The MultiMind Multiverse Schedule!
Yay, panels! Come see me yammer about at Multiverse (where you can still get your tickets). Across the three packed days of events, here are the panels I will be on and what they are about:
Friday
First Fantasy (2:30-3:30 PM)
Everyone has to start somewhere, so why not start…right here! In this panel we will discuss great starting points for new fans of the genre, whether they be the simplest concepts to get into or classics that should be on everyone’s lists. We will discuss some of our “first fantasies”, the ones we wish we started with and the ones you might should put off, making this the perfect spot for fantasy beginners and fantasy pros.
Charity Art Jam (4:30 – 6:30 PM)
Come watch as artist-guests, such as myself, create artwork in real time, in various media, all for the benefit of the Multiverse Charity Auction and Backpack Buddies!
Saturday
All-Ages Storytime Reading (1:00 – 2:00 PM)
I read a very short excerpt of their work (will most likely be In Search of Amika), and attendees get to act out the scene as an opportunity to win raffle prizes. How they win prizes is what makes this ridiculously fun.
From Page to Screen to Screen (4:00 – 5:00 PM)
Recently we have seen an influx of adaptations, with games becoming TV shows, TV shows becoming comic books, and comic books becoming films, and these new takes often come with unintended consequences. Often, adaptations attempt to close plot holes from the original story, change the source material to fit the new medium, or recontextualize original themes and motifs, and as properties are adapted and expanded, their lore, for better or worse, is often shaken to the core. Join us as we discuss some of our favorite adaptations and how their new mediums shift the stories for new and returning audiences.
Sunday
MCs That Look Like Me: Disabled & Divergent Heroes (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Fantasy frequently draws inspiration for stories, characters, and themes from real-world marginalized groups because of the depth and dimension of their experiences. This is especially true of the disabled and neurodivergent communities. Yet, despite being the source of many diverse and compelling narratives, these groups frequently are not showcased prominently (or positively) in the stories they’ve inspired. However, in spite of the lacking representation, there are characters like General Amaya from The Dragon Prince and Percy from the Percy Jackson series who act as respectful and responsible portrayals of disabled and neurodivergent people in fantasy settings. In this panel, we will explore fantasy works that highlight disabled and neurodivergent characters.
Art: Appropriation vs. Appreciation (1:00 – 2:00 PM)
A lively and important conversation about the importance of honoring the lived experience of all humans, including culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, race, ability, age, etc., as they relate to making, appreciating and buying artwork. We will also discuss the nature and importance of representation in art.
That’s all the panels I will be on! And remember, I will also be tabling so if you don’t catch me at a panel, you can catch me at my table.
