Writer, cartoonist, photographer, teacher, home brewer, minister, podcaster and martial artist, Tim Frayser has been telling stories his whole life. A retired municipal employee, he is a former chairman of the Conestoga science-fiction convention and a past president of the Oklahoma Science Fiction Writers. Since 2009, he has volunteered as a ranger at the annual Burning Man event in Nevada. He draws a weekly comic strip posted to his Facebook page. Tim has published short stories in assorted anthologies. His most recent novel, The Spook, was published in 2023. Active in science-fiction fandom since 1979, he was Fan Guest of Honor at the first Tulkon convention in Tulsa. He also plays the ukulele. Tim currently lives in Oklahoma and drives the train at the Tulsa Zoo.
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.
Get ready for some naughty art in this 18+ panel! Watch as talented artists take wild and sultry character pairing suggestions from the audience and turn them into NSFW masterpieces right before your eyes. From steamy fanfic fuel to taboo crossovers, nothing’s off-limits! Join us for a night of seductive sketches and tantalizing creativity in a fun, no-holds-barred atmosphere!
Shipping can be a fun part of fandom, but it can also spark intense conflicts. This adult-focused discussion looks at how shipping culture sometimes leads to entitlement, harassment, and heated debates within fan communities. Panelists examine how romantic preferences can turn into moral arguments and why some fandom spaces become so combative. Join us for a frank conversation about the dynamics behind shipping wars.
A look at the dark side of imagining things into existence! After Slenderman was invented, some claim to have seen him IRL. The tulpa theory posits that entities can be created by the mind, willingly or not, and then run amok, like poltergeists. Is the human mind that powerfully twisted?
Many fans grow up surrounded by science fiction, fantasy, and gaming, and eventually share those passions with their children. What does it look like to raise kids in a fandom-centered home? This panel explores how families introduce new generations to conventions, stories, and creative hobbies. How does fandom evolve when it becomes a shared family tradition?
Looking to break into comics? Industry veterans guide you through building a professional portfolio, pitching to publishers, networking at conventions, and navigating freelance life. Learn what editors actually look for, how to stand out, and how to take your first steps toward a career in comics. For artists, writers, and aspiring creators of all kinds.
The creative world continues to change, and artists must adapt to stay relevant and successful. This panel discusses practical strategies for navigating shifting economic and cultural landscapes. Panelists will share experiences about finding work, building audiences, and sustaining creative careers. Learn how artists can continue creating while adjusting to a changing world.
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.