Andres Useche (award-winning writer/director and composer), Maytha Alhassen (Hulu's Ramy), Daniela Munoz-Useche (cinematographer), and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy) dig into how everyone can use filmmaking, comics, and transmedia to give voice to underrepresented folks, to honor real-life heroes, and to help seek greater justice, empathy, and equality. This presentation includes short screenings, an international premiere, and a guided tour of Useche's local and international collaborations with activists, artists, and world leaders.
Friday March 24, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300E
The secret’s out: True Lies is coming to WonderCon! Inspired by James Cameron’s hit action/comedy film of the same name, the new CBS drama follows Harry Tasker (Steve Howey), a first-class international spy for U.S. intelligence agency Omega Sector, and his wife, Helen (Ginger Gonzaga), a language professor bored with her daily routine who makes the shocking discovery that her seemingly ordinary husband is leading an extraordinary double life. With the secret out, Omega recruits Helen, who impresses everyone with her formidable skills, and she joins Harry and his team of top-notch operatives, embarking on covert missions around the globe and an exhilarating life of danger and adventure—all while keeping their adventures a secret from their children. Join series stars Steve Howey, Ginger Gonzaga, and Omar Miller and showrunner Matt Nix for a Q&A, followed by an exclusive advance screening of an action-packed episode.
Friday March 24, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 200A
WonderCon special guests Annalee Newitz (The Terraformers) and Gary Phillips (One-Shot Harry), along with Jose Pimienta (Twin Cities), and Dan Santat (A First Time for Everything), share their experiences, tips, and tricks for setting the perfect stage to tell their stories, whether set in a nonfictional now or a fictional future. Moderated by Dr. Jeanelle Horcasitas (educator, technical writer, and speculative futurist).
Annalee Newitz is an American journalist, editor, and author of fiction and nonfiction. They are the recipient of a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship from MIT and have written for Popular Science, The New Yorker, and the Washington Post. They founded the science fiction website... Read More →
Gary Phillips has published several novels and short stories and written comics for the likes of DC, BOOM! Dark Horse, and Moonstone, where he penned new adventures of Kolchak, the Night Stalker and pulp favorite The Spider. He’s been a staff writer on Snowfall, a show streaming... Read More →
Friday March 24, 2023 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208
This year, creators in the tabletop gaming space have made huge leaps in creating media around the games they love. Panelists discuss the ins and outs of becoming successful in the tabletop gaming media sphere, whether it be creating your own IP, making actual plays, avoiding pitfalls in the space, or collaborating with your peers. Panelists include Adam Rady (Tabletop News, G4TV), Katie Wilson (SYFY, Paizo), Aliza Pearl (NCIS: LA, Streampunks), Michelle Nguyen Bradley (VtM: Ny By Night, Critical Role), and Lemar Harris (Dragons & Things, Anime Expo Late Night Comedy Showdown winner).
Friday March 24, 2023 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 207
Copyright and Trademark protections are almost as important to comics as a Punchline™. Technology combined with an ever-increasing appetite for content means that it’s easier than ever for creators to get their works in front of an audience; but at the same time, this has also made the copying of content, ideas, and now even artistic styles easier than ever. The economics are always tricky, even with the rise of crowdfunding, digital publishing and print-on-demand services, so more than ever, knowledge is key to navigating the ever-shifting landscape. And although with great power there must also come great responsibility, today’s creators are finding that with great technological power comes great (potential) reward and also greater risk, with thieves gaining an ever-expanding bag of tools to fleece the unwary. End result: it’s vital to know what your rights are in order to best defend your valuable IP. Luckily, Matthew Murdock, Mallory Book, and Wolff and Byrd aren’t the only lawyers available to the superhero set, as WonderCon once again brings back noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) to discuss the truths (and debunk some urban legends) about protecting your creative capital. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion led by Lovitz concerning the basic rights provided under the U.S. Copyright and Trademark laws, including the basics on the ownership and protection of ideas, a brief overview of copyright and trademark rights and their application to works of authorship, characters, and names, as well as an overview of the registration process for each, and (time permitting) a brief discussion on how loose lips can sometimes sink ships, why written agreement are good, and why not all lawyers are villains. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. intellectual property systems. Please Note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one (1) credit of California MCLE.].
Friday March 24, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210
Brock Smith (ZRock Comics co-founder and writer The Ferryman) and his team— Zen Snowden (co-founder and artist), Kathleen Lewis (editor/media), Maile Eusebio (media/shorts),and Christian Pedersen (operations coordinator)—share their experiences in learning to overcome the challenges of balancing their creative lives and everyday lives to help inspire other future creatives.
Friday March 24, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Are you a writer, an illustrator, or an actor or have you ever wanted to be one? Have you been struggling with imposter syndrome? Have you started and abandoned your creative projects? This panel of creative experts will show you how to create psychologically rich characters in your writing, acting, and illustration. Learn how to break free from your imposter syndrome and attend to your creative passions. Panelists include psychologist and creative coach Dr. Janina Scarlet (Dark Agents; It Shouldn’t Be This Way) and writers Deric Hughes (Arrow, Flash), Dennis Crosby (Death’s Legacy), J. Dianne Dotson (The Shadow Galaxy; The Questrison Saga), actor Philip Anthony-Rodriguez (Grimm; Modern Family), and illustrator Vince Alvendia (Dark Agents). Dustin McGinnis (Superhero Therapy Podcast) moderates.
Friday March 24, 2023 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 207
Lisi Harrison (The Pack), Rachel Ignotofsky (What's Inside a Flower), and Suzanne and Max Lang (Grumpy Monkey Who Threw That) discuss all the ways that nonhumans are more fun to write. Moderated by Christy Hayes (Bookcrushin').
Saturday March 25, 2023 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 209
Have you ever wondered how your favorite TV shows and movies go from a spark of an idea to your screens? Entertainment creatives give an inside perspective on what it takes to turn a vision into a reality as they break down their work and important scenes from your favorite projects. Featuring showrunner/ executive producer Anthony Sparks (Queen Sugar, Bel-Air), VFX supervisor at FuseFX Art Codron (Outer Banks), editor S. Robyn Wilson (A Black Lady Sketch Show), production designer Cabot McMullen (Shrinking), executive producer Rachel Watanabe-Batton (Sneakerella), and composer Andrew Morgan Smith (The Old Way, The Owl House). Moderated by actor Chris Villain (Mystery Incorporated). Part 1 of Impact24 PR’s Panel Superblock.
Saturday March 25, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Breaking out in media and entertainment is a winding road. So how do you chart a course without a map? Actress and content creator Gwen Carole (Welcome to Chippendales) hosts a panel featuring Malynda Hale (#WeNeedToTalk Podcast host and owner of JMV Entertainment), Amy DePaola (2023 Blackmagic Collective Future Women of TV Directing Fellow and founder of Pink Among Men Productions Inc.), Lauren Chavez-Myers (scripted TV development coordinator at Entertainment One and owner of Room of Req Productions), Danielle Beckmann (co-founder, actress, and executive producer at Brooklyn Quarter), and Rachel Walker (film programmer and advisory board member of Vidiots & Overlook Film Festival), who have all blazed their own path in film, television, and entertainment.
Saturday March 25, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
About Comics published its first comic in 1998 and in the 25 years since has published a bizarrely wide range of comics-related material, from new hero books to how-to books to reprints of classic strips, Catholic cartoons, Black cartoons, old coloring books, whatever. Along the way this one-man company launched careers and founded 24 Hour Comics Day. About Comics sole honcho Nat Gertler and some cohorts share the more interesting parts of that history, as well as look at what's coming up.
Saturday March 25, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 211
For artists and writers who get “stuck," neteran writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (Hawk & Dove, Avengers: Marvels Snapshots) slings rapid-fire tips, tricks, and strategies for vanquishing those blocked brain cells and deadline demons! Part information, part motivation, all entertaining!
Saturday March 25, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E
You’d like to adapt your book or comic series into a successful movie or television pilot, but where do you begin and who do you talk to about it? It’s time for a frank, honest discussion about the dos and don't from those industry pros who have done it before. Award-winning and bestselling writer/filmmaker Tim Chizmar (founder, Horror Writers Association Las Vegas; president, SpookyNinjaKitty Comics; VP at FUNI MEDIA) moderates this panel of industry professionals who will tell you the truth about adapting your words, from a piece of literature or comic series into a successful visual medium. Panelists include industry pros Stephen Stern (creator of Zen Intergalactic Ninja), Amber Hassler (VP of writing integrity, SpookyNinjaKitty publishing), Mark Savage (director of films Hells Coming for You, Pain Killer, etc.), Rik Offenberger (Archie Comics, editor at First Comics News), and Melody Munson (cartoon illustrator and actress, The Nudels of Nudeland).
Saturday March 25, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Authors Rebecca Phelps (Yesterworld), James Rollins (The Cradle of Ice, The Starless Crown), Kiersten White (Hide, Sinister Summer series), and Gene Luen Yang (Monkey King, American Born Chinese) discuss their start with building their worlds. Moderated by Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Creating Conversations).
Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’s fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic... Read More →
James Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sigma Force series: Sandstorm, Map of Bones, Black Order, The Judas Strain, The Last Oracle, The Doomsday Key, The Devil Colony, Bloodline, The Eye of God, The 6th Extinction, The Seventh Plague, The Demon Crown, Cruciblek... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 209
Annalee Newitz (The Terraformers), Tara Madison Avery (Prism Comics), Sonya Saturday (A Ninja Dinosaur Christmas!!!), Knave Murdock (Transcat), Liam Coballes (Aggretsuko), Zhen (Hello We Are Rats), and moderator Lorran Garrison (Little Brainstorm) spotlight the talent and creativity of trans creators in comics and pop culture. From comics, film, and television to music and literature, trans individuals have been making a huge impact in shaping our cultural landscape. This panel will feature trans artists, writers, and producers discussing their work and the challenges they have faced in the industry. They will also explore ways in which trans creators can be supported and ensure that their voices are heard and acknowledged. There will be giveaways.
Annalee Newitz is an American journalist, editor, and author of fiction and nonfiction. They are the recipient of a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship from MIT and have written for Popular Science, The New Yorker, and the Washington Post. They founded the science fiction website... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
Syzygy Publishing, the imprint run by Chris Ryall and Ashley Wood, launched in 2022 with Joe Hill’s Rain and an array of other titles. Chris Ryall,David M. Booher (Rain writer) , Ethan Sacks, Jordan Hart, and Arka Ray discuss what was, what is, and what will be for the avant-garde imprint, featuring a wide array of artwork, along with plenty of announcements. Come for the Tales of Syz and stay for, well, an explanation of just what “Tales of Syz” means!
Saturday March 25, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
Bestselling authors Stacia Deutsch (Hotel Transylvania), Henry Herz (I Am Smoke), Lissa Price (Starters), and Scott Sigler (Earthcore) discuss writing alternative history in the fantasy, sci-fi, and horror genres. All have stories in the YA anthology The Hitherto Secret Experiments of Marie Curie.
Saturday March 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 207
Moderator Spiro Skentzos (Arrow) and genre writer-producers Aisha Porter-Christie (Daredevil: Born Again), Jeffrey Lieber (various), Teresa Huang (Tom Swift), Jim Adler (The Good Doctor), as well as Chad Kennedy (EVP development & production, Magic Quill Productions), discuss navigating the TV spec terrain, including beginner’s mistakes, what they look for in a writer, and what it takes for you to write a killer spec that will stand above the crowd. There will be a large Q&A component, so bring your questions.
Saturday March 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Explore the city settings—including locations in our reality, those crafted entirely from the creator's imagination, and those somewhere in between—of works by Tananarive Due (The Wishing Pool and Other Stories), Steven Barnes & Marco Finnegan (The Keeper), WonderCon special guest Gary Phillips (One-Shot Harry, South Central Noir), Dan Santat (A First Time for Everything), and WonderCon special guest Greg van Eekhout (Fenris & Mott), guided by Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Creating Conversations).
Gary Phillips has published several novels and short stories and written comics for the likes of DC, BOOM! Dark Horse, and Moonstone, where he penned new adventures of Kolchak, the Night Stalker and pulp favorite The Spider. He’s been a staff writer on Snowfall, a show streaming... Read More →
Greg van Eekhout is the author of four fantasy novels for adults and six fantasy and science fiction novels for middle-grade readers, as well as dozens of short stories. His novel Weird Kid won the California Independent Booksellers Alliance's Golden Poppy Award. Others of his works... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
For years, storytelling in television, film, and comics has followed a template that’s been laid down by men. As more women get the opportunity to tell their own stories, a new template is being forged: a female lens. What will it look like? How will it change the stories we tell? Trina Robbins (Wonder Woman, Wimmen's Comix), Meaghan Fitzmartin (Justice League vs RWBY), Barbara Kessel (Wonder Woman), Ahbra Perry (Giant Pictures, Drafthouse Films), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Super-Women), Hanah Lee Cook (Muppet Babies), and Natasha Halevi (Give Me an A) discuss how the entertainment industry is changing and what the future holds for female storytellers. Moderated by John Marcotte (Heroic Girls).
Retired underground cartoonist and current comics herstorian Trina Robbins has been writing graphic novels, comics, and books for about half a century. Her subjects have ranged from Wonder Woman and the Powerpuff Girls and her own teenage superheroine, GoGirl!, to women cartoonists... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge Productions), Arabian Prince (NWA), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Andrew Cosby (co-founder BOOM! Studios), and Andy Suriano (creator, Rise of the TMNT) discuss what it takes to create and navigate creations across the multiple media worlds of publishing, animation, films, toys, games, and more.
Saturday March 25, 2023 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 209
Welcome to a discussion that celebrates Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) Americans working in arts and entertainment today. Kristina Giblin (animator), Yas Modares Ghasiri (actor/writer), Esraa Darwish (assistant director), and Sarah Fatemi (comedian) share the highlights and challenges of working in their respective fields and why MENA representation also matters. Moderated by Paul Zecharia (actor/filmmaker). Q&A to follow.
Saturday March 25, 2023 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208
Writer/executive producer A.C. Bradley (What If?, Ms. Marvel), production coordinator Steven Edwards (Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse, Across the Spiderverse), and illustrator Lee Kohse (Star Wars, Kindergoth) tell stories and discuss how they broke into the entertainment industry working on films, television, and comics. Find out how to be ready when your lucky break comes. Is it really all about who you know? Find out how to promote yourself and network. Moderated by Johnny Kolasinski (Roddenberry Productions, Hi Everybody: A Bad Medicine Podcast).
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
Do you have an idea for a script? How about that book you wanted to write? Do you have it all written down but don’t know what to do with it? You are not alone. Content creation, publication, and marketing can be daunting. CEO April Wahlin (author, Pandora Syndrome; actor, winner of Search for the Next Elvira) hosts David Yarovesky (director and creator, Brightburn, Nightbooks), Jessica Maison (author and comics publisher, Wicked Tree Press, Plastic Girl Trilogy, Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters), Tessa McFionn (novelist, A Curse of Forever, A Divine's Retribution), Heath Harper (actor, Princess Lucinda; editor, Pandora Syndrome), and The Boxleitner Brothers Lee Boxleitner and Sam Boxleitner (screenwriters, Downstairs, Rupert).
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 210
Whether self-publishing or working for an independent publisher, writing indie comics presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities to share your creative vision. Learn the tricks and tips of the trade from writers David Avallone (Elvira), Charlie Stickney (White Ash), Russell Nohelty (Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter), Clinton Wolf (Zombie Ranch), and Daniel Gastelum (CHSR). Hosted by David Lucarelli (Tinseltown). Free comics for everyone who asks a question!
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Amanda Meadows (senior editor, Oni Press/Lion Forge, she/her), illustrator and Annie and Emmy Award–winning animator Sandra Equihua (El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, Maya and the Three, she/her), and Emmy and Peabody Award–winning animator Elizabeth Ito (City of Ghosts, Adventure Time, she/her) discuss how they've navigated their creative industries to produce stories that excite them, and how industry practices should change to give fans more stories that reflect a wider range of characters and experiences. Moderated by Christine Pasalo Norland (writer/founder/president of Hello Barkada, she/her).
Saturday March 25, 2023 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Jeffrey Ashkin (technical support, The Credits Movie) and Marc Scott Zicree (Mr. Sci-Fi YouTube Channel) discuss all the behind-the-scenes stories of the original anthology series, which Zicree detailed in his guidebook The Twilight Zone Companion, joined by series original cast member Morgan Brittany (Gypsy, Dallas).
Saturday March 25, 2023 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 211
As The Flash TV series races to its finish line, revisit the Arrowverse from its beginning in Arrow through Black Lightning,Stargirl, and more with an exploration of the science, science fiction, and fantasy behind these great stories. Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology; Stranger Things Psychology) asks a panel of experts how—and if—any of it might work: Deric A. Hughes (Arrow, Quantum Leap), Kristi Korzec (Superman & Lois), Ray Utarnachitt (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Dark Agents), and maybe a surprise guest or two.
Saturday March 25, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 300C
The Cereal Killer Duo Anastasia Washington and Maria Spiridigliozzi are joined by Samantha Hale (Horror Nerd), David Crownson (Kingwood Comics), Ed Greer (The Greatest Pod), and Sean Owens (Icons of Darkness) to discuss true crime in comics. An interactive panel with trivia prizes and yes . . . cereal.
Saturday March 25, 2023 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209
Where do comics go from here? As publishing recovers from the massive impact of COVID, titanic shifts are happening in the comics landscape. David Avallone and Rylend Grant, co-hosts of the award-winning Writers Block podcast, interview a panel of seasoned comics professionals about the current state of the industry. They’ll discuss the scandals, the controversies, the challenges, and possible solutions. Joining them are Charlie Stickney (White Ash), David Booher (Canto), Ray Anthony Height (Star Wars: Doctor Aphra), and Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press).
Sunday March 26, 2023 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 209
UFOs are in the skies and on everyone’s minds these days and they have been in comic books, movies, and television for decades. This panel of researcher-author enthusiasts, well-known in the UFO community, come together to present an entertaining and informative depiction of strange objects in the skies through the years. Walter Bosley (Ancient Aliens), Clydene Nee, Earl G Anderson (MUFON), Tessa Dick (Philip K. Dick: Remembering Firebright), and Greg Bishop (Project Beta) offer a fascinating and fun retrospective.
Sunday March 26, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
North 200A
The Winner Twins, Brittany and Brianna (National best-selling authors, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: I Love Rock N Roll, Halestorm: Hyde Manor, The Strand Series) explain how to create your own novel step by step. They will be joined by Todd McCaffrey (New York Times best-selling author, Dragonriders of Pern, The Canaris Rift Series, LA Witch Series) and Rantz Hoseley (Eisner and Harvey award-winning author and artist, Tori Amos: Comic Book Tattoo, Judas Priest: Screaming for Vengeance, The Heroin Diaries), and more guests to be announced. From developing a writing routine to an in-depth look at different publishing paths, they explore what it means and what it takes to be an author professionally and to achieve success. They will share their war stories, secrets, and paths to help you tell your stories to the world.
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207
Dale Deforest (Hero Twins), Mark Nazal (Diwata Komiks), Chag Lowry (Soldiers Unknown), Johnny Bear Contreras (artist), Sara Roldan (Our Oasis), and moderator Lorran Garrison (Little Brainstorm) explore the role of indigenous storytelling in comics and pop culture through their experiences of indigenous creators. The discussion will include the importance of cultural authenticity in their work and how they use traditional storytelling techniques in their comics. They will also delve into the challenges of depicting indigenous culture in a medium that is not necessarily rooted in it, and the ways in which they navigate those challenges. Also covered will be the impact of their work on indigenous youth and how comics and pop culture can be used as a tool for education and empowerment. There will be giveaways.
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
The cast, crew, and creators of The Dragon Prince take you on a journey from storyboard to the streaming screen—and everything in between. Moderated by Jack De Sena (Callum), the panel will break down a fan-favorite scene from season 4 of the hit Netflix series, sharing insights into their animation pipeline and creative process . . . plus some of the usual Xadian hijinks and an open Q&A, of course!
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
North 200A
The hosts of The Arkham Sessions celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Podcast hosts Brian Ward and Dr. Drea Letamendi (Fandom) will treat the audience to a conversation with the film's co-director, Eric Radomski (Batman: The Animated Series), as well as with Londyn Jackson (History of the Batman) and Ashley Victoria Robinson (Geek History Lesson) as they "unmask," explore, and pay tribute to the storytelling of Batman, the Joker, and of course, the Phantasm!
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Can imagined futures of drowned cities, drought, out-of-control wildfires, unprecedented weather events, and mass extinctions help us grasp the complexity of climate change? As world leaders attempt to scramble to face the coming decades, creators have as well, by telling stories focusing on the climate crisis to serve as both metaphor and call to action. Cecil Castellucci (Shifting Earth), JR Hughto (That Distant Fire), Mark Russell (Traveling to Mars), and Sherri L Smith (Avatar: The High Ground) are tackling seeding hope and visions for good futures in their stories while sounding the alarm about the high stakes of inaction when considering the state of our home, Planet Earth.
Mark Russell is an award-winning author and comic book writer best known for his work on The Flintstones, the GLAAD Award winning Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles, Second Coming, Superman: Space Age, and the Eisner and Ringo Award winning Not All Robots. He is also the... Read More →
Sunday March 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Alane Adams (The Sorceress), Gina Chen (Violet Made of Thorns), Greg van Eekhout (Fenris & Mott), and Sofía Lapuente and Jarrod Shusterman (Retro) discuss the creative ways they use to build their worlds, from the first spark of inspiration to the final product. Moderated by Judy Prince-Neeb (children's services librarian, South Pasadena Public Library).
Alane Adams is a Webby-award winning creator of media content designed to get kids excited about reading and is the author of the Legends of Orkney and the Legends of Olympus series for middle-grade readers, as well as four historical picture books set in the 1920s. Alane founded... Read More →
Greg van Eekhout is the author of four fantasy novels for adults and six fantasy and science fiction novels for middle-grade readers, as well as dozens of short stories. His novel Weird Kid won the California Independent Booksellers Alliance's Golden Poppy Award. Others of his works... Read More →
Sunday March 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 209
Ariel Landrum (therapist), Stefanie Bautista (educator), Thien Pham (graphic novelist and teacher), Earl Baylon (actor), Jennifer N Linch (film director), Kristine Gerolaga (writer, director, and actor), and Danice Cabanela (actor) celebrate the profound impact of Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander representation in recent films and animation. Panelist shares their personal stories from their work with students, with clients, and within the entertainment industry.
Sunday March 26, 2023 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Kayden Phoenix (A La Brava, Jalisco), Ghezal Omar (. 357 Magnum Opus,Pimp Killer), Maxi Rodriguez (Chubby Bunny), and Christine Pasalo Norland (writer; founder and president, Hello Barkada) discuss how changing the vanguard allows for new characters and untold stories to be told with pride and authenticity.
Sunday March 26, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Award-winning authors Chris Baron (All of Me), Reggie Brown (Who Are Your People?), Tara Gilboy (Unwritten), Henry Herz (I Am Smoke), and Dee Leone (Dough Knights & Dragons) share insights into children's book publishing, how to get started, and lessons learned.
Sunday March 26, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
Tired of all the dystopian nightmares? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you . . . UTOPIA! This is a lecture on how to create a true utopian society, using the new science of Free World Theory (FWT), devised by rocket scientist Andrew J. Galambos, developed by Jay Snelson, and perfected by Chas Holloway, who discovered the scientific definition of freedom. This lecture is not just for science fiction authors but for anyone else who’d like to see an end to poverty, crime, injustice, and war. Brought to you by author Mark O’Bannon (Imperium, Whiskers).
Sunday March 26, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300E
If you want to write a children’s picture book but don’t know where to start, this panel is for you. Stephen W. Martin (Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion) takes you through the process of picking the perfect idea, using classical structure to polish it up, and then sending it out with a creative query to capture any editor or agent’s attention. Bring your pencils, paper, and crayons—let’s pitch some picture books!
Sunday March 26, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209
