Midwest Furfest 2024: Full Schedule

8:00pm CST

Writers Meet & Greet

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00pm - 9:00pm CST

Come say hello to some of your fellow writers in the furry fandom.

Speakers

I do writing. Sometimes it's transformation. Sometimes it's fanfic. Othertimes it's cool.I'm kinda neat and stuff! Usually hosting Lupus in Tabula, momming my friends, and being type 1 diabetic. Trying to get rid of that last one though.

Ocean Tigrox

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00pm - 9:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

9:00pm CST

Conlangs Meet & Greet

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:00pm - 10:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Constructed languages ("conlangs") are intentionally designed languages. This casual meetup is an opportunity for furry conlang designers and users to socialize, discuss invented languages, and to learn about furry conlangers and furry conlang projects. The host, Phlegm, is a member of the Language Creation Society and the Klingon Language Institute.

Speakers

cartweel

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:00pm - 10:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

11:00am CST

Writing 101

Friday December 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

We all start somewhere, and it's no different for writing. Whether you hope to one day write the Great American Furry Novel, or just want to do better at the stories you share with friends, come and learn some of the basics of good storytelling and some of the pitfalls and common beginner mistakes to avoid.

Speakers

Gre7g

Furry, writer, brewer, sausage maker, baker, and programmer.

Kaevon

The OC Doctor

Hello! I am The OC Doctor and I'm here to help you with Original Characters, World Building, Story Development and so much more! Any questions you might have about creating an OC, fleshing out a current one, or need a sounding board for new ideas I'm here to help! Happy to be returning... Read More →

Friday December 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

12:00pm CST

Plot and Conflict

Friday December 6, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

No matter how good your characters are, you'll need interesting things for them to do, or events they must react to. What makes for a compelling, perhaps riveting plot? One of the key elements in any plot is conflict. In this panel we discuss some of the different plots and types of conflict that can drive a story and keep your readers wondering what happens next.

Speakers

The OC Doctor

Ocean Tigrox

Friday December 6, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

1:00pm CST

Characters and Dialogue

Friday December 6, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Characters are arguably the most important element to any story. What makes characters believable, memorable, and compelling? A big part of any characters is the relationships they have with other characters, and one of the primary means of showing characters and their relationships is through dialogue. Come join us as we discuss what makes good characters and dialogue.

Speakers

Kirisha Raptoress

Devon

Reo

Friday December 6, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

2:00pm CST

Setting and World Building

Friday December 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Stories can take place in a lot of different places and time periods, whether it's someplace in our modern world, a setting from our history, a futuristic alien society, or a magical world of fantasy. Join us as we discuss the possibilities and the pitfalls, the challenges and rewards of creating or choosing a setting where your characters live and their stories play out.

Speakers

Utunu

Slip Wolf

Friday December 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

3:00pm CST

Upcoming Releases from Furry Small Presses

Friday December 6, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Join us as we spotlight upcoming releases from the Furry fandom's independent publishers, offering a sneak peek at the unique works our community has to offer. If you're a fan of storytelling, this is your chance to rediscover beloved voices and find new ones that will put the swag in your wag.

Speakers

Kit Silver

Publicist, 24 Carat Words

Friday December 6, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

4:30pm CST

Scene and Story Structure

Friday December 6, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Ever had a story idea in which you knew where you wanted to go but not how to get there? Or you have some pieces but aren't sure how they fit together? Or maybe it's a question of keeping the reader interested along the way. This panel will cover approaches to structuring your story, concepts like scene and sequel, pacing, and how to get elements of a story to fit together well.

Speakers

Devon

Hyena

The OC Doctor

Friday December 6, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

6:00pm CST

Furry Fiction Showcase

Friday December 6, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

A panel for furry readers! Come watch a dog who reads way too many books tell you about the best furry fiction of the year. I'll give you the resources you need to get your paws on great furry stories from great furry writers. You might even leave with a free book!

Speakers

Shiloh Skye

Friday December 6, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

7:00pm CST

The Doctor is In! Criminal Writing 101!

Friday December 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

“You son of a dog, I’m in” Heists are amazing! They are full of action, betrayal, trust, instinct, suspense and most of all fun! But how do you capture that in words? How do you avoid cheesy twists and obvious plot points? Well you are in luck for The OC Doctor is here to help! Together we will dive into the criminal underworld to help give you the tools to create a heist of your own! So kid, are you in or out?

Speakers

The OC Doctor

Friday December 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

8:00pm CST

Queer Fiction

Friday December 6, 2024 8:00pm - 9:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Furry is and always has been a largely queer space, and the intersection of queer fiction and furry is only natural in a lot of writing. Come and consider the specifics of the genre intersection, how it can often blend with other genres as well, and what makes a story particularly queer. This panel is for those 18 years of age and older; ID required.

Speakers

Kit Silver

Publicist, 24 Carat Words

Friday December 6, 2024 8:00pm - 9:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

9:00pm CST

Actually Writing That (Adult) Story

Friday December 6, 2024 9:00pm - 10:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

You've been to panels on world-building, character development, even how to run the business side of being a writer. But now it's time to actually write a story. At this panel, we'll have an in-depth look at putting sentences together, figuring out story flow, and (by the time we're done) actually have the start of a story done. Learn the craft by doing the craft. It's really been a blast to run in the past. This panel is for those 18 years of age and older; ID required.

Speakers

Hyena

Friday December 6, 2024 9:00pm - 10:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

10:00am CST

What It Takes to Write: Process, Discipline, and Lifestyle

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing can be very rewarding, but it takes time and discipline. How often have you heard someone say they can't find the time to write, or can't get their mind working in the right direction? As with any worthwhile goal, there are obstacles to be overcome and processes to be learned. In this panel we talk about how writers write, and the writer's lifestyle.

Speakers

NightEyes DaySpring

Devon

Slip Wolf

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

12:30pm CST

Self-Publishing: Trials, Triumphs, and Lessons Learned

Saturday December 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

This panel dives into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned by those who have navigated the self-publishing world. Whether you're a budding author or a seasoned Furry storyteller, learn how to overcome the hurdles of going it alone and discover the unique rewards that come with bringing your tail-wagging tales to life on your own terms.

Speakers

Kit Silver

Publicist, 24 Carat Words

NightEyes DaySpring

Jeff Eddy

Utunu

Saturday December 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

1:30pm CST

Working with an Editor

Saturday December 7, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Explore the ins and outs of working with an editor in this informative panel. Learn about the editor's role in shaping your work, effective communication strategies, and what to expect throughout the editing process. Whether you're new to writing or have experience, gain valuable insights on how an editor can enhance your furry stories.

Speakers

Kit Silver

Publicist, 24 Carat Words

Saturday December 7, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

2:30pm CST

Where the River Meets the Sea - Mythology of the Mermaid

Saturday December 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

This panel is a survey of mythology surrounding "mermaids" and mermaid-like creatures. Half human, half fish, these beings exist between worlds and play a variety of roles in the stories in which they appear. Where and when did the concept of a "mermaid" arise, and how has it changed over the centuries? Join us as we discuss the tropes and how mermaids (and their close cousins) have appeared in literature, pop culture, and folklore.

Speakers

Guttah Pup

Saturday December 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

3:30pm CST

Executioner's Gambit: A Reading

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Award-winning author Gre7g Luterman has a new book out and would like to share some of it with you. A brief reading from the new book, a brief discussion about the world, and time for questions!

Speakers

Gre7g

Furry, writer, brewer, sausage maker, baker, and programmer.

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

4:00pm CST

Character + Plot = Story

Saturday December 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

In this panel, we'll explore the core elements of storytelling by breaking down the simple yet powerful formula: "Character + Plot = Story." We'll discuss how well-crafted characters drive the action and emotional depth of a narrative, while a strong plot provides the structure and pacing that keeps audiences engaged.

Speakers

Kit Silver

Publicist, 24 Carat Words

Kyell Gold

Saturday December 7, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

5:30pm CST

Why Create a Writing Group?

Saturday December 7, 2024 5:30pm - 6:30pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Creating a writing group with your fellow writers can be a powerful tool. It's a great way to boost yourselves and each other, learn from your peers, gather commentary and critique on a regular basis, and incentivize yourself to write. Come find out how a writing group works and whether you might want to organize your own!

Speakers

NightEyes DaySpring

Slip Wolf

Utunu

Domus Voicis

Saturday December 7, 2024 5:30pm - 6:30pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

6:30pm CST

The Doctor is In! Original Characters 101!

Saturday December 7, 2024 6:30pm - 8:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Have you created an original character? It’s a good character, but do you want to make that character better? More evil? More relatable? More three-dimensional? You’re in luck! For I, The OC Doctor, am here to help! Relatable flaws, easily understandable goals, a moral code, or lack thereof! All these traits, techniques, and more will help you make your best original character! Trust me. I’m a Doctor.

Speakers

The OC Doctor

Saturday December 7, 2024 6:30pm - 8:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

9:30am CST

Author-Artist Collaborations: The Power of Prose & Art

Sunday December 8, 2024 9:30am - 10:00am CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Explore the collaboration between authors and artists in creating illustrated novels. This panel delves into how to work together effectively, from initial concept to final product, ensuring the story and artwork come together seamlessly to bring your vision to life.

Speakers

Kit Silver

Publicist, 24 Carat Words

Devon

Kyell Gold

Sunday December 8, 2024 9:30am - 10:00am CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

10:00am CST

Building Your Writing Community

Sunday December 8, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Discover how to find your pack, build supportive networks, and grow as a writer within the fandom. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or just starting out, this panel will guide you on sharing your work, engaging with fellow creatives, and forming lasting relationships that will inspire and elevate your writing journey.

Speakers

Kit Silver

Publicist, 24 Carat Words

Jeff Eddy

Sunday December 8, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

11:00am CST

A Search through Cyberspace: Spirituality and Storytelling

Sunday December 8, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

I think it's a common furry experience to surf the web for like peoples and like stories; to reach across cyberspace for comfort and connection. This is a powerful drive reflected in much of our community's media and fiction. And for me, it is spiritual. What does that mean? Let's talk about it. In this panel, I'll use fantasy and cyberpunk storytelling along with my visual novel "String Zero" as lenses to discuss how spirituality as "a search for meaning and connection" buoys and enriches furry storytelling.

Speakers

Reo

Sunday December 8, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

12:00pm CST

Not Humans With Fur: What Makes a Story Furry

Sunday December 8, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

One of the common recommendations for furry writers is to make certain that your characters are more than "humans with fur". From the clothing they wear to the technology they use, we take a look at how everything from technology to social interaction can be different in a furry setting than they are in our world.

Speakers

Ocean Tigrox

mwalimu

Slip Wolf

Sunday December 8, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

1:00pm CST

Transformation

Sunday December 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Polymorph spells, species-altering viruses, and the beast within. Come sit in on this panel where we discuss a genre where furries have something to explore not often seen in other genres: the transformation story.

Speakers

Arrow

Kirisha Raptoress

Sunday December 8, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

2:00pm CST

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Sunday December 8, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

Space and time travel. Swords and sorcery. As we explore the realms of science fiction and fantasy there are many worlds to explore and to play in as we create our stories, whether they be epic quests filled with wonder, exploring uncharted places, or clawing out an existence in a dystopian wasteland. Come sit withus as we discuss how to weave tales that include elements of science, magic, or some combination of the two.

Speakers

Arrow

Utunu

NightEyes DaySpring

Sunday December 8, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing

3:00pm CST

(Almost) Everything There is to Know About Furry Journalism

Sunday December 8, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Hyatt - Hartsfield

This panel will discuss the history of furries in journalism/the media, some well-known examples of furries in media, why furries are portrayed in media the way they are, how to accurately portray furries in journalism/the media, as well as some general topics surrounding journalism (what makes a good journalist, interviewing tips, etc.).

Speakers

Asteroid

Sunday December 8, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Hyatt - Hartsfield

Writing