Steven R. Southard writes science fiction, fantasy, and horror. In his new short-story collection, The Seastead Chronicles, characters grapple with the difficulties of living on and under Earth’s oceans. His short stories appear in over a dozen anthologies, including Not Far from Roswell, Re-Terrify, and Quoth the Raven. Steve co-edited the anthologies 20,000 Leagues Remembered and Extraordinary Visions: Stories Inspired by Jules Verne. Explore Steve’s website (where he’s known as Poseidon’s Scribe) at www.stevenrsouthard.com.
Why were British sailors called Limeys? How long would ship's biscuit last? What do weevils taste like? What is Nelson's Blood? How do you make grog? Come to this panel to learn the answers to these and more.
Some of the most memorable characters in fiction are not human at all. Writing protagonists who are robots, sea creatures, aliens, or other non-human beings presents unique challenges for writers. This panel explores how creators give such characters believable motivations, emotions, and perspectives. What makes audiences connect with heroes who think, feel, and experience the world very differently from us?
For thousands of years, people have looked to the night sky and woven stories around the stars. Constellations appear in myths, religions, and navigation traditions across many cultures. This panel explores the legends behind familiar star patterns and how different societies interpreted the heavens. What do these stories reveal about how humans understand the universe?
How do authors create meaningful and nuanced religious systems for their worlds? Panelists discuss the dos and don'ts of cultural worldbuilding.
What elements from the "Golden Age" of science fiction continue to captivate audiences today? Panelists explore timeless classics and why these stories still resonate with modern readers and viewers.