Steven E. Wedel
Steven E. Wedel began craving fame and fortune in the literary world in high school. He wrote his way through careers as a machinist, journalist, corporate writer, and public relations specialist. Now a high-school English teacher, he’s decided to keep writing despite the lack of wealth and notoriety.
Wedel has published over 35 books, mostly in the adult horror genre, but he’s also written for the young adult, children, Western, and thriller markets. He’s dabbled in other genres using pseudonyms. His non-fiction writing includes how-to articles for writers, literary criticism, and hundreds of articles for print newspapers and online sites.
In 2004 Wedel earned a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies, creative writing emphasis, from the University of Oklahoma. He earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999, and graduated from Enid High School in 1984. He currently lives in Midwest City, Oklahoma, with his dog Bear and cat Cleo.
He’d still take the fame and fortune if it comes his way ...
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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: Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy
7:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Literary Beers
Join panelists in the hotel lounge for lively conversation. BYO beverages, please.
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Julie Barrett, La Blanke, Brook Bullock, Charles Dane Clark, Dr Paisley, Phillip Drayer Duncan, J.H. Fleming, Tim Frayser, Caleb Haldane, Nick Johnson, Bekah June, Mike Kennedy, Kimber, Dennis McDonald, Paula Helm Murray, Pigeon, Alan J Porter, James Simpson, Bradley H Sinor, Sue Sinor, A C Smart, Stevo the Gutter Nerd, ET Wardwell, Steven E. Wedel, Mario Wytch
Tracks: General Interest, Writing & Publishing, Meetup, Food & Drink
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Writing Nonhuman Characters (for Humans)
Writing nonhuman characters can present its own set of challenges. What works well and what is just, no.
Moderator: Steven E. Wedel
Panelists: Steven E. Wedel, J.H. Fleming, Carolyn Kay, A. Lee Martinez, Selina Rosen, Mel. White
Tracks: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Writing & Publishing
1:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Steven E. Wedel, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Folk and Fantasy, Kith and Kin
Modern fantasy and urban fantasy often draw from oral and academic histories of folktales worldwide. How are these best incorporated into today's sf stories? And what's the line between appreciation and appropriation of these cultural myths in making new media mythologies?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, David Carrico, Shai Fenwick, A. Lee Martinez, Ted Pennella, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Supernatural & Paranormal, Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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: Anime, Cosplay, Internet Life, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Art
10:00 AM | Location: Noble
Fairy Build-a-Tale
Kids choose raw components from a list of story elements to assemble their own Heroic Journey. (Adults welcome too. Limit 14 participants.)
Moderator: Steven E. Wedel
Panelists: Steven E. Wedel, Teddy Harvia
Tracks: Art, Kids, Writing & Publishing, YA
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Small Presses and You
What's the world of small presses like? What are the advantages and disadvantages for writers looking to work with them? What's the market like, and how is it changing?
Moderator: Craig Wolf
Panelists: Craig Wolf, J.H. Fleming, Rie Sheridan Rose, Sue Sinor, B J Thrower, Steven E. Wedel
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Business & Marketing