As with everything on the Dragon*Con schedule, the below is subject to change – keep an eye on our Twitter for announcements during con! All events are in Marriott A707 unless noted otherwise.
Friday
10:00am
Coming of Age – YA authors talk about the books they read as teens. Panelists: Nancy Holder, Clay Griffith, Susan Griffith, M.B Weston, Susan Fichtelberg, Robin Hobb.
11:30am
Tuff Chicks – Let’s talk about Katniss and other strong female protagonists in today’s YA. Panelists: Diana Peterfreund, Laurie Sutton, Cinda Chima, Kady Cross, Bonnie Kunzel.
1:00pm
Whitewashing of YA – A look at minorities and their portrayal in YA. Panelists: Susan Chang, E.C. Myers, Hanako Ricks, Cinda Chima, Caroline Hooton, Di Herald.
2:30pm
Villains in the Potterverse (Hyatt -International South) – a discussion of those characters you love to hate: the bad boys and bad girls in Harry Potter’s world. Panelists: Mel Pichetto, Karen Smith, M.B. Weston, Jenn Clack, Todd McCaffrey.
4:00pm
It’s the End of the World – Post-apocalypse and zombies for the teen crowd. Panelists: Diana Peterfreund, Jonathan Maberry, Mari Mancusi, C. J. Redwine, David Macinnis Gill.
5:30pm
The Hunger Games: From Page to Screen (Hyatt- Hanover CDE) – So you’ve read the book and you’ve seen the movie. How did the book translate to the screen? Panelists: Mel Pichetto, Leah Wilson, Diana Peterfreund, M.B. Weston, C.J. Redwine.
7:00pm
Online Interactions – Once you’ve closed the pages of that fantastic book, how can you extend your reading experience online using Goodreads, blogs, Twitter,and others? Panelists: Casey Fiesler, Mari Mancusi, Sarah J. Maas, Susan Dennard, Bryan Young, Heather Brewer.
8:30pm
Beyond Hunger Games: Dystopias in YA – With the success of The Hunger Games, YA dystopian novels are currently very popular. Share your thoughts as we sort the good from the bad. Panelists: Christopher Elliot, Jana Oliver, Caroline Hooton, Kathryn Hinds, David Macinnis Gill.
10:00pm
Are You a Death Eater? – Atlanta HP hosts a Harry Potter-themed mafia-style game.
Saturday
10:00am
Book Club: Rot & Ruin – Let’s all read Jonathan Maberry’s wonderful book, Rot and Ruin and discuss it, book club style. Panelists: Nancy Holder, Jonathan Maberry.
11:30am
Under the Covers – What is an author’s best friend? Beautiful cover art, of course. We’ll discuss how art is chosen for novels, and some trends in cover art in general. Panelists: Susan Chang, E.C. Myers, Caroline Hooton, Kathleen O’Shea David, Jana Oliver.
2:30pm
My Monster Boyfriend – What is the special appeal of the supernatural love interest, be it demons, angels, vampires, ghosts, or aliens? Panelists: Mari Mancusi, Diana Peterfreund, Debbie Viguie, Caroline Hooton.
5:30pm
Advice for Young Writers – So you’re a teenager or young person who has a story to tell. Come hear some advice from seasoned writers about how to get your start. Panelists: Todd McCaffrey, Davey Beauchamp, Susan Chang, Sarah J. Maas, Alan Gratz, Jonathan Maberry.
7:00pm
Coming Soon – Learn about the books to look for in 2013, from some of the ladies who write those blurbs you see on the cover. Panelists: Susan Fichtelberg, Diana Tixier-Herald, Bonnie Kunzel.
8:30pm
Zombies vs. Vampires – Which is more awesome, zombies or vampires. Ladies and gentlemen, you muh choose a side in this debate. Panelists: Heather Brewer, Jonathan Maberry, Nancy Holder, Mari Mancusi, Susan Dennard, Debbie Viguie
10:00pm
Fan Works – Fan fiction, fan art, and vidding using YA source material. Panelists: Casey Fiesler, Cinda Chima, Leah Wilson.
Sunday
10:00am
The World of Panem – Let’s look at the fictional setting of The Hunger Games. Panelists: Alexa DeGennaro, Leah Wilson, Bonnie Kunzel.
11:30am
Book Club: Ender’s Game – With the Ender’s Game movie set to release in 2013, let’s re-read Ender’s Game and discuss it, roundtable style.
2:30pm
Reading Rainbow – Take a look, it’s in a book, a reading rainbow! Let’s discuss the classic Reading Rainbow with its host, LeVar Burton. Panelists: LeVar Burton, Davey Beauchamp.
4:00pm
GLBTQ in YA – Are the portrayals of gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgendered and questioning teens realistic? Audience participation encouraged. Panelists: Nessa Warrin, Tracy Akers.
5:30pm
Costume Contest Yule Ball – Prejudging for Yule Ball Costume Contest. Winners announced at ball. Judges: Janine Spendlove, Jen Smith, Jan Price.
8:30pm
Yule Ball (Sheraton Grand Ballroom A-F) – There will be well-manner frivolity and dancing for people of all ages. Come in your Hogwarts finest,or whatever. Costume contest winners announced.
Monday
11:30am
Reluctant Reads – So, you are a geek who reads, and there is your child who won’t touch a book. Here are some ideas and titles to get ‘em hooked on books. Panelists: Tracy Akers, Melissa Carter, Susan Fichtelberg, Davey Beauchamp, Di Herald.
1:00pm
Post Mortem – So how did we do this year? Come give your suggestions for next year’s con!
