Rook Riley
Army vet Rook Riley is a writer, game enthusiast, and all-around PTSD-surviving badass who’s trained in Krav Maga and spoon warfare. Riley splits their time between the DFW area and the family farm where the bulk of her writing is done. She is a member of the Dallas Defensive Shooters, the Missing in America Project, and the PTA. Her hobbies include binge-watching Netflix and collecting tattoos. You can find their short stories in Tales from a Lone Star, Witches & Warlocks, Rebels and Revenants, and Queens and Courtesans. Their first novel, A Cup of Ashes, is awaiting judgment from Nightfire Press.
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3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
A Storyteller Is Born: Game Mastering 101
We discuss the humble beginnings of learning to run your own TTRPG (Table Top Role Playing Game). From tips to tricks of the trade, rules to know (and break), to choosing the right system for you and your players and developing home-brew elements to customize a game, these experienced GMs and players tell all for new dungeon masters.
Moderator: Pigeon
Panelists: Pigeon, Brook Bullock, Joshua Cook, Rook Riley, Seth Skorkowsky, Christina Stiles
Tracks: Gaming
4:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
I Can See a Trope from My Backyard!
Tropes are comfortable standbys for storytelling. But sometimes the cringe factor outweighs the narrative need. When's a trope welcome, and what do we really need to start leaving behind?
Moderator: A. Lee Martinez
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Aaron Bossig, Mark Finn, Sally Hamilton, Rook Riley, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Where Do You Get Those Wonderful Ideas?
Writers describe the wildest inspirations they've had, or heard about, for a good plot or character. The best things can spring from the oddest places.
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: vickey malone kennedy, Tracy S. Morris, Rook Riley, Sue Sinor, A C Smart, Kim Ventrella
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
Noon | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Tracy S. Morris, Rook Riley, Karen Thrower, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Build a SyFy™ Saturday Night
Panelists spin the wheel for wacky plotline components and actor combinations, and create an original Saturday Night SyFy™ feature!
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan, Dr Paisley, David J. Pedersen, Rook Riley, Selina Rosen, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Fandoms, Film & TV
5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Popped Culture
When crunch is the norm and everyone's disposable, how does this affect pop culture and media? Examine burnout and its effects on our society. What's the spec-fic take?
Moderator: Aoi Kitsu
Panelists: Aoi Kitsu, Alice-of-Hearts, Buck Berlin, Charles Dane Clark, Rook Riley, Martha Steele
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Business & Marketing, Health & Wellness, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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
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: Mitzi Bartlett
Panelists: Mitzi Bartlett, Matt Cavanaugh, Charles Dane Clark, Cal Custard, Brenna Deutchman, Pete Dixon, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Muriel Fahrion, J.H. Fleming, Dara Fogel, PhD, Tim Frayser, Hall of Femme, Amber Hanneken, James Hollaman, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, Mike Kennedy, Kimber, Melinda LaFevers, Elizabeth Leggett, Lollalotus, Luna Reign Cosplay, Madi, Dennis McDonald, Mimic Rae, Harold Neal, Pigeon, Alan J Porter, Jeff Provine, R Karch Photography, Rook Riley, Rie Sheridan Rose, Rynaga, Bradley H Sinor, Sue Sinor, WandererTJ, Mel. White, Craig Wolf
Tracks: General Interest, Food & Drink, Meetup
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner B
Cursed Talismans and Good Luck Charms
From “The Monkey’s Paw” to rabbits’ feet—four-leaf clovers to horseshoes (up or down?)—consider the odd notion that an object can convey supernatural influence for good or ill. Don't pass this rune!
Moderator: Rook Riley
Panelists: Rook Riley, Sherri Dean, Kyri Hester, Tommy B. Smith, Mel. White, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Writing & Publishing