A. L. Kaplan

Tag: Wayland Smith

  • My Mysticon Schedule

    Mysticon is only a few weeks away.

    January 23-25, 2026

    Holiday Inn Tanglewood

    Roanoke, VA

    Here is where you can find me:

    Friday, January 23

    4:00 PM – Author Signing Table A

    6:00 PM – Poisons, Plots, and Potions: Inside the Apothecary Diaries

    BOARDROOM

    Step into the intrigue of the imperial court with The Apothecary Diaries! Follow Maomao, a sharp-tongued apothecary turned reluctant court lady, as she unravels mysteries with wit, science, and sass. Join fellow fans to talk about the show’s blend of history, medicine, and romance—and why it’s one of the smartest, most addictive anime of the decade.

    — Haily Piper * Edward McKeown * A L Kaplan

    9:00 PM – The Eye of Argon: The Greatest Horrible Story Ever Told!

    DOGWOOD 1

    It’s infamous. It’s absurd. It’s possibly the worst sci-fi story ever written—and that’s exactly why we love it. Watch (and join!) as our fearless panelists attempt to read The Eye of Argon aloud without laughing, tripping over typos, or collapsing in melodramatic agony. Audience participation encouraged—especially when the acting starts. Think you can keep a straight face? We dare you.
    — Jim & John Gaines * Wayland Smith * A L Kaplan * Drema Deoraich

    Saturday, January 24

    1:00 PM – Disney Villains Muahahaha!!!!!!

    DOGWOOD ½

    From wicked queens to smooth-talking schemers, Disney villains have stolen scenes — and our hearts — for decades. Join us as we debate who’s truly the best baddie and whether they’re actually evil… or just a little misunderstood. Bonus points for dramatic evil laughter.
    — Grig Larson * A L Kaplan * Tera Fulbright * Uncle Grayhawk 

    5:00 PM – Farscape at 25: Still Frelling Amazing

    BOARDROOM

    No show in the Uncharted Territories like it. Celebrating a quarter-century of wild characters, rich worldbuilding, and puppets with attitude. Panelists share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite episodes, and why Farscape still feels fresh.
    — Mike Pederson * Dennis Myers * Kevin A. Davis * A L Kaplan

    Sunday, January 25

    10:00 AM – Character Development & Inspiration

    BALLROOM D

    Where do great characters come from? This panel dives into finding inspiration, shaping unique personalities, and the little ways pieces of yourself sneak into your creations. Whether you write heroes, villains, or something in between, we’ll explore how to make characters feel real — and unforgettable.
    — Dennis Myers * Hailey Piper * Crymsyn Hart * Richard C. White * Melissa Scott * A L Kaplan * David Simms

  • 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.