The Hal Haag Memorial Game Room (Jefferson)
Friday 3pm - 1am
Saturday 10am - 1am
Sunday 10am - 3pm
Preliminary Program Grid
This is the Preliminary program schedule. These are the program items we're planning on having. New things may emerge, and any of these may disappear in puff of logic, all without warning. The program will be updated as information changes, but please check for official notifications during the convention.
Again this year Capclave is pleased to be able to present a mobile version of our program, thanks to Eemeli Aro.
Upon visiting the mobile guide, two files containing our program information will be cached to your smartphone/tablet/etc. Some browsers will ask for permission, most will not. This information will take up about 1 MB of storage space. The purpose of this is so that if you lose network connectivity, all necessary information will still be available to you. You can delete this information at anytime, usually by looking at your browser's settings, then selecting Advanced > Website settings > [this site] > Clear stored data. However, your browser/operating system may vary.
All times are for the Eastern Daylight Time Zone (UTC-4 hours)
Grid of Scheduled Events
(NOTE: All events are subject to change. Please check back often.)
2023-09-29 Friday
Eisenhower
Washington Theater
Wilson
Lincoln
Monroe
Truman
Adams
Jefferson
Atrium
Jackson
Library
Dealers Room Foyer
4:00 pm
Pick Your Poison: Standalone, Trilogy, or Series
A Maker's Playlist
Game Demo: Abducktion
4:30 pm
5:00 pm
Author Reading: Irette Patterson
5:30 pm
Romance in SFF
Introducing the Cozy Fantasy
Author Reading: Joshua Palmatier
Exquisite Corpse Writing Challenge
6:00 pm
Author Reading: Doc Coleman
6:30 pm
Author Reading: Ty Drago
7:00 pm
The Art of the Book Review
Anthology Builder
Author Reading: Suzanne Palmer
Memorial and Tribute for Erica Ginter
Game Demo: Thurn & Taxis
Finding Our Monsters or Creating Them
7:30 pm
Author Reading: Richard Sparks
8:00 pm
Author Reading: Scott Edelman
8:30 pm
30 years of Babylon 5
Sarah Pinsker Concert!
Author Reading: Meridel Newton
The Arts and Alternative History
9:00 pm
Author Reading: Adeena Mignogna
9:30 pm
Author Reading: Paul Haggerty
10:00 pm
Weird Tales at 100
Creating a Believable Legal System for Your Fantasy
Open Discussion: Black Mirror
The Writer's Toolkit
10:30 pm
2023-09-30 Saturday
Eisenhower
Washington Theater
Wilson
Lincoln
Monroe
Truman
Adams
Jefferson
Atrium
Jackson
Library
Dealers Room Foyer
9:00 am
Capclave Meet and Greet
9:30 am
10:00 am
Rejections Happen
State of Horror
Author Reading: Sarah Avery
The 2023 Hugo Awards
10:30 am
Author Reading: Keith R.A. DeCandido
11:00 am
Author Reading: Sarah Pinsker
Signing: Paul Haggerty
11:30 am
Finding Your Level
How to Change Your Reading Diet
Author Reading: Karlo Yeager Rodriguez
Occupational Hazard
Run With the Chair
Judging a Book By Its Cover
Signing: Ty Drago
12:00 pm
Author Reading: A.T. Greenblatt
Game Demo: Ticket to Ride
Signing: Keith R.A. DeCandido
12:30 pm
Author Reading: Randee Dawn
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Creators Roundtable Meetup (Women in Film and Video)
Signing: Jo Miles
1:00 pm
The State of Queer SFF
What's New in the World of Dinosaurs?
Author Reading: Sunny Moraine
I'll Have Some Mystery with My Speculative Fiction
Signing: Randee Dawn
1:30 pm
Author Reading: Sherin Nicole, Dave Disspain, and Drew Bittner
Signing: Zin E. Rocklyn
2:00 pm
Author Reading: Lawrence M. Schoen
Plotting for Pantzers (or Those Who Hate to Plot)
Signing: Alex Shvartsman
2:30 pm
A Little Perspective: POV in Fiction
The Pilot and the Future of Personal Technology
Author Reading: Danielle Ackley-McPhail
What Are We Learning From Pandemic-Era Conventions?
Signing: Sarah Avery
3:00 pm
Book launch: Warped State by Jo Miles
Author Reading: Charles Gannon
Zombies Need Brains Year 10 Releases
Signing: Doc Coleman
3:30 pm
Author Reading: L. Penelope
Signing: Adeena Mignogna
4:00 pm
Tell Me a Story: The Art of a Public Reading
Writing in Other People's Universes
Author Reading: James Morrow
Better Beta Reading: Both Sides of the Pen
Game Demo: Earth
A Celebration of Octavia E. Butler
4:30 pm
Author Reading: Alex Shvartsman
Signing: James Morrow
5:00 pm
Author Reading: Charlie Jane Anders
Signing: Kenneth Altabef
5:30 pm
Exploring Oppression in Speculative Fiction
Interactions of Sound & Light: Extraordinary Physics & Many Uses
Book Launch: Martin Berman-Gorvine
Author Reading: Tom Doyle
Open Discussion: Doctor Who 60th Anniversary
To the Heart of the Matter
Book launch: Kakistocracy by Alex Shvartsman
Signing: Andy Duncan
6:00 pm
Author Reading: Mark Roth
Signing: Jean Marie Ward
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
8:30 pm
Trivia Night!
Mass Autograph Session
9:00 pm
9:30 pm
Award Ceremony
10:00 pm
Eye of Argon
The Forever Life
10:30 pm
2023-10-01 Sunday
Eisenhower
Washington Theater
Wilson
Lincoln
Monroe
Truman
Adams
Jefferson
Atrium
Jackson
Library
Dealers Room Foyer
10:00 am
Modern Book Bans
Friendships in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Author Reading: Darrell Charles Schweitzer
Creating Audiobooks for Fun and Profit
Game Demo: Holotype
State of Small Press Publishing
10:30 am
Author Reading: Michael A. Ventrella
Signing: Joshua Palmatier
11:00 am
Author Reading: A.C. Wise
Signing: L. Penelope
11:30 am
Guest of Honor Interview(s)!
Constructing Your Magic System
Open Discussion: Star Trek
Writing Through Adversity
12:00 pm
Game Demo: Carcassonne
12:30 pm
Author Reading: Hildy Silverman
Signing: Ef Deal
1:00 pm
Fifty years of Omelas
Artificial Intelligence 101
Author Reading: Jean Marie Ward
Speculative Poetry Reading and Workshop
Help! I Have to Edit My Draft!
Signing: Lawrence M. Schoen
1:30 pm
Author Reading: Sarena Ulibarri
2:00 pm
Author Reading: Jennifer R. Povey
2:30 pm
YouCon 2024
Hiding the Sun: Two upcoming Solar Eclipses
Author Reading: R. Z. Held
The Business of Writing
3:00 pm
4:00 pm
Capclave Debrief
Items are sorted by Category, Date/Time, Room and Event Name
(NOTE: All items are subject to change. Please check back often.)
Panel
Friday 4:00 pm
Eisenhower
Pick Your Poison: Standalone, Trilogy, or Series (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Bjorn Hasseler, Cathy Green (M), Joshua Palmatier, Mark Roth For reader and writer alike, there are strong opinions on the value of a story that is one and done versus settling into a universe and its characters for a while. Panelists discuss the benefits and challenges of each. When do you know that a story wants to be one or the other? Does writing individual stories set in the same universe count as a series? Are duologies becoming more common?
Washington Theater
A Maker's Playlist (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Irette Y Patterson, L. Penelope, Morgan Hazelwood, Sunny Moraine, Ty Drago (M) Authors such as Marie Lu have spoken lovingly and openly about the playlists used when writing or editing their books. Panelists explore the role of music in their creative process. Does anyone create in silence? Does changing up a playlist disrupt the creative workflow or inspire it by setting a new mood and openness to different points of view? What music inspires your novel, poetry, artwork, or reading?
Friday 5:30 pm
Eisenhower
Romance in SFF (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:Charlie Jane Anders, Jean Marie Ward, Joan Wendland, L. Penelope (M) Romance is an integral part of many great SFF stories. And it is a versatile storytelling tool too - sometimes driving the story or perhaps just one piece of the narrative tapestry. What are these different approaches and what romantic scenarios are most familiar and compelling to readers? How have audience expectations changed over time? Panelists will get to the heart of our beloved genre.
Washington Theater
Introducing the Cozy Fantasy (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:Bill Lawhorn (M), R. Z. Held, Randee Dawn, Sarah Avery Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes, a 2023 Nebula Awards Best Novel finalist, is an example of a relatively new subgenre being called "cozy fantasy." These stories generally feature heartwarming characters, little to no danger, and low stakes. They are like settling down with a warm fluffy blanket and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in your most comfortable reading nook. What are some other examples and favorite cozy fantasies and why are they growing in popularity?
The Art of the Book Review (Ends at: 7:55 pm) Participants:Charlie Jane Anders, Karlo Yeager Rodriguez, Michael Dirda, Natalie Luhrs, Nate Hoffelder (M) A good book review and reviewer can be a reader's best friend. Learn about the world of book reviews and the skills for crafting them. What is different about reading with a critical eye versus for pleasure? Where can you find good reviews? What can authors gain from reading (or writing) these critiques?
Washington Theater
Anthology Builder (Ends at: 7:55 pm) Participants:Alex Shvartsman, Ian Randal Strock, Keith R.A. DeCandido (M), Neil Clarke There's an art and a business to building a great anthology. Editors reveal their most important lessons for constructing an anthology that is both readable and marketable. How do editors come up with a theme and properly curate their anthologies? How do the stories get picked? And ultimately, what sells and what does not?
Jackson
Finding Our Monsters or Creating Them (Ends at: 7:55 pm) Participants:Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Darrell Charles Schweitzer, Hildy Silverman (M), Jennifer R. Povey Readers crave a good monster, and speculative fiction has produced many iconic examples. But from Mothman to Bigfoot to Chupacabra, there's nothing like the enduring lure of the cryptid. These monsters have become more popular in recent years and as intriguing as ever. Panelists discuss the beauty of these monsters for readers and writers and why we are so drawn to them.
Friday 8:30 pm
Eisenhower
30 years of Babylon 5 (Ends at: 9:25 pm) Participants:Bjorn Hasseler, Doc Coleman, Jennifer R. Povey (M), Perrianne Lurie, Scott H. Andrews It's been 30 years since Babylon 5 debuted. It is still considered a seminal science fiction show that paved the way for modern space operas on TV such as Farscape, the Battlestar Galactica reboot, and The Expanse. Panelists will discuss the show, its impact, and their favorite characters and plots. What was innovative at the time? What aspects of the show still resonate?
Jackson
The Arts and Alternative History (Ends at: 9:25 pm) Participants:Carolyn Ives Gilman , James Morrow (M), John Ashmead, Martin Berman-Gorvine, Tom Doyle We love imagining the ripple effects of worlds changed by a single shift in culture or missing political figure. The influence of our greatest authors, artists, and composers is no less compelling. Panelists discuss what alternate histories emerge when the arts change course. What other realities are possible when we do not lose certain brilliant artists so young? Can the fickle tastes of one prominent patron change the artistic history of an era?
Friday 10:00 pm
Eisenhower
Weird Tales at 100 (Ends at: 10:55 pm) Participants:Darrell Charles Schweitzer (M), John Ashmead, Keith R.A. DeCandido Weird Tales magazine was an American fantasy and horror fiction pulp magazine founded by J. C. Henneberger and J. M. Lansinger. The first issue came out in 1923 and ran through 1954 with several attempts over the years to revive it. Now published by Weird Tales Inc., Weird Tales #366 – Swords And Sorcery Issue came out in 2022. Let's celebrate and take a look back at this piece of SFF history.
Washington Theater
Creating a Believable Legal System for Your Fantasy (Ends at: 10:55 pm) Participants:Cathy Green (M), David Keener, Mary G. Thompson, Michael A Ventrella Disputes are going to arise in your imagined world, and someone has to resolve them! There are hundreds of examples of how legal systems work in real life, but what about in the societies you create? How can you develop a legal system that is both realistic and also relevant to the story (and not an obstacle to your pacing and plot)? Panelists discuss what makes for a believable (or not) fantasy legal system.
Jackson
The Writer's Toolkit (Ends at: 10:55 pm) Participants:Adeena Mignogna (M), Doc Coleman, Ian Randal Strock, Ken Altabef, Morgan Hazelwood When staring at a blank page, it helps to have a few tips and techniques to fall back on. What are common tools that writers can use to further their craft? What resources serve as helpful refreshers when stuck or seeking inspiration? Are there common prompts or skills to help kick off a good writing session? How might a new writer refine advice that does not quite work for their style into something that properly clicks?
Saturday 10:00 am
Eisenhower
Rejections Happen (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:A. T. Greenblatt, Nate Hoffelder, R. Z. Held, Scott Edelman (M) The life of a writer involves hearing many variations of the word "no." Rejection comes with the territory but that does not make it easier to experience. Panelists discuss coping with rejection, how to continue writing through them, and what you can learn from receiving a no.
Washington Theater
State of Horror (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:A.C. Wise (M), Hildy Silverman, Randee Dawn, Sunny Moraine It is a good time to be a horror fan. The genre is drawing bigger audiences while gaining interest even from those who normally shy away from the dark side. Panelists take a look at the current mainstreaming of horror in books, movies, TV, and games. What makes horror so interesting right now and where is it going? How are creators bringing in new fans or reviving common mythologies and horror tropes?
Jackson
The 2023 Hugo Awards (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:Lawrence M. Schoen, Perrianne Lurie, Sam Lubell (M) This year's Worldcon is in Chengdu, China (currently scheduled for 18 - 22 October). This is a rare opportunity to discuss the nominated Hugo finalists at a Capclave before the winners are announced. Panelists discuss the nominees and predict their winners!
Saturday 11:30 am
Eisenhower
Finding Your Level (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:Doc Coleman, Jo Miles, Meridel Newton, R. Z. Held, Sarena Ulibarri (M) The speculative fiction we love comes in several lengths - short story, novelette, novella, and novel (as well as flash and micro fiction). Panelists discuss their experience writing long- and short-form stories. Do writers have a length they write best at? Can you write an epic story in short story format? How do you figure out what your ideal story length is? How do you train yourself to write longer or shorter?
Washington Theater
How to Change Your Reading Diet (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:A.C. Wise, Irette Y Patterson, Mary G. Thompson (M), Michael Dirda, Sarah Avery Reading ruts happen! Panelists discuss the best ways to diversify your reading habits to find new gems and genres that you'll love next. Where can you find new sources for your TBR list? What are tips for sifting through new titles to find something you love? How many pages should you give a book or story before moving on?
Jackson
Judging a Book By Its Cover (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:Joshua Palmatier (M), Nate Hoffelder, Shahid Mahmud, Sherin Nicole There's more to choosing the visuals of a book than meets the eye. What are the elements to consider in creating and choosing a book cover? How has this evolved in recent years and what are past and current trends? Our panelists reveal the unique business of book design and share their design triumphs and horror stories.
Saturday 1:00 pm
Eisenhower
The State of Queer SFF (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Charlie Jane Anders, Jennifer R. Povey (M), Joshua Palmatier, Vanessa Rose Phin Publishers have been steadily making space for fiction with queer characters and themes despite bans and censorship on authors and titles. There is still a long way to go, but more LGBTQ people are showing up in stories in joyful, fully formed, and also mundane ways. Panelists discuss the strides (and setbacks) in recent years and how readers, authors, and publishers can counter attacks against queer stories.
Jackson
I'll Have Some Mystery with My Speculative Fiction (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Charles Gannon, Joan Wendland (M), Sarah Pinsker, Ty Drago Adding a good old fashioned whodunit to a science fiction or fantasy story can add an intriguing and fun element. What makes for a good setting and plot for an SFF mystery? How do you balance providing enough clues to interest the audience without making the solution obvious? What are the tropes and potential pitfalls and where can you find great examples of this done well?
Saturday 2:30 pm
Eisenhower
A Little Perspective: POV in Fiction (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants:Bjorn Hasseler, Charlie Jane Anders, Jean Marie Ward, Michael A Ventrella (M), Scott H. Andrews Who tells your story is as important as how it is told and what is in it. Changing the point of view can completely transform how a story is received. Panelists discuss options for experimenting with perspective, how to know what is most effective for a story, and why styles such as second-person are worth your consideration.
Washington Theater
The Pilot and the Future of Personal Technology (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants:Adeena Mignogna, David Keener, John Ashmead (M), Sarah Pinsker, Suzanne Palmer Sarah Pinsker's novel, We Are Satellites, introduces a brain implant called the Pilot that offers the power to split one's mental focus into multiple streams of attention. This method of true multitasking ability raises questions about the future of virtual reality and similar advancements in personal technology. What is the evolution from cell phones and smart glasses to brain implants? What tradeoffs inevitably follow?
Jackson
What Are We Learning From Pandemic-Era Conventions? (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants:Inge Heyer, Morgan Hazelwood, Perrianne Lurie, Sam Lubell (M), Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. Three and a half years after the onset of COVID-19, conventions are still dealing with how to pivot on programming logistics as well as procedures and safety policies for attendees and participants. Which experiments are working and which did not go as planned? What long-lasting resources or protocols have emerged? How have these adjustments affected the ways in which fandom gathers?
Saturday 4:00 pm
Eisenhower
Tell Me a Story: The Art of a Public Reading (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Karlo Yeager Rodriguez (M), Richard Sparks Learning to effectively read your own work publicly is a skill worth nurturing. It can connect the audience with your stories, and it can be a powerful marketing and engagement tool. What makes for a good public reading experience? What techniques make a difference and help it feel less intimidating? What platforms (podcasts, events, audio narration, etc.) are out there for authors to read their own work?
Washington Theater
Writing in Other People's Universes (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Charles Gannon, Jean Marie Ward (M), Keith R.A. DeCandido, Mark Roth, Sunny Moraine Whether writing for comics, venturing into tie-in novels and other adaptive media, or championing fan fiction, writing good stories in a known world requires a unique skill set. Panelists discuss what it takes to create compelling narratives for a universe not their own and how to push the limits without crossing the guidelines of the borrowed universe.
Jackson
A Celebration of Octavia E. Butler (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Andy Duncan, Courtni Burleson, Irette Y Patterson (M), Sherin Nicole Now a posthumous New York Times best selling author, Octavia E. Butler is finally reaching a wider audience of fans who have discovered her influence on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Today, her works are the source materials for award-winning graphic novel adaptations and multiple media projects spanning her career as both novel and short fiction writer. Panelists discuss the life and stories of Butler and the legacy of her talent.
Saturday 5:30 pm
Eisenhower
Exploring Oppression in Speculative Fiction (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:Carolyn Ives Gilman (M), Jennifer R. Povey, Joan Wendland Science fiction and fantasy have never shied away from exploring the origins and consequences of fascist and oppressive societies. Whether a familiar secondary world or overt description of modern autocracies, these stories endure for the cautionary tale and the lessons they tell through the "what if." Panelists discuss how these stories have evolved over the years and the techniques used, including satire, to effectively explore how oppression shapes individuals and cultures.
Truman
Open Discussion: Doctor Who 60th Anniversary (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:Brick Barrientos, Cathy Green, Vanessa Rose Phin (M) There will be four Doctor Who specials in November with David Tennant as the 14th Doctor. Take a look back at previous Doctors as well as a discussion of the return of Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor.
Jackson
To the Heart of the Matter (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:L. Penelope, Sunny Moraine, Suzanne Palmer Creating a connection between the characters and the reader is important. It can drive the emotional journey or heighten the stakes for the reader to keep them turning to the next page. Panelists discuss how authors think about this link between character and reader and the techniques to make these connections work.
Saturday 10:00 pm
Washington Theater
Eye of Argon (Ends at: 10:55 pm) Participants:Hildy Silverman (M), Ian Randal Strock, Jean Marie Ward, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Michael A Ventrella As if "The Eye of Argon" isn't hilarious enough, someone decided it needed sequel stories. Join Michael A. Ventrella, Hildy Silverman and Ian Randal Strock as they read stories from their new collection "The Eye of Argon and the Further Adventures of Grignr the Barbarian" and see if you can keep from laughing!
Jackson
The Forever Life (Ends at: 10:55 pm) Participants:Charles Gannon, Darrell Charles Schweitzer, Doc Coleman (M) Many works of speculative fiction feature characters who are or seek to be live forever (or nearly so). Whether it is an extended life existence in science fiction or an ancient being in fantasy and horror, what themes emerge from tales of immortality? How does it affect characterization and plot? What lessons for living can we learn from these explorations?
Sunday 10:00 am
Eisenhower
Modern Book Bans (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:A.C. Wise, Andy Duncan, Mark Roth, Sam Lubell (M) There has been an alarming trend of censoring and banning books in public libraries and schools often targeting LGBTQ, Black, and Latine stories and authors. Banned Book Week, a campaign promoted by the American Library Association and Amnesty International, starts on Sunday, October 1st. Who is behind the current book bans? How can we support the freedom to seek and to express ideas in our public spaces? Are there books that should be banned or have limited access?
Washington Theater
Friendships in Science Fiction and Fantasy (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:A. T. Greenblatt, Jo Miles, Lawrence M. Schoen (M), Martin Berman-Gorvine, Randee Dawn Romance is great and who doesn't love a good archnemesis -- but what about your friends? Our panelists discuss the value of best friends, loyal quest-mates, and found family in science fiction and fantasy.
Jackson
State of Small Press Publishing (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Neil Clarke, Sarah Avery (M), Sarena Ulibarri, Ty Drago Small press publishing is steadily evolving with new trends emerging for editors and authors alike. Panelists explain the ins and outs of small press publishing today. What's new and exciting in small press publishing? What are small presses doing that larger publishers cannot or will not do? Which types of small presses are reaching the widest audience?
Sunday 11:30 am
Eisenhower
Guest of Honor Interview(s)! (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:Charlie Jane Anders, Sarah Pinsker What's better than one GOH interview? How about two at the same time! Join our guests of honor Sarah Pinsker and Charlie Jane Anders in conversation together.
Washington Theater
Constructing Your Magic System (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:Ken Altabef, L. Penelope, Michael A Ventrella, Scott H. Andrews (M) Magic is an important element of fantasy stories. Unless you want to end up in 'a wizard did it' world for how every problem is resolved, your magic systems needs to be constructed with a set of rules. How should you begin constructing this system? What is the cost of using magic? How powerful do you want the magic to be? Panelists discuss these and other considerations for creating a compelling magical world.
Jackson
Writing Through Adversity (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:A. T. Greenblatt, R. Z. Held, Samantha Katz, Sarah Avery (M), Scott Edelman Writing is hard enough but writers are also full human beings dealing with obstacles that can make it difficult to maintain a creative practice. From financial and family responsibilities to chronic pain and other mental and physical challenges, panelists talk openly about coping with daily pressures that often interfere with one's writing life.
Sunday 1:00 pm
Eisenhower
Fifty years of Omelas (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Andy Duncan, James Morrow (M), Natalie Luhrs, Sarah Pinsker, Tom Doyle The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin came out in 1973, and it is more relevant and beloved than ever. Panelists discuss what makes this story a classic and how we think of it in modern times.
Washington Theater
Artificial Intelligence 101 (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Adeena Mignogna, Alex Shvartsman, Martin Berman-Gorvine (M), Nate Hoffelder, Shahid Mahmud So you've heard that ChatGPT is the herald of the next generation of AI chatbots? 2023 was the year that AI - and the debates around its use - hit the mainstream. But what is the impact on publishers? On writers? What are the dangerous or useful real-world applications and what are the biggest questions posed by the modern use and development of AI?
Jackson
Help! I Have to Edit My Draft! (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Jo Miles, Ken Altabef, Morgan Hazelwood, Richard Sparks, Scott Edelman (M) It's okay to admit that editing your draft is hard work. The task can feel daunting but is a necessary part of the writing process. Panelists discuss the importance of being your own best editor as well as the tips and tricks for making the editing process not so painful.
Sunday 2:30 pm
Eisenhower
YouCon 2024 (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants:Sarah Pinsker (M), Scott Edelman, Tom Doyle In Sarah Pinsker's novella, "And Then There Were (N-One)" SarahCon represents a multiverse of Sarahs navigating a murder mystery plot. Our panelists share versions of their own multiverse con, from their personalized programming track to events made just for every version of them.
Jackson
The Business of Writing (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants:Jean Marie Ward, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Mary G. Thompson, Randee Dawn (M), Shahid Mahmud So you have written your novel. Now what's next? From marketing and accounting to contracts and distribution, what do writers need to know to manage their career and publications. What expertise should you seek out? How do you identify predatory practices?
Workshop
Saturday 11:30 am
Truman
Occupational Hazard (Ends at: 1:25 pm) Participants:David Keener (M) In this workshop on character development, participants will start by defining an SF or Fantasy occupation…and then exploring the type of person who might take on that job. Participants will also focus on key areas such as character goals, high-level story arcs, challenges, obstacles, and limitations.
Saturday 2:00 pm
Truman
Plotting for Pantzers (or Those Who Hate to Plot) (Ends at: 3:55 pm) Participants: Are you a writer who hates to plot, but you keep getting stuck? Are you stuck and need to get unstuck? Are you a pantzer who needs to get books finished and to market? If any of that sounds familiar, then this workshop is for you! This get-the-basics workshop will also help you even if you're a long-time writer who just needs a boost as you try a new genre or story. Plotting for Pantzers is a hands-on workshop, so bring a story idea and get ready to have some fun!
Saturday 4:00 pm
Truman
Better Beta Reading: Both Sides of the Pen (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Morgan Hazelwood (M) So you've been asked (or offered) to beta-read for someone. Or maybe *you're* the one looking for beta readers. As the writer: Where do you find them and how do you get the feedback you're looking for? As a beta reader: If they don't tell you, what sort of feedback should you give? Plus, how to give feedback that helps — and stay on speaking terms with the author. Optional: Bring a single-page double-spaced writing sample to be beta-read.
Sunday 10:00 am
Truman
Creating Audiobooks for Fun and Profit (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:Martin Wilsey Learn the ins and outs of professional-level audiobook production from an author who has created dozens of audiobooks, both self-recorded and with professional narrators and producers. Topics include: step by step audiobook setup with ACX, finding a narrator, the pros and cons of shared revenue vs. pay-by-hour, working with narrators, and more.
Sunday 1:00 pm
Truman
Speculative Poetry Reading and Workshop (Ends at: 2:55 pm) Participants:Miguel Mitchell Speculative poetry has been around since humans started telling stories. The ancient epics of Gilgamesh, the Iliad and Odyssey, and Beowulf all contained fantastic monsters and would be classified as speculative poems. Speculative poetry is verse with central themes about science, fantasy, science fiction, horror, supernatural, the weird, the surreal, and sometimes the unclassifiable.
In this workshop, we will read and discuss different types of published short and long form speculative poetry. We will also discuss how one publishes in this genre and cover the value of membership in the 45-year-old Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association (SFPA).
The workshop includes writing exercises where, based on a writing prompt, we will each try our hand at writing a three-line, non-rhyming speculative poem called a scifaiku, which each of you (if you are willing) will read aloud, and we will critique with kindness.
Lecture
Saturday 1:00 pm
Washington Theater
What's New in the World of Dinosaurs? (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. (M) The age of the dinosaurs may be long over, but new discoveries are being made every year. Paleontologist Thomas Holtz discusses some of the more interesting new finds and fossils, and will answer your burning questions about these wonderful animals.
Saturday 5:30 pm
Washington Theater
Interactions of Sound & Light: Extraordinary Physics & Many Uses (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:John Ashmead (M) Light and sound have had a close relationship since the first stroke of lightning triggered the first sound of thunder. But it is only lately that science has entered the picture. From sonoluminescence (light emitted by imploding bubbles), to the use of the acousto-optic effect to use sound to control lasers, to polarons & plasmons (quantum particles which are strange hybrids of sound and light), we look at the science of sound and light as it is now — and how it might evolve in the future.
Sunday 2:30 pm
Washington Theater
Hiding the Sun: Two upcoming Solar Eclipses (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants:Inge Heyer (M) In the next seven months there will be two solar eclipses visible from the continental United States. On October 14th, 2023 there will be an annular solar eclipse, while on April 8th, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse. We will look ahead at both phenomena and talk about what to expect and how to prepare.
Signing
Saturday 11:00 am
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Paul Haggerty (Ends at: 11:25 am) Participants:Paul Haggerty Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 11:30 am
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Ty Drago (Ends at: 11:55 am) Participants:Ty Drago Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 12:00 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Keith R.A. DeCandido (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:Keith R.A. DeCandido Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 12:30 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Jo Miles (Ends at: 12:55 pm) Participants:Jo Miles Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 1:00 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Randee Dawn (Ends at: 1:25 pm) Participants:Randee Dawn Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 1:30 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Zin E. Rocklyn (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants: Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 2:00 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Alex Shvartsman (Ends at: 2:25 pm) Participants:Alex Shvartsman Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 2:30 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Sarah Avery (Ends at: 2:55 pm) Participants:Sarah Avery Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 3:00 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Doc Coleman (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants:Doc Coleman Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 3:30 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Adeena Mignogna (Ends at: 3:55 pm) Participants:Adeena Mignogna Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 4:30 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: James Morrow (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:James Morrow Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 5:00 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Kenneth Altabef (Ends at: 5:25 pm) Participants:Ken Altabef Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 5:30 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Andy Duncan (Ends at: 5:55 pm) Participants: Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 6:00 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Jean Marie Ward (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:Jean Marie Ward Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Saturday 8:30 pm
Atrium
Mass Autograph Session (Ends at: 9:25 pm) Participants: Capclave's regular Saturday night group signing! We will also present the WSFA Small Press Award and the winner of the BSFS Amateur Writing Contest.
Sunday 10:30 am
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Joshua Palmatier (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:Joshua Palmatier Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Sunday 11:00 am
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: L. Penelope (Ends at: 11:25 am) Participants:L. Penelope Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Sunday 12:30 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Ef Deal (Ends at: 12:55 pm) Participants: Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Sunday 1:00 pm
Dealers Room Foyer
Signing: Lawrence M. Schoen (Ends at: 1:25 pm) Participants:Lawrence M. Schoen Author signing outside of the Dealer's Room.
Reading
Friday 5:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Irette Patterson (Ends at: 5:25 pm) Participants:Irette Y Patterson Irette Patterson reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 5:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Joshua Palmatier (Ends at: 5:55 pm) Participants:Joshua Palmatier Joshua Palmatier reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 6:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Doc Coleman (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:Doc Coleman Doc Coleman reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 6:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Ty Drago (Ends at: 6:55 pm) Participants:Ty Drago Ty Drago reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 7:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Suzanne Palmer (Ends at: 7:25 pm) Participants:Suzanne Palmer Suzanne Palmer reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 7:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Richard Sparks (Ends at: 7:55 pm) Participants:Richard Sparks Richard Sparks reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 8:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Scott Edelman (Ends at: 8:25 pm) Participants:Scott Edelman Scott Edelman reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 8:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Meridel Newton (Ends at: 8:55 pm) Participants:Meridel Newton reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 9:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Adeena Mignogna (Ends at: 9:25 pm) Participants:Adeena Mignogna Adeena Mignogna reads from recent and upcoming works.
Friday 9:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Paul Haggerty (Ends at: 9:55 pm) Participants:Paul Haggerty Paul Haggerty reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 10:00 am
Monroe
Author Reading: Sarah Avery (Ends at: 10:25 am) Participants:Sarah Avery Sarah Avery reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 10:30 am
Monroe
Author Reading: Keith R.A. DeCandido (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:Keith R.A. DeCandido Keith R.A. DeCandido reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 11:00 am
Monroe
Author Reading: Sarah Pinsker (Ends at: 11:25 am) Participants:Sarah Pinsker Sarah Pinsker reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 11:30 am
Monroe
Author Reading: Karlo Yeager Rodriguez (Ends at: 11:55 am) Participants:Karlo Yeager Rodriguez Karlo Yeager Rodriguez reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 12:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: A.T. Greenblatt (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:A. T. Greenblatt A.T. Greenblatt reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 12:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Randee Dawn (Ends at: 12:55 pm) Participants:Randee Dawn Randee Dawn reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 1:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Sunny Moraine (Ends at: 1:25 pm) Participants:Sunny Moraine Sunny Moraine reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 1:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Sherin Nicole, Dave Disspain, and Drew Bittner (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Dave Disspain, Drew Bittner, Sherin Nicole THE KEYS: READINGS FROM THE UPCOMING ANTHOLOGYWhat secrets lie in that old storage facility? Join Sherin Nicole, Dave Disspain, and Drew Bittner as they give you a sneak peek at THE KEYS: Twisted Tales from Auntie's Attic, soon-to-be published by Miniver Press. Unlock a mystery or two as the authors share parts of their stories, engage in a Q&A, and commemorate their lost contributor Leon Cooper.
Saturday 2:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Lawrence M. Schoen (Ends at: 2:25 pm) Participants:Lawrence M. Schoen Lawrence M. Schoen reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 2:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Danielle Ackley-McPhail (Ends at: 2:55 pm) Participants:Danielle Ackley-McPhail Danielle Ackley-McPhail reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 3:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Charles Gannon (Ends at: 3:25 pm) Participants: Charles Gannon reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 3:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: L. Penelope (Ends at: 3:55 pm) Participants:L. Penelope L. Penelope reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 4:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: James Morrow (Ends at: 4:25 pm) Participants:James Morrow James Morrow reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 4:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Alex Shvartsman (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Alex Shvartsman Alex Shvartsman reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 5:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Charlie Jane Anders (Ends at: 5:25 pm) Participants:Charlie Jane Anders Charlie Jane Anders reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 5:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Tom Doyle (Ends at: 5:55 pm) Participants:Tom Doyle Tom Doyle reads from recent and upcoming works.
Saturday 6:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Mark Roth (Ends at: 6:25 pm) Participants:Mark Roth Mark Roth reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 10:00 am
Monroe
Author Reading: Darrell Charles Schweitzer (Ends at: 10:25 am) Participants:Darrell Charles Schweitzer Darrell Charles Schweitzer reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 10:30 am
Monroe
Author Reading: Michael A. Ventrella (Ends at: 10:55 am) Participants:Michael A Ventrella Michael A. Ventrella reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 11:00 am
Monroe
Author Reading: A.C. Wise (Ends at: 11:25 am) Participants:A.C. Wise A.C. Wise reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 12:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Hildy Silverman (Ends at: 12:55 pm) Participants:Hildy Silverman Hildy Silverman reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 1:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Jean Marie Ward (Ends at: 1:25 pm) Participants:Jean Marie Ward Jean Marie Ward reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 1:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Sarena Ulibarri (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Sarena Ulibarri Sarena Ulibarri reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 2:00 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: Jennifer R. Povey (Ends at: 2:25 pm) Participants:Jennifer R. Povey Jennifer R. Povey reads from recent and upcoming works.
Sunday 2:30 pm
Monroe
Author Reading: R. Z. Held (Ends at: 2:55 pm) Participants:R. Z. Held R. Z. Held reads from recent and upcoming works.
Scheduled Game
Friday 4:00 pm
Jefferson
Game Demo: Abducktion (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Perrianne Lurie (M) A 15-minute light strategy game for adults of duck matching, a UFO, and logic! Players are all interns on an alien UFO, working for an intergalactic corporation that has one main function: abducting ducks. (For research purposes, duh).
But, ducks need to be collected in specific formations, and you'll have to use spatial logic and cunning to rearrange your ducks before your opponents to win!
Abduct (collect) ducks in specific formations by using action cards to move your (or your opponent's) ducks around. Each player gets an individual stream board that can hold 10 ducks. Put the ducks into patterns by moving them around with action cards. When your ducks in a single color match a pattern on one of the shared formation cards, you earn the card and abduct the ducks into the UFO. Grab more ducks out of the UFO and try to make another pattern before the cards run out.
Friday 7:00 pm
Jefferson
Game Demo: Thurn & Taxis (Ends at: 8:55 pm) Participants:Lee Mewshaw In Thurn & Taxis, players build post office routes across Bavaria and the regions around, collecting bonus points in various ways. The board shows a map of all the cities, with roads leading from each one to some of its neighbors. There are various colored regions around the board, most with two or three cities, and a large region with all the Bavarian cities in the center.
Players build postal routes from city to city to city so that each city is adjacent to the next city on the route and there is a road connecting these two cities. Each route must consist of at least three cities. Players may build only one route at a time. Routes are represented by melded city cards arranged in the order of the route.
Saturday 12:00 pm
Jefferson
Game Demo: Ticket to Ride (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Lee Mewshaw With elegantly simple gameplay, Ticket to Ride can be learned in under 15 minutes. Players collect cards of various types of train cars they then use to claim railway routes in North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who fulfill Destination Tickets – goal cards that connect distant cities; and to the player who builds the longest continuous route.
"The rules are simple enough to write on a train ticket – each turn you either draw more cards, claim a route, or get additional Destination Tickets," says Ticket to Ride author, Alan R. Moon. "The tension comes from being forced to balance greed – adding more cards to your hand, and fear – losing a critical route to a competitor."
Saturday 4:00 pm
Jefferson
Game Demo: Earth (Ends at: 5:55 pm) Participants:Zenlizard (M) Earth, the soil that supports and sustains our beautiful planet, Earth. Over thousands of years of evolution and adaptation the flora and fauna of this unique planet have grown and developed into amazing life forms, creating symbiotic ecosystems and habitats.
It’s time to jump into these rich environments and create some amazing natural synergies that replicate and extrapolate on Earth’s amazing versatility and plethora of natural resources. Create a self-supporting engine of growth, expansion and supply where even your unused plants become compost for future growth.
Earth is an open world engine builder for 1 to 5 players with simple rules but tons of strategic possibilities. With its encyclopedic nature and the enormous number of unique cards and combinations, every single game will allow you to discover new synergies and connections, just as our vast and fascinating world allows us to do!
Sunday 10:00 am
Jefferson
Game Demo: Holotype (Ends at: 11:55 am) Participants:Perrianne Lurie (M) A fast-paced light-strategy worker placement board game about paleontology for 2-5 players.
Players use their Paleontologist, Grad Student and Field Assistant workers to gather fossils, do research and publish new Dinosaurs and Marine Reptiles as Holotypes. Personal and semi-collaborative Global Objectives feature modern paleontology concepts such as cladistics and taxonomy.
The player with the most Victory Points from publishing Holotypes, completing Personal Objectives and contributing to Global Objectives wins.
Sunday 12:00 pm
Jefferson
Game Demo: Carcassonne (Ends at: 1:55 pm) Participants:Lee Mewshaw Carcassonne is a tile-placement game in which the players draw and place a tile with a piece of southern French landscape on it. The tile might feature a city, a road, a cloister, grassland or some combination thereof, and it must be placed adjacent to tiles that have already been played, in such a way that cities are connected to cities, roads to roads, etcetera. Having placed a tile, the player can then decide to place one of their meeples on one of the areas on it: on the city as a knight, on the road as a robber, on a cloister as a monk, or on the grass as a farmer. When that area is complete, that meeple scores points for its owner.
During a game of Carcassonne, players are faced with decisions like: "Is it really worth putting my last meeple there?" or "Should I use this tile to expand my city, or should I place it near my opponent instead, giving him a hard time to complete their project and score points?" Since players place only one tile and have the option to place one meeple on it, turns proceed quickly even if it is a game full of options and possibilities.
Concert
Friday 8:30 pm
Washington Theater
Sarah Pinsker Concert! (Ends at: 9:25 pm) Participants:Sarah Pinsker GOH Sarah Pinsker performs for Capclave!
Participatory Event
Friday 7:00 pm
Truman
Memorial and Tribute for Erica Ginter (Ends at: 7:55 pm) Participants: Join friends and family to celebrate the life and fandom of WSFA's Erica Ginter who passed away in 2023.
Saturday 9:00 am
Wilson
Capclave Meet and Greet (Ends at: 9:55 am) Participants: New to Capclave? Looking for other fun fans? Start the day off with a meet and greet in the Con Suite and learn more about Capclave and our fannish community.
Saturday 11:30 am
Atrium
Run With the Chair (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:Aaron Pound (M) The chair is going to run six miles, as recorded by his running watch. It will take him between an hour and an hour and a half. Anyone who wants to is welcome to join him. Meet in the lobby at the start of the session and we will leave within the first five minutes. Route to be determined.
Saturday 3:00 pm
Lincoln
Book launch: Warped State by Jo Miles (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants: Come for the cupcakes, stay for the queer anti-capitalist sci-fi. Warped State is an optimistic space opera that's like Star Trek meets Leverage. Jo Miles will talk about the book (in conversation with author John Appel), share a short reading, and do a Q&A. Snacks will be served!
Library
Zombies Need Brains Year 10 Releases (Ends at: 4:55 pm) Participants:Joshua Palmatier Zombies Need Brains celebrates its Year 10 releases, including DRAGONESQUE, ARTIFICE & CRAFT, GAME ON!, SOLAR FLARE, and ZNB PRESENTS: YEAR ONE. Come join an informal party, buy the books, and chat with the publisher about these and future anthologies recently Kickstarted! Refreshments and door prizes available!
Saturday 5:30 pm
Lincoln
Book Launch: Martin Berman-Gorvine (Ends at: 7:25 pm) Participants: Thanks to the crazily fertile imagination of Martin Berman-Gorvine, have a peek at the Ghost of Future Possible with MAGAs versus Zombies, a satirical horror look at the second term of a certain Obscenely Oversize Orange Orangutan! Or, if you'd rather luxuriate in the Good Old Days, revisit a certain notorious decade with the humorous horror of Punk Bitches Versus Demons: An Eighties Bildungsroman. Oh, and there will be snacks, and the author is cosplaying as... but that would be telling!
Library
Book launch: Kakistocracy by Alex Shvartsman (Ends at: 7:25 pm) Participants:Alex Shvartsman Celebrate the release of book 2 in the Conradverse Chronicles series. Be among the first to preview Kakistocracy, releasing on October 17.
Saturday 8:30 pm
Eisenhower
Trivia Night! (Ends at: 10:25 pm) Participants:Brick Barrientos (M) Join your host Brick Barrientos for an evening of trivia!
Saturday 9:30 pm
Atrium
Award Ceremony (Ends at: 9:55 pm) Participants: Celebrate the winners of the WSFA Small Press Award and BSFS Amateur Writing Contest.
Open Discussion: Black Mirror (Ends at: 10:55 pm) Participants:Courtni Burleson, Randee Dawn (M) Season six of Black Mirror marked both a return to "classic" Black Mirror stories as well as a preview of new directions the anthology could explore in future seasons. Join your fellow fans to discuss this newest season and attempt to rank the best (and worst) episodes.
Saturday 12:30 pm
Library
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Creators Roundtable Meetup (Women in Film and Video) (Ends at: 1:25 pm) Participants: Women in Film and Video (WIFV) hosts a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Creators Roundtable that meets monthly via Zoom. Join us at here at Capclave at a Meet Up to learn more. WIFV welcomes all genres, genders, and experience levels.
Sunday 11:30 am
Truman
Open Discussion: Star Trek (Ends at: 12:25 pm) Participants:Inge Heyer (M), Keith R.A. DeCandido There has been a boon in Star Trek properties in recent years. Join your fellow fans to discuss the state of the Star Trek franchise.
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