Our 2019 Special Guests
Author Guest of Honor
Stephanie Osborn
Few can claim the varied background of award-winning author Stephanie Osborn, the Interstellar Woman of Mystery.
Veteran of more than 20 years in the civilian space program, as well as various military space defense programs, she worked on numerous space shuttle flights and the International Space Station, and counts the training of astronauts on her resumé. Her space experience also includes Spacelab and ISS operations, variable star astrophysics, Martian aeolian geophysics, radiation physics, and nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons effects.
Stephanie holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in four sciences: astronomy, physics, chemistry and mathematics, and she is "fluent" in several more, including geology and anatomy.
In addition she possesses a license of ministry, has been a duly sworn, certified police officer, and is a National Weather Service certified storm spotter.
Her travels have taken her to the top of Pikes Peak, across the world’s highest suspension bridge, down gold mines, in the footsteps of dinosaurs, through groves of giant Sequoias, and even to the volcanoes of the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest, where she was present for several phreatic eruptions of Mount St. Helens.
Now retired from space work, Stephanie has trained her sights on writing. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to some 40+ books, including the celebrated science-fiction mystery, Burnout: The mystery of Space Shuttle STS-281. She is the co-author of the Cresperian Saga book series, and has written the critically acclaimed Displaced Detective Series, described as "Sherlock Holmes meets The X-Files," and its pulp-bestselling prequel series, Gentleman Aegis, the very first book of which won a Silver Falchion award. She has dabbled in paranormal/horror as well, releasing the ebook novella El Vengador, based on a true story. Her recent popular science book, Rock and Roll, a discussion of the New Madrid fault and its historic quakes, was a multiple-genre bestseller! It was followed with the equally-popular Kiss Your Ash Goodbye, an explanation of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Currently she's launching into the unknown with the Division One series, her take on the urban legend of the people who show up at UFO sightings, alien abductions, etc. to make things...disappear.
In addition to her writing work, the Interstellar Woman of Mystery now happily "pays it forward," teaching math and science through numerous media including radio, podcasting and public speaking, as well as working with SIGMA, the science-fiction think tank.
The Mystery continues.
Veteran of more than 20 years in the civilian space program, as well as various military space defense programs, she worked on numerous space shuttle flights and the International Space Station, and counts the training of astronauts on her resumé. Her space experience also includes Spacelab and ISS operations, variable star astrophysics, Martian aeolian geophysics, radiation physics, and nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons effects.
Stephanie holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in four sciences: astronomy, physics, chemistry and mathematics, and she is "fluent" in several more, including geology and anatomy.
In addition she possesses a license of ministry, has been a duly sworn, certified police officer, and is a National Weather Service certified storm spotter.
Her travels have taken her to the top of Pikes Peak, across the world’s highest suspension bridge, down gold mines, in the footsteps of dinosaurs, through groves of giant Sequoias, and even to the volcanoes of the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest, where she was present for several phreatic eruptions of Mount St. Helens.
Now retired from space work, Stephanie has trained her sights on writing. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to some 40+ books, including the celebrated science-fiction mystery, Burnout: The mystery of Space Shuttle STS-281. She is the co-author of the Cresperian Saga book series, and has written the critically acclaimed Displaced Detective Series, described as "Sherlock Holmes meets The X-Files," and its pulp-bestselling prequel series, Gentleman Aegis, the very first book of which won a Silver Falchion award. She has dabbled in paranormal/horror as well, releasing the ebook novella El Vengador, based on a true story. Her recent popular science book, Rock and Roll, a discussion of the New Madrid fault and its historic quakes, was a multiple-genre bestseller! It was followed with the equally-popular Kiss Your Ash Goodbye, an explanation of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Currently she's launching into the unknown with the Division One series, her take on the urban legend of the people who show up at UFO sightings, alien abductions, etc. to make things...disappear.
In addition to her writing work, the Interstellar Woman of Mystery now happily "pays it forward," teaching math and science through numerous media including radio, podcasting and public speaking, as well as working with SIGMA, the science-fiction think tank.
The Mystery continues.
Author
Dan Jolley
Dan Jolley began writing professionally at age 19. Starting out in comic books, Dan has worked for major publishers such as DC (Firestorm), Marvel (Dr. Strange), Dark Horse (Aliens), and Image (G.I. Joe), and soon branched out into licensed-property novels (Star Trek), film novelizations (Iron Man), and original novels, including the Middle Grade Urban Fantasy series Five Elements and the Urban Sci-Fi Gray Widow Trilogy. Dan began writing for video games in 2007, and has contributed storylines, characters, and dialogue to titles such as Transformers: War for Cybertron, Prototype 2, and Dying Light, among others.
His latest work marks his first foray into the Mystery/Thriller realm, with the “Southern-fried Stephen King” novel The Storm.
Dan lives with his wife Tracy and a handful of largely inert felines in northwest Georgia, and enjoys connecting with readers via his website (www.danjolley.com) and on Facebook (facebook.com/dan.jolley1) and Twitter (@_DanJolley).
His latest work marks his first foray into the Mystery/Thriller realm, with the “Southern-fried Stephen King” novel The Storm.
Dan lives with his wife Tracy and a handful of largely inert felines in northwest Georgia, and enjoys connecting with readers via his website (www.danjolley.com) and on Facebook (facebook.com/dan.jolley1) and Twitter (@_DanJolley).
Special Media Guest
Chalet Brannan
Chalet Lizette Brannan is a child prodigy.
Having beat stage 4 Burkitt's Lymphoma at age 10, she had already been established as an actress with many Disney projects. After taking time off while fighting cancer she resumed her acting while at the same time was being given an Ambassadorship with several leading cancer research and treatment organizations such as Make A Wish and more. It has been said her acting is on par with such greats as Linda Blair and Jodie Foster. Already at 13, she has been a lead with such greats as Bill Moseley ( Devils Rejects, ) and Kevin Sorbo ( The Sparrows ) Ms Brannan currently is filming the great franchise film Friday The 13th Vengeance with CJ Graham and Steve Dash among others. Chalet continues to film with names such as the upcoming horror film Velvet Moon with Nightmare On Elm Streets Robert Englund. To date she is one of Hollywood’s busiest child actors and has amassed and amazing 90 plus films and shows and has won 7 awards with 12 nominations. Her IMDb is www.indb.me/ChaletBrannan. We encourage you to visit that and all of her social media to learn more about this amazing actress.
Www.Facebook.com/ChaletLizetteBrannan
Www.instagram.com/chaletlizettebrannan.
Having beat stage 4 Burkitt's Lymphoma at age 10, she had already been established as an actress with many Disney projects. After taking time off while fighting cancer she resumed her acting while at the same time was being given an Ambassadorship with several leading cancer research and treatment organizations such as Make A Wish and more. It has been said her acting is on par with such greats as Linda Blair and Jodie Foster. Already at 13, she has been a lead with such greats as Bill Moseley ( Devils Rejects, ) and Kevin Sorbo ( The Sparrows ) Ms Brannan currently is filming the great franchise film Friday The 13th Vengeance with CJ Graham and Steve Dash among others. Chalet continues to film with names such as the upcoming horror film Velvet Moon with Nightmare On Elm Streets Robert Englund. To date she is one of Hollywood’s busiest child actors and has amassed and amazing 90 plus films and shows and has won 7 awards with 12 nominations. Her IMDb is www.indb.me/ChaletBrannan. We encourage you to visit that and all of her social media to learn more about this amazing actress.
Www.Facebook.com/ChaletLizetteBrannan
Www.instagram.com/chaletlizettebrannan.
Artist of Distinction
Eddie Price
Eddie Price is an artist from Northwest Georgia. He has quickly built his fan base with his unique 3D art, keeping the audience turning heads and becoming known as "that 3D guy". Eddie is also an international artist for Topps and Upper Deck, with various completed projects such as Marvel, The Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, Star Wars and more. In addition, Eddie is a fan favorite among The Walking Dead character actors and has completed over 20 fan art requests to date.
Master of Ceremonies/Toastmaster
TBA!
Author Guest
Armand Rosamilia
Armand Rosamilia is a New Jersey boy currently living in sunny Florida, where he writes when he's not sleeping. He's happily married to a woman who helps his career and is supportive, which is all he ever wanted in life...
He's written over 150 stories that are currently available, including horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, thrillers and more. His goal is to write a good story and not worry about genre labels.
He not only runs two successful podcasts... Arm Cast: Dead Sexy Horror Podcast - interviewing fellow authors as well as filmmakers, musicians, etc. The Mando Method Podcast with co-host Chuck Buda - talking about writing and publishing
But he owns the network they're on, too! Project Entertainment Network
He also loves to talk in third person... because he's really that cool.
You can find him at http://armandrosamilia.com for not only his latest releases but interviews and guest posts with other authors he likes!
He's written over 150 stories that are currently available, including horror, zombies, contemporary fiction, thrillers and more. His goal is to write a good story and not worry about genre labels.
He not only runs two successful podcasts... Arm Cast: Dead Sexy Horror Podcast - interviewing fellow authors as well as filmmakers, musicians, etc. The Mando Method Podcast with co-host Chuck Buda - talking about writing and publishing
But he owns the network they're on, too! Project Entertainment Network
He also loves to talk in third person... because he's really that cool.
You can find him at http://armandrosamilia.com for not only his latest releases but interviews and guest posts with other authors he likes!
Author
Mark Wandrey
Bestselling author of military sci-fi and zombie apocalypse, Mark Wandrey has been creating new worlds since he was old enough to hold a pen. Author of 14 novels, he has many more coming just this year! He's a 3 time DragonCon Award finalist as well. Located in rural Tennessee, Mark lives with his wife Joy and 2 chihuahuas. He writes extensively while struggling against an addiction to Russian dash cam crash videos
Media Guest
Josh Turner
Josh "TKO" Turner is a Pro-Wrestler & Actor from Indiana. Josh trained at OVW when they was the WWE training center. Josh went on to have not only sucess in the ring, but outside of the ring as well. Josh is known for his work as "Tattooed Savior" from The Walking Dead, "Jeter Brother" from Under The Dome, "Jake The Truck Driver" from Banshee, "Jolenes Boyfriend" from Nashville. Josh has also had roles on The Originals, The Vampire Diaries, Leverage, Antman, and many other different network shows and films. Josh is also big in working with different charities such as Fighting For Autism, Pops For Patience, Julianana Barbara Foundation, and many more.
Media Guest
Scott Lane
Scott Lane is an Actor/Pro-Wrestler based out of TN. Scott has been a independent wrestler for 18 years under the name "Insane Lane." Scott was one of the Motorcycle Saviors from The Walking Dead Season 8, Scott was also an Inmate in Spider-Man HomeComing. Scott has also been in many other major productions, such as Antman, The Originals and many more.
Author
Nina Soden
Nina Soden was born in Detroit Michigan in 1975, the second daughter of William and Clara Tapaninen. She has always been creative, be it art, theatre, film – anything but singing – she says that is the one thing no one wants to hear! She earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Military Science from Eastern Michigan University, where she spent most of her time either on stage, rappelling down buildings, or working one of three jobs. After college she moved to Los Angeles, like so many other want-to-be actors, in pursuit of her dreams. She worked to pay the bills, but her real love was acting. She had some minor success as an actress, mostly in commercials and independent films, but she looks back on those days with joy, having had a great time and making some wonderful memories.
In 2008, after some major life changes, she self-published her first book PRIVATE WORDS UNSPOKEN, a compilation of poetry. Since then, her dreams have gotten bigger and her storytelling ability has gotten better. She has done everything from secretarial work to business development to being the Director of a private preschool. She has fired a M16, jumped out of a C130, and given birth – TWICE – but she always returns to her art.
Though she’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, she now lives in the South with her husband and two beautiful children. Although she is still working full-time to pay the bills, she spends her evenings and weekends writing, and hopes one day her passion will be more than just a hobby. If she isn’t working on her latest story, she can be found playing with her kids, lounging with a good book, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.
In 2008, after some major life changes, she self-published her first book PRIVATE WORDS UNSPOKEN, a compilation of poetry. Since then, her dreams have gotten bigger and her storytelling ability has gotten better. She has done everything from secretarial work to business development to being the Director of a private preschool. She has fired a M16, jumped out of a C130, and given birth – TWICE – but she always returns to her art.
Though she’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, she now lives in the South with her husband and two beautiful children. Although she is still working full-time to pay the bills, she spends her evenings and weekends writing, and hopes one day her passion will be more than just a hobby. If she isn’t working on her latest story, she can be found playing with her kids, lounging with a good book, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.
Author
T.D. Raufson
T.D. Raufson was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and between trips to other realms from his home in the Tennessee Valley he shares the fantastic and magical stories he has collected on his travels. Raufson weaves magic into the modern world and brings it to life through its interaction with the characters in his young adult and midgrade novels. In these novels and stories to come, he finds interesting ways to incorporate magic into interesting settings that are not traditional fantasy. Raufson now lives among the hills of the Tennessee Valley with his wife and a plethora of domesticated and wild animals whom they have given their very own voices and personalities that may someday show up among characters yet to be written. Join him in a magical journey today.
Author
K.T. Hunter
K.T. Hunter is a lifelong fan of reading just about anything she can get her hands on, from science fiction (her first love) to science fact, from alternate history to art history and true crime. She credits her parents' encouragement of her creativity and their own love of Star Trek as the spark that lit her literary fires. She received her B.S. in Computer Science from UT-Chattanooga in 1993 and worked as a computer instructor and software developer in the insurance industry for the better part of two decades. Her first novel, 20 Million Leagues Over the Sea, the first novel in the steampunk adventure series The Nemo Paradox, was published independently in 2015. A new edition by Line by Lion Publishing is coming soon. She grew up in the hills of East Tennessee, and now she and her husband, T. D. Raufson, reside in Chattanooga.
Cosplay Guest
Alice Infinity Cosplay
Alice is an Award-Winning Cosplayer, Host, Gamer, Artist, Photographer and an Internationally Published Cosplay Model based out of Georgia. She also reviews costumes from costume shops on her website. Alice began attending conventions in 2011 and began cosplay modeling in 2012. By 2013 she was an award-winning cosplayer and model. She has been published in gaming and cosplay magazines. She is also the founder of the “Legends of Wonderland” cosplay group formally known as “Ladies of Wonderland”.
Even though, she has struggled with having Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum), Alice instantly fell in love with the convention community and knew this was where she belonged. She feels right at home with her fellow geeks.
Alice enjoys making people smile with her cosplay costumes and meeting new people. Also, she is always sharing her love of sewing and creating with her fellow cosplayers. As she grows as a cosplayer and model, Alice hopes to inspire others to never give up and always follow their dreams.
www.AliceInfinityCosplay.com
Facebook: AliceInfinity4Cosplay
Instagram: AliceInfinityCosplay
Twitter: Lil8bitAlice
Even though, she has struggled with having Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum), Alice instantly fell in love with the convention community and knew this was where she belonged. She feels right at home with her fellow geeks.
Alice enjoys making people smile with her cosplay costumes and meeting new people. Also, she is always sharing her love of sewing and creating with her fellow cosplayers. As she grows as a cosplayer and model, Alice hopes to inspire others to never give up and always follow their dreams.
www.AliceInfinityCosplay.com
Facebook: AliceInfinity4Cosplay
Instagram: AliceInfinityCosplay
Twitter: Lil8bitAlice
Cosplay Guest
Little Red Fox Cosplay
Little Red Fox Cosplay is an accomplished seamstress and costumer from Mobile, AL. Red grew up backstage at local ballets and theater companies and spent her childhood assisting in the creation and repair of all kinds of costumes and props. Her expertise in sewing and working with a wide variety of crafting materials, as well as her keen eye and attention to detail, keep her in demand as a cosplay competition judge. Known for innovative designs and use of materials, she is always looking for projects that will challenge both her skill level and her artistry. She believes that cosplay is about having fun and
being whoever or whatever you want to be, and she always remembers to put the “play” in cosplay.
being whoever or whatever you want to be, and she always remembers to put the “play” in cosplay.
