A. L. Kaplan

Category: Uncategorized

  • My Balticon Schedule

    Balticon is a four-day celebration of Science Fiction and Fantasy!

    May 24-27, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend)

    Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland

    When I’m not volunteering or hanging out at the Maryland Writers’ Association table, here is where you can find me:

    Saturday: 11:30 AM — Location: St. George

    Author Reading: A.L. Kaplan and Ruthanna Emrys

    Saturday: 1:00 PM — Location: Room 8029

    The Power of Writing Retreats: John Appel, Adeena Mignogna, Martin Wilsey, Alex Jenning, A. L. Kaplan

    Saturday: 4:00 PM — Location: Pride of Baltimore II

    When Research Becomes a Rabbit Hole: Martin Wilsey, Sarah Pinsker, Melissa Scott, A. L. Kaplan, Elektra Hammond

    Sunday: 10:00 AM — Location: Mount Washington

    Weavers, Coopers, Chandlers, and More!: Jennifer Della’Zanna, Ann Chatham, Rosemary Clair Smith, Melissa Scott, A. L. Kaplan

    Sunday: 2:30 PM — Location: Pride of Baltimore II

    When to Tell Instead of Show: Alan Smale, Melissa Scott, A. L. Kaplan, Zack Be, Sheila Williams

    Sunday 4:00 PM — Location: 5th Floor Lobby

    Autographs: A. L. Kaplan and D. H. Timpko

    Monday 10:00 AM — Location: Gibson

    How to Incorporate Critique: A. L. Kaplan, Ryan O’Nan, Scott Edelman, Jen Brinn, Wayland Smith

    Monday: 11:30 AM — Location: Guilford

    Just How Many People Live in Your Fantasy City, Anyway? Chris Oakley, Roberta Rogow, A. . Kaplan, Lee Hawkridge

    Hope to see you there!

    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.

    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.

  • 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

  • RavenCon Is This Weekend! Come See Me

    SATURDAY

    Fifteen Fingers and Two Tails: Creating Non-human Characters

    Sat 10 am – Spotsylvania (Madison) – 90 minutes

    You’ve created an amazing world for your story, but who or what is living in it? You need someone to carry the plot. This workshop will explore how to populate your setting with appropriate and believable characters. (Max of 20 participants.)

    The Public Domain

    Noon – Buckingham (Jefferson) – 50 minutes

    Each year, some new beloved property enters the public domain, meaning anyone can do anything with it. But should they? The same company that turned Winnie-the-Pooh into the slasher film Blood & Honey is ready for when Bambi goes public domain. Steamboat Willy has a first-person shooter coming called “Mouse.” We’ll discuss the pros and cons of public domain properties and praise some truly great works that have come from creators being able to play freely with someone else’s creation.

    Panelists: Sammie Cassell (M), James Fadeley, Dr. Kyle R. Garton, A.L. Kaplan

    READING: A.L. KAPLAN & BISHOP O’CONNELL

    4 pm – Fairfax Library (Jefferson) – 50 minutes

    SUNDAY

    NEW WHO? WHO KNEW?

    10 am – King William (Jefferson) – 50 minutes

    New Doctor, new companion, and a Disney-sized budget! What did our panelists think about the specials and what are our hopes for the new season? And you can expect there will be fan-theories galore concerning Mrs. Flood!

    Panelists: Sean Gleeson, A.L. Kaplan (M), Dennis M. Myers, Angela Pritchett

    SIGNING: A.L. KAPLAN

    Noon – Vendors’ Room (Madison) – 50 minutes

    RavenCon 17

    April 26-28, 2024

    Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton

    1000 Virginia Center Parkway
    Glen Allen, Virginia 23059

    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.

    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.

  • MWA Author Showcase April 14, 2024

    Looking for something to do April 14, 2024?

  • Con-Tinual Fandom: The Fifth Element

    Why has The Fifth Element remained a beloved classic?

    Fans Jeanne Adams, Susan Griffith, A. L. Kaplan, Kyoko M., Matthew Saunders and Gail Martin share their ideas.

    Watch the video here.

    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.

    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.

  • Con-Tinual: Action and Adventure!

    It’s Action! It’s Adventure! Join Stuart Jaffe, A. L. Kaplan, Gini Koch, Ed McKeown, and host James P. Nettles loading their rucksacks for some of their favorite adventures on the page and screen, and how it’s made its way into their own work!

    #ConTinual #fandom #action #adventure #movies #tv #film #books #novels

    Watch It Here!

    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.

    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.

  • Con-Tinual Special Event: The Barbie Phenomena

    What made the Barbie Movie the break-away success of the year?

    Fans A. L. Kaplan, Emily Leverett, Siera London ,Jenny Jennifer Swartz-Levine, Nancy Northcott, and Gail Martin share their ideas!

    Watch it Here!

    Don’t forget to checkout these titles.

    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.

    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.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

    Martin Luther King Jr. January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

    Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr., an American hero of the Civil Rights Movement. Before his life was cut short, King won the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance.

  • Three Years Ago Today The World Watched America In Horror: January 6, 2021

    Three Years Ago Today The World Watched America In Horror: January 6, 2021

    THIS IS NOT AMERICA
  • Come to the Atholton Craft Fair: Sunday, December 3, 2023

    Come to the Atholton Craft Fair: Sunday, December 3, 2023

    Looking for some great holiday gifts?

    Join me at the

    Atholton H.S. PTSA Craft Fair

    Over 48 Vendors!

    Sunday, December 3, 2023

    10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

    Atholton High School
    6520 Freetown Rd.
    Columbia, MD 21044

    The sale will be in the cafeteria.

    I’ll be there with my books and some t-shirt designs.

    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.

    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.

    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.