EnchantiCon 2025: Full Schedule

10:00am CDT

Tales of Fantastical Beasts: Crafting Magic and Monsters

Friday August 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Dive into the enchanting world of magical creatures with authors who bring fantastical beasts to life in their stories. From majestic dragons to fearsome monsters, this panel explores the inspiration and research behind crafting these iconic characters.

Presenters

S.L. Rowland

S.L. Rowland is a cozy fantasy and LitRPG author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with adventure, heart, and a touch of humor. A lifelong gamer and fantasy enthusiast, he draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, video games, and the fantastical. When he’s not writing, he... Read More →

Mina Brower

Mina Brower is an American citizen who immigrated from Mexico and aims to inspire other immigrants to chase their dreams. A wife, a mom, and a lawyer, Mina is proud to live a life long dream adding author to her many list of titles. If you were to ask Mina how she balances it all... Read More →

Brigid Kemmerer

Brigid Kemmerer is the New York Times bestselling author of dark and alluring novels like A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Defy the Night, and Letters to the Lost. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family. When she’s not writing or being a mom, you can usually... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

12:30pm CDT

5/5 Dragon Flames: The Role of Spice in Fantasy

Friday August 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Regency B

With the rapid rise in love for "romantasy" books in the past several years, we've asked our authors to share their thoughts on the role of spice in fantasy storytelling. How do authors use physical connection as a means of plot progression and character development and, of course, where do monsters fit in to all of this?

Presenters

Beth Revis

Beth Revis is a New York Times bestselling author with books available in more than twenty languages. Beth writes science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels. A native of North Carolina, Beth lives in rural North Carolina with her son and husband.

Amalie Howard

AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling romance author. Her novels have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, Cosmopolitan, Oprah Daily, and Seventeen. She is also the author of several critically acclaimed, award-winning young adult... Read More →

Alex La Bruyere

Alex La Bruyere is retired Navy, so if you're reading her books: Congratulations, you're officially a patriot. She has a Bachelor’s in English so she’s not only proudly embarrassing her family but her professors by using her degree to pen smut. She’s originally from St. Louis... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

2:30pm CDT

Self-Publishing Pipeline: The Journey So Far

Friday August 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Regency B

Have you ever been curious about what goes into self publishing? Join Siri Pielski, S.L. Rowland and friends in a Q&A style panel that explores their backgrounds and journeys through the writing and publication processes.

Presenters

Brittany Hansen

Brittany Hansen grew up devouring books about magic, looking for doorways to fantasy worlds in tree trunks, and staying up late writing her own stories. She studied creative writing in college. Now she lives near the mountains in Utah with her husband, two kids, two dogs, and one... Read More →

Siri Pielski

Siri Pielski Siri has been writing short stories since she was 10 years old. At 13 she started publishing fanfiction on various sites and recently decided to make a huge leap of faith into self-publishing. When she's not writing the sugar to her author friends' spice she's upholding... Read More →

S.L. Rowland

Jess Wisecup

Jess Wisecup is the author of emotional fantasy romance and paranormal romance. Her books feature body diversity and characters in their late 20s and 30s. Jess has lived all over the United States in the past decade before finally settling back in the Midwest. If Jess isn't busy reading... Read More →

Nita Lipan

Weaving tales as naturally as the Highland mists dance across ancient stones, emerging author Nita Lipan brings her lifelong gift for storytelling to the enchanting realm of fantasy fiction. Her debut novel, "Solasta the Highlander Fae," marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

3:45pm CDT

Architects of Wit and Whimsy: All About World Building

Friday August 15, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT

Regency B

We've assembled a panel of authors who are masters of lore and legend to share their expertise on the art of world building in fantasy. In a genre where the only limit is your imagination, how do authors create cohesive and vivid worlds? From main characters to magic systems, our authors are here to illuminate how they craft their mystical realms.

Presenters

Lana B. Knight

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Lana B. Knight grew up immersed in the magical worlds of Legend of Zelda, Harry Potter, and A Game of Thrones. These early influences, along with a love for anime, sparked their passion for fantasy and inspired them to craft their own stories.As... Read More →

Chanda Hahn

Chanda Hahn is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of The Unfortunate Fairy Tale Series. She uses her experience as a children's pastor, children's librarian and bookseller to write compelling and popular fiction for teens. She was born in Seattle, WA, grew up in Nebraska... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

5:00pm CDT

I Was A Teenage Writer

Friday August 15, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

Regency B

Ever wonder if your favorite authors were once cringe-worthy, melodramatic teenage writers? Join a fearless group of authors as they dig into the archives of their youth to share the hilariously awkward stories, angsty poetry, and maybe even fanfic that started it all. Proof that everyone has to start somewhere, and sometimes, that somewhere is deeply embarrassing.

Moderators

Gina Kim

Gina is a fantasy book influencer and writer who is extremely excited to join everyone for a weekend of books, magic, and dancing! While her love for reading was a more recent discovery that truly solidified a few years ago, storytelling has always been a part of her—starting with... Read More →

Presenters

A.M. Colwell

Aylia (A.M.) Colwell is a writer, actor, and web comic artist. She has published two books, with a third stand alone adult sci-fi novel due to be released later this year. Her web comics are published under the title "Reasons My Friends Hate Me" and can primarily be found on instagram... Read More →

Siri Pielski

Bree Wilde

Bree Wilde writes open-door romance and romantasy novels for adults.

Dami Salako

Dami Salako is a first-generation Nigerian American who spent the first half of her childhood in England and the second half in Texas. She is a practicing psychiatrist and lives in Dallas with her husband, two dogs, and two cats.When she’s not working or writing, Dami is cosplaying... Read More →

Don Martin

Don Martin is the author of Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire, The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft, while I wait to be a god again, and The Playground with more books on the way. He is also the host of the podcast Head On Fire, which speaks to experts in overlooked or misunderstood... Read More →

Friday August 15, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

10:00am CDT

We Are All Magical: Decolonizing Fantasy

Saturday August 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Regency B

Fantasy is so much more than elves and dwarves running around in some old castles. It is a tool for exploring systems of power, connecting with new ideas and celebrating cultural traditions. Our authors will share how they use fantasy as a vehicle to share stories important to their communities and explore themes of resilience, adventure and joy.

Presenters

Dami Salako

Amalie Howard

Saturday August 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

11:15am CDT

Finding Community Through Fandom

Saturday August 16, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Regency B

From coordinated cosplays to late night Zooms, fandom friendships just hit different. But how do you make those friendships, especially when you feel alone doing the things you love? You'll hear from panelists across fandoms who'll get real about how they found their people and made meaningful connections that will last a lifetime. From Harry Potter to Star Wars, books, movies, gaming and everything in-between, we'll share how to find your community and have fun doing it.

Presenters

King Quidditch

Although King Quidditch might have entered Hogwarts during his 6th year (due to an owl mishap), he quickly established himself in the classroom and Quidditch pitch. Following school, he entertained multiple offers to join professional Quidditch teams, he decided to brave the Muggle... Read More →

Geoff Hutton

Geoff Hutton, aka “Dream Quaffle,” has been performing and presenting in various fandom spaces for several years. If you’ve ever been to a convention, or any other gathering of nerds in festive outfits for that matter, you’ve probably met them. In addition to their wizard... Read More →

Dani Mione

Dani is a fan of all things, creator and host of the Creating Magic podcast and Not the Droids podcast. Dani can be found creating content, sewing, reading and exploring all the fantastical worlds. You can find her at @magicelleadventures on most platforms.

Paula Carbon

Paula is a fandom girlie turned book girlie. She loves reading and musicals! Her love for fandoms started with Harry Potter but has morphed into other things like Wicked, the Mandalorian, The Last of Us, and most importantly all things Pedro Pascal.

Anna Aguilar

Although Anna is now a Potterhead that wasn't always the case. Anna read the first book in 4th grade and *GASP* was not a fan. It wasn't until a few years later when Anna picked up the books again that she was hooked. Anna also has a love of other fandoms, with Star Wars being a new... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Regency B

Panel

12:30pm CDT

Confidence Through Cosplay

Saturday August 16, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Regency B

Ever wanted to cosplay but not sure how to start, or what to do? Afraid you can't find the right character or that you won't fit in with other cosplayers? Join us as we discuss body positivity, how to start out cosplaying and getting past anxiety and fear to find yourself through cosplay. Bring your questions and get ready to create your next cosplay!

Presenters

Chloé Laverson

Chloé is a lifelong fangirl (it all started with the Boy Who Lived) who turned her love of magic and dressing up into a side gig as a fantasy, fashion, cosplay, and fandom content creator.She believes pink is a neutral, fantasy-inspired outfits belong at the grocery store, and the... Read More →

Dani Mione

Cynthia Eve Cosplay

Cynthia Eve is an award-winning pro cosplayer and crafter with 8+ years of experience. She loves to empower other cosplayers to grow as creators and performers.

Floral Laurel Cosplay

Floral Laurel Cosplay (Flora) is a St. Louis based cosplayer with 4 years of experience in costume design, creation, and makeup. Her most notable works have been characters from the Lore Olympus webcomic by Rachel Smythe, including Hecate, Minthe, and Dread Queen Persephone. Flora... Read More →

Paula Carbon

Saturday August 16, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Regency B

Panel

2:30pm CDT

Greetings, Humans! An Introduction to the Power of Sci-Fi Storytelling

Saturday August 16, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Regency B

We're trading in our dragons for droids with this panel of scintillating science fiction authors! Panelists will discuss what drew them in to the genre, the unique challenges of writing sci-fi and the particular potency that comes with pairing science and storytelling.

Presenters

A.M. Colwell

Beth Revis

Mina Brower

Saturday August 16, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

3:45pm CDT

Back to Where It All Began: Why We Love YA

Saturday August 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT

Regency B

For many readers, it feels like we have always been fantasy fans! But it all had to start somewhere. Our panel of young adult fantasy writers will share what they love about writing for a younger audience.

Presenters

Don Martin

Nita Lipan

Kristi McManus

Kristi McManus is a Registered Nurse by trade, but avid reader and enthusiastic book lover all her life. Her debut novel, Our Vengeful Souls, was released Summer 2023 by CamCat Books. When she isn't writing, she enjoys photography, art, and considers napping to be a form of cardio... Read More →

Brigid Kemmerer

Saturday August 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

5:00pm CDT

How Wolfstar Won: Blueprints for a Fandom Future

Saturday August 16, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT

Regency B

Before Twitter and TERFgate, J.K. Rowling paired Remus Lupin with Nymphadora Tonks, supposedly ending the ship of Remus Lupin and Sirius Black

How did Wolfstar not only survive, but thrive, and why did so many ship it to begin with? Can shipping be a form of resistance? And with the stakes much higher as Rowling relentlessly threatens the safety of trans lives, what lessons can we learn to forge our own fandom paths?

Presenters

Lillian King

Lillian King is a writer, journalist, and fandom menace with a master's degree in folklore and a never-ending thirst for knowledge. When she's not writing Wolfstar fanfic, she's working on a Dumbledore libretto, playing roller derby, taking photos, or maybe even learning a third song... Read More →

Saturday August 16, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Regency B

Panel

10:00am CDT

Hot Takes & High Stakes

Sunday August 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Regency B

We all have those tropes we love or perhaps love to hate. In this interactive debate, we're asking readers to join the conversation and discuss the pros and cons of some of the most popular tropes in fantasy. Come to find some like-minds or let your own be changed by a compelling piece of evidence. Disagreement is allowed but kindness is required.

Presenters

Jess L. M. Anderson

Jess L. M. Anderson, aka @stressinabox on social media, is a content creator with over two million followers and the author behind the fantasy series The Source Keepers. She enjoys combining her love of writing with art and brings a plethora of mystical and hand-crafted items, along... Read More →

Sunday August 17, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

11:15am CDT

Forging Her Path: Writing Female Characters in Fantasy

Sunday August 17, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Regency B

Fantasy authors dive into the many ways female characters can be powerful. From fierce warriors to gentle healers, cunning queens to morally gray adventurers, we’ll explore how to write women who are complex, compelling, and true to themselves.

Presenters

Khaya Fraites

Khaya Fraites is a voice and film actor based in New York City. She has directed and written three short films that have screened at festivals such as Virginia Film Fest and Big Apple Film Fest. Khaya has narrated a number of titles for Penguin Random House, Recorded Books, and Macmillan... Read More →

Lana B. Knight

Bree Wilde

Bree Wilde writes open-door romance and romantasy novels for adults.

Kristi McManus

Sunday August 17, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

12:30pm CDT

Respectful Imagining: How to Write Inclusive Fantasy

Sunday August 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Regency B

Fantasy authors have the power to imagine entirely new realities, but with that power comes the responsibility to represent all bodies, minds, and identities with care. From body diversity and disability to chronic illness, gender identity, and neurodivergence, this panel explores why inclusive representation matters in fantasy. Discover how they research and write identities with care and respect, whether or not those identities are their own.

Presenters

Jess Wisecup

Jess L. M. Anderson

Dami Salako

Alex La Bruyere

Sunday August 17, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track

2:30pm CDT

How to Write Like the Pros

Sunday August 17, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Regency B

If you've got an idea that's been brewing but have yet to put pen to paper, this panel is for you! This panel of seasoned authors are here to guide you through the trials and tribulations of the writing process. They'll share some of their own processes and also provide tips and tricks to jumpstart your own writing journey.

Presenters

Maria A. Eden

Maria has been reading, illustrating, and writing fantasy stories since childhood. Fantasy and paranormal romance became the escape that saved her life while working as a frontline healthcare worker during the pandemic. Nothing brings her more joy than writing to provide an escape... Read More →

JoJo Bee

Being an author takes courage, something that JoJo Bee's got in spades. As a grade A student, JoJo left secondary school with any array of colleges at her fingertips, but opted instead to pursue her passion: writing. Hoping to be a guiding force in the literary space, JoJo strives... Read More →

Sunday August 17, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Regency B

Lit Track