Boskone 50

Schedule

This is the schedule, as of February 12, 2013.

• Schedule .PDF, .CSV, .XLS (Excel)
• Panelists with Panels

Friday

4pm

Burroughs: Are Writers and Fans Good for Each Other? (B23)

With the rise of social networks and online communities, the distance between writers and their fans has practically collapsed. Writers are much more accessible to fans, which creates new benefits -- and potential issues. What should writers and fans keep in mind when interacting? What is or isn't safe to say?
Priscilla Olson (M), Justine Graykin, Elaine Isaak, Beth Meacham

Carlton: Naval Metaphors

This talk is about what it's like to go to sea with the U.S. Navy, from the perspective of a science fiction fan. It will include both what it's like to live on a ship, and how the Navy actually does its job at sea, focusing on the people on board the ship.
Christopher Weuve

Galleria-Meetup Spot,Docent Tour: Boskone 101 Tour 1

Laurie Mann

Harbor I: Reinventing Sherlock Holmes

From Basil Rathbone to Robert Downey Jr. and beyond, how does the dashing Victorian detective keep pace with the changing times? How do the new films and television shows measure up their predecessors as well as to the fictional sleuth who first wound his way into the hearts and minds of the reading public through his unparalleled wit, tenacity, and relentless deduction? What more might be in store for the old boy in the future?
Joe Siclari (M), Brendan DuBois, Tony Lewis, Vincent O'Neil, Toni L. P. Kelner

5:00pm

Burroughs: It Came From the USPTO: Silly and Weird Patentse

Weird and silly patents that have been applied for -- and, in some cases, granted.
Jordin T. Kare

Galleria-Discussion Group: The Teen Perspective on Writing

Teens and preteens join author Christopher Golden for an interactive round-table discussion about writing and the publishing process. Plus there will be a short creative writing activity in which participants share their own story ideas.
Christopher Golden

Griffin: Without Being a Token (QUILTBAG)

The term QUILTBAG tries to point to many areas on the sexuality continuum -- queer or questioning, unisex, intersex, lesbian, transgender or transexual, bisexual, asexual or ally, and gay. In the SF community, when these characters appear in fiction, they (like other character types) sometimes appear as fully drawn people, other times as tokens. When and why does a QUILTBAG character require a full portrayal?
Julia Rios (M), Joan Slonczewski, John Chu, Gillian Daniels

Harbor I: Harassment and Fandom

As fandom grows and attendance at SF/F/H conventions increases, more people are coming together to mix and mingle. However, sometimes awkward situations arise in which friendly interest is mistaken for attraction from men and women alike, and as the saying goes, "Costume is not consent." Panelists help to clarify harassment issues and identify safe practices for socializing within fandom.
Janice Gelb (M), Bob Eggleton, Edie Stern, Mary Kay Kare, Priscilla Olson

Harbor II: The Hidden Joys of Collecting

What's on your shelf? The latest TARDIS coffee cup? A Captain Kirk action figure? A set of Harry Potter first editions? What is it about collecting that is so satisfying...and addictive? What new thing must you have? As you'll see at the panel: us too.
Michael J. Walsh, Joe Siclari, Fred Lerner

Harbor III: Will the Real Hari Seldon Please Stand Up?

In Asimov's Foundation stories, Seldon's probabilistic calculations let him predict civilization's future. How feasible is this really? What abilities would such accurate prediction take? Who's come the closest to Seldon in our times: Verne or Wells? Arthur C. Clarke? Francis Fukuyama? Ray Kurzweil? Bruce Sterling? Paul Krugman? Nate Silver? Newt Gingrich?
Steve Miller (M), S. C. Butler, Mark L. Olson

Lewis: Hertz Classics: The Man in the High Castle

Boskone's Special Guest John Hertz leads fellow fans (that's you) in discussing The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick. This won Dick his only Hugo. The Allies lost World War II; Nazi Germany controls the east of North America, Imperial Japan the west, where the story is mostly set. Avram Davidson said, "It's all here, extrapolation, suspense, action, art, philosophy," and if the likes of us dare add to him, endless resonances, for example falsehood.

6:00pm

Burroughs: My Years at Boskone

We're not saying the fans and pros on our panel have been to too many Boskones. But some of them used to arrive via mastodon. Anyway, they've got astounding facts, weird tales, and amazing stories about the doings of Boskonians through the ages. Come share your own most entertaining memories of the best con here this weekend.
Faye Ringel (M), Michael J. Walsh, Bob Eggleton, Peter Weston, David G. Hartwell

Carlton: 50 Years of Anime: Where Are We Now?

It's Boskone's 50th anniversary. It also happens to be 50 years since Astro Boy first appeared on TV. Coincidence? Let's talk about how far we've come -- and where we're at.
Timothy P. Szczesuil (M), Reuben Baron, Lisa Hawkridge, Brianna Spacekat Wu

Galleria-DragonsLair: The Care and Feeding of Your Brain

We'll talk about nutrition and sleep, do some "brain stretches" and decorate our own brains to keep.
Lisa Snellings (M)

Galleria-Gaming: Magic booster draft (Triple Gatecrash)

A magic tournament featuring the new Gatecrash set for Magic. The $15 entry fee must be paid at the Pandemonium booth in the Dealer's room. Prizes will be given out in Gatecrash packs depending on how many people are in the tournament.

Griffin: Cast It Yourself

If they made a movie of your favorite SF/F/H stories, who should play the leads? Or if they already made a flick and it was all wrong, who should have starred instead?
Laurie Mann (M), Melinda Snodgrass, Colin Harris, Frank Wu

Harbor I: My Origin Stories

How did you become a genre reader? What was the first book you read? When did you realize other fans existed? When did you decide to become a writer/artist/editor/agent? How did you break into the biz? What do beginnings tell us about a person's character or arc in life? Our panelists will start us off -- then get ready to add your own startup stories.
Steve Miller (M), Joshua Bilmes, Elizabeth Bear, Jim Frenkel

Harbor II: Is the Internet Reprogramming Our Brains?

Short attention span? Hyperdistraction? Googlecrutching? But parallel multiprocessing? Outsourced memory hyperaccessiblity? Superinfotegration? Let's chat, C if anything clicks.
James Patrick Kelly (M), Justine Graykin, Jerry Pournelle, John P. Murphy, Charles Gannon

Harbor III: Mission of True Gravity: Praising Hal Clement

Discussing the life, times, works, and true fannishness of our first Boskone Guest of Honor -- and one of the first truly great hard-science SF writers: Hal Clement (Harry Clement Stubbs, 1922-2003).
John F. Hertz (M), Vernor Vinge, Tony Lewis

Lewis: How to Use Excel to Plot Your Story

No sneaky title here -- exactly what it sez!
Vincent O'Neil

7:00pm

Burroughs: King of Horror

Let's pretend the interesting part of "world's best-selling horror writer" is that last word. What's Stephen King's connection to Poe, Lovecraft, or the New England Gothic tradition? How can you always tell a King story? Does the new writing match his older stuff? Why so many movies and TV shows from his work? How does he compare to Dean Koontz, Neil Gaiman, or Joe Hill?
Faye Ringel (M), Jack M. Haringa, Vincent O'Neil, Paul G. Tremblay, Erin Underwood

Carlton: Anime: Astro Boy (1963)

(Nozomi Entertainment; TV-Y7 for mild violence) The first anime series ever made, created by "god of manga" Osamu Tezuka, is a classic science fiction Pinocchio tale, in which a mad scientist creates a robot boy to replace his dead son. Astro Boy's beloved in both Japan and the States, so come see how his story all began (plus an extra secret treat!).

Galleria-DragonsLair: Improv Games With Brianna

Galleria-Gaming: Rails of New England

Co-designed by Boskone's own Walter Hunt, this is a business game taking place in an accurate depiction of New England in the 19th century.

Griffin: Filk: NESFA Hymnal Singing

Group singing of "geek songs" from the NESFA Hymnal, Vol. 1 and 2. Loaner hymnals will be provided. The theme will be "The Songs of SF," featuring songs appearing in SF stories, and others written by noted authors based on their work.
Filthy Pierre (M)

Harbor I: The Strength of Sadness: With Mourning Comes Magic

Good people die. Bad things happen. But -- we all soldier on. Sometimes we're stronger for it. And so is the story. How can a writer harvest the sadder side(s) of life to make a tale uplifting without being maudlin? (And is it true that a song of love is a sad song...?)
Jeffrey A. Carver (M), Gregory Feeley, LJ Cohen

Harbor II: Space Colonization

How soon could we find a new place Out There? Where? Would it solve population or other problems back home? What are the economic, political, and oh yes technological considerations? Could we do anything differently to avoid the grimmer downsides of colonization this time?
Christopher Weuve, Charles Gannon, Frank Wu, Jerry Pournelle

Harbor III: Laser Launch

Things are really heating up with the idea of spacecraft propulsion using high-energy beams of light. Come hear a real live rocket scientist tell you all about it!
Jordin T. Kare

Independence: Reading

Heather Albano

Lewis: In Memoriam -- Remembering Our Absent Friends

K. D. Wentworth, Jean Giraud (Moebius), Richard Harter, Jay Jay Klein, Bill Shawcross, Leo Dillon, Ray Bradbury, Harry Harrison, Josepha Sherman, Pam Fremon, and Boris Strugatsky are no longer with us. Other writers, artists, editors, fans, and well-recalled members of our community have also died since last we met. Let's remember a little of what they did, and what they meant to us.
Laurie Mann (M), Tony Lewis

8:00pm

Burroughs: Mythology in Science Fiction

How have myths and fables from our past affected SF writers' development of fictitious off-world or future-world mythology? Are most of their myth systems just the old stuff dressed up with different names, or is anybody coming up with anything truly new? Does a mere hint of myth make an SF story a fantasy?
Julia Rios (M), Debra Doyle, Greer Gilman, Margaret Ronald

Carlton: Anime: Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (1973)

(ADV Films; TV-PG for violence) Gatchaman's been seen in several forms on American airwaves, first in the hackdub Battle of the Planets, then in the more faithful but still heavily censored G-Force. We're showing the original uncut version of Japan's original super-team (and also something extra for those who stick around).

Galleria-Demo: Boskone Retrospective: Half a Century of Boskone

Join a star-studded roomful of previous Boskone guests as they reminisce about past Boskones. (In some cases, far, far past.) We'll share what we love about the longest-running SF convention in the Hub of the Universe, and tell why we come back year after year.
Tony Lewis (M)

Galleria-DragonsLair: Making Kid's Choice Art Show Awards

Griffin: Singing Workshop

Looking to improve your singing? Our Featured Musician shares her techniques.
Heather Dale

Harbor I: "The Fake Geek Girl, Really?"

A few months ago, well-known comics artist Tony Harris posted a Facebook rant criticizing scantily costumed young women for teasing geeky con-going guys ('Some Virgins, ALL unconfident'). He most bitterly accused his targets -- most of them merely "CON-HOT" girls -- of not actually reading or liking comics. This gave the entire Internet (and now us) plenty to talk about. How do we understand gender, sexism, and civility as it applies to SF/F/H fans? Is there a right way to be a geek?
Gillian Daniels (M), Bob Devney, Brianna Spacekat Wu, Shira Lipkin

Harbor II: Singularity: There Can Be Only One

So technological progress keeps accelerating, see, until you evolve machine superintelligences -- after which singular point you don't see, because nobody can possibly imagine what they would be like or do. Although our panelists may try. Including Vernor Vinge, who brought the concept to wide notice in 1993, and sees it happening maybe by 2030. Better get your seat early.
James Patrick Kelly (M), Charles Stross, Christopher Weuve, Vernor Vinge, Michael F. Flynn

Harbor III: Defining "Science Fiction" -- How and Why?

In a world filled with mixed genres and science that has evolved beyond science fiction tropes from the past, how do we define the genre for the future? Does it need definition?
Paul Di Filippo (M), Neil Clarke, Gregory Feeley, Shahid Mahmud

Lewis: Reading by Broad Universe

A rapid fire reading featuring Justine Graykin, Roberta Rogow, Trisha Wooldridge, Rose Mambert, Lisa Bouchard, Terri Bruce and Elaine Isaak

9:00pm

Burroughs: After the End of the World

Sorry Mayans, the world didn't end on 12/21/12 after all. And that's not the first time we've been disappointed like that. Let's discuss apocalyptic prophecies through the ages. What do they say about their creators -- and believers?
David Anthony Durham (M), Brendan DuBois, Michael F. Flynn

Carlton: Anime: Super Dimension Fortress Macross/Urusei Yatsura (1983)

(SDFM - ADV Films; TV-PG for violence; UY - AnimEigo; TV-PG for nudity, innuendo) In the '80s, more anime were being made with older audiences in mind, creating what many consider anime's golden age. We're showcasing the space opera Macross (which introduced many Americans to anime as part of Robotech) and the comedy Urusei Yatsura (which introduced such great talent as Rumiko Takahashi and Mamoru Oshii).

Galleria-Art Show: Boskone Art Show Reception

Connoisseurs and philistines alike: welcome! Come enjoy the feast for the eyes that is the Boskone Art Show while enjoying refreshments -- and refreshing conversation.

Galleria-Art Show: Boskone Retrospective Art Show Tour 2

Joe Siclari, Edie Stern

Griffin: Song circle: "Brains"

A moderated song circle. Bring and sing your favorite songs about...
Paul Estin

Harbor I: If You Liked That, You'll Love This

Favorite stories or writers can lead to similar books or authors you might also enjoy. Share your likes (and dislikes) and get recommendations on what classics or cutting-edge stuff to read next!
Faye Ringel (M), Michael J. Walsh, Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Fred Lerner

Harbor II: Hugo Award Possibilities: Dramatic Presentation

What's the greatest stuff you saw last year? Join us to discuss 2012's finest movies, TV shows, theatrical productions, and more in the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. If you're eligible to vote, by all means take notes -- your Hugo Awards nominations ballot is due in San Antonio by March 10.
Bob Devney (M), Colin Harris, Daniel M. Kimmel, Jim Mann

Harbor III: The Monster in the Maze (B39)

There is a monster. It is lurking in the shadows, waiting. There is always a monster. It might be the Minotaur in the Labyrinth of Crete or a beast living under London, but it is always there. Why? What is the monster, if it's more than the dark shadow of the self? Explore the monsters that have haunted our sleeping (and waking) hours, and how we may (with luck and wisdom) find and defeat them. Discuss some works that did this (and examine if they did this successfully).
James Cambias (M), Darrell Schweitzer, Paul G. Tremblay, Christopher Golden

Lewis: Open Filk 1

Filk singing through the night. Come to sing or just listen.

10:00pm

Carlton: Anime, Tenchi Muyo/Yuyu Hakusho (1993)

(FUNimation; TM - TV-14 for nudity, sexual humor; YYH - TV-PG for violence, language) Hapless space prince Tenchi and punk spirit detective Yusuke rocked Japan in the early '90s. A decade later, they helped usher in the American anime boom in Cartoon Network's Toonami block. See the first episodes of these two series here.

Harbor I: Trivia for Chocolate

How much chocolate can you collect in an hour? The MCs ask the questions, and the audience shouts out the answers. The people with the correct answer first win a small wrapped chocolate.
Mark L. Olson, Priscilla Olson

Harbor III: Zombies Are Dead: The Walking Dead and Beyond

Zombies are dead, but they just won't die. What keeps them walking the world of popular culture? How have shows like The Walking Dead not only survived but grown? The zomromcom (zombie romantic comedy) Warm Bodies is in the movie theaters now, and World War Z will hit them soon. How long can zombies last?
Erin Underwood (M), F. Brett Cox, Brianna Spacekat Wu

11:00pm

Carlton: Anime: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2003)

(Anchor Bay/Manga Entertainment; TV-14 for violence) Masumune Shirow's classic cyberpunk manga (the film adaptation of which served as a major inspiration for The Matrix) got adapted into a high budget TV series around the turn of the millennium. A hit on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, this futuristic cop show packs in both intense action and thought-provoking philosophy.

Midnight

Carlton: Anime: Battle Royale (2000)

(Anchor Bay/Manga Entertainment; Unrated (think hard R for graphic violence)) For almost 12 years, this live-action Japanese film was deemed unreleasable in the US. Then The Hunger Games happened, and the once controversial premise of kids forced to kill each other became the flavor of the month. Now Tarantino's favorite film of the past 20 years has been released here for all to enjoy (well, all who can handle it)!

Saturday

9:00am

Burroughs: Morning Yoga

Get stretched and relaxed so you can better enjoy the con.
Mary Crowell

Galleria-Discussion Group: Morning Writing Exercise

Stretch out your writing muscles and get the neurons firing with some writing exercises.
Elaine Isaak

Galleria-DragonsLair: Costuming and Mad Hatter Hats

10:00am

Burroughs: The Year in Short Fiction: 2012

Short fiction may be making a welcome comeback, in both print and e-media. Let's discuss last year's most notable stories. What new authors and markets are emerging? What promising trends are developing? What are we already getting tired of? What can we look forward to for 2013?
David G. Hartwell (M), Jack M. Haringa, Don D'Ammassa, Toni L. P. Kelner

Carlton: Energy From Space

Beam me down some juice, Scotty? Let's talk about the possibilities -- and practicalities -- of really long-distance power transmission.
Tom Easton (M), Jordin T. Kare, Chad Orzel, Jeff Hecht, Joan Slonczewski

Galleria-Art Demok

Alan Beck

Galleria-DragonsLair: Making Kid's Choice Art Show Awards

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Frank Wu, Brianna Spacekat Wu

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

David Anthony Durham

Galleria-Meetup Spot: Boskone 101 Tour 2

Priscilla Olson

Griffin: Hertz Classics: Galactic Patrol

Boskone's Special Guest John Hertz leads fellow fans (that's you) in discussing Galactic Patrol by E. E. "Doc" Smith. Here we first meet Boskone and the Lens; prequels and sequels followed. Samuel Johnson said the essence of poetry was invention; Patrol has that; its vitality, and its focus through all the coruscations, are remarkable. Characterization? If you think Worsel is painted too explicitly, look at Kinnison's leaving footprints all over Blakeslee.

Harbor I: Who Painted That? -- Identifying Art

One of the joys of SF art is seeing the wide range of styles and techniques used by various artists. When an expert looks at a piece, he or she can usually tell who painted it without checking the signature. Our game today: shown pictures of genre art from decades past and present, the panelists will identify them -- and explain how they did that. Then we'll find out if they're correct. We're grateful to our Special Guest this year, John Hertz, for originating this panel.
John Picacio (M), Bob Eggleton, Joe Siclari, Mark L. Olson

Harbor II: Today's News and the Future of the World

Our panel of brave (and fast-talking) speculationists will extrapolate the future of science for the next 50 years in the next 50 minutes.
Peter Weston (M), Allen M. Steele, Lisa Snellings

Harbor III: Companion to Genius: Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who

Would Sherlock Holmes or Doctor Who be who they are without their companions? Holmes and Who have the market cornered on "solves" improbable if not impossible -- situations that are resolved by their inimitable ability to deduce probability and truth from stray scatterings of clues that the average person would overlook. Yet Holmes' Watson and Who's companion are billed as average people operating within the sphere of genius. What roles do they play? What purpose does the companion to genius serve? And could they really be as ordinary as they appear?
Bob Kuhn (M), Melinda Snodgrass, Jennifer Pelland, Tony Lewis, Jim Mann

Lewis: Reading: Cambridge Science Fiction Writers Group

F. Brett Cox (M), James Cambias, Elaine Isaak, James Patrick Kelly, Steven Popkes

10:30am

Galleria-Demo: Higgins: Medieval Longsword Class (non-participatory)

The Higgins Academy of the Sword is a school of traditional and historical fencing attached to the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA. Under expert guidance, students receive instruction in everything from foils to two-handed swords. Come watch a typical Saturday morning class as we practice authentic medieval martial arts. (Note: For insurance reasons, all participants must be Museum members. But you can watch!)

11:00am

Burroughs: "The Paper Menagerie:" Anatomy of a Winning Story

Ken Liu's 2011 short story "Paper Menagerie" is the first fiction to win all three of SF's major honors: the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards. Let's all read it beforehand, then talk. (PDF) How does it do what it does? What makes a story so popular? What makes a story great?
Theodora Goss (M), S. C. Butler, Elizabeth Bear, Teresa Nielsen Hayden

Galleria-Autographing

John Picacio, George R. R. Martin

Galleria-Discussion Group: Odyssey Workshop Introduction

Director Jeanne Cavelos describes Odyssey, an intensive six-week program for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror held each summer in Manchester, NH. Guest lecturers have included George R. R. Martin, Elizabeth Hand, Ellen Kushner, Robert J. Sawyer, Nancy Kress, and Dan Simmons, and 58% of graduates have gone on to be professionally published. Jeanne explains the structure of the program, the work required, the challenges involved, and the pros and cons of workshops in general.
Jeanne Cavelos (M)

Galleria-DragonsLair: Balloon Animals with Cedar Sanderson

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Christopher Golden

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Joshua Bilmes

Griffin: Whither Weather: Forecasting The Future

Given warming oceans, melting ice caps, and a rising tide of tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and other ways of ruining your day, why hasn't futuristic SF featured more of this stuff? What kind of stories might we make about really bad weather?
Jeffrey A. Carver (M), Tom Easton, Mark L. Olson

Harbor I: Military Motifs in SF

Whose military SF gets it mostly right? Is it easier to write about privates or generals? Does mil SF influence the military? Between starships and sunbusters or even AI and robots, can groundpounders survive? Does physics make spacewar too damned difficult? War fosters experimentation and new weaponry; why hasn't military SF done the same with literary forms?
Walter H. Hunt (M), Christopher Weuve, Jerry Pournelle, Myke Cole, James D. Macdonald

Harbor II: Dataliths: Digging the Idea of the Programmer/Archaeologist

Our GOH Vernor Vinge has posited that as computing-based civilizations age, layers upon layers of legacy code build up in vast -- let's call them dataliths. Who gets to dig through them for valuable info? How do they do it? Isn't our data already in pretty deep doodoo in this regard?
Janice Gelb (M), Charles Stross, Vernor Vinge, Gary D. McGath, Dana Cameron

Harbor III: From Soup to Nuts: The Running of a Small Press

Seen as more nimble than the bigger houses within the marketplace, an increasing number of small presses are quickly carving out their niches within the SF/F/H genres. While many are run by experienced small press people, a growing percentage are led by people who may not be new to publishing, but are new to the world of running a press. Veteran small press publishers discuss the ins and outs of running things, building books, and taking titles to market.
Ian Randal Strock (M), Neil Clarke, Michael J. Walsh, Shahid Mahmud

Independence: Reading

Daniel M. Kimmel

Lewis: The Virtual World of The Matrix Re-imagined as a Utopia

James Patrick Kelly

11:30am

Independence: Reading

Darlene Marshall

Noon

Burroughs: The Changing Face of SF -- Editorial Viewpoints

If you want the widest possible view of the ever-evolving science fiction landscape, ask a bunch of editors to tell you what's really happening. (And who, and why.) So we did.
Jim Frenkel (M), Ellen Asher, Shahid Mahmud, Beth Meacham, Julia Rios

Carlton: Microbes Rule Your Brain!

Why these little guys are a lot more important than you might think.
Joan Slonczewski

Galleria-Art Show: Lisa Snellings Art Tour

Galleria-Autographing

Vernor Vinge, Toni L. P. Kelner

Galleria-Discussion Group: Reading Aloud: Voiceovers and Author Readings

The world of voiceovers or voice acting intersects with our genres in audiobooks, video games, podcasts, anime/animation, etc. A table to talk about reading aloud for the expert and would-be beginner, especially new authors.
Bob Kuhn (M)

Galleria-DragonsLair: Higgins: Arming a Knight

Knights in movies are often clumsy. But did you know that fighters in full suits of chain mail or plate armor could do cartwheels, leap up from the ground, and even sprint? Learn how a knight dressed for battle as you watch one of our knights get suited up! Discover armor’s strengths and weaknesses; learn how knights were trained, and how they fought. Maybe you'll even be asked to help!

Galleria-Gaming: Magic booster draft (Triple Gatecrash)

A magic tournament featuring the new Gatecrash set for Magic. The $15 entry fee must be paid at the Pandemonium booth in the dealer's room. Prizes will be given out in Gatecrash packs depending on how many people are in the tournament.

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Debra Doyle, James D. Macdonald

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Elizabeth Bear

Griffin: Filking in Other People's Universes (B24)

A look at filksongs and the stories they are based on.
Jordin T. Kare, Mary Crowell, Gary Ehrlich

Harbor I: Military Motifs in Fantasy

From Homer to some of our panelists, who writes fine military fantasy stories? What advantages does mil fantasy have over mil SF? Which more blatantly neglects the role of logistics? How's The Lord of the Rings as a war story? Why no orc Rommels? Could Druse the Legend take Conan the Conqueror?
Walter H. Hunt (M), Craig Shaw Gardner, Myke Cole, David Anthony Durham

Harbor II: SF/F/H TV WTF?

What's up with genre television? Which science fiction, fantasy, and horror shows are hot? Or not? What's due to debut on our screens sometimes soon?
Erin Underwood, Jennifer Pelland, Bob Eggleton

Harbor III: Death Becomes Her (Or Him)

Death appears as a cloaked skeleton in almost every one of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, is seen as a cheerful goth girl in Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics, and takes a holiday in the classic 1934 fantasy film and its 1998 remake, Meet Joe Black. From Thanatos in Ancient Greece to the modern Grim Reaper, people tend to personify death as an angel, animal, and god. What understanding does humanity gain from compressing a natural biological state into a single person? What are some of the most well known variations?
F. Brett Cox (M), Michael Swanwick, Theodora Goss, Darrell Schweitzer

Independence: Reading

Charles Gannon

Lewis: Reading

Michael F. Flynn

12:30pm

Galleria-Demo: Higgins: The Martial Arts of Game of Thrones

From Braavosi cutthroats to knightly judicial duels, George R.R. Martin drew on real-world examplars in creating his ultra-realistic, ultra-gritty fantasy world. But how did these martial arts really work, and where does truth end and fiction begin? Join renowned historical combat master Dr. Ken Mondschein and the Higgins Academy of the Sword for an exploration and demonstration of the combative skills found in Game of Thrones.

Independence: Reading

Justine Graykin

Lewis: Reading

Steve Miller and Sharon Lee

1:00pm

Burroughs: Going Graphic in the e-Book Age

The rise of the e-book is making significant changes in the creation and reception of written material. What effect is it having on the accompanying art -- and on genre artists? How might digital delivery affect the growth and development, not just of book illustration, but of graphic novels, manga, and comic books?
Darlene Marshall (M), Joshua Bilmes, John Picacio, Christopher Golden

Carlton: Evolution Past and Future

A "natural selection" for a science fiction convention, yes? Where we were, and where we are going...
Jeff Hecht

Galleria-Art Show: Boskone Retrospective Art Show Tour 1

Joe Siclari, Edie Stern

Galleria-Autographing

Allen M. Steele, Dana Cameron, Daniel M. Kimmel

Galleria-Demo,Demonstration,Higgins: Steampunk Martial Arts

Characters in the perilous worlds of steampunk study a variety of martial arts. Whether to fight off ruffians, prepare for a duel at dawn, or try to fit into their fancy trousers for an upcoming ball, the people of our world's Victorian age did, too. Come experience the elegant weapons of a more civilized age—the Higgins Academy of the Sword's Grand Assault, an exhibition of authentic gaslamp martial arts.

Galleria-Discussion Group: Long Live the Legion!

...and the team soldiers on.
Priscilla Olson (M)

Galleria-DragonsLair: Kid's Concert with Ed and MEW

Mary Ellen Wessels, Edward L. Stauff

Galleria-Gaming: Guru of the Game Room Tournament

4 games in 5 hours. Complete rules.

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Walter H. Hunt

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Julia Rios

Griffin: Song circle: "Rocket Science"

A moderated song circle. Bring and sing your favorite songs about rockets and science and Newton's Laws.
Ellen Kranzer

Harbor I: The Newest Poul Anderson Collection

NESFA Press introduces its fifth collection of stories from SF grand master Poul Anderson. The Door to Anywhere features a new foreword by Jerry Pournelle, plus stories showcasing fan favorites including time patroller Manse Everard, imperial superspy Dominic Flandry, star trader Nicholas van Rijn, and fantasy's most famous (OK, only) werewolf-and-witch spouses, Stephen Matuchek and Virginia Graylock.
Mark L. Olson (M), Don D'Ammassa, Jerry Pournelle, Rick Katze

Harbor II: Rise of the Machines, Reconsidered

We've got mechanical limbs controlled by nerve impulses, machines replacing humans in the workplace, and intelligent systems undertaking complex scientific investigations on nearby planets. How might these experiences with actual robots lead us to differ from older conceptions of our robotic future? Which looks more likely: Asimov's I, Robot, Spielberg's A.I. or Cameron's The Terminator?
Christopher Weuve (M), Charles Stross, Jeanne Cavelos, John P. Murphy, Charles Gannon

Harbor III: Stories that Changed Everything (B46)

Not necessarily the best or your favorites. But which works of science fiction, fantasy, or horror changed the paradigm? For better or worse, which actually took the genre, or the world, in a new direction? How? Why? How have they influenced your own work?
James Patrick Kelly (M), Paul Di Filippo, Michael Swanwick, Fred Lerner, David G. Hartwell

Independencez: Reading

Jim Frenkel

Lewis: Reading

Greer Gilman

1:30pm

Galleria-Demo: Higgins: Open Fencing

The Higgins Academy of the Sword is a school of traditional and historical fencing attached to the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester, MA. Under expert guidance, students receive instruction in everything from foils to two-handed swords. Come watch us fence for recreation and exercise.

Independence: Reading

Daniel P. Dern

Lewis: Reading

Margaret Ronald

2:00pm

Burroughs: Welcome to Faerie Country

Interpretations of elves, fairies, and secret magic folk populate modern imagination. What are some of the traditions surrounding Irish pixies and Perisan peri? What about the darker side of folklore, where sickly children were thought to be changelings, or people with dwarfism became "dwarves" in legend? What has survived to contemporary interpretations of fairies, like Terry Windling's Bordertown books or Holly Black's A Modern Faerie Tale series?
Bob Kuhn (M), Ellen Asher, Theodora Goss, Beth Meacham

Carlton: Humor in the Stuff We Read

What makes it funny? Is really hilarious fiction a sacred mystery? Or merely the judicious application of tools such as misdirection, buffoonery, wit, repartee, and the element of surprise? We'll examine the nature of humor in the fiction of such seriously talented laugh masters as Terry Pratchett, Esther Friesner, Douglas Adams, Connie Willis, and perhaps our own panelists.
Justine Graykin (M), Craig Shaw Gardner, Paul G. Tremblay, Darlene Marshall, Daniel M. Kimmel

Galleria-Art Demos

Greg Manchess

Galleria-Art Show

John Picacio

Galleria-Autographing

Jeffrey A. Carver, Michael F. Flynn

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Steve Miller, Sharon Lee

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

S. C. Butler

Griffin: Founding Fathers of SF Criticism

It can be argued that James Blish (William Atheling) and Damon Knight were the founding fathers of SF criticism. How did they shape all subsequent discourse about science fiction?
Darrell Schweitzer (M), Paul Di Filippo, Gregory Feeley, Don D'Ammassa, David G. Hartwell

Harbor I: Safety and Security -- Now and in the Future

When disasters happen and things go wrong -- anywhere from home to street, cybersuite to battlespace -- what do you do? Whom do you call? Writers who also muster wide experience in disaster response share proven policies and procedures. Today's mission is the same as tomorrow's: to resolve dangerous situations safely and securely.
John P. Murphy (M), Myke Cole, James D. Macdonald

Harbor II,Interview,Interview with Guest of Honor Vernor Vinge

Jim Frenkel, senior editor at Tor and Forge, has edited eight of our GOH's books. So he'll probably ask Vernor way better questions than, If you write more Hugo-winning novels than anyone else ever (including A Fire Upon the Deep and Rainbows End), how do you top yourself? Is a background in academic computing a drawback for an SF writer? Is the Singularity looking closer or farther away than when you invented it? How do you write stories that appeal, simultaneously and strongly, to readers' heads and hearts and senses of adventure? And could Victory Smith take Shelob?
Vernor Vinge, Jim Frenkel

Lewis: Reading

Melinda Snodgrass

2:30pm

Independence: Reading

Jennifer Pelland

Lewis: Reading

Allen M. Steele

3:00pm

Burroughs: Breasts and Other Ways Creatures Feed Their Young

Only mammals make milk, right? Well, no. Find out about some other groups that (believe it or not) also produce milk to feed their offspring. Additionally: milk is not the only way to nourish young critters. Nor is its only purpose to do this! We'll explore these ideas, and tell you a lot more about biology and (weird?) parental care than your prurient minds imagined when you saw the title...
Joan Slonczewski (M), Frank Wu, Priscilla Olson

Carlton: Crowdfunding and a Community of Caring

The SF/F/H community has a long, strong history of supporting its members. Now, with the rise of crowdfunding sites (Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Peerbackers) and our community of caring projects (auctions to help people in need, the World Travelers Fund, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund), we can tap into our community in powerful new ways. Panelists who have conducted successful campaigns share experiences and advice while discussing crowdfunding pros and cons.
Elaine Isaak, John Picacio, Julia Rios, Erin Underwood

Galleria-Autographing

Melinda Snodgrass, Michael Swanwick, Christopher Golden

Galleria-Demoz; Medieval Swordsmanship by Kunstbruder: Swords Are Fun!

Come take a hands-on lesson in historical European swordsmanship.

Galleria-DragonsLair: Kid's Choice Tour of Art Show

John F. Hertz

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Michael F. Flynn

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Ian Randal Strock

Galleria-Meetup Spot,Other,NESFA Press Anderson Book Launch

There's CAKE! Oh, and also the official arrival of The Door to Anywhere, by SF grand master Poul Anderson. It's NESFA Press's fifth collection of Anderson's stories, featuring a new foreword by Jerry Pournelle. Come celebrate with Jerry, cover artist Bob Eggleton, series editor Rick Katze, press head Tony Lewis, and all your fellow Anderson aficionados! Plus other cake fiends.
Jerry Pournelle, Tony Lewis, Bob Eggleton, Rick Katze

Griffin: Concert: Ed and MEW

Denise Gendron, Mary Ellen Wessels, Edward L. Stauff

Harbor I: Magic on the Street: The Detective in Urban Fantasy

We've discussed cross-genre and mystery/fantasy. Now let's turn the microscope on the sleuth in urban fantasy. Probably no Miss Marples here, but hard-boiled detectives, and certainly the half-dead and half-sidhe. Plus many of these dicks are dames. How else do these eldritch investigators compare to more mundane gumshoes, and to each other? And does magic spoil a reader's chance of solving the mystery fair and square?
Margaret Ronald (M), Bob Kuhn, Ellen Asher, Dana Cameron, Toni L. P. Kelner

Harbor II: Writing Advice: The Next Level

Writer Nick Mamatas says, "By the time someone finds their way to a panel at an SF con, stuff like 'Don't quit your day job' and 'Read widely' and 'You have to finish a story before you submit it' is no longer necessary. There is certainly a need for higher-level advice. I had a student recently who had never heard of Freytag's triangle." So let's elevate the answers, people -- and the questions.
Jeanne Cavelos (M), Elizabeth Bear, Beth Meacham, David Anthony Durham

Harbor III: A Greatness in the Con 2.0: Exploring the Words of Vernor Vinge

He's written at least two of the best SF adventure novel of all time: A Fire Upon the Deep (1992) and A Deepness in the Sky (1997). He helped invent cyberpunk. He reinvented the future with his conception of singularity, plus he's done plenty for us lately! Let's consider Vernor Vinge's themes, discoveries, storytelling, techniques, influences and influence.
Mark L. Olson (M), Vernor Vinge, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Edie Stern

Independence: Reading

Shira Lipkin

Lewis: Reading

James Patrick Kelly

3:30pm

Griffin: Concert: Sassafrass

Lila Garrott, Kara Hurvitz, Tili Sokolov, Emily Lewis, Ruth Wejksnora-Garrott

Independence: Reading

Walter H. Hunt

Lewis:Reading

S. C. Butler

4:00pm

Burroughs: What If--What's Left?

Younger fans take it for granted that TVs are big and flat (or tiny and totable), computing is ubiquitous, female astronauts travel in reusable spacecraft, and humans long ago swung down from the trees and walked on the moon. Which big "what ifs?" are left to explore? How can science fiction challenge readers who have grown up in an SF world?
Edie Stern (M), Charles Stross, James Patrick Kelly, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, James D. Macdonald

Carlton: A Handful of Dangerous Ideas: A Presentation by Lisa Snellings

Our Official Artist will talk about ideas in general, share her own thoughts about humans, read a bit from her upcoming book series and show images and at least one video short.

Galleria-Art Demos: Star Trek New Voyages: Phase II

"Kitumba" and "Going Boldly," Star Trek New Voyages: Phase II is an award-winning independent internet series of new episodes of Classic Star Trek. Continuing the 4th and 5th seasons of the original series with new actors, Phase II films the untold stories of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Captain Kirk, and his crew, with the help of Trek alumni and industry pros.

Galleria-Autographing

Walter H. Hunt, Charles Gannon, Joan Slonczewski

Galleria-DragonsLair,Childrens,Something Art-y

Bring your imagination! Join John Picacio, Official Artist of Boskone 47, for this art project.

Galleria-Gaming: Magic booster draft (Triple Gatecrash)

A magic tournament featuring the new Gatecrash set for Magic. The $15 entry fee must be paid at the Pandemonium booth in the dealer's room. Prizes will be given out in Gatecrash packs depending on how many people are in the tournament.

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Jerry Pournelle

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Jeffrey A. Carver

Griffin: Concert

Denise Gendron

Harbor I: The Two Sides of Gollum (B40)

Gollum is unique: there's nobody quite like him in fantasy (or is there?) And in many ways, he is the true tragic hero of The Lord of the Rings, evoking at times anger, contempt, and pity from the readers. The panel looks at the character of Gollum (whether Stinker or Slinker) and how he fits into Tolkien's world and Tolkien's story.
Debra Doyle (M), Michael Swanwick, Mary Kay Kare

Harbor II: The Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction (R)evolution

There seems to be a revolution or evolution in young adult and middle grade fiction that started with series like Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games; now everyone seems to want in on the action. Where did YA and MG fiction come from? What is it? Where is it going? And most importantly, whom should you be reading?
Erin Underwood (M), Daniel P. Dern, Jordan Hamessley, David Anthony Durham

Harbor III: Reading: George R.R. Martin -- Followed by Q + A

Come hear the creator of Dying of the Light, The Armageddon Rag, "Sandkings," the Wild Cards series, and something something Thrones read a bit, and then satisfy your curiosity about what he's been up to since last time he was at Boskone.

Independence: Reading

Darrell Schweitzer

Lewis: Gothic Literature Meets the Modern Imagination

The fad began in 1764, but Gothic structures still cast long (and of course dark) shadows over artistic landscapes high and low. What needs do they feed? Which motifs still linger? How are they being transformed these days? Is Jonathan Strange a Gothic hero? The Prometheus a Gothic castle? Bella Swan a Gothic princess?
Faye Ringel (M), Jack M. Haringa, Theodora Goss, Christopher Golden

4:30pm

Griffin: Concert

Jordin T. Kare

Independence: Reading

James Cambias

5:00pm

Burroughs: Silver Anniversary of the Liaden Universe

Val Con and Miri stepped onto the stage/page 25 years ago, in Agent of Change. Since then we've travelled the Liaden Universe, backward and forward through time and space, via 15 more novels and many short stories from Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. Come hear about their work, their writing partnership, their universe as a setting for SF romance and action, and just maybe a hint of what's to come.
Bob Kuhn (M), Christopher Weuve, Steve Miller, Tom Easton, Sharon Lee, Darlene Marshall

Carlton: How to Tease Your Data and Not Have It Bite You

Another look at methods of playing with statistics, and how to get the most out of your research, as recounted by The Master.
Michael F. Flynn

Galleria-Autographing

Charles Stross, Jerry Pournelle, Vernor Vinge

Galleria-Discussion Group, Kaffeeklatsche

Neil Clarke, Kate Baker

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Joan Slonczewski

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Jeanne Cavelos, Elaine Isaak

Griffin: Fiction of 1965

At last, a panel with perspective! Let's pass at least preliminary judgment on what constituted the best science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories of the year Boskone was born.
Michael J. Walsh (M), Don D'Ammassa, S. C. Butler, Joe Siclari, John F. Hertz

Harbor I: The Year in Physics and Astronomy

An annual roundup of the latest research and discoveries in physics and astronomy. Our experts will talk about what's new and interesting, cutting-edge and speculative: the Higgs, solar and extrasolar planets, dark energy, and much more besides.
Jeff Hecht, Mark L. Olson

Harbor II: Adaptations From Written Fiction to Film

The Cloud Atlas movie maintains the spirit of David Mitchell's novel while making significant structural changes. Game of Thrones is even more faithful to George R. R. Martin's work, but abridges and combines some elements. The Hobbit not only expands on its source, but changes the tone and perhaps the character of Tolkien's tale in more than a few places. Let's look at specific challenges each filmmaker faced, and discuss how well their solutions turned out.
Jim Mann (M), Melinda Snodgrass, Craig Shaw Gardner

Lewis: Reading

F. Brett Cox

5:30pm

Lewis: Reading

Debra Doyle, James D. Macdonald

6:00pm

Carlton: Anime: Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror (2009)

(FUNimation Entertainment; G) Before her mother died, Haruka received a mirror from her. Having lost it, she ends up following a strange creature named Teo into a magical land of lost items. The first computer-animated feature film from the animators at Production I.G. is an exciting, moving adventure for the whole family.

6:30pm

Independence: Havdalah

7:00pm

Galleria-DragonsLair: Origami

Galleria-Gaming: Rails of New England

Co-designed by Boskone's own Walter Hunt, this is a business game taking place in an accurate depiction of New England in the 19th century.

Carlton: Anime: Tiger and Bunny (2011)

(Viz Media; TV-14 for violence) In American comics, superheroes are sometimes revered like the Justice League, other times feared like the X-Men. Japan's got it right this time: if superheroes were real, they'd be shamelessly exploited for reality TV!

8:00pm

Burroughs: Hugo Award Possibilities: Written Works

What were your favorite SF/F/H novels, novellas, novelettes, short stories, related works, and graphic stories of 2012? Speak up for your own choices, and learn about others' consensus picks and hidden gems. If you're eligible, don't forget to take notes for your Hugo Awards nominations ballots too -- they're due in San Antonio by March 10.
Bob Devney (M), Michael J. Walsh

Galleria-DragonsLair: Paper Castle Building

Harbor II+III: Featured Musician Concert: Heather Dale

9:00pm

Burroughs: Horror: Genre or Element?

Horror has the versatility to cross genres with ease. Suspicious ease. In fact -- is horror really a stand-alone genre at all? Or is it more a mere literary ingredient that, if removed, would in many cases still leave a satisfactory romance, historical tale, or novel of depressing (but not horrifying) contemporary life? What examples can we imagine, either way?
Jack M. Haringa (M), Jordan Hamessley, F. Brett Cox, Christopher Golden

Carlton: Anime: AnoHana (2011)

(NIS America; TV-14 for heavy thematic material) Menma wants to reconnect with her childhood friends. The only problem? She's dead, a ghost only seen by childhood crush Jintan, and the circumstances of her death caused her friends' club, "The Super Peacebusters," to disband in the first place. You might want to have tissues ready for this one.

Griffin: Open filk

Filk singing through the night. Come to sing or just listen.

Harbor II+III: NESFA Awards and Guest Introduction Ceremony

NESFA presents its annual Skylark and Gaughan Awards, and introduces the convention's guests to Boskone atttendees. The Skylark Award honors the work and personal qualities of an exceptional contributor to science fiction. The Gaughan Award is presented to a talented emerging artist.
Jordin T. Kare, Jerry Pournelle, Vernor Vinge, Heather Dale, Lisa Snellings, John F. Hertz

9:30pm

Harbor II+III: Featured Musician Concert: Set II: Heather Dale

10:00pm

Galleria-Gaming: Cards Against Humanity

This is the naughty version of Apples to Apples. You must be at least 18 to play.

10:30pm

Carlton: Anime: Deadman Wonderland (2011)

(FUNimation Entertainment; TV-MA for graphic violence, language) Ganta Igurashi has been falsely accused of the mass slaughter of all his classmates. His sentence: a stay in the for-profit prison/theme park Deadman Wonderland, where convicts fight to the death for the amusement of the masses. The drama's heavy and the action's crazy in the bloodiest show on Earth!

Carlton: Anime: Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt (2010)

(FUNimation Entertainment; TV-MA for sexual content, language, cartoon violence) So the mad geniuses at GAINAX (the studio that did Evangelion and Gurren Lagann) decided to make an homage to American cartoons. Take the art of The Powerpuff Girls, the grossness of Ren and Stimpy, the crudeness of South Park, and throw in a rip-off of GIR from Invader ZIM as a minor character and inspired madness awaits!

Sunday

9:00am

Galleria-DragonsLair: MarbleWays and Legos

10:00am

Burroughs: SIAWOL: Steampunk Is A Way Of Life

Steampunk fans don't just read the stuff. We also rock the goggles -- and the cosplay cons, and the Victoriana motifs for everything from our tablets to our tattoos. Does the lifestyle circle back to influence the writing? What's changed since the start? What's the current state of the field, and what further enthralling developments are even now in gear?
Jim Frenkel (M), James Cambias, Margaret Ronald, Julia Rios

Galleria-Art Demo: Frank Wu and Brianna Spacekat Wu

Galleria-DragonsLair: Fun and Games

Walter H. Hunt

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Theodora Goss

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Charles Gannon

Griffin: Flash in the Pan

They're certainly short. But at 300 or even 1000 words (two commonly accepted limits), are ""flash"" fiction stories really stories? And to make a long question short: why stop now?
James Patrick Kelly (M), Paul Di Filippo, Brendan DuBois

Harbor I: Worlds You Won't Forget

Sometimes a created world is so vivid or unusual, it becomes a character in its own right. From old favorites like Ringworld, Riverworld, and Middle Earth to newer, less well-known places like Shellworld, Earwa, or Umayma, what fantastic landscapes do you remember best? What makes a world come alive? Is detailed worldbuilding always worth it for the reader?
David Anthony Durham (M), Melinda Snodgrass, Vernor Vinge, Elizabeth Bear

Harbor II: Scientists Look at Science Fiction (B1)

How much real science does SF manage to get across? How does the good stuff accomplish this? Has it helped increase respect for science in society, or actually inspired researchers and results? On the other hand, how much bad science gets promulgated? And can real scientists looking in SF's mirror ever recognize themselves?
Mark L. Olson (M), Jordin T. Kare, Chad Orzel, Michael F. Flynn

Harbor III: Regenerating Doctor Who

TV's favorite Time Lord celebrates his show's world-record 50th anniversary this November. After so many stories, so many assistants and villains -- not to mention so many Doctors -- how has the series stayed fresh enough to keep running, season after season? What more might be in store?
Colin Harris (M), Jennifer Pelland, John Chu, Jim Mann

10:30am

Lewis: Reading

Vincent O'Neil

11:00am

Burroughs: Creating Your Own eBooks

There are limits to the final look and feel of eBooks, given the current technology and the need to keep files backwards compliant. LJ Cohen shares her formatting/eBook conversion experience with writers using free/open source tools to take a manuscript from word processor file to fully compliant and well-designed eBook.
LJ Cohen

Carlton: More Than Meets the Eye: Designing Cover Art

In today's ever-changing SF/F/H illustration and design world (print or digital), is the cover still as important in persuading the reader to choose the book? Why? What makes one cover work better than another? We'll discuss the good, the bad, the ugly -- and where the field may be headed.
Frank Wu (M), Ian Randal Strock, Alan F. Beck, Steve Miller

Galleria-Autographing

Debra Doyle, S. C. Butler, James D. Macdonald

Galleria-DragonsLair: Magic Show

Be amazed! Be amused! And maybe learn some magic feats yourself!
Daniel P. Dern

Galleria-Gaming: Rails of New England

Co-designed by Boskone's own Walter Hunt, this is a business game taking place in an accurate depiction of New England in the 19th century.

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Charles Stross

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Dana Cameron, Toni L. P. Kelner

Griffin: Podcasting a Wide Net

It started with monologues and interviews, but panel shows and fiction readings now generate the most buzz for SF/F/H's new-tyme "radio." It's like a con in your computer (or your pocket), whenever you want! What are today's must-listen podcasts? How can you create, distribute, and promote your own? How do first-class casters keep the talk flowing?
Bob Kuhn (M), Heather Dale, Elizabeth Bear, Julia Rios, Kate Baker

Harbor I: The Spirit of the Place (B48)

In certain tales of the fantastic, scenery is so much a part of the fabric of the fiction that it practically becomes a character itself. Let's talk about stories set in these unique locales. Don't they contradict the modern fashion that says character and dialog are all, and scenery is at best a light decoration and at worst a distraction? In the best work, how is this effect justified -- and accomplished?
Margaret Ronald (M), Sharon Lee, Steven Popkes, Darlene Marshall

Harbor II: Interview with NESFA Press Guest Jerry Pournelle

As SF author Walter Hunt speaks with Dr. Pournelle, they might touch on Jerry's experiences in aerospace, defense consulting, or gaming. His career as one of the most influential technology columnists in history. His best-selling SF military and adventure novels, including The Mote in God's Eye, Lucifer's Hammer, and Falkenberg's Legion. His views on writing and collaboration, with friends including H. Beam Piper, Larry Niven, Michael F. Flynn, Steven Barnes, and Newt Gingrich. Or, since this is Jerry Pournelle we've talking about, something else important, surprising, and challenging...
Walter H. Hunt, Jerry Pournelle

Harbor III: Winter Is Coming. Again.

Before Season 3 starts on March 31, let's look back on all our favorite bits from that cornucopia of courage, quips, lechery and treachery that is HBO's Game of Thrones.
Bob Devney (M), Myke Cole, Teresa Nielsen Hayden

Independence: Hertz Classics: Moonraker

Boskone's Special Guest John Hertz leads fellow fans (that's you) in discussing Moonraker by Ian Fleming. Nothing like the Moonraker came for 2 more years; even then the R-7 and Atlas couldn't burn hydrogen -- fluorine. Science fiction all right. Can James Bond take it? What can we learn? Could this be among the rare craftsmanly SF from authors outside our field? What about the denouement of Gala Brand?

Lewis: Reading

David Anthony Durham

11:30pm

Lewis: Reading

Theodora Goss

Noon

Burroughs: On the Stage: Genre in the Theater

The fantastical and horrible on stage go back to Aeschylus and Aristophanes. SF on stage is...more recent. Has the current surge in genre TV and film led to a resurgence in the theatre? Our panelists will discuss both past and present genre plays.
Bob Kuhn (M), F. Brett Cox, James Patrick Kelly, John Chu, Gillian Daniels

Carlton: How Cons Have Changed (B4)

Another historical program item...can you believe they were talking about this more than 45 years ago? Well, things were changing then -- and have changed a great deal more now. What are some of the major transformations and evolutions we've seen, and what does this say for the future (please -- tell us there is a future!) of SF/F/H conventions?
Jim Mann (M), Janice Gelb, James D. Macdonald, Priscilla Olson

Galleria-Autographing

Steve Miller, Sharon Lee, David G. Hartwell

Galleria-DragonsLair: Kids Concert

Heather Dale, Ben Deschamps

Galleria-Gaming: Magic Booster Draft (Triple Gatecrash)

A magic tournament featuring the new Gatecrash set for Magic. The $15 entry fee must be paid at the Pandemonium booth in the dealer's room. Prizes will be given out in Gatecrash packs depending on how many people are in the tournament.

Galleria-Discussion Group: Kaffeeklatsche

Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Patrick Nielsen Hayden

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Beth Meacham

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Myke Cole

Griffin: Futurespeak: the Evolution of English and More

Will English still be the world's most widely used language 50, 100, or 500 years from now? How might it sound or be written differently then? Which writers are ut klude to tomorotalk?
Michael Swanwick (M), Debra Doyle, Greer Gilman

Harbor II: Solo Talk with Vernor Vinge

Harbor III: Losing our Roots: the Inaccessibility of Classic SF

Literature heralded as classic SF often turns out to turn off newer generations of science fiction readers (and often writers). Why? Is it a matter of natural selection, outdated references -- or are those early works simply too far out of touch with the way we live today? What can be done to keep the fiction of our past alive as we head into the future?
S. C. Butler (M), Don D'Ammassa, Michael J. Walsh, Darrell Schweitzer

Independence: Reading

Julia Rios

12:30pm

Independence: Reading

Peter Hollmer

Lewis: Reading

Dana Cameron

1:00pm

Burroughs: Non-English Fiction and Translation

When translating works of fiction into English, what are some of the dangers associated with capturing the original piece "meaning for meaning?" What effect do cross-cultural references or the lack of historical knowledge have on either the translator or the reader of the newly translated piece of fiction? Moreover, is the translated work as valid as the original? How might translation techniques impact the interpreted work for good or ill? Panelists will also discuss examples of translated work.
David Anthony Durham (M), Jack M. Haringa

Carlton: 50 Ways to Leave Your Planet

Let's think about space launch systems -- from conventional to exotic to just plain crazy.
Jordin T. Kare

Galleria-Art Show: Art Show Sales

Galleria-Autographing

Elizabeth Bear, Darrell Schweitzer

Galleria-Discussion Group: Knit-A-Long

Our annual exploration of string theory... and a chance to show off your prowess at the needles. Come and join the fun, and get to finger fine fibers with other obsessive knitters.
Priscilla Olson

Galleria-DragonsLair: Kundsbruder Sword Training/Boffer Making

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

David G. Hartwell

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

James Patrick Kelly

Griffin: Concert

Mary Crowell

Harbor I: Regency Dance

John F. Hertz

Harbor II: The Sigma Files: Secrets From the Think Tank?

Consulting for NGOs and the U.S. government takes a new turn as current and former members of Sigma, the science fiction writers' think tank, postulate future scientific probabilities and speculate about their effects on humanity. See the Sigma team in action as they present some ideas they're cleared to discuss -- and leave you wondering about the stuff that's too secret to share.
Charles Gannon (M), Chad Orzel, Jerry Pournelle, Vernor Vinge

Harbor III: Our SF Versus Hollywood's SF

Two friends -- and veterans of both page and screen wars -- meet to talk tough and laugh a lot.
Melinda Snodgrass (M), George R. R. Martin

Independence: Special Interest Group: My Little Brony

"Bronies," adult fans of the show "My Little Pony," are one of the fastest growing and most misunderstood groups in fandom. Male and female, there are bronies in the military and biker bronies, creating their own art and music -- even organizing their own conventions. Find out what this phenomenon is all about, and why the show has inspired it.
Justine Graykin, Shira Lipkin, Gillian Daniels

Lewis: Reading

Charles Stross

1:30pm

Griffin: Concert: Ed and MEW

Denise Gendron, Mary Ellen Wessels, Edward L. Stauff

2:00pm

Burroughs: Exit Stage Left

Let's talk about our favorite bits where a genre story character dies or otherwise says goodbye. We may also throw in a few favorite entrances...
Walter H. Hunt (M), Myke Cole, Sharon Lee

Galleria-Autographing

James Patrick Kelly, David Anthony Durham

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Jim Frenkel

Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Melinda Snodgrass

Griffin: Performance Workshop

Ben Deschamps, Heather Dale

Harbor II: The Genre's All A-Twitter

Which SF/F/H writers, editors, artists, and fans on Twitter are worth following? How do the pros use this most microscopic of social media to keep their fans informed and amused? What makes a great tweet? Is this your best chance to get noticed by Neil Gaiman?
Gillian Daniels (M), Charles Stross, Elizabeth Bear, Shira Lipkin

Lewis: Videogames: Year in Review

The best and worst videogames of the last year.
Brianna Spacekat Wu

3:00pm

Carlton: Feedback Session

This con is over, people. (Except for Dead Dog Filking -- and of course teardown, where we'd love to have your help!) But we're already working on Boskone 51. Help us get a good head start with reports on what went right (or wrong) this time, and how to achieve perfection next year.
Rick Kovalcik, Timothy P. Szczesuil, Ann A. Broomhead

Griffin: Special Interest Group: MASSFILC business meeting

3:30pm

Griffin: Dead Dog Filk

If you can stay late, keep on singing!