Using Games to Write 
Format: Workshop
18 Feb 2022, Friday 17:00 – 17:50
Marina II (Westin)

Writers have a long tradition of using games, competitions, and other playful activities to inspire their writing. In this workshop, we will be using the cards for a roleplaying game that C. S. E. Cooney and Carlos Hernandez are developing — macabre and ghoulish things, these cards! — to inspire participants to write. Then, we’ll have a mini-salon where participants can share the fruits of their gamic inspiration! [No sign-up required! No limit on people who can attend!]

C. S. E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez

Negocios Infernals Demonstration (Fri Session) 
Format: Demonstration
18 Feb 2022, Friday 20:00 – 20:50
Harbor III (Westin)

A game that centers around The Deck of Destiny, consisting of 70 cards. Much like fortune tellers read cards to portend futures dire and blissful, the players interpret the cards they draw to determine their magos’ successes, failures, and fates. Together, the magos quest on behalf of Reina Resoluta to save Espada — or, depending on the luck of the deck, just to save their own skins. Players are magos who think they have sold their souls to the aliens in exchange for powers. In reality, they are auditioning for the privilege of joining the “cosmic consciousness” of the aliens, thereby beginning humanity’s next evolution. Please note that this is not a full game, but a demo showing you how it’s played. This session will cover character creation and world building. [3 – 16 players. You must be 18+ to play this game as it is rated M. Intermediate.]

Carlos Hernandez, C. S. E. Cooney

Mighty Good Middle Grade Fiction 
Format: Panel
19 Feb 2022, Saturday 12:00 – 12:50
Marina I (Westin)

Some of the pluckiest protagonists come in pint-sized packages. Armed with hope and determination, they set out to save the world, fix broken time loops, and rescue their best friends … all before lunch period. Let’s discuss the latest and greatest examples of stories for the 8-12 set. Why are they so special? How does MG differ from YA? What’s it take to become a middle grade hero? 

Kwame Mbalia, Christine Taylor-Butler, Sarah Jean Horwitz, Carlos Hernandez (M)

Funny Fantasy
Format: Panel
19 Feb 2022, Saturday 13:00 – 13:50
Harbor II (Westin)

Fantasy stories elicit some of the loudest laughs in speculative fiction. Why is comedy especially well suited to fantastic settings filled with mystical magic, mysterious monsters, and quirky characters? From wondrous one-liners to elaborately satirical epics, our panelists single out some of their favorite fantasy fiction humor, and attempt to explain how and why these works tickle fandom’s funny bones.

Esther Friesner, Craig Shaw Gardner, Carlos Hernandez, Paul Jeter (PJet Gallery) (M)

Negocios Infernals Demonstration (Sat Aft Session)
Format: Demonstration
19 Feb 2022, Saturday 16:00 – 16:50
Harbor III (Westin)

A game that centers around The Deck of Destiny, consisting of 70 cards. Much like fortune tellers read cards to portend futures dire and blissful, the players interpret the cards they draw to determine their magos’ successes, failures, and fates. Together, the magos quest on behalf of Reina Resoluta to save Espada — or, depending on the luck of the deck, just to save their own skins. Players are magos who think they have sold their souls to the aliens in exchange for powers. In reality, they are auditioning for the privilege of joining the “cosmic consciousness” of the aliens, thereby beginning humanity’s next evolution. Please note that this is not a full game, but a demo showing you how it’s played. This session will cover character creation and worldbuilding. [3 – 16 players. You must be 18+ to play this game, as it is rated M. Intermediate.]

Carlos Hernandez, C. S. E. Cooney

Negocios Infernals Demonstration (Sat Eve Session)
Format: Demonstration
19 Feb 2022, Saturday 20:00 – 20:50
Harbor III (Westin)

A game that centers around The Deck of Destiny, consisting of 70 cards. Much like fortune tellers read cards to portend futures dire and blissful, the players interpret the cards they draw to determine their magos’ successes, failures, and fates. Together, the magos quest on behalf of Reina Resoluta to save Espada — or, depending on the luck of the deck, just to save their own skins. Players are magos who think they have sold their souls to the aliens in exchange for powers. In reality, they are auditioning for the privilege of joining the “cosmic consciousness” of the aliens, thereby beginning humanity’s next evolution. Please note that this is not a full game, but a demo showing you how it’s played. This session will cover character creation and worldbuilding. 3 – 16 players. You must be 18+ to play this game as it is rated M. Intermediate. 

C. S. E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez

Group Reading (MG/YA): Carlos Hernandez, Cat Scully, Adam Stemple 
Format: Reading
20 Feb 2022, Sunday 11:30 – 12:20
Griffin (Westin)

Carlos Hernandez, Cat Scully, Adam Stemple

Brimstone Rhine and Friends in a Concert to the Stars!
Format: Concert
20 Feb 2022, Sunday 13:00 – 13:50
Harbor I (Westin)

Join C. S. E. Cooney (singer/songwriter “Brimstone Rhine”) and friends as they perform songs of science fiction, myth, magic, and speculation — possibly with a dose of poetry and drama thrown in!

C. S. E. Cooney, Carlos Hernandez, Dr. Mary Crowell