A. L. Kaplan

Tag: Readings

  • 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.

  • Saturday, September 3, at Chicon 8

    Here is my schedule for today at Chicon

    Chicon 8

    Saturday 10:00 AM CDT

    Autographing – A. L. Kaplan

    Pick up a copy of my books in the dealers room and come to the autograph table. I’ll be there until 11:00

    Saturday 4:00 PM CDT

    Readings: Anthony W. Eichenlaub, A. L. Kaplan, Emily C. Skaftun

    Room: Dusable Duration: 60 mins

    The only thing better than reading a book is listening to the author read it out loud.

    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 sacrifice 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.

  • 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.

  • VIRTUAL BALTICON

    Zoom_bkd_VB54_NASA1

    I’ll be attending Virtual Balticon this year

    Maryland’s Regional (Virtual)
    Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention
    May 22-25, 2020

    It’s Free and Open to All

    Here is my schedule

    You’ll need to register for each event to get the link, but it is free

    Saturday, May 23, 11AM
    What Makes a Compelling Fantasy Religion?
    Kim Hargan (Moderator), Daniel M. Ford, A.L. Kaplan, Mary G. Thompson
    Throughout history, religion has motivated people to perform acts of both great altruism and unbelievable cruelty.  A fantasy setting featuring a complex and consistent religion offers opportunities to explore deep, nuanced characters and plots. Which creators are notable for crafting believable and interesting religions, and what kind of stories have they been able to tell with them?
    50 minutes
    Literary, Religion
    Saturday, May 23, 1PM
    YA As Its Own Genre
    Mary Fan, Starla Huchton, A.L. Kaplan, Mary G. Thompson
    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 style or content. How is a book classified as YA, and what differentiates it from adult books? Has this classification been beneficial to YA literature, or has it had a negative effect?
    50 minutes.
    Literary, Reading
    Monday, May 25, 10AM
    Reading: Kaplan and Smale
    A.L. Kaplan, Alan Smale
    50 minutes
    Live Reading
    Monday, May 25, 2PM
    Outlining vs. Pantsing
    A.L. Kaplan (Moderator), Charles Brown, J.L. Gribble, Vivian Shaw, Ryan Van Loan
    Some storytellers require a detailed outline to start fleshing out their story, but others prefer to write by the seat of the pants. What are some techniques to help you get better at one when you prefer the other?
    50 minutes
    Writing

     

    Don’t miss out on important announcements.

    Sign up for my newsletter

    Pick up your copy of Star Touched and Wolf Dawn

  • THE WRITE WOMEN BOOK FEST – Saturday, September 21, 2019 – 10 AM – 4 PM

    The Write Women

    FREE EVENT
    FOR KIDS, TEENS, AND ADULTS

    The Write Women Book Fest kicks off at 10:00 AM this Saturday, September 21, 2019 at the Marietta House in Glenn Dale, MD.

    It’s more than just books. There will also be performers and artists.

    Visit me in the Author’s Tent, then swing by the Event Room at 12:15 for a reading.

    FREE PARKING

    For more information, visit the website here.

    Located at Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale, MD
    Saturday September 21st, 10 AM to 4 AM

    The Glenn Dale Farmer’s Market will also be running until 2 AM, with some vendors staying on until 4 AM.

    Come join the fun.

  • SHORT TAKES: Bite-sized Readings From Your Favorite Authors – Saturday, May 25, 2:00 PM

    Balticon2019posterSm

  • My Balticon 53 Schedule

    Balticon is only a few weeks away.

    Here is my schedule.

    Saturday, May 25th

    Balticon Short Takes – Bite-sized readings from your soon-to-be favorite writers
    2:00 PM in Kent

    Sunday, May 26th

    World building for Fantasy and SF Novels – Authors describe their world building process, what they have to research, and what they have to make up.
    2:00 PM in Kent

    Making Props – Come hear about the many techniques of making or modifying the props your costume needs.
    3:00 PM in room 7006

    Autographs – I’ll be signing books with Sarah Avery
    5:00 PM on the 5th floor lobby near the Con Suite.

    Poetry Open Mic – Come share poetry inspired by science, science fiction, and fantasy. Bring your own or your favorites.
    8:00 PM in room 7029

    Monday, May 27th

    Readings: Authors A. L. Kaplan, Gwendolyn Clare, and Sabrina Vourvoulias read from their works.
    10:00 AM in St. George

    Hope to see you there.
    (There may be a few last minute updates so make sure you check the schedule when you get there.)

  • Come to the Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading This Saturday at RavenCon 2019

    RAVENCON2019-PosterB

  • MEET ME AT THE WORLD FANTASY CONVENTION THIS WEEKEND

    Looking for something fun do do?

    Come the the Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading.BU-RFR-WFC2018_final

    Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading at WFC 2018

     *** Brief readings from several authors *** Book giveaways *** Free chocolate! ***

    When: Saturday, 10:00 pm to 11:30 pm    Where: Federal Hill.

    Readers:

    Carmen Webster Buxton has published 10 novels and one novella. Under her real name (Karen Wester Newton) she published a short story titled “Cold Comfort” in Space and Time magazine.  Her work encompasses science fiction, fantasy, and romance. [carmenspage.blogspot.com]

    Randee Dawn is a Brooklyn-based author and journalist who has published dark, speculative fiction in Well-told Tales and Fantasia Divinity, plus anthologies Where We May Wag and Children of a Different Sky (both available in the dealer’s room). She is also the co-author of The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial Companion. [RandeeDawn.com]

    J.L. Gribble writes the urban fantasy/alternate history Steel Empires series, which includes Steel Victory, Steel Magic, Steel Blood, and the recent Steel Time. Her other jobs include medical editing, Netflix watching, cat snuggling, and blogging for SpeculativeChic.com.  [jlgribble.com]

    A.R. Henle writes non-fiction by day and magical realism by night. Her short story “Strong Meat” is forthcoming March 2019 in Sharp and Sugar Tooth: Women Up to No Good.

    Laurel Anne Hill  has authored two award-winning novels, most recently The Engine Woman’s Light (Sand Hill Review Press), a gripping spirits-meet-steampunk tale set in an alternate 19th Century California. Laurel’s published short stories total over thirty. She’s a Literary Stage Manager, speaker, writing contest judge and editor.  [www.laurelannehill.com]

    Paula S. Jordan writes moderately hard, character-driven science fiction, with three stories in Analog and her first novel, a present-day alien contact story set in the mountains of North Carolina, now near completion. In a previous life she supported 30+ unmanned science missions as an orbit analyst with NASA and NOAA. [PaulaSJordan.com,  Facebook.com/PaulaSJordan/,  and on Twitter @PaulaSJwriter]

    A L Kaplan’s work has been included in several anthologies and magazines. Her novel Star Touched released in 2017. She is the Maryland Writers’ Association’s Vice President and served on the Howard County Chapter board for several years. A. L. holds an MFA in sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art. [alkaplanauthor.com]

    Laura Kelly is a former professor with degrees from Bradley University and Michigan State University. She currently lives in Ohio, although the lakes of Michigan continue to call and leave inviting messages in her voice mail.

    Emily Lavin Leverett is a writer, editor, and Medievalist English professor. Traitor’s Spring, the second novel in the Eisteddfod Chronicles, debuts in 2019, following Changeling’s Fall and Winter’s Heir. Recent editorial works include the anthology Lawless Lands and the collection Faith and Ethics in the Works of Terry Pratchett.  [emilylavinleverett.com]

    Margaret S. McGraw is co-editor of the anthologies Weird Wild West and Lawless Lands: Tales from the Weird Frontier. Her stories appear in Lawless Lands and Chasing the Light. Margaret writes and edits speculative fiction, blogs on WritersSpark.com and TheMillionWords.net, and spends too much time on Facebook.

    Tina LeCount Myers is a writer, artist, and surfer grew up with a prophecy hanging over her head: Her parents hoped she’d be an author. The Song of All is her debut novel. Dreams of the Dark Sky (Book 2 The Legacy of the Heavens series) available February 2019 (Night Shade Books).  [www.tinalecountmyers.com]

    Jennifer R. Povey writes everything from heroic fantasy to stories for Analog. She is currently working on an urban fantasy series, Lost Guardians, of which the third book was released in the fall of 2017. She also rides horses. [www.jenniferrpovey.com]

    Jean Marie Ward writes fiction, nonfiction and everything in between. Her credits include a multi-award nominated novel, two popular art books, and editing CrescentBlues.com. Her short stories have appeared in Asimov’s and numerous anthologies. Her video interviews are featured on BuzzyMag.com. [JeanMarieWard.com]

    Startouched front cover2

  • My Balticon Schedule

    Balticon 52 is right around the corner.

    May 25-28 at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel.
    Check out the program on the website.
    Four days of non-stop fun. Great panels and workshops.
    Broad Universe Logo-300x95
    Fifi and I will be hanging out at the Broad Universe table in the dealers room this year.  We’ll also be at these panels and reading. Stop by and say hi. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of Star Touched.
    Saturday, May 26
    11am
    Readings: A.L. Kaplan, Christie Meierz, Bud Sparhawk
    St. George
    Track: Readings
    Type: Reading
    Christie Meierz, A. L. Kaplan, Bud Sparhawk

    Authors A.L. Kaplan, Christie Meierz, and Bud Sparhawk read from their work.

    1pm
    Broad Universe Rapid-Fire Reading
    Kent
    Track: Readings
    Type: Reading
    Jean Marie Ward, Lisa Hawkridge, Ken Schrader, A. L. Kaplan, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, JL Gribble

    The authors of the Broad Universe writing organization share excerpts from their upcoming works.

    Sunday, May 27
    2pm
    As You Know, Bob…
    Kent
    Track: Literary
    Type: Panel
    Robert “Bob” Chase, Melissa Scott, Christie Meierz, A. L. Kaplan, David Keener, Jack Campbell

    Informing the reader without breaking narrative often results in characters telling each other things they already know. How do we convey information to the reader without looking like we’re doing so?

    Trailer image 1