LibertyCon 38: Full Schedule

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10:00am EDT

The Art of Editing for Mass Market Publication

Sunday June 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

Chris Kennedy will moderate this panel on the art of editing for mass market publication.

Moderators

Bill Fawcett is an American writer, editor, anthologist, and game designer. He co-authored the official Mycroft Holmes Mysteries and over a dozen other novels. Bill has also written almost a dozen historical non-fiction books. He founded Mayfair Games and also designs board and computer... Read More →

C.V. Walter

Author, Editor

Get ready to blast off into a galaxy of romance with C.V. Walter, the mastermind behind the pulse-pounding alien love story, “The Alien’s Accidental Bride”! This interstellar indie sensation is just the beginning – C.V. is currently crafting a whole universe of out-of-this-world... Read More →

Gary Poole

Editor

Gary Poole is the founder and longtime host of Robot Battles, has edited three national bestselling anthologies set in John Ringo's "Black Tide Rising" universe (which a fourth coming in 2023), and runs the Southern Fandom Resource Guide website.

And if that wasn't enough, he has been in radio for over thirty years (currently hosting a popular morning show in Chattanooga), is the managing editor of a longstanding alt-weekly news site, is a developmental editor for Baen Books, has voiced over 3,000 radio and television commercials... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
CC - Ballroom E (Main Event) Chattanooga Convention Center 1 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Literary/Publishing, Panel

11:00am EDT

No Girl Bosses!

Sunday June 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

M - Plaza Ballroom C

No Girl Bosses! Writing strong female characters who aren’t MarySues .Balancing strengths and weaknesses to craft realistic female characters, facing daunting challenges and holding their own. Can a strong female character exist in an equal partnership with a strong male character? Yes! She can!

Moderators

M.G. Martin

Author

M.G. Martin was born to a flamenco dancer and an International Man of Mystery in the great state of New York, ‘lo these many years ago. A precocious child, she began writing stories in elementary school and dreamed of one day becoming a published author. As an adult, she eschewed... Read More →

Guests

Julie Frost

Author

Julie Frost is an award-winning author of every shade of speculative fiction. She lives in Utah with a herd of guinea pigs, her husband, and a “kitten” who thinks she’s a warrior princess. She enjoys birding, and is on a quest to photograph 500 bird species in a calendar year... Read More →

Terry Maggert

Author, Editor, Publisher, Past GoH

Terry likes dragons, caffeine, space, giraffes, and books; order unimportant. He's the author of the Backyard Starship, Gold Medal Marine, Messenger, and Starcaster series, with more on the way. Join the gang on Facebook at the Cosmic Cantina for a laugh or three, and say hello if... Read More →

K.B. Carlisle

Author

KB Carlisle is a husband, father, panda enthusiast, former time traveler and professional desk chair warmer.

His debut novel The Book of Rose won the 2024 Imadjin Award for Best Young Adult Novel.

Check out all of his work at kbcarlisle.com.

Cedar Sanderson

Author

Cedar Sanderson is a multifaceted creator whose work spans both the literary and visual arts. Cedar is celebrated for her engaging storytelling and her ability to captivate audiences with her vibrant imagery and thoughtful narratives. Her work not only entertains but also invites... Read More →

Alma T. C. Boykin

Author

Alma T. C. Boykin, author of over a hundred novels and short stories, spent her growing-up years in flat places without trees. After living Back East and traveling all over northern Europe, she turned travels into stories, some of which happen to have footnotes. Beware: she also... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom C

Literary/Publishing, Panel

11:00am EDT

What are the Tropes of Modern Science Fiction?

Sunday June 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

CC - Meeting Room 3 (Workshop Track)

What are the Tropes of Modern Science Fiction? Our panel of writers will discuss how science fiction is evolving in the modern era, and how it's tropes are evolving with it.

Moderators

James P. Nettles

Author

With a 30-plus-year career in consulting, Nettles has advised a diverse range of clients, from startups to Fortune 100 companies in financial technologies, media, entertainment, and green technologies. His work focuses on privacy, futurism, and disruptive technologies, exploring how... Read More →

Guests

A.G. Thompson

Author

Reared on a West Texas ranch, A.G. Thompson is a veteran of the US Air Force, having served during the Cold War and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English Literature and History from the University of Louisville.

He has been a competition shooter for around a decade, is an avid reader (as most authors are), and is extremely knowledgeable in military history, especially as regards World War II. He is retired from a 29-year career at UPS, a devoted cat-person with a pair of large four foot... Read More →

Ted Begley

Author

Ted Begley's career has consisted of such fields as cook, farmer, lightning rod salesman, and accountant. He lives in Kentucky with his wife of more than thirty years, Laura, who acts in the capacity of his first reader and editor. He has several short stories published in as many... Read More →

Amy DuBoff

Author

A.K. (Amy) DuBoff is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling indie author and screenwriter. She’s a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy in all its forms, including books, movies, shows, and games—and if it involves outer space, even better! Bringing her love of the... Read More →

J.P. Chandler

Author

J.P. Chandler was born and raised in California, where he lived with his wife of many years until relocating to Utah in 2025. He uses writing in the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy as his excuse for pursuing various interests. He first started writing fiction when he was fou... Read More →

Tim Gilliland

Author

Born in the malarial fever swamps of Memphis TN, Tim was raised on corn squeezin’s, bent nails and broken glass. After a rough-and-tumble childhood in the upper middle class, he went to high school at old-line catholic school for 'bad boys.' Once the bruises healed he went into... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
CC - Meeting Room 3 (Workshop Track) Chattanooga Convention Center 1 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Literary/Publishing, Panel

12:00pm EDT

Poul Anderson Part 2 - Science Fiction

Sunday June 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

M - Plaza Ballroom C

Poul Anderson Part 2 - Science Fiction: Ben Yalow and Toni Weisskopf will be discussing the following works: Van Rijn/Flandry, Tau Zero, Time Patrol, and Star Fox.

Guests

Toni Weisskopf

Author, Editor, Publisher, Past Special GoH

Toni Weisskopf is the publisher of Baen Books, a leading publisher of SF and fantasy for 40 years. She is also a member of the Interstellar Research Group board of advisors. She is the mother of a delightful daughter, and presides over a household that includes three dogs, one cat... Read More →

Ben Yalow

Author, Past Special GoH

Ben Yalow’s very first convention he attended as a fan was Lunacon in 1971, followed later that year by his first Worldcon, Noreascon. Ben first started staffing conventions at the very first Star Trek convention in January 1972, followed by the Worldcon in 1973, Torcon 2. He has... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom C

Literary/Publishing, Panel

12:00pm EDT

The Fae vs. The Undead - Who Wins?

Sunday June 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

M - Plaza Ballroom A/B

Across folklore and fantasy the question of who would win in a match-up between Fairy Folk and the Undead such as Vampires and Zombies is an interesting question. Julie Cochrane moderates this discussion of who the likely winner might be.

Moderators

Julie Cochrane

Author

Julie Cochrane was born in Ohio and begin crafting her first stories when she was five years old. She made her first attempts at novels in Social Studies and English classes. Cally's War with John Ringo was the first manuscript she ever finished. Sister Time and Honor of the Clan... Read More →

Guests

Cedar Sanderson

Author

Jay Peterson

Author

Jay Peterson has been everything from a nightclub bouncer to a chess coach. He once considered taking over the world, but balked once he had a look at the paperwork involved. His debut novel, Renfield Blues, was released in 2023. A sequel, Ghost Light, is currently in the works.
When not writing, Jay is a film and TV actor, usually known for playing supernatural creatures. He most recently appeared in Red One, The Piano Lesson, and The Conjuring:The Devil Made Me Do It... Read More →

Geoffrey Mandragora

Author

Geoffrey Mandragora is a storyteller, not an author. He refuses to take himself seriously, or write anything too serious. His work is exciting, scary, and thrilling; but overall he strives to make his books fun, both to write and read. Which is why he writes in different genres.

Louise Herring-Jones

Author

Louise Herring-Jones writes speculative fiction including science fiction, fantasy, historical fantasy, and alternate mystery. Her stories, appearing in fourteen anthologies, include “The Poulterer’s Tale” in God Bless Us, Every One—Christmas Carols beyond Dickens (Voodoo... Read More →

Lucas Marcum

Author

Lucas Marcum is a critical care nurse practitioner, Army reservist, and independent author. Since high school, he has written recreationally; but never really took the idea of publishing a book seriously until 2017, when he wandered into a Facebook group curated by and populated with... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom A/B Chattanooga Marriott Downtown 2 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Literary/Publishing, Panel

1:00pm EDT

Big Target or Big Capability?

Sunday June 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

M - Plaza Ballroom A/B

Discussion on whether large, expensive, manned systems are a capability or a liability, given what we know now. Are giant spaceships feasible anymore, or do singles ships, unmanned systems and AI dominate the future? The panel returns with fresh real world ammo: the B21 and the Defiant class (ST: DS9 vibes!) BBG.

Moderators

Jim Curtis

Author

JL Curtis is a retired Naval Flight Officer, retired engineer in the defense industry, an NRA instructor, and now lives in north Texas writing full time. He has novels out in three different series, The Grey Man (urban fiction), Rimworld (military science fiction), and a new series... Read More →

Guests

Tim Gilliland

Author

Charles Prael

STEM

Charles Prael is a long-time fan and west coast SMOF of dubious repute, with a resume that looks like a scarf by its length. At the moment I'm launching a hedge fund that will fund several different space/satellite projects, and may wind up paying for a lunar mining base - among other... Read More →

Nathan Balyeat

Author

A USMC veteran, Nathan has written the fantasy short stories in the "Fellblade" and "Powers of the Night" settings and is working on a science fiction novel based on the life of the William Marshal. He has a degree in history and his hobbies include weightlifting, martial arts, and... Read More →

Daniel M. Hoyt

Author, STEM, Past Special GoH

Daniel M. Hoyt is a systems architect for trajectory physics software, when not writing or wrangling royalty calculations. Dan has appeared in premier magazines like Analog and several anthologies, notably the recent Paladins of Valor and Bonds of Valor, with connected stories in... Read More →

Nick Braker

Author

Nick A. Braker is a sci-fi author blending interstellar intrigue, time travel, and cosmic alliances in series like Galactic Satori Wars & Essence Chronicles. A LibertyCon panelist on space opera, he also crafts gothic albums like Masquerade of Shadows. Drawing from Indiana roots... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom A/B Chattanooga Marriott Downtown 2 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Literary/Publishing, Panel

1:00pm EDT

World Building for Alternate History

Sunday June 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

M - Plaza Ballroom C

Historian Dan Butler moderates this discussion on the elements of worldbuilding for Alternate History.

Moderators

Daniel Allen Butler

Author

Daniel Allen Butler is a best-selling author, historian, and college-educated semi-professional beach bum. His previous works include "Unsinkable"--the Full Story of RMS Titanic; The Day the Lusitania Died; Warrior Queens - The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth in World War II; The Age... Read More →

Guests

Joseph Hower

Author

Joseph Hower is a former active-duty Marine from West Michigan. He and his wife share five children and four granddaughters. He is a professional musician and a retired electrical engineer. He spends his free time performing with two bands across West Michigan and tending to his lawn... Read More →

Daniel Kemp

Author

A couple history degrees, the Army, and a turbulent personal life inspired the Athenaeum Inc military thriller trilogy at Cannon (Door Number Three, Doubling Down and Triple Play). He’s also done shorts on everything from the sinking of the Bismarck to feeding dragons.

Mark Huston

Author

Mark Huston is a Chicago based author. He is published in Eric Flint's Ring of Fire Series and is a long-time contributor to the Grantville Gazette. His first novel, "Up-time Pride and Down-time Prejudice", was a Dragon Award Finalist. His work has also appeared in F&SF. Mark is and... Read More →

Bjorn Hasseler

Author, Editor

Bjorn Hasseler found Eric Flint's novel 1632 in a public library. Then he discovered that fans were not just allowed but encouraged to write in the 1632 universe. He writes the Neustatter's European Security Service thread (A Matter of Security, Missions of Security, Security Threats... Read More →

S.M. Stirling

LibertyCon 38 Special Guest of Honor, Author

S.M. Stirling was born in France in 1953, to Canadian parents -- although his mother was born in England and grew up in Peru. After that he lived in Europe, Canada, Africa, and the US and visited several other continents. He graduated from law school in Canada but had his dorsal fin... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom C

Literary/Publishing, Panel

2:00pm EDT

Men Writing Romance

Sunday June 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

M - Plaza Ballroom C

It isn't just about her breasting boobily down the stairs, we promise! A panel with male authors who write romance, tips and tricks for prospective authors, and how to try and write something that appeals to a broad audience. Kal Spriggs mod.

Moderators

Kal Spriggs

Author

Kal Spriggs is a US Army combat veteran, gamer, and science fiction and fantasy author. He has visited over 35 countries and has worked in a variety of industries including environmental remediation, farming, civil engineering, the military, and transportation. Kal has drawn upon... Read More →

Guests

Chris Woods

Author, Past Special GoH

Christopher Woods, writer of fiction, teller of tales, and professional liar was born way too long ago to be talking about it and has spent the majority of his life with a book in hand. He is known for his popular Soulguard series and creating the shared universe in The Fallen World... Read More →

Bart Kemper

Author

Bart is a writer, photographer, inventor, and consulting Professional Engineer based in South Louisiana. He served over 34 years in the US Army, Active and Reserve, enlisted and officer, including as a Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division up to a Lt. Colonel engineer officer in... Read More →

Terry Maggert

Author, Editor, Publisher, Past GoH

Jacob Holo

LibertyCon 38 Master of Ceremonies, Author

Jacob Holo has been a recreational geek since childhood, when he discovered Star Wars and Star Trek, and a professional geek since college, when he graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Electrical and Controls Engineering. He started writing when his parents... Read More →

Jonathan LaForce

Author

Born in southern Arizona, Jonathan LaForce spent his formative years in northern Los Angeles County before moving to Texas at the age of 19. Two years later, he enlisted in the USMC and found himself stationed in Hawaii. Had it not been so expensive, he'd have stayed in Hawaii at... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom C

Literary/Publishing, Panel

2:00pm EDT

The Art of Screenwriting

Sunday June 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

M - Plaza Ballroom A/B

How is screenwriting different from writing a novel or a series of short stories? Come listen as these experienced screenwriters dish on the art.

Moderators

Gary Poole

Editor

Guests

Wil McCarthy

Author

Engineer/Novelist/Journalist/Entrepreneur Wil McCarthy has been a professional writer since the mid-1980s. He is a former contributing editor for WIRED magazine and science columnist for the SyFy channel (previously SciFi channel), where his popular "Lab Notes" column ran from 1999 through 2009. A lifetime member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, he is a two-time winner of the AnLab award, and has been a finalist... Read More →

Robert S. Evans

Artist, Author

Robert S. Evans is a Georgia native film writer and director. He attended the New York Film Academy, and shortly afterwards caught the attention of industry veteran Jeff Burr (Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3) . Robert caught his first break with the film "The Last Piece Standing... Read More →

Amy DuBoff

Author

James Fox

Author

Native Californian, James Fox is a natural storyteller. After graduating from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, with a BFA in Directing, he became the Founder of Dawnrunner Inc. and has championed the company through numerous award-winning projects over fifteen years. As a writer... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
M - Plaza Ballroom A/B Chattanooga Marriott Downtown 2 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Literary/Publishing, Panel

2:00pm EDT

World Building for Epic Fantasy

Sunday June 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

CC - Meeting Room 5 (Main Event)

Rob Howell moderates this panel on the essential elements for world building in the Epic Fantasy.

Moderators

Rob Howell

Author, Publisher

Rob is the the creator of the Firehall Sagas, a contributor in Luke Gygax’s World of Okkorim, and an author in the Four Horsemen Universe. He writes epic fantasy, space opera, hard-boiled detective stories, alternate history, and whatever else seems fun.

His parents discovered b... Read More →

Guests

G. Scott Huggins

Author

Having been born in California and raised in Kansas, Scott Huggins grew up as confused as one might expect. He began writing whilst traveling in post-Soviet Russia and Germany, and was one of the 20th Century’s last Writers of the Future (1999). The future arrived immediately thereafter... Read More →

Tony Andarian

Author, Publisher, Andarian Publishing

Tony Andarian is the author of the Sanctum of the Archmage epic fantasy novels and games. They are published by his personal imprint, Andarian Publishing.

Invested from a young age with an overactive imagination, he's had a lifelong love of science fiction, fantasy, computer gam... Read More →

M.D. Boncher

Author

As an author, artist and musician, M. D. Boncher has lead a “Writer’s Life”. With several careers in many varied industries from security to hospitality to trucking logistics providing him a wide breadth of experience with the human condition from which to draw on for his work... Read More →

Charles E. Gannon

Author, Past LGoH

Dr. Charles E. Gannon is best known for the Caine Riordan series of hard sf novels, which include multiple best-sellers, 4 finalists for the Nebula, 2 for the Dragon, and a Compton Crook winner. His epic fantasy series, The Vortex of Worlds, has also been an awards finalist and a... Read More →

Sunday June 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
CC - Meeting Room 5 (Main Event) Chattanooga Convention Center 1 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Literary/Publishing, Panel

10:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

12:00pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

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