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Friday, November 1
 

2:00pm PDT

Costuming Versus Wearable Art - Same? Different?
Come join the debate about what is or is not costuming or wearable art.

Moderators
avatar for Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche has been making costumes since he was 8 (and has the photographic evidence to prove it!). He was honored with the International Costumers Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. At Gallifrey One, Kevin is somewhat infamous as creator of the Tiki Dalek, and as one founder... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Denise Tanaka

Denise Tanaka

Denise Robarge Tanaka is sleep deprived and highly caffeinated. A lifelong fantasy writer, she has short stories in online magazines SQMag and New Realm, and a novel "Only Bones Remain" on Amazon. By day she works as an immigration paralegal while managing to pursue hobbies in genealogy... Read More →


Friday November 1, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Bayside

2:00pm PDT

Crafting for Geeks
A lot of fans often make their own props, costumes, accessories, and other items, because they can't find what they want commercially. Would you like to learn more about what you can make with different crafts? From sewing to resin castings to thermal plastic to knitting & crochet. Each craft has its own strengths and weaknesses and how to mix and match your crafting. Learn how to get started or get some help with a project that you have in mind.

Moderators
avatar for Jade Falcon

Jade Falcon

Geek Girl Crafts Podcast
Jade Falcon is a photographer & writer in the San Francisco in the Bay Area. She has a plethora of interests, among them being: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, fencing, music, travelling, cats, costuming, fiber arts & crafts, language, and reading. Consequently, she's usually never bored. Her professional... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Dana MacDermott

Dana MacDermott

I have been reading SF and Fantasy since I was about 10, and I am over 65. I am a costumer for fun and profession, doing design, costume crafts, competition costuming (with my husband, Bruce) and theatrical costuming. I am a Burner having been on the Playa 12 years with family and... Read More →
avatar for Carole Parker

Carole Parker

Carole's detail focus works well in her more than 30-year publications career including technical writing and editing, as well as her interests in costuming, dyeing, and wearable art. She has competed in masquerades and won numerous workmanship awards for her dyework. Carole likes... Read More →


Friday November 1, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Sumac

2:00pm PDT

Gender-Flipping
Why is gender flipping an important part of fandom? How does it cause us to challenge our views?

Moderators
avatar for Wanda Kurtcu

Wanda Kurtcu

Writers Workshop, Pleasant
Hello and welcome aboard! Here’s a little bit about me! My 15 minutes of fame is from ‘A Matter of Honor’, a Star Trek: Next Generation episode I wrote back in 1984. I have been involved with Baycon as the Writers Workshop maven and on panels focused diversity in science fiction... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Valerie Estelle Frankel

Valerie Estelle Frankel

Author, Pop Culture Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 90 books on pop culture, including Women in Doctor Who and Hunting for Meaning in the Mandalorian. Many of her books focus on women's roles in fiction, from her heroine's journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Buffy and the Heroine's Journey... Read More →


Friday November 1, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Oak

2:00pm PDT

The Lie of Show, Don't Tell
"Show, don’t tell."  Sounds like great advice…but what does it mean?  Often writers are told what not to do.  Don’t tell the readers how to feel.  Don’t tell the readers what to think.  But even when they are told what to do, such as be more descriptive and concrete in imagery, the rewrite often falls flat.  That’s because the advice to show, don’t tell has an inherent contradiction built into it.  Showing can be sterile but readers want a rich experience.  This how-to talk will reveal how the core contradiction of show, don’t tell interferes with creating emotionally engaging scenes.  It will provide specific techniques for how to write successful, rich scenes to captivate your readers.  With a little practice, you may never hear those three little words again.

Moderators
JL

Jennifer L. Carson

Jennifer L. Carson wrote her first story before she read her first novel. Her passion for writing led to a career in editing that started in high school. After getting a degree in creative writing from UC Davis and certified as a copyeditor by UC Berkeley, Jennifer embarked on a career... Read More →

Friday November 1, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Conifer

4:00pm PDT

'Epic Resume Go!'

Does creating a resume not only fill you with dread but also boredom?  Are you tired of the same old grind in explaining yourself to potential employers?  Then the solution is to make your resume an Epic Resume!

“Epic Resume Go!” treats resume writing as a storytelling exercise.  Like any great novel or blockbuster a resume has taglines, a main character (you), backstories, and more.  With helpful exercises and a sense of humor, this process will help you make the resume writing experience exciting – or at least tolerable.

It’s time to make your resume epic!


Moderators
Friday November 1, 2013 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Bayside

4:00pm PDT

Storytelling as Cultural Learning
The use of story in a culture to convey values.

Moderators
avatar for Davidson L. Haworth

Davidson L. Haworth

Fantasy Author
Davidson L. Haworth is a fantasy writer and the author of the historical fantasy series The Prali Trilogy - The Dragon of Prali, The Wizard of Prali, and The Vampires of Prali. Davidson is known to the world as the father of historical fantasy. Davidson L. Haworth was born in San... Read More →

Speakers
GC

Gregg Castro

Director, Salinan T'rowt'raahl
Gregg Castro [t'rowt'raahl Salinan/rumsien Ohlone], has been involved in the preservation of his California Indigenous cultural heritage for over two decades. He represents his late Mother’s family’s interests in the protection of cultural heritage in their rumsien Ohlone homeland... Read More →
avatar for Juliette Wade

Juliette Wade

Writer, DAW
Juliette Wade's debut novel Mazes of Power will come out in 2020 from DAW books. Her short fiction has appeared in Fantasy and Science Fiction, Clarkesworld and several times in Analog magazine. Her nonfiction has appeared in Analog and in Lightspeed's special issue, Women Destroy... Read More →


Friday November 1, 2013 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Conifer

4:00pm PDT

Tech Writing for the Creative Author
Many SF/F authors often double as tech writers to help pay their bills. Are the two occupations really compatible? Do you want to learn what it takes to be a tech writer in the high tech industry? And how do you come home from a hard day of tech writing to actually allowing your muse to run free and write creatively? Come talk to our panelists of tech writers with more than 40 years of experience in the tech writing field.

Moderators
avatar for Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek is a multi-talented, award-winning author, editor, and media tie-in writer. She is the author of Never Let Me Sleep and The Last Days of Salton Academy, both of which were nominated for the Bram Stoker Award. Her BattleTech tie-in novel, The Nellus Academy Incident... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Ric Bretschneider

Ric Bretschneider

Producer, Columnist, Reviewer, RAB Endeavors
Ric Bretschneider is a technologist, trouble maker, and problem solver whose interests outstretch his available time by a significant magnitude.Professionally he splits his time between attempting to raise the quality of business communications, particularly presenting, and a love... Read More →
avatar for Jade Falcon

Jade Falcon

Geek Girl Crafts Podcast
Jade Falcon is a photographer & writer in the San Francisco in the Bay Area. She has a plethora of interests, among them being: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, fencing, music, travelling, cats, costuming, fiber arts & crafts, language, and reading. Consequently, she's usually never bored. Her professional... Read More →


Friday November 1, 2013 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Oak
 
Saturday, November 2
 

9:00am PDT

Consanity Board of Directors Meeting
Come sit in on the public Board of Directors meeting of Convolution's founding corporation: Consanity

Moderators
SQ

Stephen "Dirk" Libbey

Gaming Manager, Sound United
Stephen was dragged to his first convention by a girl. For some reason he married her anyway. Since then he has worked on several conventions including helping his wife run the newsletter for the 2011 World Science Fiction Convention (Renovation). He is an avid gamer, occasional podcaster... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kimmi Allbee

Kimmi Allbee

President, BoD, Convolution: The Next Step
Kimmi has been a fan since the first time she picked up a copy of Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonsinger", and has never looked back. She attended local Bay Area conventions for a number of years, but didn't get into volunteering to run them until 1994. Now the President of the Board for... Read More →
avatar for Erik Bigglestone

Erik Bigglestone

General Manager, Games of Berkeley
Erik Bigglestone never had a chance. Technically a third-generation geek (or nerd, depending on one's definition), he is currently a Managing Owner (Games of Berkeley), a President & Chairman (Evil Empire, Inc.), a Shareholder (Consanity, Inc.), a Chairman (Convolution 2015) and a... Read More →
avatar for Matt Branstad

Matt Branstad

Senior Game Designer, Theatre Arcanos
Matt Branstad has been LARPing since 1996 and been a member of Theatre Arcanos since the troupe was founded in 2011. He has run LARPs at BayCon, DunDracon, BigBadCon, Renovation, WesterCon, Convolution, Reed College, and Gamestorm, as well as a number of independent games. He has... Read More →
avatar for Meredith Branstad

Meredith Branstad

Meredith Branstad has been involved in organized fandom since 2002. She often forgets to step back when volunteers are needed and thus has worked in publications, programming, operations, and office of the chair. She's been involved with Convolution since its inception and looks forward... Read More →
avatar for Dan Van Den Broeke

Dan Van Den Broeke

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Ariosa Diagnostics
SN

Stephen Nelson

The product of a scientific experiment to produce the geekiest person imaginable, Stephen Nelson is a software engineer, podcaster, a cappella singer, science fiction convention organizer, and Renaissance Faire performer.


Saturday November 2, 2013 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Bayside

10:00am PDT

Edgar Allan Poe Legacy
Exploring Gothic literature in reference to dreams.  Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Mary Shelley redefined Gothic literature in ways that are still powerful today.  In this panel we'll be discussing their work and their enduring legacy on science fiction, mystery, horror, and fantasy.

Moderators
avatar for Carrie Sessarego

Carrie Sessarego

reviewer, Geek Girl In Love and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Carrie Sessarego is the geek reviewer for "Smart Bitches, Trashy Books" (smartbitchestrashybooks.com), where she reviews science fiction and fantasy romance. She's also the creator and writer of "Geek Girl in Love" (geekgirlinlove.com), where she reviews science fiction, fantasy... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Ryan Galiotto

Ryan Galiotto

Owner, Wicked Grounds
Owner and barista of one of San Francisco's favorite cafes, Wicked Grounds, Ryan is also a performance artist, MC, gamer and all around general geek. Ryan has performed around the world from Osaka Japan to Dublin Ireland. At age 18, was the youngest president of Chicago's Many Companions... Read More →
avatar for Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea is a faerie shaman/ artist specializing in the nature spirits of California. His research among the Pomo, Yurok and Hupa indians of California as well as his shamanistic meditation practices have informed his current body of work. His goal is to spread awareness of the... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Conifer

10:00am PDT

Nightmare Landscapes
Nightmares are more than just scary dreams. They are worlds that terrify and thrill us. How can a writer or artist build these nightmarish landscapes to transport the viewer/reader?

Moderators
M

M.Christian

Calling M.Christian versatile is a tremendous understatement. Extensively published in science fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers, non-fiction, and erotica. In addition to writing, he is a prolific anthologist, editing over 25 anthologies including the My Love For All That Is Bizarre... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Anne Bobby

Anne Bobby

Actress, voice artist, author and playwright Anne Bobby is thrilled to be attending Convolution 2013. While most familiar to the horror/scifi/fantasy world as Lori in "Nightbreed" and as the voice of Brigid Tenenbaum in the "Bioshock" series, Anne has worked extensively on and off-Broadway... Read More →
avatar for Richard Kadrey

Richard Kadrey

Richard Kadrey is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. He is the author of dozens of stories, plus eight novels, including Sandman Slim, Kill the Dead, Aloha from Hell, Metrophage and Butcher Bird. His Wired magazine cover story, Carbon Copy, was made into one of the worst... Read More →
MM

Matt Maxwell

Highway 62 Press
Matt Maxwell is a writer from California: born in the south, relocated up to the north. He's old enough to remember seeing men walk on the moon on a black and white television set. He is the author of the ongoing comic series STRANGEWAYS, following expressman and drifter Seth Collins... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Sandpebble D

10:00am PDT

Use of Puppets in Popular Media
Everyone knows the Muppets and Sesame Street. Where else do we see puppets?

Moderators
SN

Stephen Nelson

The product of a scientific experiment to produce the geekiest person imaginable, Stephen Nelson is a software engineer, podcaster, a cappella singer, science fiction convention organizer, and Renaissance Faire performer.

Speakers
NB

Nick Barone

Nick Barone has always had an interest in puppetry. He built his first puppet when he was just 5 years old. He soon began writing short stories and making home movies featuring his hand-made puppets. Through the years, Nick has taught puppet building workshops to amateur and professional... Read More →
avatar for Toby Froud

Toby Froud

Toby Froud began his acting career before he could speak. Starring in his first motion picture when he was still a toddler, he played Sarah's baby brother "Toby" in the Jim Henson film Labyrinth. Toby is currently working at Laika Animation Studios in Portland, OR. In the past, Toby... Read More →
avatar for Jason Harding

Jason Harding

Jason Harding is a SF bay area Actor, writer, puppet-smith and puppeteer. He has worked with The Thunderbird Theatre company as an Actor and Playwright and currently writes, performs and produces Opinion-Ville, a puppet Social Satire show on YouTube.
CH

Camilla Henneman

Camilla Henneman worked in the film industry from 1981- 2001 creating creatures, puppets and costumes for films, including: Batman Forever Warner Bros (1996), George of the Jungle (1997) Gorilla costumes. She supervised Rick Baker’s costume/ fabrication shop from 1980 to 1988 and... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Sandpebble B

10:00am PDT

Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction in the 21st Century
A look at books, comics, and movies.

Moderators
avatar for Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine is a writer, editor, anthologist and fan. In the late 1960s, during the second and third seasons of Star Trek (and due to the kind offices of Bjo Trimble), JM worked for Gene Roddenberry on several projects, including writing the first ever catalogue of ST merchandise... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Berry Kercheval

Berry Kercheval

Software Engineer, Apple
After an early life as a globe-trotting Army brat. Berry herded computers peacefully in the Valley for years, and wrote a couple of technical books. Then he discovered that if you write fiction, you can make it all up, and has published a number of short stories in venues like Helix... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Sandpebble C

12:00pm PDT

Costuming on a Budget
Want a neat costume for a low price? These expert costumers discuss how to create great costumes cheaply.

Moderators
avatar for Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche has been making costumes since he was 8 (and has the photographic evidence to prove it!). He was honored with the International Costumers Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. At Gallifrey One, Kevin is somewhat infamous as creator of the Tiki Dalek, and as one founder... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Debbie Bretschneider

Debbie Bretschneider

City of Saratoga
Debbie Bretschneider loves to costume at conventions. Hall costuming is always a blast. Latest award was Best Workmanship at the Westercon 66 masquerade.
avatar for Christopher Erickson

Christopher Erickson

Christopher Erickson: By day, EHS professional; by night, fan. I can be found at events throughout the Bay Area in various guises (but mostly The Doctor) taking photos and carousing. When not doing this, I am writing for Science Fiction/San Francisco, browsing the internet for geeky... Read More →
avatar for Lance Moore

Lance Moore

Westercon 66
Lance thinks his inner kid is pretty pleased that he's done marketing for a Westercon, after starting with a wooden shuttlecraft and a hardcopy fanzine back in the day. He's currently very active in the transgender community, providing support and outreach to newcomers, and putting... Read More →
avatar for Denise Tanaka

Denise Tanaka

Denise Robarge Tanaka is sleep deprived and highly caffeinated. A lifelong fantasy writer, she has short stories in online magazines SQMag and New Realm, and a novel "Only Bones Remain" on Amazon. By day she works as an immigration paralegal while managing to pursue hobbies in genealogy... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Sandpebble C

12:00pm PDT

Self Promotion for Everyone
No matter what kind of artist you are, self promotion is key. How do you get word of your work out? Whats the best way to reach not just your target audience, but a large audience.

Moderators
avatar for M. Todd Gallowglas

M. Todd Gallowglas

Writer
M Todd Gallowglas has been a professional storyteller at Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals for roughly twenty years. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University in 2009, he used his storytelling show as a platform to launch... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Ric Bretschneider

Ric Bretschneider

Producer, Columnist, Reviewer, RAB Endeavors
Ric Bretschneider is a technologist, trouble maker, and problem solver whose interests outstretch his available time by a significant magnitude.Professionally he splits his time between attempting to raise the quality of business communications, particularly presenting, and a love... Read More →
avatar for Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea is a faerie shaman/ artist specializing in the nature spirits of California. His research among the Pomo, Yurok and Hupa indians of California as well as his shamanistic meditation practices have informed his current body of work. His goal is to spread awareness of the... Read More →
avatar for Chad Peterman

Chad Peterman

Production Assistant, Entercom
Chad Peterman is a radio production assistant who has worked in the industry, in one capacity or another, for 16 years. He is also a sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book nerd who can often be seen in one of numerous Green Lantern T-shirts. In fact, when acting as the board operator for... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Sandpebble E

12:00pm PDT

YA Fiction: You Don't Have to Dumb it Down
What is the difference between Young Adult literature and typical adult literature? A discussion of the YA genre for fantasy and science fiction.

Moderators
FW

Fred Wiehe

Fred Wiehe is a member of the Horror Writers Association. He’s the author of six novels, a collection of short stories, and numerous short stories that have appeared in anthologies, magazines, and e-zines. His adult novel Aleric: Monster Hunter became an Amazon Bestseller on Friday... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek is a multi-talented, award-winning author, editor, and media tie-in writer. She is the author of Never Let Me Sleep and The Last Days of Salton Academy, both of which were nominated for the Bram Stoker Award. Her BattleTech tie-in novel, The Nellus Academy Incident... Read More →
avatar for Valerie Estelle Frankel

Valerie Estelle Frankel

Author, Pop Culture Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 90 books on pop culture, including Women in Doctor Who and Hunting for Meaning in the Mandalorian. Many of her books focus on women's roles in fiction, from her heroine's journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Buffy and the Heroine's Journey... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Sandpebble B

2:00pm PDT

Costume for Your Body Type: Something for Everyone
Many get frustrated when they realize that they can't do a certain costume because they don't have the right body type. That might be the case, but you can do other variants. In some cases, you can bend "the rules" a bit if done right.

Moderators
avatar for Jade Falcon

Jade Falcon

Geek Girl Crafts Podcast
Jade Falcon is a photographer & writer in the San Francisco in the Bay Area. She has a plethora of interests, among them being: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, fencing, music, travelling, cats, costuming, fiber arts & crafts, language, and reading. Consequently, she's usually never bored. Her professional... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Debbie Bretschneider

Debbie Bretschneider

City of Saratoga
Debbie Bretschneider loves to costume at conventions. Hall costuming is always a blast. Latest award was Best Workmanship at the Westercon 66 masquerade.
avatar for Kathryn Hedges

Kathryn Hedges

Kathryn is a Maker with diverse roots in art and science, who discovered science fiction and fantasy literature early in life. Her Steampunk creations are inspired by both nature and engineering, and she appreciates the DIY aspects of Steampunk.
avatar for Carole Parker

Carole Parker

Carole's detail focus works well in her more than 30-year publications career including technical writing and editing, as well as her interests in costuming, dyeing, and wearable art. She has competed in masquerades and won numerous workmanship awards for her dyework. Carole likes... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche has been making costumes since he was 8 (and has the photographic evidence to prove it!). He was honored with the International Costumers Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. At Gallifrey One, Kevin is somewhat infamous as creator of the Tiki Dalek, and as one founder... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Sandpebble D

2:00pm PDT

Editing Your Own Work
Every writer has favorite ways to get stuff down on paper when they're stuck. However, that might not make for the best writing. How to spot your flaws. People are encouraged to bring writing samples for possible discussion.

Moderators
avatar for Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek is a multi-talented, award-winning author, editor, and media tie-in writer. She is the author of Never Let Me Sleep and The Last Days of Salton Academy, both of which were nominated for the Bram Stoker Award. Her BattleTech tie-in novel, The Nellus Academy Incident... Read More →

Speakers
JL

Jennifer L. Carson

Jennifer L. Carson wrote her first story before she read her first novel. Her passion for writing led to a career in editing that started in high school. After getting a degree in creative writing from UC Davis and certified as a copyeditor by UC Berkeley, Jennifer embarked on a career... Read More →
avatar for Jean Martin

Jean Martin

Jean Martin is a frequent moderator and panelist at pop culture, science fiction/fantasy and Steampunk conventions. She is also involved in costuming, dancing, singing and acting, and has won awards for costuming and as part of masquerade teams. Jean won a FAAn Achievement Award for... Read More →
FW

Fred Wiehe

Fred Wiehe is a member of the Horror Writers Association. He’s the author of six novels, a collection of short stories, and numerous short stories that have appeared in anthologies, magazines, and e-zines. His adult novel Aleric: Monster Hunter became an Amazon Bestseller on Friday... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Sandpebble B

2:00pm PDT

Exomusicology
A study and disscussion of diverse forms of music beyond standard American forms (ethnomusicalogy?), including speculating on alein forms.

Moderators
avatar for Jean Batt

Jean Batt

DJ, Artist, Voice Over, Model, Cybermantic Collective and Smashwolf Productions and Studios
Jean Batt has been a DJ though out the bay area and around the world for 21 years and a third generation member of fandom. She is also a gender and intersex activist. She has worked in film as a costumer, actor and worked on a few soundtracks.

Speakers
GC

Gregg Castro

Director, Salinan T'rowt'raahl
Gregg Castro [t'rowt'raahl Salinan/rumsien Ohlone], has been involved in the preservation of his California Indigenous cultural heritage for over two decades. He represents his late Mother’s family’s interests in the protection of cultural heritage in their rumsien Ohlone homeland... Read More →
avatar for Arlin Robins

Arlin Robins

Owner, Arlin Robins Designs
I have a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, in whose museum I found enough wonderful art to fuel a lifetime of inspiration for any artist.  I've created art in two dimensions (both individual paintings and remarqued prints) and three dimensions.  I love to experiment... Read More →
avatar for Denise Tanaka

Denise Tanaka

Denise Robarge Tanaka is sleep deprived and highly caffeinated. A lifelong fantasy writer, she has short stories in online magazines SQMag and New Realm, and a novel "Only Bones Remain" on Amazon. By day she works as an immigration paralegal while managing to pursue hobbies in genealogy... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Sandpebble E

2:00pm PDT

Romance for Geeks: Using romance tropes in science fiction and fantasy
The growth of digital publishing has opened up a huge market for science fiction and fantasy romance novels. In this presentation, we'll discuss the tropes of romance, the difference between a "romance novel" and "a novel with romantic elements", and share some examples of effective science fiction and fantasy romance novels including those involving urban fantasy and steampunk. If you are already a romance fan, be prepared to share some of your favorite titles. If you think romance is limited to "trashy bodice rippers", be prepared to have your mind blown by how much the genre can do!

Moderators
avatar for Carrie Sessarego

Carrie Sessarego

reviewer, Geek Girl In Love and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Carrie Sessarego is the geek reviewer for "Smart Bitches, Trashy Books" (smartbitchestrashybooks.com), where she reviews science fiction and fantasy romance. She's also the creator and writer of "Geek Girl in Love" (geekgirlinlove.com), where she reviews science fiction, fantasy... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jon Del Arroz

Jon Del Arroz

Rislandia Books
Science Fiction, Steampunk, Baseball, Comics
AT

Andy Trembley

Geek, freak, reader, essayist, costumer, critic, media-junkie, biker, pervert, party-queen, troublemaker, FAN.


Saturday November 2, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Sandpebble C

2:00pm PDT

The Writer's Spellbook: Creating Magic Systems for Fantasy
A talk on the importance of consistency in creating a magic system and demonstration on how to do so. The elements of a magic system include the source, the method of access, the purpose, and the creation of talismans or amulets. There will be examples from welll-known fantasy novels/series.

Moderators
avatar for Lillian Csernica

Lillian Csernica

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire
At age five, Lillian Csernica discovered the Little Golden Books fairy tales. From there she moved on to the works of Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Tanith Lee, and Terry Pratchett. Her very first short story sale, "Fallen Idol," appeared in After Hours and was later reprinted in The... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Doug Berry

Doug Berry

Douglas E. Berry is a gentleman of (medically-induced) leisure. He has been playing RPGs since 1977, and writing for them since the late 90s. His titles include At Close Quarters (BITS) and GURPS Traveller: Ground Forces (Steve Jackson Games), along with contributor credits in several... Read More →
avatar for Ryan Galiotto

Ryan Galiotto

Owner, Wicked Grounds
Owner and barista of one of San Francisco's favorite cafes, Wicked Grounds, Ryan is also a performance artist, MC, gamer and all around general geek. Ryan has performed around the world from Osaka Japan to Dublin Ireland. At age 18, was the youngest president of Chicago's Many Companions... Read More →
MM

Matt Maxwell

Highway 62 Press
Matt Maxwell is a writer from California: born in the south, relocated up to the north. He's old enough to remember seeing men walk on the moon on a black and white television set. He is the author of the ongoing comic series STRANGEWAYS, following expressman and drifter Seth Collins... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 2:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Conifer

4:00pm PDT

Intro to Crowdsourcing
How can you raise funds for your project? What kind of projects are best for crowd source funding? How do you find projects to fund? Folks with exeperience, including the recent success story of the Convolution 2013 Kickstarter, will share the "tricks" of this new and ever-expanding trade.

Moderators
avatar for Kimmi Allbee

Kimmi Allbee

President, BoD, Convolution: The Next Step
Kimmi has been a fan since the first time she picked up a copy of Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonsinger", and has never looked back. She attended local Bay Area conventions for a number of years, but didn't get into volunteering to run them until 1994. Now the President of the Board for... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Ric Bretschneider

Ric Bretschneider

Producer, Columnist, Reviewer, RAB Endeavors
Ric Bretschneider is a technologist, trouble maker, and problem solver whose interests outstretch his available time by a significant magnitude.Professionally he splits his time between attempting to raise the quality of business communications, particularly presenting, and a love... Read More →
avatar for Timothy Pratt

Timothy Pratt

Tim Pratt is the author of more than 20 novels, most recently theAxiom space opera series, including Philip K. Dick Award finalist TheWrong Stars, The Dreaming Stars, and forthcoming third volume TheForbidden Stars. He's a Hugo Award winner for short fiction, and hasbeen a finalist... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Pine

4:00pm PDT

What to Do When Your Characters Don't Do What You Want Them To?
Authors spend time plotting out their stories and determining what is going to happen. But sometimes your characters end up doing something you don't expect them to do. What do you do then?

Moderators
avatar for Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine is a writer, editor, anthologist and fan. In the late 1960s, during the second and third seasons of Star Trek (and due to the kind offices of Bjo Trimble), JM worked for Gene Roddenberry on several projects, including writing the first ever catalogue of ST merchandise... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Berry Kercheval

Berry Kercheval

Software Engineer, Apple
After an early life as a globe-trotting Army brat. Berry herded computers peacefully in the Valley for years, and wrote a couple of technical books. Then he discovered that if you write fiction, you can make it all up, and has published a number of short stories in venues like Helix... Read More →
M

M.Christian

Calling M.Christian versatile is a tremendous understatement. Extensively published in science fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers, non-fiction, and erotica. In addition to writing, he is a prolific anthologist, editing over 25 anthologies including the My Love For All That Is Bizarre... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Sandpebble E

6:00pm PDT

50 Years of Doctor Who
This year was the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who. Later this month the Doctor Who Special: "The Day of the Doctor" will air. This will be a discussion of the Doctor's fifty years on telelvision, the evolution of the Doctor, our favorite Doctors and their companions.

Moderators
avatar for Ryan Galiotto

Ryan Galiotto

Owner, Wicked Grounds
Owner and barista of one of San Francisco's favorite cafes, Wicked Grounds, Ryan is also a performance artist, MC, gamer and all around general geek. Ryan has performed around the world from Osaka Japan to Dublin Ireland. At age 18, was the youngest president of Chicago's Many Companions... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Christopher Erickson

Christopher Erickson

Christopher Erickson: By day, EHS professional; by night, fan. I can be found at events throughout the Bay Area in various guises (but mostly The Doctor) taking photos and carousing. When not doing this, I am writing for Science Fiction/San Francisco, browsing the internet for geeky... Read More →
avatar for Davidson L. Haworth

Davidson L. Haworth

Fantasy Author
Davidson L. Haworth is a fantasy writer and the author of the historical fantasy series The Prali Trilogy - The Dragon of Prali, The Wizard of Prali, and The Vampires of Prali. Davidson is known to the world as the father of historical fantasy. Davidson L. Haworth was born in San... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Oak

6:00pm PDT

Mythology: Basis for Modern Fantasy
Mythology continues to be reused and refreshed for modern settings. Look at Percy Jackson books and films, Grimm, The Almighty Johnsons, etc.

Moderators
avatar for Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea is a faerie shaman/ artist specializing in the nature spirits of California. His research among the Pomo, Yurok and Hupa indians of California as well as his shamanistic meditation practices have informed his current body of work. His goal is to spread awareness of the... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Lillian Csernica

Lillian Csernica

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire
At age five, Lillian Csernica discovered the Little Golden Books fairy tales. From there she moved on to the works of Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Tanith Lee, and Terry Pratchett. Her very first short story sale, "Fallen Idol," appeared in After Hours and was later reprinted in The... Read More →
avatar for M. Todd Gallowglas

M. Todd Gallowglas

Writer
M Todd Gallowglas has been a professional storyteller at Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals for roughly twenty years. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University in 2009, he used his storytelling show as a platform to launch... Read More →
avatar for Jean Martin

Jean Martin

Jean Martin is a frequent moderator and panelist at pop culture, science fiction/fantasy and Steampunk conventions. She is also involved in costuming, dancing, singing and acting, and has won awards for costuming and as part of masquerade teams. Jean won a FAAn Achievement Award for... Read More →
avatar for Timothy Pratt

Timothy Pratt

Tim Pratt is the author of more than 20 novels, most recently theAxiom space opera series, including Philip K. Dick Award finalist TheWrong Stars, The Dreaming Stars, and forthcoming third volume TheForbidden Stars. He's a Hugo Award winner for short fiction, and hasbeen a finalist... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Harbour B

6:00pm PDT

The State of Comics Today
With a plethora of comics and re-releases and re-imaginings of old school comics, what should you be reading today?

Moderators
avatar for Jon Del Arroz

Jon Del Arroz

Rislandia Books
Science Fiction, Steampunk, Baseball, Comics

Speakers
avatar for Branwyn Bigglestone

Branwyn Bigglestone

Raised in fandom by gamers and costumers, Branwyn rebelled by embracing punk rock and comic books. Over the years, she has learned to accept her heritage and now controls the comics branch of the family nerd dynasty. The long-running Accounts Manager for Image Comics, Inc., she also... Read More →
avatar for Ric Bretschneider

Ric Bretschneider

Producer, Columnist, Reviewer, RAB Endeavors
Ric Bretschneider is a technologist, trouble maker, and problem solver whose interests outstretch his available time by a significant magnitude.Professionally he splits his time between attempting to raise the quality of business communications, particularly presenting, and a love... Read More →
MM

Matt Maxwell

Highway 62 Press
Matt Maxwell is a writer from California: born in the south, relocated up to the north. He's old enough to remember seeing men walk on the moon on a black and white television set. He is the author of the ongoing comic series STRANGEWAYS, following expressman and drifter Seth Collins... Read More →
avatar for Chad Peterman

Chad Peterman

Production Assistant, Entercom
Chad Peterman is a radio production assistant who has worked in the industry, in one capacity or another, for 16 years. He is also a sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book nerd who can often be seen in one of numerous Green Lantern T-shirts. In fact, when acting as the board operator for... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Conifer

6:00pm PDT

Why We're Still Talking About This
Harassment in Fandom. Scalzi's brave challenge in his blog, Convolution's policy, the growing trend of such policies in fandom and how we still have the recent Jake Vale incident at VidCon or the Millar and McFarlane comments about how comics aren't for women. What's getting better and what isn't.

Moderators
SQ

Stephen "Dirk" Libbey

Gaming Manager, Sound United
Stephen was dragged to his first convention by a girl. For some reason he married her anyway. Since then he has worked on several conventions including helping his wife run the newsletter for the 2011 World Science Fiction Convention (Renovation). He is an avid gamer, occasional podcaster... Read More →

Speakers
GC

Gregg Castro

Director, Salinan T'rowt'raahl
Gregg Castro [t'rowt'raahl Salinan/rumsien Ohlone], has been involved in the preservation of his California Indigenous cultural heritage for over two decades. He represents his late Mother’s family’s interests in the protection of cultural heritage in their rumsien Ohlone homeland... Read More →
avatar for Carole Parker

Carole Parker

Carole's detail focus works well in her more than 30-year publications career including technical writing and editing, as well as her interests in costuming, dyeing, and wearable art. She has competed in masquerades and won numerous workmanship awards for her dyework. Carole likes... Read More →
AT

Andy Trembley

Geek, freak, reader, essayist, costumer, critic, media-junkie, biker, pervert, party-queen, troublemaker, FAN.


Saturday November 2, 2013 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Pine

8:00pm PDT

California as a Setting for Literature
A discussion of California as a setting in science fiction, fantasy, and other literature.

Moderators
avatar for Chad Peterman

Chad Peterman

Production Assistant, Entercom
Chad Peterman is a radio production assistant who has worked in the industry, in one capacity or another, for 16 years. He is also a sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book nerd who can often be seen in one of numerous Green Lantern T-shirts. In fact, when acting as the board operator for... Read More →

Speakers
GC

Gregg Castro

Director, Salinan T'rowt'raahl
Gregg Castro [t'rowt'raahl Salinan/rumsien Ohlone], has been involved in the preservation of his California Indigenous cultural heritage for over two decades. He represents his late Mother’s family’s interests in the protection of cultural heritage in their rumsien Ohlone homeland... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 8:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Sumac

8:00pm PDT

Cultures Beyond the Usual
A look at Non-European or Far Eastern based cultures in literature and art.

Moderators
avatar for Wanda Kurtcu

Wanda Kurtcu

Writers Workshop, Pleasant
Hello and welcome aboard! Here’s a little bit about me! My 15 minutes of fame is from ‘A Matter of Honor’, a Star Trek: Next Generation episode I wrote back in 1984. I have been involved with Baycon as the Writers Workshop maven and on panels focused diversity in science fiction... Read More →

Speakers
M

M.Christian

Calling M.Christian versatile is a tremendous understatement. Extensively published in science fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers, non-fiction, and erotica. In addition to writing, he is a prolific anthologist, editing over 25 anthologies including the My Love For All That Is Bizarre... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 8:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Sandpebble E

8:00pm PDT

Trans in 2013
A discussion on the Transgender experience in society now.

Moderators
avatar for Lance Moore

Lance Moore

Westercon 66
Lance thinks his inner kid is pretty pleased that he's done marketing for a Westercon, after starting with a wooden shuttlecraft and a hardcopy fanzine back in the day. He's currently very active in the transgender community, providing support and outreach to newcomers, and putting... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine is a writer, editor, anthologist and fan. In the late 1960s, during the second and third seasons of Star Trek (and due to the kind offices of Bjo Trimble), JM worked for Gene Roddenberry on several projects, including writing the first ever catalogue of ST merchandise... Read More →


Saturday November 2, 2013 8:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Bayside

8:00pm PDT

When Do We Get a Wonder Woman or Batgirl Movie?
Discussion on the Comic Movies of the last few years, as well as what is coming up and when will we see our favorite women on the screen.

Moderators
avatar for Lillian Csernica

Lillian Csernica

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire
At age five, Lillian Csernica discovered the Little Golden Books fairy tales. From there she moved on to the works of Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Tanith Lee, and Terry Pratchett. Her very first short story sale, "Fallen Idol," appeared in After Hours and was later reprinted in The... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Valerie Estelle Frankel

Valerie Estelle Frankel

Author, Pop Culture Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 90 books on pop culture, including Women in Doctor Who and Hunting for Meaning in the Mandalorian. Many of her books focus on women's roles in fiction, from her heroine's journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Buffy and the Heroine's Journey... Read More →
avatar for Jason Harding

Jason Harding

Jason Harding is a SF bay area Actor, writer, puppet-smith and puppeteer. He has worked with The Thunderbird Theatre company as an Actor and Playwright and currently writes, performs and produces Opinion-Ville, a puppet Social Satire show on YouTube.


Saturday November 2, 2013 8:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Conifer

8:00pm PDT

Worldbuilding
Cultures and languages, and how they create a sense of an integrated, three dimensional story world.

Moderators
avatar for Doug Berry

Doug Berry

Douglas E. Berry is a gentleman of (medically-induced) leisure. He has been playing RPGs since 1977, and writing for them since the late 90s. His titles include At Close Quarters (BITS) and GURPS Traveller: Ground Forces (Steve Jackson Games), along with contributor credits in several... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jon Del Arroz

Jon Del Arroz

Rislandia Books
Science Fiction, Steampunk, Baseball, Comics


Saturday November 2, 2013 8:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Harbour B
 
Sunday, November 3
 

11:00am PST

Anti-Bullying- What Fen Can Do
Discussion about Anti-Bullying in FanDom and what can be done by the Fans.

Moderators
SQ

Stephen "Dirk" Libbey

Gaming Manager, Sound United
Stephen was dragged to his first convention by a girl. For some reason he married her anyway. Since then he has worked on several conventions including helping his wife run the newsletter for the 2011 World Science Fiction Convention (Renovation). He is an avid gamer, occasional podcaster... Read More →

Speakers
JA

JC Arkham

Creator/Host, The NerdVana Podcast
JC Arkham is the creator and host of the NerdVana Podcast, a show by geeks, for geeks where we chat about movies, tv, comics, gaming, literature, fandom and all the like. JC is also a professional graphic designer with over 25 years experience and collects/builds film and tv prop... Read More →
avatar for Jean Batt

Jean Batt

DJ, Artist, Voice Over, Model, Cybermantic Collective and Smashwolf Productions and Studios
Jean Batt has been a DJ though out the bay area and around the world for 21 years and a third generation member of fandom. She is also a gender and intersex activist. She has worked in film as a costumer, actor and worked on a few soundtracks.
avatar for Lance Moore

Lance Moore

Westercon 66
Lance thinks his inner kid is pretty pleased that he's done marketing for a Westercon, after starting with a wooden shuttlecraft and a hardcopy fanzine back in the day. He's currently very active in the transgender community, providing support and outreach to newcomers, and putting... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Sandpebble C

11:00am PST

Bobbie DuFault Memorial
Bobbie DuFault was an influential member of our Fen community. This memorial panel will gather to talk about their appreciation of Bobbie DuFault's contributions to our community.

Moderators
avatar for Jim

Jim "Sylvan" Sullivan

Jim “Sylvan” Sullivan is a San Francisco Bay Area native who has long been a fan of science fiction and fantasy. Jim gained the nickname Sylvan while hanging around the Varsity Theater performing the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the start of his glorious misspent youth. One of his... Read More →

Sunday November 3, 2013 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Oak

11:00am PST

How to Prep for Convention Going
A 411 on how to prepare for conventions. Whether your a guest or an attendee, what are the must haves? What do you look for in conventions? How do you pick, from the multitude of conventions out there, which ones to attend?

Moderators
avatar for Debbie Bretschneider

Debbie Bretschneider

City of Saratoga
Debbie Bretschneider loves to costume at conventions. Hall costuming is always a blast. Latest award was Best Workmanship at the Westercon 66 masquerade.

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek is a multi-talented, award-winning author, editor, and media tie-in writer. She is the author of Never Let Me Sleep and The Last Days of Salton Academy, both of which were nominated for the Bram Stoker Award. Her BattleTech tie-in novel, The Nellus Academy Incident... Read More →
avatar for Arlin Robins

Arlin Robins

Owner, Arlin Robins Designs
I have a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, in whose museum I found enough wonderful art to fuel a lifetime of inspiration for any artist.  I've created art in two dimensions (both individual paintings and remarqued prints) and three dimensions.  I love to experiment... Read More →
avatar for Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine is a writer, editor, anthologist and fan. In the late 1960s, during the second and third seasons of Star Trek (and due to the kind offices of Bjo Trimble), JM worked for Gene Roddenberry on several projects, including writing the first ever catalogue of ST merchandise... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Sandpebble D

11:00am PST

Raising Geek Kids
Fandom is something we pass down. How can we raise our kids to be passionate and respectful?

Moderators
avatar for Wanda Kurtcu

Wanda Kurtcu

Writers Workshop, Pleasant
Hello and welcome aboard! Here’s a little bit about me! My 15 minutes of fame is from ‘A Matter of Honor’, a Star Trek: Next Generation episode I wrote back in 1984. I have been involved with Baycon as the Writers Workshop maven and on panels focused diversity in science fiction... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea is a faerie shaman/ artist specializing in the nature spirits of California. His research among the Pomo, Yurok and Hupa indians of California as well as his shamanistic meditation practices have informed his current body of work. His goal is to spread awareness of the... Read More →
avatar for Carrie Sessarego

Carrie Sessarego

reviewer, Geek Girl In Love and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Carrie Sessarego is the geek reviewer for "Smart Bitches, Trashy Books" (smartbitchestrashybooks.com), where she reviews science fiction and fantasy romance. She's also the creator and writer of "Geek Girl in Love" (geekgirlinlove.com), where she reviews science fiction, fantasy... Read More →
avatar for Denise Tanaka

Denise Tanaka

Denise Robarge Tanaka is sleep deprived and highly caffeinated. A lifelong fantasy writer, she has short stories in online magazines SQMag and New Realm, and a novel "Only Bones Remain" on Amazon. By day she works as an immigration paralegal while managing to pursue hobbies in genealogy... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Conifer

11:00am PST

Saint Michaels Weapon Lecture
Join us as we discuss some commonly-held misconceptions about historical martial practice. We'll cover the weight and design of weapons and armor, wounds that weapons produce, and the role of the knight in society. Discussions will be based on historical records and the analysis of evolution of fighting technique and weapons in the 13th through 18th centuries. This is the lecture portion.

Moderators
avatar for Tony Barajas

Tony Barajas

Fight Coordinator, Michael's Salle d'Armes
Tony is a one of the founding members of St. Michael’s Salle d’Armes. He was the former treasurer of the guild and is currently the Fight Coordinator of StM. His interest in fencing started as a child watching Errol Flynn movies and the 1973 version of the Three Musketeers. Since... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Tavan

Jeremy Tavan

Jeremy Tavan has studied fencing and historical European martial arts for ten years, with a focus on pedagogy and learning through teaching. He enjoys fighting with almost any sort of edged or pointed weapon, but particularly the longsword, rapier, and dueling saber. He is a certified... Read More →
avatar for Sydney Thompson

Sydney Thompson

Sydney is a successful physician in the Bay Area. She is an avid science fiction fan, a dedicated student of historical swordplay, and a member of St. Michael's Salle d'Armes, along with her husband, Tony Barajas. Her rapier wit is just as deadly as her duels with rapier and dagger... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Sandpebble E

11:00am PST

Storytelling the Old Fashioned Way
Storytelling had evolved over time. Looking at oral traditions and how they've been transformed into storytelling as we know today.

Moderators
avatar for M. Todd Gallowglas

M. Todd Gallowglas

Writer
M Todd Gallowglas has been a professional storyteller at Renaissance Faires and Medieval Festivals for roughly twenty years. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University in 2009, he used his storytelling show as a platform to launch... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for AJA

AJA

President, Sea Fire Productions Inc.
Alexander James Adams has been making music since childhood. An accomplished singer, songwriter, and musician, Aja frequently accompanies his vocals with guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and a variety of percussion. Alec may be singing with his guitar and fiddle at a pub one night, playing... Read More →
GC

Gregg Castro

Director, Salinan T'rowt'raahl
Gregg Castro [t'rowt'raahl Salinan/rumsien Ohlone], has been involved in the preservation of his California Indigenous cultural heritage for over two decades. He represents his late Mother’s family’s interests in the protection of cultural heritage in their rumsien Ohlone homeland... Read More →
M

M.Christian

Calling M.Christian versatile is a tremendous understatement. Extensively published in science fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers, non-fiction, and erotica. In addition to writing, he is a prolific anthologist, editing over 25 anthologies including the My Love For All That Is Bizarre... Read More →
avatar for Wendy Pini

Wendy Pini

Wendy writes, pencils, inks and colors (traditional and digital). Wendy has worked for every major comics company, scripted and painted two "Beauty and the Beast" graphic novels based on the original TV series, and recently completed a critically acclaimed 400-page erotic, futuristic... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Bayside

11:00am PST

Zombies! Why do they continue to thrill us?
From literature to film and television, Zombies continue to thrill and entertain us. A discussion on classical zombie mythos and how it has transformed over time to the different kinds of zombies we see from "Warm Bodies" to "The Walking Dead."

Moderators
FW

Fred Wiehe

Fred Wiehe is a member of the Horror Writers Association. He’s the author of six novels, a collection of short stories, and numerous short stories that have appeared in anthologies, magazines, and e-zines. His adult novel Aleric: Monster Hunter became an Amazon Bestseller on Friday... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jason Harding

Jason Harding

Jason Harding is a SF bay area Actor, writer, puppet-smith and puppeteer. He has worked with The Thunderbird Theatre company as an Actor and Playwright and currently writes, performs and produces Opinion-Ville, a puppet Social Satire show on YouTube.


Sunday November 3, 2013 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Sandpebble B

1:00pm PST

Cogs versus Gogs: The Steampunk Spectrum
Steampunk isn't all about brown Victorian costumes. Come find out about the universe of possibilities!

Moderators
AT

Andy Trembley

Geek, freak, reader, essayist, costumer, critic, media-junkie, biker, pervert, party-queen, troublemaker, FAN.

Speakers
avatar for Kathryn Hedges

Kathryn Hedges

Kathryn is a Maker with diverse roots in art and science, who discovered science fiction and fantasy literature early in life. Her Steampunk creations are inspired by both nature and engineering, and she appreciates the DIY aspects of Steampunk.


Sunday November 3, 2013 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Oak

1:00pm PST

Girls and Tech
Discussion of women and the tech field.

Moderators
avatar for Juliette Wade

Juliette Wade

Writer, DAW
Juliette Wade's debut novel Mazes of Power will come out in 2020 from DAW books. Her short fiction has appeared in Fantasy and Science Fiction, Clarkesworld and several times in Analog magazine. Her nonfiction has appeared in Analog and in Lightspeed's special issue, Women Destroy... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Berry Kercheval

Berry Kercheval

Software Engineer, Apple
After an early life as a globe-trotting Army brat. Berry herded computers peacefully in the Valley for years, and wrote a couple of technical books. Then he discovered that if you write fiction, you can make it all up, and has published a number of short stories in venues like Helix... Read More →
avatar for Wanda Kurtcu

Wanda Kurtcu

Writers Workshop, Pleasant
Hello and welcome aboard! Here’s a little bit about me! My 15 minutes of fame is from ‘A Matter of Honor’, a Star Trek: Next Generation episode I wrote back in 1984. I have been involved with Baycon as the Writers Workshop maven and on panels focused diversity in science fiction... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Conifer

1:00pm PST

Independent Authors
In a world where digital publishing is more accessible than ever, how does one get their work from their computer to the world to see.

Moderators
avatar for Jon Del Arroz

Jon Del Arroz

Rislandia Books
Science Fiction, Steampunk, Baseball, Comics

Speakers
avatar for Lillian Csernica

Lillian Csernica

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire
At age five, Lillian Csernica discovered the Little Golden Books fairy tales. From there she moved on to the works of Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Tanith Lee, and Terry Pratchett. Her very first short story sale, "Fallen Idol," appeared in After Hours and was later reprinted in The... Read More →
avatar for Valerie Estelle Frankel

Valerie Estelle Frankel

Author, Pop Culture Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 90 books on pop culture, including Women in Doctor Who and Hunting for Meaning in the Mandalorian. Many of her books focus on women's roles in fiction, from her heroine's journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Buffy and the Heroine's Journey... Read More →
MM

Matt Maxwell

Highway 62 Press
Matt Maxwell is a writer from California: born in the south, relocated up to the north. He's old enough to remember seeing men walk on the moon on a black and white television set. He is the author of the ongoing comic series STRANGEWAYS, following expressman and drifter Seth Collins... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Sandpebble D

1:00pm PST

Intro to Convention Running
Want a sneak peek into what goes into running a convention? A discussion on the behind the scenes action of convention planning.

Moderators
SQ

Stephen "Dirk" Libbey

Gaming Manager, Sound United
Stephen was dragged to his first convention by a girl. For some reason he married her anyway. Since then he has worked on several conventions including helping his wife run the newsletter for the 2011 World Science Fiction Convention (Renovation). He is an avid gamer, occasional podcaster... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Tycho Haslund

Tycho Haslund

Business Services Director, Convolution, and Ole Haslund Photography
Tycho Haslund was exposed to his first convention (the first Further Confusion) by friends at the age of sixteen. He's had the honor of attending every FC since then. In 2012, he helped them transition to the San Jose Convention Center from the Fairmont. Tycho began volunteering for... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche has been making costumes since he was 8 (and has the photographic evidence to prove it!). He was honored with the International Costumers Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. At Gallifrey One, Kevin is somewhat infamous as creator of the Tiki Dalek, and as one founder... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Sandpebble C

1:00pm PST

Podcasting: The Basics
How to record, edit, and publish your podcast.  Learn from some of the Podcasting pros who'll be recording episodes of their own popular shows from Convolution 2013!

Moderators
avatar for Ric Bretschneider

Ric Bretschneider

Producer, Columnist, Reviewer, RAB Endeavors
Ric Bretschneider is a technologist, trouble maker, and problem solver whose interests outstretch his available time by a significant magnitude.Professionally he splits his time between attempting to raise the quality of business communications, particularly presenting, and a love... Read More →

Speakers
JA

JC Arkham

Creator/Host, The NerdVana Podcast
JC Arkham is the creator and host of the NerdVana Podcast, a show by geeks, for geeks where we chat about movies, tv, comics, gaming, literature, fandom and all the like. JC is also a professional graphic designer with over 25 years experience and collects/builds film and tv prop... Read More →
SN

Stephen Nelson

The product of a scientific experiment to produce the geekiest person imaginable, Stephen Nelson is a software engineer, podcaster, a cappella singer, science fiction convention organizer, and Renaissance Faire performer.


Sunday November 3, 2013 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Sandpebble E

1:00pm PST

Power of Brainstorming
An examination of Steven Savage's theory of the five forms of brainstorming. He will then lead the audience through an exercise in using each of the forms.

Moderators
Sunday November 3, 2013 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Sandpebble B

3:00pm PST

Creating Languages
The basics of linguistics and how to go about creating a language for your story.

Moderators
avatar for Juliette Wade

Juliette Wade

Writer, DAW
Juliette Wade's debut novel Mazes of Power will come out in 2020 from DAW books. Her short fiction has appeared in Fantasy and Science Fiction, Clarkesworld and several times in Analog magazine. Her nonfiction has appeared in Analog and in Lightspeed's special issue, Women Destroy... Read More →

Speakers
GC

Gregg Castro

Director, Salinan T'rowt'raahl
Gregg Castro [t'rowt'raahl Salinan/rumsien Ohlone], has been involved in the preservation of his California Indigenous cultural heritage for over two decades. He represents his late Mother’s family’s interests in the protection of cultural heritage in their rumsien Ohlone homeland... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 3:00pm - 5:00pm PST
Sandpebble D

3:00pm PST

Fan Harrassment
Video game developers are leaving the industry due to fear of harrassment from fans. Where does this leave the industry, and what can be done to change it?

Moderators
avatar for Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche

Kevin Roche has been making costumes since he was 8 (and has the photographic evidence to prove it!). He was honored with the International Costumers Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. At Gallifrey One, Kevin is somewhat infamous as creator of the Tiki Dalek, and as one founder... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Lance Moore

Lance Moore

Westercon 66
Lance thinks his inner kid is pretty pleased that he's done marketing for a Westercon, after starting with a wooden shuttlecraft and a hardcopy fanzine back in the day. He's currently very active in the transgender community, providing support and outreach to newcomers, and putting... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 3:00pm - 5:00pm PST
Sandpebble B

3:00pm PST

Names and Symbols in the Hunger Games
Who was Cinna? What do the hawthorn and primrose symbolize? Or President Snow's roses and Peeta's bread? As with series like Harry Potter, names have great significance in Suzanne Collins' books, referencing sixteen characters out of Shakespeare, all from a particular era of Rome. Bringing details from myths, herbal guides, military histories, and the classics, Valerie Frankel sheds light on the deeper meanings behind Panem's heroes and villains in this hottest of YA trilogies.

Moderators
avatar for Valerie Estelle Frankel

Valerie Estelle Frankel

Author, Pop Culture Author
Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 90 books on pop culture, including Women in Doctor Who and Hunting for Meaning in the Mandalorian. Many of her books focus on women's roles in fiction, from her heroine's journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Buffy and the Heroine's Journey... Read More →

Sunday November 3, 2013 3:00pm - 5:00pm PST
Conifer

3:00pm PST

Using Dreams (or Nightmares) in Your Creative Works
All artists and writers draw on their dreams from time to time. How can dreams (or nightmares) help inspire creative works?

Moderators
FW

Fred Wiehe

Fred Wiehe is a member of the Horror Writers Association. He’s the author of six novels, a collection of short stories, and numerous short stories that have appeared in anthologies, magazines, and e-zines. His adult novel Aleric: Monster Hunter became an Amazon Bestseller on Friday... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek

Jennifer Brozek is a multi-talented, award-winning author, editor, and media tie-in writer. She is the author of Never Let Me Sleep and The Last Days of Salton Academy, both of which were nominated for the Bram Stoker Award. Her BattleTech tie-in novel, The Nellus Academy Incident... Read More →
avatar for Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea

Surya O'Shea is a faerie shaman/ artist specializing in the nature spirits of California. His research among the Pomo, Yurok and Hupa indians of California as well as his shamanistic meditation practices have informed his current body of work. His goal is to spread awareness of the... Read More →
avatar for Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine

Jean Marie Stine is a writer, editor, anthologist and fan. In the late 1960s, during the second and third seasons of Star Trek (and due to the kind offices of Bjo Trimble), JM worked for Gene Roddenberry on several projects, including writing the first ever catalogue of ST merchandise... Read More →


Sunday November 3, 2013 3:00pm - 5:00pm PST
Sandpebble C
 
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