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Panels & Workshops

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See the Exhibits and Functions page for the 2010 Anime Room Schedule.

Anime Panels Schedule

Friday, May 28, 2010

Give your opinion of which are best and why! (This program is geared to a teen audience). Stephanie Burke(m), Lydia Ginter, Tyler Waldman, Rick Zacks

Sex-changing warriors and female princes; for those used to Western comics, fantasy and sci-fi, one of the most conspicuous aspects of the manga/anime world is the omnipresence of genderplay, ranging from tomboyish girls and effeminate boys to series that center on transvestites, hermaphrodites or male pregnancy. This panel traces the evolution of genderplay in early manga and anime, from literary background through the earliest animation to Ooku, which this year became the first manga to win a Tiptree award for its treatments of gender. Ada Palmer(m); Irina Greenman

Saturday, May 29, 2010

You cannot understand manga without studying the "God of Manga" Osamu Tezuka, the modern anime/manga industry, established or influenced every major genre, was the first man to turn manga into a tool for political activism, trained most of the top figures in the industry today, and produced over 700 series and 100,000 pages of manga during his career. His massive corpus and intricately interwoven science-fiction Buddhist universe can be daunting at first plunge, but this panel will give you a sense of his unique work, and where to start. Speaker Ada Palmer

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Cthulhu Mythos w/ or w/o crossover into anime types and other horror motifs. Come discuss the best of the genre and perhaps its use in anime. Jim Chambers(m), Elwin Cotman, C. J. Henderson, Neal Levin, Stella Price

How to re-create the Look you find in the literature: accessories, materials, visual sources. Lisa Adler-Golden, Stephanie Burke, Lydia Ginter, dianethx

Friday, May 28, 2010

Alan F. Beck Reading his children's book The Adventures of Nogard and Jackpot followed by an Art Techniques Demonstration.

This reception is an opportunity to mix and mingle with program participants and the Guests of Honor. All Art program participants, Art Show exhibitors, and Balticon members are invited to attend.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Participaqnts will be printing with acrylic paint to create Green Man & Green Animal images on assorted surfaces. All materials provided.

Hugo-Nominated artist Alan F. Beck will demonstrate more of his techniques.

Live sculpting demo. Presenter Paul Sorton

The annual Rotsler Award, established in 1998, is for long-time wonder-working with graphic art in amateur publications of the science fiction community. Moderator Steve Stiles

Matching the client's visions when doing commissions. Presenter Tristan Alexander

Learn some simple recipes to generate pleasing abstract art. Hands-on! Bring colored pencils or crayons and paper. Some will be available to share. Presenter Pyracantha

Learn some interesting and decorative hieroglyphs. Presenter Brent Warner

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Artists share stories, humorous and horrific, about painting to order for commissions and/or publication.Moderator Halla Fleischer

Slide show presenting original art and finished covers for both current and upcoming Baen books. Attendees will learn what goes into designing a cover and how covers evolve, as well as getting a sneak peak of upcoming releases. Free books are other goodies will be given out!Moderator Mark L. Van Name

Art Auction and Part II of Bobby Gear Memorial Charity AuctionAuctioneer Eric "Dr. Gandalf" Fleischer

Hands-On Art Workshop for Teens (90 minutes)Presenter Howard Tayler

Monday, May 31, 2010

In this jewelry workshop, attendees will create a fantasy bracelet featuring their own true colors. Cost is $3 each bracelet or two for $5 to cover supplies. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.Moderators Wendy Hellier Stevens and Vonnie Crist

Come wake up your muse. Bring pencil and paper if you have them. Some available.Moderator Halla Fleischer

Friday, May 28, 2010

Alan F. Beck Reading of his Children's Book "The Adventures of Nogard and Jackpot" followed by an Art Techniques Demonstration.

Give your opinion of which are best and why!Lisa Adler-Golden, Stephanie Burke(m), Lydia Ginter, dianethx

Make a Hall or Masquerade Costume.Persus Thorndike (m)

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Come join your children in making and painting some gear-shaped decorations! There will also be playdough for those more likely to eat the air dry clay... Moderator Amber Dionne will be present to keep an eye on things and also give advice to parents on how to bring your child to Steampunk events and have them have just as much fun as you do.

There is no more powerful a creative force in the universe than the imagination of young writers! This 90-minute program shows how to focus that creative energy for storytelling of all kinds -from fan fiction to professional sales. Participants will learn how to take an idea and cultivate it so that it grows into a top quality piece of writing. The program is taught by Jonathan Maberry, a NY Times bestselling and multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author and Marvel Comics writer.

Dance games using electronica music and space themes: This session uses electronica music and space themes to encourage the children to dance in a variety of ways. Includes a themed warm-up, locomotive exercises and dance games like the "Spaceship Dance" where children don "space gear" and "fly" in their spaceship (under a parachute) to a variety of planets (for example, the Planet of Jump, the Planet of Spin, etc.) Moderator Valerie Durham is the Artistic Director of the Duncan Dancers, Kennedy Center.

Entertainment for the Masquerade audience queue.Moderators Miriam Winder and Bill Mayhew

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Presented by The Dinosaur Doc (Dr. Thomas Holtz)

Draw Your Favorite Dinosaur with help from Dinosaur Artists Christine and Paul Sorton.

Valerie Durham, Artistic Director, The Duncan Dancers, Kennedy Center shows you how to go for a dinosaur walk.

Make a stuffed sheep or hand puppet. Presenter Merrilee Wolfe

A combination of physics and crafty fun! You will learn something about center of mass and torque while making an adorable little ‘bot with a cardboard body, pipe cleaner arms and legs, and googly eyes. Steampunky details can be added for extra fun – just make sure your ‘bot can keep its balance! Note: this ‘bot's job is to stand there and look cute, not to actually assist you in taking over the world.Facilitators Eric Schulman and Caroline Cox

Hands-On Art Workshop for Teens ages 11 to 19 (90 minutes) Presenter Howard Tayler.

An interactive activity about the Chesapeake Bay and pollution, as well as a recycling craft activity using up-cycled materials, to demonstrate the different ways of recycling, the importance of keeping the Bay healthy, and what it means to us.Presenter Leah Grasso

Monday, May 31, 2010

With Prizes,Moderator Leah Grasso

How would you send a signal to an alien civilization? How would you know you had received an alien signal? How would you interpret it? We'll look at examples of actual messages humans have sent and talk about the difficulties of communicating over such large distances. Then we'll decode a "signal" and see what the "aliens" are trying to tell us.Caroline Cox, Eric Schulman

Friday, May 28, 2010

Costuming Q & A. Just what it sounds like: a low-key, sometimes hilarious discussion of what drives us to play in this crazy sandbox. There may be hand-outs!! Come and start off the con with a costuming bang! Lisa Adler-Golden, Tom Atkinson, Karen Dick, Richard Hill, Carol Salemi

From small static fairy wings to fully articulated bat and demon wings, made from myriad materials and fabrics, our panelists address materials, fabrics and methods, as well as structural supports. Lisa Adler-Golden, Laurel Cunningham-Hill(m), Richard Hill, Joe Niedbala

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Although known primarily for its use as a foundation for hats and headpieces, buckram has myriad other uses for costumes and props. Learn what is, how it works, where to get it, and the steps for working with it, from our panelists. Stephie Carrig, Sharon Landrum, Judy Mitchell, Pavlina

Makeup of some degree is considered essential for appearing on stage under lights. Join our experienced panelists for a discussion of why that is so, makeup basics, and demonstration of techniques.Stephie Carrig, Marty Gear, Carol Salemi

Too often, hair becomes a last-minute thought, after the stress of completing the costume and coming up with a way to present it. Some ideas of what can be done with one's own hair, how to buy and wear and take care of wigs, and a special demo for theatrical facial hair! Laurel Cunningham-Hill, Betsy Marks-Delaney, Joe Niedbala, Carol Salemi

After a basic overview of presentation possibilities, our panelists will take audience questions about specific presentation conundrums. Tom Atkinson, Stephie Carrig, Sharon Landrum, Carol Salemi

Sunday, May 30, 2010

How to re-create the Look you find in the literature: accessories, materials, visual sources. Lisa Adler-Golden, Stephanie Burke, Lydia Ginter, dianethx

Ever wanted to make a costume and had no idea where to even start? This panel will use a demo technique to show how to drape fabric onto a dress form, and make your pattern from the results. It will also touch on, using commercial patterns and ways to modify them to get the exact look you want, fitted to yourself,, without starting from complete scratch. Stephanie Carrig, Betsy Marks-Delaney, Karen Dick, Sharon Landrum, Judy Mitchell

Ever wished you could see those wonderful costumes from the Saturday night Masquerade closer up, and maybe find out how they were made? This is your chance! Join us and the Masquerade participants as they display their glorious costumes. Masquerade entrants—this is not mandatory, but please give us a second chance to applaud your ingenuity and beauty! Lisa Adler-Golden, Karen Dick, Marty Gear, Betsy Marks-Delaney

Monday, May 31, 2010

You wouldn't BELIEVE what you can make a costume out of!! Our panelists offer ideas and methods for making costumes in which their basic materials and objects are unrecognizable. Tom Atkinson, Laurel Hill, Richard Hill, Joe Niedbala

Steampunk is one of the most ubiquitous trends in costuming for the past few years, and fatigue has not yet set in. What are the basics, and how far can it go? How to get the look of the fashions of the period, accessories, and visual sources. Tom Atkinson, Karen Dick, Judy Mitchell, Pavlina

At Attention! All aeronauts, aethernauts, lady and gentleman adventurers, mad scientists, inventors, and other Steampunks and neo-Victorians! Join us at 10 pm Friday night at for a time-traveling formal evening at the Steampunk Ball! Become part of the living clockwork of Victorian and Victorian-inspired set dances and spin madly with your partner to romantic waltzes and lively polkas. No previous experience is needed; all dances will be taught by Dance Mistress Susan de Guardiola. Music will be an eclectic mix of modern and nineteenth century. Steampunk, neo-Victorian, or Victorian costume encouraged and admired but not required. Airships and time machines should be parked outside the ballroom. No sabers, ray guns, or clanks permitted on the dance floor.

Learn to dance with a hula hoop! It's great fun, good exercise, and kind of weird. From basic hooping to simple tricks, come get your twirl on! Beautiful adult-sized hoops provided or bring your own. Dance Mistress Susan de Guardiola

Come learn a bunch of easy and fun medieval dances. Wear period dress or your jeans - just arrive dressed for fun. Music provided by Maugorn and friends.Dance Instructress Patches

Friday, May 28, 2010

Michael McAfee, Diane Weinstein, Eva Whitley (m)

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Each panelist, including the moderator, answers all the questions. All answers must be the truth--except three. No one other than the answering panelist knows if the answers are true or lies. After each one, anyone in the audience can challenge the answering panelist. Multiple people can challenge; the more, the better. After there are no more challengers, the panelist tells whether the answer was truth or a lie. If it was true, every challenger puts a dollar in a bucket that runners pass. If it was a lie, the panelist puts $10 in the bucket. All proceeds go to support the literacy program at Buck Lodge Middle School. Tanya Huff, Grig Larson, Jonathan Maberry, Mark Van Name (m)

What was your most profoundly enlightening, inspiring, touching moment since you became involved in science fiction fandom? How about the most absurd or ridiculous experience you have witnessed or been involved in. After the panelists share their experiences, the audience will be asked to tell some of their own experiences. Carl Cipra, D. Douglas Fratz, Elaine Stiles (m), Steve Stiles

Entertainment for the Masquerade audience queue. Miriam Winder and Bill Mayhew(m)

Baltimore is one of the most nerd-friendly towns on the East Coast. New around here? We'll talk about area events, hotspots, landmarks and all the great things you need to know. Laura Burns, John Cmar, Bryan Prindiville, Steven H. Wilson(m)

Sunday, May 30, 2010

How much math do people really need to know in our Age of Computers? Should we really have to solve a quadratic equation to be eligible to vote? How necessary is it to know calculus nowadays? Is there value in learning math beyond the solving of such problems? Laura Burns, Pamela L. Gay, Jim Van Verth, David J. Williams (m)

A dialogue for old smofs, and smofs to be. Erica Ginter, Perrianne Lurie, Mark Roth, Mike Walsh (m), Diane Weinstein

Monday, May 31, 2010

Come and help us learn how to do this smoother, bigger, better! (Oh yeah, and how about easier?!!!)   Balticon Chair Steve Zeve

The SNSFF sponsors a film premier on Friday night - for Balticon 44, we're happy to host the Maryland premier of I Heart Doomsday, a science fiction comedy from Montreal film makers Patrick Downing and Eric Amber, who will be joining us for this screening.

: If you missed the Sunday Night Short Film Festival, this is your chance to come and see the Directors Choice and Audience Choice Live Action and Animated Film Winners. The screening of the winners will be followed by Coming Attractions - Lance Oszko spends hours trolling the internet and talking to film distributors to find entertaining trailers to share with us for soon-to-be-released and never-to-be-released independent and commercial films from around the world. Moderator Lance Oszko

SF on TV, SF TV And Movies on DVD: Discuss the best and the worst. Moderator Keith A. DeCandido

Friday, May 28, 2010

What are some guidelines for scripting and directing films under 30 minutes? How about for short shorts under 5 minutes? What are the advantages and disadvantages to writer/director vs. separate writer and director? Moderator Lonnie Martin Panelists include: Brendon DeVore, Patrick Downing, Eric Amber, Gary Ugarek, Kris Holodak, Jason Damian

The SNSFF is excited to host the United States premiere of I Heart Doomsday, a science fiction comedy from Montreal film makers Patrick Downing and Eric Amber, who will be joining us for this screening.

We had so many candidates for the film festival this year that we can't fit them all into our allotted time on Sunday night. So we're showing them for our Friday midnight movies!

Saturday May 29, 2010

"Horrible Turn", set sometime in the 1990s, serves as an unofficial prequel to Joss Whedon's 2008 Internet sensation, "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog". Billy Buddy (Tyce Green) is a geeky, socially awkward whiz kid with lofty ambitions of changing the world...for the better. His dreams of living happily ever after with his Aussie dream girl, Katie Kitty (Kristin Massa), are jeopardized when a group of super-villains calling themselves the "Evil League of Evil" threaten to attack his school. Billy must reluctantly recruit his brash and self-absorbed schoolmate, Kenny Hammerstein (Jacob Buras), to help derail the terrorists' evil plot. Horrible Turn is a comedy/musical chronicling the transformation of the innocent, naïve Billy Buddy into the low-rent, hard-luck super-villain, Dr. Horrible. After "Horrible Turn", stay around for the screening of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog".

Can it be done? Where can corners be cut? What techniques can be used to compensate for cutting corners on special effect? Moderator John Taylor Williams; Panelists include: Eric Amber, Jason Damian, Brendon DeVore, Patrick Downing, Daniel Ross, Scott Simpson, Christian Quarantillo, Justin Timpane

Ninjas vs Zombies will be playing at 11:00 tonight in Parlor 1041. Come and get the inside scoop before you see the movie! And bring your autograph books - these handsome fellows also star in the movie.

Zombies, Vampires, Were Creatures, Mad Scientists, Demons - the antagonist, the enemy, the danger we love to scream at. Today's independent filmmakers are having a ball giving us monsters that are gross, scary and, especially, FUN! And we have some of those filmmakers here to talk to us about it. Panelists include: Christian Quarantillo, Daniel Ross, Scott Simpson, Cory Okouchi, Gary Ugarek

Ninjas vs Zombies Movie – back by popular demand! If you missed it last year, think Dawn of the Dead meets The Office.

Sunday May 30, 2010

A look at some of the sites independent filmmakers can use to get the word out about their work. A look at some of the sites viewers can visit to see short films and some tips on finding what you want there! Moderator Lance Oszko

Why zombies? Who does all that gory make-up? And how? How do you give your zombies personality? WHY do you give them personality…

Q and A with Gary Ugarek, the creator of the Deadlands series of films.

See the Film Festival Schedule for more details.

Filmmaker Gary Ugarek is hand carrying to Balticon this special director's cut of the sequel to Deadlands: The Rising (which was screened at the Sunday Midnight Movie at Balticon a few years ago.)

Note, the entire Gaming Track is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, 2010

Are there different types of games and gaming? Why does MY son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, friends or Significant Other like gaming? Come join the4 discussion as our hosts discuss these aspects and more. Moderator Kory Kease

Do women game? Yes they sure do. Are there women in the gaming industry, or is it an all boys club? At one time yes, however no longer. Women are an integral facet in gaming and the gaming industry in every role. Moderator Kory Kease

How is gaming used as gateway to reading and literature? How can gaming be used as a gateway to increase reading and the exploration of literature. Come join our hosts and find out.Moderator Kory Kease

Join our hosts in the discussion of using games from role playing to board games to CCG in teaching and as teaching aids.Moderator Kory Kease

Where and when do you place your story or adventure? How much detail do you need to give your setting or world? How do you create a world or setting. These questions and many more will be discussed. So join your hosts and bring your questions, comments and answers. Moderator Kory Kease

One of the most exciting elements of a campaign, game world, science fiction/fantasy series (book TV, etc.) is the adventure of meeting and discovering new cultures that are alien from your own. Bring your questions, ideas and answers.Moderator Kory Kease

Memorial for Gamer and long time fan Hal Haag.Moderator Kory Kease

Writing adventures can be one of the most daunting tasks a Game Master has to perform. Join our hosts while they discuss several options on how to create an adventure and an entire campaign.Moderator Kory Kease

When writing an adventure or a story, having characters that the readers can get into is half the battle. If the readers or players become intrigued by the characters, then the rest of the story will fall into place. Join our hosts as they discuss creating characters that are non-flat and can intrigue.Moderator Kory Kease

Monday, May 31, 2010

Friday May 28, 2010

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

You can find a separate Concert Schedule on the Exhibits and Functions page

Friday May 28, 2010

In terms of musical style, filk has always been associated with traditional English ballads or 60's/70's folk. But these days, rap, rock, and other contemporary styles are being used by filk songwriters and performers. This panel will explore some of the musical styles (new and old) you'll find in filk rooms and on filk stages.

Saturday May 29, 2010

In honor of Science GOH,Thomas Holtz

Sunday May 30, 2010

Many science fiction and fantasy stories involve music, whether just in the background or as an integral part of the story and the plot. Our panelists will discuss stories which merit a Grammy for their portrayals of music, and those which should be "gonged" off the stage.

A two act musical that takes place in the 25th century at the Planetary Renaissance festival.

There are many great filk songs based on published science fiction, fantasy and horror stories. In this program, a selection of songs will be paired with short readings from the stories that inspired them.

Sassafrass performs songs inspired by fantasy, folklore, and Norse legends.

Monday May 31, 2010

A discussion of character POV in songwriting. In both original and parody music, one can make use of POV and play with issues of what character is singing the song, and how/when the audience finds that out.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Our crack team of web comic creatives will talk about the latest news in the genre and what comics they just can't miss. Blondie, Ghostfreehood, Harknell, Bryan Prindiville

SL For Newbies: How to get around and find interesting things to do. How to build an avatar, shop for clothes, books, and land. A visit to Help Island, the place where new Second Life residents start. This preparation for getting the most out of SL. Shoshana Epsilon, Paulette Jaxton(m), Nathan Lowell

Words of wisdom about social media from authors: published or about to be published. They've built themselves a huge loyal audience, why haven't you? If you're a published author, mid-list or not, why aren't you taking advantage of these thriving communities to grow your own readership?

Our new media savvy authors will help you figure out where you can focus your efforts to get the best bang for that most precious commodity: Your time!

Whether it's gathering "friends" on Facebook, sending tweets on Twitter, or podcasting your own fiction you'll learn which aspects of social media are the best investment of your time and money. Moderator Dave Slusher

The Brain Eater - at a certain point, many otherwise great authors (or comic book creators) set back and rest on their laurels, feeding their fans the oddest (and likely kinkiest) tripe because THEY WILL STILL BUY IT. We discuss the phenomenon of the Brain Eater and which of our favorite authors may have succumbed to it. Moderator Patrick E. McLean

Trip to the dark underbelly of hard-core audio production. Enter a twilight audio session in the back streets of a post-apocalyptic podcast and watch how a fully-produced audio drama materializes right before your very ears. You can learn tips and tricks about audio effects, sound design, multi-track editing, music, mixing, mastering and more to help make your own podcast stand up and howl at the moon. Speaker James Durham

Writing about the darker things in life: Rape. Torture. Childhood trauma. Sex with Dwarves. Sometimes it's done for a laugh. Sometimes it is done for an emotional response. Sometimes, we ask ourselves "What was THAT all about?!" So why not ask the pros who do it? A panel that goes into the darker side of writing, where the envelope is not only pushed but fed to the shredder. When is "shock" essential to the story, and when is it sensational? Find out if authors add in moments of terror and extreme situations in order to surprise an audience, or as an alternative to group therapy. Moderator Tee Morris

Geek Radio Daily podcast consists of two shows to really bring you "All the Geek, Without the Wait". Tune in every day for 15 minutes of geeky goodness, and get geeky news, information about comics, video games, movies, and Podiobooks from Billy Flynn—featuring either Flynnstress or the Bruce. But the daily show doesn't even begin to delve into the depths of all that is geek. Tune in every sWeek (once a week-ish) for GRD sWeekly, a one-hour podcast that explores the geeky universe and our role in it. So, check out the show and join the forums over at www.geekradiodaily.com. (ding!) Moderator Billy Flynn

Being a parent alone can be hard enough, but in the world of New Media and Social Networking, there are some good things out there - and some bad things. We'll talk about the various issues that parents have to deal with regards to New Media, as both listeners and creators, what's out there for kids, and what measures parents can go to protect their children. Moderator Pete Prellwitz

Live version of Erotica Writer's podcast, Writers Nobilis Reed, Helen E. H. Madden and Ann Regenten's podcast. Even authors who aren't writing in the erotica genre use erotic scenes and imagery. Come hear them read the parts that end up with the dog-eared pages and broken spines from being read and re-read again and again. We'll also talk about the context of those scenes and their impact on the larger work.

How virtual worlds like SL affect you in real life Shoshana Epsilon, Starla Huchton, Nathan Lowell(m)

Dealing with blended families: Chooch, Viv, and possibly a special guest discuss parenting; blended families (children from previous marriages); dealing with school, work, long distance family relationships; pop culture; gaming, and gadgetry geekiness. Moderator Chooch Schubert

Which ones work? Moderator Nobilis Reed

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Master's Session: Audio Excellence in Podcasting. Our panel of professional audio engineers will discuss various topics surrounding audio engineering. They will help you get the best sound out of the equipment you have, help you pick the next piece of important equipment within your budget, and help you avoid burnout by streamlining your workflow to shorten the time you spend editing audio. Moderator Chooch Schubert

The journey from Podiobook to Print: Anyone with a microphone and a story to tell can create a podcast novel, but what is the next step in publishing? From vanity presses to publishing contracts, there are many avenues to success for modern novels. How much does a podcast novel help your publishing? How do you get an agent? Do you need an agent? What kinds of publishers are out there, and how can you approach them if your story is already available online? This panel lets podcasters who have published their stories tell about what they went through, what went right, and what went wrong, and give suggestions on how podcast novelists can take the next step in publishing. Moderator Nathan Lowell

The use of women as characters instead of plot: Whether it's rescuing the princess or vengeance for a murdered girlfriend, genre stories have a reputation using women as plot rather than character. Let's talk about examples of this, great stories that break the mold, and ways to keep women as characters rather than plot. Moderator Paulette Jaxton

A Launch Event for Jared Axelrod's New Podcast "Fables of the Flying City", Join "Aliens You Will Meet" & "Voice of Free Planet X" creator Jared Axelrod as he launches his new steampunk adventure podcast, "Fables of the Flying City." Learn how Ashe, a young woman from the streets of the flying city of Amperstam learns what it takes to be a member of the Aerial Guard. The first episode will be read, live! Tea will be served! Prizes will be won! YOU could be in the story!

Webcomics Beyond the Web: Dealing with the proliferation of mobile devices, Moderator Rosscott: With the advent of mobile applications and e-readers like the Kindle, iPad, and Nook, webcomic creators are having to think more outside the boundaries of the browser. Find out how our panelists are dealing with the new facets of electronic media. Barb Fischer, Harknell, Chris Impink, Rosscott

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a motivational novel-writing program for anyone who has wanted to write a novel but doesn't know how to get started. The program provides guidelines, structure and countless tools for success yet many still do not complete the 50,000 words required to be a winner. This panel of NaNoWriMo participants and winners will discuss their strategies for success, and if finishing even matters. Moderator Chooch Schubert

You might not get rich, but you can make money, Moderator Barb Fischer: No one initially goes into webcomics to make money... but it's not an impossible task. Join our panelists as they discuss ventures that have worked, schemes that haven't, and tools to help one along in the quest for fiscal solvency. Barb Fischer, Onezumi, Peter Prellwitz, Howard Tayler, C. Spike Trotman

Discussions on the planning, scheduling, and production of podcast fiction with a large cast of amateur voice actors. Moderator Paulette Jaxton

Every day thousands of people release hard science content online. Find out why our pros do it, where the best stuff is, and what rules you should follow to make sure your science isn't junk. Moderator Bill DeSmedt

Metamor City is a gritty mega-metropolis where the buildings soar hundreds of meters above ground and humans rub shoulders with vampires, shapeshifters, and even stranger beings. Come listen as creator Chris Lester and his all-star cast perform a live radio drama -- complete with music and sound effects -- and enter a world like nothing you've ever seen. A Q&A session with Chris will follow the performance.

A discussion of the benefits and dangers surrounding cultural production on a globalized, digital platform. Moderator Norm Sherman

Technology has a long history of shaping our cultural arts. Around 1900, technological reproduction had reached a standard that permitted it to tangibly reproduce all known works of art, profoundly modifying their role and effect in the artistic process. Laws were made to strike a balance between an individual artist's incentive to create, and the virtues of a public domain, where others can experiment and improve upon previous ideas.

In today's "Digital Age"-- an era defined by the ability to make copies and share information at the speed of light-- art, music and literature that participate in the online ecosystem are being perceived differently, taking on a new aura. Ironically, the artistic material that is produced and shared online; that which forsakes the Barnes and Nobles and Virgin records shelves to exist only in non-tangible form, is now deemed "Content," rather than art. But "content" implies that it is a thing-- that it can be contained, bought and sold. What consequences might this re-branding of art and creative work hold for future generations? What is the fate of our cultural creative commons?

Since the earliest days of radio, audio theater has engaged the imaginations of millions in a unique way. Though it never went away, the age of the internet has brought a new vibrance to the scene, with amateur productions popping up all over and professional groups finding new ways to reach people. From the retro to the experimental, this panel will discuss the state of audio theater productions today, where they came from, and where they are going.

Amazon and iTune use it: the concept that by niche topics you can make a profit by opening up new untapped markets. It's called long tail marketing and it can be a key to your success. Or it can be a catastrophic failure. The experts talk about their successes and failures in trying to open up new niche markets and what the general rules of long tail marketing are. Moderator Angela Render

The most popular Power Rangers podcast is taking their show on the road. Hosts Tyler "RitoRevolto" Waldman and Tom "MysticSentai" Caswell bring their A-game to educate and entertain the masses on everybody's favorite spandex heroes.

New Media, New Markets, New Business Models: A Review of notable genre ezines, the forms they are taking and the business models they are adopting.

There was a time when the word "Google" was not ubiquitous. When bored, mopey teenagers didn't have Myspace, and huffy, choleric left and right wingers didn't have blogs. When people would have responded to the utterance of "Youtube," with an angry "What'd you just call me buddy?!" It was in these prehistoric times that young speculative fiction ezines began, with their stumpy leg-like fin-structures, to emerge from fetid, shallow waters and up onto the promising shores of the internet.

After what seems like epochs later, the year is 2010, and most speculative fiction pulp magazines have died out. According to Locus Magazine ("The Magazine Of The Science Fiction & Fantasy Field"), two of the three remaining speculative fiction pulp magazines have circulations lower than 20,000. Analog, which specializes in "hard science fiction," isn't doing much better, with a circulation of just over 23,000. Like the readers of most newspapers, fans of the genre are flocking to the net.

There has been an enormous boom of new markets online, many of which pay professional rates to authors and have already established large and dedicated audiences. Even the form of the zine is changing-- with the success of portable audio devices like the ipod, audiofiction is becoming a new favorite of scifi/fantasy/horror fans on the go. But despite all this activity, there seems to be a noticeable lack of profitability. None of these online publications even remotely compare in magnitude to the big print ancestors of the last age. How has the genre ezine structure and business model changed? Are these models and structures working?

We all know how to blog or where to blog, but if you blog about how cute your kitten is, nobody will want to read it, no matter how cute your kitten actually is. Our panel of long time bloggers will help you focus the goals for your blog and help you answer the ultimate question, "Why am I (blogging) here?"Moderator Allison Duncan

Now grandma and baby can both love Battlestar, If Hot Topic weren't proof enough, all the stuff that's old is new. Power Rangers, Doctor Who and many anime and science fiction shows aimed at younger audiences still keep their followings as they grow up. We explore favorite franchises and how much better they've aged than their fanbase. Moderator Evo Terra

Pirates, fairies, etc. This is what we wanted our prom to be… Moderator Podcasting's Rich Sigfrit: This is the prom where geeks rule and freak flags fly. Come as your favorite fantasy or sci-fi character, and the very best costumes will be rewarded. Don't have a partner? Throw on an undershirt and bring a toaster - bam, you're Chief Tyrol! Tee Morris is the returning DJ, and Podcasting's Rich Sigfrit returns as the Master of Ceremonies.Hosted by Chooch and Viv of the Into the Blender podcast.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Be it sitting around the campfire, gossiping over the fence, or blogging and podcasting, we've always been up for hearing a new story, or passing on an old one. The Internet has given us a much bigger audience and helped to pull the focus off of the few who could afford to get into mass communication under the old TV and radio models. What is the continuous thread which New Media helps us to follow, and how might it better fulfill our longtime need to tell our stories? Moderator Steven H. Wilson

Cthulhu vs. Dagon? Yog-Sothoth vs. Shub-Niggurath? Would the match be a TKO or won on points? Moderator Norm Sherman

On this panel web professionals talk about the stages their work went through and the common pitfalls on the road to success. Each member will discuss the business models they have used and the success and failure they had based on their readership levels. Moderator Darren J. Gendron

JR Blackwell, Laura Burns, John Cmar and Jared Axelrod present both historical misinformation and lies they made up on the fly in this interactive discussion about the nature of the universe. From the smallest microbe to the biggest gas giant, learn how things aren't--but could be--presented by a panel of experts. Just, don't believe anything they say. Moderator Arioch Morningstar

TV Tropes has claimed that "everything outside is an influence", but that might not be the case for our panelists. Come join them to see what really stirs their imaginations and shapes their creative processes.

Come to a live recording of the Astronomy Cast podcast. In this episode we're going to discuss the realities of taking a space mission from a concept to a reality, one engineer, scientist, and bean counter at a time. Laura Burns, Pamela L. Gay, Yoji Kondo

Chances are you probably use some OSS, and you don't even know it. Our panel of open source developers and evangelists discuss the facts and help you find the OSS packages that can free you from outrageously high costs, bizarre licensing practices, and poor interface design. Come and learn ways to save yourself money, improve your productivity, and secure your computer. You don't have time or money to ignore OSS anymore. Set yourself free. Unmoderated

This all-female panel discusses the experiences of published authors, and the challenges they face in balancing this pursuit with the rest of their lives.

Writers and artists know the Internet, but not all take advantage of its full potential. With the evolution of the Web 2.0, potential fans are only a click away. But what exactly is this thing called Social Media? What's the difference between an email newsletter and a blog? Lack vocabulary and understanding of exactly what it is, what it can do, and what it cannot? How is a podcast different from streaming media? At this panel, you will pick up the vocabulary and background of exactly what Social Media is, what it can do, what it cannot do, and how it can help your online endeavors.Moderator Tee Morris

Writers from different genres take ideas from the audience and each starts a story, writes for 2 min, passes the paper down, and continues the last person's story. During the writing times our talented M.C. John Cmar will keep everyone entertained.Moderator John Cmar

Traditional print comics have always been illustrated. Since transitioning to the web, this trend remains largely unchanged. But making and hosting comics on the web has given us more options for the medium in which we create. Learn what others have done to create comics without drawing anything, and discover what you need to know to do the same. Darren J. Gendron(m), Bryan Prindiville, B. Casimir Slaski

From the Goatman to the Mothman, Yeti to Yowie, and Dodo to Ogopogo. From Bloops to Blobs, Giant Owls to Lizard men, Chupacabres to Mongolian Deathworms. From the foul smelling Skunk Ape of the Florida Everglades, to the brain eating Nandi Bears of Kenya, this course is a basic introduction into the study of absurd animals which purportedly exist based on the sightings and information gathered by stammering lunatics, drunken peasants and other researchers in the field. Moderator Norm Sherman

Your pitch is your calling card. It's the way you get people interested in your work and the way they tell each other about it. This workshop is designed to give you an opportunity to improve your pitch. Members of the workshop will be given an opportunity to pitch their work and get feedback from the expert panel and from the audience. The idea is to improve the presentation of the work and give the pitch the pizzaz it needs. Moderator Eric (Drowemos) Kimball:

Bring our instrument if you have one! If not, "instruments" will be provided. Ever wanted to write a song but thought you didn't have enough musical talent? Well, you probably don't! God, you're probably all kinds of awful! But hey, that's ok! In fact, it may even help. You see, you don't have to be musically talented to write a kickass song. Are you a decent speller? Can you hum? Are you capable of abstract thought while maintaining a functional metabolism and healthy resting heart rate? Then you're good to go! Join professional singer/songwriter Norm Sherman for a fun, insightful workshop on the art of writing entertaining songs. Come with an idea-- leave with a catchy, totally kickass son Moderator James Durham

Novels, games, comics and websites all need professional looking art. Artists need jobs. There should be a simple solution to both these problems. But in practice the world of contract art is not a simple one at all. On this panel the experts talk about how to navigate the world of contract art both as an artist looking for work and as a client looking for an artist. They discuss common pitfall and warning signs as well as how to build your reputation. Moderator Eric Kimball (Drowemos)

Tales from the battle front of the newly published author Mur Lafferty – Mur Lafferty interviews authors and takes audience questions in a live event for her award winning podcast for writers! She'll even have a "Good Cop/Bad Cop" segment.

Whether your gig is music, photography, art, or writing there are a thousand ways you can expand your audience using the free virtual world called Second Life. Our panelists explain the many ways they have used SL to keep in touch with their existing fans and make new ones. Shoshana Epsilon, Starla Huchton, Nathan Lowell(m)

Join us for Variant Frequencies Live at Balticon 44. Rick Stringer will be performing live for the first time anywhere, "The Encroacher" by Jonathan C. Gillespie. With our special guest, Michael Spence. Moderator Rick Stringer

Variant Frequencies is a podcast that stretches the entire bandwidth of genre fiction, modulated by a constant element of the fantastic. Every month we give you a new story.

Our goal at Variant Frequencies is to entertain and expose you to our work, and we work hard on every story you will hear. So tune in, turn the volume up, and let some of our weird carrier waves distort your reality.... for just a little while.

Promoting un-remarkable things leads to the devaluing of all things And that just because it's done, that doesn't mean it's good. The desire to help promote projects in New Media will ultimately lead to it's downfall. We need to grow up and start reserving our praise for those projects which are truly worth it. While "perfect" may be the enemy of "good enough", bad is still bad. And promoting bad, just because it's done, devalues your opinion as a taste maker. Moderator Evo Terra

They're never boring though they never have a plan. Almost like watching a ship crash into a wharf. Except with more F bombs. **Language Warning** Moderator Evo Terra

Rule 34 of the internet: "There is porn of it. No exceptions." A Speculative Fiction erotica writer has the freedom to write about all sorts of situations. We'll talk about some of the weirdest stuff we've read and written, with a focus on the why's and wherefores. What makes this stuff fun? What makes this stuff valuable? What makes this stuff popular? Moderator Michele Bekemeyer

Tee Morris and Philippa Balantine read chapter 2 from their upcoming novel, Books & Braun. Sound effects included and more things go boom. Moderators Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine

Authors from the highly acclaimed Coming Together charity erotica anthology series read for your pleasure. Moderator Alessia Brio

Monday, May 31, 2010

Being successful on the web is not the same as making a living from the web: Those who have talk about the ways they have found for monetizing their web content and then give advice to attendees for ways to make money from their web projects Moderator J. Andrew World

Experts discuss the impending Zombie Apocalypse and how they plan to survive it. What's in your Zombie emergency kit? Will you be prepared? What's the best choice of weapon? What tactics work best for hiding? These questions and more will be answered. Moderator Dan Tabor

Learn to do a basic, decorative and functional Japanese braid with Halla. Limited seating. Preregister at the Balticon Information/Sales Desk on the lobby level near the escalator.Presenter Halla Fleischer

Just what is steampunk? Where did it come from? Where is it going? Why should we care? This panel discusses steampunk's literary origins, it's evolution into a fashion concern and speculative fiction's hot new genre. What is the appeal of a technologically advanced 18th Century, and what does it say about the world we live in now? Where can I experience all the Steam Punk goodness online? Moderator Jared Axelrod

In the past self published has been a term synonymous with poor quality, failure, and rip off. But now more and more artists are circumventing the traditional publisher using the web and print on demand shop to become successful and make money. The expert discuss the new tools and methods available for self publishing and when it's a good idea to self publish verse to seek publisher. Moderator Eric Drowemos Kimball

Voice acting is a great way to get involved with a community or add polish to your audio project. Our top voice talent shares the secrets you need to know to take your voice places it has never been. Moderator Marc "Grailwolf" Bailey

Friday, May 28, 2010

All your publishing questions answered; including how to find an agent, what you need to do before you submit.Moderator Gayle Surrette

We look at Old Man's War, Honor Harrington, Staff Sergeant Torin Kerr, and other warriors, professional and free-lance. Alexander B. Potter, James Daniel Ross, D. C. Wilson(m)

Alan F. Beck Reading of his Children's Book "The Adventures of Nogard and Jackpot" followed by an Art Techniques Demonstration.

This year, it's vampires and werewolves, last year we had necromancers and vampire hunters. We're seeing a lot more female protagonists lately. Where do trends in first novels come from? Jhada Rogue Addams, Tom Doyle, Ray Ridenour, Elaine Stiles(m)

The Wild Card character: a person with a minimum stake in society or culture and a maximum need or taste for adventure, a risk taker who thrives on danger. Tell us how you like to see this character used in stories. Patricia Bray(m), Stephanie Burke, Elaine Corvidae, Laura Anne Gilman

Favorite Anime and Mangas - Give your opinion of which are best and why! (This program is geared to a teen audience). Stephanie Burke(m), Lydia Ginter, Tyler Waldman, Rick Zacks

Join author R. Allen Leider in celebrating his work. Ladies costumed as Wicca Girl characters get raffle tickets for great prizes.

Host J-F Bibeau

Tell us why you enjoy or get satisfaction from them. What makes them so good? David Forbes, Larry Hodges, Paul Melko, Alexander B. Potter, James Daniel Ross(m)

Moderator Roxanne Bland with Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Elaine Corvidae, Heather Kantz, Gail Martin, Roberta Rogow, Jean Marie Ward

Saturday, May 29, 2010

In books like Greg Bear's Darwin's Children, Nancy Kress's Beggars in Spain and C.S. Friedman's Alien Shores, humans are the aliens. What does this do to the reader's perspective on the story and the characters? How comfortable are we donning the self-image of galactic/intergalactic intruders? What are novels use this particular plot treatment? Lisa Adler-Golden, William Freedman(m), Charles E. Gannon, John G. (Jack Campbell) Hemry

What is a necromancer? How is it different from a mage, warlock or witch? Who are famous necromancers from folklore? How are they used in fantasy? Patricia Bray, Gail Carriger, Gail Z Martin(m), Benjamin Tate, John C. Wright

Peter Beagle once divided fantasy into High and Low categories. http://www.cuebon.com/ewriters/Fsubgenres.html lists more than 20 sub-genres. Let's discuss some examples of these. Can we say that Frodo Baggins and Vicky Nelson are characters from the same genre? What is urban fantasy? Is it the same as contemporary fantasy? Elwin Cotman(m), Tanya Huff, Misty Massey, Darrell Schweitzer, Jean Marie Ward

What can we expect, and for what should we hope? Should all hopes be fulfilled? Pauline J. Alama, Patricia Bray, Robert I. Katz, Gail Z. Martin(m), D. C. Wilson

How would we handle it if the predictions of extreme cold conditions in our world, recently made by some scientists, were to come true? Would our technology be able to protect us from extreme cold? How would our bodies adjust? What would we eat? Would fat people have an advantage? Have fun with this one! Paul Melko, James Prego, Peter Prellwitz, Anthony Stevens(m), Gayle Surrette

Each panelist, including the moderator, answers all the questions. All answers must be the truth--except three. No one other than the answering panelist knows if the answers are true or lies. After each one, anyone in the audience can challenge the answering panelist. Multiple people can challenge; the more, the better. After there are no more challengers, the panelist tells whether the answer was truth or a lie. If it was true, every challenger puts a dollar in a bucket that runners pass. If it was a lie, the panelist puts $10 in the bucket. All proceeds go to support the literacy program at Buck Lodge Middle School. Tanya Huff, Grig Larson, Jonathan Maberry, Mark L. Van Name(m)

SF and fantasy often rely on enemies who are bad because they are evil because they want to kill us all. That tends to keep to a minimum any moral dilemmas about fighting. But what about conflicts where the causes are far less clear cut? Where both sides can claim they have right on their side? Do SF and fantasy address the kind of military dilemmas and ambiguities that the real world can present? Pauline J. Alama(m), William Freedman, David Sherman, Marshall S. Thomas

The main culture is supposed to be alien, but the author never really develops the biosphere or society, it's no different from contemporary American civilization. The author creates "ethnic" characters whose dialogue leaves no doubt that the author never even met someone from that cultural niche. What else have you seen? Does it bug you, amuse you, bemuse you? Gail Carriger(m)

A discussion of the portrayal of female military characters in science fiction works such as that of David Weber, Tanya Huff, Elizabeth Moon and others.Charles E. Gannon(m), John G. (Jack Campbell) Hemry, Tanya Huff, Paul Melko,

Join author Steven H. Wilson for the launch of his new novel.

Compare and contrast Edgar Allan Poe with other well-known writers of horror. Robert R. Chase(m), Michael Critzer, Ray Ridenour, Michael Spence,

Saturday, at hat is the place of love in the stories you like to read? What does it do for the reader? Elaine Corvidae, Scott Edelman, Maria V. Snyder, Anthony Stevens(m)

Does it Ever Become Real Science? Possible example: drifting continents, the Antikythera computer, cold fusion, Hoyle's diseases from space idea. SF has a history of interest in fringe science, starting with Fort's influence on Eric Frank Russell.Robert R. Chase(m), Lisa Adler-Golden, Bill DeSmedt, James Prego, D. C. Wilson

Does there need to be romance? Do the protagonists need to show some semblance of intelligence - and do you root for the bad guy when they don't? Do you read this sub-genre? This is your chance to hear the writers of young adult science fiction talk about where their concepts come from and how they express them. There will be time for audience feedback. Catherine M. Petrini, Joe Sergi, Jeri Smith-Ready(m), Maria V. Snyder

What is the role of science in SF? How realistic must the science be? Is any speculative story using a scientific basis part of SF? Can a story based on 100% existing science still be science fiction? James Daniel Ross, Marv Zelkowitz(m)

Three new media authors launch their books. Join P.G. Holyfield, Nathan Lowell, and Patrick McLean as they celebrate their Spring 2010 book releases! P.G. and Nathan had their debut novels released (Murder at Avedon Hill and Quarter Share, respectively), and Patrick McLean released a collection of short story/essays (Stories I Told Myself), many from his award winning The Seanachai podcast.

Join author Lawrence M. Schoen in celebrating the launch of two new works: Sweet Potato Pie (Hadley Rill Books) and Alembical 2 (co-edited with Arthur Dorrance, Paper Golem, LLC).

Featuring newly launched works: Hard Music by Laura Anne Gilman (Luna/Harlequin), Shade (Simon Pulse) by Jeri Smith-Ready, Well of Sorrows (DAW) by Benjamin Tate, and The Machinery of Light (Bantam Spectra) by David J. Williams.Moderator Benjamin Tate

The great one's syndicated advice column and how it can help you lead a better and more fulfilling life. Nancy O. Greene, Neal Levin, Patrick Thomas(m)

Erotic novel release and reading. Nobilis Reed is celebrating the release of his first print novel from Logical Lust entitled: Scouts. Come join the festivities as the latest of our new media brethren see his words published in that finest of old media formats: The Book (Oh yeah, and there's an eBook too). Excerpts read, copies signed. Chocolate will be served. Michele Bekemeyer, Helen E. H. Madden, Nobilis Reed(m)

Twilight, The Vampire Diaries et al; what's good and bad about this trend. Jhada Rogue Addams, Joshua Bilmes, Stephanie Burke(m), R. Allen Leider, Stella Price

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Compare and contrast the original V television series with the new one. Mattie Brahen, Keith R. A. DeCandido, William Freedman, Kelly A. Harmon(m)

What is money and how does it work in a culture? Can there be a society without some kind of trading, requiring something like cash? 2010 Compton Crook Winner, Pauline J. Alama, Gail Z. Martin(m), Ray Ridenour, David Sherman

Does the lead chick really need to wise-crack? Laura Anne Gilman, Stella Price, Joe Sergi, Gayle Surrette(m), Patrick Thomas

Starship Troopers won the Hugo For Best Novel 50 years ago. How has this novel and Heinlein's work in general stood up to the test of time?Charles E. Gannon, John G. (Jack Campbell) Hemry, Robert I. Katz(m), Eric Schulman

Fantastic stories from Poe to King. Terror or Horror? Why do they fascinate us? What's the difference? What's succeeding now? Michael Critzer, Val Griswold-Ford, Dina Leacock, Chris Pisano, Darrell Schweitzer

Slide show presenting original art and finished covers for both current and upcoming Baen books. Attendees will learn what goes into designing a cover and how covers evolve, as well as getting a sneak peak of upcoming releases. Free books are other goodies will be given out!Moderator Mark L. Van Name

How would Heinlein, Asimov and other writers react to the newest technology? Would they use the Internet? Or is it possible they just wouldn't bother with it? David Forbes, Grig Larson (m), Drey Mychalus, Elaine Stiles, John C. Wright

From baseball (Field of Dreams, Angels in the Outfield, Battlefield Baseball) to football (Scott Sigler's The Rookie), sports add another dimension to science fiction. There have even been new sports created such as Jugging from Blood of Heroes, which is a game now played in Amtgard. Sports are a good foil for characters and give us something to identify with. Brick Barrientos, Keith R. A. DeCandido, Val Griswold-Ford, Larry Hodges, Elaine Stiles

Talk about Niven and Pournelle and others who portray the Christian afterlife for major sinners. Start with Inferno and Escape from Hell and go from there. How do writers use the kingdom of Hell? Note: One of our Crook candidates this year is Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard, an excellent example of this subgenre. Robert R. Chase, Tom Doyle, William Freedman, Bernie Mojzes, Drey Mychalus(m)

Cthulhu Mythos w/ or w/o crossover into anime types and other horror motifs. Come discuss the best of the genre and perhaps its use in anime. Jim Chambers (m), Elwin Cotman, C. J. Henderson, Neal Levin, Stella Price

Has any part of American culture escaped Bradbury's indictment. Keith R. A. DeCandido, Wendy S. Delmater(m), Tom Doyle, Laura Anne Gilman, Michael Spence

Bad-Ass Faeries 3: In All Their Glory, Dragon's Lure, and New Blood. Faeries, dragons and vampires; a little bit of something for everyone.Moderator Danielle Ackley-McPhail

Or, should it be kept a secret just for the young adults? Could it be that sharing these books can lead to the opening of all sorts of dialogues with your children? Gail Carriger, Brand Gamblin, John G. (Jack Campbell) Hemry, Maria V. Snyder, Gayle Surrette(m)

Starting in the 1960s, SF began aspiring to literary greatness, over the next decades producing books which enthralled critics while market share imploded. Meanwhile, fantasy had fun with quests, dragons, evil wizards and epic increases in market share. Today, Space Opera is still defined as a guilty pleasure at best by critics who frown at interstellar battles and heroic characters. Has SF taken itself too seriously for too long? Joshua Bilmes, Charles E. Gannon, Larry Hodges, N. E. Lilly(m)

Monday, May 31, 2010

Speaker Marv Zelkowitz

What was unique about Clarke's works or style? Whose work is a similar style and how is their style similar or different? Grig Larson, John C. Wright, Yoji Kondo/Eric Kotani (m)

What are some of the old myths we're seeing new treatment of in today's speculative fiction? Suggest some more that could be approached.Vonnie Winslow Crist, N. E. Lilly, Bernie Mojzes, Alexander B. Potter, Leona Wisoker, Moderator N. E. Lilly

Mark Rapacioli, Editor of PLANET RELISH E-ZINE says, "A Feghoot isn't just a short-short story with a joke at the end. A Feghoot is a short-short story that ends in a very groan-worthy pun." Reginald Brentnor's Feghoot stories started the whole thing, Spider Robinson's Callahan's stories kept it up, Isaac Asimov even got in on the act. Zain Moledina has dedicated an entire blog to Feghoots at http://feghoots.blogspot.com/; Dave Aronson devoted a web page to Feghoots http://www.davearonson.net/humor/feghoot.html. Readings from old favorites and new ones. Some of the panelists may even write one just for this panel!Moderator John Hemry (aka Jack Campbell), Ted Rosenberg, Diane Weinstein

Come discuss one of our greatest writers with a biographer and scholar of his works.Theodore Krulik, Darrell Schweitzer, Leona Wisoker

Friday, May 28, 2010

Speaker Eleanor A. O'Rangerss

Caroline Cox, Thomas Holtz, John Monohan

Presenter Tom Ligon

Meet the Science Guest of Honor and Science Program Presenters

Saturday, May 29, 2010

How we know the Big Band happened. Speaker Pamela L. Gay

Science Guest of Honor Dr. Thomas Holtz

Debbie Doerfel, Cathy Dubyk, Karen Ellingson, Moderator Eleanor A. O'Ranger

Presenter Beatrice Kondo

A prelude to MESSENGER's orbital mission. Speaker Noam R. Izenberg

Speaker D. Douglas Fratz

Before discovery of ether's properties in 1836, alcohol or opium were the only options for pain management. Dr. Katz, Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Stony, will update on the newest techniques and compounds on all phases of anesthesia...local vs. epidural/regional; minimizing upper respiratory problems and sleep apnea affects during anesthesia, etc. Presenter Dr. Robert I. Katz

Speaker John Cmar, MD

Exploring the intersection of time and quantum mechanics. Speaker John Ashmead

A Balticon tradition; see how much you really know about the field. Moderator Brick Barrientos

Sunday, May 30, 2010

CSI Balticon: Help crime scene supervisor figure out who done in one of our program participants! Presenter John L. French

Speaker Jason Tuell, Chief, Meteorological Services Division and Chief, Performance and Awareness Division

Speaker Tim Livengood

Image, Intent and Meaning in Ancient RitualPresenter Prof. Barry M. Gittlen

Presenter David P. Katz

Dr. Jim Prego discusses the differences the naturopathic approach to healing can make in your quality of life.

New Results from Kepler, Spitzer and Herschel on Nearby Solar Systems - Hmmmm... Presenter Carey Lisse, Ph. D.

Speaker Eric S. Raymond

Monday, May 31, 2010

Rabbi Alan Yuter

The quirky life of the world's favorite poisonPresenter MAJOR Thomas Talbot, MD

Presenter Andy Love

Middle Eastern wolves were a critical source of genome diversity, although interbreeding with local wolf populations clearly occurred elsewhere in the early history of specific lineages. More recently, the evolution of modern dog breeds seems to have been an iterative process that drew on a limited genetic toolkit to create remarkable phenotypic diversity. Presenter Elaine Ostrand

Beyond Dinosaurs: Recent Discoveries from the Rest of Paleontology Dr. Thomas Holtz, Science GOH )

Our Video Coordinator Thomas the Red stays up nights finding all manner of genre films for you to enjoy. The Video Room, located in Salon F, is open from 3:00 pm on Friday the end of the last movie which starts at 1 pm on Monday. Please click here to open the Functions page and see the Video Schedule.

You've written a story; to you, it's great...but what will the readers think?

We're going to do an experiment to find out. We'll be doing critiques, but in a different way than before. Willing participants should send in a short story or section of a longer work (maximum: 6 pages). Registration required before Balticon - write to writersworkshop AT bsfs DOT org. Workshop is 3 hours at Balticon. For more information see the Writers' Workshop page on the Baltimore Science Fiction Society's website.

There is no more powerful a creative force in the universe than the imagination of young writers! This 90-minute program shows how to focus that creative energy for storytelling of all kinds -from fan fiction to professional sales. Participants will learn how to take an idea and cultivate it so that it grows into a top quality piece of writing. The program is taught by Jonathan Maberry, a NY Times bestselling and multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author and Marvel Comics writer.

Explore the arena of verse from inspiration and writing to submitting for publication and small press publishing. Open mic & reading follows. (2 hours) Join us in Salon C at 5:00 pm for the annual Balticon Poetry Contest winners' awards and readings of the winning poems, followed by open mic.

Art Guest of Honor Howard Tayler offers his expertise to young people, aged 11 to 19, who would like to develop their skills portraying hands in their art work.

Your pitch is your calling card. It's the way you get people interested in your work and the way they tell each other about it. This workshop is designed to give you an opportunity to improve your pitch. Members of the workshop will be given an opportunity to pitch their work and get feedback from the expert panel and from the audience. The idea is to improve the presentation of the work and give the pitch the pizzaz it needs.

Bring our instrument if you have one! If not, "instruments" will be provided. Ever wanted to write a song but thought you didn't have enough musical talent? Well, you probably don't! God, you're probably all kinds of awful! But hey, that's ok! In fact, it may even help. You see, you don't have to be musically talented to write a kickass song. Are you a decent speller? Can you hum? Are you capable of abstract thought while maintaining a functional metabolism and healthy resting heart rate? Then you're good to go! Join professional singer/songwriter Norm Sherman for a fun, insightful workshop on the art of writing entertaining songs. Come with an idea-- leave with a catchy, totally kickass song!James Durham (m), Mattie Brahen, Kim the Comic Book Goddess, Norm Sherman

Especially for Teens! In this jewelry workshop, attendees will create a fantasy bracelet featuring their own true colors. Cost is $3 each bracelet or two for $5 to cover supplies. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn to do a basic, decorative and functional Japanese braid with Halla. Limited seating. Preregister at the Balticon Information/Sales Desk on the lobby level near the escalator.

This is a Workshop to prepare teachers use science fiction in classes for primary or secondary students, or to develop a class on science fiction. The workshop will take place on Monday , May 31, 2010, (Memorial Day) from noon to 4:00 pm in the Chase Room at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn. No advance registration is required. Baltimore Science Fiction Society is please to present this workshop as a service to the community, and there is no charge for teachers attending the Workshop, which is also available to all registered Balticon members. The Teaching With Science Fiction Workshop is designed to provide insights into science fiction and the different ways it can be used effectively in a classroom setting. The Workshop answers questions educators may have about this idea-oriented, forward-looking, student stimulating body of speculative literature. This year's workshop features two teachers with experience in introducing science fiction within a classroom setting, Magi D. Shepley and Chris Doody. Additionally, attendees will be provided with resource materials for science fiction that have been developed by the AboutSF Science Fiction Resource Center, a joint project of the University of Kansas, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the Science Fiction Research Association.

IMPORTANT -- PLEASE NOTE: THIS REFLECTS A DATE CHANGE FROM AN ORIGINAL PLAN TO HOLD THIS WORKSHOP ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE BALTICON. THIS MONDAY MAY 31st WORKSHOP WILL NOW BE THE *ONLY* ABOUT SF WORKSHOP SESSION HELD DURING BALTICON 2010.

To receive additional information about the Workshop, or for any questions, please contact Balticon's AboutSF Coordinator, Peter Eirich, via email to: pete AT bsfs DOT org.

Voice acting is a great way to get involved with a community or add polish to your audio project. Our top voice talent shares the secrets you need to know to take your voice places it has never been.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Small Press Publishers and authors and artists who place their works with Small Press Publishers talk about the pros and cons, ins and outs, and ups and downs of working small and specializing in a narrow range of genres.Hildy Silverman(m)

Speaker Kelly A. Harmon

Why is blending genres effective? When is it not? Why do some genres blend together better than others--or do they? Who were some of the first pioneers of blending genres?Nancy O. Greene(m)

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a motivational novel-writing program for anyone who has wanted to write a novel but doesn't know how to get started. The program provides guidelines, structure and countless tools for success yet many still do not complete the 50,000 words required to be a winner. This panel of NaNoWriMo participants and winners will discuss their strategies for success, and if finishing even matters.PG Holyfield, Mur Lafferty, Nathan Lowell, Chooch Schubert(m), Vivid Muse

Sunday May 30, 2010

9:00 – 11:00 AM: A discursive, informative and empowering lecture on the act of writing. What's good writing? What's bad writing? How can you make the process of getting the words on the page easier? Why isn't English spelled like it sounds? Why are there so many homonyms? Where do words come from? Where do ideas come from? Are they related? Why is grammar so confusing and contradictory? And ultimately, how can we use the tool of the written language to our best advantage? The answers to some of these questions will be provided.Speaker Patrick E. McLean

Explore the arena of verse from inspiration and writing to submitting for publication and mall press publishing. Open mic & annual poetry contest winners' awards reading follows.Moderator Patti Kinlock

Poetry Contest

Enter the Annual Balticon Poetry Contest! Here's your chance to win cash prizes, a convention membership, and have your work published in the BSFAN, the souvenir book of Balticon. Entries should address the themes of science fiction/fantasy/horror/science. Limit: 3 poems/person, maximum 50 lines each. Email/postmark deadline: April 1. No entry fee. Complete information is available on the Baltimore Science Fiction Society Poetry Workshop page.

You call the shots and the writer's make the storyJohn M. P. Cmar(m), Paulette Jaxton, Andrea Jennifer, Mur Lafferty, D. C. Wilson,

Writers from different genres take ideas from the audience and each starts a story, writes for 2 min, passes the paper down, and continues the last person's story. During the writing times our talented M.C. John Cmar will keep everyone entertained.

What life was really like in medieval times, so writers can get it right. To explain and expound on some hard earned learning we've gotten by doing neat things the hard way. To poke fun at some of the myths associated with medieval life. To impart knowledge about those little things so often overlooked in literature.Speakers Bruce Blackistone and Drey Mychalus

Tales from the battle front of the newly published author Mur Lafferty, who interviews authors and takes audience questions in a live event for her award winning podcast for writers!

For those who want to improve your writing skills in the areas of science fiction and fantasy, the workshop is a place and time to discuss ideas, debate styles and comment on each others' work. We look at various aspects of writing:

1. Opening lines
2. Outlines
3. Themes
4. Character development
5. Story structure
6. Dialogue

In addition, we also discuss and debate those things that make SF&F different from 'mainsteam' literature: story ideas ranging from the dawn of time through the future, parallel worlds, civilizations human and non-human, technology advancing and threatening; settings near and far, on this planet and others, running across dimensions, travelling through the past and future; characters that are human, non-human, organic, inorgranic, physical and spiritual; settings ranging from worlds the size of a microbe to civilizations spanning galaxies. Yet all these connecting to us as people.

Having trouble with your short stories? We can work with you. Not sure how to write a novel? Talk to others who have done one or two. Wondering how to approach an editor, or how to write a cover letter? Let us help you. We don't guarantee story sales, but we do what we can to help you. If you have questions, write to writersworkshop AT bsfs DOT org. I look forward to hearing from you.

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