Major Bill Leaf
Bill Leaf retired as an Infantry Major after 23 years in the Army. He then retired from teaching Science after 20-plus years. He is currently Special Projects Director at the Military Museum of Fort Worth. He has designed and printed 3d Versions of Honorverse warships for the chapters to use on their fan tables. He is licensed to print CASPERs from Chris Kennedy’s 4 Horseman Universe.
He has participated in the “Firearms for Writers” panel at both Fencon and P Con. He has presented or been part of “How to design a SF Spaceship” at Tulkon, FenCon, and P-Con. As well as “SF spaceships, art or engineering” at Manticon 2017, Tulkon, FenCon, and P-on.
He resides in Sansom Park, TX with his wife Jackie (The Star Trek Jeopardy Queen).
Follow Major Bill Leaf online at
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Building Better Worlds: The Role of History in Fantasy & Fiction
Great fiction is built on great research. Panelists share techniques for using history to shape fantasy settings, inspire characters, and craft realistic conflicts that resonate with readers.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: David Rike, Kris Lackey, Stephen Patrick, Major Bill Leaf, Charlie N. Holmberg
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
She's Got It Where It Counts: The Best Rides in Sci-fi
From sleek starfighters to junky clunkers held together by hope and duct tape, sci-fi has given us some legendary rides. Do you prefer the elegance of a starship, the raw power of a battle cruiser, or the charm of a barely functioning hunk of junk? Come defend your favorite intergalactic (or interdimensional) vehicle and debate which sci-fi ride truly reigns supreme!
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Allison Stein, Stephen Patrick, Evan T. Wardwell, Kenneth Walker, Major Bill Leaf
3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Rejected, Revived, Respected: The Life Cycle of Scientific Theories
Not all discredited science stays in the dustbin of history. Some theories are revived with new evidence, while others refuse to die despite being debunked. Join us for a discussion on the messy, evolving nature of scientific progress.
Moderator: Mel. White
Panelists: Tim Frayser, Pigeon, Mel. White, Trina Jacobs, Major Bill Leaf