Penguicon 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

3:00pm EDT

Avoiding Problematic Stereotypes and Tropes

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Tropes and stereotypes in your books can be upsetting to readers if they're not carefully handled. Authors discuss how to avoid using stereotyped characters and offensive tropes, and also how to turn them on their heads to write better fiction.

Moderators

Valtinen Erik Karille

Speakers

Leslie Gulvas

I'm a collector of experiences and writer of both fact and fiction. I live on a farm with a giant wolf hound, a disgruntled guard pig, silly cats and an old gray horseMy books are:
Carnival Charlatan an urban fantasy,
Brenda's House a middle grade ghost story, and
Off the Reservatio... Read More →

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

"Jennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and fantasy romance. She is amazed and grateful to have made a writing career out of a Master’s degree in Psychology, hours of couch-detecting watching Murder She Wrote, and endless research into mythology... Read More →

Ryan Rose

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

3:00pm EDT

Writer's Block in the Age of Distraction

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

We're surrounded by distractions and it's easier than ever to procrastinate your writing. How do professionals make sure they keep putting down words in the face of a world on fire, smartphones full of notifications, and impostor syndrome?

Moderators

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Ms. Katie is an award-winning kidlit author who writes stories for kids where finding your fit means trusting in who you are. An avid reader, she loves all sorts of books across a wide spectrum. With a Bachelor's degree in Writing from the University of Michigan-Flint, she is a professional... Read More →

Speakers

Fyra B. Ginn

Christine Daigle

Christine Daigle is a multi-genre author whose latest release, Heavy Are The Stones, is a serial killer thriller co-authored with New York Times bestselling author J.D. Barker. She and Barker are also collaborating on a reboot of Flatliners, based on the original screenplay. Christine... Read More →

Evan Dicken

By day, EVAN DICKEN studies old Japanese maps and crunches research data at The Ohio State University. By night, he does neither of these things.

His short fiction has appeared in: Analog, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and Strange Horizons, and he has written a hefty fistful of media tie-in novels for properties such as: Warhammer, Legend of the Five Rings, Banner Saga, and Arkham Horror... Read More →

Storm Humbert

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

4:00pm EDT

The Art of the Short Story

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

Short story writers discuss how ideas can be turned into short stories that sell for cold, hard cash.

Moderators

Leslie Gulvas

Speakers

Paul Michael Peters

Paul Michael Peters is an American author known for his genre-blending narratives that span thrillers, suspense, science fiction, and literary fiction. His stories often delve into the unexpected, exploring life's quirky tangents with a unique voice that combines humor and darkness... Read More →

Ken MacGregor

Ken is a Speculative Fiction (mostly Horror) author with four story collections, an award-winning YA/MG novella, and a novel he co-wrote with Kerry Lipp. He has edited three original anthologies (one co-edited with Douglas Gwilym), one of which was a finalist for the Shirley Jackson... Read More →

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Jean Davis writes an array of speculative fiction and plays with chickens. She has written short story collections, a space opera series, stand-alone novels, children’s books about her chickens, many projects that aren’t yet finished, and a lot of pages that you will never se... Read More →

Storm Humbert

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

4:00pm EDT

Will Write for Loot: How to Start Writing for Games

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

How do you get a job in an industry that doesn't have a "Help Wanted" sign for writers? Whether you’re looking to script branching dialogue for a video game, pen an official tie-in novel for a major franchise, create your own board game, or publish your own tabletop RPG adventures, the path to entry can feel like a locked high-level dungeon. This session is a roadmap for the aspiring pro across all platforms.

Moderators

Stephanie Loree

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor, Jinx Publishing LLC

Born and still based in Ohio, Stephanie Lorée writes fantasy fiction and occasionally moonlights as a rock star. Her stories have appeared in places like Abyss & Apex and as tie-in fiction for the Pathfinder RPG. In 2013, she was a finalist for the Writers of the Future award... Read More →

Speakers

Richard C. White

Original and Media Tie-in Author. I write Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy Noir, Action-Adventure, Historical Fantasy, and Non-Fiction. I will be releasing up to 4 new books in 2026 and have been a panelist/guest at MystiCon nine times in the pre-Covid shows.

My works can be found at http://www.richardcwhite.com/bibliography... Read More →

Tracy Barnett

Penguicon, Guest of Honor, Penguicon 2022

Tracy Barnett (they/them) is an award-winning non-binary games designer, podcast and game editor, and project manager from Ohio. They have been making games for almost 10 years. They specialize in games prompted by feelings and deep with story. You can find them online, anywhere... Read More →

Evan Dicken

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

4:00pm EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - Ryan Rose, Ray Tabler, and Kyle E. Miller

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with Ryan Rose, Ray Tabler, and Kyle E. Miller.

Speakers

Kyle E Miller

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

My aim is to write science fiction you can enjoy. So far that's manifested as what I call Light Space Opera. Imagine Starship Troopers, hijacked by Monty Python, or space opera as produced by Gilbert and Sullivan, while bankrolled and bullied by Flo Ziegfeld. Additional links:
Ray... Read More →

Ryan Rose

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

5:00pm EDT

Magic as Metaphor

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT

Montcalm

Making sure our magic (or advanced tech) serves our purpose" This workshop with Storm Humbert will discuss magic system design theory and methods for making sure our magic is more than just window dressing--that it's operating meaningfully at all levels of our story.

Speakers

Storm Humbert

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Montcalm

Writing, Workshop

5:00pm EDT

The Evolution of Science Fiction

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

Science fiction novels used to be short, what we'd now call novellas or even novellettes. Hard science was prioritized, with characters like cardboard cutouts, and now characters and their story arcs are critical to Science Fiction stories. In what other ways has Science Fiction changed since its inception? Why did these changes come about, and what do they mean for authors now?

Speakers

Paul Michael Peters

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Evan Dicken

David Weber

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

5:00pm EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - Ken MacGregor, Leslie Gulvas, and Michael Cieslak

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with Ken MacGregor, Leslie Gulvas, and Michael Cieslak.

Speakers

Ken MacGregor

Leslie Gulvas

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

7:00pm EDT

What Shark Movies Teach Writers About Genre Expectations

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT

Charlevoix B

Shark movies have a lot to teach about how writers need to set and meet reader expectations in their genre.

Speakers

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Jim Butcher

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Charlevoix B

Writing

7:00pm EDT

Boots on the Ground: Writing About Real World Locations

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

You research, you read up on them, you look up maps, but how different would your books be if you visited real world sites in person instead of just doing your homework online? Is it worth a trip? Meet an author who did both and find out what is different. Get a chance to hear about England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Canada, Japan, and the Bahamas.

Speakers

A. Carina Spears

Author, Guild House Classic

I'm one of the Shinigami Kami. I know way too much about something most people probably aren't familiar with. If you want to talk about Shinigami/Grim Reapers, awesome.
I write horror, romance, and fantasy. I also enjoy writing challenges and to that end am playing with fan-fictio... Read More →

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing Food

8:00pm EDT

Ask the Author Guests of Honor

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

The PenguiCon 2026 Author Guests of Honor will answer your questions about their work and careers.

Moderators

Sarah Hans

Sarah Hans is an award-winning writer, editor, and teacher whose stories have appeared in more than 40 publications, including Apex Magazine, Love Letters to Poe, and Pseudopod. Her debut horror novel, Entomophobia, was released in 2022. You can read Sarah’s short stories in the... Read More →

Speakers

Tracy Barnett

Penguicon, Guest of Honor, Penguicon 2022

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Ryan Rose

David Weber

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

10:00am EDT

Fiction Writing: Where to Begin

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Algonquin A

Got an idea you want to turn into a story? Seasoned pros will walk you through the process of turning an idea into a story with all the necessary elements.

Moderators

Stephanie Loree

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor, Jinx Publishing LLC

Speakers

Paul Michael Peters

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

10:00am EDT

World Building in a Dystopia

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Montcalm

So you're inspired to write a dystopia but not sure where to start. This workshop walks you through the rules of a dystopia and the multiple approaches to world/story building while leaving time to discuss works/ideas in progress and workshop them as a group.

Speakers

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Montcalm

Writing

11:00am EDT

Ask a Publisher!

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Charlevoix B

Q&A with Detroit area small press Atthis Arts managing editor Chris Bell. Ask anything about the business of publishing: including contracts, finance/accounting, distribution, crowdfunding, book design (layout/ebooks/audio). Questions submitted ahead of time are encouraged. Self-publishing questions are welcome.

Speakers

Chris Bell

Managing Editor, Atthis Arts, LLC

Chris Bell (he/him) is Managing Editor for Detroit-based indie publisher Atthis Arts. With a particular fondness for speculative fiction, Atthis Arts strives to publish quality books that honor the authentic and artistic voice of authors while striving for social responsibility. An... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Charlevoix B

Writing

11:00am EDT

Author Signing - Jennifer Blackstream & Christine Daigle

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Bookstore

Author Signing - Jennifer Blackstream & Christine Daigle

Speakers

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Christine Daigle

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Bookstore

Writing, Signing

11:00am EDT

What I Wish I'd Known

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Algonquin A

Authors discuss what they've learned about writing, publishing, and marketing they wish they'd known when they first started.

Speakers

Paul Michael Peters

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Ryan Rose

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

11:00am EDT

Writing Truth in Fiction

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Montcalm

Our written voice gives us a connection to our readers. It is important to be truthful to the readers. Through our characters and the situations they endure, we can instill empathy in our readers, help them see new possibilities, or simply help them escape the real world for a bit of time. Our words need to be honest to allow the reader to suspend disbelief and accept the world we’ve created. If what you’ve written doesn’t feel real to you, the writer, the reader won’t believe it either.

Speakers

Leslie Gulvas

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Montcalm

Writing

11:00am EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - David Weber, Jarod K. Anderson, and Richard C. White

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with David Weber, Jarod K. Anderson, and Richard C. White.

Speakers

Jarod K. Anderson

Jarod K. Anderson is a writer and poet from Ohio. His new fantasy novel Strange Animals was called "a wholly captivating tale of magic and nature" by Publishers Weekly. His book about nature and mental health Something in the Woods Loves You was praised as a "brilliantly poignant... Read More →

Richard C. White

David Weber

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

12:00pm EDT

Author Signing - Jim Butcher

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT

Bookstore

Author Signing - Jim Butcher

Speakers

Jim Butcher

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm EDT
Bookstore

Writing, Signing

1:00pm EDT

Author Signing - Jarod K. Anderson

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Bookstore

Author Signing - Jarod K. Anderson

Speakers

Jarod K. Anderson

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Bookstore

Writing, Signing

1:00pm EDT

Effective Worldbuilding

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

Fiction requires creating interesting, immersive worlds, especially in Fantasy, SciFi, and Horror. Panelists discuss the most popular worlds in fiction and why they stand out, as well as how the panelists create the worlds they use in their fiction.

Speakers

Kyle E Miller

Richard C. White

Paul Michael Peters

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Evan Dicken

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

1:00pm EDT

Kill 'Em or Make 'Em Wish They Were Dead

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Charlevoix B

In fiction (you can't really do this in nonfiction without getting arrested), you should be mean as hell to your characters. This is particularly true for genre fiction, and doubly so for Horror. In this panel, we'll discuss how far to go, whether it's okay to kill your protagonist (spoiler: I have no problem doing this), and how to do it in a way that won't leave the reader mad at you (probably).

Speakers

Ken MacGregor

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Charlevoix B

Writing

1:00pm EDT

Self-Publishing 101

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

Self-published authors discuss why they chose the self-published route and detail just how they went about publishing their own books.

Speakers

Sarah Hans

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Tracy Barnett

Penguicon, Guest of Honor, Penguicon 2022

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

1:00pm EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - Storm Michael Humbert

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with Storm Michael Humbert.

Speakers

Storm Humbert

Vera West

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

2:00pm EDT

Author Signing - Evan Dicken

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Bookstore

Author Signing - Evan Dicken

Speakers

Evan Dicken

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Bookstore

Writing, Signing

2:00pm EDT

How To Stay Human in the Time of AI

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

With AI books flooding the market, how do we, as creators, stand out and connect with our audience? The panel will discuss tips and strategies to authentically connect with readers and rise above the AI slop.

Speakers

Storm Humbert

Stephanie Loree

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor, Jinx Publishing LLC

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Christine Daigle

Christian Klaver

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

2:00pm EDT

The Paths to Publishing

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

An exploration of the various paths to becoming a published author and finding your audience, whether you want to be traditionally published, published with small or medium presses, or self-published.

Speakers

Kyle E Miller

Jarod K. Anderson

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Matt Betts

Writer/Poet and Programmer for the UA Library, UA Library

Talk to me about horror, pop culture, poetry, scifi, books, movies! I want it all!

I'm writer and poet, and I develop programming for the Upper Arlington Public Library.

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Llewella Forgie

Llewella Forgie is an award-wining author who creates stories of tenacious women battling injustice and creating their own happily-ever-after. Her current work-in-progress is a pentalogy that takes place in Europe in 1802. France is planning to invade, people with psychic powers have... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

2:00pm EDT

Reading-Valtinen Erik Karille, Vera West, A. Carina Spears

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Listen to readings by Valtinen Erik Karille, Vera West, A. Carina Spears

Speakers

Valtinen Erik Karille

Vera West

A. Carina Spears

Author, Guild House Classic

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Reading | Food, Reading

3:00pm EDT

Author Signing - Stephanie Loree

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Bookstore

Author Signing - Stephanie Loree

Speakers

Stephanie Loree

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor, Jinx Publishing LLC

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Bookstore

Writing, Signing

3:00pm EDT

Maintaining Motivation

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

A lot of writers struggle to finish a first draft. Pros offer tips and tricks to stick with and finish your book, even through the dreaded Middle.

Speakers

Jarod K. Anderson

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Evan Dicken

Valtinen Erik Karille

Storm Humbert

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

3:00pm EDT

Outline Like a Pro

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

Outlining your novel can speed your writing and help you get to the finish line. Authors explore different ways to write an outline for your novel.

Speakers

Sarah Hans

Matt Betts

Writer/Poet and Programmer for the UA Library, UA Library

Talk to me about horror, pop culture, poetry, scifi, books, movies! I want it all!

I'm writer and poet, and I develop programming for the Upper Arlington Public Library.

Llewella Forgie

Christine Daigle

Christian Klaver

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

3:00pm EDT

Worldbuilding Through Food

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Montcalm

How cuisine, trade, and scarcity shape believable fictional cultures more than maps or magic systems ever will.

Speakers

Erika Wagner

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Montcalm

Writing Food Gaming

3:00pm EDT

Reading-Ken MacGregor, Leslie Gulvas, Michael Cieslak

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Listen to readings by Ken MacGregor, Leslie Gulvas, Michael Cieslak

Speakers

Ken MacGregor

Leslie Gulvas

Michael Cieslak

Dragon's Roost Press

Michael Cieslak is a lifetime reader and writer of horror, mystery, and speculative fiction. A native of Detroit, he lives in a house covered in Halloween decorations in October and dragons the rest of the year. He is a member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers and is... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Reading | Food, Reading

4:00pm EDT

Author Signing - Llewellla Forgie

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT

Bookstore

Author Signing - Llewellla Forgie

Speakers

Llewella Forgie

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Bookstore

Writing, Signing

4:00pm EDT

Creating Compelling Characters with Agency

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

Authors explain how they come up with characters that are complex, believable, and compelling to read about.

Speakers

Christine Daigle

Fyra B. Ginn

Paul Michael Peters

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Vera West

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

4:00pm EDT

We Love to Be Scared

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

Horror authors discuss why readers love the horror genre, why they write it, and what modern classics you should check out.

Speakers

Michael Cieslak

Dragon's Roost Press

Sarah Hans

Ken MacGregor

Matt Betts

Writer/Poet and Programmer for the UA Library, UA Library

Talk to me about horror, pop culture, poetry, scifi, books, movies! I want it all!

I'm writer and poet, and I develop programming for the Upper Arlington Public Library.

Christian Klaver

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

4:00pm EDT

Reading-Ray Tabler, Storm Humbert, Katie Spina

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Listen to readings by Ray Tabler, Storm Humbert, Katie Spina

Speakers

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Storm Humbert

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Reading | Food, Reading

5:00pm EDT

Author Signing - David Weber

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT

Bookstore

Author Signing - David Weber

Speakers

David Weber

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Bookstore

Writing, Signing

5:00pm EDT

Poetry Isn't Dead, It's Undead

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

A discussion of how to write poetry that resonates with a broad audience and challenges traditional ideas of verse. Poets will discuss speculative poetry and how the use of science fiction and horror tropes can make it more accessible. Panelists will also detail markets and opportunities for speculative poets, and give the audience prompts to help them get started on their own poems.

Speakers

Kyle E Miller

Jarod K. Anderson

Sarah Hans

Matt Betts

Writer/Poet and Programmer for the UA Library, UA Library

Talk to me about horror, pop culture, poetry, scifi, books, movies! I want it all!

I'm writer and poet, and I develop programming for the Upper Arlington Public Library.

Vera West

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

5:00pm EDT

What Is Style, and Do I Have It?

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT

Montcalm

This workshop with Storm Humber will focus on breaking down what it means to have a prose style (spoiler, everyone does) and how we go about discovering, fine-tuning, foregrounding, and capitalizing on our personal styles.

Speakers

Storm Humbert

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Montcalm

Writing

5:00pm EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - Valtinen Erik Karille, and Stephanie Loree

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with Valtinen Erik Karille, and Stephanie Loree.

Speakers

Stephanie Loree

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor, Jinx Publishing LLC

Valtinen Erik Karille

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 5:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

6:00pm EDT

Technical Writing - My Journey

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT

Algonquin C

So you want to become a technical writer. If you're in it for the money or the glowing admiration of your fans, might I suggest writing Urban Fantasy Porn instead? I would like this to be an open exchange about the journey and process.

Speakers

Ericka Kahler

Mark Haynes

STEM, Dmarkhaynes Consulting

I’m a renaissance man trapped in a specialist’s body. My degree is in biology. That’s why I’m IT. I’ve worked as a software developer, with an elegant language for a more civilized age. I became a QA guy because breaking things is therapeutic. I became a process specialist... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 6:50pm EDT
Algonquin C

Writing

7:00pm EDT

Why Horror?

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT

Board of Trustees

A discussion of what draws people, especially young people, to the horror genre. Why some people are drawn to horror at a very young age.

Speakers

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 7:50pm EDT
Board of Trustees

Writing

8:00pm EDT

Fantasy+Romance=Romantasy

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT

Charlevoix B

"Romantasy" is considered by many to be a hot "new" genre. What's the deal?

Speakers

Sarah Hans

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Valtinen Erik Karille

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Charlevoix B

Writing

8:00pm EDT

Reading-Matt Betts, Jean Davis

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Listen to readings by Matt Betts, Jean Davis

Speakers

Matt Betts

Writer/Poet and Programmer for the UA Library, UA Library

Talk to me about horror, pop culture, poetry, scifi, books, movies! I want it all!

I'm writer and poet, and I develop programming for the Upper Arlington Public Library.

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 8:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Reading | Food, Reading

9:00pm EDT

Keep it Spicy: Writing Intimate Scenes

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT

Charlevoix B

This is a late-night panel where writers discuss the dos and don'ts of writing physically intimate scenes.

Speakers

A. Carina Spears

Author, Guild House Classic

Sarah Hans

Vera West

Stephanie Loree

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor, Jinx Publishing LLC

Valtinen Erik Karille

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 9:50pm EDT
Charlevoix B

Writing

9:00am EDT

Writing Short Stories That Don't Turn Into Novels

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am EDT

Charlevoix B

Tips and tricks for finishing fiction before it grows out of control and demands a trilogy.

Speakers

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am EDT
Charlevoix B

Writing

10:00am EDT

Hook Your Reader: Starting Your Book

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT

Algonquin A

The first page of a book is the most important one, because this is where you grab your reader. Authors explore some of fiction's most powerful opening lines and discuss how they write their own.

Speakers

A. Carina Spears

Author, Guild House Classic

Ray Tabler

Author, Science Fiction You Can Enjoy

Paul Michael Peters

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Ryan Rose

David Weber

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

10:00am EDT

The Wicked, Weird and Wild Side of Setting

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Montcalm

Crowdfunding has taken the world by storm as a way for creatives to fund their projects. Writers reveal how crowdfunding has helped to make their projects a reality.

Speakers

Llewella Forgie

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Montcalm

Writing

10:00am EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - Katie Spina, Jean Davis, and Fyra B. Ginn

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with Katie Spina, Jean Davis, and Fyra B. Ginn.

Speakers

Fyra B. Ginn

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Jean Davis

Sci-fi & Fantasy Author

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

11:00am EDT

Finishing Strong: Writing a Great Ending

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Algonquin A

The ending of a book or series can determine whether or not readers review it favorably and recommend it to others. What makes a great ending to a book or series that will leave your readers satisfied?

Speakers

Jarod K. Anderson

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Llewella Forgie

David Weber

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

11:00am EDT

Navigating Contracts for Authors

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Algonquin D

We'll talk about navigating book contracts for authors and poets publishing with traditional and small presses. We'll examine pitfalls and red flags, common terms, and when to get a professional's opinion.

Speakers

Matt Betts

Writer/Poet and Programmer for the UA Library, UA Library

Talk to me about horror, pop culture, poetry, scifi, books, movies! I want it all!

I'm writer and poet, and I develop programming for the Upper Arlington Public Library.

Christine Daigle

Stephanie Loree

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor, Jinx Publishing LLC

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

11:00am EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - Tracy Barnett and Paul Michael Peters

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with Tracy Barnett and Paul Michael Peters.

Speakers

Paul Michael Peters

Tracy Barnett

Penguicon, Guest of Honor, Penguicon 2022

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

1:00pm EDT

Crowdfunding Your Way to Success

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Algonquin D

Crowdfunding has taken the world by storm as a way for creatives to fund their projects. Writers reveal how crowdfunding has helped to make their projects a reality.

Speakers

Michael Cieslak

Dragon's Roost Press

Sarah Hans

Tracy Barnett

Penguicon, Guest of Honor, Penguicon 2022

Llewella Forgie

Storm Humbert

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Algonquin D

Writing

1:00pm EDT

How to Collaborate with Friends and Not Kill Each Other

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

There's an old saying about not going into business with your friends if you want to remain friends. But plenty of writers have written books with their friends. Authors who have experience collaborating will discuss the process and how to maintain a friendship in the face of disagreements.

Speakers

Ken MacGregor

Katie Spina

Author, Awesome Authors Kids

Vera West

David Weber

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Algonquin A

Writing

1:00pm EDT

Kaffeeklatsch - Jennifer Blackstream and Vera West

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Spend an hour sitting, drinking coffee, and talking with Jennifer Blackstream and Vera West.

Speakers

Jennifer Blackstream

Author

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT
Hamlin

Writing, Kaffeeklatsch | Food, Kaffeeklatsch

2:00pm EDT

The Dreaded Second Draft: Editing Your Novel

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Algonquin A

You've finished the first draft of your novel—now what? Whether you plan to submit to literary agents or self-publish, the editing process is crucial to streamlining your plot, intensifying your character arcs, and sharpening your prose. Authors discuss how to use reader feedback and structure your edits to make your novel stand out.

Speakers

2:00pm EDT

Reading-Richard C. White, Kyle E. Miller, Fyra B. Ginn

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Hamlin

Listen to readings by Richard C. White, Kyle E. Miller, Fyra B. Ginn

Speakers