Ravencon 2015 @ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Richmond, 1021 Koger Center Boulevard, North Chesterfield, Virginia

Timetable | Tags | People

Friday

Movie: Alien Face Bashers
Fabian Rush
Venue: Ballroom C
Tag: Movies
Ends: 17:00

Reading: Richard Groller
Richard Groller
Venue: Board Room
Tag: Reading
Ends: 16:00

Open Filking

Venue: Chesterfield
Tag: Music
Ends: 17:00

16:00

Playing God: Building Your Own World
Lawrence Ellsworth, Kevin Kelleher, Mike McPhail, Kate Paulk
Venue: Anna
Tag: Literature
Ends: 17:00

One of the greatest perks in writing fantasy is building your own world. What all goes into that? How do you make something of nothing? How does one avoid overused tropes or cliches? What are the secrets to proper world-building?

Flesh, Bone, and Blood: Breathing Life Into Original Characters
Clever By Half Productions
Venue: Ballroom E
Tag: Costuming
Ends: 18:00

Strong cosplay starts with strong headcanon. Learn professional performance-building tools spanning both physical and mental considerations to bring your original character out of the background. Don’t have an OC in mind yet? No worries. You will by the end. All levels of performance experience and existing world familiarity are welcome. Please come dressed to comfortably move.

Reading: R. S. Belcher
R. S. Belcher
Venue: Board Room
Tag: Reading
Ends: 17:00

The Network Without Fear
The Bruce , Butch Allen, Davey Beauchamp, Tee Morris, Genesis Moss
Venue: Bon Air
Tag: Panels
Ends: 17:00

Netflix is going all in on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They just released Daredevil this month and will soon be giving us Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, and The Defenders. Daredevil’s spot-on casting, cinematic looks, sharp dialog, and top-notch fight scenes are scoring points with fans and critics alike. What do our panelists think?

Welcome to SHIELD: Kid’s Programming

Venue: Hotel Lobby
Tag: Kid's Programs
Ends: 19:00

For kids 8–12 years of age. Meet and greet in the Hotel Lobby from 4–6 pm. Agents of SHIELD Mission #3. We meet to start recruitment of new SHIELD agents. New agents meet each other and begin team-building exercises.

The Possibility of Immortality
Wade Cutrell, Alex Matsuo, Randy Richards
Venue: York
Tag: Panels
Ends: 17:00

Events Continuing at 16:00

Movie: Alien Face Bashers From 15:00 until 17:00
Open Filking From 15:00 until 17:00

17:00

Genre Blending: The New Weird
Ellie Collins, Stuart Jaffe, Chris Kennedy, Karen McCullough
Venue: Anna
Tag: Literature
Ends: 18:00

Mixing fantasy and science fiction with mystery is a potent genre cocktail. Poe was one of the first to do it successfully but it’s really caught on in recent years. Our experts tell you how to get that blend just right.

When I was 10 Years Old Yoda Was a Puppet!
Rob Balder, Kelly Lockhart, Jennifer R. Povey, Devo Spice, Allen Steele
Venue: Ballroom C
Tag: Panels
Ends: 18:00

In keeping with the “RavenCon is 10” theme, guests reminisce about fandom in their youth, and discuss how those days still influence our creative work and the communities we build now. Speculate on what the 10-year-olds of today will remember most fondly.

Urban Fantasy: Using Real-World Settings and People in Your Fiction
R. S. Belcher, J. T. Glover, Gail Z. Martin, Jean Marie Ward
Venue: Ballroom G
Tag: Literature
Ends: 18:00

Panelists discuss using real-world places and historical figures in their writing. What can you do and what will get you in trouble? How do you keep a place real enough to be recognizable to people who know it, but still have it suit your fictional needs?

Reading: Doc Coleman
Doc Coleman
Venue: Board Room
Tag: Reading
Ends: 18:00

The Portrayal of Nuclear Power and Engineering in Science Fiction
Jim Beall, Richard Groller, Stephen J. Simmons
Venue: Chesterfield
Tag: Panels
Ends: 18:00

Who got it right, who got it wrong. Prepare to have your minds enriched by our nuclear pros!

Viking Wire Weaving
Lesley Reuter
Venue: Cove
Tag: Crafting
Ends: 19:00

This jewelry making technique, dating from the Viking period, is great for historical reenactors, but can also be used for modern jewelry. It results in an intricate, braided chain, and requires few supplies. Make a bracelet and take it home with you!
Limit 12 participants
Materials Fee: $4

Signing: Meryl Yourish, C. M. Adams
Meryl Yourish
Venue: Dealer's Room
Tag: Signing
Ends: 18:00

Allen L. Wold's Plotting Workshop
Allen L. Wold
Venue: York
Tag: Literature
Ends: 19:00

Allen will lead the writers in creating some of the essentials of a plot, from beginning to end. Your responses can be shared with the rest of the writers. Please note, you must arrive on time; the door will be closed to late arrivals.

Events Continuing at 17:00

Flesh, Bone, and Blood: Breathing Life Into Original Characters From 16:00 until 18:00
Welcome to SHIELD: Kid’s Programming From 16:00 until 19:00

18:00

How to Make Sure Your Submission Gets Rejected
Jack McDevitt
Venue: Anna
Tag: Literature
Ends: 19:00

A thorough examination of everything that you can do wrong when submitting your manuscript.

85th Anniversary of Astounding Stories
Bud Sparhawk, Ian Randal Strock
Venue: Ballroom C
Tag: Panels
Ends: 19:00

The 85th anniversary of the first issue of perennial sf publication Astounding Stories/Analog Science Fiction is 2015. Come reminisce with our panelists about the last 85 years.

Critiquing: The Right Way
Kevin Kelleher, Alex Matsuo, Gray Rinehart, Robert Sommers
Venue: Ballroom G
Tag: Literature
Ends: 19:00

Whether you like a piece of work or not, there’s a proper way to critique that will allow the creator a more objective and thorough look at their work, as seen through the critic’s eyes.

Reading: Lou Antonelli
Lou Antonelli
Venue: Board Room
Tag: Reading
Ends: 19:00

Double Dragon Book Launch!
Gail Z. Martin, Angela Pritchett
Venue: Bon Air
Tags:
Ends: 19:00

Join Michael A. Ventrella and DD authors as they celebrate the release of the latest in the Tales of Fortannis fantasy anthologies: A Bard Day’s Knight as well as Ventrella’s most recent novel Bloodsuckers: A Vampire Runs for President. Authors will be there to autograph copies of their books, and there will be a raffle of free book downloads as well!

Indie Publishing: Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing
Chris A. Jackson, Karen McCullough, Christopher Nuttall, David Walton
Venue: Chesterfield
Tag: Literature
Ends: 19:00

The pros and cons of self-publishing as an alternative to traditional publishing avenues.

Signing: Studio Unseen
Barb Fischer, Chris Impink
Venue: Dealer's Room
Tag: Signing
Ends: 19:00

Events Continuing at 18:00

Welcome to SHIELD: Kid’s Programming From 16:00 until 19:00
Viking Wire Weaving From 17:00 until 19:00
Allen L. Wold's Plotting Workshop From 17:00 until 19:00

19:00

Opening Ceremonies

Venue: Ballroom E
Tags:
Ends: 20:00

We welcome attendees and guests to RavenCon 10 and present last year’s RavenConnie. We’ll show a commemorative slideshow of the last ten years and will pay tribute to those we’ve lost.

20:00

Just Like the Last Time, Only Different
Kate Paulk, KT Pinto, Tony Ruggiero
Venue: Anna
Tag: Literature
Ends: 21:00

How does the game change when it’s time to write a sequel or a series? What do you repeat? What do you throw out? How do you make the same characters interesting again?

The Science Behind Science Fiction
Robert Blaskiewicz, Dr. Ben Davis, Warren Lapine, Fabian Rush, Allen Steele
Venue: Ballroom C
Tag: Panels
Ends: 21:00

You can’t have science fiction without science, but a lot of fans forget that. This panel focuses on the science behind sci-fi and how real-world theories and advances in science often change and affect the way sci-fi evolves.

Concert: White Plectrum
Keith Brinegar
Venues: Ballroom E, Ballroom F
Tag: Music
Ends: 21:00

White Plectrum plays some of his classic filk songs, such as “The Ballad of Jones the Cat,” “Call of Cthulhu,” and “The Loveable Lament of the Dragon and the Lady.

Special FX Makeup 101
Wade Cutrell, Cailin Hammer, Mariah Johnson, Angela Pritchett, Chiara Scuro
Venue: Ballroom G
Tag: Costuming
Ends: 21:00

How to get started and what you need as a beginning makeup enthusiast.

After the First Draft: The Next Step for the Aspiring Writer
Paula S. Jordan, Gray Rinehart
Venue: Board Room
Tag: Literature
Ends: 22:00

This will answer questions and offer general guidance to a maximum of six new authors who have completed the first draft of a novel and are now faced with the many structuring and editing chores involved with producing a second draft. Gray Rinehart will answer questions from his perspective of five years’ experience as the primary submissions reader at Baen Books. Further details at PaulaSJordan.com/on-second-drafts/
Limit 6 participants
Sign-up at Registration

Doctor Who Sightseeing Abroad
Kara Dennison
Venue: Bon Air
Tag: Panels
Ends: 21:00

Have you ever wanted to see where your favorite ‘Doctor Who’ episodes were filmed? Kara Dennison gives you a guide to many places across the UK of interest to Whovians, from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the re-imagined Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff.

Raise Your Hand if Your Intelligence is Artificial
Jim Beall, Stephen J. Simmons, David Walton
Venue: Chesterfield
Tag: Panels
Ends: 21:00

SF is populated with sentient aliens, animals, computer programs, robots, even whole planets. But what does it really mean to be sentient? Aren’t we all just following our evolutionary survival programming in more or less sophisticated ways? Is intelligence something that just happens when a network is complex enough, or is it something special? What are the best novels that consider these questions?

Living the Dream: Planning a Sustainable Creative Career
Rob Balder
Venue: Cove
Tag: Panels
Ends: 22:00

If you’re at the start (or the middle) of a career in art, writing, music, game design, or film, you know that the game is always changing. New technologies keep blowing away the old model for making a living in a creative field. In this workshop, you will learn some of the economic principles and realities common to all creative fields, and chart out a years-long roadmap for yourself, with milestones to hit along the way toward “living the dream.”
Limit 15 participants

Signing: D. Alexander Ward, R. S. Belcher
R. S. Belcher, D. Alexander Ward
Venue: Dealer's Room
Tag: Signing
Ends: 21:00

The Cinematic Book Trailer
Kevin Kelleher, Laura McBride
Venue: York
Tag: Literature
Ends: 21:00

Using a step-by-step review of his own self-produced live-action trailer, Kevin Kelleher explores a new vital component of the author’s toolkit: the Trailer, which is only part of an ever-widening techno-social reality that artists of every kind must learn how to interact with.

21:00

Finding the Right Publisher
John Gregory Betancourt, Stuart Jaffe, Darin Kennedy, Fiona Quinn
Venue: Anna
Tag: Literature
Ends: 22:00

You’ve decided to get a publisher to produce your latest and greatest work. It’s important to recognize that not all publishers are the same. Come learn the things to look out for and ways to size up a publisher so you can work with them successfully.

Gamergate 101
Brianna Wu
Venue: Ballroom C
Tag: Panels
Ends: 22:00

You can’t get online these days without hearing something about Gamergate. Our Gaming Guest of Honor, Brianna Wu, gives us her unique insider’s point of view on everything that’s happened.

Movie: Press Start

Venues: Ballroom E, Ballroom F
Tag: Movies
Ends: 23:00

A suburban kid must save the videogame world from a tyrannical but childish evil sorcerer. Called “the best videogame movie ever made,” this geektastic parody features three-dimensional characters, two-dimensional physics, and one demented villain. There’s also a homicidal ninja “hero,” a space heroine with a vendetta, and a naive young adventurer with gravity-defying hair. Watch them clear the map, meet Mortal Kombat‘s Raiden and Johnny Cage, and finally give that duck-hunting dog what’s coming to him.

Cosplay, Consent, and Con Culture
Doc Coleman, Grig Larson, Genesis Moss, Chiara Scuro
Venue: Ballroom G
Tags: Costuming, Panels
Ends: 22:00

Cosplayers discuss how they want to be treated, and how con goers can appropriately show their appreciation for their art without violating their boundaries and making them uncomfortable.

Doctor Who Through Female Eyes
Barb Fischer, Gail Z. Martin, Angela Pritchett
Venue: Bon Air
Tag: Panels
Ends: 22:00

Doctor Who finally hired their first female writer so now’s a great time to discuss just what is it about the show that appeals to the female viewer.

Concert: Devo Spice
Devo Spice
Venue: Chesterfield
Tag: Music
Ends: 22:00

Join Devo Spice for an hour of comedy-rap songs about technology, Dr. Who and whatever else he finds funny.

Alien Worlds and Races
Chris Impink, Chris Kennedy, Fabian Rush, Steve White
Venue: York
Tag: Panels
Ends: 22:00

What are some good ones in SF? What goes into creating a realistic planet? What makes an alien race believable or (as is more often the case) unbelievable.

Events Continuing at 21:00

After the First Draft: The Next Step for the Aspiring Writer From 20:00 until 22:00
Living the Dream: Planning a Sustainable Creative Career From 20:00 until 22:00

22:00

The How and Why of Short Stories
Lou Antonelli, Warren Lapine, Kristin Mehigan, Bud Sparhawk
Venue: Anna
Tag: Literature
Ends: 23:00

Our panelists discuss why they write short stories, how they develop ideas and characters, tips on writing short stories, potential problems to avoid and what markets to target.

Elementary, My Dear Watson
Karen McCullough, Michael A. Ventrella, Bud Webster
Venue: Ballroom C
Tag: Panels
Ends: 23:00

Why is Sherlock Holmes still so popular? People are flocking to recent comic releases, films and plays. Panelists will discuss why Sherlock Holmes is still such a popular figure in contemporary culture.

Society for Creative Anachronism
Cyn McDonald, Denise Schickler, Bert Schmid
Venue: Ballroom G
Tags:
Ends: 23:00

The SCA recreates pre-17th century Europe. We wear garb, participate in tournaments, feast, study calligraphy, armoring and needlework. Come learn about a world where Romans, Celts, Vikings, and Saracens are only a footstep away!

Reading: Paula S. Jordan
Paula S. Jordan
Venue: Board Room
Tag: Reading
Ends: 23:00

Tom Lehrer Singalong For CJ
Filthy Pierre, Michael Z. Williamson
Venue: Bon Air
Tag: Music
Ends: 23:00

Every year, CJ Henderson was the loudest voice participating in our annual Tom Lehrer Singalong. Help us to pay tribute to the man by singing along to some of his favorite songs.

DC Comics is 80 Years Old!
Saucy , Stephen L. Antczak, Davey Beauchamp, Genesis Moss
Venue: Chesterfield
Tag: Panels
Ends: 23:00

Panelists will discuss the history of DC Comics: their favorite storylines, the best heroes and the most powerful villains. And what’s up with Convergence?

Figure Drawing Workshop
Xexilia Zajac
Venue: Cove
Tag: Workshops
Ends: 23:00

Xexelia Zajac will teach any and all aspiring artists the basics of figure drawing.
Bring your own drawing.
Limit 15-20 participants.

50 Shades of… Bad
JT , Doc Coleman, KT Pinto, Rich Sigfrit
Venue: York
Tag: Panels
Ends: 23:00

A 101 style introduction to kink, BDSM, and the meaning of life. Well, maybe not that last one. Come learn about what all the letters stand for and talk about what 50 Shades of Grey got right and what is just plain wrong.
Ages 18 and up.

Events Continuing at 22:00

Movie: Press Start From 21:00 until 23:00

23:00

What Makes Monsters Terrifying?
Richard Groller, Gail Z. Martin, Jack Trammell, D. Alexander Ward
Venue: Anna
Tag: Literature
Ends: 23:59

Classic horror authors made monsters the crux of their stories, but one of the most nightmare-inducing writers, H.P. Lovecraft, rarely described his monsters in depth. There’s a lot more to terror than fangs, shadows, and heavy breathing. We discuss what makes for a truly intimidating monster, in prose, art and application.

The Singularity
Dr. Ben Davis
Venue: Ballroom C
Tag: Panels
Ends: 23:59

What is it and when will we get there?

The Art of the Book: The How, When, and Why of Development
E. L. Fortner
Venue: Ballroom G
Tag: Literature
Ends: 23:59

What does it take to develop a story, characters, and the setting of a novel. Where do you start? We’ll also cover the time and discipline factors involved. This is a panel for anyone thinking about writing a book or those that have just begun.

CJ Henderson Memorial
Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Heidi Hooper, Mike McPhail, Michael A. Ventrella, Jean Marie Ward
Venue: Bon Air
Tags:
Ends: 23:59

Friends and Fans of CJ Henderson gather together to remember this iconic author and frequent guest of RavenCon.

The Slow Death of Dungeons & Dragons
Jennifer R. Povey, Randy Richards, Lawrence Schick
Venue: Chesterfield
Tag: Panels
Ends: 23:59

A panel discussion of the uncertain future of Dungeons & Dragons and role-playing games in general.

How You Do That Thing You Do
JT , Doc Coleman, KT Pinto, Rich Sigfrit
Venue: York
Tag: Panels
Ends: 23:59

Now that you know what BDSM is (the good and the bad), how do you do it? Not to mention, what do you even do? Where do you do it? How do you meet people that do it? SO MANY QUESTIONS!
Ages 18 and up.

00:00

Late Night Dance Party with DJ Drae!
DJ Drae
Venues: Ballroom E, Ballroom F
Tag: Music
Ends: 01:00

DJ Drae will get you dancing with his unique blend of 80s hits, 90s alternative, goth, industrial, and more. Requests are welcome.