StokerCon 2026 Wrap-Up

The Monday Night Writing Group

Well, another StokerCon is in the books. As always, the event was fantastic; a whirlwind of people, panels, readings, and laughs. But mostly it was a long weekend of people showing goodwill toward each other, inspiring each other, and generally being kind and friendly to each other. I reconnected with old friends and met a whole bunch of new ones over the four days.

I wanted to start out by thanking all the people who do the hard work organizing the event every year. Jim Chambers, Brian Matthews, and all the HWA members and volunteers prepare tirelessly to give attendees the best experience possible, and their hard work shined through this year. The new venue was great, programming was amazing, and the awards ceremony (always my favorite part) was uplifting and powerful. I love seeing the sheer joy that the award brings a person. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Jonathan Lees put on what I think was the best Final Frame Competition that I've attended, and the Monster Mash was once again a huge success.

As happens every year, I am too caught up in the excitement to take many pictures, but we did manage to get most of the Monday Night Writing Group in one place for a photo (left to right: me, Larry Hinkle, Christa Carmen, Mike Deady, Val Williams).

The highlights of the weekend for me (in no particular order):

• Billy Martin reading "The Laffin' Man" (from Rack II). The story is both heartbreaking and powerful, but to listen to the author read it aloud was incredible.

• The "Author to Editor and Back Again" panel. Yes, I was on this panel but that's not why it was a highlight. Each of the panelists shared the ups and downs of editing an anthology and the impact it has on their writing. I wish we could have gone longer. Great topic, and perfect moderating by Douglas Gwilym.

• Lauren Daniels reading "The Barrens: The Walled Garden at the Center of Our Story" from the upcoming release Still Floating: 40 Years of Pennywise. Again, this has nothing to do with me being the editor and EVERYTHING to do with Lauren's essay. Personal, poignant, and powerful to read on paper, but so amplified by Lauren's voice. Wonderful.

• "Mary Shelley's Monster: the Legacy of Frankenstein" panel. The moderator was Crystal O’Leary-Davidson and the panelists were Lawrence C. Connolly, Teel James Glenn, Gwendolyn Kiste, Lisa Kröger, and John Langan. The combined knowledge of these folks on Frankenstein was astonishing. I wish this had lasted a couple more hours.

Yes, I realize I am associated with three of the fours things I called out...I said what I said!

I am already looking forward to next year and cannot wait for the announcements of the Guests of Honor.

Other than the fact I didn't drink enough coffee (or water), didn't eat right, and barely slept...I think I took pretty good care of myself. I am shocked at how many people I see posting that I NEVER even saw at the event. Others I feel like I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with. The event has grown significantly over the years, and the programming is so compelling that I feel like there just isn't enough time to chat with everyone, no matter how late I stay up.

Until next year...