Step into the strange and unsettling worlds of freaky speculative fiction, weird literature, and oddball speculative stories that defy easy categorization. These are the tales that crawl under your skin, blending deep character development with genre-defying twists. Our panel of freaky experts explores what makes these narratives so uniquely compelling and how they carve out a space where the bizarre meets the profound. Come embrace the weird world of freaky fiction!
Catherine Grant (mod), Paul Tremblay, Gillian Daniels, N. T. Swift, Elizabeth Bear
How to Survive a Horror Story Marina IV Sat 5:30 PM
Who knows better than a horror writer how to survive a horror story? Join he fun and "lively" conversation as our panelists discuss scenarios from horror novels and films as if they themselves were characters within the scenes. Will their special authorial insights keep them safe? Will they split up to look for the cat? What are they willing to do to survive (relatively) intact? Who dies first? Who lives to tell the tale?
N. T. Swift (mod), Adam Stemple, Cat Scully, Paul Tremblay, Gillian Daniels
Nocturnal Narratives: Vampires Through the Ages Marina III Sat 7pm
Embark on a journey through the evolution of vampire lore, from the Gothic shadows of Bram Stoker's Dracula to the modern allure of contemporary cinema. This session shines a light on the transformation of these shadowy creatures, exploring their enduring appeal and the societal reflections they embody. Join us for a lively discussion filled with biting wit and intriguing insights into the ever-changing world of vampires.
Elektra Hammond (mod), Catherine Grant, Darrell Schweitzer, Gillian Daniels
Badass Woman Characters and Keeping them Off the Mary Sue Scale Harbor II Sun 11:30 AM
Badass women characters can be great, but characters intended as such are sometimes derided as being "Mary Sue" characters. What does that mean, and how can you avoid that pitfall?
Gillian Daniels (mod), Darlene Marshall, Kelley Armstrong, Fonda Lee, N. T. Swift
