It’s official. I will be a program participant at Balticon 59
Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention
4 fun filled days of amazing programing
May 23 – 26, 2025
Renaissance Harborplace Hotel
202 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Tag: Fantasy
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Come To The Craft Fair On December 8, 2024
The Atholton High School PTA Craft Fair is the perfect place to finish your holiday shopping.
Approximately 50 vendors.
Sunday, December 8, 2024
10 AM – 3 PM
6520 Freetown Rd, Columbia, MD 21044
I’ll be there with books, jewelry, and more!
This will also be the school’s kick off for a 60 day shoe drive campaign to help others in Third World Countries. Bring some clean- still usable shoes and grab some wonderful gifts for yourself or others!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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BOOKS & BREWS
It’s never too soon to start holiday shopping.
Come to Books & Brews at Union Craft Brewery and find your next read.
Saturday, November 16, 2024
35+ local authors
1700 W 41st Street, Suite #420
Baltimore, MD 21211
11 AM to 6 PM
Some of the other authors you’ll get to meet.
Hungry? Carroll & Sons Fine Foods ‘A Restaurant About Nothing’ is located inside UNION Hall and serves a rotating menu of snacks, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts.
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My Schedule at Glasgow 2024 World Con
Will you be at Glasgow 2024: A World Con for our Future?
This will be the 82nd World Science Fiction convention and runs from August 8-12 in Glasgow, Scotland.
I am thrilled to be part of programing. Here is where you can find me.
Sunday, August 11: 11:30 AM in Alsh 1
Look! I Have Raised a Geek! — Or else, you might say – parenting done right. We’ve invited some of the unconventional parents who will share with you the parenting methods they used to raise a proper geek and, hopefully, future fandom members as well. Some stories may be funny, others quite unexpected!
Sunday, August 11: 2:30 PM in Argyll 1
Why do we still love paper and tangible things? — Printed progress reports, souvenir books, pocket programs, conbooks, fanzines, books, and other common items in the fandom and at fandom conventions. Even though all of them exist in their digital PDF versions (or sometimes in-app versions as well), we still have a deep sentiment for paper itself. Why is this so? What makes us stick with old ways when the future has already arrived?
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.
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.
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.
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Book Review: The Study of Magic
Another fantastic book from Maria V. Snyder. While THE STUDY OF MAGIC takes place at the same time as MAGIC STUDY, there were a whole bunch of exciting things that happened before Valek met up with Yelena again in Magic Study. That means there are more wonderful and exciting tales to tell. Told from Valek’s point of view, this book will not disappoint.
Don’t forget to check the ceiling for ‘spiders’ 😉
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
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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
April 26-28, 2024
Virginia Crossings Tapestry Collection by Hilton
1000 Virginia Center Parkway
Glen Allen, Virginia 23059Sometimes 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
