Kris Lackey

Kris Lackey is a native Oklahoman, though he is not Indigenous. He is Professor Emeritus of English from the University of New Orleans and lives in Norman. He has published literary short fiction in Missouri Review and other magazines, and is the author of the Chickasaw Nation Mysteries series: Nail’s Crossing, Greasy Bend, Butcher Pen Road, and Ten-Acre Rock. In 2024, Universal Studios optioned the novels for television-series development (working title Lighthorse). His author website is krislackey.com.

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1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E - (Vendor Hall)

Meet & Greet

Stop by their table in Exhibitor Hall, to meet this guest, get an autograph, and more.

Note: guests may charge for their autographs or photos.

Moderator: Kris Lackey

Panelists: Kris Lackey

2:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E - (Vendor Hall)

Meet & Greet

Stop by their table in Exhibitor Hall, to meet this guest, get an autograph, and more.

Note: guests may charge for their autographs or photos.

Moderator: Kris Lackey

Panelists: Kris Lackey

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Intro to The Chickasaw Nation Mysteries with Kris Lackey

Discover the richly atmospheric world of The Chickasaw Nation Mysteries in this special session with author Kris Lackey. Set in southeastern Oklahoma, this gripping crime series blends sharp procedural storytelling with deep cultural and regional insights. Kris will read from one of his novels and take questions about his characters, inspirations, and the real-world landscapes that shape his stories. A must-attend for mystery lovers and fans of regional fiction.

Moderator: Gamemaster Bill

Panelists: Kris Lackey, Gamemaster Bill

6:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

VIP Friends of Soonercon Reception

VIP Friends of Soonercon membership-exclusive social event with Soonercon 33 guests of honor and featured guests. Refreshments and beverages provided. Thank you to our 2025 VIP Friends of Soonercon!

Moderator: No Moderator

Panelists: Kris Lackey, Brian Mathis, Charlie N. Holmberg, Emi Lo, Michael A. Stackpole, Susie Creates, Mai Van, Knightmage, Larry Nemecek, Garrett Wang

10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma E

Meet & Greet

Stop by their table in Exhibitor Hall, to meet this guest, get an autograph, and more.

Note: guests may charge for their autographs or photos.

Moderator: Kris Lackey

Panelists: Kris Lackey

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

2:00 PM | Location: University B

Writing Crime and Culture with Kris Lackey

Author Kris Lackey joins us for an in-depth conversation about writing crime fiction rooted in place, history, and cultural nuance. Set in the borderlands of Oklahoma and tribal nations, Lackey’s books explore the complexities of justice, identity, and power through gripping, character-driven narratives. Learn how he blends suspense with social insight, crafts compelling investigators, and builds a sense of place that’s as vivid as the crimes themselves. Whether you're a mystery reader or a writer yourself, this panel offers insight into the craft of crime fiction that resonates.

Moderator: Gamemaster Bill

Panelists: Gamemaster Bill, Kris Lackey

3:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E