I’m starting to tingle with anticipation for this year’s WorldCon, aka LoneStarCon 3, the 71st annual world science fiction convention.
If you’d like to find me at the convention — whether to hear some Klingon, listen to me read from a new work, bloviate on a panel, or whatever — here’s the latest and best information on how to stalk me. Hint: chocolate works too.
Thursday, August 29th:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | | Private reception for James Gunn and many of his students.
Shhh… it’s private. Seriously, I’m very happy to get to be a part of honoring this fine writer and teacher.
Friday, August 30th
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | | Annual Codex Breakfast
Several dozen writers “on the hungry edge of speculative fiction” sate their appetites with breakfast as online acquaintances meet face to face for the first time, and old friends reunite. Also pancakes.
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | | Autographing
I’ll sign most anyting (well… not a blank check), so come on by!
alongside Carol Berg, Lillian Stewart Carl, and Ian Tregillis.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | | Klingon Language Lecture
For more than 20 years I’ve been promoting the warriors’ tongue around the globe. For WorldCon I’ll present an intense (but fun!) whirlwind through the workings of the galaxy’s fastest growing language. Prepare yourself for 90% of Klingon grammar in a mere 50 minutes!
Just me.
Saturday, August 31st
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | | SFWA Meeting
It’s been a wild year for SFWA, and I’m sure this will be a “lively” business meeting. It is also the 1st meeting for new president Steven Gould. Show up on time and maybe we’ll even finish on time.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.| | First Contact in 3..2..1.. (M)
If First Contact were to happen today, and was an open event, how would the human race react? Would we feel inferior, or just try to steal their technology? Might we even attack them? What is the probability of them being hostile, curious, invading, tourists, game hunters, refugees, or would be gods?
with Liz Argall, Cenk Gokce, and Jeffrey Shanks.
5:30 – 6:00 p.m.| | Reading
Author readings are one of my favorite bits of programming to attend, and also to perform. I’ll likely read from my new novella, “Trial of the Century†(Conroy fans, take note!)
Sunday, September 1st
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm | | Art Show Docent Tour for Klingons
A tour through select pieces of the art show which I feel speak to both the warrior’s heart and the poet’s soul of your typical Klingon. Portions of the tour *will* be in Klingon, but translations will be available as needed. Please do not bring your bat’leth, as it tends to upset the art show staff.
1:00 – 3:00 pm | | Writers’ Workshop – Section Q
In the spirit of “paying it forward,” two professional authors serve up insightful critique to three junior writers. Not a spectator sport, but an important part of the my annual Worldcon experience.
I’m privileged to be working with Matthew Johnson. I’m leaving off the names of the three writers we’ve been assigned, to better facilitate their stalking of me.
500 – 6:00 p.m.| | First Contact Without a Universal Translator (M)
How do we establish a common conceptual base to communicate with another species? Sure, we have numbers and the hydrogen atom in common, but how far would that get us in a world of beings who share none of our sensory apparatus?
with Paige E. Ewing and Karl Schroeder.
8:00 p.m. – ??? | | Hugo Awards Ceremony
The voting members of the Worldcon hand out shiny golden rocket ships in a ceremony that’s almost guaranteed to run long. Place your bets early for who will win.
Monday, September 2nd
12:00 – 1:00 pm | | Literary Beer
You have to buy your own beer (and I’ll be drinking Diet Coke), but sign up and come by. We can rehash the convention and I’ll tell you all sorts of lies.
I’m still waiting to hear the details (including astronomical co-walkers) for Strolling with the Stars, which I’m hoping two sneak in on two separate conventions mornings as is my preference. If I had to guess, I’d say that’ll happen on Thursday and Monday mornings.
And of course you’ll find me with a soft drink in my hand at no few parties most evenings, as well as exploring some of San Antonio’s fine-dining offerings w/ Valerie. Also a couple business lunches, and if I’m lucky a few panels and readings to visit as an audience member. Barry will be with me through much of this, a plushie on a mission: to get photographed with SMOFs from each of the competing bid committees!
I hope to see you there. We are going to have BIG FUN!
