Sep. 3 – Sep. 7, 2026 in Atlanta, GA Buy

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Professionals

Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with us!

Grab your cape, because you won’t want to miss this!

Don’t miss this fandom-filled weekend as we showcase an incomparable assembly of humans and their gifts at Dragon Con.

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For a list of guests, performers, and attending professionals ordered by confirmation date:

Want to be the first to know when new professionals are announced? Follow Dragon Con on social media.

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A

  • Brent Abell

    Brent Abell has written 13 books, been featured in over 30 publications, has a screenplay in development, and has a travel website and YouTube channels: Brent's Crossroads and Our Darkest Fears.

  • Mary Abreu

    Mary Abreu is a film and television costume fabricator with IATSE Local 479, with credits on a variety of big-budget, indie, and streaming productions, and has authored several books.

  • Stephen Adams

    Stephen Adams is the host of the podcasts 24 FPS Presents... and Those Were The Days, and is a founder of the 2Dorks network of podcasts and live streams.

  • Jer Alford

    Jer Alford is a writer, publisher, zinester, cartoon historian, comics connoisseur, and convention veteran. He runs Anime Anyway and owns Mini-Komix which prints comics, fanzines, and novels.

  • Ernie Altbacker

    Over a 30+ year career, Ernie Altbacker has written books, animated and live action movies and television shows, and comics. He is most known for animated superhero movies.

  • Davis Ashura

    Davis Ashura is the award winning author of four bestselling epic fantasy series, The Castes and the OutCastes, The Chronicles of William Wilde, Instrument of Omens, and The Eternal Ephemera.

  • aSwanNamedEmily

    Emily Swan is an comic artist, digital media creator, and TTRPG enthusiast. She is a part of the Airtime for Nonsense network.

  • Candy Atkins

    Candy Atkins is a Decatur-based publishing professional, editor, and author with over 25 years of experience. She is the creator and host of Books_n_Candy.

  • Derek Tyler Attico

    Derek Tyler Attico is a bestselling, award winning speculative fiction author. His first novel, StarTrek: The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko, earned a Scribe Award nomination.

  • Jotham R Austin, II

    Jotham Austin, II, Ph.D., is a research scientist at The University of Chicago and sci-fi author. He wrote Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else? and Lives Matter.

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B

  • Kevin Bachelder

    Kevin Bachelder has podcasted about genre TV and movies since 2005. He is a one of the leaders of the Dragon Con Newbies group, which supports new con attendees.

  • Michael Bailey

    Michael Bailey has been a podcaster since 2007, when he launched his first show Views From The Longbox. He has hosted or co-hosted a number of podcasts over the years.

  • Sam Baltrusis

    Sam Baltrusis, author of Ghosts of Salem and featured in The Curse of Lizzie Borden shock doc, has penned 20 paranormal-themed books.

  • James G Barber

    Griffin has written lots of fiction, most recently the novel 1637: Pilgrim's Passage, with Eric Flint. He is an editor at Baen Books and a founder at FrontLine Fiction.

  • Sheryl Barbosa

    Sheryl Barbosa is an environmental scientist and sustainability strategist with over 20 years of experience guiding industries toward planetary stewardship.

  • Paul Barrett

    Paul Barrett is an author with seven published novels who also works in the film industry in various capacities, including unit production manager, script supervisor, and props department.

  • Cate Baumer

    Cate Baumer is a fantasy writer who lived half her life in Japan but currently resides on an Appalachian mountaintop and is occasionally visited by foxes and bears.

  • Jamie Bernstein

    Jamie Bernstein is a data scientist who specializes in building statistical models and the co-host of EnterpriseSplaining, a comedy podcast about Star Trek: Enterprise.

  • Kaitlin Bevis

    Kaitlin Bevis is the author of the Daughters of Zeus series. She has also written a young adult horror novel called Blood and Other Matter and several short stories.

  • John Bierce

    John Bierce is the author of Mage Errant, More Gods Than Stars, and The Wrack. His science-inspired (both hard and social) fantasy novels have been translated into four languages.

  • Michael Birchfield

    Michael Birchfield is a digital communications specialist in the space industry, with positions at the Interstellar Research Group and the Organization for Space Medicine, Engineering, and Design.

  • Judy Black

    Judy Black is an Ennie nominated and bestselling writer of tabletop roleplaying games. An excellent source of stories cute and spooky, her most recent work is Baldur's Gate Markets.

  • J.D. Blackrose

    J.D. Blackrose writes The Summoner's Mark series, a combination of urban fantasy and romance. She has published The Soul Wars, The Devil's Been Busy, and the Zombie Cosmetologist novellas.

  • Jennifer Blackstream

    Jennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and fantasy romance. She is amazed to have made a writing career out of a master's degree in psychology.

  • Bobby Blackwolf

    Bobby Blackwolf is the co-owner of the VOG (Voice of Geeks) podcast network and Twitch channel, and has hosted a live internet show and podcast about video games since 2005.

  • Hunter Blain

    Hunter Blain is the bestselling author of the Preternatural Chronicles, the Sol Saga, and most recently, the Chronos Paradox.

  • Brandy Blanton

    Brandy Blanton is an academic known for combining popular culture with current events. As a terrorism expert, she loves to help people learn about preparing for emergencies.

  • Charles E. Blue

    Charles Blue is a science writer and science communicator focusing on astronomy, astrophysics, engineering, and geophysics. He is vibrantly active on BlueSky as @science-dude.bsky.social.

  • Heather Boddy

    Heather Boddy (she/her) is a size-inclusive fitness professional in NYC who creates safe spaces for people who feel like they don't "fit in" in fitness.

  • David Boop

    David Boop is an award nominated author, bestselling editor, screenwriter, and award winning essayist. His genres include weird western, sci-fi/noir, and pulp hero.

  • Jennifer Borrero

    Jennifer Borrero is a global speaker and documentary storyteller exploring the intersection of adventure, community, and decision-making.

  • Jay Boyce

    Winner of the 2019 Warriors and Wizards award for best new LitRPG author, Jay Boyce is the bestselling author of A Touch of Power and Rise of the Mystic Mage series.

  • S.M. Boyce

    S.M. Boyce has published over 40 novels across three pen names. Best known for the bestselling Wraithblade Saga, she writes dark fantasy that keeps readers up past their bedtime.

  • Brad Bradley

    Robert "Brad" Bradley is a former industrial chemist, utilizing these skills in the pursuit of the "paranormal", and is the research director for Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation (CPRI).

  • Bill Bridges

    Bill Bridges is a writer and game designer most known for developing White Wolf's World of Darkness horror RPG setting and the Fading Suns science-fiction universe.

  • Bethany Brookshire

    Bethany Brookshire is an award winning science writer and former neuroscientist. She is the author of the book Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains.

  • Matthew J. Brown

    Matthew Brown, PhD, is a professor of philosophy. He is co-editor of More Critical Approaches to Comics: Theories and Methods and is the founder of the Popular Arts Conference.

  • Rachel A. Brune

    Rachel A. Brune is an Army veteran, former military journalist, novelist, and editor of the creepy and macabre. She is the senior editor of Falstaff Books's new horror imprint, Falstaff Dread.

  • Doug Burbey

    Doug Burbey is the author of the Blood War military urban fantasy series. In addition to writing, he is a DoD program manager for advanced military technology development efforts.

  • Raychelle Burks

    Dr. Raychelle Burks is a forensic chemist by day, a true crime writer at night, and a fandom scientist 24/7.

  • Andrew Burn

    Andrew Burn is a film director and producer known for the sci-fi indie blockbuster Venus Effect, halloween slasher Candy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and CBS MacGyver.

  • Tyra Burton

    Tyra Burton is a multi-award winning marketing professor, digital media strategist, co-hosts Be Awesome Together, and hosts Geek Meets Social. She writes cozy fantasy, sci-fi romance, and social media guides.

  • Darin M. Bush

    Darin M. Bush is an award winning science-fiction and fantasy short story author. He is the founder and executive producer of Tables of Content, a virtual sci-fi convention.

  • D.J. Butler

    D.J. (Dave) Butler has been a lawyer, a consultant, a corporate trainer, and a registered investment banking representative, and he is now a senior editor for Ark Press.

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C

  • Kevin Cafferty

    Kevin Cafferty is an Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker who has directed video shoots on four continents and hosts the podcasts The Best Stuff in the World and Gleaming the Tube.

  • Ryan Cahill

    Ryan Cahill is the award winning author of the bestselling epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken.

  • Jessica Cail

    Featured on Secret Life of Scientists for her dual life as psychopharmacologist and stuntwoman, Dr. Cail is a scientific consultant for Hollywood, including Agents of Shield, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage.

  • R. E. Carr

    R.E. Carr is the award winning author of the Rules Undying series, as well as exploring horror comedy and science fiction over her 20+ year book career.

  • Alison Carrier

    Alison Carrier is a design director at Scopely, building an unannounced survival rpg. As a seasoned developer, she has worked on Star Wars: Hunters, Halo Infinite, and other titles.

  • Wendy Carson

    Wendy Carson, founder of the Chattanooga Vintage Dancers, teaches sewing, hair and makeup, dance, history, and etiquette workshops from the late 1700's to the 1960's.

  • Cathalson

    Cathalson is an American author and screenwriter of over 50 publications. He is a fiction developer for Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and AntiMatter Games.

  • Amy Cathryn

    Amy Cathryn is an Atlanta-based psychic medium, tarot reader, energy reader, ordained minister, Usui and Essential Reiki master, clairvoyant, clairsentient, and intuitive, with over 20 years of experience.

  • Robert Chapin

    Robert Chapin is a visual effects artist, fight choreographer, actor, writer, and director. He wrote and starred in Ring of Steel and The Hunted, and has worked on several shows.

  • Michael Chatfield

    Michael Chatfield is an international bestselling author of sci-fi, fantasy, and LitRPG. With over three million books sold, Chatfield is story director for an upcoming FPS video game.

  • Preeti Chhibber

    Preeti Chhibber is an author and podcaster who has written for DC, Marvel, and Star Wars among others. Her work has been featured on sites like SYFY, Polygon, and Elle.

  • Marc A Childs

    Back to Pop, founded by Marc Childs, is a podcast and media platform spotlighting the creators behind comics, animation, and pop culture history.

  • Luke Chmilenko

    Luke Chmilenko is best known for a variety of blockbuster series such as Ascend Online, Starbreaker, Savage Dominion, and Hat Trick!

  • Paige L. Christie

    Paige L. Christie is an epic and contemporary fantasy author, editor, and writing mentor, and an lifelong fan of all things geek.

  • Neil Clarke

    Neil Clarke is the award winning editor of Clarkesworld Magazine and over a dozen anthologies.

  • Crystal Cleveland

    Crystal Cleveland is an award winning actress, model, YouTuber, podcaster, and horror film aficionado. She has been a co-host with Decades of Horror: 1980's for the past seven years.

  • AC Cobble

    Andrew has written 20 epic fantasy books under the name AC Cobble and is the founder of Merrick Books which specializes in special collector's edition books.

  • Pamela Cole

    Pamela Cole is a costumier who graduated from Goodman Theater in Chicago over 50 years ago and works with dance, opera, movies, museums, and reenactors in the Atlanta area.

  • Joshua Edwards Colwell

    Dr. Joshua Colwell is dean of the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida. He studies planet formation, asteroids, and planetary rings.

  • Joe Compton

    Joe Compton is an indie author of four books and indie filmmaker that has worked on over 40 independent TV and film productions in five different countries.

  • Nicole Conway

    Award winning, international bestselling author Nicole Conway writes action-packed young adult fantasy adventures. Conway is best known for her Dragonrider Chronicles series, with over 200,000 copies sold.

  • Sophia Corde

    Sophia Corde is a marine biologist and social scientist studying marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico. She has studied manatees, African elephants, marine iguanas, and green sea turtles.

  • Jason Cordova

    Bestselling author of To Tread Obsidian Shores and associate editor at Baen Books, Jason Cordova was a finalist for both the John W. Campbell Award and Dragon Award.

  • Scott R Cramton

    Founder of The Murder Mystery Company, the first immersive theater to ever get a deal on Shark Tank. Scott Cramton's immersive theaters performed over 8,500 shows in 2024 alone.

  • Cris the Girl

    Cris the Girl is a spooky cozy lifestyle content creator on YouTube who focuses on Halloween decor shopping and decorating! Cris loves taking her audience with her on shopping trips.

  • Ryan Crissey

    The MuscleNerdz host with the most. You have seen him on social media, with his Superman cosplays and nerd traps. Ryan Crissey is back to bring you an amazing showdown!

  • Jessica Marie Cronin

    Jessica Cronin is a professional designer, stylist, and fashion historian. She holds an MFA in costume design from Carnegie Mellon University and her interests include historical clothing and fantasy concepts.

  • Katie Cross

    Katie Cross really loves to write books, hike mountains, and eat cookies. You can find out more about her YA fantasy books at www.katiecrossbooks.com

  • Chris Cummins

    Chris Cummins is a writer for Archie Comics and the mastermind behind the found footage comedy events Sci-Fi Explosion and Music Video Book Club.

  • Paul B Currie

    Dr. Paul B. Currie is an academic leader and seasoned professor with extensive experience in health sciences, accreditation, and program development.

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D

  • Alexander Stevens Damon

    Alex Damon is the creator and host of Star Wars Explained, a YouTube channel covering and celebrating all things Star Wars.

  • Veronica Dashiell

    Veronica Dashiell is half of the husband and wife puppetry team Felt Nerdy. They have been performing at conventions and local theatres across the Southeast for over 10 years together.

  • Kevin A Davis

    Kevin A Davis is a fantasy author with 16 published novels in three series and one middle-grade book. The first book in his DRC Files series has won two awards.

  • Milton J. Davis

    Milton J. Davis is an acclaimed award winning Black speculative fiction author and the founder of MVmedia, LLC, a publishing company.

  • Dean's Lyst

    Walter Dean is an Atlanta-based specialty costume designer who works under the business name of Dean's Lyst. Dean has been featured in several publications as a rising designer.

  • Remy Dee

    Professional cosplayer and burlesque artist Remy Dee has been working creatively in nerd spaces since 2010. She has been a cosplay guest at over 15 conventions.

  • Ernest Dempsey

    Ernest Dempsey is a USA Today bestselling author from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since 2010, he has published over 60 novels spanning archaeological thrillers, action thrillers, and paranormal fiction.

  • Ryan Dempsey

    Ryan Dempsey is a costumer for the film industry. Most notably his projects include working directly with actors of Marvel's Thunderbolts, Wakanda Forever, Red One, and The Walking Dead.

  • Gina Denny

    Gina Denny is a writer, editor, and publishing professional. After a decade editing manuscripts for authors, she started editing for an independent press, then launched a freelance business.

  • Lali DeRosier

    Science teacher, sci-fi consultant, and education researcher Lali DeRosier promotes youth involvement in science through student writing, art, and outreach.

  • Steffi Diem

    Steffi Diem, PhD, is a plasma physicist and fusion engineer who heats plasma to 10× hotter than the Sun to build real-world fusion power.

  • Beth Dolgner

    Beth Dolgner is the author of the popular Nightmare, Arizona paranormal cozy mysteries. Dolgner's books feature found family, starting over at midlife, and solving mysteries with supernatural help.

  • Elizabeth Donald

    Elizabeth Donald is an author of dark fantasy and speculative fiction, a professor, and a journalist. She is founder of the Literary Underworld small-press cooperative and teaches English and writing.

  • Christopher Donio

    Chris Donio is a specialty costumer for film and TV. His most recent work is being key specialty costumer on Peacemaker Season 2.

  • Jason Dorough

    Jason Dorough is the author of the epic fantasy Teshovar series, an advocate for indie publishing, and also works as a voiceover artist.

  • Hope Dugan

    Dr. Hope Dugan is a leadership strategist and CEO of Educated Dragon, where she helps individuals and organizations find clarity, navigate complexity, and move forward with purpose.

  • Patrick Dugan

    Dugan is author of the Darkest Storm series by Falstaff Books, Stone Cold Witch, Never Steal From Dragons, The Shadow Blade Chronicles, and Watchers of Astaria series from Distracted Dragon Press.

  • Jordan Duncan

    Jordan Duncan is a historian, researcher, and educator. He has been part of the Atlanta area paranormal community since 2008. He is also a podcaster and vlogger.

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E

  • Jessie Paul Earl

    Jessie Earl is an award winning writer, director, and LGBTQ advocate behind the YouTube channel Jessie Gender. Her work spans journalism, web series, comics, and film, including IDENTITEAZE.

  • KD Edwards

    KD is the author of the urban fantasy series The Tarot Sequence. Book IV, The Misfit Caravan, is due in 2026.

  • Kevin Eldridge

    Kevin Eldridge produces and hosts The Flopcast, a weekly pop culture comedy podcast. He is a published science fiction author, an organizer/host of skeptic events, and a comedy musician.

  • Brandi Elledge

    Brandi Elledge is an award winning fantasy romance author of 20 novels, including the Academy of Seraph series, which won Utopiacon's Best Fantasy Romance of the Year.

  • EmUnArum

    Em is a Final Fantasy lore expert and cosplayer who regularly provides resources for fans and presents at conventions. They have created 30+ Final Fantasy cosplays.

  • Jess Eppstein

    Jess Eppstein is a former immortal hydra wrangler who spent a year putting tiny contacts on mutant mice in the dark. She now tells scientists how to do their job.

  • Richard J Estep

    Appearing on numerous TV shows and the author of 45 books, Richard Estep writes and presents on topics ranging from the paranormal, true crime, history, and writing/publishing.

  • J. D. Evans

    J. D. Evans writes fantasy romance. After earning her degree in linguistics, Evans served a decade as an army officer.

  • Kacey Ezell

    Kacey Ezell is a retired helicopter pilot who writes multigenre speculative fiction. She is a three-time Dragon Award finalist for Best Alternate History and has written multiple bestselling novels.

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F

  • Todd Fahnestock

    Todd Fahnestock is an award winning, #1 bestselling author of fantasy for all ages and winner of the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age Award.

  • Michael Falkner

    Michael Falkner is a writer and podcaster at Creative Criticality. He is the author of the Timestamps Project and is also one of the leaders for Dragon Con Newbies.

  • Richard Fierce

    Richard Fierce is an award winning author of over 40 books, which have sold over 300,000 copies globally since 2020 and have been translated into multiple languages.

  • Emily A Finke

    A forensic anthropologist by training, but a science communicator by passion, Emily Finke has spent the past 20 years teaching in museums, nature centers, pubs, conventions, and more.

  • Tom Fleming

    Legendary designer/artist for the WWE/WWF and the longest running fully active Marvel/DC comics trading card artist. Pioneer artist for MTG and WOW along with Heavy Metal magazine and more!

  • Sean Fletcher

    Sean Fletcher is the Amazon bestselling, award winning author of a number of fantasy series. He can be found speaking, teaching writing, and working as a professional editor.

  • Justin Lee Ford

    Justin Lee Ford is a professional martial artist, SAG-AFTRA stunt performer, and associate editor of Black Belt Magazine—a publication that has been home to icons like Bruce Lee since 1961.

  • Alicia Fox-Lenz

    Alicia Fox-Lenz is co-host of Queer Lodgings: A Tolkien Podcast, a steward of the Mythopoeic Society, and scholar interested in studying Tolkien through a cultural studies lens.

  • Barr Foxx

    A true visionary, JaBarr Lasley—Barr Foxx—is an award winning cosplay artist and television/film producer. Through his national brand, Cosplay Your Way, he champions inclusive creativity.

  • Adam Friedman

    Adam Friedman is a scientist and artist exploring intersections between art and environmentalism, and also an actor, director, and writer in the theatre community, co-founding the Atlanta Green Theatre Alliance.

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G

  • Birma Gainor

    Dr. Birma Gainor is the senior director of counseling and psychological services at Clemson University. She has been engaged in college mental health, from consultations to interventions, for 20+ years.

  • Michael Alberto Garcia

    Profe Chicano Batman is an educator and community advocate dedicated to inclusive teaching, cultural representation, and empowering youth through creativity. He bridges cosplay, disability advocacy, and Chicano culture.

  • Paige Gardner

    As a costumer who doesn't sew, Paige is an entertaining and unconventional presenter sharing her enthusiasm for costuming with the minimum of resources and the maximum of tenacity!

  • J. B. Garner

    Talented author and top flight editor, Jamie Beth "J.B." Garner has written over a dozen novels from sci-fi to fantasy to super fiction and edited hundreds more.

  • Derek B. Gayle

    Derek B. Gayle is a writer with recent bylines in Pop Heist and Kaiju United. As co-founder of The Glitterjaw Queer Podcast Collective, he produces five pop culture analysis shows.

  • Kyla Gibney

    Dr. Gibney is a cognitive neuroscientist who uses neuroimaging to study the underlying mechanisms of disease and risk factors that make some individuals more vulnerable to neuropathologies than others.

  • Clay Gilbert

    Since 2013, Clay Gilbert has published 13 novels in genres of science-fiction, horror, YA dystopia, and urban fantasy. His newest novel, Into The Imago, is coming in 2026,

  • Venessa Giunta

    Venessa Giunta is a published author, with non-fiction essays, short stories, and the Soul Cavern series, and has been a professional editor, both freelance and contract, since 2008.

  • Vandy Beth Glenn

    Vandy Beth Glenn is a speaker, standup, storyteller, and transgender woman. She lives in Decatur and has performed on local and international stages.

  • Theresa Glover

    Theresa Glover is the author of the Caitlin Kelley Monster Hunter series of books, associate publisher at Falstaff Books, and assistant con-runner for the Saga writing conference.

  • Nicoli Gonnella

    Nicoli Gonnella is the author of the internationally bestselling fantasy LitRPG epic, Unbound, and newly released series Sovereign Sight.

  • Laura Grabowski

    Laura Grabowski, an independent Tolkien scholar, has presented with the Mythopoeic Society and the Popular Culture Association. She holds a PhD in computer science and is a professor at SUNY.

  • Cece Grayson

    Cece Grayson aka Triforce of Procrastionation is a Los Angeles veteran of cosplay that has led her into the world of modeling, streaming, film production design, and video game marketing.

  • Craig Greathouse

    Dr. Craig Greathouse is a professor of political science at University of North Georgia and has lectured and written extensively on the international system, including security and strategic studies.

  • Jennifer J Greco

    Jennifer Greco is an astronomer turned science educator. She works as a member of the science faculty and the STEM coordinator at St. Ursula Academy.

  • Andrew Greenberg

    Best known for his work on roleplaying and computer games, Andrew Greenberg runs the Georgia Game Developers Association, Southern Interactive Entertainment and Games Expo, and chairs the DeKalb Entertainment Commission.

  • Darrell Z. Grizzle

    Darrell Z. Grizzle is a queer horror, urban fantasy, and thriller writer. He is the author of I Never Meant to Start a Murder Cult.

  • Stuart Grosse

    Stuart Grosse is an independent sci-fi/fantasy author writing in the GameLit/LitRPG space. He is best known for writing serial novellas with a signature of overpowered villains as protagonists.

  • DM Guay

    D.M. Guay is a bestselling author of comedy horror, fantasy, and sci-fi, including the 24/7 Demon Mart series and Christmas Creeps from the Deep.

  • Dr. Nicole Gugliucci

    Professor, astronomer, education researcher, and all around geek, Dr. Nicole Gugliucci has made it their mission to study and share the Universe, and is known as “NoisyAstronomer".

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H

  • Clint Hall

    Clint Hall is the creator and host of The Experience: Conversations with Creatives, a podcast featuring bestselling authors, filmmakers, editors, composers, and more. He is also a science-fantasy author.

  • Eric William Hall

    Dr. Eric Hall is a professional scientist working in the fields of physical chemistry and molecular biology. His current work focuses on development of screening tests and next-generation equipment.

  • Joe Hansen

    Joe Hanson is a microbiologist at the National Seafood Inspection Laboratory. He tests fishery by-products for contaminants to help ensure the safety of American seafood.

  • Jennifer Hardee

    Dr. Jennifer Hardee, PhD, is a molecular biologist and geneticist in the San Francisco pharmaceutical industry. She specializes in human genetics, immuno-oncology, and CRISPR gene editing.

  • Isabelle Hardesty

    Isabelle Hardesty is the author of several YA book series including The Destroyer Witch Chronicles, Sea Witch High, and The Delacourt Shapeshifter Trilogy.

  • Dr. Lea Harris

    Dr. Lea Harris is a structural dynamicist at NASA JPL, analyzing designs and testing critical hardware to ensure spacecraft survive launch and mission operations.

  • Will Harris

    Will Harris is a paleontologist, educator, and host of the Common Descent Podcast, where he applies his professional experience as a fossil hunter, researcher, and educator.

  • Laura Hayden

    Author Laura Hayden has published 14 books and a dozen short stories. She is also a founder and 13 time director/co-director of the Pikes Peak Writers Conference.

  • Drew Hayes

    Drew Hayes is an author from Texas who has written several books and found the gumption to publish a few. He graduated from Texas Tech with a B.A. in English.

  • Neil Hellegers

    Neil Hellegers is an actor, audiobook narrator, and educator from Brooklyn, NYC. He has narrated over 500 books, with a focus on LitRPG, scifi/fantasy, literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

  • Tony P Henderson

    Tony P. Henderson is a moderator, podcaster, and voice over artist known for the Tony P. Oddcast, In Addition, and Geek Vs podcasts.

  • Lucas Hernandez

    Lucas Hernandez is the education coordinator at the South Carolina Aquarium. He is also a member of the Sprites of Life podcast, that discusses what games can teach us.

  • Henry Herz

    Henry Herz is the author of 14 traditionally published picture books and scores of short stories (fantasy, sci-fi, horror) for middle grade, YA, and adult.

  • HeWhoIsSteve

    HeWhoIsSteve is a member of D&D podcasts Botched and Dragon Night Adventure Friends. He also creates informative humor videos on a variety of topics on Youtube and Tiktok.

  • Robert Hill

    Founder of the Flying Nuggets LLC, a non profit in Atlanta with the mission to inspire excellence in STEAM programming through competition and instruction for k-12.IG @flyingnuggs.

  • Andrew Hirsch

    Andrew Hirsch is a professor of computer science and engineering at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. Hirsch's group studies high-assurance programming, security, logic, and programming language design.

  • Madaug Hishinuma

    Intense gamer, former teacher, and current mastermind of all around mayhem, Madaug Hishinuma first started writing in grade school. His current series include: Shadow Wars, Space Sovereign, and Sherrilyn's Worlds.

  • Greg Hodgin

    Dr. Greg Hodgin is the CEO of ZC Institute, a fusion startup using nanoscopic spacetime distortion technology. He has tussled with the Russians at the United Nations (and won).

  • Eric Hokanson

    Eric Hokanson at Polymer Armory is a maker and prop builder, known for restoring Fozzie Bear's Studebaker with Mark at Razorfly, and crafting costume armor and props.

  • Kali Holder

    Kali Holder is a professional poker of dead things and zombie prevention expert. As a veterinary pathologist for the National Zoo, she has an unwholesome fondness for skulls and parasites.

  • Jeff Hubbs

    Jeff Hubbs is a consultant in energy systems and climate change research with clients in academia and the nonprofit sector. He is a co-author of several professional papers.

  • Christian Hubicki

    Dr. Christian Hubicki is a robotics research scientist, lab director, tenured professor, a castaway on CBS' Survivor: David vs. Goliath, and a returning all-star on Survivor 50.

  • Walter H Hunt

    Walter H. Hunt is a science fiction and historical fiction writer. He has written four science fiction books and three 1632 series books with the late Eric Flint.

  • James A. Hunter

    James Hunter is a full-time ink slinger and the bestselling author of over 40 novels including Rogue Dungeon, Vigil Bound, Discount Dan, and the LitRPG epic Viridian Gate Online!

  • Topher Hunter

    Topher Hunter is a professional biomedical science communicator and amateur droid builder, with a passion for trying new things and helping others to not make the same mistakes he made.

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J

  • Chris A. Jackson

    Author of fantasy, SF, horror, post-apocalyptic fantasy, fantasy/romance, and many tie-in novels with gaming publishers and other IPs, Chris has been at the writing game a long time.

  • India Jackson

    Dr. India Jackson is an astrophysicist, software engineer, and NSF postdoctoral fellow specializing in space weather and ML driven solar analysis.

  • Kristin Jackson

    Kristin Jackson is the director of communications and graphic designer for Frostbite Pictures and has worked on art for Paramount Pictures, Dutch Boy Pictures, and indie filmmakers.

  • Matthew Jarrett

    Matt is an operations engineer and leader in the design and manufacture of implantable medical devices, defense products, and replica props.

  • Logan Jenkins

    Logan Jenkins cohosts Very Random Encounters and Game Mechanics. Together, the VRE hosts wrote The Ultimate Random Encounters Book. Jenkins has written two TTRPGs: I'm Sure… and Imaginary Friend Fight.

  • Bernadette Johnson

    Bernadette Johnson is a writer whose works include several trivia books, dozens of technology articles for HowStuffWorks.com, and a slew of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery short stories.

  • C.C.S. Jones

    C.C.S. Jones is the author of two award winning fantasy series. A former educator turned storyteller, she builds immersive, high-stakes worlds centered on strong, complex heroines.

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K

  • Charlie Kaufman

    Charlie has a background in marine biology, environmental studies, and natural hazard preparedness. Kaufman has worked in environmental modeling, academia, emergency management, teaches GIS, and works for the government.

  • Kaycie D.

    Kaycie D. is an illustrator and podcaster. Her main art disciplines include comics, animation, visual development, and game art. She is the author and artist of the webcomic B-SIDE You.

  • Philip D Keating

    Philip D Keating is a Twitch streamer and co-creator of Botched Podcast.

  • Charles Kelso

    Charles Kelso is half of the husband and wife puppetry team of Felt Nerdy. They have been performing together for over 10 years at conventions across the Southeast.

  • Darin Kennedy

    Dr. Darin Kennedy writes fantasy. His works include the Fugue & Fable trilogy, The Pawn Stratagem trilogy, the Songs of the Ascendant series, Carol, and The April Sullivan Chronicles.

  • Kris Kersey

    Kris Kersey is a passionate maker and cosplayer who shares his knowledge on 3D printing and maker projects through his YouTube channels, Kersey Fabrications, and The Oasis Project.

  • Bethany DJ Kesler

    Bethany Kesler is a historian, writer, podcaster, and fabulous reader. Most of her work is under the pen name, DJ Gray, which she maintains for plausible deniability reasons.

  • Roy Kilgard

    Dr. Kilgard is an astrophysicist who researches black holes in nearby galaxies and how they grow over cosmic time. He also lectures on astronomy in history, sci-fi, and pop culture.

  • Bethanne Kim

    Bethanne Kim is the publisher for the magazine Eric Flint's 1632 & Beyond. She currently writes alternate history (Eric Flint's 1632 universe) but has also written extensively about emergency preparedness.

  • Sue Kisenwether

    Sue Kisenwether has been writing and podcasting about sci-fi TV and movies since 2010. Most notably, she co-hosted Women at Warp, exploring Star Trek through a feminist lens.

  • Jeffrey L Kohanek

    Jeffrey L. Kohanek writes fast-paced epic fantasy adventures packed with action, intrigue, and snark. With over 32 published novels, his author journey has just begun.

  • Chonkey Kong

    Chonkey Kong is a member of the comedic Botched: A D&D Podcast. On Botched he is host, comedian, producer, and musician.

  • Ari Koto

    Arikotocosplay is a professional cosplayer, costume maker, and content creator based in Italy. She specializes in high-detail armor, helmets, and props using traditional crafting and 3D printing.

  • Jean Kwok

    Jean Kwok is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Dominion (coming July 14, 2026) and other novels. She has been published in more than 20 countries.

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  • Beau Lake

    Beau Lake is a paranormal romancehorror author, editor, and the producer and co-host of the Eerie Travels podcast. She is the author of the Wolves of Wharton book series.

  • Steph LaMassa

    Astrophysicist Steph LaMassa supports science operations for the Hubble, JWST, and Roman Space Telescopes at the Space Telescope Science Institute. She researches the growth and evolution of supermassive black holes.

  • Erika L Lance

    Erika Lance is an author, podcaster, and publisher. She is the co-host and co-writer of the Eerie Travels podcast and books.

  • Jason Lane

    Jason Lane is a writer of nerdy (but interesting) stuff, writing for several magazines with a focus on horror, cult films, kaiju films, Kung Fu cinema, and classic pro wrestling.

  • Ed Larson

    Ed Larson is founder of Tampa Deep Sea Xplorers, Inc. (TDSX) a manufacturer of autonomous underwater vehicles based in Tampa Florida, and is an alumnus of Georgia State University.

  • Doctor LAW

    Dr. LAW is a published PhD-level behavioral scientist, photographer, podcaster, and gamer. He founded Dr. LAW's Photolab and is part of the Stuff We Love, Stuff We Hate podcast.

  • Greg Leatherman

    Greg Leatherman is an award winning game designer for the TTRPGs Glitter Hearts, Domeskai Tamers, and The Mystery Business, and is a founding member of the podcast Very Random Encounters.

  • Oriana Leckert

    Oriana is a writer, editor, and the head of publishing at Kickstarter.

  • Allora Lee

    Allora Lee is an independent author. She writes primarily in the fantasy and science fiction genres, with a focus on tales that explore the psychological aspects of portal fantasies.

  • C.B. Lee

    C.B. Lee is a NYT bestselling author of young adult and middle grade fiction, including Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe, A Clash of Steel, and the Sidekick Squad series.

  • Daemin Lee

    Daemin Lee is an Atlanta-based stand-up comic, cybersecurity professional, and comedy producer. Creator of the stand-up comedy game show, Hot Pepper Comedy!

  • Justin Leslie

    Justin S. Leslie writes the Max Abaddon urban fantasy series, the Descending Worlds sci-fi series with Podium, and The Sinking Man zombie saga.

  • Jenna Levine

    Jenna writes humorous paranormal/fantasy romances where the characters always find love (no matter what they are). Her debut, My Roommate Is a Vampire, was an instant bestseller.

  • Rob Patrick Levy

    Rob Levy has been published in several science fiction and music anthologies. He hosts Juxtaposition, Antics, The Free Design, and The Comforts of Madness.

  • Em Kat Lewis

    Em is an NTICU nurse and KSA instructor with an interest in CRRT at a large local trauma center. She has three associated press awards for radio as Kat Johnson.

  • K.A. Linde

    K.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library and more than 50 novels.

  • Megan Linski

    Megan Linski is a USA TODAY bestselling author of over 60 titles, including The Wolven Mark. She is an advocate for mental health and disability awareness.

  • Jeffrey Falcon Logue

    Jeffrey "Falcon" Logue has been a professional writer for over seven years. He has published 21 books, having started the dungeon core subgenre with his original, The Slime Dungeon.

  • Abigail LP

    Abigail is the program manager for the digital security training team for Freedom of the Press Foundation. They have an eclectic professional background including artist, educator, and community organizer.

  • FT Lukens

    F.T. Lukens is a NYT bestselling author of YA speculative fiction including Love at Second Sight, Otherworldly, Spell Bound, So This Is Ever After, In Deeper Waters, and more.

  • Catherine Lundoff

    Catherine Lundoff is a Minneapolis-based, award winning writer and editor of fantasy, horror, and other genres.

  • Braven Lyall

    Braven Lyall is an astrophysicist who specializes in large astronomical surveys in the field of stellar astronomy. He holds a master's degree in physics from Georgia State University.

  • Daniel Alexander Lyman

    Daniel is a trans-male actor with credits including Lodge 49, Megalopolis, and Marvel's Thunderbolts. He has also worked as a child stunt double for some of Hollywood's well-known young characters.

  • Heidi Lyn

    Dr. Heidi Lyn's work focuses on the minds and communication of animals such as apes, dolphins, dogs, and hermit crabs. She is basically a female Dr. Dolittle.

  • Tara Lynne

    Tara Lynne is an author, event planner, fandom culture expert, public speaker, host of the Geek Saga and Sagas & Sass podcasts, and founded Ice & Fire Con.

  • Courtney Lytle

    Courtney Lytle Sarnow is a partner in the Atlanta office of CM Law with more than 30 years of experience in copyright, intellectual property licensing, and technology law.

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  • Megan Mackie

    Amazon bestseller, Megan Mackie is best known as the author of Cookbooks and Demons, as well as The Lucky Devil, Dead World, and Working Mask series.

  • Robert Madison II

    Robert Madison II (MadDrRob) is the director of gaming and resident map maker of Obsidian Brews: A Black Tabletop Experience. Together they host panels and BIPOC gaming spaces at conventions.

  • Sarah Madsen

    Sarah Madsen is an author and game designer. She has contributed to TTRPGs from Wizards of the Coast and Kobold Press, and the Necromancer's Tale and Ages of Cataria video games.

  • Terry Fredrick Maggert

    Terry Maggert wrote the Backyard Starship, Peacemaker Wars, Gold Medal Marine, Messenger, Starcaster, and Shattered Skies series, and contributed to many anthologies.

  • ToniAnn Marini

    ToniAnn Marini is a professor and a project manager for BLAM! Ventures/Magnetic Press. She has credits in two Space: 1999 graphic novels and more.

  • Patrick Wallace Mason

    Pat Mason is an aerospace and nuclear engineer and power plant runner. He is also a host on several podcasts.

  • Becca Lynn Mathis

    Author of contemporary shifter fantasy and ridiculously self indulgent fantasy romance. Panelist at multiple comic cons, with expertise in independent publishing in today's market, genre-bending, werewolf/shifter lore, and TTRPGs.

  • Alex Matsuo

    Alex Matsuo is an author and paranormal investigator who has been seen on shows: Paranormal Revenge, Tubi's Scariest Places in the World, Haunted Hospitals, and Most Terrifying Places in America.

  • J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin

    J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin is an Atlanta-based science fiction author of The Foundry series, praised in Kirkus Reviews. He is also a technology leader, husband, father of two, and avid gamer.

  • Wil McCarthy

    Wil McCarthy has scored one Prometheus Award, two AnLabs, two New York Times Notable Books, and is the author of the acclaimed Queendom of Sol and Rich Man's Sky series.

  • Morgan A. McLaughlin McFarland

    Morgan A. McLaughlin McFarland, MAPW, owns Salt Circle Games, publisher of the horror RPG Chill 3rd Edition. She is also a published fiction, nonfiction, and TTRPG author.

  • Bob McGough

    Bob McGough is an author, podcaster, and indie tabletop game designer, best known for the Jubal County Saga urban fantasy series and the Books, Beards, Booze Podcast.

  • Brett A McGuire

    MIT Prof. Brett McGuire has a PhD in chemistry and has worked with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. His specially is astrochemistry.

  • Shane McInnis

    Shane McInnis works as a college professor teaching history, sociology, and anthropology. He has also spent time doing field archaeology work and published academic research.

  • Joseph Meany

    Dr. Joseph Meany is a science consultant and president of the Interstellar Research Group. He is co-author of Graphene and Interstellar Travel: After Arrival.

  • Ben Meeks

    Ben is an award winning sci-fi/fantasy author and woodworker. He excels at creative, outside the box thinking combined with a drive toward realism that gives his work a unique feel.

  • Violette L Meier

    Violette Meier, the great-granddaughter of a dream interpreter, is a lover of all things supernatural and loves to write paranormal, fantasy, horror, among other genres.

  • Jason R. Merrill

    Jason R. Merrill is a senior software engineer by day who curates Blackbird Finery, a purveyor of vintage gentleman's accessories.

  • Jon Michael

    Jon Michael is a researcher of paranormal claims utilizing scientific reasoning to investigate mysteries and has a background in cybersecurity, philosophy, and christian theology.

  • Mililani_lilo

    Sarah “Mililani_Lilo” has been a dedicated cosplayer since 2014, known for innovative craftsmanship using Worbla, EVA foam, and 3D printing; pushing cosplay's creative boundaries.

  • Melissa Truth Miller

    Melissa T. Miller is a scientist, traveling the world's oceans to collect information about climate change. She is also a freelance science writer and the co-host of Star Warsologies.

  • Savannah Miller

    Savannah is a public health professional with experience in environmental health, infectious disease, and women's health and is currently a medical student at Stanford University.

  • Stephanie Mirro

    Stephanie Mirro writes bold, adventurous fantasy for readers who love a little heat with their heartbreak, and maybe a splash of chaos.

  • Katherine Monasterio

    Whether editing fiction, RPG sourcebooks, or podcast anthologies, Katherine lives for strengthening the written word—and for creating it, as the author of novels, novellas, and award winning short stories.

  • Christopher G Moore

    Christopher G. Moore is an award winning filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter. He directed and co-wrote a segment in the anthology Worst Laid Plans and is a producer for Mister X.

  • Marshall J. Moore

    Marshall J. Moore is the author of the novel The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing (Bantam Books, Fall 2026) and over 30 published short stories.

  • Casey Moores

    A retired USAF rescue/special ops C-130 pilot, Casey Moores is an award winning author of military science fiction, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic novels and short stories.

  • David Moscato

    David Moscato is a paleontologist, science writer, and host of the Common Descent podcast, applying experience as a fossil hunter, researcher, and educator to discussions about life on Earth.

  • Bill Edward Mulligan

    Bill Mulligan works as a special effects technician, writer, director, actor, and producer. He can be heard on the Decades of Horror and Deep Images podcasts.

  • Mark Muncy

    Mark Muncy is the bestselling author of the Eerie Florida and Eerie Appalachia book series. He is the host of the Eerie Travels podcast.

  • Amy J. Murphy

    Amy J. Murphy is a two-time Dragon Award finalist for Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel for her Allies and Enemies series and is a submissions reader for Apex Magazine.

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  • Andrew Najberg

    Andrew Najberg is co-owner and co-editor-in-chief of Aethon: Wicked House. He is the author of five novels as well as In Those Fading Stars, a collection of short fiction.

  • Neosoulgod

    NeoSoulGod is a Black game designer, storyteller, and TTRPG educator whose work spans Dungeons & Dragons, Daggerheart, Fabula Ultima, and Lancer. Their acclaimed Nightskins supplement has sold over 5,000 copies.

  • James P. Nettles

    James Nettles is a business and technology consultant, speculative fiction and nonfiction author, founder of Author Essentials and Creating Pros workshop companies, and a founder of the ConTinual convention.

  • Jeffrey Nix

    A fantasy author, scientist, and national champion martial artist with a master's degree in applied psychology, Jeffrey Nix writes the web serial, Alias & Apocalypses.

  • Nancy Northcott

    Nancy Northcott's 19 published books include science fiction, romance, and internationally acclaimed historical fantasy. She has worked with Hachette/Grand Central and Falstaff Books and independently.

  • Steven P Novella

    Steven Novella is the host and producer of The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe. He is an author of three books and has two popular blogs (NeuroLogica and Science-Based Medicine).

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  • Megan O'Russell

    With 32 books across nine series from epic fantasy to dystopian romance, Megan O'Russell is an indie author with roots in traditional publishing and a passion for helping fellow authors.

  • Toki Odunade

    Toki Odunade is a teacher of African and African-American spiritual traditions. Odunade founded the annual Atlanta Osun Festival in 2005 and opened her own company in 2024.

  • Alix Oliver

    Alix Oliver is a showrunner, filmmaker, and founder of Midnight Coffee, a growing multimedia corporation. Overcoming severe neurological injuries, he built a career spanning film, television, and music.

  • Melissa Olthoff

    Melissa Olthoff writes science fiction and fantasy adventure romance with plenty of banter and heart. She has written in both shared worlds and her own universes.

  • Jon R. Osborne

    Jon R. Osborne hails from Indianapolis. He writes modern fantasy and military science fiction, and his novel A Tempered Warrior was a 2018 Dragon Award Best Fantasy finalist.

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  • Alex P

    Alex Platt has been a podcaster since 2017. Her work includes Animorphs Anonymous, Horse Girls, Dungeons and Dracon Beams, Late Starters, Youngvale, Questmaster, and a few others.

  • JM Paquette

    Author of the Klauden's Ring saga as well as the Conjuring Fascination, Rockstar Fairy Tales, and Shawarma Warrior King series, JM Paquette writes fantasy and paranormal romance novels.

  • Tracy Parr

    Tracy Parr is a 25-year veteran of NASA's Johnson Space Center where she supported the International Space Station, Orbital Debris, and Commercial Low Earth Orbit Programs.

  • Sean M Patton

    Sean Michael Patton is a principal for SMP Designs. He has designed over 40 stage productions, eight short films, five features, and specializes in pieces for film, television, and media.

  • Andy Peloquin

    Andy Peloquin is a storyteller and artist--words are his palette. Fantasy and sci-fi are his genres of choice, and he loves to explore the darker side of human nature.

  • Matthew Scott Penick

    Matthew Penick is a cosplayer turned designer and founder of the costume design company Ribbons and Rivets. He began with humble origins, showing wares at local Renaissance Festivals and conventions.

  • Brian Pitts

    Brian Pitts is a video game industry veteran with 13 years of experience producing video content for franchises like EA Sports Madden, NBA Live, PGA Tour, and more.

  • Berta Platas

    Cuban-American author Berta Platas wrote the By Honor Bound trilogy featuring dragon-shifter princesses with Nancy Knight, as well as the Bay Corners paranormal cozy mystery series.

  • Noel E Plaugher

    Noel Plaugher is a martial artist with over 30 years of experience and was a writer for Black Belt Magazine. Plaugher writes fiction and nonfiction books.

  • Gary Poole

    Gary Poole is the founder and host of Robot Battles, has edited four anthologies set in John Ringo's Black Tide Rising universe, and runs the Southern Fandom Resource Guide website.

  • Amon Otis Poston

    Amon Otis Poston, a computer scientist/human rights advocate, builds anti-surveillance technology with his company NTSH and publishes NK.exe, a newsletter about North Korean tech and society.

  • Phillip Pournelle

    Phillip Pournelle is a science fiction author, war game designer, operations analyst, and military strategist. He has published several short stories for Baen and contributed to the latest Janissaries novel.

  • Stefan Price

    Stefan Price is an artist, immersive experience creator, and fabrication specialist with nearly 29 years in themed attractions, film, and live events. He leads Roundtable Productions.

  • Marx Pyle

    Marx Pyle, author of Obsidian Monsters, is the co-editor/co-author of multiple anthologies, including Dragons of a Different Tail and Enchanted Tales & Twisted Lore.

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  • Captain Tomas Quin

    Captain Tomas Quin is in the business of facilitating people's geekiest dreams. His occupations include being a martial arts instructor, a licensed massage therapist, and personal trainer.

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  • Alicia Rades

    Alicia Rades is a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 paranormal and fantasy titles, including The Coven's Secret. She co-authors the Hidden Legends Universe with Megan Linski.

  • Ellie Raine

    Ellie Raine is an award winning fantasy author. Her epic fantasy series, the NecroSeam Chronicles, has won several awards, including 1st place in Writers Digest.

  • Kim Ramirez

    Kim Ramirez is a cultural educator, speaker, and upcoming author specializing in Japanese textile symbology and folklore. She lectures nationally at conventions and universities, and founded Saisei Apparel.

  • Roberto Ramirez Cervantes

    Roberto Ramírez is a software developer, anime reviewer, and lifelong “techie-geek-otaku” from Guadalajara, México. He is also a contributing writer for Brentwood and 944 Magazine.

  • Seven Machina Rasmussen

    Dr. Seven Rasmussen (she/they; SFWA) is an astrobiologist, science communicator, and author of science fiction and non-fiction. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, The Planetary Society, and Science Magazine.

  • Silas Reames

    Silas Reames writes fantasy packed with strong women, supportive men, found family, twists, and immersive worlds. She publishes both urban fantasy and gothic fantasy romance.

  • Daniel A. Reed

    Daniel A. Reed is a writer, researcher, investigator, and member of the Center for Inquiry's Speakers Bureau. A regular Skeptical Inquirer contributor, he examines cryptozoology, the paranormal, and pseudoscience.

  • Rachel Rener

    Rachel Rener writes bestselling, award winning romantasy that fuses science, sass, and steam with heart-wrenching stakes. Rener is seven-figure author with more than half a million copies sold.

  • B. A. Richards

    B.A. Richards is a transmasc author writing fantasy and romance, often at the same time! Their debut novel, A Happy Beginning, was released in Jan 2025 by City Owl Press.

  • Ryan T Rimmel

    Ryan Rimmel is the author of the Mayor of Noobtown LitRPG series, several series of LitRPG books in publication including Sir Crabby, Fifth Era, Sword of Justice, and more.

  • Gray Rinehart

    Gray Rinehart is a USAF space operations veteran, an award winning author, and a singer/songwriter. His short fiction has appeared in Analog, Asimov's, and more.

  • Aaron Michael Ritchey

    Aaron Michael Ritchey is the author of 64 novels under various pen names. His first book in The Juniper Wars series was a Dragon Award Finalist.

  • Rob of Wonder

    With a 40 year multi-discipline career across multiple media formats, Rob is a Broadway World-nominated director and international playwright. He is also an artist and children's author.

  • Rob Roberts

    Rob Roberts is a seasoned live host of cult movie screenings and horror themed variety shows. He is also an internet broadcasting veteran in video games.

  • Dennis Lee Robinson

    Dennis is one of the creators and the DM behind Botched: A D&D Podcast. He is also the writer/creator behind the award winning graphic novel series Lycan: Solomon's Odyssey.

  • Keith Robinson

    Best known for the Island of Fog books, the Sleep Writer adventures, and the Darkhill Scary Stories, Keith Robinson is the author of 42 fantasy, sci-fi, and spooky supernatural books.

  • Lezli Robyn

    Lezli Robyn is an award winning author and executive editor/associate publisher of Arc Manor and its imprints. She is the current editor of the Galaxy's Edge anthology series.

  • Jynxie Rose

    Jynxie Rose is a crafter, gamer, ukulele playing mermaid who runs a family friendly stream on Twitch. With her community, the CephaloSquad, Rose fosters a safe and supportive environment.

  • Cory Scott Rosenberger

    Cory has practiced criminal law, both as a defense attorney and an assistant district attorney. He has defended and prosecuted all levels of crime from speeding to murder.

  • Robert W Ross

    Robert W. Ross is the author of several award winning sci-fi and fantasy print and audiobook series including Sentinels of Creation, Paradigm 2045, The Journals of Ariel Thorne, and more.

  • Madeleine Roux

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 25 books. IP work for World of Warcraft, D&D, Critical Role, Star Wars, and Marvel.

  • S.L. Rowland

    S.L. Rowland is a bestselling author of cozy fantasy series Tales of Aedrea and the LitRPG series Sentenced to Troll, Pangea Online, and Path to Villainy.

  • Christopher Ruocchio

    Christopher Ruocchio is the author of several books, including the Sun Eater science fantasy series and the upcoming Doomsong Saga epic fantasy trilogy, and more than 25 works of short fiction.

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  • Tina Hesman Saey

    Tina Hesman Saey is a senior writer covering molecular biology for Science News magazine. She has a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and a masters degree in science journalism.

  • Tony Sarrecchia

    Tony Sarrecchia is a genre-bending author creating gritty post-apocalyptic horror, techno-thrillers, and noir-fantasy. He writes for Patreon under his imprint, Pen 2 Parchment.

  • Amber Kayla Satterfield

    amberthysts cosplay works as a professional character entertainer in the Atlanta circuit. For the past several years at Dragon Con, she has dedicated her time by directing the Character Encounter.

  • VivSai Sayborivong

    With over a decade of experience, VivSai is an award winning cosplay artist known for intricate armor builds and detailed craftsmanship. She educates through workshops and collaborates with renowned artists.

  • Julia L. Schemmer

    Julia Schemmer is the founder of Puppetry on Broadway, a collective of puppeteers, fabricators, and designers working on Broadway, the West End, and on national tours.

  • Anne Schlea

    Anne Schlea is a North Georgia urban fantasy author of The Retribution Universe and The Fallen series. With 10 novels published, she blends history into stories of vampires and fallen angels.

  • Jen "Lil' Bit" Schleusner

    Jen “Lil' Bit” Schleusner is a digital creator, DJ, and ESO Network board member. She has helmed the radio show The Hill Country Hayride since 2006.

  • Stephen Seitz

    Stephen Seitz is a craftsman and tournament organizer at gaming panels for Dragon Con. He built giant, wooden Nintendo Game Boy Advance consoles, ready for gaming!

  • Bruce Sentar

    Bruce Sentar writes romantic fantasy for men in the LitRPG, fantasy, and urban fantasy spaces. He has numerous accolades, 50 published books, and hundreds of thousands of reviews on Amazon.

  • Ingrid Seymour

    Ingrid Seymour is a USA Today bestselling author of over 50 novels. She writes full-time, specializing in fantasy romance, featuring badass heroines and irresistible heroes.

  • Isaac Sheff

    Dr. Isaac Sheff is a computer scientist working on distributed systems research. His research publications include work in security, programming languages, and blockchains.

  • Jeri Red Shepherd

    Jeri Red Shepherd is an award winning 15-time #1 bestseller with 31 years in writing and publishing, 125+ works, and 750K+ sold.

  • Channing Scott Sherman

    Channing Sherman, co-host of the Dragon Con Report podcast, is a digital media creator, journalist, and podcaster. He co-founded the Black Geeks of Dragon Con.

  • Lydia Sherrer

    Award winning and USA Today bestselling author Lydia Sherrer is best known for her Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus universe novels full of snarky humor and a talking cat.

  • Aleksandr Shvartsman

    Alex Shvartsman is a writer, translator, and anthologist from Brooklyn, NY. He is the author of Kakistocracy (2023), The Middling Affliction (2022), and Eridani's Crown (2019) fantasy novels.

  • R Alan Siler

    R. Alan Siler is an editor, publisher, musician, podcaster, filmmaker, owner of kOZMIC Creative, and the author of six books about Doctor Who.

  • Tamsin L. Silver

    Tamsin Silver is an author of both historical fantasy and urban fantasy novels, and is the creator of Skye of the Damned, Mark of the Necromancer, and the Windfire Series.

  • Sixth_Raikage_6

    Sixth_Raikage_6 is a Charlotte-based cosplayer who began his journey in 2019 and founded Nerd.0 in 2021 to create a safe, empowering community for Black nerd culture.

  • Charles Smith

    Charles has been working in fusion energy for more than 11 years. He is a specialist in vacuum engineering and the interim technical director for the US ITER Project.

  • Wayland Smith

    Wayland Smith is an author, reviewer, and panelist. His novels include In My Brother's Name, 'Tis the Season, and the Wildside series about superhuman mercenaries.

  • Fruity Snacks

    Fruity Snacks is an instructional designer who owns the Eorzean Aquarium and Eorzean Museum Network, and has a YouTube channel for teaching how to catch fish in Final Fantasy XIV.

  • Daviorr Snipes

    Daviorr is a Peabody Award winning stage, film, and voice actor most noted for his voice work in the NPR series, Buried Truths, and the BET show, American Soul.

  • Sarah J. Sover

    Sarah J. Sover is the author of the urban fantasy Fractured Fae series (Fairy Godmurder, Faed to Black) and the comedic fantasy Double-Crossing the Bridge, from Falstaff Books.

  • Dante St. John

    Dante is a self-published author from Georgia. Her urban fantasy/paranormal romance novels are available in both "spicy" and "mild" versions.

  • Kevin Stallard

    A 37-year veteran of the IT security industry, Kevin has secured banks, government agencies, and World of Warcraft from hackers, crackers, and all around bad people.

  • Darcy Staniforth

    Darcy Staniforth is an academic, writer, performer, speaker, and paranormal investigator. She currently resides in a haunted house in Southern CA.

  • Torrey Stenmark

    Torrey Stenmark is an organic chemist, associate instructor, and an award winning costumer. She has taught almost every chemistry course on offer at Shoreline Community College.

  • Shami A Stovall

    Shami Stovall is a three-time Dragon Award nominee for best YA Fantasy. She co-owns her publishing company, Capital Station Books.

  • Brandon H. Strauss

    Strauss is an entomologist specializing in all things dead, gross, and oozing. They have spent the better part of their career poking things that make squish noises.

  • Ian Randal Strock

    Ian Randal Strock won the 2025 Skylark Award and two AnLabs. His fiction has appeared in Analog, Nature, and the collection Wandering Through Time.

  • Kyle Mackenzie Sullivan

    Kyle Mackenzie Sullivan is a Birmingham-based filmmaker and director working across documentary, narrative film, and television. He films for multiple Outdoor Channel series.

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  • Erin N. Taylor

    Erin Taylor is a licensed mental health therapist and paranormal investigator. She has written six nonfiction paranormal books and writes for The Morbid Curious.

  • Sean Hylton Taylor

    Sean Taylor is a "genre-defying literary chameleon." Lit. Pulp. Horror. Sci-fi. Poetry. Non-fiction. Comics. He has written for IDW Publishing, Gene Simmons, and The Oxygen Network.

  • Jennifer Terry

    Jennifer Terry is the founder of Tiny Wyvern, a costume making business located in Atlanta, Georgia focusing on fursuits and mascots. Terry works alongside her husband Josh Terry.

  • Josh Terry

    Josh is half of Tiny Wyvern, a fursuit and costume making business. With a background in UX design and game development, he helps his wife Jennifer bring technology into fursuits.

  • Jessica Threet

    Jessica Threet's a multi-hyphenated actor. Best known for Tomes and Tea, Tales of Aedrea, Empyrean Series, Red Rising, The Dresden Files, The Four Horseman, Darkness Series, and AIT of DCC.

  • Mel Todd

    Bad Ash Publishing owner and author, Mel Todd, has written and published over 50 stories. Specializing in stories of wonder without romantic plot lines, her books are devoured by fans.

  • Alison Tracy

    Alison Tracy Wynn, PhD is the director of belonging at an independent K-12 school in Atlanta. As Alison Tracy, she writes YA and adult sci-fi/fantasy.

  • Jack Trammell

    Jack Trammell is professor and chair of sociology, criminal justice, and human services at Mount Saint Mary's University (MD). His areas of research include: disability, monsters, Otherness, the supernatural, and folklore.

  • T. L. Trent

    Tiffany "T. L." Trent is the author of the Hallowmere series, The Unnaturalists duology, and the adult fantasy Rise of the Iron Lotus series, among others.

  • David A Trotter

    David A Trotter is an award winning, kilt-wearing, international-selling fantasy and litRPG author, who has published two different series.

  • Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

    Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is the award winning author of 11 middle grade novels. In 2026, Tubb releases her debut young adult novel, The Spiritualists.

  • j m Tuffley

    JM Tuffley writes about pop culture for various outlets, and contributes to Need Coffee Dot Com's Weekend Justice Podcast. He is also the chief designer of the Randomizer playlists.

  • TVsTravis

    A podcaster and content creator, TVsTravis, AKA Travis Crawford, is the host of Wait, You Haven't Seen…? and co-host of Those Were the Days, GORE, and Let's Watch Highlander podcasts.

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V

  • J. P. Valentine

    J.P. "Nixia" Valentine has penned bestsellers across the LitRPG and progression fantasy spectrum, including The Nothing Mage, This Quest is Bullshit!, Dungeon Devotee, and The Stargazer's War.

  • Thomas Valley

    Thomas Valley is the premiere organizer for Wizards of the Coast's new Organized Play campaign: Legends of Greyhawk. Valley has been a published game designer and author for 40 years.

  • Julia M Vee

    Julia Vee was that GenX kid raised by libraries and still remains unsupervised. She often writes with Ken Bebelle, and they have penned over 10 novels.

  • Eric R Vernor

    Eric Vernor is the author of 50 books about vampires and paranormal topics, consultant for A&E's Paranormal State, panelist at Dragon Con, and is the founder of Dark Moon Press.

  • Marie Vibbert

    Hugo and Nebula nominee Marie Vibbert's short fiction has appeared over 100 in top magazines like Nature, Analog, and Clarkesworld.

  • R.R. Virdi

    R.R. Virdi is a two-time Dragon Award finalist, Nebula Award finalist, and USA Today bestselling author. He is the author of The Grave Report and The Books of Winter.

  • Anthony Vito

    Anthony Vito is a theatrical and live production professional and digital media producer. He has designed over 100 productions and produced 2,000+ podcast episodes across 50 shows.

  • VorianCosplay

    Sterling Bailey (VorianCosplay) is a longtime Dragon Con contributor known for detailed Captain America builds and creative work spanning games, anime, and comics. He also founded Cap for Kids.

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W

  • Constance G.J. Wagner

    Constance G.J. Wagner, writer, editor, poet, playwright, and Tolkien scholar, speaks regularly and passionately on all things Middle-earth at both academic and fan-friendly events nationally and internationally.

  • DL Wainright

    DL Wainright uses their degree in world religions and lifelong love of horror to write creepy books that incorporate folklore and mythology, which means someone gets eaten in every one!

  • Chuck Walden

    Chuck Walden is an accomplished environmental and software engineer with decades of technical leadership. He currently oversees the environmental program at a major Georgia military installation.

  • Jasmine Walt

    Jasmine Walt is a NYT bestselling fantasy author known for immersive worlds, fierce heroines, and slow-burn romance. She writes fantasy adventure with a side of romance.

  • Bill Watters

    Bill Watters has been a game designer and software engineer for more than 25 years, working on AAA and mobile games including GTAIV, Red Dead Redemption, and many more.

  • Michael Webb

    Epic-fantasy author, Michael Webb just published his 10th book, and has sold over 160,000 copies of his works.

  • Sean Weiland

    Sean Weiland is an award winning video game program manager, voice actor, bartender, and podcaster and currently hosts the Tipple Theory podcast.

  • Dave West

    Dave West is an actor, writer, and interviewer who also hosts game shows, wrestling events, and rock 'n' roll concerts. He can be found on the Needless Things YouTube channel.

  • Steve W Wetherell

    Steve Wetherell is a writer of funny fiction with Falstaff books, and a regular on the Authors & Dragons podcast.

  • Alex White

    Alex White wrote the game Alien: Rogue Incursion, two Alien novels, The Cold Forge, Into Charybdis, a Star Trek DS9 novel, Revenant, and the Starmetal Symphony and Salvagers trilogies.

  • Brandon Whitworth

    Brandon Whitworth is an engineer with over 20 years experience, and director of analysis at N2L Inc. His experience spans many projects, from the Space Shuttle to explosive safety.

  • Jennifer Whitworth

    Jennifer Whitworth is a NASA engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. She supports Artemis and Gateway Payload Integration for experiments destined for the Gateway Station or the Lunar surface.

  • Katharine E Wibell

    Epic fantasy author Katharine E. Wibell's acclaimed novels include The Incarn Saga Series (NA), The Djed Chronicles Series (YA), and The Guardian's Speaker Series.

  • Arras Marie Wiedorn

    Arras Wiedorn is a zoologist and animal behaviorist who has worked for years in public education. They currently work as a naturalist in Ohio.

  • Valerie Willis

    Valerie Willis writes dark fantasy romance tangled with myth, monsters, and morally gray characters (also writing as V.C. Willis (MM romance) and Honey Cummings (erotica, cryptids, romcom)).

  • Sadie Witkowski

    Sadie (Sarah) Witkowski, PhD has a passion for science communication and telling compelling stories through science. She completed her PhD studying memory consolidation and how sleep can improve memory.

  • Ben Wolf

    Ben Wolf is an author of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, young adult, children's books, and LitRPG. He is a regular contributor to the world of Dungeon Crawler Carl, by Matt Dinniman.

  • Marisa Wolf

    Marisa Wolf writes SFF that ends with hope, with no promises for the path to get there. She has a number of co-authored novels in shared universes and solo novels in her own worlds.

  • Tao Wong

    Tao Wong is the author of the bestselling A Thousand Li, the System Apocalypse series, and a half-dozen other series. He was shortlisted for the UK Kindle Storyteller Award in 2021.

  • Trisha J. Wooldridge

    Trisha J. Wooldridge (child-friendly T.J.Wooldridge) is an award winning pan-genre, pan-media chaos word witch who writes, edits, and educates.

  • Vanessa Ionta Wright

    Vanessa Wright is an Atlanta-based filmmaker and The Renegade Film Fest founder and director. She is currently in production on her next feature film.

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Y

  • Ben Yalow

    Ben Yalow has edited four books for NESFA Press, two of which were Hugo Award finalists. Most recently, he edited an anthology for Raconteur Press.

  • Jessi Ann York

    Jessi Ann York's Phases of the Shadow and Women of the Mere were mentioned as standouts in the summation section of The Best Horror of the Year Vol. 13.

  • Bryan Young

    Bryan Young has written in the BattleTech, Star Wars, Robotech, Doctor Who, and Shadowrun universes. Most recently, he wrote the companion book for The Big Bang Theory.

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Z

  • Mark Daniel Zoran

    Mark Daniel Zoran is the award winning costume designer, film vehicle restorer, and prop builder behind Razorfly Studios, Inc. Zoran builds and restores screen-accurate vehicles and props.

Cancellations

The following previously confirmed guests will unfortunately not be able to attend Dragon Con this year.

  • Ryan A Consell
Featured Guests

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