Kelsey Olesen
Young Adult Fantasy Writer
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE FANTASTIC IN THE ARTS
March, 2020
PRESENTED.
For my third time participating at ICFA, I presented a paper which compared Uprooted and Spinning Silver, both by Naomi Novik. Through the lens of story structure and fairy tale retelling analysis, I contrasted Spinning Silver and Uprooted's different representations of its female characters' paths to power within and outside of patriarchal power systems. I am currently submitting a version of this paper for publication. Subscribe below for updates on where you can read this paper in the future.
World Science Fiction & Fantasy Conference - WorldCon76
August 16-20, 2018
PRESENTED.
Hot on the heels of my presentation at ICFA, I presented an updated version of my paper on the representation of women in historical fantasy novels set in an alternate Regency London. After the talk, I had the pleasure of speaking on a PodCast regarding the importance of reading and recommending fantasy novels by women of color, such as Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho and Dread Nation by Justina Ireland. Click on the link below to find out more about WorldCon76 in San Jose, California, 2018.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE FANTASTIC IN THE ARTS
MARCH 14-17, 2018
PRESENTED.
During this conference, I had the honor of presenting a paper on the representation of women in historical fantasy novels by women, focusing on those set in an alternate Regency London. I also had the pleasure of seeing the presentations of many brilliant Stonecoast alums, including Lew Andrada, Peter Behravesh, Alex Snyder, and Lauren Liebowitz. I love attending this conference and hope to have the opportunity to present next year as well! Click on the link below to find out more about the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts and their annual conference.
PATRICK ROTHFUSS 10TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK SIGNING
OCTOBER 4, 2017
ATTENDED.
Patrick Rothfuss is one of my favorite authors and I was happy to able to attend a signing for the 10th Anniversary Edition of his first novel, The Name of the Wind, at San Diego's speculative fiction bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy. Support independent bookstores by checking out the link below!
SAN DIEGO COMIC CON
JULY 19-23, 2017
ATTENDED.
San Diego Comic Con is now the biggest comic book convention in the country, and this year there were reportedly more people than any year previous. I was lucky to be able to attend this massive convention in my own city, and look forward to attending the free events next year, including the wonderful Her Universe Fashion Show. I hope to see you there!
SCBWI LA CONFERENCE
JULY 7-9, 2017
ATTENDED.
The summer conference for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is held in LA every year. I am excited to attend a writer's conference which focuses on children's and young adult literature! Early registration is open until June 19th, so I encourage you to sign up soon!
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STOKERCON
APRIL 27-30, 2017
ATTENDED.
Get ready for tingles to run down your spine in the presence of the fantastic authors and artists who will be appearing at this year's StokerCon, held on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA. Guests of Honor include my former workshop leader Elizabeth Hand, my former project mentor Nancy Holder (also the VP of the Horror Writers Association of America), and the infamous George R.R. Martin. I will be attending on Saturday, April 30th and would love to see you there!
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR THE FANTASTIC IN THE ARTS (ICFA)
MARCH 22-26, 2017
PRESENTED.
This is the 38th annual conference for the International Association of the Fantastic in the Arts (IAFA). I will be presenting a paper on feminism in Cinderella retellings on Thursday, March 23rd at 10 am in the Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside, Orlando, Florida. Anyone who is interested in the academic study of the fantastic (including fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.), I highly recommend attending!
TUCSON FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
MARCH 11 - 12, 2017 9:30AM TO 5:30PM
ATTENDED.
This is one of my favorite book festivals or "cons," as it is completely FREE on the beautiful campus of my alma mater, the University of Arizona. Find me at the panels of Fantasy and Children's authors or browsing the tents full of books up and down the green. Hope to see you there!
If you would like to meet up at a future event for coffee and booktalk, contact me at the link below.