A. L. Kaplan

Category: reading

  • My RavenCon Schedule

    My RavenCon Schedule

    I will once again be attending RavenCon this year.

    April 24-26, 2026

    Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton

    1000 Virginia Center Parkway

    Glen Allen, Virginia 23059

    Here is where you can find me.

    Friday – 6:00 PM – Jefferson Building – Dinwiddie – Using Food In Your Writing

    Friday – 9:00 PM – Jefferson Building – King William – One of the Craziest Shows the Sci-Fi Channel Gave Us: Welcome to Farscape

    Saturday – 9:00 AM – Jefferson Building – Dinwiddie – Galaxies & Kingdoms: Mastering the Art of Worldbuilding

    Saturday – 11:00 AM – Madison Building – Open area in front of Henrico Ballroom – Author Signing

    Saturday – 12:00 PM – Jefferson Building – Fairfax Library – Author Reading

    Sunday – 12:00 PM – Jefferson Building – Henry – My First Fandom

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    Dragon’s Hanukkah

    It’s Hanukkah, and Dragon is helping his family celebrate.

    Have you ever made latkes or played dreidel? Come join the fun as Dragon makes latkes and lights the menorah. Then play the dreidel game and see where it lands!

  • Come see me at Seattle Worldcon 2025

    Come see me at Seattle Worldcon 2025

    Seattle Worldcon 2025!

    Building Yesterday’s Future–For Everyone

    August 13–17, 2025

    Here is my Schedule:

    Prop Up That Costume with a Prop

    Room 335-336, Wed. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

    Props can often make or break a costume. Learn what works and how to make those little special items, hopefully without breaking the bank.

    Selena A. Naumoff (M), A. L. Kaplan, Pierre E. Pettinger, Jr.

    Reading: A. L. Kaplan

    Room 428, Wed. noon–12:30 p.m.

    A. L. Kaplan

    Meet the Authors—YA and Middle Grade

    Room 347-348, Thu. 1:30–2:30 p.m.

    Come meet the writers who are crafting the stories for you! A selection of YA and middle grade authors are available to answer questions and talk about stories.

    Marta Murvosh (M), A. L. Kaplan, CJ Hosack, Kate Ristau, L.J. Melvin, Shana Targosz

    Who Would Win?

    Teen
    Room 347-348, Sat. 3–4 p.m.

    Decide who will win each contest from our bracket of various characters and determine who will take home the crown!

    A. L. Kaplan (M)

    Animal Companions in Middle Grade/YA

    Room 320, Sun. 4:30–5:30 p.m.

    It’s dangerous to go alone! The loyal animal (or monster) companion is a common feature of kids’ stories. These companions do more than tag along—they reveal character, deepen world-building, offer emotional support (or challenge), and sometimes even steal the show. Let’s discuss our favorites and find out what makes these furry (or scaly) friends so great.

    Deva Fagan (M), A. L. Kaplan, Jenna Lee-Yun, Kathryn Sullivan, Maya Prasad

  • Savage Geek Fest

    Savage Geek Fest is a 2-day board game, STEM, and all things Geek convention hosted by Omnihedral and Historic Savage Mill. Featuring specialty classes and deals at Savage Mill vendors, independent RPGs, and so much more!

    Savage Geek Fest

    May 4, 2024 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

    May 5, 2024 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD 20763

    Here are the panels I will be on.

    Saturday:

    11-12: Worldbuilding

    3-4: SF/F Awards and their Drama

    5-6: Guilty Pleasure Books

    Sunday:

    10-11: Coffee with Authors

    12-12:30: Reading

  • My Panels for RavenCon – April 21 – 23, 2023

    RavenCon 16 is this coming weekend at the Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in Glen Allen, Virginia. Three days of fun.

    Here is where you can find me:

    Friday, April 21, 2023:

    7 pm (Opening Ceremony) King George

    Saturday, April 22, 2023:

    1 pm – 2:30 pm (Workshop/Presentation) Can Cows Have Wings? / Buckingham

    5 pm (Panel) Creating Memorable Character Names / Henry / Moderator

    6:25 pm – 6:50 pm (Reading) Fairfax Library

    Sunday, April 23, 2023:

    11 am (Panel) Author’s Favorite Tools / Henry

    Noon (Signing) Dealers Room

    2 pm (Panel) Costuming Characters in Your Writing / Henry

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    MARK OF THE GODDESS

    Sometimes a blessing can be a curse.

    Young Maya bears the mark of the moon goddess, a sign that would doom her to be sacrificed in her village where the death god is revered. Forced to dye her golden eyes dark, Maya lives in constant fear of discovery. To save her family and the village’s future, she must find the courage to stand up to the high priest before he can bring the death god into this world.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • MY BALTICON SCHEDULE

    Balticon 56

    A Four Day Celebration of Science Fiction In All It’s Various And Exciting Forms.

    Balticon 56 is going to be fantastic this year. When I’m not hanging out at the Maryland Writers’ Association table, or this is where you can find me.

    Fri 4:00 PM              St. George               Readings: D.H. Aire and A.L. Kaplan      D. H. Aire and I will read from our new and upcoming works.

             
    Sat 10:00 AM            Maryland Ballroom CD                YA As Its Own Genre A. L. Kaplan, Nancy Springer,  Gwendolyn Clare, Robert L. Slater  YA is often set aside as its own genre in bookstores, libraries, and suggested reading lists. Like children’s literature, it is frequently categorized by expected reader age rather than its content. How does a book get classified as YA and what differentiates it from adult books? Is this classification beneficial to YA literature, or is it having a negative effect?

                                   
    Sat 2:30 PM              James                 Getting the Most From a Writers’ Association    A. L. Kaplan,  Joshua Bilmes, Jean Marie Ward,  Carol Gyzander,  Rosemary Claire Smith    Genre association groups such as the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) and the Romance Writers Association (RWA), as well as more local groups like the Maryland Writers Association (MWA), can offer benefits and perks. Panelists talk about what different groups have to offer and how to get the most out of your membership.


    Saturday 8:00 PM Maryland Ballroom The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade I’ll be there as a Judges’ Clerk

    Sun 2:30 PM              5th Floor Lobby                 Autographs: Amy Kaplan and Leah Cypess      Autograph tables are located in the 5th floor lobby near the Consuite.

    Hope to see you there. I’ll have Fifi with me.

    Balticon 56

    Renaissance Harborplace Hotel

    202 East Pratt Street

    Baltimore, MD 21202

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • HUMMINGBIRD — Reading — Free Online

    Want to hear the beginning of HUMMINGBIRD: A Star Touch Story?

    You can find it and many other events at the

    Write Women’s Book Fest.

    Here is the direct line to the HUMMINGBIRD reading.

    Purchase a copy of HUMMINGBIRD: A Star Touched Story here.

    STAR TOUCHED

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    WOLF DAWN

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • Wednesday at the Write Women Book Fest

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    LIVESTREAMS, RECORDED WORKSHOPS, READINGS, CRAFTS, MUSIC, AND MORE
    THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21 – 26

    WEDNESDAY
    SEPTEMBER 23
    KIDS AND TEENS ROCK!

    7-7:30PM – READING FOR CHILDREN
    VIEW THIS LIVESTREAM HERE: https://www.facebook.com/LifeLessonswithMrGReaper/live/
    Silly & Fun Bedtime Story for Children
    Life Lessons with Mr. G. Reaper
    The Magic of Making Friends by Sarah Petrosky

    8-9PM – READING AND Q&A FOR TEENS
    VIEW THIS LIVESTREAM HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/287597519351319/
    Star Touched by A.L. Kaplan

    STAR TOUCHED: Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    WORKSHOP FOR TEENS
    VIEW THIS RECORDING HERE: https://youtu.be/Qm7fifZV3Hg
    Coming of Age – Hair Workshop for Teens with Keianna Johnson

    CRAFT TIME FOR KIDS
    VIEW THIS RECORDING HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYwt0Lrw44I&feature=youtu.be
    Story Dice!
    Erin Timmermann with Leaf and Yard

    CRAFT TIME FOR TEENS
    VIEW THIS RECORDING HERE: https://www.thefolkhaus.com/p/the-write-women-book-fest-virtual.html?m=1
    Make your own zines!
    A time-honored tradition of independent and underground zines made simple with Mary DeMarco-Logue of Folkhaus.

    If you haven’t had a chance yet, pick up a copy of Star Touched and Wolf Dawn.

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.