Ian Patterson
Speaker
Ian Patterson is an award winning author of science fiction, horror, and poetry. His debut, Transference, won the Colorado Book Award for science fiction in 2025, and is part of a complete series called The Narrator Cycle. His work aims to critique capitalism, inequality, and environmental destruction by centering philosophical discussions in the trappings of fast-paced, genre-bending narratives. He believes all people should have bodily autonomy, equality, freedom, and that a more just future can be built on compassion and empathy. He can usually be found on his bike somewhere in the mountains of Colorado, or spending time with his family and his two cats.
7:30PM - 9:00PM EDT
Saturday July 11th
Master Class on Writing Dystopian Literature
Dystopian stories are opportunities for authors to explore what could be -- or what shouldn't be. This panel defines dystopian literature and its tropes, themes, and how it is related to science fiction and post-apocalyptic stories. (Moderator: Sean Morrissey Carroll)
6:30PM - 8:00PM EDT
Sunday July 12th
What to Know about Political Writing
What does it mean for your writing to be "political"? And is all art inherently political? Join our panel for a discussion about intention, the purpose of art, and taking a stand. (Moderator: S. Morgan Burbank)