A. Lee Martinez is a fantasy/science-fiction novelist, and has been for almost two decades now. He's had thirteen novels published, including Gil's All Fright Diner, The Automatic Detective, Monster, and the Constance Verity trilogy. His novel Monster was adapted into the Chinese-language film Monster Run. He defines his style as Saturday Morning Humanism, and likes writing about robots, monsters, and aliens, not necessarily in that order.
Social media can help creators connect with audiences, promote their work, and build communities. At the same time, constant posting and engagement can drain time, focus, and creative energy. This panel explores the complicated relationship between creativity and online platforms. Does social media fuel creative work, or slowly deplete your creativity?
An adult debate about anti-heroes, redemption arcs, and fandom’s tendency to excuse terrible behavior if the character is hot or sad enough.
Why do some of the "worst" movies and shows become the ones we rewatch the most? Explore the thin line between a sincere failure and intentional camp, and discuss how online culture turns low-quality art into legendary cult classics. Come prepared to defend your favorite guilty pleasures against the critics.
In times of uncertainty, hopeful stories can feel radical. This panel explores how narratives centered on cooperation, empathy, and shared humanity function as vital counterpoints to authoritarian themes. Discussion focuses on why optimism remains powerful in speculative fiction.