About DragonCon and Doggos
(Cute puppy pictures within)
I may not publish these posts often, but I pack them full of goodness when I do. Let’s start with DragonCon 2023.
For the uninitiated, DragonCon is one of the largest gatherings of nerd, nerd-adjacent, and fantasy fandoms in the Southeast. It takes place over Labor Day weekend in Atlanta and hosts a cluster of writers, artists, celebs, cosplayers, gamers, and performers (including the incredible Atlanta Radio Theatre Company).
I am once again an attending professional, which means I will be on panels as a speaker or moderator. I also have Monster Universe Audio Drama (more details to follow later this week) ribbons to give to folks who are into that sort of thing; just find me and say ‘hi!’. How will you find me amongst 60 thousand attendees? Read on to see my schedule.
As of this writing, this schedule is about 95 percent certain:
Title: From Beyond the Grave: Summoning Compelling Ghost Stories
Description: Our panel of acclaimed authors share their secrets to crafting spine-chilling ghost stories. From plotting and character development to setting and tone, our experts will reveal the key elements that make for a successful ghost story.
Panelists: Cherie M. Priest, Leanna Renee Hieber, Erika Lance, Tony Sarrecchia (M), Jessica Ann York, Richard Lee Byers
Time: Fri 11:30 am
Location: Peachtree 1-2 Westin (Length: 1 Hour)
Title: The Digital Editor's Toolbox
Description: So you've been tasked to edit someone's podcast. Great! Now what? What do I use to edit the audio? How do I add music that won't get flagged for copyright issues? Where do I go to publish everything so it reaches the broadest audience? Join a group of seasoned podcast editors and producers to answer
Panelists: Anthony Vito(M), Gabriel Perez, Scott Moore, Stephanie Crugnola, Tony Sarrecchia
Time: Fri 04:00 pm
Location: Galleria 7 Hilton (Length: 1 Hour)
Title: Podcasting for Authors
Description: The name says it all: everything authors need to consider before podcasting.
Panelists: Bob McGough(M), Tyra Burton, Scott Sigler, Tony Sarrecchia, Clint Hall, Alison Sky Richards
Time: Fri 07:00 pm
Location: Galleria 7 Hilton (Length: 1 Hour)
Title: The Fear Within: Finding Your Voice in Horror
Description: Discovering your unique voice is essential to standing out in the horror genre. Join our panelists as they explore how personal experience can shape your approach, the importance of originality and innovation, and how to balance homage with fresh ideas.
Panelists: Tony Sarrecchia (M), Jessica Ann York, Darrell Z. Grizzle, Chesya Burke, Brent Abell, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Time: Fri 08:30 pm
Location: Peachtree 1-2 Westin (Length: 1 Hour)
Title: Unsettling Settings: Creating a Sense of Place in Horror
Description: This panel explores the art of creating immersive and chilling settings in horror fiction. Panelists discuss techniques to evoke fear and tension through descriptions, world-building, and sensory details.
Panelists: Scott Sigler, Chesya Burke, Jessica Ann York, Cherie M. Priest, Tony Sarrecchia, Richard Lee Byers
Time: Sat 11:30 am
Location: Peachtree 1-2 Westin (Length: 1 Hour)
Title: The Haunting of Mike Flanagan
Description: Explore the chilling depths of Flanagan's television storytelling, from "The Haunting of Hill House" to "Midnight Mass." Dive into the psychological terror, captivating characters, and supernatural twists that make his shows spine-tingling.
Panelists: Mari Mancusi, Jessica Ann York, Karen Bembry, Tony Sarrecchia, Bill Bridges, Cherie M. Priest
Time: Sat 07:00 pm
Location: Peachtree 1-2 Westin (Length: 1 Hour)
Title: Writing Effective Short Horror Fiction
Description: Our expert writers will share their tips and tricks for crafting spine-tingling tales. Join us to learn about building tension, creating memorable characters, and mastering the art of the shock ending.
Panelists: Tony Sarrecchia (M), Anya Martin, Chesya Burke, Violette L Meier, Stephen L Antczak, Elizabeth Donald
Time: Sun 10:00 am
Location: Peachtree 1-2 Westin (Length: 1 Hour)
There is a high probability that I will cosplay as Svengoolie at least one night and I will attend one of the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company’s performances.
On to the cute doggy pictures.
Everyone say hello to the newest member of Casa Sarrecchia: Clancy the rescue staffy!
We picked up this big boy at the county animal shelter about a week ago. We wanted to get a 4-5-year-old dog who could hang-out with our 9-year-old boxer but who wouldn’t have insane puppy energy. According to the county’s web page—this fellow’s stats were 45 pounds, 4 years old, and sweet disposition; a perfect match! After a quick visit in the ‘bonding room’, we fell in love and took him home. They told us he was probably about 50 pounds now, but no worries, he was still as chill as smooth jazz.
Let’s just say the first introduction to Rylee was less than successful. As was the second. Clancy also switched from the smooth jazz station to a loop of Billy Idol's ‘Rebel Yell’. Fast forward to the visit to our family vet. She looked at him and then said to us, “They said he was 4, huh?” Mr. Clancy is about a year, year and a half old, and clocks in at 60 pounds. The vet is mostly sure he is at his max weight. Of course, she could have told us he was going to grow to 110 pounds and we would have said, “I guess we own a 110-pound dog now.”
As far as the dogs hanging out together, we are making progress.
That’s it for this update. Look for another newsletter post shortly, including an update about The Monster Universe Audio Drama! Be sure to share this with friends, relatives, and the cute barista at your favorite coffee shop.
May life treat you the way you treat animals,
Tony