Jared Austin

Jared Austin is a young adult science fiction author. With his Space City series, he hopes to show and inspire his daughter and son, as well as all of his readers, that science and technology are not dull subjects, but gateways to a brighter, exciting future.

Steampunk Powered by the Cracks in History

Steampunk Powered by the Cracks in History

On Sunday at 4PM, the Hyatt Embassy AB filled with fans of gears, goggles, and “what ifs” for the “Steam Power is SF… Right?” panel on the Sci-Fi Literature track. Moderator Gail Martin, an urban fantasy and paranormal author, was joined by authors Patrick Dugan, David Boop, Philip Ligon, and Robert Ross. Together, the authors explored the roots, inspirations, and… Read more →

A Conversation via Podcast

A Conversation via Podcast

To be a good guest, treat the host like a human being with whom you are having a conversation. On Sunday at 1PM, the Digital Media Track hosted “Be A Podcast Guest Pro: How to Get Booked (and Invited Back!)” at the Hilton Galleria 6. Moderator Clint Hall, a science fiction and fantasy author, led the panel featuring author-podcaster Bob… Read more →

Are Lightsabers Possible?

Are Lightsabers Possible?

Experts say yes, but they wouldn’t recommend it. On Sunday at 11:30AM, the Science Track hosted “When Physics Gets Weird” in the Hilton Crystal Ballroom. Moderator Dr. Raychelle Burks—who opened by confessing her love of disco—was joined by astrophysicist Dr. Seven Rasmussen, radiation test engineer and author Hawkings Austin, fusion energy researcher Dr. Steffi Diem, and chemical engineer Liz Decolvenaere…. Read more →

Can Life Develop or Evolve in Space?

Can Life Develop or Evolve in Space?

On Saturday, at 8:30PM, the Science Track filled Hilton 209–211 with eager fans for the “Lifeforms for Life in Space… Probably?” panel. Moderator Jamie Bernstein guided an energetic discussion with astrobiologist and author Dr. Seven Rasmussen, neuroscientist Dr. Brent “EvilPenguin” Roeder, and physicist Dr. Addie Dove. Together, the panel explored the tantalizing possibility of life in space. Bernstein began the… Read more →

Crowdfunding Through Kickstarter

The keys to a successful Kickstarter: emulate, ask for help, plan, and above all, communicate. On Saturday at 2:30PM, the Digital Media Track hosted “Kickstart to Finish: Crowdfunding for Digital Creators” in the Hilton Galleria 7. Moderator Dennis Lee Robinson, known for his werewolf comics, was joined by bestselling author Katie Cross, Kickstarter’s Head of Publishing Oriana Leckert, and publisher… Read more →

Voice Acting in a Digital World

Voice Acting in a Digital World

On Saturday at 10AM, the Hilton Galleria 7 welcomed fans and aspiring performers for “Voice Acting in a Digital World”, part of the Digital Media Track. Moderated by video game producer and longtime voice actor Sean Weiland, the panel featured voice actors Crickett Michelle, Dana Morgan, MC Chris, and writer/producer Melissa Flores. Together, they explored how the craft of voice… Read more →

YouTube: A Two-Way Conversation with Your Audience

Content creators might think about YouTube as a one-way broadcast of their message to the world, but to build your audience, you have to communicate with them and be your authentic self. On Friday at 7PM, the Digital Media Track hosted a lively and insightful discussion in the Hilton Galleria titled “Put the You Back in YouTube: Using Social Media… Read more →

A Discussion with the Cast of Bones

A Discussion with the Cast of Bones

Celebrating the Twentieth Anniversary of Bones, Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Tamara Taylor, and TJ Thyne participated in the Bones Cast: The Interview panel Saturday at 11:30AM in the Marriott. The moderator started off the panel asking the cast if they thought that first day that they would be talking about the show twenty years later. Thyne joked “yes, day one”… Read more →