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ConCarolinas 2019 / Deep South Con 57  ||  May 31st - June 2nd

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Friday, May 31
 

8:00am EDT

Dealer Room Load In
Friday May 31, 2019 8:00am - 12:00pm EDT
University Ballroom
  Con Info

12:00pm EDT

Dealer Room
Come see all the amazing items our dealers have for you to purchase!
Friday May 31, 2019 12:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
University Ballroom
  Con Info

12:00pm EDT

On-Site Guest Relations
Guests pick up your badges and schedules.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Friday May 31, 2019 12:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Welwyn
  Con Info

12:00pm EDT

Pre-Registration Badge Pick Up
If you pre-registered, this is where to go to pick up your badge during these hours. After go to Midway.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Friday May 31, 2019 12:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Community Table
  Con Info

2:00pm EDT

Tools of the Trade
A legal pad and a Bic pen. What else does one need to write? Well, if you want to actually work in publishing, you should probably have some tools available to use. The panelists discuss what tools are essential for writers, what are nice to have, and what are a waste of time and money.
Moderators
avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →

Speakers
RH

Rebekah Hamrick

avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

Using Popular Technology in Your Writing
Only 20 years ago, payphones and Ipods were cutting edge tech. Nowadays their appearance in a novel can date it as old-fashioned. Let’s talk about how to include the latest tech and social media in our fiction while still keeping everything fresh.
Moderators
avatar for Larry N. Martin

Larry N. Martin

Writing
Larry N. Martin writes and co-authors science fiction, steampunk, and urban fantasy for Solaris Books, Falstaff Books and SOL Publishing. His newest book is The Splintered Crown, a portal gaming fantasy. He also is the author of Salvage Rat, the first in a new space opera series.Together... Read More →

Speakers
GH

Gabe Higgins

VR Creative Consultant
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →
PP

Peter Prellwitz


Friday May 31, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
JH

Jacob Holo

HH

H.P. Holo


Friday May 31, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

2:00pm EDT

On-Site Registration
Purchase your 2019 Membership badge here and pick up pre-registration badges when the Community Table is closed. You may also purchase your ConCarolinas 2020 membership from Registration for $25 all weekend long.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Friday May 31, 2019 2:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Midway
  Con Info

2:00pm EDT

Gaming
Sign up for games https://www.concarolinas.org/justus-opens-up-gaming-registration-for-concarolinas-2019/
Friday May 31, 2019 2:00pm - Sunday June 2, 2019 4:00pm EDT
Lakeview (Gaming by JustUs Productions)
  Gaming

2:00pm EDT

Gaming
Sign up for games https://www.concarolinas.org/justus-opens-up-gaming-registration-for-concarolinas-2019/
Friday May 31, 2019 2:00pm - Sunday June 2, 2019 4:00pm EDT
Glenwaters (Gaming by JustUs Productions)
  Gaming

3:00pm EDT

Marvel VS. DC Debate
Team Debates! Compare and contrast the differences between the two biggest comic universes, what areas each succeed in, and what they're lacking.
Moderators
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film/Media/TV, Film
Sammie Cassell is a Stokesdale NC based producer/actor. As VP of Wreak Havoc Productions he has been involved with 5 feature films and 15 short films. Wreak Havoc has the shorts Uncle Otto’s Truck (a Stephen King story) and the drama Sea, Salt, Wind on the festival circuit right... Read More →
avatar for Alexander Gideon

Alexander Gideon

Writer, Author
Born in Nashville, TN, Alexander Gideon quickly decided he wasn’t a fan of the N, and now lives in Asheville, NC. He enjoys writing fantasy of any kind as long as it’s dark, and he dabbles in sci-horror. He enjoys exorcising, taking long walks on extraterrestrial beaches, relaxing... Read More →
DH

Dance Harden

JH

Jenna Hamrick


Friday May 31, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

3:00pm EDT

What Did You Just See?
“Wait... Were we watching the same movie?" The wildly differing takes on movies by different viewers. Just discussing the people who find Let the Right One In romantic could be a three hour argu... discussion. But what makes ambiguity in storytelling a good thing, and when is it too much for the story's own good? When is conflicting perception problematic?
Moderators
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler

Writer, Talker
Former co-host The Assignment: Horror Podcast and PWR Spot Show podcast. Guest on various podcasts.Past Writer at Needless Things, Gruesome Magazine, Nerdy Minds, The Assignment: Horror Podcast.
MR

Michael Ray Williams

avatar for Wes Smith

Wes Smith

Nerd-type person

Friday May 31, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

3:00pm EDT

Can I make a Living At This?
Some people are making tons of money on YouTube, Twitch, or podcasts. Can you break in now or is it too late? How can people monetize their shows? What is Patreon and how does it work?
Moderators
avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Elisa Hansen

Elisa Hansen

New Media
Elisa Hansen is a SFF author and YouTube video essayist. As her alter-ego, The Maven of the Eventide, she produces the humorously analytical webseries, Vampire Reviews, which examines the evolution of vampire tropes and social allegories in media and pop culture through a feminist... Read More →
avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →
JD

John "Doc Rotten" Slattery


Friday May 31, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

3:00pm EDT

How to Speak "Editor"
Most of us are years past our high school English classes. What does it mean when your editor complains about copulas? Or past-perfect tenses? What does she mean about the commas? This panel of editors will explain some of the most common editorial suggestions and help you learn the best way to handle them.
Moderators
avatar for Jason T. Graves

Jason T. Graves

Author, editor, illustrator, publisher, educator—Jason is most happy making things or teaching others. He is the author of four novels—Blood Roses and Morning Stars, books one and two of the Noctivagas Chronicle; The Alewife: Curse of Obsession; and Gretchen Thyrd: On the Bridge—and... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →
VG

Venessa Giunta

avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

3:00pm EDT

Whose Story is This?
Some people think fan fiction is the perfect training vehicle for publication, while others believe it’s theft and should be outlawed. Our panelists discuss the joys and pitfalls of playing in other peoples’ sandboxes.
Moderators
LB

Lucy Blue


Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

3:00pm EDT

Kids Track Programming
Friday May 31, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Harris
  Kids Track

3:00pm EDT

ConCarolinas Annual Red Cross Blood Drive
Donate blood, get a cookie, and maybe save a life! ConCarolinas is proud to once again partner with the Red Cross for our annual blood drive. The Bloodmobile will be out in front of the hotel, so go roll up your sleeve and help somebody out. 
Friday May 31, 2019 3:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
TBA
  Con Info

4:00pm EDT

Geek Parenting
Care and maintenance of your youngling. How and when to introduce your little one(s) to the geekier side of life.
Moderators
RS

Ruth Suehle


Speakers
avatar for Elisa Hansen

Elisa Hansen

New Media
Elisa Hansen is a SFF author and YouTube video essayist. As her alter-ego, The Maven of the Eventide, she produces the humorously analytical webseries, Vampire Reviews, which examines the evolution of vampire tropes and social allegories in media and pop culture through a feminist... Read More →
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
CM

Christie Mowery

FN

Faith Naff


Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

4:00pm EDT

Prolific DC
By now, a lot of DC has been thrown at the screen. What worked, what didn’t, and why? The original television shows and Superman movies in the 70-80's. Batman ad nauseum, the animated universe, the new Teen Titans show, DC Universe streaming, etc.
Moderators
avatar for Alexander Gideon

Alexander Gideon

Writer, Author
Born in Nashville, TN, Alexander Gideon quickly decided he wasn’t a fan of the N, and now lives in Asheville, NC. He enjoys writing fantasy of any kind as long as it’s dark, and he dabbles in sci-horror. He enjoys exorcising, taking long walks on extraterrestrial beaches, relaxing... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →
DH

Dance Harden

avatar for Wes Smith

Wes Smith

Nerd-type person

Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

4:00pm EDT

Adapting Your Novel for TV
How do you adapt a book for the small screen? It’s a very different process than adapting for film, with television you have to expand your story across episodes and seasons. In this workshop, we'll take you through the book-to-TV process—looking at recent examples as well as those of well-known shows you already love—and help you craft everything from pitches and loglines to one-sheets and show bibles. By the end of the session, you will have started transforming your book into something producers and studio executives will jump at!
Moderators
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
avatar for Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan

Author, Writing
Robert Bevan took his first steps in comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and his first steps in fantasy with Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, these two loves mingled, festered, and congealed into the ever expanding Caverns & Creatures series of comedy/fantasy novels... Read More →
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

4:00pm EDT

What's in a Name?
Let’s discuss techniques of crafting names, pitfalls in naming, and ways SFF names appear in the wider world.
Moderators
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →

Speakers
KA

Kamika Aziza

EC

E.A. Copen

avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
avatar for Larry N. Martin

Larry N. Martin

Writing
Larry N. Martin writes and co-authors science fiction, steampunk, and urban fantasy for Solaris Books, Falstaff Books and SOL Publishing. His newest book is The Splintered Crown, a portal gaming fantasy. He also is the author of Salvage Rat, the first in a new space opera series.Together... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

4:00pm EDT

DIY Emergency Repair Kit
There is nothing worse that being in the middle of a convention or getting ready for your big costume debut when….SNAP! A button comes right off your hand made 3 piece suit! Or even worse you manage to rip a hole right in the most awkward part of you freshly embroidered shirt! Take a deep breath, and don't worry! You have your handy dandy repair kit at the ready! Nothing can dampen you next convention when you have all these essential tools on hand.This panel will go over how to make a simple repair kit to fix even the biggest wardrobe malfunction, so you can take on your day and look amazing!
Moderators
avatar for Summer Kucky

Summer Kucky

Originally from Connecticut, Summer Noelle is Cosplayer, Fitness Buff, Horseback Rider and Nerd. Growing up, Summer was always the odd one out, listening to old country music and 80s hair metal. But she never let this bring her down. Most recognized for her most recent cosplay of... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Derek Nieman

Derek Nieman

Costuming
Derek Nieman has been part of the south east convention scene for over ten years. An original member of the Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion, it goes almost without saying that Derek is a huge Star Wars fan. Not limited to just being a one trick fan boy, Derek also has a huge... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

4:00pm EDT

Why the Shaky Cam?
Panelists discuss the effect of good cinematography vs. poor cinematography, and how to make the best use of the equipment you have!
Moderators
AG

Angela Giddings


Speakers
CG

Christopher G. Moore

AY

Adam York

MJ

Mariah Johnson


Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

4:00pm EDT

The First Frontier - Know Your Home System Before Exploring Other Galaxies
Learn about our solar system and the planets here, then get ready to streak out into other galaxies looking for new life forms!

Presented by the USS Serenity Star Trek fan group
Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Harris
  Kids Track

4:00pm EDT

Opening Ceremonies
Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Main

4:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →
avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)
  Autograph Session

4:00pm EDT

LARP
Friday May 31, 2019 4:00pm - 11:59pm EDT
Executive Boardroom
  Gaming

5:00pm EDT

Discovering Comics: It's More Than Just Capes
Thought about getting into comics, but maybe superheroes aren’t your thing? Lots of publishers are expanding their repertoire!! (Grimm, WWE, Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek, Transformers, Stranger Things, Charlie's Angels). Discover something new that you might be interested in!
Moderators
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film/Media/TV, Film
Sammie Cassell is a Stokesdale NC based producer/actor. As VP of Wreak Havoc Productions he has been involved with 5 feature films and 15 short films. Wreak Havoc has the shorts Uncle Otto’s Truck (a Stephen King story) and the drama Sea, Salt, Wind on the festival circuit right... Read More →

Speakers
MR

Michael Ray Williams

avatar for JJ Dunaway

JJ Dunaway


Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

5:00pm EDT

Intersectionality in Geekdom
Life as a minority (racial, religious, LGBTQ, disabled, etc.) and a nerd or geek. How have things changed since we went mainstream - with the MCU, Black Panther, Big Bang Theory, and more.
Moderators
DR

Daphne Reeder


Speakers
JH

Jenna Hamrick

DH

Dance Harden

FN

Faith Naff

avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

5:00pm EDT

How Do I Do This? YouTube Edition
How to get started, the different genres/styles of YouTube shows, what gear to use, how to distribute it, and how to keep it going.
Moderators
avatar for Elisa Hansen

Elisa Hansen

New Media
Elisa Hansen is a SFF author and YouTube video essayist. As her alter-ego, The Maven of the Eventide, she produces the humorously analytical webseries, Vampire Reviews, which examines the evolution of vampire tropes and social allegories in media and pop culture through a feminist... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
NJ

Nickie Jamison


Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

5:00pm EDT

Making Connections
You watch other writers networking and they seem so natural at it, but when you try it feels like "shmoozing". You know it can be useful to building a creative career, so come listen to our panel talk about how networking has helped their careers (or not) and how to do it right.
Moderators
MB

Michele Berger


Speakers
avatar for Tony Daniel

Tony Daniel

Senior Editor, Baen Books
Tony Daniel is senior editor at Baen Books. He is the author of 11 fantasy and science fiction novels, the latest of which is young adult fantasy, The Amber Arrow. His science fiction books include Guardian of Night and two Star Trek novels. He’s an award-winning short story writer... Read More →
SJ

Stuart Jaffe

TS

Tamsin Silver

avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

5:00pm EDT

The Politics of the Alternate
How can speculative fiction use alternate history and alternate present to celebrate people whose real histories bear the scars of colonialism, genocide, and/or slavery? How can alternate histories that don't center on these themes avoid making light of, or reinforcing the inevitability of, these atrocities?
Moderators
avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author

Speakers
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →
avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

5:00pm EDT

Breaking Down a Script
A story has three parts: a beginning, middle, and an end. Filmmakers discuss techniques that are helpful in writing a cohesive script that clearly tells the story that the writer is trying to convey.
Speakers
avatar for England Simpson

England Simpson

Award-Winning Actor/Filmmaker, Thirty SadFace Productions
AY

Adam York

CG

Christopher G. Moore


Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

5:00pm EDT

Hawthorne and Holly
Do you like wizards? Punk rock? Fighting the Man?
Check out the wildly cool Wizard Rock band Hawthorn & Holly! 
Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Performance

5:00pm EDT

A Conversation with: Aaron Rosenberg
Interview
Moderators
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →

Speakers
AR

Aaron Rosenberg


Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Writing

5:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.
avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published

Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

5:00pm EDT

Prospective Press Spotlight
Prospective Press is one of the finest genre fiction small presses in the Carolinas. Come meet publisher Jason Graves and hear about their new releases and upcoming projects! 
Speakers
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
avatar for Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie

Paige is the author of the Legacies of Arnan fantasy series, which to date includes Draigon Weather and Wing Wing, with the 3rd book, Long Light, in the works. Raised in a small, rural community in Maine, Paige learned quickly that society did not have to dictate the role she would... Read More →
avatar for Jason T. Graves

Jason T. Graves

Author, editor, illustrator, publisher, educator—Jason is most happy making things or teaching others. He is the author of four novels—Blood Roses and Morning Stars, books one and two of the Noctivagas Chronicle; The Alewife: Curse of Obsession; and Gretchen Thyrd: On the Bridge—and... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Harris
  Writing

6:00pm EDT

Dumas or Dumbass
Can you still appreciate the work of an author/actor once they have said or done offensive things?
Moderators
MK

Micki Knop


Speakers
avatar for Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler

Writer, Talker
Former co-host The Assignment: Horror Podcast and PWR Spot Show podcast. Guest on various podcasts.Past Writer at Needless Things, Gruesome Magazine, Nerdy Minds, The Assignment: Horror Podcast.
avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

6:00pm EDT

Star Trek: Discovery
Since it is now on season two, we’ll discuss timeline issues, aesthetics, likes, dislikes, and possible directions we hope it will (and won’t!) go.
Moderators
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →
SB

Sherman Burris

avatar for JJ Dunaway

JJ Dunaway


Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

6:00pm EDT

Dinner is Served
How can we incorporate distinct foods into our world-building to create a sense of place and culture? How much description is too much? When is it the right choice to include real-world foods that readers will recognize, and when is it better to invent new dishes?
Moderators
JS

J.A. Sutherland


Speakers
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →
KA

Kamika Aziza

avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.

Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

6:00pm EDT

Writing in a Shared Universe
Co-writing and collaboration are great, but sometimes they're just a little too close for comfort. However, another type of collaborative possibility is writing in a shared universe. The panelists discuss what it’s like to write in a shared universe, how they got involved in that universe, and what universes they’d like to further write in.
Moderators
avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →

Speakers
DW

David Weber

NN

Nancy Northcott

AR

Aaron Rosenberg


Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

6:00pm EDT

Cosplay on a Budget
Nobody likes spending money, but just because you don’t have a money tree growing in your yard, doesn’t mean that you can’t create a one of a kind costume that will knock them off their feet! Covering areas such as wigs, fabric, online shopping, repurposing and so much more, you will learn about everything you need to create the best costume without breaking up with your bank account!
Moderators
avatar for Nat Ryan

Nat Ryan

Costuming, OkWookiee Cosplay
Dubbed "Miss Hot Glued Hot Mess 2018", Nat Ryan has been costuming for the past 9 years, specializing in custom patterning, body painting, special effects, con crunch costuming tactics, cosplay marketing and extreme (and I mean extreme) costume budgeting. When she isn't donning a... Read More →

Speakers
JH

Jenna Hamrick

avatar for Derek Nieman

Derek Nieman

Costuming
Derek Nieman has been part of the south east convention scene for over ten years. An original member of the Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion, it goes almost without saying that Derek is a huge Star Wars fan. Not limited to just being a one trick fan boy, Derek also has a huge... Read More →
FC

Fredrick Corry


Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

6:00pm EDT

Money? I Need Money?!
You have a script, you have actors, and you have a crew, but production costs go far beyond food and a six-pack. Filmmakers discuss funding films through different means, such as crowd-funding, to get the budget they need to tell their story on the silver screen!
Moderators
avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
CG

Christopher G. Moore

avatar for Dave Harlequin

Dave Harlequin

Film
Described by both press and colleagues as an "independent renaissance man" and "voice of the underground," Dave Harlequin is a professional screenwriter, journalist, author, and independent filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the Co-Creative Director of North Carolina... Read More →
AY

Adam York


Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

6:00pm EDT

Metal and a Pint
Come and celebrate two things we all love: Beer and Heavy Metal Music! Our panelists discuss Heavy Metal music, and how it's influenced them artisically as well as the 1980s-AKA The Golden Age of Metal!
Moderators
BB

Braxton Ballew


Speakers
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and Wolfbane: The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural, and sometimes involve steam and gears! You can check out his... Read More →
avatar for Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason (She Don’t Like Firefly, Best Game Ever) is a full-time standup comedian whose work has been featured on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, DrDemento.com, Nerdist.com, MTV Geek News, SyFy’s Blastr.com, Time Magazine’s Techland, and on theFuMP.com. He has made multiple... Read More →
TL

The Library Bards


Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Performance

6:00pm EDT

Get me off this planet
Private enterprise vs. governments the space race is heating up again. A look at off-world exploration in the near future.
Moderators
JC

Jim Craig


Speakers
avatar for James Beall

James Beall

avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
CK

Charlie Kaufman


Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

6:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
RH

Rebekah Hamrick


Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

6:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Friday May 31, 2019 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

6:30pm EDT

Antler Hill
Performance
Friday May 31, 2019 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Performance

7:00pm EDT

Super PassNerds
The game show with a nerdy twist!
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Geek Life
Joey Starnes (aka the Giddy Geeker) does not claim to be an expert on all geekeries – she's just happy to organize it. She runs the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geek Gala, and the Muggles Market.  Her main geekdoms include Doctor Who, Harry... Read More →

Speakers
AB

Allie Blackmon

avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

7:00pm EDT

The Feminism of SciFi
A historical discussion of how the genre was created by a feminist and how feminist ideals have shaped the genre.
Moderators
avatar for Maya Preisler

Maya Preisler

Geek Life
Maya Preisler has been creating art and telling stories since she was old enough to hold a pen, writing and illustrating her first science fiction novel at age eight. Her art has been featured on book covers, convention badges and in numerous art shows. Her professional credits include... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →
avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

7:00pm EDT

How Do I Do This? YouTube Edition
How to start livestreaming - what equipment to use, how to organize it and how different services work.
Moderators
avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Frank Parker

Frank Parker

Singer/Songwriter/Filker, Nefarious Ferrets
The Nefarious Ferrets are Frank and Donna Parker of NC. Meeting and each other in 2006, at ConCarolinas, they realized they had many things in common: science fiction, a love of music and ferrets. A match made in fandom, they married at ConCarolinas 2007.AtomaCon 2017, they “adopted... Read More →
avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
R

Ramenwitch


Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

7:00pm EDT

Designing a Government
The way a land is governed colors the behavior of its citizens. Even if your character isn’t involved in government, it’s still an important aspect of world building. This panel discusses the best governing system for your story, and how to blend it into your narrative.
Moderators
VG

Venessa Giunta


Speakers
JS

J.A. Sutherland

PP

Peter Prellwitz

avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →
TS

Tamsin Silver


Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

7:00pm EDT

Getting it Right
From setting a broken bone or preparing trail food to the behavior of horses or how weather patterns function, there are lots of details that can destroy your worldbuilding if you get them wrong. The panel will discuss some of their favorite successes and mistakes, and the best ways to be sure you’re getting it right in your own story.
Moderators
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →

Speakers
JB

Jeffrey Bardwell

MS

Matthew Saunders

JE

JS Emuakpor

avatar for Larry N. Martin

Larry N. Martin

Writing
Larry N. Martin writes and co-authors science fiction, steampunk, and urban fantasy for Solaris Books, Falstaff Books and SOL Publishing. His newest book is The Splintered Crown, a portal gaming fantasy. He also is the author of Salvage Rat, the first in a new space opera series.Together... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

7:00pm EDT

Conspiracies: From UFOs to Truthers
panelists discuss their favorite conspiracies, pro or con
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →

Speakers
TR

Tina R. McSwain

Paranormal, CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society
I am a well respected paranormal investigator and researcher with over 20 year experience. I founded CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society in 2005 and we are still going strong today. We take a scientific approach to the study of all types of paranormal activity.
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →
AY

Adam York


Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

7:00pm EDT

Mocha Memoirs Press/Sol Books Spotlight
Come see what's new and coming soon from Mocha Memoirs Press, and Sol Books! Learn more about these small publishers and what they've got coming up!
Speakers
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press

Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Writing

7:00pm EDT

Authors & Bards Play D&D - Sponsored by Get Some Game
Join a group of our Writing guests, including Writing Special Guest Aaron Rosenberg, along with The Library Bards (watch Xander from the Bards play D&D on Relics & Rarities & Midwest Moms Play D&D) as they try to survive evil DM John G. Hartness' nasty plans for them! Bring the beverage of your choice from the bar next door and enjoy all the laughs in this raucous live play Dungeons & Dragons game!

This event is generously sponsored by Get Some Game, www.getsomegame.com. Thanks! 
Moderators
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →

Speakers
TL

The Library Bards

AR

Aaron Rosenberg

avatar for Misty Massey

Misty Massey

Literary Guest
Misty Massey is the author of MAD KESTREL, a rollicking adventure of magic on the high seas (Tor), KESTREL'S VOYAGES, a collection of short stories featuring those rambunctious pirates (Amazon) and the upcoming KESTREL'S DANCE (Lore Seekers Press).  She is a co-editor of THE WEIRD... Read More →
PB

Paul Barrett

avatar for Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan

Author, Writing
Robert Bevan took his first steps in comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and his first steps in fantasy with Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, these two loves mingled, festered, and congealed into the ever expanding Caverns & Creatures series of comedy/fantasy novels... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Fountainview
  Writing

7:00pm EDT

ConCarolinas Short Takes
Come check out our writing guests as they present brief snippets of their best work! Think of it like a tasting menu for your library!
Moderators
NN

Nancy Northcott


Speakers
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
avatar for Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie

Paige is the author of the Legacies of Arnan fantasy series, which to date includes Draigon Weather and Wing Wing, with the 3rd book, Long Light, in the works. Raised in a small, rural community in Maine, Paige learned quickly that society did not have to dictate the role she would... Read More →
LB

Lucy Blue

avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
JA

Jeanne Adams

avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →
LM

Leann M. Rettell


Friday May 31, 2019 7:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

8:00pm EDT

ADHD and Cosplay
Your neural hyperactivity can be channeled in amazing ways! This panel will address the creative potential of the ADHD brain when it comes to nerdy concepts, con crunch, meeting people, and making an impression.
Moderators
SV

Sarah Van Tassel


Speakers
avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
IW

Irene Walker


Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

8:00pm EDT

Kobayashi Review
Rich Sigfrit’s amazing multi-fandom quiz game! Rich picks the geeks to beat.
Moderators
RS

Rich Sigfrit


Speakers
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →
avatar for JJ Dunaway

JJ Dunaway

avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

8:00pm EDT

Genre Blending
Blurring genre lines can make a story pop. Do you like a little fantasy in your science fiction? Or does a wee bit of horror tingle your spine while reading a fantasy? Are you a purist or do you prefer stories with blended speculative elements?
Moderators
avatar for Larry N. Martin

Larry N. Martin

Writing
Larry N. Martin writes and co-authors science fiction, steampunk, and urban fantasy for Solaris Books, Falstaff Books and SOL Publishing. His newest book is The Splintered Crown, a portal gaming fantasy. He also is the author of Salvage Rat, the first in a new space opera series.Together... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Crymsyn Hart

Crymsyn Hart

Author, Paranormal
Crymsyn Hart is a National Bestselling author of over eighty paranormal romance and horror novels. Her experiences as a psychic and ghostly encounters have given her a lot of material to use in her books. Vampires, grim reapers, shifters, and other paranormal creatures tend to end... Read More →
SM

Steve Murphy

JB

Jeffrey Bardwell


Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

8:00pm EDT

Representation Matters
With the success of Into the Spiderverse, the importance of a POC as the protagonist is continuing to be a more successful story. Why aren't there more? How can we leverage this success in our own work?
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press

Speakers
JE

JS Emuakpor

KA

Kamika Aziza

avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published

Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

8:00pm EDT

Cosplay Q&A
This is where the audiences really gets to know the cosplay and costume guests. There will be opportunities for discussion about the ins and outs of being in the costume business including how to deal with negativity, relationships, choosing a costume, constructive criticism and so much more!. No matter what the question might be or how crazy it might sound, our guests will have an answer, so ask away!
Speakers
AB

Allie Blackmon

avatar for Nat Ryan

Nat Ryan

Costuming, OkWookiee Cosplay
Dubbed "Miss Hot Glued Hot Mess 2018", Nat Ryan has been costuming for the past 9 years, specializing in custom patterning, body painting, special effects, con crunch costuming tactics, cosplay marketing and extreme (and I mean extreme) costume budgeting. When she isn't donning a... Read More →
avatar for Michael Burson

Michael Burson

Costuming
Counselor by day, cosplayer by nights and weekends, Michael Burson has been dressing up like a wizard since reading Sorcerer's Stone in 1998. 21 years later, his robes are now just better constructed. Michael has been cosplaying together with his wife Hayley since 2015 and takes care... Read More →
avatar for Hayley Burson

Hayley Burson

Happiest when living her most authentic hobbit lifestyle, Hayley Burson is a cosplayer, crafter, and librarian. Though always playing dress-up in her youth and in theatre, Hayley first got into cosplay when she and her husband Michael started attending cons in 2015. As a librarian... Read More →
avatar for Summer Kucky

Summer Kucky

Originally from Connecticut, Summer Noelle is Cosplayer, Fitness Buff, Horseback Rider and Nerd. Growing up, Summer was always the odd one out, listening to old country music and 80s hair metal. But she never let this bring her down. Most recognized for her most recent cosplay of... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

8:00pm EDT

I Don’t Belong Here - Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome makes being an artist that much harder and can sometimes lead to tragic choices. Panelists discuss Imposter Syndrome, how they deal with it, and how it affects their work and their self-worth. There is always help!
Moderators
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and Wolfbane: The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural, and sometimes involve steam and gears! You can check out his... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Tom Gore

Tom Gore

Film/Media/TV, Film
Tom Gore was born and raised in Newport RI. Of Irish heritage, he realized from an early age that he enjoyed entertaining people with his offbeat sense of humor. After graduating he decided to put that on hold to join the Army and serve his country. With his drive and determination... Read More →
avatar for England Simpson

England Simpson

Award-Winning Actor/Filmmaker, Thirty SadFace Productions
CA

Ceirra Ayers

AY

Adam York


Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

8:00pm EDT

Mikey Mason Concert (Sponsored by The Charlotte Geeks)
Performance
Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Performance

8:00pm EDT

You believe what?
You believe what?: Flat earth, anti-vaxxers, GMO's and more. Why do we believe, what we believe?,
Moderators
avatar for Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor is a fantasy author and analytical chemist in Charleston, SC, where she lives with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and sometimes chickens. Her articles on writing science in science fiction can be found in “Putting the Science in Fiction” from Writer’s Digest... Read More →

Speakers
JC

Jim Craig

SB

Sherman Burris

avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →
LM

Leann M. Rettell

avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

9:00pm EDT

Flashback Fandoms
I Remember Having That... Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, Rom: Spaceknight, Adventure People, Sectaurs, Schaper Stomper 4X4s, and other toys made our childhood fun. Sure, Star Wars, Star Trek, G.I. Joe, Master of the Universe, and some others get all the nostalgia talk now, but a whole lot of other toys made our childhood fun. Let's talk about the toys that don't get looked at enough but made childhood- yours and ours -fun.
Moderators
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler

Writer, Talker
Former co-host The Assignment: Horror Podcast and PWR Spot Show podcast. Guest on various podcasts.Past Writer at Needless Things, Gruesome Magazine, Nerdy Minds, The Assignment: Horror Podcast.
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film/Media/TV, Film
Sammie Cassell is a Stokesdale NC based producer/actor. As VP of Wreak Havoc Productions he has been involved with 5 feature films and 15 short films. Wreak Havoc has the shorts Uncle Otto’s Truck (a Stephen King story) and the drama Sea, Salt, Wind on the festival circuit right... Read More →
avatar for Wes Smith

Wes Smith

Nerd-type person

Friday May 31, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

9:00pm EDT

Hey Yoda, Why So Serious?
Is Jedi stoicism responsible for the creation of Darth Vader? Let’s look at how emotional constipation and denial of childhood trauma gave rise to one of sci-fi’s greatest villains.
Moderators
avatar for Maya Preisler

Maya Preisler

Geek Life
Maya Preisler has been creating art and telling stories since she was old enough to hold a pen, writing and illustrating her first science fiction novel at age eight. Her art has been featured on book covers, convention badges and in numerous art shows. Her professional credits include... Read More →

Speakers
AM

Adrianne McDonald

FN

Faith Naff

avatar for Michael Cummins

Michael Cummins

Builder
HG

Hannah Givens

avatar for Rick Wise

Rick Wise

Lead singer, writer, art director, and mad scientist, Splintered Reality
Mr. Rick is a Raleigh based musician, graphic artist, and poet with a flare for the dramatic. With the ability to play multiple instruments and a highly prolific writing style, he has produced 3 studio albums as a solo artist and 5 more with his critically acclaimed band Splintered... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

9:00pm EDT

Dark Fantasy, Grimdark, and Horror-Oh My!
What connects dark fantasy, grimdark, and horror? Or are they all subsections of the fantasy genre? Examining the differences and similarities between the darker aspects of fantasy, this panel considers where we might draw the line between them.
Moderators
avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Crymsyn Hart

Crymsyn Hart

Author, Paranormal
Crymsyn Hart is a National Bestselling author of over eighty paranormal romance and horror novels. Her experiences as a psychic and ghostly encounters have given her a lot of material to use in her books. Vampires, grim reapers, shifters, and other paranormal creatures tend to end... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
EC

E.A. Copen


Friday May 31, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

9:00pm EDT

Weird Westerns
Sentient locomotives and mechanical coyotes, haunted revolvers and werewolf sheriffs...the myth of the American west has become a popular place for fantasy and SF authors to play. Let’s talk about why it lends itself so well to the weird.
Moderators
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Misty Massey

Misty Massey

Literary Guest
Misty Massey is the author of MAD KESTREL, a rollicking adventure of magic on the high seas (Tor), KESTREL'S VOYAGES, a collection of short stories featuring those rambunctious pirates (Amazon) and the upcoming KESTREL'S DANCE (Lore Seekers Press).  She is a co-editor of THE WEIRD... Read More →
TS

Tamsin Silver

avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

9:00pm EDT

Bringing Diverse Voices To Film
Diversity is not just about giving opportunity to new narratives; it can also improve the quality of the stories being told. New perspectives can freshen up even the oldest concepts. From GET OUT to GINGER SNAPS, genre films are embracing the stories that the voices of underrepresented storytellers can bring.
Moderators
avatar for England Simpson

England Simpson

Award-Winning Actor/Filmmaker, Thirty SadFace Productions

Speakers
CT

Cristina Trinity Vélez-Justo

AG

Angela Giddings

CA

Ceirra Ayers

avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

9:00pm EDT

From Myth to Folklore to Urban Legend
discussion of how myths migrate into urban legends over time
Moderators
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →

Speakers
JC

Joshua Cutchin

TR

Tina R. McSwain

Paranormal, CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society
I am a well respected paranormal investigator and researcher with over 20 year experience. I founded CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society in 2005 and we are still going strong today. We take a scientific approach to the study of all types of paranormal activity.
avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

9:30pm EDT

The Library Bards
Performance
Friday May 31, 2019 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Performance

9:30pm EDT

Horror News Radio: The Official Gruesome Magazine Podcast - LIVE Recording
Horror News Radio is a weekly horror news and review podcast brought to you by Gruesome Magazine. The show co-hosts are John "Doc Rotten" Slattery, Dave Dreher, Christopher G. Moore, and Vanessa Thompson. With each episode, the grue-crew tackle the latest releases, interview filmmakers, dish out the Horror News of the Week, spotlight thrilling listener feedback, and keep tabs on upcoming genre conventions and film festivals. 
Moderators
JD

John "Doc Rotten" Slattery


Speakers
CG

Christopher G. Moore

avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film/Media/TV
Bill Mulligan could have sworn he had a bio but his students pointed out he did not, when they SHOULD have been working on their science festival projects. He is a filmmaker/special effects artist who has had the good fortune to be involved in a a number of award winning projects... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 9:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

10:00pm EDT

Dare to Defy: The CW
A discussion of how the CW shows (such as Black Lightning, Supergirl, The Flash, Charmed) are informing the face of diversity and inclusivity in fandom.
Moderators
avatar for Maya Preisler

Maya Preisler

Geek Life
Maya Preisler has been creating art and telling stories since she was old enough to hold a pen, writing and illustrating her first science fiction novel at age eight. Her art has been featured on book covers, convention badges and in numerous art shows. Her professional credits include... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.

Friday May 31, 2019 10:00pm - 10:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00pm EDT

Peak Superhero
Twenty years ago, superheroes were rare on the movie screen or television, now it would be a rare week you go to a multiplex without finding at least one superhero movie, and there are dozens of superhero shows available for streaming 24/7.
Moderators
avatar for Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler

Writer, Talker
Former co-host The Assignment: Horror Podcast and PWR Spot Show podcast. Guest on various podcasts.Past Writer at Needless Things, Gruesome Magazine, Nerdy Minds, The Assignment: Horror Podcast.

Speakers
MR

Michael Ray Williams

avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →
avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 10:00pm - 10:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00pm EDT

Horror Noir
With Jordan Peele's hit Get Out and the release of Us, the lens from which horror is often told is changing. Join us as we talk about horror noir both on film and in literature.
Moderators
avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press

Speakers
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published
MB

Michele Berger


Friday May 31, 2019 10:00pm - 10:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

10:00pm EDT

Sex and the Single Hobbit
Let’s talk about the careful blending of romance into speculative fiction. How much is too much? How far can the writer go before the romance takes over? What’s the fine line between romance and erotica, and do they even have a place in spec fic?
Moderators
JA

Jeanne Adams


Speakers
avatar for Crymsyn Hart

Crymsyn Hart

Author, Paranormal
Crymsyn Hart is a National Bestselling author of over eighty paranormal romance and horror novels. Her experiences as a psychic and ghostly encounters have given her a lot of material to use in her books. Vampires, grim reapers, shifters, and other paranormal creatures tend to end... Read More →
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
JE

JS Emuakpor

avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author

Friday May 31, 2019 10:00pm - 10:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

10:00pm EDT

The new privacy
Cameras are everywhere, we all carry a tracking device that can record audio, video, and GPS trackingand we publish our lives online. What is privacy in the 21st century?
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
avatar for James Beall

James Beall

JC

Jim Craig

RS

Ruth Suehle

avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

10:00pm EDT

Nefarious Filking with the Nefarious Ferrets
Late Night Filking at its most nefarious with the Nefarious Ferrets!
Friday May 31, 2019 10:00pm - Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00am EDT
Fountainview
  Performance

10:30pm EDT

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
Valentine Wolfe scores one of the most famous silent films of all time.
Speakers
avatar for Valentine Wolfe

Valentine Wolfe

Special Musical Guests
Formed in 2006, Valentine Wolfe is the combined effort of the Lady Sarah Black and Braxton Ballew. Imagine Sarah Brightman being backed by Francois Rabbath blowing through a Marshall stack at midnight. Having dubbed their music "Victorian Chamber metal", the duo have synthesized a... Read More →

Friday May 31, 2019 10:30pm - Saturday June 1, 2019 12:30am EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

11:00pm EDT

Batteries Not Included
Things that go buzz in the night, and the technological advances of what’s used in the boudoir.
Moderators
AM

Adrianne McDonald


Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →
avatar for Michael Cummins

Michael Cummins

Builder
NJ

Nickie Jamison

MK

Micki Knop


Friday May 31, 2019 11:00pm - 11:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

11:00pm EDT

The Elder Scrolls
A discussion of the deep lore of Bethesda's Elder Scrolls Video Game Series. What we've seen so far, and what we'd like to see for the upcoming Elder Scrolls 6.
Moderators
avatar for Alexander Gideon

Alexander Gideon

Writer, Author
Born in Nashville, TN, Alexander Gideon quickly decided he wasn’t a fan of the N, and now lives in Asheville, NC. He enjoys writing fantasy of any kind as long as it’s dark, and he dabbles in sci-horror. He enjoys exorcising, taking long walks on extraterrestrial beaches, relaxing... Read More →

Speakers
MR

Michael Ray Williams


Friday May 31, 2019 11:00pm - 11:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

11:00pm EDT

Can You Top This?
panelists tell their best tales
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
JC

Joshua Cutchin


Friday May 31, 2019 11:00pm - Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00am EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

11:00pm EDT

Now Are the Foxes
Come out and enjoy awesome comedy improv with Now Are the Foxes!
Friday May 31, 2019 11:00pm - Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00am EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Performance
 
Saturday, June 1
 

8:00am EDT

On-Site Registration
Purchase your 2019 Membership badge here and pick up pre-registration badges when the Community Table is closed. You may also purchase your ConCarolinas 2020 membership from Registration for $25 all weekend long.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00am - 10:00pm EDT
Midway
  Con Info

8:00am EDT

Pre-Registration Badge Pick Up
If you pre-registered, this is where to go to pick up your badge during these hours. After go to Midway.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00am - 10:00pm EDT
Community Table
  Con Info

9:00am EDT

Culture and Stories
How traditional thoughts shaped characters, stories, and world-settings and how both culture and stories are changing (gender fluidity, attraction, family dynamics, etc)
Moderators
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →

Speakers
JS

J.A. Sutherland

KA

Kamika Aziza

avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
JE

JS Emuakpor


Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00am - 9:50am EDT
Keynes
  Writing

9:00am EDT

Design Your Cover
Step 1: You wrote a book. Now you need to market it and despite the cliches, readers really do judge a book by it's cover. Your novel needs to stand out from the crowd, both on the shelf and in the search results, and no matter if you're self-published or with a small or large press, you might be the one responsible for the cover. This panel will take you through the basic process of researching, designing, and testing book covers so you can create, critique, and market the best possible face for your work.
Moderators
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →
MS

Matthew Saunders

avatar for Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan

Author, Writing
Robert Bevan took his first steps in comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and his first steps in fantasy with Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, these two loves mingled, festered, and congealed into the ever expanding Caverns & Creatures series of comedy/fantasy novels... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00am - 9:50am EDT
Walden
  Writing

9:00am EDT

What Cosplay is Right for You?
Have you ever wondered what you would look like as a redhead? Or maybe you are just getting into cosplay but don’t know what character is best for you. In this panel we will go over how to choose the perfect cosplay that you will look and feel good in. While there are no rules to cosplay, these tips and trick will help you take your next costume from good to the best!
Moderators
avatar for Summer Kucky

Summer Kucky

Originally from Connecticut, Summer Noelle is Cosplayer, Fitness Buff, Horseback Rider and Nerd. Growing up, Summer was always the odd one out, listening to old country music and 80s hair metal. But she never let this bring her down. Most recognized for her most recent cosplay of... Read More →

Speakers
JT

Jonathan Thompson


Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

9:00am EDT

Kids Track Programming
Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Harris
  Kids Track

9:00am EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

9:00am EDT

Voice and Movement for the Actor
Actors don’t just get in front of a camera and pretend. There’s a lot that goes into preparing for a shoot or that moment on stage. Participants are shown a variety of different methods and techniques to help an actor get into character and “let go” of the inhibitions of “looking stupid” as well as some exercises in acting. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that is easy to move in as this is a physical workshop!
Moderators
MR

Michael Ray Williams


Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

9:00am EDT

On-Site Guest Relations
Guests pick up your badges and schedules. If you arrive after 12:00PM on Saturday, your materials will be at On-Site Registration in Midway.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Welwyn
  Con Info

10:00am EDT

Anime in American Culture
How anime has slid into mainstream American culture. Alita: Battle Angel, Studio Ghibli, etc.
Moderators
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
avatar for Ed McKeown

Ed McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
Edward McKeown is best known for his two Confederation Space Series: The Robert Fenaday/Shasti Rainhell series of SF novels set on the Privateer Sidhe & set in the same universe, The Maauro Chronicles featuring a 50,000 year old android named Maauro and her friend, a disgraced... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00am EDT

Our Spidey Senses Are Tingling
Whether you're a long time fan of our favorite web-slinger or you're newly indoctrinated from the latest slew of films, let's talk about what we love and what we hope to see more (or less) of with future Spiderman endeavors!
Moderators
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →

Speakers
JH

Jenna Hamrick

MR

Michael Ray Williams

avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00am EDT

Sound to Sight: Moving a Podcast to Video
You’ve got a podcast, but you want to transform it to video. How do you do it? What to consider, what to change and what to keep the same.
Moderators
avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →

Speakers
CG

Christopher G. Moore

avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Burnham
  New Media

10:00am EDT

Let's Build a Campaign
Experienced GMs discuss what specific thing each of us needs to know or decide when making a campaign, then we'll all collaborate to make a few new campaign ideas together - and maybe even break a few of them!
Moderators
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →
TM

Todd Massey


Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Keynes
  Writing

10:00am EDT

The Ups and Downs of Traditional and Indie Publishing
The publishing world has seen some exciting changes in the last fifteen years, and things aren’t stopping yet. Our panel will talk about the pros and cons to both aspects of publishing.
Moderators
VG

Venessa Giunta


Speakers
AR

Aaron Rosenberg

SJ

Stuart Jaffe

avatar for Jason T. Graves

Jason T. Graves

Author, editor, illustrator, publisher, educator—Jason is most happy making things or teaching others. He is the author of four novels—Blood Roses and Morning Stars, books one and two of the Noctivagas Chronicle; The Alewife: Curse of Obsession; and Gretchen Thyrd: On the Bridge—and... Read More →
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
NN

Nancy Northcott


Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Walden
  Writing

10:00am EDT

Go Boldly - The Tech of Star Trek and Today
What if transporters were real? Sound ridiculous? This presentation by the crew of the USS Serenity will explore what if some of the coolest tech in the galaxy were real, and will look at some of the science fiction from Star Trek that has become science fact! 
Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Harris
  Kids Track

10:00am EDT

SCA Tournament
Come see the men and women of the Society for Creative Anachronism battle on the lawn! Learn how battles were fought back when it was just one person and one weapon, and your life depended on the speed of your feet and the quality of your steel! 
Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
The Lawn
  Performance

10:00am EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor is a fantasy author and analytical chemist in Charleston, SC, where she lives with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and sometimes chickens. Her articles on writing science in science fiction can be found in “Putting the Science in Fiction” from Writer’s Digest... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

10:00am EDT

The Baen Books Traveling Roadshow
Moderators
avatar for Tony Daniel

Tony Daniel

Senior Editor, Baen Books
Tony Daniel is senior editor at Baen Books. He is the author of 11 fantasy and science fiction novels, the latest of which is young adult fantasy, The Amber Arrow. His science fiction books include Guardian of Night and two Star Trek novels. He’s an award-winning short story writer... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press
DW

David Weber

JH

Jacob Holo


Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 11:50am EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Writing

10:00am EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
JE

JS Emuakpor

LM

Leann M. Rettell


Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

10:00am EDT

Dealer Room
Come see all the amazing items our dealers have for you to purchase!
Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00am - 6:00pm EDT
University Ballroom
  Con Info

11:00am EDT

Kids Track Programming
Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Harris
  Kids Track

11:00am EDT

Con Survival
Tips and tricks for surviving a convention, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth.
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Geek Life
Joey Starnes (aka the Giddy Geeker) does not claim to be an expert on all geekeries – she's just happy to organize it. She runs the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geek Gala, and the Muggles Market.  Her main geekdoms include Doctor Who, Harry... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Dave Harlequin

Dave Harlequin

Film
Described by both press and colleagues as an "independent renaissance man" and "voice of the underground," Dave Harlequin is a professional screenwriter, journalist, author, and independent filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the Co-Creative Director of North Carolina... Read More →
avatar for Michael Cummins

Michael Cummins

Builder
VG

Venessa Giunta

avatar for Nat Ryan

Nat Ryan

Costuming, OkWookiee Cosplay
Dubbed "Miss Hot Glued Hot Mess 2018", Nat Ryan has been costuming for the past 9 years, specializing in custom patterning, body painting, special effects, con crunch costuming tactics, cosplay marketing and extreme (and I mean extreme) costume budgeting. When she isn't donning a... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

11:00am EDT

She's Got Nothing to Prove
The Fake Geek Girl is a harmful stereotype which has been used to make women feel unwelcome. This panel will tear apart that stereotype, and talk about all the ways in which women have contributed to the nerd world.
Moderators
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →
avatar for Maya Preisler

Maya Preisler

Geek Life
Maya Preisler has been creating art and telling stories since she was old enough to hold a pen, writing and illustrating her first science fiction novel at age eight. Her art has been featured on book covers, convention badges and in numerous art shows. Her professional credits include... Read More →
AB

Allie Blackmon

avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
MK

Micki Knop

CM

Christie Mowery


Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

11:00am EDT

Tired Tropes of Women
From the Girl in the Refrigerator to the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, there are a number of tropes that need to be left in the past. Let’s talk about them, and discuss ways to write characters who transcend those tropes.
Moderators
avatar for Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie

Paige is the author of the Legacies of Arnan fantasy series, which to date includes Draigon Weather and Wing Wing, with the 3rd book, Long Light, in the works. Raised in a small, rural community in Maine, Paige learned quickly that society did not have to dictate the role she would... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Elisa Hansen

Elisa Hansen

New Media
Elisa Hansen is a SFF author and YouTube video essayist. As her alter-ego, The Maven of the Eventide, she produces the humorously analytical webseries, Vampire Reviews, which examines the evolution of vampire tropes and social allegories in media and pop culture through a feminist... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →
LB

Lucy Blue

NN

Nancy Northcott


Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Keynes
  Writing

11:00am EDT

World Building in Detail
How do we enrich our worlds with realistic details, what sources do we use, and how much should you know about something before faking expertise (or not)
Moderators
avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →

Speakers
JS

J.A. Sutherland

avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
avatar for Ed McKeown

Ed McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
Edward McKeown is best known for his two Confederation Space Series: The Robert Fenaday/Shasti Rainhell series of SF novels set on the Privateer Sidhe & set in the same universe, The Maauro Chronicles featuring a 50,000 year old android named Maauro and her friend, a disgraced... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Walden
  Writing

11:00am EDT

Swordwind Demonstration
Learn how to duel with longswords, broadswords, and all kinds of bladed coolness! No, there will not be real blades. No, there will not be blood. The experts from Swordwind will be on hand to provide safe and fun instruction with plastic practice weapons.
Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
The Lawn

11:00am EDT

Storytime!
It’s hard to make memories when there is nothing memorable to remember. A new convention brings out the fun and exciting nerd in all of us, and if you haven't had a memorable convention yet, then you are doing it wrong! Join the guests as they reminisce over the good, the bad and the downright weird stories that have happened while cosplaying. Where they talk about how to overcome certain obstacles and situations that might arise while dressing up as their favorite character. From wardrobe malfunctions and Drama, to dealing with some down right creepy people, there will be something for everyone to take away from this panel, even if it's just a few laughs.
Speakers
DR

Daphne Reeder

avatar for Derek Nieman

Derek Nieman

Costuming
Derek Nieman has been part of the south east convention scene for over ten years. An original member of the Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion, it goes almost without saying that Derek is a huge Star Wars fan. Not limited to just being a one trick fan boy, Derek also has a huge... Read More →
JT

Jonathan Thompson


Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

11:00am EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →
SJ

Stuart Jaffe


Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

11:00am EDT

ConCarolinas Short Film Festival
Come see the Official Films of ConCarolinas 2019! These films were hand-selected by our judges, and each are a tribute to the amazing talent in the indie industry! 4 Hours.
Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00am - 3:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

12:00pm EDT

I Like Big Bots and I Cannot Lie
Whether it's Transformers, Gundams, or Jaegers, there's no denying the popularity of giant robots in our media. Let's talk about our favorite robots and why we think they're such a prevalent fixture in our media and fandoms.
Moderators
R

Ramenwitch


Speakers
SB

Sherman Burris

avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →
JH

Jacob Holo

NJ

Nickie Jamison


Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

12:00pm EDT

Mental Health in Fandom
How mental health is portrayed in fandom, who’s doing it well, and where are areas for improvement.
Moderators
HG

Hannah Givens

BH

Brittini Harbin


Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

12:00pm EDT

How Do I Do This? Audio Podcast Edition
How to get started, what gear to use, how to distribute it, and how to keep it going.
Moderators
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
JD

John "Doc Rotten" Slattery


Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

12:00pm EDT

Historical Fantasy
This panel explores whether writers have a responsibility to represent the past truthfully in fantasy fiction. What role does research play in making fiction feel more realistic to the reader?
Moderators
MS

Matthew Saunders


Speakers
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
DS

Dacre Stoker

Author Lecturer Presenter
LB

Lucy Blue

JE

JS Emuakpor


Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

Writing the Fight
The best stories include conflict of all kinds. Our writers talk about writing physical fights, from fisticuffs to fencing, and offer their opinions on some of the most famous fight scenes in SF/F.
Moderators
avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →
VG

Venessa Giunta


Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

A Conversation with: Tory Belleci
Interview
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
TB

Tory Belleci


Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Main

12:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
SM

Steve Murphy

PB

Paul Barrett


Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

Falstaff Books New Release Extravaganza
Come join the Falstaff Books crew for a sneak peek at some of their newest releases, upcoming series, debut authors, and learn a little about the people and processes behind The Misfit Toys of Fiction! There will be freebies! 
Speakers
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →
avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Harris
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and Wolfbane: The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural, and sometimes involve steam and gears! You can check out his... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

1:00pm EDT

Bad Movies and Why We Love Them
What makes the B-movie genre so beloved? How did Sharknado put out FIVE successful films?
Moderators
avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
MK

Micki Knop

IW

Irene Walker

avatar for Rick Wise

Rick Wise

Lead singer, writer, art director, and mad scientist, Splintered Reality
Mr. Rick is a Raleigh based musician, graphic artist, and poet with a flare for the dramatic. With the ability to play multiple instruments and a highly prolific writing style, he has produced 3 studio albums as a solo artist and 5 more with his critically acclaimed band Splintered... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

1:00pm EDT

We Cannot Interfere...Unless We Want To
In Star Trek, the Prime Directive is the rule to end all rules. And yet, time and time again, we see it cast aside when the moral implications reach critical mass. In this panel we will discuss and debate the flaws and functionalities of the prime directive, given how often it is disobeyed by our favorite Star Fleet captains.
Moderators
SV

Sarah Van Tassel


Speakers
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →
PP

Peter Prellwitz


Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

1:00pm EDT

Character Building
Creating characters with agency and individuality is essential for bringing stories to life. This panel will explore ways different authors build the characters from the vague images in their heads into fully-fleshed people with a tale to tell.
Moderators
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Misty Massey

Misty Massey

Literary Guest
Misty Massey is the author of MAD KESTREL, a rollicking adventure of magic on the high seas (Tor), KESTREL'S VOYAGES, a collection of short stories featuring those rambunctious pirates (Amazon) and the upcoming KESTREL'S DANCE (Lore Seekers Press).  She is a co-editor of THE WEIRD... Read More →
AR

Aaron Rosenberg

JB

Jeffrey Bardwell

MB

Michele Berger


Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

1:00pm EDT

Choosing an Editor
Acquiring editors, developmental editors, copyeditors… what kind of editor do you need? And how do you find one? Join the panelists to learn more about the kinds of editors, what to expect when working with an editor, and how to choose an editor that you can work with—and how to work in a situation when you don’t get to choose your own editor.
Moderators
avatar for Jason T. Graves

Jason T. Graves

Author, editor, illustrator, publisher, educator—Jason is most happy making things or teaching others. He is the author of four novels—Blood Roses and Morning Stars, books one and two of the Noctivagas Chronicle; The Alewife: Curse of Obsession; and Gretchen Thyrd: On the Bridge—and... Read More →

Speakers
RH

Rebekah Hamrick

avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →
VG

Venessa Giunta

LB

Lucy Blue


Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

1:00pm EDT

Cosplay and Costuming for performance
Potato potatto right? WRONG! At Least when it comes to functionality. We have all run into those costumes where it looks super good on the dress form, but when it comes to walking around and posing, that’s another story. Learn the differences between a "show costume" and a "Performance costume" and what those terms mean as the guests talk about a costumes character vs a costumed character and how the two work together. Learn what materials to use when making a costume for performance and all of the design aspects required: Movement, weight, hand, warp and weft, character and effect. Who knows, after this panel, you might become the real life Batman hanging off of buildings!
Moderators
JT

Jonathan Thompson


Speakers
AB

Allie Blackmon

DR

Daphne Reeder


Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

1:00pm EDT

ConCarolinas Effects Makeup Setup
Speakers
JM

Jennifer McCollom

CA

Ceirra Ayers

avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Film & Filmmaking

1:00pm EDT

A Conversation with: David Weber
Interview
Moderators
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →

Speakers
DW

David Weber


Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Main

1:00pm EDT

Women in Science and Technology
Great strides have been made cracking the glass ceiling. What's next, and how are women reshaping the world of science and tech?
Moderators
RS

Ruth Suehle


Speakers
CT

Cristina Trinity Vélez-Justo

avatar for Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor is a fantasy author and analytical chemist in Charleston, SC, where she lives with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and sometimes chickens. Her articles on writing science in science fiction can be found in “Putting the Science in Fiction” from Writer’s Digest... Read More →
avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
AM

Adrianne McDonald

AG

Angela Giddings


Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

1:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author
JE

JS Emuakpor


Saturday June 1, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

Insight Into Fright
Whether it be movies, television, books, or video games, what is the science behind why we crave a good scare? What makes good horror, in our (and the audience’s) opinion? Why is horror costuming a great escape for us as women?
Moderators
AB

Allie Blackmon

SV

Sarah Van Tassel


Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

2:00pm EDT

Verily! A New Hope
Enjoy a Shakespearean table reading of Star Wars “A New Hope”
Moderators
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →

Speakers
DH

Dance Harden

CG

Christopher G. Moore

avatar for JJ Dunaway

JJ Dunaway

avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →
CM

Christie Mowery


Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

2:00pm EDT

Building a Magic System
Is it always necessary for the magic to make sense? What if the character doesn’t know how it works, just that it does? Our panel will discuss the mechanics of creating a magic system, and those times when the rules have to be broken.
Moderators
avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
SJ

Stuart Jaffe

avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author
LM

Leann M. Rettell


Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

I Got Better
Death and resurrection, or false deaths often play a key role in speculative fiction. What are our favorite "return to life" moments? Which ones don't really work and why? And what must a writer do to make these moments serve the story and their audience?
Moderators
PP

Peter Prellwitz


Speakers
EC

E.A. Copen

avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published
avatar for JD Jordan

JD Jordan

Awesome dad, killer novelist, design director, and cancer survivor. Also, I'm charming AF.
JD Jordan is the award-winning author of the acclaimed scifi-western novel, Calamity: Being an Account of Calamity Jane and Her Gunslinging Green Man—and has also been featured in Creative Loafing, The Grantville Gazette, The International Journal of the Book, Newsweek, Paste, and... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

The Art of Crafting:EVA, craft, & plastidip basics
Have you ever wondered how Tony Stark made his Iron Man suit? Or how you can make a shield that might be as indestructible as Captain America’s? With help from highly skilled cosplay and prop builders, you can learn how to use materials such as Worbla, EVA foam and plasti-dip to create a costume that will prepare you for battle. Sewing isn’t everything, and when it comes to prop building, our guests know their stuff! Step into the foam forge and learn how to create weapons, armor and custom costuming pieces off of solely glue, paint and craft/EVA foam with our awesome and fun costume guests!
Moderators
JT

Jonathan Thompson


Speakers
FC

Fredrick Corry

avatar for Michael Burson

Michael Burson

Costuming
Counselor by day, cosplayer by nights and weekends, Michael Burson has been dressing up like a wizard since reading Sorcerer's Stone in 1998. 21 years later, his robes are now just better constructed. Michael has been cosplaying together with his wife Hayley since 2015 and takes care... Read More →
avatar for Nat Ryan

Nat Ryan

Costuming, OkWookiee Cosplay
Dubbed "Miss Hot Glued Hot Mess 2018", Nat Ryan has been costuming for the past 9 years, specializing in custom patterning, body painting, special effects, con crunch costuming tactics, cosplay marketing and extreme (and I mean extreme) costume budgeting. When she isn't donning a... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

2:00pm EDT

Is this real life? Is it just fantasy? What is augmented reality?
An exploration of augmented reality and the revolution in in science, education and entertainment
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
RS

Ruth Suehle

MK

Micki Knop

GH

Gabe Higgins

VR Creative Consultant

Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

2:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
TS

Tamsin Silver

avatar for Ed McKeown

Ed McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
Edward McKeown is best known for his two Confederation Space Series: The Robert Fenaday/Shasti Rainhell series of SF novels set on the Privateer Sidhe & set in the same universe, The Maauro Chronicles featuring a 50,000 year old android named Maauro and her friend, a disgraced... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

NY Times Bestselling Authors Tell All (well, probably not ALL)
Moderators
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →

Speakers
DS

Dacre Stoker

Author Lecturer Presenter
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
DW

David Weber

AR

Aaron Rosenberg

avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

2:00pm EDT

The ConCarolinas FX Make-Up Showcase
Join Bill Mulligan as he demonstrates what goes in to creating a monster for the camera! You’ll see a hapless participant (read “victim”) undergo a professional transformation from ConCarolinas attendee to undead creature and learn the various techniques that go into the make-up process behind the scenes
Moderators
avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film/Media/TV
Bill Mulligan could have sworn he had a bio but his students pointed out he did not, when they SHOULD have been working on their science festival projects. He is a filmmaker/special effects artist who has had the good fortune to be involved in a a number of award winning projects... Read More →

Speakers
AB

Allie Blackmon

avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
CA

Ceirra Ayers

JM

Jennifer McCollom


Saturday June 1, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Film

3:00pm EDT

Professional Wrestling Storytellers
Professional wrestling has spent decades telling compelling stories, creating larger than life characters, and drawing on everything from contemporary pop culture back to classic mythology. Let’s look at the best stories over the years and what made them great.
Moderators
avatar for JJ Dunaway

JJ Dunaway


Speakers
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →
avatar for Dave Harlequin

Dave Harlequin

Film
Described by both press and colleagues as an "independent renaissance man" and "voice of the underground," Dave Harlequin is a professional screenwriter, journalist, author, and independent filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the Co-Creative Director of North Carolina... Read More →
avatar for Rick Wise

Rick Wise

Lead singer, writer, art director, and mad scientist, Splintered Reality
Mr. Rick is a Raleigh based musician, graphic artist, and poet with a flare for the dramatic. With the ability to play multiple instruments and a highly prolific writing style, he has produced 3 studio albums as a solo artist and 5 more with his critically acclaimed band Splintered... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

3:00pm EDT

We Are Not Spock
In a world with so much hurt and uncertainty, the temptation is stronger than ever to bury one’s feelings to avoid pain and anxiety. We’ll be talking about some of the consequences of such emotional suppression and some tips to help manage your daily interactions.
Moderators
HG

Hannah Givens

BH

Brittini Harbin


Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

3:00pm EDT

Arming Your Characters
What kinds of weapons are suitable for your story? Are there novels you’ve read in which the author handled weaponry in a unique way? How does the writer even learn about all this stuff?
Moderators
NN

Nancy Northcott


Speakers
avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →
JH

Jacob Holo

avatar for Ed McKeown

Ed McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
Edward McKeown is best known for his two Confederation Space Series: The Robert Fenaday/Shasti Rainhell series of SF novels set on the Privateer Sidhe & set in the same universe, The Maauro Chronicles featuring a 50,000 year old android named Maauro and her friend, a disgraced... Read More →
avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

3:00pm EDT

Plotting
How do I plot a story if I don’t know what the end will be? What if I have a brilliant ending in mind, but no idea how to get there? Let’s talk about some of the ways authors plot their stories.
Moderators
SM

Steve Murphy


Speakers
avatar for Tony Daniel

Tony Daniel

Senior Editor, Baen Books
Tony Daniel is senior editor at Baen Books. He is the author of 11 fantasy and science fiction novels, the latest of which is young adult fantasy, The Amber Arrow. His science fiction books include Guardian of Night and two Star Trek novels. He’s an award-winning short story writer... Read More →
avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →
JB

Jeffrey Bardwell


Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

3:00pm EDT

Swordwind Demonstration
Learn how to duel with longswords, broadswords, and all kinds of bladed coolness! No, there will not be real blades. No, there will not be blood. The experts from Swordwind will be on hand to provide safe and fun instruction with plastic practice weapons.
Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
The Lawn

3:00pm EDT

Social Media and How To Use It
If you have ever wanted to learn how to turn your passion into a career then listen up! You have got to start somewhere and with a little help, your next post or picture could be you ticket to money making. It all comes down to this; how many likes you have, how many TRUE followers you have, and who gives a damn about what you are doing. This sounds a little intimidating, but with a little help from our guests you will be a social media pro in no time! Learn from past experiences and take note of what is most important. So break out that ole pen and paper and get ready to go back to the basics.
Moderators
avatar for Hayley Burson

Hayley Burson

Happiest when living her most authentic hobbit lifestyle, Hayley Burson is a cosplayer, crafter, and librarian. Though always playing dress-up in her youth and in theatre, Hayley first got into cosplay when she and her husband Michael started attending cons in 2015. As a librarian... Read More →

Speakers
JH

Jenna Hamrick

avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

3:00pm EDT

Filmmaking for Beginners
You want to make a film, but where do you start?! Filmmakers discuss various methods for getting the ball rolling on your first film production.
Moderators
CG

Christopher G. Moore


Speakers
MR

Michael Ray Williams

AW

Alan Watkins

AG

Angela Giddings

avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

3:00pm EDT

Skeptics Vs. Believers
expect fireworks as each side makes their case
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film/Media/TV, Film
Sammie Cassell is a Stokesdale NC based producer/actor. As VP of Wreak Havoc Productions he has been involved with 5 feature films and 15 short films. Wreak Havoc has the shorts Uncle Otto’s Truck (a Stephen King story) and the drama Sea, Salt, Wind on the festival circuit right... Read More →
AY

Adam York

avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →
TR

Tina R. McSwain

Paranormal, CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society
I am a well respected paranormal investigator and researcher with over 20 year experience. I founded CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society in 2005 and we are still going strong today. We take a scientific approach to the study of all types of paranormal activity.
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
JC

Joshua Cutchin


Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

3:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
PP

Peter Prellwitz


Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

3:00pm EDT

Charity Auction and Deep South Con Awards
Speakers
RS

Rich Sigfrit


Saturday June 1, 2019 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Main

4:00pm EDT

Geeky Rants
A convention favorite, panelists and attendees come armed to tell us what they hate about what they love.
Moderators
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →
AB

Allie Blackmon

avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
SV

Sarah Van Tassel

avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Geek Life
Joey Starnes (aka the Giddy Geeker) does not claim to be an expert on all geekeries – she's just happy to organize it. She runs the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geek Gala, and the Muggles Market.  Her main geekdoms include Doctor Who, Harry... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

4:00pm EDT

Inside Arkham
A discussion of the depiction of asylums and characters with severe mental illness in various pieces of fiction (comics, film, books, etc.)
Moderators
HG

Hannah Givens

BH

Brittini Harbin


Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

4:00pm EDT

Faith and Fantasy
This panel explores the relationship between magic and faith in fantasy fiction, as well as the role of religion in world-building. What role does faith play in the magic/science divide? What are some ways to diversify the depictions of faith in fantasy and horror?
Moderators
avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author

Speakers
avatar for Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan

Author, Writing
Robert Bevan took his first steps in comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and his first steps in fantasy with Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, these two loves mingled, festered, and congealed into the ever expanding Caverns & Creatures series of comedy/fantasy novels... Read More →
avatar for Tony Daniel

Tony Daniel

Senior Editor, Baen Books
Tony Daniel is senior editor at Baen Books. He is the author of 11 fantasy and science fiction novels, the latest of which is young adult fantasy, The Amber Arrow. His science fiction books include Guardian of Night and two Star Trek novels. He’s an award-winning short story writer... Read More →
avatar for Jason T. Graves

Jason T. Graves

Author, editor, illustrator, publisher, educator—Jason is most happy making things or teaching others. He is the author of four novels—Blood Roses and Morning Stars, books one and two of the Noctivagas Chronicle; The Alewife: Curse of Obsession; and Gretchen Thyrd: On the Bridge—and... Read More →
TS

Tamsin Silver


Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

4:00pm EDT

Writing "Rules" We Love to Break
There’s lots of received wisdom about writing out there. What rules are worth breaking sometimes? When and how? What are our favorite rule-breaking authors?
Moderators
avatar for Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie

Paige is the author of the Legacies of Arnan fantasy series, which to date includes Draigon Weather and Wing Wing, with the 3rd book, Long Light, in the works. Raised in a small, rural community in Maine, Paige learned quickly that society did not have to dictate the role she would... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor is a fantasy author and analytical chemist in Charleston, SC, where she lives with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and sometimes chickens. Her articles on writing science in science fiction can be found in “Putting the Science in Fiction” from Writer’s Digest... Read More →
SJ

Stuart Jaffe

avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

4:00pm EDT

Sounds Interesting!
Sound can make or break a film. The score and effects might sound great, but it doesn’t help your film make much sense if you can’t hear the actors! Panelists discuss various methods on sound editing to help make a film sound its very best.
Moderators
CT

Cristina Trinity Vélez-Justo


Speakers
avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film/Media/TV
Bill Mulligan could have sworn he had a bio but his students pointed out he did not, when they SHOULD have been working on their science festival projects. He is a filmmaker/special effects artist who has had the good fortune to be involved in a a number of award winning projects... Read More →
avatar for Tom Gore

Tom Gore

Film/Media/TV, Film
Tom Gore was born and raised in Newport RI. Of Irish heritage, he realized from an early age that he enjoyed entertaining people with his offbeat sense of humor. After graduating he decided to put that on hold to join the Army and serve his country. With his drive and determination... Read More →
MJ

Mariah Johnson

CG

Christopher G. Moore


Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

4:00pm EDT

Now Are the Foxes
Performance
Speakers
NA

Now Are the Foxes


Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Performance

4:00pm EDT

More with Tory Belleci
Join our Guest of Honor for another hour of science vs. legend.
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
TB

Tory Belleci


Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

4:00pm EDT

Mauled Men, Drowned Dames, and Crispy Critters, a Body Disposal Primer for Writers
A true friend will help you hide the bodies…come learn some of the best tips and tricks for being a true friend to your characters!
Speakers
JA

Jeanne Adams


Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

4:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →
avatar for Misty Massey

Misty Massey

Literary Guest
Misty Massey is the author of MAD KESTREL, a rollicking adventure of magic on the high seas (Tor), KESTREL'S VOYAGES, a collection of short stories featuring those rambunctious pirates (Amazon) and the upcoming KESTREL'S DANCE (Lore Seekers Press).  She is a co-editor of THE WEIRD... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

4:00pm EDT

LARP
Saturday June 1, 2019 4:00pm - 11:59pm EDT
Executive Boardroom
  Gaming

4:30pm EDT

Costume Contest
Speakers
TL

The Library Bards


Saturday June 1, 2019 4:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Main

5:00pm EDT

Impractical Panelists
Panelists and audience members give a 5-minute impromptu presentation on a suggested topic using random slides they don't see until they're talking.
Sponsored by The Charlotte Geek Gala
Moderators
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →
avatar for Rick Wise

Rick Wise

Lead singer, writer, art director, and mad scientist, Splintered Reality
Mr. Rick is a Raleigh based musician, graphic artist, and poet with a flare for the dramatic. With the ability to play multiple instruments and a highly prolific writing style, he has produced 3 studio albums as a solo artist and 5 more with his critically acclaimed band Splintered... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

5:00pm EDT

Parasocial Relationships - Fanships or Friendships?
Have you ever watched someone's YouTube videos and felt like they're your friend? Even though you don't know them and have never met? A parasocial relationship is a one-way, non-reciprocated relationship, and over the past few decades first TV presenters and now online content creators have perfected methods of fostering and exploiting those relationships. Come learn the history of the term and how these relationships are used, both for good and for bad
Moderators
avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →
avatar for Elisa Hansen

Elisa Hansen

New Media
Elisa Hansen is a SFF author and YouTube video essayist. As her alter-ego, The Maven of the Eventide, she produces the humorously analytical webseries, Vampire Reviews, which examines the evolution of vampire tropes and social allegories in media and pop culture through a feminist... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

5:00pm EDT

Space Opera
From The Expanse to the Honorverse, stories set in space have always been thrilling. What makes outer space so exciting? Who are some of the best storytellers working out in the black?
Moderators
avatar for Tony Daniel

Tony Daniel

Senior Editor, Baen Books
Tony Daniel is senior editor at Baen Books. He is the author of 11 fantasy and science fiction novels, the latest of which is young adult fantasy, The Amber Arrow. His science fiction books include Guardian of Night and two Star Trek novels. He’s an award-winning short story writer... Read More →

Speakers
DW

David Weber

JH

Jacob Holo

avatar for Ed McKeown

Ed McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
Edward McKeown is best known for his two Confederation Space Series: The Robert Fenaday/Shasti Rainhell series of SF novels set on the Privateer Sidhe & set in the same universe, The Maauro Chronicles featuring a 50,000 year old android named Maauro and her friend, a disgraced... Read More →
RH

Rebekah Hamrick


Saturday June 1, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

5:00pm EDT

Structuring a Series
Are you writing a trilogy or an ongoing series? Do you need help figuring out how to carry one story through six books while still ending each volume on a satisfactory note? Our panel of successful series writers can help.
Moderators
SJ

Stuart Jaffe


Speakers
MS

Matthew Saunders

EC

E.A. Copen

avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author
AR

Aaron Rosenberg


Saturday June 1, 2019 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

5:00pm EDT

Swordwind Demonstration
Learn how to duel with longswords, broadswords, and all kinds of bladed coolness! No, there will not be real blades. No, there will not be blood. The experts from Swordwind will be on hand to provide safe and fun instruction with plastic practice weapons.
Saturday June 1, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
The Lawn

5:00pm EDT

ConCarolinas Short Film Festival International Showcase
The ConCarolinas Film Track presents a showcase of our international award winners! 
Saturday June 1, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

5:00pm EDT

Weird science
Our panelists bring in their favorite weird or game-changing stories in science and technology in the past year.
Moderators
avatar for James Beall

James Beall


Speakers
avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
CK

Charlie Kaufman

JC

Jim Craig

MK

Micki Knop

avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

5:30pm EDT

Drink and Jam with Mikey Mason (Sponsored by the Charlotte Geeks)
Performance
Moderators
avatar for Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason (She Don’t Like Firefly, Best Game Ever) is a full-time standup comedian whose work has been featured on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, DrDemento.com, Nerdist.com, MTV Geek News, SyFy’s Blastr.com, Time Magazine’s Techland, and on theFuMP.com. He has made multiple... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Fountainview
  Performance

6:00pm EDT

Hi, Are You My Tribe?
How to find the best place(s) to “fit in”
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Geek Life
Joey Starnes (aka the Giddy Geeker) does not claim to be an expert on all geekeries – she's just happy to organize it. She runs the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geek Gala, and the Muggles Market.  Her main geekdoms include Doctor Who, Harry... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Wes Smith

Wes Smith

Nerd-type person
IW

Irene Walker

avatar for Rick Wise

Rick Wise

Lead singer, writer, art director, and mad scientist, Splintered Reality
Mr. Rick is a Raleigh based musician, graphic artist, and poet with a flare for the dramatic. With the ability to play multiple instruments and a highly prolific writing style, he has produced 3 studio albums as a solo artist and 5 more with his critically acclaimed band Splintered... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

6:00pm EDT

Whose Con is it Anyway?
Panelists and audience members “compete” in game(s) based on the improv show. “Scenes from a hat” “World’s worst” “Party Guests” “Mute Button”
Moderators
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →

Speakers
RS

Ruth Suehle

DH

Dance Harden

SJ

Stuart Jaffe

avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
avatar for JJ Dunaway

JJ Dunaway


Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

6:00pm EDT

Military SF Today
Military SF is a constantly evolving genre because the tools of war change. With the rise of private military companies, and the ability of the extremely wealthy to purchase private armies it often feels like the real world is coming closer to SF. Our panelists talk about the intersection of technology, fiction and military culture.
Moderators
avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →

Speakers
DW

David Weber

avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →
SM

Steve Murphy

JS

J.A. Sutherland


Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

6:00pm EDT

There is No Finish Line: Maintaining Energy and Momentum
Experienced writers who have been on the roller coaster for a while know the big secret: you never really "make it." Just because you've sold one book doesn't mean you'll sell the next one (and just because you didn't sell the last one doesn't mean the next one won't hit big). Our panel offers tips and strategies for maintaining the will to keep creating.
Moderators
LB

Lucy Blue


Speakers
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
RH

Rebekah Hamrick

avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

6:00pm EDT

You’ve Gotta Work With What You Got: Patterns and Fabrics
Ever read the back of a pattern envelope and had no idea what all those numbers and words mean? Ever wondered if you were cutting the right line, or if those triangle things are really that important? Ever struggled with how you could take a pattern sold in a craft store and make it work even better for your cosplay? Or maybe even make a new one from scratch? This is a panel about how to read, use, adapt, and create your very own sewing patterns.
Moderators
avatar for Michael Burson

Michael Burson

Costuming
Counselor by day, cosplayer by nights and weekends, Michael Burson has been dressing up like a wizard since reading Sorcerer's Stone in 1998. 21 years later, his robes are now just better constructed. Michael has been cosplaying together with his wife Hayley since 2015 and takes care... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Derek Nieman

Derek Nieman

Costuming
Derek Nieman has been part of the south east convention scene for over ten years. An original member of the Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion, it goes almost without saying that Derek is a huge Star Wars fan. Not limited to just being a one trick fan boy, Derek also has a huge... Read More →
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →
DR

Daphne Reeder


Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

6:00pm EDT

I want THAT Guy!
Casting is one of those things that can make or break a film. Filmmakers discuss various methods on getting actors to audition, finding actors for your film in a pinch, and casting the right people in the right role.
Moderators
MR

Michael Ray Williams


Speakers
avatar for England Simpson

England Simpson

Award-Winning Actor/Filmmaker, Thirty SadFace Productions
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film/Media/TV, Film
Sammie Cassell is a Stokesdale NC based producer/actor. As VP of Wreak Havoc Productions he has been involved with 5 feature films and 15 short films. Wreak Havoc has the shorts Uncle Otto’s Truck (a Stephen King story) and the drama Sea, Salt, Wind on the festival circuit right... Read More →
avatar for Tom Gore

Tom Gore

Film/Media/TV, Film
Tom Gore was born and raised in Newport RI. Of Irish heritage, he realized from an early age that he enjoyed entertaining people with his offbeat sense of humor. After graduating he decided to put that on hold to join the Army and serve his country. With his drive and determination... Read More →
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film/Media/TV, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Apex. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 4 feature films under her belt and more than a dozen short films mainly in the horror and sci-fi genre.She is an advocate for women... Read More →
JE

Juli Emmons


Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

6:00pm EDT

Using Folklore in Media
discussion of how folklore inspires collaboration between experts and artists
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
TR

Tina R. McSwain

Paranormal, CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society
I am a well respected paranormal investigator and researcher with over 20 year experience. I founded CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society in 2005 and we are still going strong today. We take a scientific approach to the study of all types of paranormal activity.
avatar for Antler Hill

Antler Hill

Neil Lee Griffin has a lifelong passion for writing and performing music and Jessica Griffin grew up singing constantly. In 2016 they joined to become Antler Hill Arts - specializing in many various artistic talents including graphic design, portraiture, movie scoring, crafts, and... Read More →
JC

Joshua Cutchin


Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

6:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
MB

Michele Berger

avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press

Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

6:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

7:00pm EDT

Geeky Name That Tune
Can you name that tune the fastest? King of the Mountain style game; beat the King to naming the song and claim the crown. All Kings get prizes.
Moderators
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →

Speakers
TL

The Library Bards


Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

7:00pm EDT

Hold Onto the Light
This is a discussion aimed at mental health and suicide prevention
Moderators
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
NN

Nancy Northcott

avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →
FN

Faith Naff


Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

7:00pm EDT

Gaming As Entertainment
a discussion of the phenomenon of tabletop and video game streaming via Twitch and other platforms - how it works, its history and how having a live audience changes how games are played
Moderators
avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
avatar for Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan

Author, Writing
Robert Bevan took his first steps in comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and his first steps in fantasy with Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, these two loves mingled, festered, and congealed into the ever expanding Caverns & Creatures series of comedy/fantasy novels... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

7:00pm EDT

Gaslamp
Melding fantasy and scifi - hey, you got dragons in my steampunk
Moderators
LM

Leann M. Rettell


Speakers
HH

H.P. Holo

JB

Jeffrey Bardwell

avatar for Larry N. Martin

Larry N. Martin

Writing
Larry N. Martin writes and co-authors science fiction, steampunk, and urban fantasy for Solaris Books, Falstaff Books and SOL Publishing. His newest book is The Splintered Crown, a portal gaming fantasy. He also is the author of Salvage Rat, the first in a new space opera series.Together... Read More →
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and Wolfbane: The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural, and sometimes involve steam and gears! You can check out his... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

7:00pm EDT

Mythology in the Modern Era
Writers, artists, and editors present and discuss recent works which combine characters from ancient myths with modern themes, situations and aesthetic trends in order to create stories about today's concerns with mythical resonance. What do they actually say about ourselves in the current moment?
Moderators
avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author

Speakers
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Frohock

Teresa Frohock

Virtual Guest Speaker, Writing
T. Frohock has turned a love of history and dark fantasy into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She is the author of Miserere: An Autumn Tale and the Los Nefilim series, which includes the novels: Where Oblivion Lives, Carved from Stone and Dream, and A Song with Teeth. Three... Read More →
avatar for Jason T. Graves

Jason T. Graves

Author, editor, illustrator, publisher, educator—Jason is most happy making things or teaching others. He is the author of four novels—Blood Roses and Morning Stars, books one and two of the Noctivagas Chronicle; The Alewife: Curse of Obsession; and Gretchen Thyrd: On the Bridge—and... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

7:00pm EDT

Antler Hill
Performance
Moderators
avatar for Antler Hill

Antler Hill

Neil Lee Griffin has a lifelong passion for writing and performing music and Jessica Griffin grew up singing constantly. In 2016 they joined to become Antler Hill Arts - specializing in many various artistic talents including graphic design, portraiture, movie scoring, crafts, and... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Performance

7:00pm EDT

VR & AR in Education, storytelling and exploration
Virtual and Augmented reality can bring us closer to the future not only in entertainment, but training in industry, education and media, and immersing us into new realities only before seen in science fiction
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
RS

Ruth Suehle

GH

Gabe Higgins

VR Creative Consultant

Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

7:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

7:00pm EDT

BLOOD OF THE MUMMY
The Mummy’s Curse has plagued Louise since the horrific deaths of her parents after they discovered of the tomb of Princess Ananka over two decades ago. Now, a mysterious stranger has entered her life who may be the key to finally ending it. But first she must reach into the dark, distant depths to face who she really is and learn the origin of the curse..
Saturday June 1, 2019 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

7:30pm EDT

Mikey Mason Concert (Sponsored by The Charlotte Geeks)
Performance
Speakers
avatar for Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason (She Don’t Like Firefly, Best Game Ever) is a full-time standup comedian whose work has been featured on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, DrDemento.com, Nerdist.com, MTV Geek News, SyFy’s Blastr.com, Time Magazine’s Techland, and on theFuMP.com. He has made multiple... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Performance

8:00pm EDT

Great Book/Awful Movie
Some of the best movies and TV ever made have been adapted from books. And there are also plenty examples where amazing literature spawned some absolutely horrendous cinema. Let’s discuss the best books that should’ve never been put on screen.
Moderators
MK

Micki Knop


Speakers
AG

Angela Giddings

avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →
avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.

Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

8:00pm EDT

The Road So Far
Let's talk about Supernatural
Moderators
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →

Speakers
CT

Cristina Trinity Vélez-Justo

avatar for Alexander Gideon

Alexander Gideon

Writer, Author
Born in Nashville, TN, Alexander Gideon quickly decided he wasn’t a fan of the N, and now lives in Asheville, NC. He enjoys writing fantasy of any kind as long as it’s dark, and he dabbles in sci-horror. He enjoys exorcising, taking long walks on extraterrestrial beaches, relaxing... Read More →
SJ

Stuart Jaffe


Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

8:00pm EDT

The Writer is Not Your Servant
How much do readers "own" the books they read? Writing is a private art intended for public display. Once the story is out of the writer's hands, it can take on a life of its own--inspiring fandoms, fantheories, and fan interpretations that can vary widely from the author's. What is the writer's role in participating via social media in debunking or encouraging fan theories? Can the author be "wrong" about their own work? Our panel of authors and expert fans discuss the various and increasingly complex interactions between work, author, and reader.
Moderators
avatar for J.D. Blackrose

J.D. Blackrose

Author

Speakers
PB

Paul Barrett

avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →
avatar for Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie

Paige is the author of the Legacies of Arnan fantasy series, which to date includes Draigon Weather and Wing Wing, with the 3rd book, Long Light, in the works. Raised in a small, rural community in Maine, Paige learned quickly that society did not have to dictate the role she would... Read More →
avatar for Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan

Author, Writing
Robert Bevan took his first steps in comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and his first steps in fantasy with Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, these two loves mingled, festered, and congealed into the ever expanding Caverns & Creatures series of comedy/fantasy novels... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

8:00pm EDT

Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance share many elements: supernatural creatures, romantic entanglements and modern settings. What distinguishes the two genres from each other? And how do you know which one you’re writing?
Moderators
JA

Jeanne Adams


Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
avatar for Crymsyn Hart

Crymsyn Hart

Author, Paranormal
Crymsyn Hart is a National Bestselling author of over eighty paranormal romance and horror novels. Her experiences as a psychic and ghostly encounters have given her a lot of material to use in her books. Vampires, grim reapers, shifters, and other paranormal creatures tend to end... Read More →
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →
EC

E.A. Copen

NN

Nancy Northcott


Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

8:00pm EDT

The ConCarolinas Short Film Festival Awards Ceremony
It all comes down to this! Filmmakers will receive awards for their films based on the categories listed on the Film Festival Home Page. Come support the filmmakers as they receive their awards, and meet and greet with them afterwards!
Moderators
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and Wolfbane: The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural, and sometimes involve steam and gears! You can check out his... Read More →
avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film/Media/TV
Bill Mulligan could have sworn he had a bio but his students pointed out he did not, when they SHOULD have been working on their science festival projects. He is a filmmaker/special effects artist who has had the good fortune to be involved in a a number of award winning projects... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Film

8:00pm EDT

Using Psychics in Investigations
paranormal teams use both technology and psychics to do investigations. Learn how the process really works.
Moderators
TR

Tina R. McSwain

Paranormal, CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society
I am a well respected paranormal investigator and researcher with over 20 year experience. I founded CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society in 2005 and we are still going strong today. We take a scientific approach to the study of all types of paranormal activity.

Speakers
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

8:30pm EDT

Deep South Con Hearts Tournament
Deep South Con's Annual Hearts Tournament! 
Saturday June 1, 2019 8:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Deep South Con 57

9:00pm EDT

Diverse Representation in Media
A discussion about how various minority groups are represented in media and how that helps or hinders public understanding of said groups.
Moderators
FN

Faith Naff


Speakers
JH

Jenna Hamrick

avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →
avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

9:00pm EDT

Living with Your Normie
You're a geek/nerd/fanperson/gamer. Your significant other thinks they “watched an episode of Trek Wars once…” We’ll discuss ways they deal with having a Normal as their lover/SO/roomie/Mom?
Moderators
AM

Adrianne McDonald


Speakers
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film/Media/TV, Film
Sammie Cassell is a Stokesdale NC based producer/actor. As VP of Wreak Havoc Productions he has been involved with 5 feature films and 15 short films. Wreak Havoc has the shorts Uncle Otto’s Truck (a Stephen King story) and the drama Sea, Salt, Wind on the festival circuit right... Read More →
avatar for Wes Smith

Wes Smith

Nerd-type person

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

9:00pm EDT

The Nature of Evil
Is evil a tangible force? Is it the lack of feeling amongst human beings? Or is it something else? Our panel discusses what makes evil what it is, and the best uses of it in science fiction and fantasy.
Moderators
avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →

Speakers
PP

Peter Prellwitz

SM

Steve Murphy

MS

Matthew Saunders

avatar for Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan

Author, Writing
Robert Bevan took his first steps in comedy with The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and his first steps in fantasy with Dungeons & Dragons. Over the years, these two loves mingled, festered, and congealed into the ever expanding Caverns & Creatures series of comedy/fantasy novels... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

9:00pm EDT

The Science of Magic
Everything has a price in magic, and everything needs an explanation in science fiction - and both describe the fantastical and (currently) impossible. What makes one approach preferable to another? Is one harder to read or to write than the other? A panel of writers whose stories feature magic, or science, or both, will read short excerpts from our work and talk about why and how we chose our preferred flavor of speculation and/or fantasy, what guides our choices when depicting what in reality we cannot (yet) do, and what excites us about depicting abilities and events beyond our current understanding.
Moderators
LM

Leann M. Rettell


Speakers
PB

Paul Barrett

avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
avatar for Larry N. Martin

Larry N. Martin

Writing
Larry N. Martin writes and co-authors science fiction, steampunk, and urban fantasy for Solaris Books, Falstaff Books and SOL Publishing. His newest book is The Splintered Crown, a portal gaming fantasy. He also is the author of Salvage Rat, the first in a new space opera series.Together... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

9:00pm EDT

The Art Of The Micro-Film
You don’t have the resources for a full feature? No problem! Films that have a 5 minute running time or less are even more likely to find favor with audiences and film festivals. Learn how to make every minute count!
Moderators
AW

Alan Watkins


Speakers
avatar for England Simpson

England Simpson

Award-Winning Actor/Filmmaker, Thirty SadFace Productions
JE

Juli Emmons

avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →
avatar for Dave Harlequin

Dave Harlequin

Film
Described by both press and colleagues as an "independent renaissance man" and "voice of the underground," Dave Harlequin is a professional screenwriter, journalist, author, and independent filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the Co-Creative Director of North Carolina... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

9:00pm EDT

Valentine Wolfe
Performance
Speakers
avatar for Valentine Wolfe

Valentine Wolfe

Special Musical Guests
Formed in 2006, Valentine Wolfe is the combined effort of the Lady Sarah Black and Braxton Ballew. Imagine Sarah Brightman being backed by Francois Rabbath blowing through a Marshall stack at midnight. Having dubbed their music "Victorian Chamber metal", the duo have synthesized a... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Performance

9:00pm EDT

Ask a (mad) scientist
A round table of our science and tech guests. Robot overlords? AI gone wild? Dinosaur parks? Cold fusion? Bring your questions!
Moderators
avatar for James Beall

James Beall


Speakers
avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
CK

Charlie Kaufman

JC

Jim Craig

AG

Angela Giddings

JN

Jim Nettles


Saturday June 1, 2019 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

10:00pm EDT

Ask Us Anything
Our panelists answer your burning questions on anything - except writing. Ask about baking, the meaning of life, Flat Earth theory, their favorite composers - anything but writing! (Truth is not guaranteed).
Speakers
DS

Dacre Stoker

Author Lecturer Presenter
avatar for Crymsyn Hart

Crymsyn Hart

Author, Paranormal
Crymsyn Hart is a National Bestselling author of over eighty paranormal romance and horror novels. Her experiences as a psychic and ghostly encounters have given her a lot of material to use in her books. Vampires, grim reapers, shifters, and other paranormal creatures tend to end... Read More →
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.
HH

H.P. Holo

JH

Jacob Holo


Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 10:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

10:00pm EDT

The Exploration of Humanity in SF
How science fiction can put characters in bizarre situations just to teach us something about ourselves or open our minds to real possibilities. Examples include A Long Way to Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers which explores family dynamics and sexuality in the setting of a ragtag crew flying in a spaceship.
Moderators
avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press
RH

Rebekah Hamrick

avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
avatar for Ed McKeown

Ed McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
Edward McKeown is best known for his two Confederation Space Series: The Robert Fenaday/Shasti Rainhell series of SF novels set on the Privateer Sidhe & set in the same universe, The Maauro Chronicles featuring a 50,000 year old android named Maauro and her friend, a disgraced... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 10:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

10:00pm EDT

All That's Old is New Again
The reinvention of shows and toys from our childhood that are being brought back: My Little Pony, Polly Pockets, Cupcake Surprise, Tamagotchi, She-Ra, and more.
Moderators
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Wes Smith

Wes Smith

Nerd-type person
NJ

Nickie Jamison

CM

Christie Mowery


Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00pm EDT

Believe in the Fireflies
A panel discussing the most heavily awarded video game in history, The Last of Us, and the highly anticipated sequel.
Moderators
AB

Allie Blackmon


Speakers
avatar for Alexander Gideon

Alexander Gideon

Writer, Author
Born in Nashville, TN, Alexander Gideon quickly decided he wasn’t a fan of the N, and now lives in Asheville, NC. He enjoys writing fantasy of any kind as long as it’s dark, and he dabbles in sci-horror. He enjoys exorcising, taking long walks on extraterrestrial beaches, relaxing... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00pm EDT

We'll Fix it in Post!
Ah, the age-old mantra! Panelists discuss what it really means to “fix it in post,” and how that can sometimes help production or send things spiraling.
Moderators
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film/Media/TV, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Apex. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 4 feature films under her belt and more than a dozen short films mainly in the horror and sci-fi genre.She is an advocate for women... Read More →

Speakers
PB

Paul Barrett

avatar for Shannon Strucci

Shannon Strucci

Film/Media/TV, New Media
Shannon Strucci is a filmmaker and podcast host known for her webseries FAKE FRIENDS, a series on parasocial relationships, her role as a player and host on the teen superhero body horror actual play podcast Critical Bits, and her role as film correspondent on the podcast Struggle... Read More →
CG

Christopher G. Moore


Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

10:00pm EDT

Ghost Stories with Tally Johnson
The air in the room has a ghostly chill as Tally Johnson tells the eerie tales of ghosts that haunt the Carolinas while Valentine Wolfe summons them with a haunted score.
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Literary Guest, Chester County (SC) Library
Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Spartanburg Methodist College and Wofford College with degrees in history. He is the author of Ghosts of the South Carolina Upcountry, Ghosts of the South Carolina Midlands, Ghosts of the Pee Dee (all for The History Press). His newest full-length fiction... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Valentine Wolfe

Valentine Wolfe

Special Musical Guests
Formed in 2006, Valentine Wolfe is the combined effort of the Lady Sarah Black and Braxton Ballew. Imagine Sarah Brightman being backed by Francois Rabbath blowing through a Marshall stack at midnight. Having dubbed their music "Victorian Chamber metal", the duo have synthesized a... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Paranormal

10:00pm EDT

Spirits over Spirits Podcast
live paranormal podcast
Moderators
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

10:00pm EDT

Flashback Fandom 80s Dance Party
Break out your Jordache jeans and Members Only jackets! We're heading back to the 80s for the best movie music ever! So, Come On Eileen, you might find Fame if you cut Footloose, try a little Dirty Dancing, and just Say Anything because you'll always be Pretty In Pink when you Stand By Me.
Saturday June 1, 2019 10:00pm - 11:50pm EDT
Fountainview
  Fandom & Geek Life

11:00pm EDT

When Disaster Strikes! This One Time on Set
Filmmakers discuss times when disaster can strike on a production, and how setbacks and shenanigans can be handled without affecting the film. Most of the time.
Moderators
avatar for Dave Harlequin

Dave Harlequin

Film
Described by both press and colleagues as an "independent renaissance man" and "voice of the underground," Dave Harlequin is a professional screenwriter, journalist, author, and independent filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the Co-Creative Director of North Carolina... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for England Simpson

England Simpson

Award-Winning Actor/Filmmaker, Thirty SadFace Productions
PB

Paul Barrett

CA

Ceirra Ayers

avatar for Angela Pritchett

Angela Pritchett

Virtual Guest Speaker, Film
Angela Pritchett is an actress, author, musician, costumer, podcaster, and makeup artist. She has been seen in films such as Plan 9, the Porkchop film trilogy, Pig Girl, and many others.Angela is an avid cosplayer and has been making her own costumes for the last seventeen years... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00pm - Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00am EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

11:00pm EDT

Now Are the Foxes
Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00pm - Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00am EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Performance

11:00pm EDT

Love, sex, and futuretech
A fun and explicit exploration of changes in society and technology where love, sex, and relationships have moved into the realm of science fiction. 18+
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
AM

Adrianne McDonald

avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest, Author
Michael G. Williams writes wry horror, urban fantasy, and science fiction: stories of monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He is the author of three series for Falstaff Books: The Withrow Chronicles, including Perishables (2012 Laine Cunningham Award), Tooth & Nail... Read More →

Saturday June 1, 2019 11:00pm - Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00am EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech
 
Sunday, June 2
 

9:00am EDT

The Practicality of the Bechdel Test in a Male-Dominated Story-World
The Bechdel Test is a simple gauge of female representation in fiction and film, but it lacks nuance. How can we truly determine balanced male-female representation in our entertainment?
Speakers
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
PP

Peter Prellwitz

avatar for Alledria Hurt

Alledria Hurt

Author - Self-Published

Sunday June 2, 2019 9:00am - 9:50am EDT
Walden
  Writing

9:00am EDT

Pitch Your Film!
It all begins with an idea. Our panel of moviemakers will pitch each other and offer suggestions to those from the audience.
Speakers
avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film/Media/TV
Bill Mulligan could have sworn he had a bio but his students pointed out he did not, when they SHOULD have been working on their science festival projects. He is a filmmaker/special effects artist who has had the good fortune to be involved in a a number of award winning projects... Read More →
JE

Juli Emmons

JJ

Johnny Johnson


Sunday June 2, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

10:00am EDT

SF/F: Are We Ready to Lighten Up Yet?
Nineties Sci Fi and fantasy television was when the genre started going dark, but still held hope for the future: Xena, Charmed, Buffy, Angel, Babylon Five, Deep Space Nine, Voyager. Some of the shows were praised for being more realistic. Then the genre went full on apocalypse. Where is the balance? Are we ready to recapture that old hope? And is that why The Orville is doing better than STD?
Moderators
avatar for Alexander Gideon

Alexander Gideon

Writer, Author
Born in Nashville, TN, Alexander Gideon quickly decided he wasn’t a fan of the N, and now lives in Asheville, NC. He enjoys writing fantasy of any kind as long as it’s dark, and he dabbles in sci-horror. He enjoys exorcising, taking long walks on extraterrestrial beaches, relaxing... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.
DH

Dance Harden

LB

Lucy Blue


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00am EDT

An Hour With...
Speakers
JH

Jacob Holo

HH

H.P. Holo


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

10:00am EDT

Fairies
From Tinkerbell to La Belle Dame Sans Merci, the myth of the little people is age-old and fascinating. Let’s talk about the stories, the origins, and the best uses of fairies in speculative fiction.
Moderators
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →

Speakers
JC

Joshua Cutchin

avatar for Misty Massey

Misty Massey

Literary Guest
Misty Massey is the author of MAD KESTREL, a rollicking adventure of magic on the high seas (Tor), KESTREL'S VOYAGES, a collection of short stories featuring those rambunctious pirates (Amazon) and the upcoming KESTREL'S DANCE (Lore Seekers Press).  She is a co-editor of THE WEIRD... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Keynes
  Writing

10:00am EDT

The Supporting Cast
Sure, it’s the hero’s story, but what about all the people she encounters along the way? Let’s talk about some of the best sidekicks, lovers, and helpers in speculative fiction. What can we take from those great characters to make our own work real?
Moderators
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →
avatar for Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie

Paige is the author of the Legacies of Arnan fantasy series, which to date includes Draigon Weather and Wing Wing, with the 3rd book, Long Light, in the works. Raised in a small, rural community in Maine, Paige learned quickly that society did not have to dictate the role she would... Read More →
DW

David Weber

TS

Tamsin Silver


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Walden
  Writing

10:00am EDT

Reaching New Audiences
A discussion on how long-time properties like Marvel and Star Wars are trying to reach out and appeal to more than just a cis-white-male audience and how audiences are reacting to the changes.
Moderators
avatar for JJ Dunaway

JJ Dunaway


Speakers
avatar for Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler

Writer, Talker
Former co-host The Assignment: Horror Podcast and PWR Spot Show podcast. Guest on various podcasts.Past Writer at Needless Things, Gruesome Magazine, Nerdy Minds, The Assignment: Horror Podcast.
JH

Jenna Hamrick


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

10:00am EDT

Who Does What?!
The end credits show a LOT of people involved in the process of making a film, but what do they all do? A Key Grip? Why does a Producer have so many assistants?! Filmmakers discuss the various roles people play in film production.
Moderators
AY

Adam York


Speakers
avatar for Tom Gore

Tom Gore

Film/Media/TV, Film
Tom Gore was born and raised in Newport RI. Of Irish heritage, he realized from an early age that he enjoyed entertaining people with his offbeat sense of humor. After graduating he decided to put that on hold to join the Army and serve his country. With his drive and determination... Read More →
AW

Alan Watkins

PB

Paul Barrett

avatar for Dave Harlequin

Dave Harlequin

Film
Described by both press and colleagues as an "independent renaissance man" and "voice of the underground," Dave Harlequin is a professional screenwriter, journalist, author, and independent filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the Co-Creative Director of North Carolina... Read More →
JE

Juli Emmons


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

10:00am EDT

They did what?
Our panelists present their favorite examples of amazing technology from the past that amazes us even today.
Moderators
avatar for James Beall

James Beall


Speakers
avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
CK

Charlie Kaufman

avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →
JN

Jim Nettles


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

10:00am EDT

LIVE Guardians of the Geekery Podcast
Live Recording of Guardians of the Geekery with Special Guests!
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Geek Life
Joey Starnes (aka the Giddy Geeker) does not claim to be an expert on all geekeries – she's just happy to organize it. She runs the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geek Gala, and the Muggles Market.  Her main geekdoms include Doctor Who, Harry... Read More →

Speakers
MS

Matt Starnes

avatar for John Hartness

John Hartness

Writing
John G. Hartness is a teller of tales, a righter of wrong, defender of ladies’ virtues, and some people call him Maurice, for he speaks of the pompatus of love. He is also the award-winning author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles, the Bubba the Monster Hunter... Read More →
DW

David Weber

avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →
AR

Aaron Rosenberg

TL

The Library Bards

TB

Tory Belleci


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 11:50am EDT
Burnham
  New Media

10:00am EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
JA

Jeanne Adams

NN

Nancy Northcott


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

10:00am EDT

Shooting the Scene with Johnny Johnson
Ever wanted to visit a film set during a shoot? Johnny Johnson shoots scene from a convention and explains the process as he works in this fully interactive workshop! Audience members in the scene will be provided a permission form to sign. Don't want to be in the shoot? You can still watch off-camera!
Moderators
JJ

Johnny Johnson


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Film

10:00am EDT

On-Site Registration
Purchase your 2019 Membership badge here and pick up pre-registration badges when the Community Table is closed. You may also purchase your ConCarolinas 2020 membership from Registration for $25 all weekend long.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Midway
  Con Info

10:00am EDT

Pre-Registration Badge Pick Up
If you pre-registered, this is where to go to pick up your badge during these hours. After go to Midway.
Moderators
V

Volunteer


Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Community Table
  Con Info

10:00am EDT

Dealer Room
Come see all the amazing items our dealers have for you to purchase!
Sunday June 2, 2019 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT
University Ballroom
  Con Info

11:00am EDT

Geek Ink: Tattoos and Nerd Culture
Body modification is a cultural universal. This panel will break down the fundamental cultural purpose of tattoos then and now, how tattoos work, and finally take a look at the types of ink seen in different sub-groups of the nerd community, where they come from, and what they represent.
Moderators
SV

Sarah Van Tassel


Speakers
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →
avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →
LM

Leann M. Rettell

IW

Irene Walker


Sunday June 2, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

11:00am EDT

How Much Science Do You Need to Know to Write SF?
Science fiction has "science" built right into the genre's name, and many famous creators of classic works came had careers in science. But as the genre has evolved, the margins have gotten fuzzier. At what point does science fiction become pure fantasy? Are creators under any obligation to get their science right?
Moderators
avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →

Speakers
JH

Jacob Holo

RH

Rebekah Hamrick

JS

J.A. Sutherland

avatar for Michael Mammay

Michael Mammay

Author
Michael Mammay is a science fiction writer and retired US Army officer. His debut novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal Best Books of 2018 selection, and the audio book was nominated for an Audie Award for best science fiction audio book of 2018. The sequel to that novel, SPACESIDE... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Walden
  Writing

11:00am EDT

Stone Tablets and Words from the Heavens: Building a Bible for the Modern Writer
When writing a series, it’s very important to keep the details straight. What are the rules? What about characters? Locations? Long-term arcs and development? Building a world or series bible is the best way to collect all of that information. This workshop will go over what info to include in a comprehensive world bible as well as an introduction to some tried and true programs to house the information.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa McArthur

Melissa McArthur

Literary Guest, Falstaff Books
Melissa McArthur is the founder and president of Clicking Keys Writer Services, a full-service editing, cover design, and layout company based in the upstate of South Carolina. She also serves as an Acquiring Editor for Falstaff Books, and is an accomplished editor and proofreader.Her... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Keynes
  Writing

11:00am EDT

Dealing With Disabilities
A large segment of our world possesses some type of disability, whether mobility, sensory, cognitive, or emotional. Let’s have a safe-space dialogue based on our personal and professional experiences, with the intent of encouragement and letting folks know “You are not alone.”
Moderators
avatar for Chris Shrewsbury

Chris Shrewsbury

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Chris has volunteered, paneled, guested, staffed, and been committee at literally dozens of cons along the east coast for 30+ years.He’s a nationally certified sign language interpreter, working in entertainment, education, medical, and government settings. Following Navy service... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
HG

Hannah Givens

BH

Brittini Harbin


Sunday June 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

11:00am EDT

Score One for Film!
Music is one of the many things that make films memorable! Panelists discuss the process of scoring a film, and how to pick the right music for the scene.
Moderators
CT

Cristina Trinity Vélez-Justo


Speakers
avatar for Antler Hill

Antler Hill

Neil Lee Griffin has a lifelong passion for writing and performing music and Jessica Griffin grew up singing constantly. In 2016 they joined to become Antler Hill Arts - specializing in many various artistic talents including graphic design, portraiture, movie scoring, crafts, and... Read More →
avatar for Tom Gore

Tom Gore

Film/Media/TV, Film
Tom Gore was born and raised in Newport RI. Of Irish heritage, he realized from an early age that he enjoyed entertaining people with his offbeat sense of humor. After graduating he decided to put that on hold to join the Army and serve his country. With his drive and determination... Read More →
JJ

Johnny Johnson


Sunday June 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

11:00am EDT

Carolina Cryptids
discussion of our local cryptids, from the lizard man to the wampus cat
Moderators
JC

Joshua Cutchin


Speakers
TR

Tina R. McSwain

Paranormal, CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society
I am a well respected paranormal investigator and researcher with over 20 year experience. I founded CAPS - The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society in 2005 and we are still going strong today. We take a scientific approach to the study of all types of paranormal activity.
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Harris
  Paranormal

11:00am EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

Bond. James Bond.
It has been 55 years since Goldfinger, 50 years since On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 45 years since The Man with the Golden Gun, 40 years since Moonraker, 30 years since License to Kill, 24 years since Goldeneye, and 20 years since The World is Not Enough. A celebration of the martini-sipping secret agent.
Moderators
avatar for Jett Dixon

Jett Dixon

Jett has been attending & assisting at conventions for over a decade, finally delving into the roles of Programming Staff (RavenCon, ConCarolinas, Conapalooza) and Panelist. A self-proclaimed ''Podcast Enabler," she has lent her voice to audio novels (Murder at Avedon Hill) and geeky... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
MK

Micki Knop


Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

12:00pm EDT

I'm Not Bad, I'm Just Written That Way
Antiheroes used to be almost exclusive to detective novels. Now they might outnumber the earnest do-gooders as protagonists and they're found in every genre. A panel of writers will read excerpts from our work and discuss why we choose opportunists, ne'er-do-wells, and just plain bad people as our protagonists, how that affects our storytelling, and whether that affects readers' view of us (or our own view of ourselves).
Moderators
EC

E.A. Copen


Speakers
avatar for Misty Massey

Misty Massey

Literary Guest
Misty Massey is the author of MAD KESTREL, a rollicking adventure of magic on the high seas (Tor), KESTREL'S VOYAGES, a collection of short stories featuring those rambunctious pirates (Amazon) and the upcoming KESTREL'S DANCE (Lore Seekers Press).  She is a co-editor of THE WEIRD... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, an editor, a medievalist, and an English professor. Her historical romance series, The Wolf and the Nun, combines her love of urban fantasy and medieval literature. The first novella, The Wolf in the Cloister, debuted in 2020, and the second, The... Read More →
avatar for James Maxey

James Maxey

Author
I'm the author of two epic fantasy series (Dragon Age/Bitterwood and Dragon Apocalypse/Greatshadow), a superhero duet (Nobody Gets the Girl and Burn Baby Burn) and a steampunk Oz novel (Bad Wizard). My short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, with the best... Read More →
LB

Lucy Blue


Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

Mothers and Daughters
Mother and daughter relationships are simultaneously universal and unique. Let’s explore the tropes and innovations of how this relationship is portrayed across the genre (i.e. books, TV, film).
Moderators
MB

Michele Berger


Speakers
avatar for Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie

Paige is the author of the Legacies of Arnan fantasy series, which to date includes Draigon Weather and Wing Wing, with the 3rd book, Long Light, in the works. Raised in a small, rural community in Maine, Paige learned quickly that society did not have to dictate the role she would... Read More →
LM

Leann M. Rettell

avatar for Nicole Givens Kurtz

Nicole Givens Kurtz

Author, Mocha Memoirs Press
KA

Kamika Aziza


Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

Adulting in Fandom
How has our involvement with fandoms changed throughout the years as we've aged and are there spaces that are no longer "for us." Let’s discuss how fandoms have shaped who we've become as adults as well as how our interactions with fandoms and other fans have evolved over time.
Moderators
avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →

Speakers
RS

Ruth Suehle

HG

Hannah Givens

CG

Christopher G. Moore


Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

12:00pm EDT

Fan Films--What's Next?
From a female ginger Dr. Who to Star Trek indie projects with a million dollar budge, making films based on existing properties can let you become a part of the universe that brought you into fandom but it can come with its own challenges, both artistic and legal. Come learn from our experts on navigating this tricky but rewarding genre!
Moderators
avatar for Bill Mulligan

Bill Mulligan

Film/Media/TV
Bill Mulligan could have sworn he had a bio but his students pointed out he did not, when they SHOULD have been working on their science festival projects. He is a filmmaker/special effects artist who has had the good fortune to be involved in a a number of award winning projects... Read More →

Speakers
JN

Jim Nettles

RL

Rebecca Larken

JJ

Johnny Johnson


Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

12:00pm EDT

Is it Me? Or My Character?
Do you affect a persona for your podcasts or shows? Is it really you, just turned up to 11? How do you decide on and develop the person you’re going to be online, and what are the pros and cons of a persona?
Moderators
avatar for Elisa Hansen

Elisa Hansen

New Media
Elisa Hansen is a SFF author and YouTube video essayist. As her alter-ego, The Maven of the Eventide, she produces the humorously analytical webseries, Vampire Reviews, which examines the evolution of vampire tropes and social allegories in media and pop culture through a feminist... Read More →

Speakers
FN

Faith Naff

JD

John "Doc Rotten" Slattery


Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Burnham
  New Media

12:00pm EDT

Social media for the anti-social
Social media has become as much a part of life as breathing. How can we use it to improve our lives and businesses without it taking over?
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Author, Writing
Gail Z. Martin is the author of Scourge: A Darkhurst Novel, from Solaris Books. Gail is also the author of Vendetta: A Deadly Curiosities Novel and Trifles and Folly 1: A Deadly Curiosities Collection, the latest in her urban fantasy series set in Charleston, SC; Shadow and Flame is the fourth... Read More →
JA

Jeanne Adams

avatar for Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor is a fantasy author and analytical chemist in Charleston, SC, where she lives with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and sometimes chickens. Her articles on writing science in science fiction can be found in “Putting the Science in Fiction” from Writer’s Digest... Read More →
avatar for Mindy Mymudes

Mindy Mymudes

Science and Tech
Mindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, weaving the antics of the pack into stories... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Chappell

Ashley Chappell

Fantasy Author
Ashley Chappell writes satire and young adult epic fantasy featuring expansive world-building and universes filled with magic, mayhem, and monsters. She is also a writer for Season 2 of The Blood Crow Stories, a serialized horror podcast featuring one complete story each season.Upcoming... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

12:00pm EDT

An Hour with…
Speakers
VG

Venessa Giunta

avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Room
  Writing

12:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
SM

Steve Murphy

PB

Paul Barrett

AR

Aaron Rosenberg


Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

12:00pm EDT

Stoker on Stoker, The Secrets Behind Bram Stoker’s Writing of Dracula
Bram Stoker’s great grand nephew, Dacre Stoker weaves together the
details of Dracula’s history with Stoker family lore, and Bram
Stoker’s life in Dublin and London, then separates fact from popular
fiction, revealing the truth about all things Stoker and Dracula.
Customized to appeal to university groups, Gothic scholars, vampire
fans, or history buffs, Stoker on Stoker has fascinated audiences
around the world, exploring the issues behind the mysteries that have
baffled Dracula scholars and fans since the book’s publication in
1897. Illustrated with
Dacre’s own collection of never before published, and seldom-seen
historic images, Stoker on Stoker is a glimpse behind the scenes of
the life and the writing of one of the least known authors and one of
the worlds most famous books.
Moderators
DS

Dacre Stoker

Author Lecturer Presenter

Sunday June 2, 2019 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Main

1:00pm EDT

My Nerd's Bigger Than Yours
How to bridge the gaps in nerdom
Moderators
SB

Sherman Burris


Speakers
avatar for Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler

Writer, Talker
Former co-host The Assignment: Horror Podcast and PWR Spot Show podcast. Guest on various podcasts.Past Writer at Needless Things, Gruesome Magazine, Nerdy Minds, The Assignment: Horror Podcast.
avatar for Wes Smith

Wes Smith

Nerd-type person
avatar for Rick Wise

Rick Wise

Lead singer, writer, art director, and mad scientist, Splintered Reality
Mr. Rick is a Raleigh based musician, graphic artist, and poet with a flare for the dramatic. With the ability to play multiple instruments and a highly prolific writing style, he has produced 3 studio albums as a solo artist and 5 more with his critically acclaimed band Splintered... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

1:00pm EDT

The Clock Strikes 13
A discussion of the newest incarnation of the Doctor, how the role and the show have changed for the better, what we’ve learned through her regeneration as a woman and how this will shape the future of the fandom.
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Geek Life
Joey Starnes (aka the Giddy Geeker) does not claim to be an expert on all geekeries – she's just happy to organize it. She runs the Charlotte Geeks, home of the Guardians of the Geekery podcast, the Geek Gala, and the Muggles Market.  Her main geekdoms include Doctor Who, Harry... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Maya Preisler

Maya Preisler

Geek Life
Maya Preisler has been creating art and telling stories since she was old enough to hold a pen, writing and illustrating her first science fiction novel at age eight. Her art has been featured on book covers, convention badges and in numerous art shows. Her professional credits include... Read More →
avatar for Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Geek Life
Jim Ryan’s true origins are unknown, but it is rumored he came into being when someone attempted to read a Gaelic translation of the Necronomicon backwards in front of a Large Hadron Collider. Jim plays a massive number of tabletop role-playing games, is a fan of Doctor Who, Star... Read More →
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →
avatar for Michael Cummins

Michael Cummins

Builder

Sunday June 2, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

1:00pm EDT

Fight Workshop
Speakers
NN

Nancy Northcott

JA

Jeanne Adams


Sunday June 2, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

1:00pm EDT

Writing Strong Main Characters
What makes the protagonist that star of the show? Is it her story, or her personality? Maybe it’s the way he interacts with the people around him? Our panel talks about how to create main characters whose stories are the kind everyone wants to read.
Moderators
HH

H.P. Holo


Speakers
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the internationalbestselling author of 22 novels for kids and adults, including the awardwinning Steeplejack series, Lies That Bind Us (thriller), Cold BathStreet (a ghost story), Cathedrals of Glass (scifi), and the SekretMachines series... Read More →
avatar for Faith Hunter

Faith Hunter

Author, Writing
New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter has written the Jane Yellowrock series and the Rogue Mage series, as well as the Rogue Mage Role Playing Game. The Soulwood series will be a paranormal crime solving trilogy featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram. Under the pen name Gwen Hunter... Read More →
DW

David Weber

SJ

Stuart Jaffe


Sunday June 2, 2019 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

1:00pm EDT

Details Details Details
Just when you think you have made the perfect costume, you realize that a perfectly placed rhinestone will make it even better. This panel will focus on the importance of detailing and how to achieve the perfect look for you and your costume. Mentioning techniques such as weathering, bedazzling, fabrics, puff paints, etc, your next costume will wow the crowd and be the center of attention at the next convention.
Moderators
avatar for Michael Burson

Michael Burson

Costuming
Counselor by day, cosplayer by nights and weekends, Michael Burson has been dressing up like a wizard since reading Sorcerer's Stone in 1998. 21 years later, his robes are now just better constructed. Michael has been cosplaying together with his wife Hayley since 2015 and takes care... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Hayley Burson

Hayley Burson

Happiest when living her most authentic hobbit lifestyle, Hayley Burson is a cosplayer, crafter, and librarian. Though always playing dress-up in her youth and in theatre, Hayley first got into cosplay when she and her husband Michael started attending cons in 2015. As a librarian... Read More →
AB

Allie Blackmon

avatar for Nat Ryan

Nat Ryan

Costuming, OkWookiee Cosplay
Dubbed "Miss Hot Glued Hot Mess 2018", Nat Ryan has been costuming for the past 9 years, specializing in custom patterning, body painting, special effects, con crunch costuming tactics, cosplay marketing and extreme (and I mean extreme) costume budgeting. When she isn't donning a... Read More →
avatar for Derek Nieman

Derek Nieman

Costuming
Derek Nieman has been part of the south east convention scene for over ten years. An original member of the Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion, it goes almost without saying that Derek is a huge Star Wars fan. Not limited to just being a one trick fan boy, Derek also has a huge... Read More →
JT

Jonathan Thompson


Sunday June 2, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

1:00pm EDT

Deep South Con 57 Business Meeting
Moderators
DK

Dawson Kriska

Chair, ConCarolinas

Speakers
KF

Karen Franks

Convention Chair, ConCarolinas

Sunday June 2, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Deep South Con 57

1:00pm EDT

THE LAST IN LINE
War storms across the cold lands of the north!
Bloodthirsty berserkers and colossal frost giants lock horns with golden-eyed crusaders and crazed templar-priests. They battle for their respective kingdoms, ice-locked Nosck and sky-worshipping Samada, and their battleground is the small, neutral kingdom that lies between them: Ardenmor.
Enter the Broken Swords. They are swords-for-hire, mercenaries, scoundrels, and rogues. An independent army consisting of the dregs of humanity, of the worst that the world has to offer, of people with no redeeming value, and yet they do not hire themselves out to just any cause. In each other they have found brotherhood, and in brotherhood they have found some semblance of morality. Not much, but enough…

Sunday June 2, 2019 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Lakeshore 1
  Film & Filmmaking

2:00pm EDT

The Show/Film Was Better
The majority of the time, the original written piece is the best. But what about when the visual adaptation really is the better work? Let's talk about some films and shows that exceed the original work and why they ended up that way.
Moderators
avatar for Kat Milby

Kat Milby

Costuming Guest, Side Quest Cosplay
Kat Milby is the soft materials side of the casual cosplay duo, Side Quest Cosplay. As a geek, pop culture addict, and fiber artist, mixing historical fashion with cosplay is her current favorite cosplay trend. With over 25 years of experience in sewing costumes, pattern hacking and... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jerry Chandler

Jerry Chandler

Writer, Talker
Former co-host The Assignment: Horror Podcast and PWR Spot Show podcast. Guest on various podcasts.Past Writer at Needless Things, Gruesome Magazine, Nerdy Minds, The Assignment: Horror Podcast.
MR

Michael Ray Williams

PP

Peter Prellwitz


Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Lakeshore 2
  Fandom & Geek Life

2:00pm EDT

They're Creepy and They're Kooky
A celebration of the works of Charles Addams
Moderators
avatar for Carol Cowles

Carol Cowles

Fan Guest, Geek Life
Carol Cowles - Carol has long been a fixture of Geek Culture in Charlotte. She has served for several years as the Programming Director for ConCarolinas and worked the Carolina and Arizona Renaissance Festivals for 15 years. She also podcasts – she is Carol the Cat on the weekly... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Elisa Hansen

Elisa Hansen

New Media
Elisa Hansen is a SFF author and YouTube video essayist. As her alter-ego, The Maven of the Eventide, she produces the humorously analytical webseries, Vampire Reviews, which examines the evolution of vampire tropes and social allegories in media and pop culture through a feminist... Read More →
avatar for Sammie Cassell

Sammie Cassell

Film/Media/TV, Film
Sammie Cassell is a Stokesdale NC based producer/actor. As VP of Wreak Havoc Productions he has been involved with 5 feature films and 15 short films. Wreak Havoc has the shorts Uncle Otto’s Truck (a Stephen King story) and the drama Sea, Salt, Wind on the festival circuit right... Read More →
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Literary Guest, Paranormal
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, singer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs the blog and YouTube channel, "The Spooky Stuff." She has been featured on Travel Channel on "Haunted Hospitals" and "Most Terrifying Places in America... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →
avatar for Derek Nieman

Derek Nieman

Costuming
Derek Nieman has been part of the south east convention scene for over ten years. An original member of the Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion, it goes almost without saying that Derek is a huge Star Wars fan. Not limited to just being a one trick fan boy, Derek also has a huge... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Olmstead
  Fandom & Geek Life

2:00pm EDT

A Balancing Act: Working, Writing, Living
Few writers these days are only writers. Many of the writers you read are also working a day job, parenting, coaching, or just spending time doing other hobbies they enjoy. The panelists will discuss how they manage this balancing act, what they’ve learned about life and themselves through this process, and how others can successfully balance a full plate as well.
Moderators
avatar for D.R. Perry

D.R. Perry

I'm an author and recovering performance artist who writes spec-fic on the campy side, loves sloths, and hates potatoes. Weird Al is my rock and roll hero and I prefer she/her pronouns. Come on over and say hi, I solemnly swear I'm mostly harmless.

Speakers
HH

H.P. Holo

SM

Steve Murphy

MS

Matthew Saunders

AR

Aaron Rosenberg


Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

Stuff You Shouldn't Do as an Indie
So far this year we’ve had slate-voting for the Nebulas, book stuffing, rewards for reviews or reads and a romance "writer" caught plagiarizing. New writers considering self-publishing sometimes come up with ideas or get involved with groups that are ethically dubious. A discussion of the whats and whys that have happened.
Moderators
SJ

Stuart Jaffe


Speakers
avatar for Quincy J. Allen

Quincy J. Allen

Author, Writing
National Bestselling Author Quincy J. Allen is a cross-genre author five novels under his belt. His media tie-in novel Colt the Outlander: Shadow of Ruin was a Scribe Award finalist in 2019, and his noir novel Chemical Burn was a Colorado Gold Award finalist in 2010.He co-authore... Read More →
avatar for Alexandra Christian

Alexandra Christian

Literary Guest, Writing
Alexandra Christian is an author of mostly romance with a speculative slant. Her love of Stephen King and sweet tea has flavored her fiction with a Southern Gothic sensibility that reeks of Spanish moss and deep-fried eccentricity. Her guiding principle as a romance novelist has always... Read More →
avatar for S.H. Roddey

S.H. Roddey

Author, Writing
South Carolina native S.H. Roddey has been writing for fun since she was a child and enjoys building worlds across the speculative fiction spectrum filled with mystery and intrigue. She brings to the literary world a unique blend of humor, emotion, and wild ideas filled with dark... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

2:00pm EDT

Live Body Paint with Natalie Ryan
Watch a local cosplayer turn herself into your favorite living rag doll - Sally from the Nightmare before Christmas (or whoever we choose) in a live body paint and Q&A session. Find out what's in your basic body paint makeup kit, the magic of layering, sealing, contouring, detailing and setting to ensure a otherworldly look that lasts the whole con day!
Moderators
avatar for Nat Ryan

Nat Ryan

Costuming, OkWookiee Cosplay
Dubbed "Miss Hot Glued Hot Mess 2018", Nat Ryan has been costuming for the past 9 years, specializing in custom patterning, body painting, special effects, con crunch costuming tactics, cosplay marketing and extreme (and I mean extreme) costume budgeting. When she isn't donning a... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Burnham
  Costuming & Cosplay

2:00pm EDT

Southern Fandom Confederation Meeting
Speakers
DK

Dawson Kriska

Chair, ConCarolinas
JL

Jennifer Liang

Vice President, Southern Fandom Confederation
BS

Brandy Spraker

Treasurer, Southern Fandom Federation
KF

Karen Franks

Convention Chair, ConCarolinas
GR

Gary Robe

President, Southern Fandom Confederation
GF

Gary Feller

Secretary, Southern Fandom Confederation

Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Fountainview
  Deep South Con 57

2:00pm EDT

He's Dead, Jim
An explicit discussion by a few of our favorite science and physician authors on real science vs. death and injury in entertainment. How do we get rid of that body in the basement anyway? (Over 18)
Moderators
avatar for Darin Kennedy

Darin Kennedy

Literary Guest, Writing
Darin Kennedy, born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray School of Medicine. After completing family medicine residency in the mountains of Virginia, he served eight years as a United States Army physician and wrote his... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Chris A. Jackson

Chris A. Jackson

Literary Guest, Writing
As a professional sailor, writer, scientist, and life-long gamer, writing nautical and RPG tie-in fantasy came naturally for Chris. His Scimitar Seas novels from Dragon Moon Press have won multiple gold medals from Foreword Reviews Magazine, and his Pathfinder Tales novels, Pirate's... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor

Rebecca Enzor is a fantasy author and analytical chemist in Charleston, SC, where she lives with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and sometimes chickens. Her articles on writing science in science fiction can be found in “Putting the Science in Fiction” from Writer’s Digest... Read More →
JA

Jeanne Adams


Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Harris
  Science & Tech

2:00pm EDT

Is it Science or Science Fiction?
Is it Scientific fact or fanstastical folly in a science suit? Tory Belleci proves (or disproves) popular science fiction tropes and devices in this interactive game!
Moderators
JN

Jim Nettles


Speakers
TB

Tory Belleci


Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Science & Tech

2:00pm EDT

Book Signing
Speakers
VG

Venessa Giunta


Sunday June 2, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Authors' Alley Signing Table (Sponsored by Falstaff Books)

3:00pm EDT

Constructed Languages
Diving into the cultures and mythos around the words your characters speak
Moderators
PP

Peter Prellwitz


Speakers
MS

Matthew Saunders

avatar for Tony Daniel

Tony Daniel

Senior Editor, Baen Books
Tony Daniel is senior editor at Baen Books. He is the author of 11 fantasy and science fiction novels, the latest of which is young adult fantasy, The Amber Arrow. His science fiction books include Guardian of Night and two Star Trek novels. He’s an award-winning short story writer... Read More →

Sunday June 2, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Keynes
  Writing

3:00pm EDT

Writing Other Things
Discuss writing "other" tangential things besides the stories such as back matter or newsletters
Moderators
avatar for Samantha Bryant

Samantha Bryant

Superhero novelist, feminist, teacher, classic and cult movie buff, mother and tea-drinker. Get my Menopausal Superhero series from the Falstaff table at the convention! Find me online http://samanthabryant.com Twitter and Instagram @samanthabwriter Facebook @samanthadunawaybryan... Read More →

Speakers
EC

E.A. Copen

RH

Rebekah Hamrick


Sunday June 2, 2019 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Walden
  Writing

3:00pm EDT

Closing Ceremonies
Sunday June 2, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Main Programming (Lakeshore 3 & 4)
  Main