QuaranCon 2021 Schedule

Last year I jumped on the chance to participate in QuaraCon, a pandemic-driven virtual fantasy convention that was the brainchild of author Virginia McClain, and I loved every moment of it. Despite being a very shy, mostly introverted person in most social situations, I do love the stage! I was a drama club kid when I was young, and since then I’ll grab any chance I can get to be the center of attention—so long as there’s a script, or at least a set of talking points. You see, I am terrified of having to go into a party cold and talk to people, because I’m always worried about either being bored or being boring. But give me an outline of what to say, and some expectation of what others will talk about, and I’m in my element!

Therefore I was ever so pleased when Virginia sent out the call for volunteers to help her produce another QuaranCon. We’re all pretty bummed that we’re all still more or less stuck at home and there’s a need for another QuaranCon, yet we’ve had so much fun planning the panels and contests this year. Plus, I get another chance to step into the spotlight, even if it’s only a on very small Zoom screen.

My QuaranCon Schedule

Tropes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Panelists: Anna Smith Spark, Antoine Bandele, Amanda Cherry, Megan Haskell Moderator: A.M. Justice (that’s me!)	April 8, 3:15–4:15 pm Watch it
Fantasy vs Science Fiction: Subgenre Definitions Panelists: Madeline Dyer, Darran M Handshaw, Joyce Hertzoff, Cavan Scott, Alexander Darwin Moderator: A.M. Justice	April 9, 3:00–4:00 pm Watch it
A Reading from the Woern Saga A.M. Justice	April 11, 4:00–4:30 pm Watch it
QuaranCon Awards Announcements P.S. Livingstone and A.M. Justice Special Guest: A Goat!	April 12, 1:30–2:30 pm Watch it
Food in Fantasy Panelists: Angela Boord, Intisar Khanani, Krystle Matar, Travis M. Riddle, K.S. Villoso Moderator: A.M. Justice	April 12, 5:00–6:00 pm Watch it

I mean, look at that line-up! There are some real heavy hitters in there, and those panels are some of my favorite SFF topics! I can hardly wait to talk to dig in there!

What’s Up with the Goat?

On Monday, P.S. Livingston and I will be announcing the winners of the Short Story and Best of the Worst First Lines Competitions. For the Short Story Competition, we’ll read the winning story out of our field of speculative fiction entries. The Best of the Worst First Lines contest is our own version of the annual Bulwer-Lytton competition. The winning entry will be eaten by a goat from Cronkshaw Fold Farm. Out of the entire con schedule, I may be most crazy excited about that!