Julia S. Mandala
Julia S. Mandala holds a BA in history from Kansas State University and a JD in law from Tulane University. In addition to being editor of The Fantasy Writers Asylum, an imprint of Yard Dog Press, she is a scuba diver and belly dancer. She lives in Plano, TX with her husband Larry and two very demanding but adorable cats. She is best known as a co-author of the Four Redheads of the Apocalypse series and the Corimar series.
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4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Character-Building Exercises
Some characters spring forth, fully realized as Athena. Others might be throwaways, or that guy who annoyed you in high school. Panelists share tips and techniques for keeping characters real and memorable.
Moderator: Julia S. Mandala
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, David Carrico, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Ethan Nahté, Selina Rosen, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Mapping Out Magic
Making sense of how a magic system works. What are the limits of magic in a fantasy world? How do those boundaries enrich the story?
Moderator: Julia S. Mandala
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, David Carrico, J.H. Fleming, Carolyn Kay, Dennis McDonald, Bradley H Sinor
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Supernatural & Paranormal
9:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Koffeeklatch
Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.
Moderator: Mark Alfred
Panelists: Mark Alfred, Alice-of-Hearts, Aoi Kitsu, Beku.Cos, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Aaron Bossig, Brook Bullock, David Carrico, Cat of WhiskersandBeans, Peri Charlifu, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Crazy Red Artist, EBA Comedy, Daniel Erickson, Rhonda Eudaly, Everyday Futurist, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Caleb Haldane, Sally Hamilton, Teddy Harvia, Lyde Van Hoy, Barrett Huddleston, Nick Johnson, Jovial Juggernaut, vickey malone kennedy, Knightmage, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Moe, Tracy S. Morris, Kathleen M O'Brien, Remy Domino, Joey “Okie Space Queen” Rodman, James Simpson, Seth Skorkowsky, A C Smart, Tommy B. Smith, Squirrelly Jedi Photography, Stevo the Gutter Nerd, B J Thrower
Tracks: Food & Drink, General Interest, Meetup
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Elevator to Success! What’s Your Pitch?
What’s an elevator pitch? It’s a brief explanation, presented in the time it takes to take an elevator ride. This skill is invaluable in sharing your work without being a bore or being too aggressive. Our panelists help you develop your own elevator pitch for fun and profit!
Moderator: Rosemary Clement-Moore
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala
Tracks: Business & Marketing, Cosplay, Writing & Publishing, Maker, Art, Performing Arts, Music, Gaming
1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Return of the Seminar: How to Become an Evil Overlord
Expert overlords coach newcomers on many topics, such as lair construction, the ever-important costume, the best weapons, and the care and feeding of minions. (And disposing of those who mess up.)
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sherri Dean, John Ferguson aka Count Gregore, Jovial Juggernaut, Kimber, Julia S. Mandala
Tracks: Fandoms, Cosplay, Anime, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment
4:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Brian A. Hopkins
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Julia S. Mandala, David J. Pedersen, B J Thrower
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator: Rosemary Clement-Moore
Panelists: Rosemary Clement-Moore, Daniel Erickson, Everyday Futurist, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Dara Fogel, PhD, Tyrell Gephardt, Sally Hamilton, Sheila Hartney, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, vickey malone kennedy, Melinda LaFevers, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Tracy S. Morris, Michael Mosley, Ethan Nahté, Ted Pennella, Rook Riley, Rie Sheridan Rose, Seth Skorkowsky, Karen Thrower, Mel. White, Craig Wolf
Tracks: General Interest, Food & Drink, Writing & Publishing, Meetup
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Loving Loki: Tricksters and Other Cosmic Jokers
Sufi storytellers instruct with misleading tales; other fibbers just like to trick you, like Br’er Fox or Loki. Discuss those who itch to lead you astray, from dat ole debbil to America’s Coyote.
Moderator: Craig Wolf
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 1 Boardroom
How to Register Your Copyright
While a work is copyrighted from the moment of creation, only by registering your copyright can you seek damages for an infringement. Attorney, author, and editor Julia S. Mandala will walk you through the registration process, explain the meaning of legal terms used on the copyright-registration website, and answer your questions. (2 hours. Limit 14 participants. $10 fee.)
Moderator: Julia S. Mandala
Panelists: Julia S. Mandala
Tracks: General Interest, Business & Marketing, Workshop