Thomas Gondolfi, aka Teddy Bear Man

Founding TANSTAAFL Press in 2012, Thomas Gondolfi is the author (and book parent) of the Monarchy of America series, the Toy Wars series, and the CorpGov Chronicles, along with numerous other writing and editing credits. He is a father of three (real) children, a consummate gamer, and a loving husband. Tom also claims to be a Renaissance man and a certified flirt.

Raised as a military brat, he spent twenty years moving to a new place every few years, giving him a unique perspective on life and people. Tom has worked as an engineer in high tech for over thirty years. He has also worked as a cook, motel manager, in most phases of home construction, volunteer firefighter, and the personal caregiver to a quadriplegic.

Follow Thomas Gondolfi, aka Teddy Bear Man online at

12:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Intergalactic Villainy: Why We Love Space Antagonists

Darth Vader, Frieza, Thanos -- what makes a great space villain? Dive into the psychology, design, and storytelling behind some of pop culture's most compelling intergalactic baddies, from anime to sci-fi and beyond.

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: Lin Christie, Paul Carlson, Kenneth Walker, Thomas Gondolfi, aka Teddy Bear Man, Stephen Patrick

1:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage

Author Reading

Authors read selections from their various works.

Moderator: No Moderator

Panelists: Thomas Gondolfi, aka Teddy Bear Man, Trina Jacobs, Raymond Markley

5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Self-Publishing 101: Methods, Platforms, and How to Get Started

Ready to take your writing or artwork into your own hands? This panel will cover the best methods and platforms for self-publishing, whether you're working on a novel, comic, or even a graphic novel. We'll explore popular platforms like Amazon Kindle, IngramSpark, and Webtoon, along with tips on formatting, marketing, and building your audience. If you've ever wondered how to self-publish your work successfully and professionally, this is your guide to navigating the world of indie publishing!

Moderator: Vickey Malone Kennedy

Panelists: Thomas Gondolfi, aka Teddy Bear Man, Vickey Malone Kennedy, Dennis McDonald, Jacklyn Hennion

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