Alyce Wilson

I have my Philcon schedule. This is going to be good!
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Star Trek in 2023 – Crystal 2, Fri 7:00 PM
Matt Black (moderator), Alyce Wilson, Keith DeCandido, Savan Gupta, Andre Lieven
Description: Since last Philcon, a ton of new Star Trek content has been released: new seasons of Prodigy, Picard, Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks. What were the most memorable moments? Where will they go from here?
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Deep Space Nine: An Unfolding Text – Crystal 2, Sat 3:00 PM
Daniel M. Kimmel (moderator), Raven Green, Alyce Wilson, Barbara Purdom, Dan Persons
Description: 2023 marks the 30th Anniversary of this well-loved show’s premiere. How did it change the Star Trek universe when it first aired? How has it stood up over the last three decades? Does re-watching the show in the present day give us any new takeaways?
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Star Trek: Lower Decks – Plaza 5, Sat 5:00 PM
Alyce Wilson (moderator), Courtney Kwok, Daniel M. Kimmel, Dr. Jim Prego, Michael D. Pederson
Description: Star Trek is BACK!! From Picard to Strange New Worlds, Star Trek is back on the small screen for fans across the generations. For the first time since 1973, we have a new animated Star Trek series. Lower Decks follows the misadventures of the low-ranking support crew of cadets assigned to duty aboard the California Class Starship the Cerritos in the 24th century. It is also the first sitcom of the Star Trek franchise. Now in its third season, the show is a hit! So join us to talk about and share why we love the misfits of ST: Lower Decks.
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THE VAMPYRE – Plaza 3, Sat 7:00 PM
Richard Stout (moderator), Alyce Wilson, Teel James Glenn, Scheherazade Jackson
Description: In 1816 a teenaged girl, her married lover, a lord, and his physician decided to have a ghost story competition. While the teenager’s eventual novel became more famous – something about a modern Prometheus – the physician, John Polidori, also published his shorter work a year later in 1819. “The Vampyre; A Tale” caused a sensation that started a vampire craze throughout Europe. Among other elements, it greatly influenced Bram Stoker to make his Count Dracula a member of the nobility like Polidori’s Lord Ruthven. While a film starring Malcolm McDowell and Derek Jacobi is in development, has Dr. Polidori gotten his literary due? Let’s discuss it.
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Dracula: Eternal *and* Changing? – Plaza 3, Sun 1:00 PM
Hildy Silverman (moderator), Teel James Glenn, Alyce Wilson, Darrell Schweitzer, Amy Grech
Description: How has the story of Dracula changed over time and through different portrayals in media? What vital aspects of Bram Stoker’s original story have been lost, which have been twisted into something new, and what – if anything – has stayed the same through all the various retellings?

I’ll be participating in Philcon 2020 as a panelist. This year it will be virtual, which means that anyone can tune in. Please visit the official website (https://philcon.org/) to find out more.

Here’s my schedule:

A Worldwide Sandbox
7 p.m. Friday, November 20
Carl Fink (moderator), Eric Hardenbrook, Alyce Wilson, Savan Gupta, Tauney Kennedy

How has modern technology (and our enforced physical separation) changed the way we communicate and collaborate?

Reading – Alyce Wilson
1 p.m. Saturday, November 21

I’ll be reading selections from my newest poetry collection, “Owning the Ghosts,” plus perhaps a selection from my 3x-great-grandfather’s poetry, Dr. James Meredith Mathews, from the collection of his poetry I published in December 2019, “Reading’s Physician Poet.”

How Many Different Modes of Editing Are There?
11:30 a.m. Sunday, November 22
Alyce Wilson (moderator), Peng Shepherd, Barbara A. Barnett, Gregory Frost, Alex Shvartsman

Checking for mistakes in grammar or spelling is one obvious focus of editing your work; looking at potential problems with pacing and plot-holes another. But what about edit passes for tone, and examining how your word choices and sentence structures impact the feel of a scene? Or the value of doing a draft that looks solely at removing anything unnecessary?

Books as Trophies?
4pm Sunday, November 22
Alyce Wilson (moderator), Tom Purdom

Why do so many of us keep books that we already know we’re never going to look at again by the time we finish our first read-through? Is there a quantifiable benefit to keeping them, or are we better off Marie Kondo-ing through our collections?

I got my panel requests in late this year, so I’m not sure they’ll be on the official schedule. Here they are:

Fri 7:00PM in Plaza V (Five) – Learning to be an Effective Panel Moderator

Moderating a panel is more than just showing up and asking people to quiet down if a discussion gets out of hand. Learn what the best mods do to prepare for and handle the panels they are responsible for managing.

Sat 2:00PM in Plaza V (Five) – SciFi from the Parents’ Eye

How to shepherd our children through the modern age of SF.

Sat 3:00 PM in Plaza II (Two)—If Christianity Had Never Come Along

Imagine what the 21st century would be like without Christianity in history. Would we be worshipping a different god or gods? Or would society have developed in a different direction? What fiction is already exploring this idea?

Hope to see you there!

Here is my Philcon schedule. I will be attending, even though I am in the midst of mourning my Mom’s sudden death. I need a little normalcy, and an emotional break.

My heart will still be with my family, but I look forward to lots of interesting conversations.

Fri 9:00 PM in Plaza V (Five) (1 hour)
SOCIAL INSIGHTS FOR THE SOCIALLY PERPLEXED (2069)

[Panelists: Hugh Casey (mod), Alyce Wilson, James Prego, Robert C. Roman, Debra Baker]

Interacting with strangers doesn’t come effortlessly for everyone.  How do you know when it’s acceptable to jump into a conversation? Just as importantly, how can you know when it’s time to jump out? How do you leave a good impression on someone you want to…impress? And how do you tell whether someone is actually flirting with you or  just being nice?

Sat 10:00 AM in Plaza II (Two) (1 hour)
MUPPETS!  MUPPETS!  MUPPETS [FAMILY FRIENDLY] (2044)

[Panelists: Suzanne Rosin (mod), Michael McAfee, Christine Norris,  Barbara A. Barnett, Alyce Wilson, Matt Black]

Created in 1955, these characters have been in our lives on various TV shows and movies. Now they are back in a new “sitcom”. Chat with panelist about your favorite muppets,  and their shows. Was it Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Rigel in Farscape, Dinosaurs, The Muppet Show, the movies, the youtube videos?  Bring your coffee, wear your pjs, and have a good time

Sat 12:00 PM in Plaza VI (Six) (1 hour)
NOT FOR THE MONEY: HOBBIES AS…HOBBIES? (2061)

[Panelists: Deborah Stanish (mod), Andre Lieven, Diane Kovalcin, Alyce Wilson]

Why do people pour money into cosplay outfits, post art and comics online for free, and spend hours crafting stories that they have no intent to publish? Why is there such a push in American society to monetize everything we’re capable of, and devalue that which has no price tag on it.

Sat 6:00 PM in Plaza V (Five) (1 hour)
A SUPER YEAR FOR TV? (2054)

[Panelists: Kyle Williamson (mod), Russ Colchamiro, Alyce Wilson,  James Chambers, Steve Vertlieb, Andre Lieven]

2015 was host to seven live-action television adaptions of superhero comic book properties and the rebirth of the Heroes franchise. Which shows “got it right,” and which ones made you want to write angry letters to the producers?

Sat 8:00 PM in Plaza II (Two) (1 hour)
150 YEARS OF WONDERLAND (2108)

[Panelists: Siobhan Carroll (mod), Alyce Wilson, Debra Baker, Savan Gupta]

Why have Alice’s adventures through the looking glass remained a classic for so long? What does it have to say to the 21st Century?

In honor of my children’s reading at Philcon, I am making a free sample of my upcoming short story collection, working title Felix and the DreamWorld Bandits and Other Stories, available via Smashwords. Please check it out and write a review!

Felix Discovers the DreamWorld and Other Stories

In this book for young readers, Felix learns about the DreamWorld from his mother: a place where you can do anything and go anywhere. With a child’s eye for the absurd, he explores this land with his best friends, a robot named Hobart and a dinosaur named Drusus. Felix and his friends fight a dragon, meet a unicorn, and learn that the DreamWorld offers surprises Felix could never have imagined while awake.

Free at Smashwords

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Here are my scheduled events at this year’s Philcon.

Fri 7:00 PM in Plaza III (Three) (1 hour)
SETTING UP A CROWDFUNDING PROJECT (1826)

[Panelists: Danielle Ackley-McPhail (mod), Rob Balder, Neil Clarke, Gil Cnaan, Alex Shvartsman, Alyce Wilson]

Panelists discuss what worked, what didn’t and why. How can you promote one to make sure it is a success

Sun 10:00 AM in Plaza VI (Six) (1 hour)
YA AND CHILDREN’S STORY READINGS TWO (1996)

[Panelists: David Sklar (mod), Alyce Wilson]

David Sklar and Alyce Wilson read from their works that are appropriate for younger readers

For several years now, I’ve been participating in an online writing contest called The Real LJ Idol that is the creative equivalent of the Olympics plus the Iditarod. While I’ve never placed higher than 5th in the competition (and that on my first year competing), I have made countless connections with wonderfully talented, creative and generous writers. I would also say that some of my best work from the past several years has come from responding to the LJ Idol prompts.

This is sign-up week for Season 9, which founder Gary Dreslinski has announced will be the final season. What are you waiting for? Hop on over to the main page, read the LJ Idol FAQ and cast your hat into the ring! The more cannon fodder participants the better!

A couple other people have published serious interviews with Gary in the run-up to Season 9, so I thought I’d just have a little fun. Following in the footsteps of Entertainment Weekly, here are some stupid questions with LJ founder Gary Dreslinski.

When it comes to LJ Idol strategy, which American Idol finalist would be best to imitate: Sanjay Malakar, Adam Lambert or Candice Glover? Please answer in the style of an American Idol judge (past or present) of your choosing.

(as Harry Connick Jr)

I think the critical error of this question is assuming that I’ve watched every season of American Idol. You really need to work on your basics here: the lead-off question is what gets people into an article and can help establish a really one-on-one emotional connection with your reader. There were a few that I missed. Including Adam Lambert and Candice Glover’s seasons. I did see Sanjay’s however, and was following “Vote for the Worst” in their campaign to get him there. So I’d definitely say that no one should attempt to imitate him.

Given that Candice’s album had the worst debut in American Idol history, I would have to go with telling people they should emulate Adam Lambert. He’s probably seen Keith Urban naked!

(as Paula Abdul)

Wha? Is this thing on? *falls down drunk*

Some have said that LJ Idol could be better compared to Survivor or even Project Runway than to American Idol.

I think Project Runway and Top Chef are probably the best comparisons, although the voting is very much modeled after American Idol.

To what non-reality show or shows would you compare LJ Idol? Why?

Game of Thrones. Many people are going to die trying to seize power.

Have you ever dreamt up a plot twist for LJ Idol that was too evil to use? Discuss.

Mass eliminations in Week 1. I’ve had that on my “to do” list since Season 3. I’ve never ended up pulling the trigger on it, because when it comes right down to it, I want people to have a fair shot.

How would life be better if everybody participated in LJ Idol?

They would lead richer, happier lives — full of laughter and mirth. Money would rain from the skies. Poverty and hatred would be completely eliminated as all of humanity put their collective beings into being the best Idolers.

What question should I have asked you but didn’t?

What has it got in its pocketses?

Looking back at 2013, I had many successes. I built on my existing author’s platform, connecting with more users/potential readers on Twitter, Google Plus, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Facebook and Pinterest.

Thanks to the 30 Queries in 30 Days Project and its extension, the 31 Queries in 31 Days Project, I received acceptances from Miracle magazine and Five poetry magazine and secured an editing gig for a series of children’s books.

I published my second non-fiction book, Dedicated Idiocy,  a Kindle-only book, and made progress on my current work-in-progress, Now with Kung Fu Action Grip, a collection of writings about my 3-year-old son.

This year I have two main goals:

1) Complete and publish Now with Kung Fu Action Grip.

2) Complete and publish my new poetry anthology, Owning the Ghosts.

In addition, I want to build on my successes by sticking to three good habits:

3) Post at least once a week on this blog; my blog for my book for older parents, Belated Mommy; my Goodreads author’s blog; and my personal blog at LiveJournal.

4) Write at least one poem a week.

5) Apply to at least one writing job or send at least one submission a week.

In general, I will also be striving to continue to build my author’s platform and to find creative and results-driven ways to promote my published works.

And an exciting update: I learned that I’ve been selected as one of the finalists to be included in the Project REUTSway anthology, from the November YA writing challenge. I will keep you posted on the book as the project progresses!

I've received my official Philcon schedule and am on two panels this year and am officially the moderator of one of them (huzzah!). Check it out:

Sat 6:00 PM in Crystal Ballroom Two (1 hour)
BECOMING A FULL TIME WRITER (1496)

[Panelists: Alyce Wilson (mod), Alex Shvartsman, David Sklar, D.L.�Carter, Thomas Willeford]

How do you become a full time writer? Is that a good idea for you?

Sun 10:00 AM in Plaza III (Three) (1 hour)
USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO PROMOTE YOUR CAREER (1543)

[Panelists: KT Pinto (mod), Christine Norris, Alyce Wilson, D.H.�Aire]

Whenever a writer is on Facebook, he or she is not working on their�writing. What are the potential advantages and distractions of�social media?

So my questions to you: What information would you like to hear on these two panels if you were attending? And do you have any insights that might be useful (such as specific books or online resources) to share?

For a couple of years, I’ve participated in the National Novel Writing Month’s challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in the month of November. This year, I’d like to take on two different challenges, instead.

The first is called Project Reutsway. Sponsored by Reuts Publications, it’s an intriguing writing challenge. Each weekly, participants will be given a literary challenge to mash-up two different styles, which they have to complete in three days. Judges will offer commentary, and the weekly winners will be announced on the Reuts blog. At the end of the month, 10-20 winning submissions will be published in a collection with part of the proceeds going to the green charity, Reading Tree/Discover Books, which promotes literacy in the US by keeping books out of landfills, funding library sustainability, providing books to low-income families and more.

Sounds like a great creative challenge that will keep me on my toes, so I’m looking forward to it.

In addition to the Project REUTSway challenge, I’m going to be participating in Nina Amir’s Nonfiction Writers Rise to the Challenge During NaNonFiWriMo (National Non-Fiction Writer’s Month). This is an idea spearheaded by writer Nina Amir, who is asking non-fiction writers to set their own goals to complete a non-fiction project of any length in November: ranging from an article to a book.

For my project, I will be pulling together the essays and poetry for my new book, “Now with Kung Fu Action Grip.” This, as you might already know, will focus on writings about my son, whose online nickname is Kung Fu Panda.

That book is one of the final perks I need to put together for the Indiegogo campaign I ran this past April, Get the Ringbearer to Illinois, which secured funding for me and KFP to attend a wedding where he had been asked to be the ringbearer.

I like the idea of doing both of these challenges, since one will spur me to write some new material, while the other will help me focus on finishing up a promised perk.

What about you? Are you participating in any writing challenges in November?