Tommy B. Smith
Tommy B. Smith is a writer of dark fiction, award-winning author of The Mourner’s Cradle, Poisonous, the short-story collection Pieces of Chaos, and the coming-of-age novel Anybody Want to Play WAR? His presence currently infests Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he resides with his wife and cats. For more information:
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Noon | Location: Sooner B
Philosophy of Fear
Delve into what makes chilling tales so delicious. Purgation? Vicarious punishment? Just a sick psyche? Exactly why do we want to be frightened for entertainment?
Moderator: Tommy B. Smith
Panelists: Tommy B. Smith, Mark Alfred, Daniel Erickson, Pigeon, A C Smart
Tracks: Supernatural & Paranormal, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Horror
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: Film & TV, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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 A
Fantastic Connections
Stories explore the human condition in ways that help us think. Allegories analyze us and society. How does this work? Why are we so connected with fantastical people/places/stories? Can escaping into speculative fiction help us heal in the real world?
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: Rhonda Eudaly, J.H. Fleming, Melinda LaFevers, Bradley H Sinor, Tommy B. Smith, Craig Wolf
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Writing & Publishing
2:00 PM | Location: Noble
Author Readings
Authors read selections from their various works.
Moderator: Bekah June
Panelists: Bekah June, Ethan Nahté, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing
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
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
The Art of the Long Game: Keeping Momentum, Staying the Course
It’s easy to be super motivated when your business is brand new! But keeping momentum is hard. Setbacks and unexpected problems will face every artist. Our panel of professionals will talk about strategies that keep you focused and productive!
Moderator: Tommy B. Smith
Panelists: Tommy B. Smith, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, Christina Stiles, Kim Ventrella, Scott Zrubek
Tracks: Business & Marketing, Writing & Publishing, Maker, Cosplay, Art, Gaming