Jan S. Gephardt
Jan S. Gephardt is a science-fiction novelist, fantasy artist, publisher, and longtime fan from Kansas City. Her XK9 books feature a pack of uplifted police dogs. Look for her nationally-recognized paper sculpture in the Art Show. She and sister G. S. Norwood co-founded Weird Sisters Publishing LLC.
Jan’s books include a novella, The Other Side of Fear, and two novels so far of the XK9 “Bones” trilogy, What’s Bred in the Bone and The Other Side of Fear. All are set in her far-future science-fiction world. Her uplifted XK9s solve crimes and sniff out bad guys while seeking recognition for their own sapience. They live in a space station with humans and several other species in another star’s planetary system.
Jan has exhibited her fantasy artwork at sf conventions since 1981. Since 2007 she’s developed a unique paper-sculpture technique. Her artwork also has been featured in regionally-exhibited one-person shows, and juried into mainstream national exhibitions all over the United States. She’s a member and former officer of the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists (ASFA).
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2:00 PM | Location: University C
Creating Compelling and Unique Book-Cover Illustrations
Artists, illustrators, and comic creators share the business of book covers. What matters to both publishers AND writers when selling and making cover art? Do these considerations clash with reader expectations?
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Jerry Bennett, Chaz Kemp, Elizabeth Leggett
Tracks: Art
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
Is Your Social Media Managing You?
Finding work/life balance and managing your social media presence is a challenge for many in 2022, especially content creators. Panelists share strategies for social-media self-care while maintaining connections with audiences, plus time-saving tips for boosting your social media presence.
Moderator: Caleb Masters
Panelists: Caleb Masters, Fae Mullens, Jan S. Gephardt, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Internet Life, Business & Marketing
5:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Tim Frayser
Panelists: Tim Frayser, Jan S. Gephardt, Melinda LaFevers, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Oklahoma G
Science and Religion: A Zero-Sum Relationship?
Some think religious faith precludes scientific objectivity. Others feel that science has outstripped “superstitions” like religion. Still others are calling for a New Enlightenment period in an increasingly misinformed world. How does the speculative-fiction writer address all sides and tell a compelling story?
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, David Carrico, Charles Dane Clark, Rebecca Jackson, B J Thrower
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, STEM
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Mythology Art 101
Unicorns and griffins and dragons – oh my! Learn simple design and illustration techniques to bring your favorite mythological creatures to life on paper and screen.
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Mitzi Bartlett, Peri Charlifu, Teddy Harvia, Rachael Mayo
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Art Imitating Life, Imitating…
Since the earliest times, we have experienced the world and shared that experience by creating works of art. New ideas emerge from creative expression. Examine this symbiotic journey, as how art eventually becomes reality and vice versa.
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Chaz Kemp, Tracy S. Morris, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Art, Anime, Cosplay, Film & TV, Internet Life, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing
10:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Late Night Artists Chat Vol. 2
This is a chance for artists and fans to meet in a relaxed setting to talk all things art! Ask questions, share ideas, and socialize. (Hotel side)
Moderator: Mitzi Bartlett
Panelists: Mitzi Bartlett, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Peri Charlifu, JR Daniels, Muriel Fahrion, Jan S. Gephardt, Teddy Harvia, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, W J Hodgson, Bekah June, Mike Kennedy, Kimber, Luna Reign Cosplay, Harold Neal, Kathleen M O'Brien
Tracks: Art, General Interest, Meetup
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Wry Wit for Writers: Humorous Fiction
Tips and techniques for writing humorous fiction. Incorporating humor is more than sarcasm, snark, and a few jokes. Timing, focus, placement, tone, motivation, plot impact and character arcs, reader's perceptions, and how much fun you're having writing – all impact the humor of a story...
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: vickey malone kennedy, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Jan S. Gephardt, David J. Pedersen, Sue Sinor, Mel. White
Tracks: Writing & Publishing