CoKoCon begins tomorrow! It’s a scfi/fantasy con taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Metrocenter Doubletree. Find out more about the con here. I’ll actually be there as the local author guest of honor, and I have a loaded schedule. Find the current version below; it can also be found on their site. Changes may occur, apocalypses may happen, etc.
Yes, I’m bringing cookies!
Friday, August 31
7pm
Signing: Beth Cato
Dealers Room, 7pm – 7:45pm
Local Author GoH Beth Cato will be signing in the Dealers Room. Bring your items to be signed.
8pm
Surviving Social Media
Canyon 3, 8pm – 9pm
Gary W. Babb, Beth Cato, Thomas Watson, Stephanie Weippert
In the world of Sad Puppies, Comics Gaters and Rian Johnson haters, social media can be a minefield as much as it can be a promotional tool. Enjoy some tips on how to tread lightly in Reddit, how and how much to share, and what precautions and steps you can take when it becomes too intense.
Saturday, September 1
11am
Book Discussion: A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet
Lobby Pit, 11am – 12pm
Beth Cato, Michael Senft
Join Beth Cato and Michael Senft as they host a book discussion on A Long Way to Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers.
3:30pm
Steampunk—More Than Airships
Canyon 3, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Ashley Carlson, Beth Cato, David Lee Summers, Cynthia Ward
It’s not just flying anachronisms; steampunk is an aesthetic. Beth Cato leads our panel of authors in examining the style and the tropes of this whimsical version of alternate history.
5pm
Meet the Guests
Terrace, 5pm – 6pm
Here’s a chance to meet all our GoH in one place, at one time.
8pm
Strong Female Characters
Canyon 3, 8pm – 9pm
Ashley Carlson, Beth Cato, Jenn Czep, Jamie Wyman
For ages the strong female character was able to kick ass with the men in her chainmail bikini. Thankfully, that has changed. From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Hermione Granger, we look at what makes a strong woman in the 21st century.
Sunday, September 2
10:30am
Spotlight on Beth Cato
Terrace, 10:30am – 11:30am
12:30pm
Mental Health Check for Writers and Readers
Canyon 3, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Ashley Carlson, Beth Cato, Eric T. Knight, Marsheila Rockwell
Our panelists lead a frank talk about mental issues, how they influence their stories and how they impact the writing process.
2pm
What If
Canyon 3, 2pm – 3pm
Beth Cato, H. Paul Honsinger, Sue Martin, Harry Turtledove
Alternate history revolves around critical points in history, where one little change creates massive ripples. Join our Guests of Honor Harry Turtledove and Beth Cato as they discuss these touch points, and what a little nudge in one direction or the other might spawn.
5pm
Magic Systems
Canyon 3, 5pm – 6pm
Beth Cato, Bruce Davis, Avily Jerome, Eric T. Knight
They are the heart of every high fantasy. And with writers like Rothfuss and Sanderson, they’ve become a science. Our panelists discuss their favorites and how to create a workable magic system, whether rigidly scientific or more numinous à la Tolkien—and when to use which.
8pm
Magic & Mayhem—Trickster Stories
Canyon 3, 8pm – 9pm
Ashley Carlson, Beth Cato, Jenn Czep, Jamie Wyman
We all love Loki and not just because of Tom Hiddleston. This panel looks at the trickster archetype, from myth and legend through modern fantasy. But let’s be honest, there will probably be a lot of talk about Tom Hiddleston!
Monday, September 3
3:30pm
Childhood Favorites
Canyon 3, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Beth Cato, Tom Leveen, Jeff Mariotte, Marsheila Rockwell
What books inspired you to become a writer? What are the cherished stories and beloved authors that provided the muse for our panelists? They will reminisce about their favorites and maybe discuss a few current favorites as well.
5pm
Closing Ceremonies
Terrace, 5pm – 6pm
Dee Astell, Hal C. F. Astell, Mark Boniece, Beth Cato, Cheshire Moon, Eric Coleman, Lizzie Crowe, Steve Rude, Harry Turtledove
Help us wrap up year one for CoKoCon and set the stage for 2019!
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