The world is so full of a number of things,
I ’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.
Science fiction/fantasy (SFF), science, history, for example—to name three of my favorite leisure reading pursuits.
To think that I got to spend 5 whole days doing practically nothing but sitting around and listening to wonderfully smart people talk about these subjects! Wow! How could I not be happy as a king!
It was like going to your favorite classes all day long, with the best guest speakers in the field for each one. Yes, I took voluminous notes, some of which helped me write up the report below. But I also compiled an extensive list of recommended reading. (Let me know if you want a copy; I'm happy to share it.) I will not have to wonder "what to read next" for the next year! And I left the Con feeling much better than I have in some time about the state of American intellectual and creative life.
I know this may be much more than some of you want to know, but I thought I'd just go down my schedule and record my impressions and thumbnail descriptions of most of the programs that I attended. I've also included links whenever possible to the websites of the wonderful authors old and new that I "met," so you can easily learn more about them if you'd like to.
Coming of Age in the ‘60’s. There were supposed to be a couple more panelists but “only” Robert Silverberg and Connie Willis showed up, along with the moderator. Imagine! Starting out my Con experience getting to hear these two expounding for 50 minutes! Small wonder I thought I’d died and gone to heaven! I also got some good classic SF story recommendations.
It was like going to your favorite classes all day long, with the best guest speakers in the field for each one. Yes, I took voluminous notes, some of which helped me write up the report below. But I also compiled an extensive list of recommended reading. (Let me know if you want a copy; I'm happy to share it.) I will not have to wonder "what to read next" for the next year! And I left the Con feeling much better than I have in some time about the state of American intellectual and creative life.
I know this may be much more than some of you want to know, but I thought I'd just go down my schedule and record my impressions and thumbnail descriptions of most of the programs that I attended. I've also included links whenever possible to the websites of the wonderful authors old and new that I "met," so you can easily learn more about them if you'd like to.
Coming of Age in the ‘60’s. There were supposed to be a couple more panelists but “only” Robert Silverberg and Connie Willis showed up, along with the moderator. Imagine! Starting out my Con experience getting to hear these two expounding for 50 minutes! Small wonder I thought I’d died and gone to heaven! I also got some good classic SF story recommendations.
 |
| Joe Haldeman |
Fantastic London. Many, many book recommendations for neat stories set in my favorite city. One of the panelists, Paul Cornell, was, as I learned later, MC for the Masquerade and Hugo awards ceremony, a pretty funny guy who has written for Dr. Who. I saw some of the other panelists later, too.
Connie Willis reading. Ditto the Joe Haldeman reading above. So very, very cool! She is a remarkably delightful lady and I can’t wait to read the many of her books I have yet to enjoy. Not only are the time travel novels that I only recently discovered absolutely wonderful, but it turns out she is probably the most decorated (awarded) woman in SF history! And on top of that, in person she’s just like her writing—erudite, delightful, and almost sinfully entertaining. I can’t recommend her work highly enough, and I’m devastated that none of my pictures of her came out well enough to put in the blog.
War of the Worlds at 75: The Power of Mass Media. Very interesting panel discussion about the broadcast, its effects, and repercussions, plus juicy and gossipy details from behind the scenes. First of many wonderful history-related panels. Great picture of Wells meeting Welles—in San Antonio!
They were both in town for different speaking engagements and ran into each other in a hotel lobby. All I can find are excerpts of an interview conducted with both men by a local radio station. At this panel, one of the historians said the interview lasted originally almost half an hour. Highlight: Wells wasn't mad at, but rather was charmed by, the 25-year-old Welles.
(BTW, I expected to hear about lots of cool science and SFF at the Con but the great history discussions were something of a bonus.)
History of Science and the Experience of Science Fiction. In addition to getting to see one of my favorite authors for the first time—Kim Stanley Robinson—I got some good recommendations and discovered Kathleen Ann Goonan, a new author to put on my list.
“What If” Moments in History. Another new author discovery, Harry Turtledove (although he’s such a famous alternative history author I don’t know HOW I hadn’t heard of him) and a great discussion of the writing of alternative histories, one of my favorite sub-genres of SFF. This was my first panel with Jo Walton, who has a lovely accent, and whom I’ve only recently discovered. She has another large body of work—including an alternative history series!—that I can look forward to savoring.
Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know about Asteroids but Were Afraid to Ask. First of many great science presentations. The speaker, Clifford McMurray, is a space journalist and I learned a LOT about the types of asteroids, and their promise and peril. Favorite approximate quote: “It was nice to get out to something in the solar system and have it look like what we expected” (as opposed to a canal-less Mars and a greenhouse-amok Venus).
Yes, Virginia, Nanotech is Real. More science learning, about nanotech and biotech, which, it turns out, are very similar. Favorite approximate quote: “a cell is just a ‘wet’ nanobot.” Saw Kathleen Ann Goonan again.
Trivia for Chocolate. Very humbling trivia game where I got 2 pieces of chocolate out of hundreds thrown. Yes, they ask questions and then throw pieces of chocolate in the general direction of the correct answer. Great fun!
Europa: What’s under the Ice. Still more interesting science, and the first of many David Brin panels; he's one of my favorite authors and pundits. He says there are 12 “roofed” worlds like Europa in the solar system and speculates that this type of planet(let) might be the most common habitat for life in the galaxy. Plus he sketched a really cool idea for a story set on one that I hope he puts in a future book!
What Can We Expect from a Disney/J.J. Abrams Star Wars? Really fun speculating about the future of the SW franchise, with D. Brin again and other entertaining panelists, including Dave Wolverton, a SW universe author. Shanna Swendson, who was a delightful moderator, noted that the young children she works with love SW but have never seen the movies! There are apparently enough cartoon shows, etc., to hook them without their having seen the films. Who knew?!
 |
| David Brin holding forth at the Biotech panel |
Favorite approximate quote from this panel:
Moderator: What do you fear from this new collaboration?Planning a Starship. Very exciting and provocative discussion with 3 favorite authors (D. Brin and J. Haldeman, again, along with Gregory Benford) and some friends about the possibilities of travel to the stars and how it might actually happen. I learned about the Starship Century Symposium; at the website you can listen to talks on the subject. I've started listening to these recordings and can’t wait to hear more!
D. Brin: That my expectations will be raised. Again.
Genetic Manipulation and Made-to-order Species: Biotech in SF. Wasn’t exactly what I was expecting; I went because D. Brin’s aliens are SO great in his books. But it was an interesting discussion of the real science now and in the near future, and I got a couple of good book recommendations.
30 Great SFF Films You Almost Certainly Haven’t Seen. I was writing furiously as 4 panel members each listed 30 favorite movies. I was pleased to note that I had actually seen 3 on the lists!
Famous Last Stands: the Alamo, Masada and Thermopylae. Interesting historical discussion of these battles and some others, with D. Brin (again!), Harry Turtledove, and some other interesting folks. Some good recommendations. Favorite approximate quote from DB: “SF should really be called ‘speculative history’.” Here, here!
 |
| Carol (most famous person I know) and retro-fashion icon Gail Carriger |
 |
| KSR |
Satire is What Closes on Saturday Night. Connie Willis and Shanna Swendson again, both delightful and knowledgeable speakers. Interesting academic discussion of the elements of satire, plus—surprise!—a good list of recommended titles.
Tic Toc: A Look at the History of Mechanical Computing. Fascinating talk by Drew Heyen, an entertaining Victoriana geek and magician, in a great outfit; I so wish I’d gotten a picture of him. He held forth on mechanical computing devices such as Jacquard looms and difference engines and how electronic devices eventually took over. You can actually buy one of these. Lots of computer guys in the audience contributed to the discussion. (BTW, this happened in almost all of the panels—very few cranks, lots of very insightful comments. So many smart people in the world!)
The Reality at the Foundation of Fantasy: Does Fantasy Fiction Need to Acknowledge Physics? Very interesting discussion on how to make the unbelieveable believeable; Carol was on this panel, too. More recommendations!
Carol’s reading. Fabulous reading performance of her really
interesting-sounding new book, due out next summer. I’d never heard her read
from her work before; she’s terrific!
Should be on the stage!
Fantastic Victoriana: the True Roots of Steampunk. I'd been intrigued enough by references to this sub-genre throughout the Con (not to mention the cool costumes I'd seen—and neglected to take pictures of!) that I added this panel to my schedule at the last minute. I learned enough here to realize that I’ve already read some (Diamond Age and Difference Engine). Got some more recommendations, and got to see Magician Heyen's neat outfit again.
Getting Research Right in Historical Fiction. I added this panel to my schedule late, too, because Harry Turtledove, on the panel, is such an entertaining speaker. Learned about a new award as a source of MORE recommendations: Sidewise Award for Alternate History—I had no idea there was an award for this super-fun sub-genre!! Awesome! I learned about the award because this panel's moderator, Rick Wilber, is a recent winner.
Computers in Fiction: Can We Do the AI? Entertaining talk by Carol Redfield, a St. Mary's colleague (computer science), fellow Trekkie and space enthusiast.
Melding Mind and Machine. Interesting talk on augmentation technologies. The moderator was an ethicist so they got into some intriguing questions about this.
Mental Illness in SF and Fantasy. A few good recommendations and an interesting academic discussion
about different types of mental illness and how they are perceived, in real life and in fiction.
Left Hand of Darkness. Like an English class! Discussing a favorite book that I re-read before coming to the Con after I saw this panel on the schedule. Mostly about gender, given the subject of the book. But I was glad they also covered the political aspects of the story, which I had picked up on during my re-read. Got some more recommendations for related books; plus I didn’t realize LeGuin was an essayist, and these pieces were recommended by the panel. My library has two or three volumes of them, so on to the list they go.
NOTE: I know I neglected to take enough pictures of people in funny suits at the Con, but I know where you can find some, along with some very shrewd analysis of the event. My friend Dan Rigney, a sociologist by trade, visited on Saturday and has published his impressions, witty and insightful as always.
To finish up my LoneStarCon coverage, next time I'll share with you the bonus treat I enjoyed: getting to spend time on the River during the event.
Getting Research Right in Historical Fiction. I added this panel to my schedule late, too, because Harry Turtledove, on the panel, is such an entertaining speaker. Learned about a new award as a source of MORE recommendations: Sidewise Award for Alternate History—I had no idea there was an award for this super-fun sub-genre!! Awesome! I learned about the award because this panel's moderator, Rick Wilber, is a recent winner.
Computers in Fiction: Can We Do the AI? Entertaining talk by Carol Redfield, a St. Mary's colleague (computer science), fellow Trekkie and space enthusiast.
Melding Mind and Machine. Interesting talk on augmentation technologies. The moderator was an ethicist so they got into some intriguing questions about this.
Mental Illness in SF and Fantasy. A few good recommendations and an interesting academic discussion
 |
| Jo Walton, LHD moderator |
Left Hand of Darkness. Like an English class! Discussing a favorite book that I re-read before coming to the Con after I saw this panel on the schedule. Mostly about gender, given the subject of the book. But I was glad they also covered the political aspects of the story, which I had picked up on during my re-read. Got some more recommendations for related books; plus I didn’t realize LeGuin was an essayist, and these pieces were recommended by the panel. My library has two or three volumes of them, so on to the list they go.
Arouse is Not the Past Tense of Arise. Turned out to be a free-for-all, with panel and
audience sharing favorite grammar bloopers. Since the panelists were editors,
they were able to come up with some doozies. Lots of fun, but also ended with some
recommendations of style guides that were interesting.
Films and TV Shows Related to Grimm’s Fairy Tales. I had thought I’d skip this and get lunch but decided to get the most out of my last Con hours and I found this very interesting. Shanna Swendson on the panel was another reason to attend. Recommendations for some movies and TV to look for. Especially Grimm, a TV series.
Three Movies? Reflections on and Prospects for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. Closed out the Con with the only subject I felt expert enough in to allow me to speak up. Very fun discussion of Tolkien movies, especially speculating on the next 2 Hobbit films. People didn’t seem to know about the Tolkien Professor’s Hobbit podcasts! I had a couple of audience members ask me for more details about this after the session, and I was so pleased to be able to contribute something to one of the discussions other than just my butt on the seat and my enthusiastic applause.
Whew! Is it surprising it took me several days to recover from this fabulous experience?! It's left me wondering, if I go to any future Cons, could they possibly be as wonderful and enlightening? True, I've picked up a lot of new authors, but something tells me there are more out there waiting for me to discover them. And I won't mind seeing the old favorites again, either.
I originally planned to attend this convention as a "once in a lifetime" experience, but I rather think instead that I've just discovered another great retirement activity.
Films and TV Shows Related to Grimm’s Fairy Tales. I had thought I’d skip this and get lunch but decided to get the most out of my last Con hours and I found this very interesting. Shanna Swendson on the panel was another reason to attend. Recommendations for some movies and TV to look for. Especially Grimm, a TV series.
Three Movies? Reflections on and Prospects for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. Closed out the Con with the only subject I felt expert enough in to allow me to speak up. Very fun discussion of Tolkien movies, especially speculating on the next 2 Hobbit films. People didn’t seem to know about the Tolkien Professor’s Hobbit podcasts! I had a couple of audience members ask me for more details about this after the session, and I was so pleased to be able to contribute something to one of the discussions other than just my butt on the seat and my enthusiastic applause.
Whew! Is it surprising it took me several days to recover from this fabulous experience?! It's left me wondering, if I go to any future Cons, could they possibly be as wonderful and enlightening? True, I've picked up a lot of new authors, but something tells me there are more out there waiting for me to discover them. And I won't mind seeing the old favorites again, either.
I originally planned to attend this convention as a "once in a lifetime" experience, but I rather think instead that I've just discovered another great retirement activity.
NOTE: I know I neglected to take enough pictures of people in funny suits at the Con, but I know where you can find some, along with some very shrewd analysis of the event. My friend Dan Rigney, a sociologist by trade, visited on Saturday and has published his impressions, witty and insightful as always.
2 comments:
I'd heard that Lucas's ex-wife was an editor on the original trilogy, but the prequels were so bad there had be more to their suckage....this seems like a plausible scenario and in keeping with the con spirit
would really like to see the lists of "films you probably haven't seen"
OK, I've had other requests, too. I have the booklist typed up but will get to work on the movie list in the next day or two.
Post a Comment