Programming

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Friday
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM      Video Gaming: Flashback Friday
The Chessiecon Video Game Room opens its doors with a blast to the past, giving games and consoles from the 1990s or older a time to shine. If we don’t have it on cartridge, we might have it on emulator or virtual console, just ask!
03:00 PM - 05:00 PM      Concert: Tom Smith (Recorded in 2014)
Tom Smith is not here this year, but he will be next year! When he was here in 2014, he gave this wonderful, fun concert.
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      So You Want to Be a Wizard Volunteer?
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at conventions? If you are interested in making Chessiecon run smoothly, please attend this workshop to learn how things work and sign up for volunteer hours. Novice and senior volunteers and con-goers equally welcome. 13+
Victoria B.
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      Reading/Signing: Jo Walton
Jo Walton will read from her new novel Lent, due from Tor in May 2019, and perhaps also from her new new novel Or What You Will, due from Tor in 2020. She may also read some poetry, and is certainly willing to answer questions and sign things if there is time.
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      Room Available for Shabbos Services
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      How Not to Get Published
A discussion of the mistakes and pitfalls common in SF/F publishing, and how to avoid them.
Linda Adams,  Scott Edelman,  Steve Kozeniewski (M),  Karen Osborne,  Steven R. Southard
05:30 PM - 07:30 PM      Hula Hoop Jam
Come out and let your inner child play. There will be hula hoops to use or you can bring your own. Other toys welcome too. All levels and ages of hoopers welcome, Patches has a pretty good track record of getting people to hoop who swore they couldn't. Music will be provided.
Sonya Gross
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Song Circle - Monster Songs
Bring your instruments, or just your voice, and join Dr. Mary Crowell in song! Sing your favorite songs for, about, or by monsters (by whatever definition of monster you like).
Dr. Mary Crowell
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM CANCELLED     But What if There Really Is a Wolf?
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Video Gaming: Dance Dance Revolution
Step on the arrows on the dance pad in time to catchy technopop music. Fun and a good source of exercise! Towels and water will be available. (Playstation 2, rhythm/dance, E for Everyone, 1-2 Players)
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Unforgivable Villains with Understandable Motives
People are complex. The most interesting characters sometimes do terrible things. How do you write a sympathetic character who is an understandable human despite horrific acts? How do readers respond to characters they can't put in the "good guy" or "bad guy" box or to those who belong firmly in both? How does this translate to how people respond to imperfect people in the real world?
Ruthanna Emrys,  Heather Rose Jones,  Karen Osborne,  Don Sakers (M),  Martin Wilsey
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Reading: Tamora Pierce
Tamora reads the opening chapter of the sequel to Tempests and Slaughter.
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Basic Energy Work: Grounding, Centering, Shielding
This class will take you through the first steps of working with your own energy and the energy of the planet that we all share. Bring yourself, your imagination, and your willingness to try new things.
Kit Mason
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Concert: Benjamin Newman
Ben Newman
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Before There Was Steam Punk, There Was Water Punk
One of the fun aspects of steam punk is the high degree of automation that authors and artists imagine, starting from actual automation that 19th century inventors created. However, automation didn't wait for steam; it already existed in the water power era. Brent will explain how that worked, illustrated with places you can visit in the local area.
Brent Warner
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Ursula K. Le Guin 26 October 1929-22 January 2018
Ursula K. Le Guin was one of the first authors writing the SF/F genre to have her works widely studied in academic circles. She was also a pioneer, writing as a woman in a then male-dominated field. She leaves behind her a diverse body of work, including her best-known stand-alone novels The Left Hand of Darkness and The Dispossessed, which both won the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novel, and the YA Earthsea books, which include a Nebula winner, and a Newbery Honor winner. Our panelists and audience reflect on her work, life, and influence.
Beth Chandler,  Marc Drexler,  Sarah Pinsker,  Don Sakers (M),  Jo Walton
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Running a Small Press
A daunting task, taking on the title of publisher. Learn what is involved, in terms of subject matter, scheduling, financing, and personalities. Also, other less-obvious aspects of what might be involved, and what to avoid.
Danielle Ackley-McPhail,  Harrison Demchick (M),  Cristin Kist,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Martin Wilsey
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Concert: Harold Feld
Harold Feld, also known in the SCA as Master Yaakov HaMagid, will perform his adaptation of stories from The Book of Delights. Written by Yosef Ibn Zarra in the 12th Century, The Book of Delights is a collection of stories about a Rabbi and his wacky Demon traveling companion who spend most of their time telling each other stories. In this chapter, the demon explains to the Rabbi the virtues of women through the tale of how the leopard's wife saved him from death at the hands of his treacherous "friend" the fox.
Harold Feld
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Memorial for Friends and Fans Lost in the Past Year
For some we loved, the loveliest and the best/ That from his Vintage rolling Time hath prest/ Have drunk their Cup a Round or two before, / And one by one crept silently to rest* Come join us in a celebration and remembrance of those close to us who have died recently. *Edward FitzGerald,The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Real Life Military vs SF/F
Hear from veterans and military family members about what they wish would be depicted in SF/F, what writers often get wrong, and the answers to common questions about real life in the military.
Linda Adams,  Leslie Roy Carter,  Carl Cipra (M),  Scott MacMillan,  Mike McPhail
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Video Gaming: Worms Revolution
It’s a little-known fact that worms are highly territorial and will fight each other to the death in military combat. It’s also a little-known fact that they are terrible at military combat. Take turns lobbing grenades, shooting bazookas, and dropping concrete donkey statues on each other - and yourself - in a free-for-all fight with up to four players. Last worm standing wins. (PC, strategy, E10+, 1-4 Players)
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Game: Aeon's End
Aeon's End is a cooperative game that explores the deckbuilding genre with a number of innovative mechanisms, including a variable turn order system that simulates the chaos of an attack, and deck management rules that require careful planning with every discarded card.
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      How Feminism Helps Men
Despite the name, feminism isn't purely for the benefit of women. Panelists discuss the things feminists have done and will do to benefit gay men, trans men, men who just like to cook and knit, and even men who think feminism is all about hating men.
Lanthir Calendae,  Jessica Moran,  Don Sakers (M),  Sarah Sexton,  Michelle D. Sonnier
08:00 PM - 08:30 PM      Reading: Intisar Khanani
Intisar will read a selection from her epic fantasy novel Sunbolt, followed by an open Q&A.
08:30 PM - 09:00 PM      Reading: The Squirrelicane III: Dawn of the Squirrels, by Jeff Gritman and Cristin Kist
As dawn swiftly approaches, the residents of the Shady Pines Trailer Park know that certain doom is coming. The third time is not the charm for Prison Dad and his faithful companions. TV reports show a terrible storm, but one house is fortified from the evil squirrels... possibly by some sort of magical shield. They know that the squirrels are coming from that house and that they have to go there. They know that they are the only ones that can stop...The Squirrelicane! The final chapter of the Squirrelicane saga tells the story of Jed, Franny, and Sarah facing an old nemesis, and thousands of battle ready, mutant, red eyed squirrels.
09:15 PM - 10:15 PM      Reading: Broad Universe Rapid-Fire Reading
The authors of the Broad Universe writing organization share excerpts from their upcoming works.
Danielle Ackley-McPhail,  Margaret Carter,  J.L. Gribble,  Elektra Hammond,  Roberta Rogow,  Michelle D. Sonnier
09:15 PM - 12:00 AM      Time Travelers' Social
Chessiecon's annual costume/dancing/eating/hangout party! Costumes encouraged but not required. Circle of Confusion will provide music to listen and dance to. Costumed guests have the option to be announced at the arch for fun and profit (or perhaps just fun).
Daphne Eftychia Arthur,  Zeynep Dilli,  Christi Hayes,  Kit Mason,  Karen Osborne,  Emory Stagmer,  Mike Stoddard,  Trix Whitehall
09:15 PM - 01:00 AM      Bardic Circle
All are invited to share stories, songs, and other performances. Please be clear if you don't want others helping, because otherwise they almost certainly will.
09:15 PM - 10:15 PM      The Effect of Catastrophic Events on Literature
There are many examples of stories influenced by (or existing because of) real world events, from a catastrophic flood in the Epic of Gilgamesh, to Japan's post-World War II imagery in animation, to rock musicals about the AIDS epidemic. How do major events shape the stories we tell for years to come?
Linda Adams,  Ruthanna Emrys,  Sarah Pinsker,  Don Sakers (M),  Jo Walton
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      Video Gaming: Until Dawn Collaborative Round Robin, Part 1
A love letter to classic horror and slasher movies, Until Dawn tells a story of eight teenagers vacationing in a wintry cabin in the woods, on the anniversary of the disappearance of two mutual friends. What could possibly go wrong? The choose-your-own-adventure style gameplay means that depending on your choices, you affect the characters’ development, their relationships with each other, and even whether they live or die. For two nights, we’ll be playing the game together, discussing options, influencing decisions, and taking turns at the controller. (Playstation 4, Horror, M for Mature, 1 Player)
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      Alternate Endings For Your Favorite Canceled TV Shows
The show was brilliant, but that's how they ended it?! Firefly, Enterprise, Jericho, Terminator, to name a few, all ended before their time. This panel is a group discussion/impromptu exercise to make our own endings.
Harrison Demchick,  J.L. Gribble,  Jeff Gritman,  Elektra Hammond (M),  Timothy Liebe
10:30 PM - 12:00 AM      Labyrinth: Order of St. Michael
Labyrinths are very old spiritual aids found all over the Western world, cut into turf, marked out by hedges, and inlaid in the floors of churches/Cathedrals. As a meditative device, the path represents many things, including a spiritual journey. Please join the OSM in this short, exploratory spiritual journey. We hope you find blessings.
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      Game: Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game
Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game is a semi-cooperative, hidden identity game for 3-6 players ages 10 and up that can be played in 2-3 hours.
Saturday
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Video Gaming: Kids' Swim
Family friendly hours; all games are rated E for Everyone/E10+ and inappropriate language is forbidden.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      The Latest in the World of Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs! And other things... Tom Holtz talks about the latest discoveries, developments, and news in the field of Paleontology.
Tom Holtz
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM      Workshop Fair
Come to the atrium to demo, teach, learn, or just do your craft in the presence of other makers. In years past we've had spinning, weaving, knitting, beading, chain mail, origami and many others. Feel free to just watch, try your hand at any of the crafts available, or bring your own craft to show. Accompanied children welcome!
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Time Management for the Overachieving Creator
Wearing too many hats? Going it indie as an author or publisher can really fragment your time. Panelists discuss ways you can streamline your process to be productive while still getting necessary things done.
Danielle Ackley-McPhail (M),  Linda Adams,  J.L. Gribble,  Intisar Khanani,  Valerie Mikles
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, 200th Anniversary
Possibly the earliest SF/F work still widely read, this novel has influenced literature since its publication. Direct retellings include terrifying films and hilarious TV shows. We can see Frankenstein's influence in works as recent as the TV series Dexter and the popular web series Worm. Come discuss the work itself and its effect on feminism and society as we celebrate its bicentennial.
Carl Cipra (M),  C.S. Friedman,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Jo Miles,  Steven R. Southard
10:00 AM - 12:15 PM      Workshop: Silver Celtic Knot Earrings
Loren Damewood shows you how to tie silver wire into a couple of butterflies or Celtic ovals and magically turn them into earrings! Tools and wire provided, bandages available as needed. Six students. $25.
Loren Damewood
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Game: H.I.D.E.: Hidden Identity Dice Espionage
H.I.D.E.: Hidden Identity Dice Espionage is a spy-themed dice game based on a deduction mechanism. By combining the information disclosed as the game goes on, try to find out other players' identities while hiding your own and gathering intel cards that are displayed in the middle of the play area. 3-5 players. Age 8+
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Workshop: Bellydancing
It's fun, it's pretty, and it's excellent exercise! Learn how to belly dance or bring your expertise and help others learn.
Melanie Mansfield
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Game: RPG: A Gift for Master Samwise
Prince Faramir of Ithilien and his wife Eowyn, the White Lady of Rohan, seek a special gift for Master Samwise Gamgee, Mayor of the Shire, upon his visit to Gondor in the year 20 of the Fourth Age. The players are tasked with finding this gift and getting it to Ithilien before Master Samwise leaves.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM      Reading and Concert: Harrison Demchick
Developmental editor, author, screenwriter, musician, and Chessiecon regular Harrison Demchick reads from his latest short story "Magicland" (appearing in the next issue of Phantom Drift) and performs from his debut album Otherguy, arguably the most obscure EP ever recorded.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Game: Learn Concardia
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Representation vs Tokenism
When attempting to write a diverse variety of characters, an author risks portraying a member of an unfamiliar culture in a shallow or offensive manner. On the other hand, authors who write only characters from groups with which they are thoroughly familiar may create a world where marginalized peoples are underrepresented. Our panelists discuss negotiating these pitfalls while creating a compelling work of literature.
Lanthir Calendae,  Carl Cipra (M),  Mary Fan,  Intisar Khanani,  Michelle D. Sonnier
11:15 AM - 01:30 PM      Video Gaming Morning Matinee: The Wizard
Jimmy Woods (Luke Edwards) is a sad, emotionally withdrawn child struggling with trauma, who desperately wants to go to California. His half brother, Corey (Fred Savage), feels trapped living with his bickering father and older brother (Beau Bridges and Christian Slater, respectively) and wants to get away and keep Jimmy from being shut into a mental institution. Corey gets the idea to sneak Jimmy out and they run away together, and on the way it’s discovered that Jimmy is a natural genius at video games! A fellow runaway, Haley (Jenny Lewis), sees an opportunity, and agrees to help them reach California... by means of a Nintendo contest at Universal Studios! Along the way, the trio evades muggers, bullies, and a skeevy bounty hunter (Will Seltzer) who’s been paid to find Jimmy and take him home - no matter how underhandedly. All the cheesy charm of the late 80s, a love letter to classic video games, including an unintentionally, painfully accurate description of an old Nintendo accessory. What’s not to love... and laugh at? (1989, Rated PG)
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Walking To Mordor: A Panel About Pacing and Time Compression
There is something to be said about making your world feel big and the journey from point A to point B feel long and arduous. But if you're not careful, your epic odyssey may become a bedtime story! How do you make a long journey or passage of time interesting, and how do you know when to trim things down?
Elektra Hammond,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Don Sakers (M),  Jo Walton
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Concert: Totally Not the Clams
A collection of mollusks and a friend or two who have been around for a while will make some old music or new, borrowed or possibly blue. Will probably include some sing-alongs and a waltz.
Bob Esty,  Sue Esty,  John Huff,  Kathleen Sobansky
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Turkey Awards Judging Panel
At our somewhat misguided request, authors created the opening paragraph to the worst SF/F novel they could conceive of. For four years running, our imaginative and inspired writers have come up with some beautiful, horrible, awful, and awe-inspiring works. Come hear what our finalists have written this year, and what our judges have to say about it. Winners will be awarded dubious prizes later in the evening.
Lee Budar-Danoff,  Beth Chandler,  Harrison Demchick,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Don Sakers (M)
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Put a Pretty Face on It - Cover Design in the Age of Digital Art
Many book covers avoid traditional art, but there are pitfalls with stock art and the popular software "Poser". Learn programs to use, how to get the most out of them, and how to make your cover stand out in a good way.
Linda Adams,  Mary Fan (M),  C.S. Friedman,  Nicole Jamison,  Mike McPhail
12:30 PM - 02:30 PM CANCELLED     Guedra - North African Trance Dance and Chant
12:30 PM - 02:30 PM      Medieval Dance
Come and learn some wonderful dances from the Renaissance and Medieval periods. Partners and fancy garb not required! There will be an open band led by Maugorn - the more musicians the merrier. Dances covered will depend on audience interest but will include some English Country (Gathering Peasecods, New Bo Peep, Rufty Tufty, along with others) and possibly other types of dances such as dances from the Inns of the Court (Black Alman), Bransles, and 15th century Italian dances. Again, don't worry if this list is meaningless; all dances will be taught.
Sonya Gross
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Game: Macroscope
You’ve never seen a device like this! Peek through this curious contraption’s round holes at the image hidden inside. Can you tell a rhino from a pizza just from a few swirling lines? Take a good look at the partially revealed image, guess what it could be and score points if you are right! 2-6 players. Age 6+
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Group Discussion: Steven Universe
Who loves the Crystal Gems? Come gush (or complain, or ask questions) about Steven Universe with fellow enthusiasts. Spoiler alert: spoilers.
Margaret Carter
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Workshop: Dragons in the Kitchen
A workshop that teaches you to create a dragon themed dessert with a little kick of heat that will impress your guests and not burn your wallet. $15 materials fee.
Jessica Moran
12:30 PM - 01:00 PM      Reading: Elektra Hammond
Alternate history. Find out the real story of the Lincoln assassination, and why John Wilkes Booth was secretly a hero.
01:00 PM - 01:30 PM      Reading: Steven R. Southard
Steven will read his story "The Unparalleled Attempt to Rescue One Hans Pfaall," which is in the newly released anthology Quoth the Raven.
01:45 PM -      Gaylactic Spectrum Awards
Carl and Rob will be announcing and discussing the Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Best Novel winner and Recommended Short List titles for 2018.
Carl Cipra,  Rob Gates
01:45 PM - 02:45 PM      Workshop: Origami
Sonya Bleakley
01:45 PM - 02:45 PM      Good Art, Problematic Artist
How are readers' reactions to a story or other work of art affected by the actions and views of the creator? Can and should art be judged independently from the people and cultures that produced it?
Margaret Carter,  Beth Chandler,  Scott Edelman,  Don Sakers (M),  Steven R. Southard
01:45 PM - 02:45 PM      Video Gaming: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
You have a bomb in front of you, but you don’t know how to defuse it! Your partner has the manual, but can’t see the bomb! Challenge your teamwork and communication skills in this intense problem solving challenge; can you work together to defuse the bomb before it explodes? Put multiple players in the hot seat for even more communication chaos! (PC, Puzzle, E10+, 2 or more Players)
01:45 PM - 02:15 PM      Concert: Roberta Rogow
Roberta Rogow
02:15 PM - 02:45 PM      Concert: Sarah Pinsker
Sarah Pinsker
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM      Game: Dazzle
Dazzle, a.k.a. 4 Seasons, is a two-player card game that plays in 15 to 20 minutes. Each player fights over four categories — pure, dawn, spiral, and faith — that correspond to four colors; there are 12 cards with the value 1-3 in each category, and the cards are dealt so that each player has a mix of the same value cards in their deck, with some cards being secretly removed from play.
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM      Songwriting Workshop
Have you ever written a poem you thought should have some music? Or a tune that needed words? Or nothing at all, that just needed words and music to become a song? Come to this songwriting workshop and learn how to blend melody and meaning under the tutelage of our experts.
Lee Budar-Danoff,  Dr. Mary Crowell,  Ben Newman
03:00 PM - 05:15 PM      Workshop: Silver Ring. ADVANCED
Tie silver wire into a Turk's-head knot ring that, with luck, will fit one of your fingers. Tools and materials provided. Two students. $60
Loren Damewood
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM      Game: The Heroes of Kaskaria
The hero who plays their action cards cleverly, rescues as much treasure as possible, and snatches the magic amulet back from the evil trolls will become the big hero of Kaskaria! 2-4 players. Age 6+
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM      Jo Walton interview
Two-time Dubious Prize Winner Beth Chandler interviews our amazing Guest of Honor, Jo Walton. Find out everything you've always wanted to know about Jo that Beth isn't afraid to ask.
Beth Chandler,  Jo Walton
04:15 PM - 06:30 PM      Video Gaming: Super Smash Brothers, Calvinsmash Edition!
Let’s be honest with ourselves: “No items, Fox only, Final Destination” gets boring after a while, especially in the face of all the strange and ridiculous shenanigans that can happen in the Super Smash Brothers games. So let’s throw aside any sense of fair and balanced gameplay and just get silly! Calvinsmash is a creation of the video game room in which every round of Super Smash Brothers has a different set of in-game or moderator-created rules. You never know what’s going to happen! It’s not a tournament, but we still have fun prizes for all participants as a way of saying thank you for putting up with our insanity. (Wii-U & Wii, Fighting, T for Teen, 2-8 Players)
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      Young Adult Fiction: Why Then? Why Now?
In 1967, highschooler S.E. Hinton wrote "The Outsiders", and the YA genre was quickly off and running. Now, over thirty years later, YA is rapidly expanding again. Both adults and teenagers are reading it, and YA books pop up on every bestseller list. What happened then, and what's happening now that causes YA to grow so wildly?
Mary Fan,  J.L. Gribble (M),  Intisar Khanani,  Tamora Pierce
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      Life in Darwin's Universe: Natural History Perspectives on the Rareness of Technological Intelligence
Tom Holtz
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      Concert: Homespun Ceilidh Band
A Chessiecon favorite, the HCB will play an array of dance tunes.
Daphne Eftychia Arthur,  Felicia Eberling,  Karen Osborne,  Mike Stoddard,  John Ward,  Trix Whitehall
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      Series or Standalone? Can't I Have Both?
Readers love getting invested in an ongoing series, and authors are encouraged to write them. Unfortunately, this can be a deterrent to new readers. Panelists discuss the pros and cons of series and standalone novels, and some tricks to building a universe where a reader can jump in anywhere.
Leslie Roy Carter,  Katherine Kurtz,  Don Sakers (M),  Martin Wilsey
04:15 PM - 05:15 PM      Transformation Tarot
Loosely based on the work of Piers Anthony, this five duo deck includes the suit of Spirit with the symbol of the lemniscate - infinity - and 25 trumps; bring your own deck to compare. Book being developed.
Charles Butler
04:15 PM - 04:45 PM      Reading: C.S. Friedman
Celia will read from her next book, This Virtual Night, a new novel in the same universe as This Alien Shore. She will answer questions and sign books as time allows.
04:45 PM - 05:15 PM      Reading: Michelle D. Sonnier
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Game: The Refuge: A Race for Survival
The Refuge: A Race for Survival is a post-apocalyptic zombie strategy game. The goal of the game is to be the first to reach the refuge while fending off zombies and other players. 2-6 players. Age 18+
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Sharing Circle
You have a story. A journey of belief and seeking. Of finding scars, wisdom, truth, and riddles. A tale of everything you've picked up and discarded. The story of where you started and where life is taking you. Come to listen, share, and be heard.
Luke Katafiasz
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      It's OK to Not Like Things...
It's inevitable; there will be some things you just don't like. Whether it's just not your thing, or it's a problematic thing. You might feel like the only person who doesn't like it, or who sees the issues. What can you do to healthily and clearly express your dislike or discomfort, and discuss those issues without being a jerk to those who do enjoy it?
Danielle Ackley-McPhail (M),  Timothy Liebe,  Valerie Mikles,  Sarah Sexton,  Steven R. Southard
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Irish Jam
Beginning/intermediate level. Come bring your instrument and play some common Irish session tunes! Some music will be available and tempos will be reasonable for learning music. Bob will talk some (hopefully not too much!) about Irish sessions in general and what to expect if you visit one, and anyone else who has been to an Irish session is welcome to share their impressions. A resource sheet will include sources of Irish tunes and links to lists of Irish sessions in the area.
Bob Esty
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Victorian Women Mathematicians
Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, best known for her work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, was the first to recognize that the machine had applications beyond calculation, published the first algorithm for such a machine and is sometimes regarded as the first computer programmer. Florence Nightingale is widely recognized for establishing nursing as a respected scientific medical profession, but is less known for her work in statistics, graphical data-representation and Epidemiology. Her application of mathematics to healthcare has probably saved at least as many lives as her other work. In this lecture, we will examine the contributions of these two Victorian nerds.
Fred Blonder,  James Williams
05:30 PM - 06:30 PM      Rules of Writing, and When to Break Them
Show, don't tell. Active rather than passive. Use energetic verbs instead of adverbs. These, among many others, are rules of writing that get beaten into us from day one. But are they immutable? Are they being used as intended or have they been misunderstood? When should we resist the temptation to bend the rules, and when should we modify them or even toss them out the window?
Harrison Demchick,  Ruthanna Emrys,  Steve Kozeniewski (M),  Sarah Pinsker,  Jo Walton
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Learn Lang Belta, the Language of The Expanse!
Far from the Earth's gravity well, the brave and resourceful people of the Belt have developed their own Creole language. Lang Belta combines languages from all over Earth with the unique culture of the Belt. Join us for a friendly immersive introduction that will have you leaving behind your Earther roots and interacting comfortably in Lang Belta. By the end, you'll be ready to learn more on your own, and even join the Outer Planets Alliance!
Hanne Madeleine Gates Paine,  Kagan MacTane
06:45 PM - 08:00 PM      Group Signing
Authors, artists, and musicians gather for signing/book-selling/chatting with fans.
Danielle Ackley-McPhail,  Leslie Roy Carter,  Margaret Carter,  Dr. Mary Crowell,  Mary Fan,  C.S. Friedman,  J.L. Gribble,  Elektra Hammond,  Intisar Khanani,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Katherine Kurtz,  Timothy Liebe,  Valerie Mikles,  Tamora Pierce,  Sarah Pinsker,  Roberta Rogow,  Michelle D. Sonnier,  Steven R. Southard,  Jo Walton,  Martin Wilsey
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Concert: Steve Haug (aka Maugorn the Stray)
Maugorn The Stray has a repertoire that spans many ages, genres, & lifetimes. With the help of years of experience and a little magick, he'll find songs that you love and play them for you on his arsenal of instruments, sometimes on several at once!
Steve Haug
06:45 PM - 07:45 PM      Healing Circle
Circle for Healing in the Haven Tradition. Each participant can both help and/or receive help.
Allison Kaese
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Game: Aristocracy
Aristocracy is a revolutionary good time about the rise and fall of some of histories most infamous ruling elite. Designed with quick, cut-throat game play in mind, Aristocracy is a reign-of-fun for both new and veteran players. 2-4 players. Age 8+
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Game: Scythe
Scythe is an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s period. It is a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, innovation and valor. 1-5 players. Age 14+
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Heraldry
Can you tell a dragon from a wyvern? Couchant from contourné from rampant? Or from azul? Even if you can't, but you think it sounds cool, come hear about history and heraldry from noted expert Scott MacMillan.
Scott MacMillan
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Concert: Dr. Mary Crowell
Dr. Mary Crowell
08:00 PM - 10:00 PM      Game: Fuzzy Heroes Football
Football! A US Thanksgiving tradition! Coach the Rampaging Reptiles or the Mighty Microbes to victory over the other team! Fuzzy Heroes is a set of miniatures rules for your stuffed animals. Here, the two sides go head to head to claim the Chessiecon championship. For 2-4 players, with the playing field laid out in the lobby.
Aleksandr Poryshkin,
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Video Gaming: Audiosurf & Audiosurf 2
A classic rhythm game from the early days of steam. The program generates a roller coaster-esque map based on the music’s waveform, and you ride the map collecting colored blocks to make matches. Easy to learn, different ways to play of varying difficulty, and any piece of music you can find can be played! Choose a song from the Crazy Headcrab Lady’s >60 GB music collection, or bring your own MP3s! (WARNING: Lyrics of music played may contain mature, obscene, or offensive content. Please be respectful of other people’s music tastes.) (PC, rhythm/puzzle, Not Rated, 1-2 Players)
08:00 PM - 09:00 PM      Magic ex Machina: It Works Because We Say So!
Panelists will discuss examples of good and bad magic in fiction. How do you design a solid, consistent magic system for your story or series? How do you make magic a natural part of your world and avoid the temptation to pull out a magic trick to write yourself out of a corner?
Carl Cipra (M),  Harrison Demchick,  Intisar Khanani,  Katherine Kurtz,  Tamora Pierce
09:15 PM - 10:15 PM      Where Does it All End? Turning Your Story Into a Cohesive Whole
Well begun may be half done, but how do you figure out where you are ultimately going with your idea, the great ending, and how do you get there? Our panelists will discuss the elements that make up a good middle and end of a story and how to connect them.
Mary Fan,  C.S. Friedman,  Cristin Kist,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Jo Miles
09:15 PM - 11:45 PM      Concert: Kiva
For 28 years and counting, KIVA has been entertaining and enthralling audiences with their percussive, acoustic, worldbeat ensemble that celebrates the magic of nature and ancient bardic traditions with music that opens the heart and heals the spirit. The band blends strong vocal harmonies with rich and diverse acoustic and electric instrumentation, performing originals, traditionals, and covers. The musicians are inspired by many cultures, spiritual disciplines, and musical styles, including celtic-folk, folk-rock, blues, big band, traditional chants, and jazz.
Jim Brewster,  Tigre Cruz,  David Landis,  Roni Landis,  Ariana Lightningstorm,  Diana McFadden,  Tim Sauerwein,  Diana Sunday
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      Video Gaming: Until Dawn Collaborative Round Robin, Part 2
Video games are much longer than movies, so to make up for it, we continue Until Dawn where Friday night’s session left off. You don’t have to have attended the previous session, we will fill you in on what you missed as best we can. (Playstation 4, Horror, M for Mature, 1 Player)
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      From Wesley to Wheaton: Celebrities Who Broke Type
In 1987 Wil Wheaton came to the notice of Star Trek fandom as Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Twenty years later, he's making his living playing tabletop games in a youtube webseries! This panel discusses actors and other celebrities whose most famous roles are not what they're most remembered for.
Linda Adams,  Nicole Jamison,  Cristin Kist,  Timothy Liebe,  Don Sakers (M)
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      Showtunes Singalong
Filthy Pierre leads the masses in singing Show Tunes.
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      Game: Tragedy Looper
Tragedy Looper is a scenario-based deduction game for two to four players: one mastermind and one to three protagonists. Age 13+
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM      Bardic Circle
Second verse, same as the first!
11:45 PM - 12:45 AM      Turkey Awards Presentation
Winning entries will be read aloud by Dr. Mary Crowell, and dubious prizes will be awarded.
Dr. Mary Crowell,  Dr. Mary Crowell
12:00 AM - 03:00 AM      Caroling (starts after Hallelujah)
Sing Christmas Carols by the "fire" with Filthy Pierre and others.
12:00 AM - 12:15 AM      Hallelujah Chorus
Chessiecon's annual tradition of singing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus in the lobby. Sheet music will be provided.
Sunday
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Badass Women in History
Who were they, what influence did they have, and how did they either typify or defy the social norms of their time? Who beyond Harriet Tubman could grace the remainder of the world's coinage and currency? Stonewall spark Stormé DeLarverie? 1920s pilot Bessie Coleman? Swashbuckling diva Julie d'Aubigny? Come alone or bring other candidates to the discussion.
Carl Cipra (M),  C.S. Friedman,  Heather Rose Jones,  Aleksandr Poryshkin,  Jo Walton
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      The 60-minute Plot
A panel of writers takes suggestions from the audience to concoct the plot of a story.
Harrison Demchick,  Cristin Kist,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Valerie Mikles,  Roberta Rogow (M),  Michelle D. Sonnier
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM      Michaeline Mass
Christian Mass offered by the Order of St. Michael.
Katherine Kurtz
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM      Boffer Swords
Have fun, hang out, hit people with padded sticks. Whether you are a master of the padded sword or have never even considered the possibilities of percussive therapy, stop by to just watch, or to engage us in boffer combat. Time will include open practice, melee free-for-all, one-on-one and team battles.
Luke Katafiasz
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Video Gaming: Kids' Swim
Family friendly hours; all games are rated E for Everyone/E10+ and inappropriate language is forbidden.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM      Game: Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars, each player is a corporation. The corporations work together in the make Mars habitable. But while you need to work cooperatively to succeed, you are also working for victory points awarded for your specific contributions to the project, for advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system, and other commendable successes. 1-5 players. Age 12+
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM      Reading: J.L. Gribble
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM      Reading: Ruthanna Emrys
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Workshop: Cotton Knot Bracelet
Learn to tie a cotton Turk's-head bracelet on a small loom, and add fancy colors to it. Free.
Loren Damewood
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Video Gaming: 1-Cup Video Gaming Talk over Tea - Artistic Games
Enjoy a hot drink and some cookies as we sit together and talk about video games in a light-hearted round-table discussion. This year’s topic is Artistic Games. Over the past decade, there’s been a debate about whether video games are considered high art. Our local Crazy Headcrab Lady says that’s a pointless question, because every form of media has examples that are high art and examples that are not. Instead, let’s talk about games that gave you the same experience as high art. What made them particularly beautiful or memorable? Did they have a story that you found as enjoyable as a movie or a novel? Was there a message that meant a lot to you or symbolism that made you think? Has a game ever changed your perspective on life? Or, has there ever been a game that you wish put more effort into its message or story? Everyone’s opinion is different, so there’s no wrong answer as to what games you think are art.
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      How and Why People Create Self-Publishing Communities
When people are shut out of traditional publishing avenues, more and more of them turn to self-publishing. Marginalized populations are far more likely to be rejected from traditional publishing, and many have created communities with fellow self-publishers to share tips, support, and resources. This panel is a conversation about how to find or found these communities.
Linda Adams,  Mary Fan (M),  Intisar Khanani,  Cristin Kist
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Famous Animals in Fantasy
Whether as major characters in such works as Narnia, Watership Down, and Redwall, or as background characters in humanoid-centered fantasy worlds like Middle Earth or Damar, animals have played important and influential roles in genre literature. That's before even considering dragons! Join our panelists in a celebration and discussion of candidates for the Fantastic Animal Hall of Fame.
Nicole Jamison,  Heather Rose Jones,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Tamora Pierce,  Sarah Sexton
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM      Concardia Tournament
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM      Reading: Danielle Ackley-McPhail
Danielle Ackley-McPhail reads from her newest work, "New Discoveries" from the collection Stories of Fremont's Children.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM      Reading: Sarah Pinsker
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Game: The Red Dragon Inn
You and your adventuring companions will spend the night drinking, gambling, and roughhousing. The last person who is both sober enough to remain conscious and shrewd enough to hold onto their Gold Coins wins the game. 2-4 players. Age 13+
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      They're the Protagonist, But Are They a Role Model?
The panel discusses protagonists who aren't inherently good people or who don't have inherently good goals, and what that means for how the reader perceives them and the story. Does a flawed character automatically mean a flawed story? Can an author tell a moral story with an amoral protagonist?
Harrison Demchick,  Jeff Gritman,  Steve Kozeniewski,  Don Sakers (M),  Jo Walton
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      When did Sci Fi Become so Political?
Anytime SF/F suggests a future with greater equality or examines current societal flaws, someone will cry out (often on social media) the infamous phrase, "When did science fiction become so POLITICAL?" Has it ever not been? Are political messages in older SF/F lost on modern audiences, or was the genre ever the message-free romp some say it was? Is SF any different in this than other genres?
Linda Adams,  Lanthir Calendae,  Mary Fan (M),  Steven R. Southard
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Tea and Tarot
Open reading swap for diviners.
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM      Bellydancing
We start with a quick solo performance, then begin the jam! All levels welcome, including those who just want to watch and/or learn from others.
Melanie Mansfield
12:30 PM - 01:00 PM      Storytelling: Mark Mandel
Mark Mandel
01:00 PM - 01:30 PM      Storytelling: Ian Hanley
Ian Hanley
01:45 PM - 04:00 PM      Video Gaming: PC Games Only, Feat. Jackbox Party Games
The convention is drawing to a close and it's time to start putting our toys away. From now until closing time, the only things left out to play with are our computers. But you're welcome to stay and join us in a few hilarious rounds of Jackbox Party Pack games (PC/mobile, Party/Trivia, T for Teen, 1-8+ Players), a set of wacky party games from the creators of You Don't Know Jack; use your laptop, tablet, phone, or one of our provided computers to play Quiplash, Fibbage, Drawful, Survive the Internet, and more! Easy to sign in and play, always good for a final laugh, and maybe you'll even learn something about the world...or your friends.
01:45 PM - 02:45 PM      Feedback Session
Come let us know what you loved, what you hated, what we can do better next year, and how you'd like to help! That last part is very important because Chessiecon is running on fumes and we need people!
Joshua Kronengold and others
01:45 PM - 02:45 PM      Tammy Talks to Her Fans
Tamora Pierce answers questions and chats with the audience. Open to the public.
01:45 PM - 02:45 PM      Maugorn The Stray
Come by and listen to whatever Maugie wants to do that he didn't do during his first concert.
Steve Haug
01:45 PM - 02:15 PM      Reading: Don Sakers
02:15 PM - 02:45 PM      Reading: Karen Osborne
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM      Parting Filk
You're all checked out of the hotel, but still have a song in your heart? Come share it here!
Dr. Mary Crowell
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM      Game: Sheriff of Nottingham
In Sheriff of Nottingham, players will not only be able to experience Nottingham as a merchant of the city, but each turn one player will step into the shoes of the Sheriff himself. Players declare goods they wish to bring into the city, goods that are secretly stored in their burlap sack. The Sheriff must then determine who gets into the city with their goods, who gets inspected, and who may have their goods confiscated! 3-5 players. Age 13+