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Friday, May 29
 

11:30am EDT

Geek Dating 101
Trying to find that special someone? Here are the basics to finding and keeping that person.
Moderators
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Geek Life

1:00pm EDT

Metropolis
1927 silent classic
Friday May 29, 2015 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Film

2:30pm EDT

Con Etiquette
A few basic rules to make sure everyone at the Con has a wonderful time!
Moderators
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Nia

Nia

Nia and Cerulean run the KidsTrack for ConCarolinas

Friday May 29, 2015 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Geek Life

2:30pm EDT

What's New in Geek TV
What geek shows should you be watching? What shows should you just avoid?
Moderators
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

2:30pm EDT

The Year in Science
Discussion of the newest breakthroughs in science.
Moderators
avatar for Stephen Euin Cobb

Stephen Euin Cobb

Contributing Editor, Space and Time Magazine
Stephen Euin Cobb has interviewed over 400 people and written over 100 magazine articles for his work as an author, futurist, and award-winning podcaster. A contributing editor for SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, he has also been a regular contributor for ROBOT, HUMANITY PLUS, GRIM COUTURE... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jim Craig

Jim Craig

There are more things that interest me than can fit in this space. But, for the con, I'm happy to talk about science (especially astronomy and evolution) and science fiction (especially the history of the genre). I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the red hat.
avatar for Dr. Ben Davis

Dr. Ben Davis

Professor, ECPI University
Ben Davis has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and an M.S. in Nuclear Astrophysics from the University of Notre Dame. He taught at the collegiate level for several years on a number of technical subjects ranging from computer programming and math to, of course, astronomy and physics. In... 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 29, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Science

2:30pm EDT

Writing for the Next Generation
The influx of Young Adult literature in media has made writing for a younger audience a very enticing opportunity. How far should you tame your writing for a younger audience and how to keep them reading your work.
Moderators
GF

Speakers
avatar for Jake Bible

Jake Bible

Author
Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, Jake has entertained thousands with his horror and sci/fi tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters... Read More →
avatar for Terry W Ervin II

Terry W Ervin II

Author
Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series (fantasy) includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD, and SOUL FORGE. Terry’s debut science fiction novel, RELIC TECH, is the first in the Crax... Read More →
VJ
avatar for Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor
avatar for Kyle M. Perkins

Friday May 29, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

3:00pm EDT

Intro to Sched.org
Gah! New Technology! How does it work? James Fulbright takes you through the minutae of sched.org
Speakers
avatar for James K. Fulbright

James K. Fulbright

President / Con Chair, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon and Hexacon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Geek Life

3:30pm EDT

Nerdiquette 101
This panel discusses some common do’s and don'ts of convention and “nerd scene” behavior, such as: What’s the best way to compliment someone on their costume? How can you approach someone to ask to take a photo without making them feel uncomfortable? And, most importantly, how do you help get someone or even yourself out of an awkward or potentially dangerous situation? Join members of the Nerdiquette team as they discuss “nerd-etiquette” and offer constructive solutions on dealing with these and many other related convention-scene issues.
Moderators
avatar for James K. Fulbright

James K. Fulbright

President / Con Chair, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon and Hexacon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Allegriana
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... Read More →
avatar for Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Geek Life

3:30pm EDT

Beginning Paramornal Investigations
Find out what it takes to be a paranormal investigator. Learn about the basic equipment used, where to find it, and what all is involved in seeking out the paranormal. And learn how what you see on ghost hunting reality shows is more “show” than “reality.”
Moderators
TM

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 Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Paranormal
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) and he also has a story in An... Read More →
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Paranormal Guest, The Spooky Stuff
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, social media influencer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs “The Spooky Stuff.” If it’s weird, spooky, unusual, scary, macabre, or haunted, she wants to write and talk about it! Alex is known... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

3:30pm EDT

The Eventual A.I. Uprising
From The Terminator and Person of Interest to I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream, science fiction has been predicting the rise of artificial intelligence. Are we doomed? Is there anything we can do to prevent disaster?
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
avatar for Jake Bible

Jake Bible

Author
Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, Jake has entertained thousands with his horror and sci/fi tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters... Read More →
avatar for Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy

Head Publisher, Chris Kennedy Publishing
A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 20 books and published more than 100 others. Chris’ stories include the “Occupied Seattle” military... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Ledford

Rebecca Ledford

Literary Guest
Rebecca Ledford is the Manager of Phase 5 Publishing, LLC, a small publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror based in Western North Carolina. After graduating UNCA with a BA in psychology, she worked at a photo/graphics store, the Mössbauer Effect Data Center as a publication... Read More →
TA
avatar for Edward McKeown

Edward McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
I write what I like to read: adventures under far stars.  What’s most important to me is the relationships between the characters.  Why would you travel to unknown places with people you don’t care about?  My characters are flawed, fighting over their weight against a hostile... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

4:00pm EDT

GrafiTEE Party and Live Candy Crush
Come design your own t-shirt and do some live action candy crushing! (Safety Goggles provided. And yes, we got the idea from the commercial.)
Speakers
avatar for Nia

Nia

Nia and Cerulean run the KidsTrack for ConCarolinas

Friday May 29, 2015 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Gazebo @ Rocky River Terrace
  KidsTrack

4:00pm EDT

The Book/Movie/Show Was Better!
A civil discussion of some of the more popular adaptations in media. Nerf guns will be available should a disagreement come to a duel.
Moderators
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →

Speakers
GF
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.

Friday May 29, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

4:00pm EDT

The Phantom of the Opera
A screening of the 1925 silent classic
Friday May 29, 2015 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

4:00pm EDT

Selling and Pitching Workshop for Writers
Writer John Hartness discusses the nuts and bolts of profiling buyers, tailoring your pitch to different people and the importance of being different from everyone else.
Speakers
JH

Friday May 29, 2015 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Piedmont Workshops (Workshops)
  Writer's

5:00pm EDT

No Sew Costuming
Not every costume has to be created from scratch with needle and thread. Come join our panelists as they discuss creative, no-sew ways to build costumes from purchased, recycled, and/or found items.
Moderators
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jackie Craft
avatar for Gregory French

Gregory French

Gregory French is a New York native who currently lives in South Carolina. He got his start in professional acting when a friend asked him to be in a commercial he was shooting. That commercial led to several others, and before long, Greg was acting on the big screen. He has appeared... Read More →
avatar for Matthew Penrick

Matthew Penrick

Owner/Designer, Ribbons and Rivets
I have been working in costume design and fabrication for nine years now. I originally began working strictly with leather, but have since then branched out in to using plastics, foams, metals and fabrics. I am also a cosplayer so I make many costumes for myself as well and am a fitness... Read More →
avatar for Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

5:00pm EDT

Opening Ceremonies
WE'RE BACK! Come celebrate the opening of ConCarolinas 2015! We will be honoring the life of ConCarolinas Founder and first ConChair, Fred Grimm. If you have a Hawaiian shirt, please wear it!
Moderators
avatar for Rich

Rich

Fan Guest
To say that I enjoy podcasting and new media would be a gross understatement. My credits include mentions in high school and collegiate papers, newspapers, Podcasting for Dummies, and Advanced Podcasting Tricks. I have been called an innovator, having created the first fandom podcast... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro is an author of science fiction, fantasy and thrillers, and has written over twenty-five novels, as well as short stories and non-fiction. Her acclaimed Ruby Dynasty series combines adventure, hard science, math, romance and fast-paced action. Among her numerous distinctions... Read More →
avatar for Matt Busch

Matt Busch

Pres, yo., Kaleidoscope Koi Entertainment, LLC
In the early 90’s, Busch began his career in Hollywood, working in every aspect of the movie business, from concept design and storyboards to poster design and advertising. Simultaneously, he began illustrating books, magazines, posters, comics, trading cards and toys for notable... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Carroll

Jessica Carroll

Jonathan and Jessica are a cosplaying couple with plenty of years in the hobby under their belts. But their love of costuming doesn’t simply start or end with wearing the costumes; for them it’s an art form. Jonathan is a certified personal trainer and bodybuilder. He integrates... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Carroll

Jonathan Carroll

Jonathan and Jessica are a cosplaying couple with plenty of years in the hobby under their belts. But their love of costuming doesn’t simply start or end with wearing the costumes; for them it’s an art form. Jonathan is a certified personal trainer and bodybuilder. He integrates... Read More →
avatar for Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson is best known for creating the Peabody award-winning movie riffing sci-fi series Mystery Science Theater 3000. He was also the host of the series for the first 100 episodes. Recently, MST3K has been included in several “top 100 TV shows of all time” lists, including... Read More →
avatar for Michael Hogan

Michael Hogan

Michael Hogan (c. 1949) is a Canadian actor known for his roles as Colonel Saul Tigh in the Battlestar Galactica series, Billy in The Peanut Butter Solution and the voice of Armando-Owen Bailey in the Mass Effect series. Hogan was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in 1949, raised in... Read More →
TB
avatar for Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a comedy theatre troupe based in North Carolina. Founded in 2010, they have mounted a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. Initially created to perform shadow casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” PSL has expanded its repertoire... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →
avatar for Rich Molinelli

Rich Molinelli

Rich has worked in many fields but has found a great home working in the trading card and illustration field.  He has worked with clients who have dealt with Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Voltron, He-man and the Masters of the Universe, Image... Read More →
avatar for Judith O'Dea

Judith O'Dea

Stage and film actress Judith O’Dea began her career over five decades ago at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. But for most film and theatre goers, Judith is best remembered as Barbra in the George A. Romero 1968 horror film classic Night of the Living Dead.   This epic film changed her... Read More →
avatar for John Scalzi

John Scalzi

Author,
I enjoy pie.
avatar for Lin Zy

Lin Zy

As a child Lin Zy made crafts, designed illustrations, and made puppets. Years later she still does all those things only now as a professional. Even early on Lin Zy’s mom and dad knew their daughter’s life would be intertwined with anything and everything creative. “I knew... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

5:00pm EDT

Setting the Mood
Using words to create a distant planet or alien creature is never an easy task. How do you do this without wearing out your thesaurus? How much is too much detail?
Moderators
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →

Speakers
DB
WS

Wendy S Delmater

Editor and Publisher, Abyss & Apex Magazine
Short fiction, writing, editing.
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 →
DK

Friday May 29, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

5:30pm EDT

Writing Characters With Disabilities
It seems like either all characters are able-bodied or it’s only the bad guys who get a limp, lisp, twitch or some other (unflattering) physical tag. Let’s talk about creating realistic and respectful characters—good and bad—with visible and non-visible disabilities, and discuss books that have done it right (or not).
Moderators
AW

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Carter

Rebecca Carter

Specializing in short format horror, all three of her collections of short stories have debuted in the top 50 horror slots on amazon. The latest collection "After Dusk" focuses on what the consequences of letting go of our humanity.
LH
avatar for Dahlia Rose

Dahlia Rose

Literary Guest, Dahlia Rose Unscripted
Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary, military and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

6:00pm EDT

Selling Your Filk
So, you've written a filk song. Where are some of the places you can marketing your filk.
Speakers
avatar for Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Performance/ Comfort Coordinator, Geek Life
Geek Parenting, Wizard Rock, Geek Rock, Dr who! Anime obsessed!! I’m running the low stim room!!! Make sure you come see me and say hi! I also run Trolley Witches with Grace Kendall and Leah Hamm! 
avatar for Blibbering Humdingers

Blibbering Humdingers

If Voldemort didn’t make you crap your pants, these folks will. Scott & Kirsten have been singing together since 1992 (when most of their fans were still in nappies) and started performing wizard rock in 2007. Their sound could best be described as esatz neo-retro-existential post-nihilist... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Filk

6:00pm EDT

Getting Into the Local Film Industry
A discussion of the state of the local film industry and how you can get involved. Also, we'll have several "How would you do that?" scenarios and ask our award-winning panelists
Moderators
avatar for Jaysen Buterin

Speakers
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
avatar for Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is a character actress who has had both leading and supporting film roles. Nicknamed “Scary Carrie,” she is a true “Scream Queen” and this scary lady has definitely screamed in enough films to prove it! Her recent roles include the character “Lillith” in Christopher... Read More →
BM
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Erwn. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 5 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 →

Friday May 29, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

6:00pm EDT

Southern Goth
Discussion of the Goth scene in the Southeast
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Paranormal
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) and he also has a story in An... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 Valentine Wolfe

Valentine Wolfe

Human Music Group
A symphony of darkness, Valentine Wolfe performs gothic music inspired by seances, 19th century gothic literature, macabre history, and death positivity. Combining the haunting soprano of Sarah Black and the bleak maelstrom of Braxton Ballew’s solo double bass, they are dedicated... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Geek Life

6:00pm EDT

The Future of Star Wars
Now that Disney owns the Star Wars brand, what’s in store for the future of the franchise? Join our panelists as they discuss the new Star Wars television programs, upcoming film(s), and merchandise, and speculate on where the genre may go from here.
Moderators
avatar for James K. Fulbright

James K. Fulbright

President / Con Chair, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon and Hexacon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn... Read More →

Speakers
TH
CL
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →
avatar for Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Professor, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Amy H. Sturgis earned her Ph.D. in Intellectual History from Vanderbilt University. Her primary fields include Science Fiction/Fantasy Studies and Indigenous American Studies. Sturgis is the author of four books on Native American and U.S. history as well as more than fifty scholarly... Read More →
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

6:00pm EDT

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
A screening of the 1920 silent classic
Friday May 29, 2015 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

6:00pm EDT

Worbla Workshop
A demonstration of how to work with Worbla
Speakers
avatar for Jackie Craft

Friday May 29, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Blueridge (Workshops)
  Workshop

6:30pm EDT

Paranormal in Literature
How do you write the paranormal effectively? Authors talk about creating effective paranormal plots and worlds and discuss what works with readers and which paranormal ploys fall short.
Moderators
JH

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Carter

Rebecca Carter

Specializing in short format horror, all three of her collections of short stories have debuted in the top 50 horror slots on amazon. The latest collection "After Dusk" focuses on what the consequences of letting go of our humanity.
avatar for Sharon Stogner

Sharon Stogner

Owner, Devil in the Details Editing Services
Sharon is the co-creator of the I Smell Sheep website (www.ismellsheep.com). A quirky multi-media review site of Speculative Fiction that also provides author/actor guest posts, interviews, convention coverage and other WTF-ery. She is also a freelance fiction editor (www.devilin... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

6:30pm EDT

Law Enforcement in Fantasy Fiction
Much of the time, police and first responders in fantasy fiction don't necessarily behave the way they would in the real world. Is it distracting to read police characters constantly breaking the rules? How much reality is necessary for an effective story?
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
avatar for Jeanne P. Adams

Jeanne P. Adams

Virtual Guest Speaker, Science and Tech
A lifelong reader and writer of fantasy and suspense, award-winning author Jeanne Adams is an extrovert in an introverted profession. So, she's always up for talking...about ANYTHING! Geekery of all kinds, reading, books, baseball, dogs and dog-showing, suspense, and body disposal... Read More →
JB

Jim Bernheimer

Author
Jim lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife Kim, and daughters Laura and Marissa. By day, he works as a Systems Administrator for the government and runs his own side Information Technology consulting firm, EJB Networking, which can be found at www.ejbnetworking.com nnBlessed... Read More →
GF
avatar for Tamsin Silver

Tamsin Silver

Author
TAMSIN SILVER is a Fantasy author based out of Albuquerque, NM. With a background in Theatre, it was only a natural progression that her storytelling found its way to book format. Her Historical Fantasy works include the Untold Legends series (about Billy the Kid) with Falstaff Books... Read More →
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

6:30pm EDT

Asylum: The Lost Interrogations (M)
Asylum "The Lost Interrogations " a dark parody series about one of the most iconic comic book villains of all time. Q&A with the filmmakers to follow.
Friday May 29, 2015 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

7:00pm EDT

Mikey Mason in Concert
Mikey Mason brings his brand of wonderful comedy tunes back to ConCarolinas!
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 appearances... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Concerts

7:00pm EDT

Beginning Podcasting
Learn all about how to get started in Podcasting. Learn the basic of Podcasting, like what equipment you need, how to build your show, creating content, why programming is important, how and where to broadcast your show, and, most importantly, how to do it all on as little a budget as possible!
Moderators
avatar for Rich

Rich

Fan Guest
To say that I enjoy podcasting and new media would be a gross understatement. My credits include mentions in high school and collegiate papers, newspapers, Podcasting for Dummies, and Advanced Podcasting Tricks. I have been called an innovator, having created the first fandom podcast... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Darryl Mansel
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Paranormal Guest, The Spooky Stuff
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, social media influencer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs “The Spooky Stuff.” If it’s weird, spooky, unusual, scary, macabre, or haunted, she wants to write and talk about it! Alex is known... 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 →

Friday May 29, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Podcasting

7:00pm EDT

Royalty, Nobles, Thieves and Beggars
A discussion of race, class, and economic assumptions in epic fantasy.
Moderators
DB

Speakers
avatar for Niko Brooks
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 Kyle M. Perkins

Friday May 29, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

7:30pm EDT

Agents of SHIELD
A breakdown of the most recent series and a discussion of the mid season filler - Agent Carter!
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... Read More →

Speakers
TE
avatar for Jaysen Buterin
avatar for James K. Fulbright

James K. Fulbright

President / Con Chair, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon and Hexacon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn... Read More →
avatar for Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott

Literary Guest
After practicing law for 18 years, Nancy Northcott decided she’d spent enough time in pinstripes and mothballed her law license to become a writer. She made her first sale, a paranormal romance series to Hachette/Grand Central, in 2012. Along the way, Nancy put her lifelong love... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

7:30pm EDT

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Panelists
Well, it's finally over. Let's discuss all 9 hours of The Hobbit!
Moderators
avatar for Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Professor, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Amy H. Sturgis earned her Ph.D. in Intellectual History from Vanderbilt University. Her primary fields include Science Fiction/Fantasy Studies and Indigenous American Studies. Sturgis is the author of four books on Native American and U.S. history as well as more than fifty scholarly... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →
LD
avatar for Gollum

Gollum

Shhhh!  Youse no sees this page.
PG

Friday May 29, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Media

7:30pm EDT

Pineapple Shaped Lamps
Sketch comedy with PSL!
Speakers
avatar for Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a comedy theatre troupe based in North Carolina. Founded in 2010, they have mounted a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. Initially created to perform shadow casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” PSL has expanded its repertoire... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Main Programming

7:30pm EDT

Nosferatu
A screening of the 1922 silent classic
Friday May 29, 2015 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

7:30pm EDT

Open Filk
Time for some filk! Bring your instruments and take a turn!
Friday May 29, 2015 7:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Filk

8:00pm EDT

Looking Your Worst
Join expert makeup artists as they talk about and teach you how to create truly horrifying makeup effects.
Moderators
avatar for Jackie Craft

Speakers
avatar for Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

8:00pm EDT

Fantasy the World Over
So much fantasy takes place in large, iconic cities like NYC, LA, London and New Orleans. But there are so many other amazing locations to set a story. Why do certain cities seem to get all the attention? How important is setting to the success of a story? What are some of the underused places we'd like to see in fantasy, and what makes them right for the genre?
Moderators
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 →

Speakers
DB
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →
avatar for Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Friday May 29, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

8:00pm EDT

A Band Called Death
A documentary on the 1970s punk trio Death, and their new-found popularity decades after they disbanded. Q&A with the filmmakers to follow.
Friday May 29, 2015 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

8:30pm EDT

Valentine Wolfe in concert
Valentine Wolfe brings their signature brand of Victorian Chamber Metal back to ConCarolinas.
Speakers
avatar for Valentine Wolfe

Valentine Wolfe

Human Music Group
A symphony of darkness, Valentine Wolfe performs gothic music inspired by seances, 19th century gothic literature, macabre history, and death positivity. Combining the haunting soprano of Sarah Black and the bleak maelstrom of Braxton Ballew’s solo double bass, they are dedicated... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 8:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Concerts

8:30pm EDT

Climate Change: Why is There a Debate?
Discussion of how climate change will affect Earth and why this has become such a political hot topic.
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
avatar for Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is a character actress who has had both leading and supporting film roles. Nicknamed “Scary Carrie,” she is a true “Scream Queen” and this scary lady has definitely screamed in enough films to prove it! Her recent roles include the character “Lillith” in Christopher... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 8:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Science

8:30pm EDT

Creating a Series
Keeping track of characters and plotlines while writing a multi-volume series can be difficult. Learn some tips and tricks on how to keep your series fresh and your continuity solid.
Moderators
JL

Speakers
CG
SG
avatar for Terry W Ervin II

Terry W Ervin II

Author
Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series (fantasy) includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD, and SOUL FORGE. Terry’s debut science fiction novel, RELIC TECH, is the first in the Crax... Read More →
avatar for Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy

Head Publisher, Chris Kennedy Publishing
A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 20 books and published more than 100 others. Chris’ stories include the “Occupied Seattle” military... Read More →
JM

James Minz

Baen Books Executive Editor Jim Minz has been employed in genre publishing for more than two decades, having first worked for Tor for more than a decade, then briefly for Del Rey, until finally, on the centennial of Robert A. Heinlein’s birth, landing at Baen. nnOver the years... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 8:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

9:00pm EDT

The Golem
A screening of the 1920 silent classic
Friday May 29, 2015 9:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

9:00pm EDT

Those Winchester Boys
Supernatural is still going strong and has been renewed for an 11th season. What is the appeal of those Winchester Boys?
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Carter

Rebecca Carter

Specializing in short format horror, all three of her collections of short stories have debuted in the top 50 horror slots on amazon. The latest collection "After Dusk" focuses on what the consequences of letting go of our humanity.
JH
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Media

9:00pm EDT

We Are Groot!
From its soundtrack to its humor - Guardians of the Galaxy was a smash hit! Let's discuss the phenomenon and what the future holds for our band of misfits.
Moderators
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?

Speakers
avatar for Jaysen Buterin
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

9:30pm EDT

Fact or Fiction: Aliens
In this open discussion, one panelist takes the side of fact while the other panelist takes the side of fiction. Our moderator acts as the judge (and sometimes peacekeeper). And the audience is asked to pick a side and participate to help decide the case one way or the other to prove once and for all if this is fact or fiction.
Moderators
avatar for M. Doc Geressy

M. Doc Geressy

CEO, Bathurst Industries
M. Doc Geressy is a professional broadcaster, costumer, movie car motorhead expert, actor, designer, and paranormal investigator. When Doc is not doing all this stuff, he is the Campus Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting's Charlotte Campus where he also teaches broadcasting. Spending... Read More →

Speakers
LH
avatar for Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy

Head Publisher, Chris Kennedy Publishing
A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 20 books and published more than 100 others. Chris’ stories include the “Occupied Seattle” military... Read More →
TA
TM

Friday May 29, 2015 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

9:30pm EDT

Cover Art or How to Attract the Eye of Your Reader
You can never take back a first impression. How to find or commission cover art that will attract readers.
Moderators
avatar for Sharon Stogner

Sharon Stogner

Owner, Devil in the Details Editing Services
Sharon is the co-creator of the I Smell Sheep website (www.ismellsheep.com). A quirky multi-media review site of Speculative Fiction that also provides author/actor guest posts, interviews, convention coverage and other WTF-ery. She is also a freelance fiction editor (www.devilin... 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 Roy Mauritsen

Roy Mauritsen

guest, Perseid Press and Padwolf Publishing
In a career spanning over two decades as a professional graphic designer, Roy Mauritsen is also an award-winning digital fantasy artist of the Chess Pieces series and author of the Shards of the Glass Slipper series. Presently, Mr. Mauritsen is an art director overseeing both Perseid... Read More →
JM

James Minz

Baen Books Executive Editor Jim Minz has been employed in genre publishing for more than two decades, having first worked for Tor for more than a decade, then briefly for Del Rey, until finally, on the centennial of Robert A. Heinlein’s birth, landing at Baen. nnOver the years... Read More →
avatar for Dahlia Rose

Dahlia Rose

Literary Guest, Dahlia Rose Unscripted
Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary, military and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

9:30pm EDT

RIFF THIS MOViE
Come and watch our esteemed (insert laugh track) panel of riffers tear into some cinematic trash! What movie are we riffing - COME AND SEE!
Moderators
avatar for Rich

Rich

Fan Guest
To say that I enjoy podcasting and new media would be a gross understatement. My credits include mentions in high school and collegiate papers, newspapers, Podcasting for Dummies, and Advanced Podcasting Tricks. I have been called an innovator, having created the first fandom podcast... Read More →

Speakers
PG
avatar for Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a comedy theatre troupe based in North Carolina. Founded in 2010, they have mounted a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. Initially created to perform shadow casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” PSL has expanded its repertoire... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 9:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Main

9:30pm EDT

Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages
1922 Silent Classic
Friday May 29, 2015 9:30pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00am EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

9:30pm EDT

Filking the Night Away
Late night filk jam. Filk until the sun comes up!
Friday May 29, 2015 9:30pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 1:00am EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Filk

10:00pm EDT

Unfilmable: Lovecraft in Cinema
Lovecraft scholars and filmmakers talk about what works, what doesn't, and why when trying to bring the Old Ones to the silver screen.
Moderators
avatar for Sarah L. Covert

Sarah L. Covert

Founder/Editor, She Never Slept

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 Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →
avatar for Michael Ray Williams

Michael Ray Williams

Film/Media/TV, MadOnes Films
I'm an actor at heart, but an all around film/theatre extraordinaire.

Friday May 29, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

10:00pm EDT

Transhumanism
A frank discussion of transhumanism and how it may benefit mankind.
Moderators
avatar for Stephen Euin Cobb

Stephen Euin Cobb

Contributing Editor, Space and Time Magazine
Stephen Euin Cobb has interviewed over 400 people and written over 100 magazine articles for his work as an author, futurist, and award-winning podcaster. A contributing editor for SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, he has also been a regular contributor for ROBOT, HUMANITY PLUS, GRIM COUTURE... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ben Davis

Dr. Ben Davis

Professor, ECPI University
Ben Davis has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and an M.S. in Nuclear Astrophysics from the University of Notre Dame. He taught at the collegiate level for several years on a number of technical subjects ranging from computer programming and math to, of course, astronomy and physics. In... 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 29, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Science

10:00pm EDT

Gender Issues in Alternate History
Once upon a time, it was common in conversation to use descriptors that are now considered horribly insulting. When writing alternate history, how do we handle gender and racial issues in a way that accurately reflects history without offending modern sensibilities? Or is that even possible?
Moderators
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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
DB
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... 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 →

Friday May 29, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

10:00pm EDT

Hatchet County (M)
In 1869, a small group of men battle a demonic evil unleashed in Hatchet County, Virginia. Believing themselves victorious, the posse disbands; two members stay to watch over the area and all is quiet for the next four years. In 1873, Hell breaks loose in Hatchet County! This time all of its citizens, along with their two protectors, are forced to fight against 7 powerful demons, each representing the one of the 7 deadly sins. Q&A with filmmakers to follow.
Friday May 29, 2015 10:00pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00am EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

10:00pm EDT

Butterbeer Bash! w/Blibbering Humdingers, Hawthorne and Holly and DJ Torch!
Put on your Hogwarts best, grab some butterbeer and join us for a more adult Harry Potter themed concert!
Speakers
avatar for Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Performance/ Comfort Coordinator, Geek Life
Geek Parenting, Wizard Rock, Geek Rock, Dr who! Anime obsessed!! I’m running the low stim room!!! Make sure you come see me and say hi! I also run Trolley Witches with Grace Kendall and Leah Hamm! 
avatar for Blibbering Humdingers

Blibbering Humdingers

If Voldemort didn’t make you crap your pants, these folks will. Scott & Kirsten have been singing together since 1992 (when most of their fans were still in nappies) and started performing wizard rock in 2007. Their sound could best be described as esatz neo-retro-existential post-nihilist... Read More →
DT

Friday May 29, 2015 10:00pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 1:00am EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Concerts

10:30pm EDT

I am SHERlocked
Sherlock Holmes has been around for over 100 years, yet he is STILL going strong. A discussion of the new series and some of the old series.
Moderators
avatar for Brian Holloway

Brian Holloway

Costume, Union County Public Schools
Costume designer with over 27+ years experience for film television, and stage. Make-Up Supervisor and actor for Star Trek: New Voyages/PHASE II for 8+ years. Owner of Material Worlds Costuming. Convention moderator and panelist yearly at a variety of conventions. Professional actor... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
avatar for Tamsin Silver

Tamsin Silver

Author
TAMSIN SILVER is a Fantasy author based out of Albuquerque, NM. With a background in Theatre, it was only a natural progression that her storytelling found its way to book format. Her Historical Fantasy works include the Untold Legends series (about Billy the Kid) with Falstaff Books... Read More →
avatar for Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 10:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

10:30pm EDT

Ghost Stories
Listen to Tally Johnson spin a tale that will chill your bones and terrify your mind.
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Paranormal
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) and he also has a story in An... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Valentine Wolfe

Valentine Wolfe

Human Music Group
A symphony of darkness, Valentine Wolfe performs gothic music inspired by seances, 19th century gothic literature, macabre history, and death positivity. Combining the haunting soprano of Sarah Black and the bleak maelstrom of Braxton Ballew’s solo double bass, they are dedicated... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 10:30pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 12:30am EDT
Piedmont Workshops (Workshops)
  Paranormal

11:00pm EDT

Vampires vs Werewolves
Team Edward. Team Jacob. Team Dracula. Team Wolfman. Team Kate Beckinsale from Underworld. Which is better? The Werewolf or the Vampire? Join the open discussion to decide once and for all which reigns supreme!
Moderators
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Carter

Rebecca Carter

Specializing in short format horror, all three of her collections of short stories have debuted in the top 50 horror slots on amazon. The latest collection "After Dusk" focuses on what the consequences of letting go of our humanity.
avatar for Nico Murray

Nico Murray

owner, Lorem Books
goldsmithing, vodka, fire, boots, cupcakes, vampires, travel. ( I'm canadian but I seriously can't skate, ski and I know nothing of hockey)
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 11:00pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00am EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Media

11:00pm EDT

Southern Ghouls Do It Better!
Supernatural and urban fantasy set in the south.
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
avatar for Jeanne P. Adams

Jeanne P. Adams

Virtual Guest Speaker, Science and Tech
A lifelong reader and writer of fantasy and suspense, award-winning author Jeanne Adams is an extrovert in an introverted profession. So, she's always up for talking...about ANYTHING! Geekery of all kinds, reading, books, baseball, dogs and dog-showing, suspense, and body disposal... Read More →
avatar for Jake Bible

Jake Bible

Author
Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, Jake has entertained thousands with his horror and sci/fi tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters... Read More →
avatar for Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott

Literary Guest
After practicing law for 18 years, Nancy Northcott decided she’d spent enough time in pinstripes and mothballed her law license to become a writer. She made her first sale, a paranormal romance series to Hachette/Grand Central, in 2012. Along the way, Nancy put her lifelong love... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2015 11:00pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00am EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

11:30pm EDT

Bars, Beers, Whiskey and Wine (M)
Let's raise a glass and talk about our favorite fictional taverns and the role of pubs, inns and roadhouses in SF/F.
Moderators
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 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 →

Friday May 29, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday May 30, 2015 12:30am EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's
 
Saturday, May 30
 

12:00am EDT

Midnight Madness (M)
Hellyfish and The Bride Screening
Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00am - 1:00am EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

12:00am EDT

Freaks
1932 classic. One of us! One of us!
Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00am - 1:00am EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

12:00am EDT

The Big, Fat Trivia Challenge
Join trivia Goddess Mikki Knop and a variety of Con guests and they test their knowledge of all things geeky!
Speakers
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.

Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00am - 2:00am EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Media

9:00am EDT

Saturday Morning Cartoons
A selection of Sid & Marty Croft shows!
Saturday May 30, 2015 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

9:30am EDT

Getting Your Kids into Gaming
Introducing your children to the world of gaming
Moderators
avatar for Robert Hudson

Robert Hudson

Gaming
Talk to me about my work for HERO Games, Misfit Studios, or Gunmetal Games, or the pulps and pulp characters/adventures, or, heck, anything. =)

Speakers
TA
avatar for Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott

Literary Guest
After practicing law for 18 years, Nancy Northcott decided she’d spent enough time in pinstripes and mothballed her law license to become a writer. She made her first sale, a paranormal romance series to Hachette/Grand Central, in 2012. Along the way, Nancy put her lifelong love... Read More →
CS

Saturday May 30, 2015 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Gaming

10:00am EDT

How Would Religion Deal with Extraterrestrial Life?
How would established religion deal with proof of extraterrestrial life?
Moderators
ES

Edmund Schubert

Editor, InterGalactic Medicine Show

Speakers
avatar for Jim Craig

Jim Craig

There are more things that interest me than can fit in this space. But, for the con, I'm happy to talk about science (especially astronomy and evolution) and science fiction (especially the history of the genre). I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the red hat.
GF
VJ
JS

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Science

10:00am EDT

Editors and Agents
Our panel of editors and agents discuss how they do what they do and how they can help you with your writing career.
Moderators
ES

Edmund Schubert

Editor, InterGalactic Medicine Show

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Gilbert

Owner, Editor, Clicking Keys
Melissa Gilbert teaches college writing, works as a freelance editor at Clicking Keys, writes twice monthly for Magical Words, and tells stories (writing as Melissa McArthur). Her current publications include a short story, “The Chase,” in AN IMPROBABLE TRUTH: THE PARANORMAL... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... Read More →
JM

James Minz

Baen Books Executive Editor Jim Minz has been employed in genre publishing for more than two decades, having first worked for Tor for more than a decade, then briefly for Del Rey, until finally, on the centennial of Robert A. Heinlein’s birth, landing at Baen. nnOver the years... Read More →
avatar for Gray Rinehart

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest
Gray Rinehart writes science fiction and fantasy stories, nonfiction, songs ... and other things. He is the only person to have commanded an Air Force satellite tracking station, written speeches for Presidential appointees, originated a poetic form, and had music on The Dr. Demento... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Stogner

Sharon Stogner

Owner, Devil in the Details Editing Services
Sharon is the co-creator of the I Smell Sheep website (www.ismellsheep.com). A quirky multi-media review site of Speculative Fiction that also provides author/actor guest posts, interviews, convention coverage and other WTF-ery. She is also a freelance fiction editor (www.devilin... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

10:00am EDT

Filk and Cookies
Bring the kids as our filking guests perform for our younger Con-goers. Juice and cookies provided.
Moderators
avatar for Blibbering Humdingers

Blibbering Humdingers

If Voldemort didn’t make you crap your pants, these folks will. Scott & Kirsten have been singing together since 1992 (when most of their fans were still in nappies) and started performing wizard rock in 2007. Their sound could best be described as esatz neo-retro-existential post-nihilist... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Performance/ Comfort Coordinator, Geek Life
Geek Parenting, Wizard Rock, Geek Rock, Dr who! Anime obsessed!! I’m running the low stim room!!! Make sure you come see me and say hi! I also run Trolley Witches with Grace Kendall and Leah Hamm! 

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  KidsTrack

10:00am EDT

Gallirey Pirate Radio
Davey Beauchamp and friends record another episode of GPR!
Speakers
avatar for Davey Beauchamp

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Kittyhawk (Live Podcasts)
  Media

10:00am EDT

Allen Wold's Writer's Workshop
Join Allen Wold and other writer guests for an in depth writer's workshop. Limited seating available.
Moderators
AW

Speakers
WS

Wendy S Delmater

Editor and Publisher, Abyss & Apex Magazine
Short fiction, writing, editing.
avatar for Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy

Head Publisher, Chris Kennedy Publishing
A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 20 books and published more than 100 others. Chris’ stories include the “Occupied Seattle” military... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Ledford

Rebecca Ledford

Literary Guest
Rebecca Ledford is the Manager of Phase 5 Publishing, LLC, a small publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror based in Western North Carolina. After graduating UNCA with a BA in psychology, she worked at a photo/graphics store, the Mössbauer Effect Data Center as a publication... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Piedmont Workshops (Workshops)
  Writer's

10:00am EDT

ConCarolina Film Festival (M)
We've had a record number of entries for this year's film fest. Come and see what treasures we've discovered!
Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

10:30am EDT

Star Wars Costuming - So, Your Want to BE a Stormtrooper, Rebel Princess or Bounty Hunter
With the release of the long-awaited new Star Wars film scheduled for this year, Star Wars costumes will be in high demand. Join members of the various Star Wars costuming groups such as the 501st, the Rebel Legion, and the Mandalorian Mercs as they discuss how to build various costumes from the Star Wars universe.
Moderators
avatar for Brian Holloway

Brian Holloway

Costume, Union County Public Schools
Costume designer with over 27+ years experience for film television, and stage. Make-Up Supervisor and actor for Star Trek: New Voyages/PHASE II for 8+ years. Owner of Material Worlds Costuming. Convention moderator and panelist yearly at a variety of conventions. Professional actor... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Gregory French

Gregory French

Gregory French is a New York native who currently lives in South Carolina. He got his start in professional acting when a friend asked him to be in a commercial he was shooting. That commercial led to several others, and before long, Greg was acting on the big screen. He has appeared... Read More →
TH
avatar for Matthew Penrick

Matthew Penrick

Owner/Designer, Ribbons and Rivets
I have been working in costume design and fabrication for nine years now. I originally began working strictly with leather, but have since then branched out in to using plastics, foams, metals and fabrics. I am also a cosplayer so I make many costumes for myself as well and am a fitness... Read More →
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

10:30am EDT

A to Z of Weird Film
Writer, actor, FX Genius and high school science teacher, Bill Mulligan is a cinematic scholar on some of the weirdest movies ever made... so come find out his list of the top 26 and even submit some of your own!
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
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and urban fantasy series The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural!

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

10:30am EDT

Crown Tournament of Anarchia (SCA Armored Combat Tournament)
Huzzah! Come watch the SCA battle it out!
Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Gazebo @ Rocky River Terrace
  Geek Life

10:30am EDT

Michael Hogan Q & A
Michael Hogan discusses his roles on Battlestar Galactica, Haven, Teen Wolf and what's coming up.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Hogan

Michael Hogan

Michael Hogan (c. 1949) is a Canadian actor known for his roles as Colonel Saul Tigh in the Battlestar Galactica series, Billy in The Peanut Butter Solution and the voice of Armando-Owen Bailey in the Mass Effect series. Hogan was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in 1949, raised in... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

10:30am EDT

Secret Squirrels and Danger Girls
The life of an intelligence operative is full of thrills and romance, at least in books and movies, although in real life, most of us hate the idea of being surveilled by people in the dark. What about the spy world makes it so exciting for us to experience in books and movies? What are some of the best spy adventures? How have the stories evolved in the years since the Cold War ended?
Moderators
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 Jeanne P. Adams

Jeanne P. Adams

Virtual Guest Speaker, Science and Tech
A lifelong reader and writer of fantasy and suspense, award-winning author Jeanne Adams is an extrovert in an introverted profession. So, she's always up for talking...about ANYTHING! Geekery of all kinds, reading, books, baseball, dogs and dog-showing, suspense, and body disposal... 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 →
avatar for Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott

Literary Guest
After practicing law for 18 years, Nancy Northcott decided she’d spent enough time in pinstripes and mothballed her law license to become a writer. She made her first sale, a paranormal romance series to Hachette/Grand Central, in 2012. Along the way, Nancy put her lifelong love... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

11:00am EDT

Doctor Who 4th Doctor Scarf Guinness World Record Set
We will be setting the first ever Guinness World Record for the longest chain of Doctor Who Scarves in one place!
Speakers
avatar for Jada Diaz

Jada Diaz

ConChair, ConCarolinas
ConCarolinas - SciFi . . . Carolinas style

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Harrisburg Hallway
  Geek Life

11:00am EDT

Fitness in Fandom
Many activities in fandom can be sedentary. Why it is important to eat right and exercise in order to be the best fan you can be!
Moderators
avatar for Jonathan Carroll

Jonathan Carroll

Jonathan and Jessica are a cosplaying couple with plenty of years in the hobby under their belts. But their love of costuming doesn’t simply start or end with wearing the costumes; for them it’s an art form. Jonathan is a certified personal trainer and bodybuilder. He integrates... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jessica Carroll

Jessica Carroll

Jonathan and Jessica are a cosplaying couple with plenty of years in the hobby under their belts. But their love of costuming doesn’t simply start or end with wearing the costumes; for them it’s an art form. Jonathan is a certified personal trainer and bodybuilder. He integrates... Read More →
CS

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Geek Life

11:00am EDT

Turning Your Hobby into a Profession
How to make money doing what you love to do!
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 appearances... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Niko Brooks
LH
CL
avatar for Roy Mauritsen

Roy Mauritsen

guest, Perseid Press and Padwolf Publishing
In a career spanning over two decades as a professional graphic designer, Roy Mauritsen is also an award-winning digital fantasy artist of the Chess Pieces series and author of the Shards of the Glass Slipper series. Presently, Mr. Mauritsen is an art director overseeing both Perseid... Read More →
TA
avatar for Nico Murray

Nico Murray

owner, Lorem Books
goldsmithing, vodka, fire, boots, cupcakes, vampires, travel. ( I'm canadian but I seriously can't skate, ski and I know nothing of hockey)

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Geek Life

11:00am EDT

Baen Traveling Road Show
Come see what's new at Baen Books!
Speakers
avatar for Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro is an author of science fiction, fantasy and thrillers, and has written over twenty-five novels, as well as short stories and non-fiction. Her acclaimed Ruby Dynasty series combines adventure, hard science, math, romance and fast-paced action. Among her numerous distinctions... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →
avatar for Gray Rinehart

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest
Gray Rinehart writes science fiction and fantasy stories, nonfiction, songs ... and other things. He is the only person to have commanded an Air Force satellite tracking station, written speeches for Presidential appointees, originated a poetic form, and had music on The Dr. Demento... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Main

11:00am EDT

Kaiju Action Theatre
Join us as we celebrate everyone's favorite giant mutant turtle, Gamera! Riffing allowed!
Saturday May 30, 2015 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

11:00am EDT

Origami Workshop
Learn how to make Origami
Speakers
LR

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Blueridge (Workshops)
  Workshop

11:30am EDT

Theater of the Mind
Podcasting is entertainment. And entertainment means creativity. Learn from podcasters how to go above and beyond the perceived limitations of the mind into an entirely different realm of creating compelling content that audiences will crave.
Moderators
avatar for M. Doc Geressy

M. Doc Geressy

CEO, Bathurst Industries
M. Doc Geressy is a professional broadcaster, costumer, movie car motorhead expert, actor, designer, and paranormal investigator. When Doc is not doing all this stuff, he is the Campus Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting's Charlotte Campus where he also teaches broadcasting. Spending... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Paranormal Guest, The Spooky Stuff
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, social media influencer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs “The Spooky Stuff.” If it’s weird, spooky, unusual, scary, macabre, or haunted, she wants to write and talk about it! Alex is known... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Podcasting

11:30am EDT

Let's Run a Kickstarter
It may seem easy (heck, that one guy got 50K just to make potato salad!) but running a successful Kickstarter campaign takes more work than you might guess. We'll talk about what makes a great Kickstarter, what doesn't, and the most effective tips to help you achieve your funding goals.
Moderators
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Tamsin Silver

Tamsin Silver

Author
TAMSIN SILVER is a Fantasy author based out of Albuquerque, NM. With a background in Theatre, it was only a natural progression that her storytelling found its way to book format. Her Historical Fantasy works include the Untold Legends series (about Billy the Kid) with Falstaff Books... Read More →
avatar for Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

11:30am EDT

Joel Hodgsen: Riffing Myself
Joel Hodgson of MST3K riffs himself.
Speakers
avatar for Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson is best known for creating the Peabody award-winning movie riffing sci-fi series Mystery Science Theater 3000. He was also the host of the series for the first 100 episodes. Recently, MST3K has been included in several “top 100 TV shows of all time” lists, including... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

12:00pm EDT

Meet the PSL
Comedy Special Guests The Pineapple Shaped Lamps dicuss their brand of humor and how they do what they do!
Speakers
avatar for Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a comedy theatre troupe based in North Carolina. Founded in 2010, they have mounted a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. Initially created to perform shadow casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” PSL has expanded its repertoire... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Media

12:00pm EDT

Advanced Paranormal Investigations
This is the second panel in the paranormal investigation series. This panel addresses getting into paranormal investigation as more than just a hobby. Panelists discuss more in depth and advanced equipment and techniques for the more professional investigator as opposed to the shade tree thrill ghost hunter.
Moderators
TM

Speakers
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Paranormal
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) and he also has a story in An... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

12:00pm EDT

The Well-Dressed Puppet
Come and make your own puppet with Cheralyn Lambeth. Children welcome with supervision. There is a $5 fee for this workshop.
Speakers
CL

Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Workshop

12:00pm EDT

Magical Objects
From The One Ring to Excalibur to Mjölnir, there are lots of stories featuring objects of power. What makes a great magic object? Is there anything that's just too far over the top? Let's talk about the best and worst magic items in fiction and mythology.
Moderators
JS

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 →
avatar for Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

12:00pm EDT

Costume Contest Pre-Judging
Room closed for Costume Contest Pre-Judging
Saturday May 30, 2015 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Costuming

12:30pm EDT

Doctor Who 101
So, you want to watch Doctor Who, but you're not sure what is going on. What's a Time Lord? Why does his face keep changing? Here's a primer for you to get you on your way.
Moderators
avatar for Davey Beauchamp

Speakers
avatar for Kyle M. Perkins
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 May 30, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Media

1:00pm EDT

Catherine Asaro Concert
Author Special Guest Catharine Asaro and her band in concert!
Speakers
avatar for Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro is an author of science fiction, fantasy and thrillers, and has written over twenty-five novels, as well as short stories and non-fiction. Her acclaimed Ruby Dynasty series combines adventure, hard science, math, romance and fast-paced action. Among her numerous distinctions... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Concerts

1:00pm EDT

Geeky News Hour
Come and hear the latest happenings in the geekoverse, covering everything from movies, TV, Books, Gaming and More!
Moderators
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.

Speakers
MA

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Media

1:00pm EDT

Will We Ever Go to Mars?
We seemed to have stalled in our space exploration. Will we ever leave Earth? Will it be a federal or private venture?
Moderators
avatar for Jim Craig

Jim Craig

There are more things that interest me than can fit in this space. But, for the con, I'm happy to talk about science (especially astronomy and evolution) and science fiction (especially the history of the genre). I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the red hat.

Speakers
avatar for Stephen Euin Cobb

Stephen Euin Cobb

Contributing Editor, Space and Time Magazine
Stephen Euin Cobb has interviewed over 400 people and written over 100 magazine articles for his work as an author, futurist, and award-winning podcaster. A contributing editor for SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, he has also been a regular contributor for ROBOT, HUMANITY PLUS, GRIM COUTURE... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Ledford

Rebecca Ledford

Literary Guest
Rebecca Ledford is the Manager of Phase 5 Publishing, LLC, a small publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror based in Western North Carolina. After graduating UNCA with a BA in psychology, she worked at a photo/graphics store, the Mössbauer Effect Data Center as a publication... Read More →
MM
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 →
TA

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Science

1:00pm EDT

Live Action Slush
Three authors will listen to their reader read aloud the first pages of submitted manuscripts, and stop the reader when they all hear what would have stopped them if they were the editors considering purchasing the stories. They will then discuss what the writers can do to improve their manuscripts to make them salable. This workshop is usually standing-room-only, so come early!
Speakers
DB
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 May 30, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

1:00pm EDT

Dracula
1931 classic starring Bela Lugosi.
Saturday May 30, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Film

1:00pm EDT

Mauled Men, Drowned Dames and Crispy Critters: A Body Disposal Primer for Writers
The forensics of body disposal
Speakers
avatar for Jeanne P. Adams

Jeanne P. Adams

Virtual Guest Speaker, Science and Tech
A lifelong reader and writer of fantasy and suspense, award-winning author Jeanne Adams is an extrovert in an introverted profession. So, she's always up for talking...about ANYTHING! Geekery of all kinds, reading, books, baseball, dogs and dog-showing, suspense, and body disposal... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Piedmont Workshops (Workshops)
  Writer Track

1:30pm EDT

Mikey Mason in Concert
Mikey Mason brings his brand of wonderful comedy tunes back to ConCarolinas!
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 appearances... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Concerts

1:30pm EDT

I Want to Make a Costume, Where Do I Begin?
Now that you have an idea of the costume you want to make, what’s your next step? This panel covers the basics of beginning your costume/cosplay build, from where to find resources and materials, to basic construction techniques, to tips for adding the perfect finishing touches.
Moderators
avatar for Jackie Craft

Speakers
avatar for Allegriana
TH
avatar for Amber Michael

Amber Michael

Film/Media/TV, Joh Harp FX
I am a Twenty-eight year old makeup artist (SPFX, Beauty,Bodypainting), painter, and amateur photographer living in North Carolina. Exploring the woods that surrounded my childhood home was a favorite pastime. As an only child, I spent hours creating my own fun amongst the trees and... Read More →
avatar for Matthew Penrick

Matthew Penrick

Owner/Designer, Ribbons and Rivets
I have been working in costume design and fabrication for nine years now. I originally began working strictly with leather, but have since then branched out in to using plastics, foams, metals and fabrics. I am also a cosplayer so I make many costumes for myself as well and am a fitness... 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 →
avatar for Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

1:30pm EDT

Open Filk
Grab your guitars and sing us your favorite filks!
Saturday May 30, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Filk

1:30pm EDT

What MovIe SHOULD have been on MST3K
Join cinephile and movie-making madman, Bill Mulligan, as he presents his list of the best worst movies that SHOULD have been on Mystery Science Theatre 3000, but just never made the cut... which should have been called LONG before these films were ever released.
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
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and urban fantasy series The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural!
avatar for Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is a character actress who has had both leading and supporting film roles. Nicknamed “Scary Carrie,” she is a true “Scream Queen” and this scary lady has definitely screamed in enough films to prove it! Her recent roles include the character “Lillith” in Christopher... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

1:30pm EDT

First Contact
Coming up with new and unique alien life forms is a challenge. What are the best ways to create the next amazing race of creatures.
Moderators
VJ

Speakers
LH
avatar for Edward McKeown

Edward McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
I write what I like to read: adventures under far stars.  What’s most important to me is the relationships between the characters.  Why would you travel to unknown places with people you don’t care about?  My characters are flawed, fighting over their weight against a hostile... Read More →
avatar for Kyle M. Perkins
avatar for Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Professor, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Amy H. Sturgis earned her Ph.D. in Intellectual History from Vanderbilt University. Her primary fields include Science Fiction/Fantasy Studies and Indigenous American Studies. Sturgis is the author of four books on Native American and U.S. history as well as more than fifty scholarly... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

2:00pm EDT

SCA Youth Combat Demo
Join the SCA for a Youth Combat Demonstration!
Saturday May 30, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Gazebo @ Rocky River Terrace

2:00pm EDT

John Scazi Q & A
Author Guest of Honor discusses his work and his upcoming projects.
Speakers
avatar for John Scalzi

John Scalzi

Author,
I enjoy pie.

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Main

2:00pm EDT

The Worlds of Terry Pratchett
From Discworld to Good Omens, we discuss the life and career of the late Sir Terry Pratchett
Moderators
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →

Speakers
DK

Debra Killeen

I'm the author of the 5-volume fantasy series the Myrridian Cycle and a new trilogy, Unholy War, the first volume of which is now available. Favorite topics include writing, science fiction/fantasy, books in general, alternative health, Reiki, knitting, etc.
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Writer's

2:00pm EDT

Guardians of the Geekery (M)
The Guardians of the Geekery record live at ConCarolinas. Meet the Guardians as they record live at ConCarolinas.
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... Read More →

Speakers
PG

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Kittyhawk (Live Podcasts)
  Podcasting

2:30pm EDT

Children's Costume Parade
Join in the Children's Costume Parade through the convention center ending with a children's costume fashion show through Main Programming in Concord A/B!
Speakers
avatar for Nia

Nia

Nia and Cerulean run the KidsTrack for ConCarolinas

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Harrisburg Hallway
  KidsTrack

2:30pm EDT

Sci-Fi Whose Line Is it?
Join Podcasting's Rich Sigfrit and others for Sci-Fi Whose Line!
Moderators
avatar for Rich

Rich

Fan Guest
To say that I enjoy podcasting and new media would be a gross understatement. My credits include mentions in high school and collegiate papers, newspapers, Podcasting for Dummies, and Advanced Podcasting Tricks. I have been called an innovator, having created the first fandom podcast... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a comedy theatre troupe based in North Carolina. Founded in 2010, they have mounted a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. Initially created to perform shadow casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” PSL has expanded its repertoire... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Main

2:30pm EDT

Media Ethics
Where do we draw the line of good sense and good taste in the media? With all the podcasting and independent reporting and social media, do we as individuals have an obligation to hold to certain standards when delivering information to the populace whole?
Moderators
avatar for M. Doc Geressy

M. Doc Geressy

CEO, Bathurst Industries
M. Doc Geressy is a professional broadcaster, costumer, movie car motorhead expert, actor, designer, and paranormal investigator. When Doc is not doing all this stuff, he is the Campus Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting's Charlotte Campus where he also teaches broadcasting. Spending... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Ledford

Rebecca Ledford

Literary Guest
Rebecca Ledford is the Manager of Phase 5 Publishing, LLC, a small publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror based in Western North Carolina. After graduating UNCA with a BA in psychology, she worked at a photo/graphics store, the Mössbauer Effect Data Center as a publication... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Podcasting

2:30pm EDT

Creating Characters that Work
Sometimes no matter your good intentions, your characters just don't turn out to be people anyone wants to read about. How can you design a character that grabs readers by the heart? What sort of attributes will guarantee that readers will stick around to the end of the story?
Moderators
avatar for Edward McKeown

Edward McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
I write what I like to read: adventures under far stars.  What’s most important to me is the relationships between the characters.  Why would you travel to unknown places with people you don’t care about?  My characters are flawed, fighting over their weight against a hostile... Read More →

Speakers
TE
JB

Jim Bernheimer

Author
Jim lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife Kim, and daughters Laura and Marissa. By day, he works as a Systems Administrator for the government and runs his own side Information Technology consulting firm, EJB Networking, which can be found at www.ejbnetworking.com nnBlessed... 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 →
avatar for Kyle M. Perkins
avatar for Tamsin Silver

Tamsin Silver

Author
TAMSIN SILVER is a Fantasy author based out of Albuquerque, NM. With a background in Theatre, it was only a natural progression that her storytelling found its way to book format. Her Historical Fantasy works include the Untold Legends series (about Billy the Kid) with Falstaff Books... Read More →
avatar for Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove is a KC-130 pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In the writing world, she is an award winning author primarily known for her War of the Seasons fantasy series. She has several short stories published in various speculative fiction anthologies, to include... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

2:30pm EDT

Doctor Who: Lucky 13
During an alternate reality version of his 13th regeneration, The Doctor continues his incredible adventures throughout time and space in this special fan film mini-series for charity. Q&A with filmmakers to follow.
Speakers
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?

Saturday May 30, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

2:30pm EDT

Frankenstein
1931 classic starring Boris Karloff
Saturday May 30, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

3:00pm EDT

Filk 101
Join filking guests as they discuss the basics of creating a filk song.
Moderators
avatar for Blibbering Humdingers

Blibbering Humdingers

If Voldemort didn’t make you crap your pants, these folks will. Scott & Kirsten have been singing together since 1992 (when most of their fans were still in nappies) and started performing wizard rock in 2007. Their sound could best be described as esatz neo-retro-existential post-nihilist... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Performance/ Comfort Coordinator, Geek Life
Geek Parenting, Wizard Rock, Geek Rock, Dr who! Anime obsessed!! I’m running the low stim room!!! Make sure you come see me and say hi! I also run Trolley Witches with Grace Kendall and Leah Hamm! 

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Filk

3:00pm EDT

Cause and FX
From practical effects to digital to make-up and beyond, the once singular world of FX has exploded into a vast star system where there's literally, something for everyone. Find out our panelists favorite effects shots/scenes; Movies that relied TOO much on effects; Movies that needed to use practical when they used digital (I AM LEGEND, I'm look right at you.) But also the advantages of digital fx -- no mess, easy retakes, full control.

Also, we'll have several "How would you do that?" scenarios and ask our award-winning panelists how they would attack it, maybe even see if the audience has some ideas as well.
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
JH
avatar for Jesse Knight

Jesse Knight

Owner, Jesse Knight FIlms
I have been making lo/no budget movies for over 20 years.
avatar for Amber Michael

Amber Michael

Film/Media/TV, Joh Harp FX
I am a Twenty-eight year old makeup artist (SPFX, Beauty,Bodypainting), painter, and amateur photographer living in North Carolina. Exploring the woods that surrounded my childhood home was a favorite pastime. As an only child, I spent hours creating my own fun amongst the trees and... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

3:00pm EDT

The End of the World
Asteroids? Zombies? Volcanoes? Aliens? Mutant Ants? Tribbles? What are some of the ways the world can end? And what is the mostly likely scenario to happen? And the most important question that panelist will answer, how do you survive the apocalypse?!
Moderators
avatar for Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Professor, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Amy H. Sturgis earned her Ph.D. in Intellectual History from Vanderbilt University. Her primary fields include Science Fiction/Fantasy Studies and Indigenous American Studies. Sturgis is the author of four books on Native American and U.S. history as well as more than fifty scholarly... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Carter

Rebecca Carter

Specializing in short format horror, all three of her collections of short stories have debuted in the top 50 horror slots on amazon. The latest collection "After Dusk" focuses on what the consequences of letting go of our humanity.
avatar for Dr. Ben Davis

Dr. Ben Davis

Professor, ECPI University
Ben Davis has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and an M.S. in Nuclear Astrophysics from the University of Notre Dame. He taught at the collegiate level for several years on a number of technical subjects ranging from computer programming and math to, of course, astronomy and physics. In... Read More →
avatar for Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is a character actress who has had both leading and supporting film roles. Nicknamed “Scary Carrie,” she is a true “Scream Queen” and this scary lady has definitely screamed in enough films to prove it! Her recent roles include the character “Lillith” in Christopher... Read More →
MB

Matthew B. Moore

Film/Media/TV

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

3:00pm EDT

What is in a Name?
Why do writers use pseudonyms? Why do some writers have multiple pen names? How vital is market branding to a writer's continuing career?
Moderators
DK

Speakers
avatar for Niko Brooks
DK

Debra Killeen

I'm the author of the 5-volume fantasy series the Myrridian Cycle and a new trilogy, Unholy War, the first volume of which is now available. Favorite topics include writing, science fiction/fantasy, books in general, alternative health, Reiki, knitting, etc.
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

3:00pm EDT

ConCarolinas Costume Contest
Time to suit up, dress up and show your finest! Pre-register for the contest. There will be limited spots and a pre-judging prior to the contest!
Speakers
avatar for Brian Holloway

Brian Holloway

Costume, Union County Public Schools
Costume designer with over 27+ years experience for film television, and stage. Make-Up Supervisor and actor for Star Trek: New Voyages/PHASE II for 8+ years. Owner of Material Worlds Costuming. Convention moderator and panelist yearly at a variety of conventions. Professional actor... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Costuming

3:00pm EDT

Armor Building Workshop
From Star Wars stormtrooper/bounty hunter armor, to Ringwraith gauntlets, to Game of Thrones leatherwork, this panel offers construction techniques and tips on building various types of armor from a variety of materials.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Penrick

Matthew Penrick

Owner/Designer, Ribbons and Rivets
I have been working in costume design and fabrication for nine years now. I originally began working strictly with leather, but have since then branched out in to using plastics, foams, metals and fabrics. I am also a cosplayer so I make many costumes for myself as well and am a fitness... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Blueridge (Workshops)
  Costuming

3:30pm EDT

Have Computers Made the Paintbrush Obsolete
Digital art vs. traditional pen and ink. Can they both get along?
Moderators
avatar for Jackie Craft

Speakers
avatar for Roy Mauritsen

Roy Mauritsen

guest, Perseid Press and Padwolf Publishing
In a career spanning over two decades as a professional graphic designer, Roy Mauritsen is also an award-winning digital fantasy artist of the Chess Pieces series and author of the Shards of the Glass Slipper series. Presently, Mr. Mauritsen is an art director overseeing both Perseid... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Art

3:30pm EDT

Costuming for EVERY body
Cosplay is for everyone. Learn how to use your assets and cosplay no matter what your size, shaper or gender!
Moderators
BA

Speakers
avatar for Allegriana
avatar for Jessica Carroll

Jessica Carroll

Jonathan and Jessica are a cosplaying couple with plenty of years in the hobby under their belts. But their love of costuming doesn’t simply start or end with wearing the costumes; for them it’s an art form. Jonathan is a certified personal trainer and bodybuilder. He integrates... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Carroll

Jonathan Carroll

Jonathan and Jessica are a cosplaying couple with plenty of years in the hobby under their belts. But their love of costuming doesn’t simply start or end with wearing the costumes; for them it’s an art form. Jonathan is a certified personal trainer and bodybuilder. He integrates... Read More →
N

Saturday May 30, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Costuming

4:00pm EDT

Cause and FX Workshop
The companion to the Cause and FX panel, this would be more of a workshop where people could ask questions about how to achieve high-level effects (digital, practical, or both) and get direct feedback from the panelists on how to make their own movie magic.
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
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
JH
avatar for Jesse Knight

Jesse Knight

Owner, Jesse Knight FIlms
I have been making lo/no budget movies for over 20 years.
avatar for Amber Michael

Amber Michael

Film/Media/TV, Joh Harp FX
I am a Twenty-eight year old makeup artist (SPFX, Beauty,Bodypainting), painter, and amateur photographer living in North Carolina. Exploring the woods that surrounded my childhood home was a favorite pastime. As an only child, I spent hours creating my own fun amongst the trees and... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

4:00pm EDT

Playtime with the Charlotte Geeks
Come play some fun games with the Charlotte Geeks
Speakers
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.
avatar for Nia

Nia

Nia and Cerulean run the KidsTrack for ConCarolinas

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  KidsTrack

4:00pm EDT

Creationism & Evolution
A civil discussion of Creationism and Evolution
Moderators
avatar for Jim Craig

Jim Craig

There are more things that interest me than can fit in this space. But, for the con, I'm happy to talk about science (especially astronomy and evolution) and science fiction (especially the history of the genre). I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the red hat.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Ben Davis

Dr. Ben Davis

Professor, ECPI University
Ben Davis has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and an M.S. in Nuclear Astrophysics from the University of Notre Dame. He taught at the collegiate level for several years on a number of technical subjects ranging from computer programming and math to, of course, astronomy and physics. In... Read More →
EW

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Science

4:00pm EDT

Portraying War in Fantasy
The panel explores the treatment of war in fantasy: how has its presentation changed over the years? Are readers ready to read stories about recent wars such as the ones in Afghanistan and Iraq? Are there fantasies that have played a role in changing cultural opinion about war?
Moderators
avatar for Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove is a KC-130 pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In the writing world, she is an award winning author primarily known for her War of the Seasons fantasy series. She has several short stories published in various speculative fiction anthologies, to include... Read More →

Speakers
JB
avatar for Niko Brooks
avatar for Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy

Head Publisher, Chris Kennedy Publishing
A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 20 books and published more than 100 others. Chris’ stories include the “Occupied Seattle” military... Read More →
JL
TA
avatar for Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

4:00pm EDT

Bride of Frankenstein
1935 classic starring Boris Karloff and Elsa Lancaster
Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

4:00pm EDT

Concert Block: Blibbering Humdingers/Alter ID/Hawthorne & Holly
It's a musical extravaganza! Come join musical guests Blibbering Humdingers, Hawthorne and Holly and Alter ID
Speakers
avatar for Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Christie Hawthorn and Holly

Performance/ Comfort Coordinator, Geek Life
Geek Parenting, Wizard Rock, Geek Rock, Dr who! Anime obsessed!! I’m running the low stim room!!! Make sure you come see me and say hi! I also run Trolley Witches with Grace Kendall and Leah Hamm! 
avatar for Blibbering Humdingers

Blibbering Humdingers

If Voldemort didn’t make you crap your pants, these folks will. Scott & Kirsten have been singing together since 1992 (when most of their fans were still in nappies) and started performing wizard rock in 2007. Their sound could best be described as esatz neo-retro-existential post-nihilist... Read More →
AI

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Concerts

4:00pm EDT

ConCarolinas Film Festival and Awards Ceremony (M)
We've had a record number of entries for this year's film fest. Come and see what treasures we've discovered!
Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

4:00pm EDT

From Drabble to Draft
A Step by Step Guide On How To Turn Micro-Fiction Into A Novel
Speakers
avatar for Jake Bible

Jake Bible

Author
Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, Jake has entertained thousands with his horror and sci/fi tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Piedmont Workshops (Workshops)
  Writer's

4:30pm EDT

How to Survive a Zombie Outbreak
Whether they are rising from the dead or just flesh eating monsters, the threat of disease is real. And the threat of a zombie outbreak is not far removed from reality. Panelist talk about ways a zombie outbreak could start, some of the best and worst places to go when it happens, what are the most dangerous things to look out for, and how to survive long term in a post-outbreak world.
Moderators
avatar for M. Doc Geressy

M. Doc Geressy

CEO, Bathurst Industries
M. Doc Geressy is a professional broadcaster, costumer, movie car motorhead expert, actor, designer, and paranormal investigator. When Doc is not doing all this stuff, he is the Campus Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting's Charlotte Campus where he also teaches broadcasting. Spending... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Gregory French

Gregory French

Gregory French is a New York native who currently lives in South Carolina. He got his start in professional acting when a friend asked him to be in a commercial he was shooting. That commercial led to several others, and before long, Greg was acting on the big screen. He has appeared... Read More →
avatar for Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is a character actress who has had both leading and supporting film roles. Nicknamed “Scary Carrie,” she is a true “Scream Queen” and this scary lady has definitely screamed in enough films to prove it! Her recent roles include the character “Lillith” in Christopher... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

4:30pm EDT

Nature as a Character
Where would Dorothy be without that tornado? How to utilize nature and natural phenomenon as a driving force in your work.
Moderators
avatar for Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott

Literary Guest
After practicing law for 18 years, Nancy Northcott decided she’d spent enough time in pinstripes and mothballed her law license to become a writer. She made her first sale, a paranormal romance series to Hachette/Grand Central, in 2012. Along the way, Nancy put her lifelong love... Read More →

Speakers
DB
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 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 →
DK

Debra Killeen

I'm the author of the 5-volume fantasy series the Myrridian Cycle and a new trilogy, Unholy War, the first volume of which is now available. Favorite topics include writing, science fiction/fantasy, books in general, alternative health, Reiki, knitting, etc.

Saturday May 30, 2015 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

5:00pm EDT

Acting!!! 101
Where do I get head shots from? Should I actually read ALL the details of a casting notice? How can I get famous? Acting is not an easy business to break into, so why not find out from some of the most award-winning and experienced acting talent gracing ConCarolinas this year, just what you can do to get ahead. More of an interactive/informative workshop than a sit down Q&A type panel.
Moderators
avatar for Michael Ray Williams

Michael Ray Williams

Film/Media/TV, MadOnes Films
I'm an actor at heart, but an all around film/theatre extraordinaire.

Speakers
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
avatar for Brian Holloway

Brian Holloway

Costume, Union County Public Schools
Costume designer with over 27+ years experience for film television, and stage. Make-Up Supervisor and actor for Star Trek: New Voyages/PHASE II for 8+ years. Owner of Material Worlds Costuming. Convention moderator and panelist yearly at a variety of conventions. Professional actor... 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 →
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

5:00pm EDT

Bellydance 101
Learn the basics of Bellydancing from The League of Extraordinary Bellydancer
Speakers
TL

Saturday May 30, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Geek Life

5:00pm EDT

The New Who Review
Dr. Who is the longest running science-fiction television program in broadcast history, with a huge following spanning generations of fans. Come join our panelists as they discuss the newest Dr. Who, and speculate on the future of this popular series.
Moderators
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
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 May 30, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Media

5:00pm EDT

Charity Auction to Benefit NCSaRD
Join us as we, once again, host our charity auction to benefit the North Carolinas Search and Rescue Dog Association!
Speakers
avatar for Rich

Rich

Fan Guest
To say that I enjoy podcasting and new media would be a gross understatement. My credits include mentions in high school and collegiate papers, newspapers, Podcasting for Dummies, and Advanced Podcasting Tricks. I have been called an innovator, having created the first fandom podcast... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

5:00pm EDT

Puppetry Workshop
Join puppet builder and performer Cheralyn Lambeth as she walks you through building your own simple hand puppet, either of one of your favorite sci-fi/adventure characters, or one of your own design! Sign-up is required.
Speakers
CL

Saturday May 30, 2015 5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Blueridge (Workshops)
  Costuming

5:00pm EDT

Poprika Podcast (M)
Welcome to The Poprika Podcast! This is the group associated with my pop culture podcast, Poprika. I'll be discussing movies, TV, video games, books, anime, and anything else that comes across the brain. I'll also be spinning some quality hip hop in between sections so you can nod along and enjoy the show. All that and more hosted by ME, one half of the award winning podcast Dirty Boys Radio. Follow me on Twitter: @seedalicious and @seedlessnseattl
Speakers
avatar for Darryl Mansel

Saturday May 30, 2015 5:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Kittyhawk (Live Podcasts)
  Podcasting

5:00pm EDT

Charity Auction Pickup
Room closed for pick up of charity auction wins.
Saturday May 30, 2015 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Main

5:30pm EDT

It's 2015 - Where's My Flying Car?
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Back to the Future film trilogy, and it’s interesting to note what technology from the films has actually come to pass (and what hasn’t). Join our panelists as they discuss which “future technologies” from the second Back to the Future film are now actually, or may soon be, a reality.
Moderators
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Ledford

Rebecca Ledford

Literary Guest
Rebecca Ledford is the Manager of Phase 5 Publishing, LLC, a small publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror based in Western North Carolina. After graduating UNCA with a BA in psychology, she worked at a photo/graphics store, the Mössbauer Effect Data Center as a publication... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Media

5:30pm EDT

What's An Award Worth?
Lately lots of folks have been talking about how the big awards like the Hugos and Nebulas work, and whether or not it even matters if writers win such things. Are they just popularity contests? Are they skewed in a particular direction? Are the right books even being nominated? Is there a better way to recognize truly exceptional work?
Moderators
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 →

Speakers
WS

Wendy S Delmater

Editor and Publisher, Abyss & Apex Magazine
Short fiction, writing, editing.
JH
avatar for Gray Rinehart

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest
Gray Rinehart writes science fiction and fantasy stories, nonfiction, songs ... and other things. He is the only person to have commanded an Air Force satellite tracking station, written speeches for Presidential appointees, originated a poetic form, and had music on The Dr. Demento... Read More →
avatar for John Scalzi

John Scalzi

Author,
I enjoy pie.
ES

Edmund Schubert

Editor, InterGalactic Medicine Show

Saturday May 30, 2015 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

5:30pm EDT

The Wolf Man
A screening of the 1941 classic
Saturday May 30, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

6:00pm EDT

Heroes of Crossplay
Crossplay—the art of doing a gender-opposite cosplay—has been steadily growing in popularity, and quite a few book/movie characters are favorite choices for crossplays, either as a serious recreation, a mash-up, or even as a funny parody. How do you create a believable (or perhaps not-so-believable!) costume recreation of your favorite gender-opposite book or movie character? This panel offers tips and tricks for finding useful resources and creating a crossplay, whether as a serious recreation, a mash-up, or simply for laughs.
Moderators
avatar for Jackie Craft

Speakers
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

6:00pm EDT

Blogging for Writers
Blogging and writing don't always use quite the same skill sets. In this panel, we'll talk about ways to employ blogs, tweets and other forms of social media to increase visibility and popularity without alienating potential readers.
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
avatar for Jeanne P. Adams

Jeanne P. Adams

Virtual Guest Speaker, Science and Tech
A lifelong reader and writer of fantasy and suspense, award-winning author Jeanne Adams is an extrovert in an introverted profession. So, she's always up for talking...about ANYTHING! Geekery of all kinds, reading, books, baseball, dogs and dog-showing, suspense, and body disposal... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Gilbert

Owner, Editor, Clicking Keys
Melissa Gilbert teaches college writing, works as a freelance editor at Clicking Keys, writes twice monthly for Magical Words, and tells stories (writing as Melissa McArthur). Her current publications include a short story, “The Chase,” in AN IMPROBABLE TRUTH: THE PARANORMAL... Read More →
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Paranormal Guest, The Spooky Stuff
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, social media influencer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs “The Spooky Stuff.” If it’s weird, spooky, unusual, scary, macabre, or haunted, she wants to write and talk about it! Alex is known... Read More →
avatar for Tamsin Silver

Tamsin Silver

Author
TAMSIN SILVER is a Fantasy author based out of Albuquerque, NM. With a background in Theatre, it was only a natural progression that her storytelling found its way to book format. Her Historical Fantasy works include the Untold Legends series (about Billy the Kid) with Falstaff Books... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Stogner

Sharon Stogner

Owner, Devil in the Details Editing Services
Sharon is the co-creator of the I Smell Sheep website (www.ismellsheep.com). A quirky multi-media review site of Speculative Fiction that also provides author/actor guest posts, interviews, convention coverage and other WTF-ery. She is also a freelance fiction editor (www.devilin... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

6:00pm EDT

Fix it in Post (M)
A filmmaker's guide to surviving the apocalypse. Q&A with filmmakers to follow.
Speakers
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Erwn. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 5 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 →

Saturday May 30, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

6:30pm EDT

Author/Artist Collaborations
Creating the best cover and book artwork with authors.
Moderators
avatar for Rebecca Ledford

Rebecca Ledford

Literary Guest
Rebecca Ledford is the Manager of Phase 5 Publishing, LLC, a small publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror based in Western North Carolina. After graduating UNCA with a BA in psychology, she worked at a photo/graphics store, the Mössbauer Effect Data Center as a publication... Read More →

Speakers
VJ
avatar for Roy Mauritsen

Roy Mauritsen

guest, Perseid Press and Padwolf Publishing
In a career spanning over two decades as a professional graphic designer, Roy Mauritsen is also an award-winning digital fantasy artist of the Chess Pieces series and author of the Shards of the Glass Slipper series. Presently, Mr. Mauritsen is an art director overseeing both Perseid... Read More →
LR

Saturday May 30, 2015 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Art

6:30pm EDT

Marvel Movies!
Avengers: Age of Ultron is out, soon to be followed by Antman. Is Marvel continuing to produce awesome movies, or are we getting to a bit of superhero fatigue.
Moderators
avatar for James K. Fulbright

James K. Fulbright

President / Con Chair, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon and Hexacon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
MB

Matthew B. Moore

Film/Media/TV
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 Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 6:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

6:30pm EDT

The Butterfly Circus/Doug Jones Q&A
A screening of the short film sensation, "The Butterfly Circus," followed by a Q&A session with one of the film's stars, the amazing Doug Jones.
Moderators
avatar for Michael Ray Williams

Michael Ray Williams

Film/Media/TV, MadOnes Films
I'm an actor at heart, but an all around film/theatre extraordinaire.

Speakers
avatar for Doug Jones

Doug Jones

Doug Jones is perhaps one of the most brilliant actors of our time. Some say he is this generations “Boris Karloff”! Fans will long remember Doug for his work as THE SILVER SURFER in FANTASTIC FOUR RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. He’s also the life and soul of ABE SAPIEN in H... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Film

7:00pm EDT

League of Extraordinary Belly Dancers
Watch these ladies show off their skills
Speakers
TL

Saturday May 30, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main Programming

7:00pm EDT

Writing in a Shared World
What are the pitfalls of trying to share a world with other writers? What are the benefits? Are there rules to follow, or is it every writer for themselves?
Moderators
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Davey Beauchamp
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 Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove is a KC-130 pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In the writing world, she is an award winning author primarily known for her War of the Seasons fantasy series. She has several short stories published in various speculative fiction anthologies, to include... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

7:00pm EDT

Wait, Wait...Don't Phase Me!
Join host M. Doc Geressy, announcer Chuck Carte, and three Con Carolina Guest panelists for an interactive show that lets audience members participate in geeky versions of Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! games including Who’s Our Geeky Panelist?, Geeky Limerick Challenge, and Bluff the Geek! Audience members also get to enjoy laughing at the jokes and interaction of the panelists as they strut their geeky stuff!
Speakers
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →
avatar for M. Doc Geressy

M. Doc Geressy

CEO, Bathurst Industries
M. Doc Geressy is a professional broadcaster, costumer, movie car motorhead expert, actor, designer, and paranormal investigator. When Doc is not doing all this stuff, he is the Campus Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting's Charlotte Campus where he also teaches broadcasting. Spending... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Main

7:00pm EDT

Ribbons to Rivets
Create a Leather cuff/bracelet. There is a $15 fee for this workshop.
Moderators
avatar for Matthew Penrick

Matthew Penrick

Owner/Designer, Ribbons and Rivets
I have been working in costume design and fabrication for nine years now. I originally began working strictly with leather, but have since then branched out in to using plastics, foams, metals and fabrics. I am also a cosplayer so I make many costumes for myself as well and am a fitness... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Allegriana

Saturday May 30, 2015 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Blueridge (Workshops)
  Workshop

7:00pm EDT

Independent and Self Publishing Workshop
The pros and cons of self-publishing.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy

Head Publisher, Chris Kennedy Publishing
A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 20 books and published more than 100 others. Chris’ stories include the “Occupied Seattle” military... Read More →
TA

Saturday May 30, 2015 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Piedmont Workshops (Workshops)
  Writer's Workshop

7:00pm EDT

Hammer Horror Marathon (M)
A selection of fine movies from the House of Hammer!
Saturday May 30, 2015 7:00pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00am EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

7:30pm EDT

Period Costuming
The basics of tackling a period costume.
Moderators
AS

Speakers
avatar for Jackie Craft
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 May 30, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

7:30pm EDT

Crucible of Realms Podcast
Live world-building! Jim Ryan and his co-hosts from the Crucible of Realms podcast (http://www.crucibleofrealms.com/) will lead a brainstorming session to build a fictional setting from scratch. Plus, the audience gets to participate! This session will be released as an episode of the podcast and the world created will be open to anyone to use.
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 →

Saturday May 30, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
Kittyhawk (Live Podcasts)
  Podcasting

7:30pm EDT

The Short of It
The art of writing a short story.
Moderators
DB

Speakers
TE
WS

Wendy S Delmater

Editor and Publisher, Abyss & Apex Magazine
Short fiction, writing, editing.
avatar for Terry W Ervin II

Terry W Ervin II

Author
Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series (fantasy) includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD, and SOUL FORGE. Terry’s debut science fiction novel, RELIC TECH, is the first in the Crax... Read More →
avatar for Gray Rinehart

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest
Gray Rinehart writes science fiction and fantasy stories, nonfiction, songs ... and other things. He is the only person to have commanded an Air Force satellite tracking station, written speeches for Presidential appointees, originated a poetic form, and had music on The Dr. Demento... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

8:00pm EDT

When Reality Interferes with Gaming
Look, we all just want to game. Why is the real world impacting the gaming world? No filiming or recording this panel
Moderators
avatar for Robert Hudson

Robert Hudson

Gaming
Talk to me about my work for HERO Games, Misfit Studios, or Gunmetal Games, or the pulps and pulp characters/adventures, or, heck, anything. =)

Speakers
avatar for Christina Stiles
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Gaming

8:00pm EDT

The Walking Dead: Season Five in Review
Let's bid farewell to departed characters and discuss what's in store for Rick Grimes and the gang. Carol's Cookies will be served! SPOILERS!
Moderators
avatar for Gregory French

Gregory French

Gregory French is a New York native who currently lives in South Carolina. He got his start in professional acting when a friend asked him to be in a commercial he was shooting. That commercial led to several others, and before long, Greg was acting on the big screen. He has appeared... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Carter

Rebecca Carter

Specializing in short format horror, all three of her collections of short stories have debuted in the top 50 horror slots on amazon. The latest collection "After Dusk" focuses on what the consequences of letting go of our humanity.
LD
MB

Matthew B. Moore

Film/Media/TV

Saturday May 30, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

8:00pm EDT

Bombshell Bloodbath (M)
Bombshell Bloodbath is Italian style zombie splatter film influenced by Lucio Fulci and Umberto Lenzi. Written and Directed by Brett Mullen .
Saturday May 30, 2015 8:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

8:30pm EDT

Valentine Wolfe in concert
Valentine Wolfe brings their signature brand of Victorian Chamber Metal back to ConCarolinas.
Speakers
avatar for Valentine Wolfe

Valentine Wolfe

Human Music Group
A symphony of darkness, Valentine Wolfe performs gothic music inspired by seances, 19th century gothic literature, macabre history, and death positivity. Combining the haunting soprano of Sarah Black and the bleak maelstrom of Braxton Ballew’s solo double bass, they are dedicated... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 8:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Concerts

8:30pm EDT

Crashing Without Burning
Any independent filmmaker who's been working for any length of time has run into a serious setback on one or more projects - whether it’s lost footage, a major effect or shot gone wrong, or a major performer having to drop out before a project has been completed. What did they do, and were they able to salvage the projects? Join this panel for tips and tricks to keep your film alive!
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
avatar for Jaysen Buterin
avatar for Jesse Knight

Jesse Knight

Owner, Jesse Knight FIlms
I have been making lo/no budget movies for over 20 years.
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Erwn. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 5 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 →
avatar for Michael Ray Williams

Michael Ray Williams

Film/Media/TV, MadOnes Films
I'm an actor at heart, but an all around film/theatre extraordinaire.

Saturday May 30, 2015 8:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

8:30pm EDT

Steampunk and the Victorians that Never Were
How faithful does Steampunk need to be to the real Naughty Nineties? How much of what we think we know about Victorians is real—and how much was hushed up?
Moderators
CG

Speakers
SG
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 →

Saturday May 30, 2015 8:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

8:30pm EDT

Doctor Who Trivia Challenge
How well do you think you know Doctor Who? Bring your sonic screwdriver, but no asking K9 for answers!
Speakers
avatar for Davey Beauchamp

Saturday May 30, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Media

9:00pm EDT

Horror Costuming
So you want to make a horror movie character, where do you start? This panel discusses ways to create your own horror character through costuming and/or make-up.
Moderators
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 →

Speakers
avatar for Gregory French

Gregory French

Gregory French is a New York native who currently lives in South Carolina. He got his start in professional acting when a friend asked him to be in a commercial he was shooting. That commercial led to several others, and before long, Greg was acting on the big screen. He has appeared... Read More →
avatar for Amber Michael

Amber Michael

Film/Media/TV, Joh Harp FX
I am a Twenty-eight year old makeup artist (SPFX, Beauty,Bodypainting), painter, and amateur photographer living in North Carolina. Exploring the woods that surrounded my childhood home was a favorite pastime. As an only child, I spent hours creating my own fun amongst the trees and... Read More →
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

9:00pm EDT

The Bad Ones
We all love a good rogue or anti-hero. How to make your bad boy (or girl) just bad enough to love.
Moderators
JH

Speakers
DB
avatar for Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Gilbert

Owner, Editor, Clicking Keys
Melissa Gilbert teaches college writing, works as a freelance editor at Clicking Keys, writes twice monthly for Magical Words, and tells stories (writing as Melissa McArthur). Her current publications include a short story, “The Chase,” in AN IMPROBABLE TRUTH: THE PARANORMAL... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... Read More →
JL

Saturday May 30, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

9:30pm EDT

Welcome Back to Westeros!
Game of Thrones is finally back and it's taking a few detours away from the books! A season five discussion. SPOILERS - both book and show!!
Moderators
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jackie Craft
avatar for Darryl Mansel

Saturday May 30, 2015 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

9:30pm EDT

Your Life is an Open Book
Social media has opened up our lives to everyone who has a computer. What are some of the pros and cons of living your life on-line.
Moderators
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Stephen Euin Cobb

Stephen Euin Cobb

Contributing Editor, Space and Time Magazine
Stephen Euin Cobb has interviewed over 400 people and written over 100 magazine articles for his work as an author, futurist, and award-winning podcaster. A contributing editor for SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, he has also been a regular contributor for ROBOT, HUMANITY PLUS, GRIM COUTURE... 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 →

Saturday May 30, 2015 9:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Science

9:30pm EDT

40 Years of Rocky Horror (M)
We've been doing the Time Warp for 40 YEARS! What is it about Rocky that keeps us coming back for more, more, more? Is it the Meatloaf?
Speakers
TT

Saturday May 30, 2015 9:30pm - 11:00pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Media

9:30pm EDT

Filking the Night Away
Late night filk jam. Filk until the sun comes up!
Saturday May 30, 2015 9:30pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00am EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Filk

10:00pm EDT

Mother, Matron and Crone
Who are your favorite “mature” female characters in SF/F? How accurately do genre novels portray women who aren’t the pretty young thing? What kind of roles would you like to see for “women of a certain age”?
Moderators
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... Read More →

Speakers
DK
DK

Debra Killeen

I'm the author of the 5-volume fantasy series the Myrridian Cycle and a new trilogy, Unholy War, the first volume of which is now available. Favorite topics include writing, science fiction/fantasy, books in general, alternative health, Reiki, knitting, etc.
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

10:00pm EDT

Nerd-Vana Burlesque
Nerd-Vana Burlesque comes to ConCarolinas! Mature audiences only. Come shake a tassel and enjoy the show!
Moderators
avatar for Rich

Rich

Fan Guest
To say that I enjoy podcasting and new media would be a gross understatement. My credits include mentions in high school and collegiate papers, newspapers, Podcasting for Dummies, and Advanced Podcasting Tricks. I have been called an innovator, having created the first fandom podcast... Read More →

Speakers
N

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00pm - 11:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

10:00pm EDT

Night of the Living Dead/Judith O'Dea Q & A
A screening of the classic Night of the Living Dead hosted by star Judith O'Dea
Moderators
avatar for Michael Ray Williams

Michael Ray Williams

Film/Media/TV, MadOnes Films
I'm an actor at heart, but an all around film/theatre extraordinaire.

Speakers
avatar for Judith O'Dea

Judith O'Dea

Stage and film actress Judith O’Dea began her career over five decades ago at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. But for most film and theatre goers, Judith is best remembered as Barbra in the George A. Romero 1968 horror film classic Night of the Living Dead.   This epic film changed her... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Main

10:00pm EDT

Grind Pulp Podcast (M)
Grind Pulp Podcast was created for the discussion of film and short fiction selections related to Grind Pulp.
Speakers
GP

Grind Pulp Podcast

Andrew Crevier Higgins, Jason Jeronimo Brown, Manga Matt Plummer,  and Matt Starnes.

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am EDT
Kittyhawk (Live Podcasts)
  Podcasting

10:00pm EDT

Sci-Fi Karaoke
Come sing the night away. Located in the bar.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah L. Covert

Sarah L. Covert

Founder/Editor, She Never Slept

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:00pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00am EDT
Rocky River Lounge
  Geek Life

10:30pm EDT

How to Tell a Good Ghost Story
Behind every good ghost story is a good storyteller. Learn the importance of storytelling elements in the ghost story sub-genre and discover the art of being a good storyteller.
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Paranormal
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) and he also has a story in An... Read More →

Speakers
CL
TM
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

10:30pm EDT

Creatures of the Night (M)
Are vampires still the go-to creatures of the night, or should they be packing their coffins and making room for the next blood sucking creature?
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
avatar for Jason Gilbert

Jason Gilbert

Literary Guest
Jason is the author of The Clockworks of War series, The Rifle Chronicles, and urban fantasy series The Coldstone Files. His stories are Alternate History with an Urban Fantasy and Horror element set in worlds of the supernatural!
CG
SG
avatar for Dahlia Rose

Dahlia Rose

Literary Guest, Dahlia Rose Unscripted
Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary, military and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children... Read More →
avatar for Tamsin Silver

Tamsin Silver

Author
TAMSIN SILVER is a Fantasy author based out of Albuquerque, NM. With a background in Theatre, it was only a natural progression that her storytelling found its way to book format. Her Historical Fantasy works include the Untold Legends series (about Billy the Kid) with Falstaff Books... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30pm - 11:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

10:30pm EDT

Pineapple Shaped Lamps
Hilarity ensues with PSL!
Speakers
avatar for Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a comedy theatre troupe based in North Carolina. Founded in 2010, they have mounted a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. Initially created to perform shadow casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” PSL has expanded its repertoire... Read More →

Saturday May 30, 2015 10:30pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Main Programming

11:00pm EDT

Orphan Black
This Canadian series has really taken off! What is it about this show that draws fans?
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Allegriana
avatar for Nia

Nia

Nia and Cerulean run the KidsTrack for ConCarolinas

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:00pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

11:00pm EDT

How Hollywood Gets Science Wrong….Or Right
Hollywood tends to have a skewed view of science. What are some of the most scientifically correct movies and what are the worst?
Moderators
avatar for Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart

Kelly Lockhart has been a regular presence on the convention scene since he was a teenager back in the mid-80s. Over the years, he has done a little bit of everything in fandom: running costume contests, art shows, consuites, computer gaming rooms, working with the media, helping... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jim Craig

Jim Craig

There are more things that interest me than can fit in this space. But, for the con, I'm happy to talk about science (especially astronomy and evolution) and science fiction (especially the history of the genre). I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the red hat.
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 →
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.
MM
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 May 30, 2015 11:00pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Science

11:30pm EDT

The Problem of the Controversial
So you're a political liberal, but your favorite writer regularly posts extreme rants against gay marriage on her Facebook. Or the main character of your favorite movie uses sexual violence as his preferred wooing technique. Is it possible (or acceptable) for you to enjoy controversial shows, books or artists without being seen as a hypocrite? And how do you handle the inevitable argument when someone else calls you out?
Moderators
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 →

Speakers
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →
JL
avatar for Gray Rinehart

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest
Gray Rinehart writes science fiction and fantasy stories, nonfiction, songs ... and other things. He is the only person to have commanded an Air Force satellite tracking station, written speeches for Presidential appointees, originated a poetic form, and had music on The Dr. Demento... Read More →
ES

Edmund Schubert

Editor, InterGalactic Medicine Show

Saturday May 30, 2015 11:30pm - Sunday May 31, 2015 12:30am EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's
 
Sunday, May 31
 

12:00am EDT

The Science of Scaring
Why do audiences love to be scared? Panelists and filmmakers discuss what makes audiences squirm in their seats and what kind of tactics scare the best.
Moderators
TM

Speakers
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Paranormal
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) and he also has a story in An... Read More →
avatar for Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is a character actress who has had both leading and supporting film roles. Nicknamed “Scary Carrie,” she is a true “Scream Queen” and this scary lady has definitely screamed in enough films to prove it! Her recent roles include the character “Lillith” in Christopher... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am - 1:00am EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

12:00am EDT

Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down (M)
Is 50 Shades of Grey all there is in the field of erotica? How does one titillate your audience without overdoing it? What are some of the best titles to add to your sexy reading shelf?
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
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... Read More →
avatar for Nico Murray

Nico Murray

owner, Lorem Books
goldsmithing, vodka, fire, boots, cupcakes, vampires, travel. ( I'm canadian but I seriously can't skate, ski and I know nothing of hockey)
avatar for Dahlia Rose

Dahlia Rose

Literary Guest, Dahlia Rose Unscripted
Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary, military and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am - 1:00am EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

12:00am EDT

Rocky Horror Picture Show
It's time to TIME WARP! Where your best heels, grab a boa and join Frankie and the gang for another night of debauchery. Mature Audiences Only
Speakers
TT

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00am - 2:00am EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

12:30am EDT

Adult Toys of the Future (M)
Come discuss the future of adult toys, from what toys may be on the horizon to the legal aspects of the business of pleasure.
Moderators
LH

Speakers
avatar for M. Doc Geressy

M. Doc Geressy

CEO, Bathurst Industries
M. Doc Geressy is a professional broadcaster, costumer, movie car motorhead expert, actor, designer, and paranormal investigator. When Doc is not doing all this stuff, he is the Campus Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting's Charlotte Campus where he also teaches broadcasting. Spending... Read More →
MK

Micki Knop

Organizer, Charlotte Geeks
I follow pop culture, sci-fi TV, bad movies (especially from the 60's and 70's). I am an avid reader and used to work in the publishing industry. My curiosity knows no bounds and love to learn about knew things each and every day.

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:30am - 1:30am EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Geek Life

10:00am EDT

Superheroes on TV
The Flash, Arrow, Legends, Daredevil and more
Moderators
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... 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 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 →

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Fan

10:00am EDT

Getting into the Gaming Industry
The how tos and how nots of getting into the gaming industry
Moderators
avatar for Robert Hudson

Robert Hudson

Gaming
Talk to me about my work for HERO Games, Misfit Studios, or Gunmetal Games, or the pulps and pulp characters/adventures, or, heck, anything. =)

Speakers
TE

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Gaming

10:00am EDT

Raising Scientifically Minded Children
Want to raise the next scientific genius? How to bring more science into your children's lives.
Moderators
avatar for Jim Craig

Jim Craig

There are more things that interest me than can fit in this space. But, for the con, I'm happy to talk about science (especially astronomy and evolution) and science fiction (especially the history of the genre). I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the red hat.

Speakers
avatar for Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro

Catherine Asaro is an author of science fiction, fantasy and thrillers, and has written over twenty-five novels, as well as short stories and non-fiction. Her acclaimed Ruby Dynasty series combines adventure, hard science, math, romance and fast-paced action. Among her numerous distinctions... Read More →
avatar for Stephen Euin Cobb

Stephen Euin Cobb

Contributing Editor, Space and Time Magazine
Stephen Euin Cobb has interviewed over 400 people and written over 100 magazine articles for his work as an author, futurist, and award-winning podcaster. A contributing editor for SPACE AND TIME MAGAZINE, he has also been a regular contributor for ROBOT, HUMANITY PLUS, GRIM COUTURE... Read More →
avatar for Terry W Ervin II

Terry W Ervin II

Author
Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series (fantasy) includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD, and SOUL FORGE. Terry’s debut science fiction novel, RELIC TECH, is the first in the Crax... 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 →

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Science

10:00am EDT

Live Action Slush Session Two
Three authors will listen to their reader read aloud the first pages of submitted manuscripts, and stop the reader when they all hear what would have stopped them if they were the editors considering purchasing the stories. They will then discuss what the writers can do to improve their manuscripts to make them salable. This workshop is usually standing-room-only, so come early!
Speakers
DB
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 →

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Piedmont Workshops (Workshops)
  Writer's

10:00am EDT

When Plots Take Over
Sometimes you just can't seem to end a book! How to recognize when your plot have spiraled out of control and your work is bogging down.
Moderators
GF

Speakers
JB

Jim Bernheimer

Author
Jim lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife Kim, and daughters Laura and Marissa. By day, he works as a Systems Administrator for the government and runs his own side Information Technology consulting firm, EJB Networking, which can be found at www.ejbnetworking.com nnBlessed... Read More →
avatar for Jake Bible

Jake Bible

Author
Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, Jake has entertained thousands with his horror and sci/fi tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters... Read More →
CG
SG
DK
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

10:00am EDT

The Invisible Man
A screening of the 1933 classic starring Claude Rains
Sunday May 31, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

10:00am EDT

Wire Wrapping Workshop
Learn the basics of wire wrapping. Additional fee may apply.
Speakers
LR

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Blueridge (Workshops)
  Workshop

10:30am EDT

Making Up
Come join our panel of make-up experts as they share their knowledge on using make-up to enhance your costume.
Moderators
avatar for Brian Holloway

Brian Holloway

Costume, Union County Public Schools
Costume designer with over 27+ years experience for film television, and stage. Make-Up Supervisor and actor for Star Trek: New Voyages/PHASE II for 8+ years. Owner of Material Worlds Costuming. Convention moderator and panelist yearly at a variety of conventions. Professional actor... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Allegriana

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Costuming

10:30am EDT

Female Filmmakers In Force
Whether it's in front of or behind the camera, or both, the female filmmakers of the world are a powerful force to be reckoned with.
Moderators
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Erwn. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 5 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
avatar for Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones

Carrie Jones is a character actress who has had both leading and supporting film roles. Nicknamed “Scary Carrie,” she is a true “Scream Queen” and this scary lady has definitely screamed in enough films to prove it! Her recent roles include the character “Lillith” in Christopher... Read More →
avatar for Amber Michael

Amber Michael

Film/Media/TV, Joh Harp FX
I am a Twenty-eight year old makeup artist (SPFX, Beauty,Bodypainting), painter, and amateur photographer living in North Carolina. Exploring the woods that surrounded my childhood home was a favorite pastime. As an only child, I spent hours creating my own fun amongst the trees and... Read More →
avatar for Judith O'Dea

Judith O'Dea

Stage and film actress Judith O’Dea began her career over five decades ago at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. But for most film and theatre goers, Judith is best remembered as Barbra in the George A. Romero 1968 horror film classic Night of the Living Dead.   This epic film changed her... Read More →
avatar for Daphne Reeder

Daphne Reeder

Costuming Guest, Costuming
Daphne Reeder has been a creative force from a very young age. Beginning at the age of 5, she's been on television programs on WTVI, in plays & stage performances, and modeled, both in front of a camera and on the runway. She has always enjoyed the freedom of dressing up, and became... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

10:30am EDT

I Love It - So Why Won't It Sell?
You've written the book you wanted to write. You love it - so why won't the publishers publish the darn thing? A look at the ins and outs of getting your work published
Moderators
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... Read More →

Speakers
WS

Wendy S Delmater

Editor and Publisher, Abyss & Apex Magazine
Short fiction, writing, editing.
avatar for Rebecca Ledford

Rebecca Ledford

Literary Guest
Rebecca Ledford is the Manager of Phase 5 Publishing, LLC, a small publisher of science fiction, fantasy, and horror based in Western North Carolina. After graduating UNCA with a BA in psychology, she worked at a photo/graphics store, the Mössbauer Effect Data Center as a publication... Read More →
ES

Edmund Schubert

Editor, InterGalactic Medicine Show
JS
avatar for Sharon Stogner

Sharon Stogner

Owner, Devil in the Details Editing Services
Sharon is the co-creator of the I Smell Sheep website (www.ismellsheep.com). A quirky multi-media review site of Speculative Fiction that also provides author/actor guest posts, interviews, convention coverage and other WTF-ery. She is also a freelance fiction editor (www.devilin... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

10:30am EDT

Sci-Fried Eggs Live Podcast
Join the Sci-Fried Eggs as they broadcast live from Con Carolinas. See how the podcast comes together and ask questions of the guests on the show. Show up in costume for a chance to be part of the special Con Carolinas Cosplay Roulette segment and show off your costume to the world. After the broadcast, the Sci-Fried Eggs will host a short Q&A to answer questions about the show and podcasting.
Moderators
avatar for M. Doc Geressy

M. Doc Geressy

CEO, Bathurst Industries
M. Doc Geressy is a professional broadcaster, costumer, movie car motorhead expert, actor, designer, and paranormal investigator. When Doc is not doing all this stuff, he is the Campus Director of the Connecticut School of Broadcasting's Charlotte Campus where he also teaches broadcasting. Spending... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Carte

Chuck Carte

Paranormal
Chuck Carte is an artist, writer, director, comedian, and cosplayer from the Charlotte area. He is the founder of Carolina Tardis, an organization that raises money for charity, and is one half of the Sci-Fried Eggs, a science fiction based podcast. Carte is a prop builder of both... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Kittyhawk (Live Podcasts)
  Podcasting

11:00am EDT

SETI Project
A dicussion of the SETI project
Moderators
avatar for Dr. Ben Davis

Dr. Ben Davis

Professor, ECPI University
Ben Davis has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and an M.S. in Nuclear Astrophysics from the University of Notre Dame. He taught at the collegiate level for several years on a number of technical subjects ranging from computer programming and math to, of course, astronomy and physics. In... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jim Craig

Jim Craig

There are more things that interest me than can fit in this space. But, for the con, I'm happy to talk about science (especially astronomy and evolution) and science fiction (especially the history of the genre). I'll be easy to spot. Just look for the red hat.

Sunday May 31, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Science

11:00am EDT

Joel Hodgsen Q & A
Media Guest of Honor Joel Hodgsen discusses his time on MST3K and his newest project Other Space.
Moderators
avatar for Jaysen Buterin

Speakers
avatar for Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson is best known for creating the Peabody award-winning movie riffing sci-fi series Mystery Science Theater 3000. He was also the host of the series for the first 100 episodes. Recently, MST3K has been included in several “top 100 TV shows of all time” lists, including... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

11:30am EDT

Filmmaker FAQ
Got a question about pre-production? Dying to know how to fix something in post-production? Curious about how to make a movie in the first place?!? Then come to this panel to find out all the behind-the-scenes bits of brilliance from our award-winning panelists (writers, directors, actors, DPs, editors, MUAs)
Moderators
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Erwn. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 5 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
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
avatar for Jesse Knight

Jesse Knight

Owner, Jesse Knight FIlms
I have been making lo/no budget movies for over 20 years.
MB

Matthew B. Moore

Film/Media/TV
BM
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 →

Sunday May 31, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

11:30am EDT

Meet the Fan Groups
Come meet representatives from various local fan groups such as the Klingon Assault Group, Star Fleet, and others, and learn how you can join.
Speakers
TH
CL
avatar for Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Geek Life

11:30am EDT

The Disneyfication of Geekdom
Disney now owns Marvel, Star Wars and Ghibli. What else is the mouse eyeing and is this a good or bad thing for geekdom.
Moderators
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for James K. Fulbright

James K. Fulbright

President / Con Chair, ConGregate
James Fulbright was introduced to AD&D by a friend in 1979. After joining his first gaming group, his friends convinced him to start attending conventions like StellarCon and Hexacon. It wasn’t long before attending cons led him to start helping out with those cons; which, in turn... Read More →
avatar for Mikki Stith

Mikki Stith

Marketing & Communications Director, Theatre Raleigh
Michaeline's (aka "Mikki") first love was the theatre, but she now finds herself in marketing. After more than a decade of hands-on experience in event and experiential marketing, she spent years working for marketing agencies that focused on digital solutions. Now, Mikki serves as... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Media

11:30am EDT

Ask a Podcaster
Ask podcasting panelist anything! What are their favorite podcasts? Who do they look up to in the podcasting world? What inspired these people to start a podcast? Whatever questions you have about podcasting and the people who do it, the floor is open
Speakers
avatar for Darryl Mansel
avatar for Alex Matsuo

Alex Matsuo

Paranormal Guest, The Spooky Stuff
Alex Matsuo is a paranormal researcher, social media influencer, and author. She is the founder of the Association of Paranormal Study and runs “The Spooky Stuff.” If it’s weird, spooky, unusual, scary, macabre, or haunted, she wants to write and talk about it! Alex is known... Read More →
GP

Grind Pulp Podcast

Andrew Crevier Higgins, Jason Jeronimo Brown, Manga Matt Plummer,  and Matt Starnes.
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 →

Sunday May 31, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Concord C (Programming)
  Podcasting

11:30am EDT

Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading
Gail Martin, Misty Massey and Janine Spendlove, all members of Broad Universe - take turns reading from their works.
Moderators
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 Jeanne P. Adams

Jeanne P. Adams

Virtual Guest Speaker, Science and Tech
A lifelong reader and writer of fantasy and suspense, award-winning author Jeanne Adams is an extrovert in an introverted profession. So, she's always up for talking...about ANYTHING! Geekery of all kinds, reading, books, baseball, dogs and dog-showing, suspense, and body disposal... Read More →
avatar for Emily Leverett

Emily Leverett

Author, Writing
Emily Lavin Leverett is an author, editor, and scholar. She is the author of the paranormal romance series The Wolf and the Nun based on the life and stories of 12th century abbess Marie de France: The Wolf and the Cloister, The Enchanted Rose, and The Song of the Black Wolf are out... 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 →
avatar for Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott

Literary Guest
After practicing law for 18 years, Nancy Northcott decided she’d spent enough time in pinstripes and mothballed her law license to become a writer. She made her first sale, a paranormal romance series to Hachette/Grand Central, in 2012. Along the way, Nancy put her lifelong love... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

11:30am EDT

The Creature from the Black Lagoon
A screening of the 1954 classic.
Sunday May 31, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

12:00pm EDT

American Gothic
Authors talk about the history of the macabre and horror in literature and how it has change and developed throughout the centuries.
Moderators
avatar for Tally Johnson

Tally Johnson

Paranormal
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) and he also has a story in An... 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 →
avatar for Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Amy H. Sturgis, Ph.D.

Professor, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Amy H. Sturgis earned her Ph.D. in Intellectual History from Vanderbilt University. Her primary fields include Science Fiction/Fantasy Studies and Indigenous American Studies. Sturgis is the author of four books on Native American and U.S. history as well as more than fifty scholarly... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Paranormal

12:00pm EDT

Jane Austen in the 20th Century
From The Lizzie Bennett Diaries to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, it's clear there's been a resurgence in popularity of Jane Austen's work. Let's talk about what makes people love it so.
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
avatar for Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove is a KC-130 pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In the writing world, she is an award winning author primarily known for her War of the Seasons fantasy series. She has several short stories published in various speculative fiction anthologies, to include... Read More →
JS

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

12:00pm EDT

Sci-Fi Story Time
Science Fiction story time and coloring for the kids.
Speakers
avatar for Nia

Nia

Nia and Cerulean run the KidsTrack for ConCarolinas

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  KidsTrack

12:00pm EDT

ConCarolinas Film Festival (M)
We've had a record number of entries for this year's film fest. Come and see what treasures we've discovered!
Sunday May 31, 2015 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Kannapolis B (Film Screenings)
  Film

12:30pm EDT

Judith O'Dea Q & A
A chance to sit down with Judith O'Dea, star of the original "Night of the Living Dead," for a Q&A session about making of this seminal cinematic classic that will thrill and chill you! This time, Barbra's coming to get YOU!!!
Moderators
avatar for Michael Ray Williams

Michael Ray Williams

Film/Media/TV, MadOnes Films
I'm an actor at heart, but an all around film/theatre extraordinaire.

Speakers
avatar for Judith O'Dea

Judith O'Dea

Stage and film actress Judith O’Dea began her career over five decades ago at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. But for most film and theatre goers, Judith is best remembered as Barbra in the George A. Romero 1968 horror film classic Night of the Living Dead.   This epic film changed her... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Main

1:00pm EDT

You've Made Your Movie, Now What?
So now that you've made your movie, Hollywood will come calling and fortune and glory will be yours any day now, right? RIGHT?!? Wrong. Just because you made the movie doesn't mean that the world knows that you made it, so find out from our panel of award-winning experts all about promotion, marketing, distribution, and the potential pitfalls and perils that can come with making art.
Moderators
avatar for Christine Parker

Christine Parker

Film Guest, SickChickFlicks
Christine Parker is filmmaker based in the quaint North Carolina town of Erwn. She has been making her own independent films since 2003. To date, she has 5 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
avatar for John Dondero

John Dondero

The Diddlist Diddle in all the Land, 13th Floor EFX
I once did a thing, I am not sure what that thing was, and whether or not I enjoyed it. Also is it Whom or Who?
avatar for Jesse Knight

Jesse Knight

Owner, Jesse Knight FIlms
I have been making lo/no budget movies for over 20 years.
MB

Matthew B. Moore

Film/Media/TV
BM
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 →

Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Kannapolis A (Film Panels)
  Film

1:00pm EDT

Finding the Funny Side
Comedy guests discuss making fun of the things we love and adore!
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 appearances... Read More →

Speakers
AI
avatar for Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple Shaped Lamps

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a comedy theatre troupe based in North Carolina. Founded in 2010, they have mounted a number of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions. Initially created to perform shadow casts of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” PSL has expanded its repertoire... Read More →
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Concord I (Programming)
  Geek Life

1:00pm EDT

Doctor Who Through a Woman's Eyes
Let’s talk about #12 and Clara, Companions new and old and how the ‘madman in a blue box’ in all his regenerations looks when viewed from the perspective of female fans.
Moderators
avatar for Tig Pollum

Tig Pollum

Fan
Tig is a geek of all trades. From Star Wars to Doctor Who, tabletop to video games, there isn't much she isn't into. She has a deep passion for costuming, having majored in costume design in college, and particularly loves historical and period costumes. Tig is fortunate enough to... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Jackie Craft
avatar for Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 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 Joey Starnes

Joey Starnes

Fan Guest
Joey Starnes (aka the GiddyGeeker) 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, Marvel... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Concord G (Programming)
  Media

1:00pm EDT

Stereotypes and How to Avoid Them
Characters tend to fall into certain categories. Learn how to keep your characters fresh and to avoid some of the more obvious stereotypes.
Moderators
avatar for Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove is a KC-130 pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In the writing world, she is an award winning author primarily known for her War of the Seasons fantasy series. She has several short stories published in various speculative fiction anthologies, to include... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Gilbert

Owner, Editor, Clicking Keys
Melissa Gilbert teaches college writing, works as a freelance editor at Clicking Keys, writes twice monthly for Magical Words, and tells stories (writing as Melissa McArthur). Her current publications include a short story, “The Chase,” in AN IMPROBABLE TRUTH: THE PARANORMAL... Read More →
avatar for A.J. Hartley

A.J. Hartley

Author/Editor/Publisher
A.J. Hartley (also writing as Andrew Hart) is the NY Times bestselling author of 23 novels foradults and younger readers spanning multiple genres, notably mystery, thriller, fantasy andscience fiction. Recent work includes Impervious, which grew out of his experience of a schoolshooting... 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 →
DK
avatar for Michael G. Williams

Michael G. Williams

Literary Guest
Michael G. Williams writes queer-themed science fiction, urban fantasy, and horror celebrating monsters, macabre humor, and subverted expectations. He’s the author of three series for Falstaff Books: the award-winning vampire/urban fantasy series The Withrow Chronicles; the th... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

1:00pm EDT

The Butterfly Circus/Doug Jones Q&A
An encore screening of the short film sensation, "The Butterfly Circus," followed by a Q&A session with one of the film's stars, the amazing Doug Jones.
Moderators
avatar for Jaysen Buterin

Speakers
avatar for Doug Jones

Doug Jones

Doug Jones is perhaps one of the most brilliant actors of our time. Some say he is this generations “Boris Karloff”! Fans will long remember Doug for his work as THE SILVER SURFER in FANTASTIC FOUR RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER. He’s also the life and soul of ABE SAPIEN in H... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Film

1:00pm EDT

The Mummy
A screening of the 1932 classic starring Boris Karloff
Sunday May 31, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Fairway B (Programming)
  Media Room

1:30pm EDT

Real People in Unreal Worlds
When using real people as characters in fiction, what liberties can authors take? What do creators owe to history? The panel will discuss where historical truth meets literary license.
Moderators
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 →

Speakers
TE
JL
avatar for Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor

Sunday May 31, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

1:30pm EDT

Nerf War
Bring your own NERF and battle until the end of Con!
Sunday May 31, 2015 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Concord H (Programming)
  Geek Life

2:00pm EDT

Michael Hogan Q & A
Michael Hogan discusses his roles on Battlestar Galactica, Haven, Teen Wolf and what's coming up.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Hogan

Michael Hogan

Michael Hogan (c. 1949) is a Canadian actor known for his roles as Colonel Saul Tigh in the Battlestar Galactica series, Billy in The Peanut Butter Solution and the voice of Armando-Owen Bailey in the Mass Effect series. Hogan was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario in 1949, raised in... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Concord J (Main Programming II)
  Main

2:00pm EDT

Final Filk
Time for the last filking session of ConCarolinas 2015. Filk the Con away!
Sunday May 31, 2015 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Harrisburg B (Programming)
  Filk

2:30pm EDT

What Genre is This?
Once upon a time, the genres were pretty broad. Nowadays it's hard to know what marketing niche you fall into, even though its spot on the bookshelf can make or break a book's success. We'll talk about the importance of knowing your genre (and its subcategory) and we'll help the audience determine exactly what genre their own works represent.
Moderators
DK

Speakers
avatar for Jake Bible

Jake Bible

Author
Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, Jake has entertained thousands with his horror and sci/fi tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters... Read More →
GF
LH
avatar for Terry W Ervin II

Terry W Ervin II

Author
Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series (fantasy) includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD, and SOUL FORGE. Terry’s debut science fiction novel, RELIC TECH, is the first in the Crax... Read More →
avatar for Roy Mauritsen

Roy Mauritsen

guest, Perseid Press and Padwolf Publishing
In a career spanning over two decades as a professional graphic designer, Roy Mauritsen is also an award-winning digital fantasy artist of the Chess Pieces series and author of the Shards of the Glass Slipper series. Presently, Mr. Mauritsen is an art director overseeing both Perseid... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

3:00pm EDT

Supernatural Detectives
Urban fantasy is all about solving the mystery. Let's talk about our favorite fantastic detectives in fantasy books, television and movies.
Moderators
JH

Speakers
JB

Jim Bernheimer

Author
Jim lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife Kim, and daughters Laura and Marissa. By day, he works as a Systems Administrator for the government and runs his own side Information Technology consulting firm, EJB Networking, which can be found at www.ejbnetworking.com nnBlessed... 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 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 Gail Z. Martin

Gail Z. Martin

Literary Guest
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 Tamsin Silver

Tamsin Silver

Author
TAMSIN SILVER is a Fantasy author based out of Albuquerque, NM. With a background in Theatre, it was only a natural progression that her storytelling found its way to book format. Her Historical Fantasy works include the Untold Legends series (about Billy the Kid) with Falstaff Books... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Carolina C (Writer's Track)
  Writer's

3:30pm EDT

Con Wrap: How Did We Do?
Wait! Before you head out, let us know what you thought of the Con! How did you like the new hotel? What were the hits and misses? Please be gentle, we're tired!
Sunday May 31, 2015 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Concord A/B (Main Programming I)
  Main

4:00pm EDT

Do I Need a Writing Group?
What makes a good group? What signals a bad one? What are the pros and cons of in-person groups versus online? Are writing groups for you?
Moderators
avatar for Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove

Janine K. Spendlove is a KC-130 pilot in the United States Marine Corps. In the writing world, she is an award winning author primarily known for her War of the Seasons fantasy series. She has several short stories published in various speculative fiction anthologies, to include... Read More →

Speakers
JH
TA
avatar for Edward McKeown

Edward McKeown

Chief editor, Writing
I write what I like to read: adventures under far stars.  What’s most important to me is the relationships between the characters.  Why would you travel to unknown places with people you don’t care about?  My characters are flawed, fighting over their weight against a hostile... Read More →
avatar for Nancy Northcott

Nancy Northcott

Literary Guest
After practicing law for 18 years, Nancy Northcott decided she’d spent enough time in pinstripes and mothballed her law license to become a writer. She made her first sale, a paranormal romance series to Hachette/Grand Central, in 2012. Along the way, Nancy put her lifelong love... Read More →
avatar for Gray Rinehart

Gray Rinehart

Literary Guest
Gray Rinehart writes science fiction and fantasy stories, nonfiction, songs ... and other things. He is the only person to have commanded an Air Force satellite tracking station, written speeches for Presidential appointees, originated a poetic form, and had music on The Dr. Demento... Read More →

Sunday May 31, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Carolina A/B (Writer's Track)
  Writer's
 
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