Guests
Past Guests from Necronomicon 2025
Guest information for 2026 coming soon!
Science Fiction Author
Timothy Zahn
Timothy Zahn is the author of more than forty science fiction novels. He has also written many short stories, as well as Cascade Point, which won the Hugo Award for best novella. His other works include the Dragon back series, of which Dragon and Thief was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and the bestselling Star Wars™ novel, Heir to the Empire. Zahn lives in Oregon.
Author and Filker
Seanan McGuire
Seanan McGuire (pronounced SHAWN-in; born January 5, 1978) is an American author and filker. McGuire is known for her urban fantasy novels. She uses the pseudonym Mira Grant to write science fiction/horror and the pseudonym A. Deborah Baker to write the "Up-and-Under" children's portal fantasy series.
In 2010, she was awarded the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer by the World Science Fiction Convention. Her 2016 novella Every Heart a Doorway received a Nebula Award, Hugo Award, Locus Award, and Alex Award.
Fantasy Author
Kevin A Davis
Kevin A Davis is a fantasy author with two published series set in modern settings; the Khimmer Chronicles and the AngelSong series.
His newest series, the DRC Files, features Kristen, the new agent on a secret team that tracks down the worst paranormals to seep through the realms.
Voice Actor/ Author
Perry F. Bruns
Perry F. Bruns is a voice actor and writer from Tampa, Florida. A 20-plus-year writer and host for Necronomicon and OASIS, he's performed for Tampa Fringe, acted for Westerfield Productions, and hosted the Calm Mystery podcast for two seasons. He performs live shows with the Murder Mystery Company across the state. He also narrates audiobooks and short stories, including Luci: Rhoades to Helland "The Forest" by Anna Rose. He has also guested on the Fandom Entanglement Podcast, hosted by Damon Sugameli and Mike Bloxam, available on all major podcast networks.
"Matron of the Macabre"
Betty Genesis
Betty Genesis, Matron of the Macabre, is a Tampa based burlesque producer known for her fully immersive variety shows. When not running live shows like Death Becomes Them, Betty produces and coordinates horror and sci-fi themed events for all occasions. Disruptively creative and ridiculously resourceful, Betty is a sparkly cocktail blend of Southern Momma charm, dry humor and a double shot of whiskey. Laughing at life through trial and terror, she's the love child of Martha Stewart and Florida Man minus the jail time...allegedly.
Fantasy and Horror Author
Richard Lee Byers
Richard Lee Byers’s books include The Things That Crawl, The Hep Cats of Ulthar, This Sword for Hire, and the two Marvel Legends of Asgard novels The Head of Mimir and its sequel The Rebels of Vanaheim. He is perhaps best known for his Forgotten Realms fiction. He has also written many pieces of short fiction, a graphic novel, and material for electronic and tabletop games.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Author
Kat Heckenbach
Kat Heckenbach graduated from the University of Tampa with a bachelor's degree in biology, went on to teach math, and then homeschooled her son and daughter while writing and making sci-fi/fantasy art. Now that both kids have graduated, her writing and art time is constantly interrupted by her 96 lb. boxer mix. She is the author of YA fantasy series Toch Island Chronicles and urban fantasy Relent, as well as dozens of fantasy, science fiction, and horror short stories in magazines and anthologies. Enter her world at www.katheckenbach.com. Find her prints and original art at www.JumpingRails.etsy.com.
Industry Guest
Vito Pandolfo
Vito is Principal of 5 th Epoch Publishing and Media. He is Co-Author of the Metal, Magic and Lore (2007) and Vampire’s Codex (2013) Role Playing Games, and Co-Designer of both game systems. His current focus is the Battle Field Ops! Tactical Miniatures Game System (2017), which in its Revised Edition span conflicts from the 20th into the 21st centuries. Vito’s interests have included several Eastern martial arts, firearms, medieval reenactment, fitness. He has recorded and toured the US as a musician, and studied Italian, Korean, and Japanese. He has brought this array of interests into game design.
Nearly retired from his current practice, Vito is founder of a NYC-based consulting firm with 30 years in culture change management. He is the author of the business publication, “Why Is My Coworker So Crazy?” (Spring 2011, Revised 2024), and authoring two (2) additional publications (est. 2025). Vito has served on several non-profit boards and continues volunteer work at
various intervals throughout his life.
Industry Guest - Film Making
Chuck and Karolina Morrongiello
Chuck and Karolina Morrongiello are the visionary filmmaking creators of Amityville: Mt. Misery Road, The American Ripper, Killer Grannies (filmed in Tampa), Bugs the Bunny Killer, and Snarly Yow. Fusing original music, immersive storytelling, and hands-on craftsmanship, they breathe eerie life into their films. Their passion for mythic horror and independent cinema makes them standout voices in today’s bold new wave of genre filmmaking.
Industry Guest
Anthony A.P. Faella III
Anthony A.P. Faella III - AKA The Fatman - is an Army Veteran, and Comic Writer, Illustrator and Publisher out of Palm Bay Florida.
He is the creator of both the Fatman Comics line (issue #1 August 2012) and the Anthology Comics line (issue #1 June 2020), and also has a minor background in live theater and independent films.