MEDIA ALERT Press contact: Lizbeth Dison
20 October 2014 Shiny, Inc.
678.372.8164
Writer Jonathan French Scheduled to Appear at CONjuration 2014
‘Autumn’s Fall Saga’ author will speak on his latest book, participate on panels
WHO: Jonathan French, author
WHAT: CONjuration
WHEN: Friday, 31 October – Sunday, 2 November 2014
WHERE: Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center
246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30346
770.394.6500
WHY: Fantasy author Jonathan French is scheduled to appear at this year’s CONjuration, Atlanta’s non-corporate, fan-directed convention for fans of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Supernatural and other magical literature, movies and experiences.
Jonathan will appear at six sessions – one where he will discuss his current books as well his next release, and five panel sessions on various topics in fantasy literature and fandom.
Friday, 31 October 2014
2.00 to 2.45 p.m.
Polk Room
Dwarven History
This panel will present an overview of the history of Tolkien’s Dwarves. While we learn much from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this dialogue will provide an emphasis on content from the Silmarillion and the appendices of Lord of the Rings. Did reevaluating the importance of the denizens under the mountain push Tolkien to expand and evolve the species as a whole? How important was the history of the Dwarves to Middle Earth? What can their history tell us about the sociological development of this species? Come learn and enjoy this exploration of this interesting and significant culture!
Jonathan will share the discussion with Matt Steffney.
Friday, 31 October 2014
10.00 to 10.45 p.m.
Jackson Room
Death of Characters: Story Progression or Authorial Sadism?
In the course of events, an author sometimes has to eliminate a character. At times, depending upon the character, this causes readers great distress. We will discuss why this has to happen and learn a little about the art, methodology, psychology, and science of character-killing. Through the course of the panel, we will also delve into the greatest deaths in the Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings/Hobbit, Narnia, and other novels that are near and dear to fans everywhere.
Jonathan will share the discussion with Kelly Lynne and Darin Bush.
Saturday, 1 November 2014
1.00 to 1.45 p.m.
Jackson Room
Goblin Kings and Rooster Knights
Bestselling fantasy author Jonathan French talks about the setting for his “Autumn’s Fall Saga.” Is it really, as one reviewer claimed, “…the magical love-child of J.R.R. Tolkien and Jim Henson…”? The author will also discuss the merits of self-publishing, debunk some of the myths, and field questions from the audience. At least one lucky attendee will receive free signed copies of the first two Autumn’s Fall novels. Come discover a new world of faeries, magic, and villains that would make David Bowie proud!
Saturday, 1 November 2014
2.30 to 4.00 p.m.
Roosevelt Room
Writer’s Round Table
This will be an open discussion among our literary guests about everything related to writing. This is the place to ask those burning questions that you have about where authors get their ideas, what they find to be the most difficult aspect of writing, why they derive joy out of this craft, and what they think the future of writing will evolve.
Jonathan will share the discussion with Ben Herr, L. R. W. Lee, Amy Leigh Strickland, Nancy McCurdy and Tony Sarrecchia.
Sunday, 2 November 2014
1.00 to 2.30 p.m.
Roosevelt Room
To Tell the Truth (Or Not)
We’ll have some of our authors telling lies (and truths?) about themselves. Can they fool the other authors and the audience with the stories they make up (or relate) in real time? Has their real life been so interesting that even the truth sounds like a story? The audience will participate with paddles stating ‘LIE’ or ‘TRUTH’ and the votes will be tallied by the moderator. Which author will be voted as the ‘Storytelling Champion of CONjuration’?
Jonathan will share the discussion with Ben Herr, Kelly Lynne, Andrea Judy, Sandra McCurdy and Nadyne Neff.
Sunday, 2 November 2014
4.00 to 4.45 p.m.
Monroe Room
Tips and Tricks of Being a Writer in the 21st Century
Last year almost two million books were independently released. Releasing a book is a sink or swim moment. Having a good promotional campaign is an author’s key to success. This panel will allow authors and aspiring authors to share tactics, ask questions, and learn from each other mistakes. What are the pros and cons of being a writer in the 21st century? Is it possible for anyone, with enough practice, to become an author or should some people just stick to reading? This panel is for all writers, would-be writers, or just those that are curious about the process!
Jonathan will share the discussion with Ben Herr, Jes Leigh, Charlotte Babb and Kelly Lynne.
For registration and more info, visit conjurationcon.com.
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About Jonathan French
Jonathan French is the author of the Autumn’s Fall Saga, an epic fantasy series. His debut novel, “The Exiled Heir,” has been hailed as “…a combination of pen strokes that successfully resurrect the old world fantasy concepts of Beowulf, Prydain, Oz and Masters of the Universe.” Like many fantasy novelists, he originally developed his magical setting as a backdrop for the roleplaying games he ran for his friends. After submitting his creations to a once-mighty RPG company, he received an offer to purchase his intellectual property. Ultimately, he chose to keep his brainchildren close to home and began writing the Autumn’s Fall novels in earnest.
An outspoken advocate on the merits and future of independent publishing, Jonathan has led panel discussions at conventions across the Southeast, with subjects ranging from marketing to art direction. He currently lives in Atlanta with his wife and toddling son, who can already throw a mean d10.
Current projects include the third Autumn’s Fall novel, a YA super-heroes series, a gritty sword and sorcery book, and occasional freelance gigs for RPGS.
About CONjuration
CONjuration is the creation of Chris Seckinger and Angela Hammond, two geeks based in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
We have been attendees, staff members, and vendors at a wide assortment of conventions for decades.
We have had the benefit of seeing the convention industry from all angles. We’ve attended and worked at fan run conventions as well as corporate conventions and we’re able to use the information and skills that we’ve acquired to bring you a better all-around convention experience. Chris even runs a Harry Potter themed camp at his home for a week during the summer!
For years our options for attending a magically themed convention have been limited. Distance and location have always been erratic and most of these shows have been corporate driven. Our goal is to bring a stable, non-corporate, fan-directed convention to the Atlanta area and we need your help with the initial year to conjure up something special and intimate for fans of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, Supernatural and other magical literature and movies and experiences.
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