Phillip Drayer Duncan
Phillip Drayer Duncan has written fifteen novels, including The Blade Mage, Moonshine Wizard, and Assassins Incorporated. He is the only author to ever sponsor a race car. Probably ... Along with reading and writing, he enjoys kayakin’, fishin’, and pretty much anything nerd related. His natural habitat is the river. However, he may be spotted at a convention or concert. He is generally an approachable creature, but it’s best to give him snacks to ensure he won’t bite. Cookies are preferable. His earliest books were acted out with action figures and scribbled into notebooks. Today he uses a computer like a real grownup, though he refuses to act his age the rest of the time. If it would pay his bills, he’d be playing with G.I. Joes right now. His dream is to become a Jedi, but since that hasn’t happened, he focuses on writing. He is eagerly awaiting the next season of Firefly.
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4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
How to Write Non-Human Protagonists
What challenges arise when writing characters who are not human? Panelists explore how to write compelling protagonists who are aliens, robots, or other non-human entities.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Max Griffin, Rhonda Eudaly, A. Lee Martinez, David Carrico, Phillip Drayer Duncan
Midnight | Location: Boomer B 18+
Shame: Confess Thy Sins (18+)
Attendees anonymously submit their wildest, funniest, or most degenerate confessions via phone app or cards, and the hosts read them aloud while offering commentary. Audience members can vote on their favorite confessions or react to live "polls" on similar experiences.
Moderator: Aislinn Burrows
Panelists: Matthew Cavanaugh, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Selina Rosen, Aislinn Burrows
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Green Flags & Red Flags in Sci-Fi
Not all sci-fi is created equal! In this panel, our experts take turns sharing the red flags that immediately turn them off in novels, TV shows, and movies -- plot holes, lazy world-building, or clichés we've all seen too many times. But it's not all doom and gloom! We'll also highlight the green flags that make sci-fi truly shine: unique concepts, strong character development, and mind-bending ideas that keep us coming back for more. Join us for a lively discussion on what makes -- or breaks -- a great sci-fi story!
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Charles Dane Clark, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Elaina Hamilton, C.C. Caldwell
3:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Superfight: Who's the Ultimate Champion?
Ready for an epic showdown? Watch panelists battle it out in the ultimate test of imagination and persuasion in Superfight! Each panelist is given a randomly chosen character and a bizarre attribute, then must argue their case on why their fighter is the true champion. From superheroes with ridiculous powers to mythical creatures with surprising skills, it's a hilarious clash of strengths, wit, and creativity. The best part? The audience gets to decide who emerges victorious! Get ready for laughs, debates, and plenty of wild scenarios.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Phillip Drayer Duncan, TKM Cosplay, Joshua Trope, Da Juggernaut, Caleb Masters
7:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
F*ck, Marry, Disintegrate (18+)
Let's get down and dirty with the ultimate sci-fi dilemma -- who would you f*ck, marry, or disintegrate? In this saucy, no-holds-barred panel, panelists (and maybe the audience!) rank the hottest and most intriguing characters and monsters from across the galaxy, with a few controversial picks thrown in. Get ready for laughs, shady opinions, and maybe a little scandal as we dive into the characters you'd love, lust, or just outright eliminate. Things are about to get heated!
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Karen Thrower, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Julia S. Mandala, Pete Dixon, Aislinn Burrows
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Galaxies & Kingdoms: Mastering the Art of Worldbuilding
What makes worlds like Middle-Earth and the Star Wars galaxy feel alive? Great worldbuilding! This session will teach you how to craft immersive settings, from sprawling fantasy kingdoms to futuristic sci-fi civilizations, and make them feel as real as our own.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Pigeon, Candace Kade, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Jerry Bennett, Thomas Gondolfi, aka Teddy Bear Man
1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Outdated Archetypes: Are We Just Done?
Is there a character type you just can't stand anymore? One that feels overdone or out of touch with today's stories? Whether it's the brooding Antihero, the bubbly Cheerleader, the noble Chosen One, or the wise Old Mentor, some archetypes just don't hit like they used to. Or do they? Join the debate as we discuss which tropes deserve retirement and which still have life left in them!
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Raymond Markley, Lin Christie, Steven E. Wedel, Phillip Drayer Duncan, A. Lee Martinez