle, Ellen Kushner

 

Location: Imperial 11

Alex Irvine Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Laura Anne Gilman  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Managing A Multi-Book Series*

How do you juggle a multi-book saga, especially when the past books have already been published? How do you keep a consistent voice, characterization, and plot development when you have grown as a writer during the process? And how do you keep forward momentum going, as well as keeping the readers engaged?

Panelists: Cassandra Clare, Peter V. Brett, Robert V. S. Redick, Mark Van Name, Holly Black

 

 

-------------------------- 11:30:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Gwenda Bond Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Evergreen Lee  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 12:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

The Agent/Author Relationship*

What should you know before engaging an agent? What can and can’t they do for your career? What advice do authors who use agents give to those curious about the process? Join our mixed panel of agents and authors to see if this is right for your career.

Panelists: Gerald Brandt, Caitline Blasdell, Jeffe Kennedy, Lucy A. Snyder, Shawna McCarthy

 

Location: Celestin D

Young Adult Fiction: What's Now And What's Next?

Young Adult fiction has exploded in popularity in the last decade. What are the current trends? Who are the exciting new authors in the genre? What are the joys and challenges of writing for the young adult?

Panelists: Kathryn Sullivan, Christine Taylor-Butler, Ursula Vernon, Fran Wilde, Carter Roy

 

Location: Imperial 11

Tim Waggoner Reading

​

Location: Imperial 12

Lynn Ericson Reading

Leonard and Ann Marie will read from their work

Panelists: Leonard Wilson, Ann Marie Wilson

 

Location: Imperial 5

Victor LaValle Spotlight

A conversation with our Guest of Honor, Victor LaValle

Panelists: Victor LaValle, Jesse Holland

 

 

-------------------------- 12:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Laurel Anne Hill  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Randee Dawn  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 1:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Cross-Genre Fantasy:  A Critical Look at Mixing Genres

Combining genres is almost a sport in fantasy. Do the mash-up of different genres add depth to the story? Who does it well? And does the muddling of genres hurt or help fantasy overall?

Panelists: M. K. Hutchins, Ginjer Buchanan, Pat Murphy, Gary K. Wolfe, Glenn Parris

 

Location: Celestin D

Alternative Story Forms: Game Design

Game playing is one of the finer forms of interactive storytelling. The games feature robust and intricate setting, characters and plotting while also allowing the players scope and choice. What goes into this meld of technology and storytelling? And what about the complexity of the reader entering the experience as a character?

Panelists: Aaron Canton, Brandon O'Brien, Christopher M. Cevasco, Miyuki Jane Pinckard, Gregory A. Wilson

 

Location: Imperial 11

Joe Haldeman  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Iris Compiet Sketchbook Tour

Our Artist Guest of Honor will show slides demonstrating her art process.

 

Location: Imperial 5

Surviving & Thriving in A Writers Workshop*

Writing workshops have set many fantasy and horror authors on the road to publication. What should you look for when selecting a workshop? Workshop veterans discuss their experiences and the benefits to be found in writing workshops.

Panelists: R. K. Nickel, M. Huw Evans, C. C. Finlay, Christopher Rowe, Ellen Klages

 

 

-------------------------- 1:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Julie C. Day  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Alex Jennings  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 2:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Andrei Codrescu Spotlight

A conversation with our Special Guest, Andrei Codrescu

Panelists: Andrei Codrescu

 

Location: Celestin D

The Role of Essays in Shaping Genres

Larry Niven's essay "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" widely challenged many authors to better understand the impact of an overpowered character. Others such as "Writing the Other" by Nisi Shawl, "On Thud and Blunder" by Poul Anderson, and larger works such as "The Rhetorics of Fantasy" by Farah Mendlesohn are influencing writers to dig deeper than ever before to write stories with depth beyond cliched tropes. Our experienced panelists explore ways in which essays impact writing and culture.

Panelists: Nisi Shawl, Farah Mendlesohn, Liza Trombi, Teresa Nielson Hayden, Eileen Gunn

 

Location: Imperial 11

Stephanie Feldman  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Ahmad Siddiqi Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

New Voices

Our panel is comprised of first-time authors who will discuss their books and the joys, challenges, and unexpected events of having their first novel published

Panelists: Moses Ose Utomi, Yume Kitasei, Dena Bain Taylor, Cynthia Ray, Eden Robins

 

 

-------------------------- 2:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Jo Walton Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Brandon McNulty  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 3:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

The Elements of Horror

The five elements of horror have been defined as Suspense, Fear, Violence, Gore and the Supernatural. Jorge Sette presents the 6 pillars of horror as The Familiar made Strange, Tapping into the Readers Darkest Fears, Verisimilitude, Claustrophobia, Paranoia and Violence. So, what constitutes a horror story?

Panelists: Tim Waggoner, Penelope Flynn, Kate Maruyama, Eric Secker

 

Location: Celestin D

Reimagining Fairies

Since the beginning of the fantasy genre, fairies have been a mainstay. Taken from many cultural mythologies, these beings are often associated with nature and magic. Over time they have been portrayed as sweet, benevolent, lustful, capricious, and even vindictive. How do the fairies of today's stories differ from mythology? What are some new ways they are being portrayed and which ones intrigue us the most?

Panelists: Delia Sherman, Randee Dawn, Ms. C. S. E. Cooney, Iris Compiet, Holly Black

 

Location: Imperial 11

Nathan Ballingrud  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

David Sandner  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

The Author/Editor Relationship*

Authors and Editors bring a separate set of skills to the table. How does the editing process work? What happens if the two disagree? Panelists will discuss their experiences working with each other.

Panelists: Ellen Datlow, Donna Glee Williams, Jo Fletcher, Rich Horton, Jeffrey Ford

 

 

-------------------------- 3:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

James Van Pelt Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Lynn Ericson  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 4:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Nisi Shawl Spotlight

A conversation with the WFC2021 Guest of Honor, Nisi Shawl

Panelists: Nisi Shawl, Alex Jennings

 

Location: Celestin D

Keepin' it Weird

Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock says, "Old Weird fiction utilizes elements of horror, science fiction and fantasy to showcase the impotence and insignificance of human beings within a much larger universe populated by often malign powers and forces that greatly exceed the human capacities to understand or control them”. Others call it a macabre, dark fantastical outlook. What do our panelists think makes their fiction ‘weird’ and who are the practitioners worth following?

Jon Padgett, Anya Martin, Jason A. Wyckoff, Michael Kelly, David Boop

 

Location: Imperial 11

William Ledbetter  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Kathleen Jennings Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To…

Humor in fantasy is a risky business, because a sense of humor is highly personal. Not everyone finds the ridiculousness of Discworld funny. But when done well, humor can bridge social barriers because humans love to laugh. Humor in fiction is more than telling jokes. Panelists discuss books that use various techniques to effectively blend fantasy and humor.

Panelists: Mary Thompson, Randee Dawn, Gini Koch, Ursula Vernon, Tracey S. Morris, Phillip Drayer Duncan

 

 

-------------------------- 4:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Susan Forest  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Jen Fawkes Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 5:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

LGBTQ+ Characters Done Well

The occurrence of queer characters in SFF has increased during the last several years (beyond mere tropes with little plot interest). These characters not only exhibit the diversity of queerness, but also show how concepts of identity continue to evolve. Let's analyze WHY we love the queer characters or storylines that we do. What is going well? What are some ways queer characters have appeared in print, film and other media that both honor and validate them as a person? Panelists will discuss favorite queer characters as well as the authors who are writing these stories in new worlds. This is a time to Praise Your Faves.

Panelists: Thea Hutcheson, Jerome Stueart, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Nora E. Derrington, Charlie Jane Anders

 

Location: Celestin D

History of Fantasy

How did fantasy begin? What are the seminal works that shaped and directed fantasy into its modern form? Join us for a detailed and far-ranging discussion of how fantasy came to be.

Panelists: Edward James, Dr. David Sandner, Ginjer Buchanan, Gillian Polack, Gary Wolfe

 

Location: Imperial 11

Mark L. Van Name  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Jon Padgett  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 5:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 12

Robert Freeman Wexler Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Raptors!

Christine Avery is an experienced and registered Falconer. Join us for this fascinating presentation about depicting birds realistically in fiction.

Panelists: Christine Avery and Birds

 

 

-------------------------- 5:30:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Glenn Parris  Reading

 

-------------------------- 10:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Dreams for a Broken World Anthology Reading

Patron saints and luchadores. Trickster gods. Freedom fighters. Infections of fire. Gated communities and glass castles. Hong Kong. Iran. NYC. The 1860s and the end of the world. This second anthology in the Dreams series draws from both genre and literary traditions as the authors engage with the following questions: what does it mean to live in a fractured and uncertain world, and how do we find a better way forward. All proceeds go to the Rosenberg Fund for Children.

 

Location: Imperial 12

Broad Universe Group Reading

Broad Universe, the nonprofit organization serving writers, editors, and publishers and aspiring publishing professionals who are women, nonbinary or alternately-gendered, including but not limited to people who are genderqueer, genderfluid, and gender nonconforming, will present a "tasting menu" of short readings from its members. Find your next favorite author, and learn how to sign up, at the reading! Readings by Randee Dawn, Elaine Isaak, Kathleen Sullivan, and Laurel Ann Hill.

 

Location: Imperial 5

Old Gods Of Appalachia Reading

Old Gods of Appalachia is an eldritch horror fiction podcast set in an Alternate Appalachia, a world where these mountains were never meant to be inhabited. This world feels eerily similar to the hills and hollers we’ve grown up with, but there are some tell-tale differences. Names of towns and counties may be altered. Historical events slide forward or backward in time. And then, of course, there are the monsters...

Panelists: Steve Shell, Cam Collins

​

 

 Sunday 11/6/2022

 

--------------------------10:00:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Using Food in Stories

Comfort food isn't just for the stomach. Readers and authors alike can indulge not only in the culinary aspects of a story but also how food plays a role in developing the culture of another world.

 

Location: Celestin E

Board of Directors Meeting

Many aspects of the World Fantasy Convention Board meeting are open to general membership. General membership will be excused from the meeting during some confidential discussions, such as convention awards.

 

Location: Imperial 11

Kevin Kauffmann  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Walter Jon Williams  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

Dark Fantasy and GrimDark

What is the dividing line between Dark Fantasy and Horror? Is the difference in the ending, the overall theme or the amount of blood and pain? What separates these two genres?

Panelists: Laura Anne Gilman, Saytchyn Maddux-Creech, Christopher Buehlman, Brenda Carre, Jeremy Lassen

 

 

-------------------------- 10:30:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

M. Muffaz Reading

​

Location: Imperial 12

Eden Robins Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 11:00:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Celestin ABC

Portraying Trauma in Horror

It isn't a story if bad things didn't happen. But what are the results of the more deeply painful events? What should be the long-term results? And how could the fictional portrayal of traumatic events affect recovering readers?

Panelists: Mercedes M. Yardley, Lucy A. McLaren, Brandon Ketchum, Zin E. Rocklyn, Juliet Ruiz

 

Location: Imperial 11

A.C. Wise  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Matt Cardin  Reading

 

Location: Imperial 5

The Artist as Visual Storyteller

Art not only captures the imagination, but images also serve storytelling functions. How does art convey story concepts and what are some ways artists transport their viewers to new worlds?

Panelists: Irene Gallo, Kathleen Jennings, Nikki Rossignol, Iris Compiet, Penelope Flynn

 

 

-------------------------- 11:30:00 AM --------------------------

Location: Imperial 11

Sarah Pinsker Reading

 

Location: Imperial 12

Thea Hutcheson  Reading

 

 

-------------------------- 3:00:00 PM --------------------------

Location: Celestin D

World Fantasy Award Banquet

This is a ticketed event. To purchase a banquet ticket, visit this page.

​

Location: Celestin D

World Fantasy Award Ceremony

Join us for the 2022 World Fantasy Awards Ceremony! Toastmaster Ursula Vernon will guide the proceedings with an address and then our guests will grace us one last time with a short speech. Jo Fletcher and Gordon Van Gelder will announce the WFA winners; if in attendance, winners will deliver a short acceptance speech

 

--------- 4:00:00 PM (or at the close of the Award Ceremony)---------

Location: Celestin ABC

Judges Review Panel

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

Panelists: Richard Kadrey, Misha Stone, C. C. Finlay, Ms. C. S. E. Cooney

 

Location: Imperial 5

Feedback Panel

What went well? What tanked? The chairpersons of WFC2022 and WFC2023 listen to members' comments about this year's convention.

Participants: Ken Garrison, Tom Hanlon, Ginny Smith, Bryan Jones, Rosemary Williams, Ruth Lichtwardt