On Saturday afternoon, Laura Mathews, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Tina Glasneck, Walter H. Hunt, Marie Brennan, and Leanne Renee Hieber discussed writing urban fantasy in historical settings. Moderator Mathews asked the other guests what periods they used as settings and what sources they use to create their worlds. Yarbro writes in numerous periods. She researches by reading as much as possible… Read more →
A grateful and passionate George Takei took the stage in the Marriott Atrium Ballroom Sunday morning to answer questions from fans of all ages about “all things Takei.” He began with a boisterous “Oh Myyy,” followed by a moment of reflection on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of Star Trek and just what that meant. A television series that… Read more →
The next time you find yourself speeding into the distant past at 88 miles per hour in a DeLorean, knowing medieval self-defense is a skill that may keep you alive, or at least help you take the other guy with you across the River Styx. Attendees marched into the Hyatt Kennesaw Sunday morning to see the Atlanta Freifechters demonstrate medieval… Read more →
In 1984, Ralph Macchio, as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid, lifted his arms sky high, assuming “the crane” stance, and face-kicked his nemesis, the bully known as Johnny Lawrence, played by William Zabka. We all cheered. Our hero prevailed, getting the trophy and the girl. Good bested evil. Or did it? Fast forward thirty-some-odd years to a little show… Read more →
Tweens felt the love of the YA track on Sunday at 10 am in Marriott A707. Guests were treated to the Middle Grade book recommendations made by panelists and authors Alison Cherry, Mari Mancusi, Diana Peterfreund, and Christine Taylor-Butler (not pictured), and moderator Casey Fiesler. For those not familiar with the term “Middle Grade,” it encompasses those books whose target… Read more →
When Freema Agyeman walks into a room with her big, bright smile, you can’t help but light up in response. Her energy and warmth comes across instantly, and she draws you closer to her with every word. Sense8 holds a special place in the hearts of fans, so getting to talk with Agyeman about her role as Amanita Caplan for… Read more →
Somehow, I didn’t think that a magic show sponsored by the Skeptics track would be quite as popular as it was, but the Grand West ballroom in the Hilton was full Saturday night to see Curt Anderson and Matt Dillahunty perform an abbreviated portion of their stage shows. The evening of magic was hosted by Jamie Swiss, who claimed “not… Read more →
In early afternoon, the Headless Lounge was fairly quiet. The smallish room featured electric fans (courtesy of Furry Weekend America), a water station, and a curtained off area for patrons to change in and out of their costumes in private. Though the name may sound strange to some, the Headless Lounge was heavily requested among attendees wearing mascot-style costumes. The… Read more →
