Schedule

Boston Magazine named Boskone as a must-see cultural event for February!

For the official Boskone 51 schedule, bookmark KonOpas [boskone.org/guide] for your smartphone, tablet or PC - this schedule will be continually updated as things change. Many thanks to Eemeli Aro, Henry Balen & Tim Szczesuil for making this happen!

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Late Changes

These schedule changes happened after the printed schedule went to press.

Cancellations

Jordin Kare and Mary Kay Kare are unable to attend and have dropped off of all of their panels.

Paul di Filippo has dropped off of Classic Movie Monsters and History of Science Fiction
Mark Olson has dropped off of Against a Dark Background: Looking Back at Iain M. Banks.

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Friday * * Saturday * * Sunday

Friday

The Fine Art of Murder, Fri 17:00 - Fri 17:50, Burroughs

What is it that fascinates us about murder mysteries? How do you create a captivating crime? Is it possible to make a satisfying whodunit or locked-room mystery in a setting where technology or magic eliminates too many constraints and presents the potential to do anything?

Panelists:

• Dana Cameron
• Charlaine Harris
• Vincent O'Neil (M)
• Leigh Perry

Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? Fri 17:00 - Fri 17:50, Carlton

When we finally meet the aliens, how will the encounter affect the Earth's religions? Does their sentience guarantee a soul capable of salvation? Is it likely that they will be creatures of faith? Will they adopt our creeds? Will we convert to theirs? Will they deflate old beliefs, or inspire new ones? How have SF writers handled these questions so far? What frontiers of faith have yet to be explored?

Panelists:

• Guy Consolmagno
• Janice Gelb
• James D. Macdonald

Boskone 101, Tour 1, Fri 17:00 - Fri 17:50, Galleria-Meetup Spot

For those who may be new to Boskone, our convention docent provides a nuts and bolts introduction to the convention as well as a tour around the facility.

Panelists:

• Laurie Mann

Editing Your Fiction: Tips From the Pros, Fri 17:00 - Fri 17:50, Harbor I

A discussion of how editing the manuscript can bring out the best in a story -- even if it requires cutting or changing the characters and events you love most.

Panelists:

• Ginjer Buchanan
• Neil Clarke
• Beth Meacham (M)
• Teresa Nielsen Hayden

Bring Back My Favorite TV Show! Fri 17:00 - Fri 17:50, Harbor II

From recently cancelled shows to long-gone favorites, which SF/F/H television programs deserve a second try at tubal triumph?

Panelists:

• John Chu
• Stephen P. Kelner
• Mur Lafferty
• Seanan McGuire
• Priscilla Olson (M)

Writers on Writing: In the Mood, Fri 17:00 - Fri 17:50, Harbor III

One of the most elusive qualities a story may possess, mood is also one of the most lasting memories that certain stories evoke. How does a writer accomplish this effect? What are a writer's most important mood-making tools: Word choice? Pace? What the characters themselves feel? Voice? Setting? What works have been most successful at setting a mood and making it memorable?

Panelists:

• Michael F. Flynn
• Greer Gilman
• Mary Kay Kare (M)
• Jo Walton

Alien Artifacts, Fri 17:00 - Fri 17:50, Lewis

Welcome to the wonderful world of alien artifacts! Marvel at treasures recovered from half a dozen worlds throughout the galaxy. Our panel of "expert" xenoarchaeologists will determine the nature, origin, and use (often unique, odd, bizarre, or extreme) of these ancient objects to the delight (and amusement) of our audience.

Panelists:

• Daniel M. Kimmel
• Jennifer Pelland
• Michael Sharrow (M)
• Jill Shultz
• Frank Wu

Paleofutures, Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Burroughs

The new term "paleofuture" describes a future that never was - a prediction made in the past which hasn't panned out and never will. Which foreseen futures have subsequent events rendered impossible? Which are plausible still? What histories, worlds, discoveries, and technologies could (or could not) yet come true? And for extra credit, what are our own predictions of things to come?

Panelists:

• Elizabeth Bear (M)
• Bill Higgins
• James Patrick Kelly
• Beth Meacham

Rising Tides, Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Carlton

FEMA is releasing floodplain data soon. Interestingly, looks like most of Boston will be underwater if climate change continues. This presents some splashy possibilities for scientists and authors writing in the "near future" space.

Panelists:

• Vincent Docherty (M)
• Tom Easton
• Gary Ehrlich
• Joan Slonczewski

New To Filk? Start Here! Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Douglass

You've heard people having fun and singing with their friends all night. Want to get involved? This is your gateway drug.

Panelists:

• Gary D. McGath
• Roberta Rogow
• Bill Roper (M)

OPEN, Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Classic Movie Monsters, Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Harbor I

Godzilla. The Blob. Dracula. The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The Mummy. The Wolfman. King Kong. These are just a few of the classic film monsters that continue to keep us coming back for more movie magic with each new remake and reboot. Why do these creatures make such compelling stories? What does it take to create a great movie monster? Why do we love them? Will we ever grow tired of these old creature features?

Panelists:

• Paul Di Filippo
• Bob Eggleton
• Daniel M. Kimmel
• Mallory O'Meara
• Erin Underwood (M)

Bleeding Hearts, Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Harbor II

A Valentine's Day panel about romance in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. What are some of our great love stories for the ages? What stories turned out to be tragedies -- or worse? Panelists will discuss how love can turn a character's world upside-down.

Panelists:

• Nancy Holder
• Darlene Marshall (M)
• Steve Miller
• Leigh Perry

Blurred Lines: Collapsing Literary Classifications, Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Harbor III

Speculative fiction authors write outside the box. Many don't even see the box! We'll discuss works that defy the boundaries once confining speculative fiction (SF/F/H/YA) -- and that also break down the barriers between our genres and romances, mysteries, thrillers, mainstream fiction, or even nonfiction. While we're at it, what other boundaries can our authors demolish?

Panelists:

• Joshua Bilmes
• Stacey Friedberg
• Vincent O'Neil (M)
• Paul G. Tremblay

The Art of Writing Young Adult Fiction, Fri 18:00 - Fri 18:50, Lewis

How does today's publishing world define YA? Where do voice and narrator style fit? Are there taboo teen topics? Where does that line between teen and adult live? How do you make a teen character feel "real," with all of the requisite pimples and giggles -- while still giving him/her the power to save the Universe...or to at least get through gym without being tortured by the class bully?

Panelists:

• Anna Davis
• Sarah Beth Durst
• Jack M. Haringa (M)
• Julia Rios
• Jane Yolen

Reading by Jennifer Pelland, Fri 18:30 - Fri 18:55, Griffin

Reading by Lila Garrott, Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:25, Griffin

Future Fashion, Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Burroughs

What will the well-dressed futurian be wearing 50 years from now? A hundred years? A thousand? What is clothing actually for? What SF works have presented interesting ideas about the clothing of the future? How has fashion infiltrated comics or brought comics styles out into the real world?

Panelists:

• Elizabeth Bear
• Teresa Nielsen Hayden
• Fran Wilde (M)
• Brianna Spacekat Wu

Riding the Light (Solo Talk), Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Carlton

Lasers have tremendous potential for propulsion and the transfer of energy via laser power beaming. This talk will explain the barriers that need to be surmounted for these uses to become common, and give some insight into how lasers might be utilized in the future.

Panelists:

• Jordin T. Kare

Fannish Songs Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Douglass

Songs about fandom and fannishness

Panelists:

• Ellen Kranzer (M)

Origami (Childrens), Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Just A Minute (Game Show), Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Harbor I

Panelists have the daunting task of talking for 60 seconds on any subject the moderator springs on them -- prattling away "without repetition, hesitation, or deviation." This hilarious high-pressure game show was a hit at several recent Worldcons.

Panelists:

• Bruce Coville
• Vincent Docherty (M)
• Seanan McGuire
• Ada Palmer
• Frank Wu

Beat the Studio, Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Harbor II

The studios that make them really have no idea whether their movies will be hits or misses. Let's see if we fans can do better. We'll consider some science fiction, fantasy, and horror films scheduled for 2014 release, imagine what they might be like and what turns their plots might take, and predict with crazy confidence how well they'll do.

Panelists:

• Bob Devney (M)
• Daniel M. Kimmel
• Steven Sawicki

Sherlock Holmes on TV, Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Harbor III

Not only are two successful Sherlock Holmes shows (Sherlock and Elementary) currently running on TV, characters influenced by Holmes are numerous, ranging from House to Madame Vastra on Doctor Who. Why do Sherlockian characters work so well? Are there any Sherlockian failures out there? If so, what went wrong? What are the current incarnations of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson doing right?

Panelists:

• Ginjer Buchanan
• Dana Cameron (M)
• Nancy Holder
• Tony Lewis
• Jennifer Pelland

Cambridge Science Fiction Writers Reading, Fri 19:00 - Fri 19:50, Lewis

A rapid-fire reading by the members of the Cambridge Science Fiction Writers Workshop, featuring Steve Popkes, Alexander Jablokov, Sarah Smith, James L. Cambias, James Patrick Kelly, and F. Brett Cox.

Reading by Sarah Beth Durst, Fri 19:30 - Fri 19:55, Griffin

Reading by E. C. Ambrose (Elaine Isaak), Fri 20:00 - Fri 20:25, Griffin

Good vs Evil: The Great Divide, Fri 20:00 - Fri 20:50, Burroughs

Fantasy often incorporates pure goodness and pure evil, foregrounding them as serious character motivations or actually giving them bodily form. How does the battle of good and evil stay relevant in a world filled with shades of gray? What value does purity, for good or ill, lend to fantasy?

Panelists:

• Jeffrey A. Carver
• Jack M. Haringa (M)
• Steve Miller
• Steven Popkes

The Science of Hal Clement's Iceworld (Solo Talk), Fri 20:00 - Fri 20:50, Carlton

In Hal Clement's 1951 novel Iceworld, characters who breathe hot gaseous sulfur confront the mysteries of Earth, to them an unbelievably frigid planet. Among other things, the legendary master of hard SF foresaw robotic interplanetary exploration in a unique way. Join Bill Higgins in exploring the chemistry, physics, and astronomy behind the classic story.

Making Kids' Choice Art Show Awards, Fri 20:00 - Fri 20:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Why You Want to Go to Florence, Fri 20:00 - Fri 20:50, Harbor I

Join Jo Walton and Ada Palmer for a dialog on food and Italy/Florence, where Walton's new book My Real Children is largely set. They will share a survey of art, architecture, and food as well as of how travel and history can be used in fiction.

Panelists:

• Ada Palmer
• Jo Walton

History of Science Fiction, Fri 20:00 - Fri 20:50, Harbor II

Science fiction reaches back to the time of the ancient Greeks. What stories and authors stand out as historic icons of the genre? What else is out there that could be a part of the genre, but hasn't traditionally fallen within the canon? What works help to define science fiction and its history? What's included? What's missing? What's yet to come?

Panelists:

• Paul Di Filippo (M)
• David G. Hartwell
• Fred Lerner
• Tony Lewis
• Darrell Schweitzer

The New SF/F Thriller, Fri 20:00 - Fri 20:50, Harbor III

Here's one subgenre that's really taken hold these days. Examples: Neal Stephenson's Reamde, Max Barry's Lexicon, Wesley Chu's The Lives of Tao, Walter Jon Williams' This Is Not A Game, Charles Stross' "Laundry" series, and more. Why now? Do these appeal more to mainstream or to fannish audiences? What can an SF or fantasy thriller do that a vanilla thrilla can't? Who's doing it best?

Panelists:

• James Patrick Kelly (M)
• Scott Lynch
• Vincent O'Neil
• Charles Stross
• Walter Jon Williams

Reading by Jill Shultz, Fri 20:30 - Fri 20:55, Griffin

Reading by Greer Gilman, Fri 21:00 - Fri 21:25, Griffin

Hugo Award Recommendations: Dramatic Presentations, Fri 21:00 - Fri 21:50, Burroughs

What's the greatest stuff you saw last year? Join us to discuss 2013's best 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 London soon.

Panelists:

• Bob Devney
• Daniel M. Kimmel
• Jim Mann (M)
• Melinda Snodgrass

The New England SF/F/H Workshop Alumni Reading , Fri 21:00 - Fri 21:50, Carlton

A rapid-fire reading featuring the alumni from New England's science fiction, fantasy, and horror writing workshops: Viable Paradise, Odyssey, and the Stonecoast MFA program. Featured readers: Scott H. Andrews, Julie C. Day, Michael J. DeLuca, Mur Lafferty, Sean Robinson, Margaret Ronald, Hannah Strom-Martin, and Fran Wilde.

Great Ghost Stories, Fri 21:00 - Fri 21:50, Harbor I

Out on the fringe, the living and the dead intersect in some fascinating fashion, bringing out the drama, tension, and atmosphere that have become hallmarks of a well-told tale of the supernatural. A shining example: Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. However, not all ghost stories are created equal. Join us for an unsettling discussion of what makes a good ghost story great -- and why some don't scare us for a second, while others haunt us still.

Panelists:

• F. Brett Cox
• Lila Garrott
• Theodora Goss
• Jack M. Haringa
• Paul G. Tremblay (M)

Exploring the Whedonverse, Fri 21:00 - Fri 21:50, Harbor II

From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to the new Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Joss Whedon has had a hand in some of the most significant genre television programming ever. How have Joss and his Whedonverse shaped TV (including shows he didn't actually develop) and affected the wider genre community? What is the Whedon Effect? What would primetime television be like if Buffy never came to Sunnydale, or Serenity never lifted off? What was Dollhouse all about?

Panelists:

• Dana Cameron
• Gillian Daniels
• Nancy Holder
• Stephen P. Kelner (M)
• Erin Underwood

First Contact, Fri 21:00 - Fri 21:50, Harbor III

Stories of a first contact with alien creatures capture our imagination like nothing else. Will the aliens be kind benefactors? Will they enslave the human race? Or will they just wipe us out and take over the planet? What works have most effectively portrayed the ideas, fears, and hopes that might arise when an alien race comes calling?

Panelists:

• E. C. Ambrose
• Allen M. Steele (M)
• Michael Swanwick
• Walter Jon Williams

The Fantasy and Science Fiction of John M. Ford, Fri 21:00 - Fri 21:50, Lewis

He wrote a prize-winning alternate history fantasy named The Dragon Waiting that doesn't have a dragon in it, a Star Trek book that's kind of a musical comedy, an SF juvenile about teens playing games on a train (on the Moon), and a Christmas card that won a World Fantasy Award. Neil Gaiman called him a "writers' writer." Certainly John M. "Mike" Ford (1957-2006) delighted in defying expectations. But let's try to give you some hints about what to expect when you read his work.

Panelists:

• Elizabeth Bear
• John Chu
• Beth Meacham
• Teresa Nielsen Hayden
• Jo Walton (M)

Boskone Meet the Guests & Art Show Reception, Fri 21:00 - Fri 22:00, Galleria-Art Show

Connoisseurs and philistines alike: welcome! Come meet our special guests while enjoying a feast for the eyes that is the Boskone Art Show. Join us in the Galleria to enjoy refreshments -- and refreshing conversation.

Panelists:

• Ginjer Buchanan
• Bill Higgins
• Seanan McGuire
• David Palumbo
• Bill Roper
• Jane Yolen

Open Filk Fri 21:00 - Sat 01:00, Douglass

Come sing with your friends or make new ones.

Reading by Steven Sawicki, Fri 21:30 - Fri 21:55, Griffin

Trivia for Chocolate (Game Show), Fri 22:00 - Fri 22:50, Burroughs

How much chocolate can you collect in an hour? The MCs ask the questions, and the audience shouts out the answers. Get the correct answer first and win big kudos plus a small wrapped chocolate.

Panelists:

• Jim Mann
• Mark L. Olson (M)
• Priscilla Olson

Star Trek: Phase II Presentation (Video), Fri 22:00 - Fri 23:30, Carlton

Star Trek: Phase II is an award-winning independent webseries that produces new episodes of Classic Star Trek. We are a group of fans who have come together...for the purpose of having fun while making new episodes. Come watch a few episodes from the webseries with us! Showing: "Kitumba" and the vignette "Going Boldly."

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Saturday

Amazing Stories Meeting (Special Interest Group), Sat 09:00 - Sat 09:50, Carlton

Amazing Stories Magazine holds a meeting for its bloggers and community members.

Panelists:

• Steve Davidson

Costuming and Mad Hatter Hats, Sat 09:00 - Sat 09:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Writers' Warmup (Workshop), Sat 09:00 - Sat 09:50, Harbor II

Join author Elaine Isaak (i.e. E. C. Ambrose) in a "writers' warmup" session on Saturday morning for an hour of writing exercises to get the juices flowing!

Panelists:

• E. C. Ambrose

Reading by Daniel M. Kimmel, Sat 09:30 - Sat 09:55, Griffin

Art Demo with Gregory Manchess (Demonstration), Sat 09:30 - Sat 10:50, Harbor I

Panelists:

• Greg Manchess

Reading by Lisa J. Cohen, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:25, Griffin

What (and How) to Read to Kids, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Burroughs

Reading aloud can be a memorable bonding experience -- and big fun -- for both adult and child. What genre stories work well when told to pre-readers? To 6-year olds? To 8-year-olds? We'll discuss book selection and vocal presentation tips for both novice and experienced read-out-louders.

Panelists:

• Bruce Coville (M)
• Debra Doyle
• Stacey Friedberg
• Bill Roper

Who Painted That? -- Identifying Art, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Carlton

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. Today we repeat a popular game from last year's Boskone: 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.

Panelists:

• Bob Eggleton
• Mark L. Olson (M)
• John Picacio
• Joe Siclari

Autographing with Anna Davis Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Galleria-Autographing

Writing Fan Fiction for Kids with Mur Lafferty and Max Gladstone, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Campbell Award winning authors Mur Lafferty and Campbell nominee Max Gladstone introduce kids to writing fan fiction for children.

Panelists:

• Max Gladstone
• Mur Lafferty

Kaffeeklatsche with Melinda Snodgrass, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Beth Meacham, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Boskone 101, Tour 2 (Docent Tour), Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Galleria-Meetup Spot

For those who may be new to Boskone, our convention docent provides a nuts and bolts introduction to the convention as well as a tour around the facility.

Panelists:

• Priscilla Olson

Tie-In Novels: Writing Within the Rules, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Harbor II

Tie-in novels give fans another way to experience a story they love. These stories take place in a familiar world and feature our favorite characters, but are unique unto themselves and must adhere to a special set of rules. Join our panelists for a fun discussion about the art of writing original fiction within established and well-known worlds.

Panelists:

• Ginjer Buchanan
• Craig Shaw Gardner
• Nancy Holder (M)
• Batya "The Toon" Wittenberg

Stay Near the Fire: The New Solar System Science Fiction, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Harbor III

Forget star-spanning empires. Recently, writers from Charles Stross to Kim Stanley Robinson, James S. A. Corey to Hannu Rajaniemi have instead created stories set in the future of our own solar system. What are the scientific reasons for this? Is there sufficient room for our imaginations in staying (relatively) close to home? Who's writing the best stuff about it?

Panelists:

• Guy Consolmagno
• Joan Slonczewski (M)
• Allen M. Steele
• Charles Stross

Building a Better Anthology, Sat 10:00 - Sat 10:50, Lewis

Pros talk shop when it comes to editing and publishing anthologies. What are the dos and don'ts of pulling a collection together? What are some prime examples of well-done anthologies? What do our panelists enjoy most about working with short fiction?

Panelists:

• James Patrick Kelly (M)
• Patrick Nielsen Hayden
• Leigh Perry
• Ian Randal Strock

Reading by Ada Palmer, Sat 10:30 - Sat 10:55, Griffin

Reading by Kate Baker & Neil Clarke, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:25, Griffin

Gateway Drugs: The Stories That Turn People Into Fans, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Burroughs

Panelists discuss the works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror that captured their imaginations and opened the floodgates to fandom. What stories hooked them? What was it about these works that made them want more? What newer tales might have that power to intoxicate?

Panelists:

• Ellen Asher
• Steve Davidson
• Teresa Nielsen Hayden
• Joe Siclari (M)
• Jo Walton

Will Fusion Power Always Be 50 Years Away? (Solo Talk), Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Carlton

"An experimental fusion-power plant or two will already exist in 2014." So Isaac Asimov predicted in 1964. But so far: not so much. Let's discuss the checkered history of fusion energy research, the rationale for continued skepticism, and current programs in magnetic confinement fusion and inertial confinement (laser) fusion. Bottom line: is there fusion in our future or what?

Panelists:

• Jeff Hecht

Performing Skills (Workshop), Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Douglass

Performing, whether onstage or in a circle, is more than just singing. Learn some techniques from past Featured Filker Mary Crowell that will help you become a better performer.

Panelists:

• Mary Crowell

Autographing with Steve Miller & Charles Stross, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Galleria-Autographing

Navigating and Understanding Literary Contracts (Special Interest Group), Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Galleria-Discussion Group

What is a restrictive contract clause? How do you negotiate a fair anti-competitive clause, especially with publishers cracking down on short story publications based in story worlds established in book-length works that fall under the terms of your contract? What is a warranty clause? Can publishers really prohibit authors from working on anything other than the work listed in their contracts until all those projects are completed? What other potential landmines should authors know about when reading or signing contracts? Join agent Joshua Bilmes for a discussion of these topics and more.

Panelists:

• Joshua Bilmes

Kids' Concert With Featured Filker Bill Roper, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Bill Roper entertains Boskone's children with a fun-filled set of music.

Panelists:

• Bill Roper

Kaffeeklatsche with Dana Cameron, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Bill Higgins, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Art Demo with Official Artist David Palumbo (Demonstration), Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Harbor I

World War I and the Literature It Inspired, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Harbor II

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. How did the war affect literature, including SF and fantasy? What topics and stories have come out of it? Panelists discuss not only the history of WWI, but also the literature inspired by it -- including alternate histories that explore what might have gone differently.

Panelists:

• Myke Cole
• Michael F. Flynn
• James D. Macdonald
• Tom Shippey
• Tim Szczesuil (M)

Killer Plagues, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Harbor III

A panel discussion about colds and viruses that don't turn people into zombies, but are just as deadly. What effect does science have on creating, curing, and tracking the viruses of today and those that may develop in the future? When the big civilization-killer comes, what can you expect when it hits? What symptoms should you be obsessively checking yourself out for? Will hand sanitizer help?

Panelists:

• LJ Cohen
• Seanan McGuire
• Jill Shultz
• Joan Slonczewski (M)
• Michael Swanwick

Finish It! Completing Your Work, Sat 11:00 - Sat 11:50, Lewis

Here you are with two half-completed novels, a handful of unfinished short stories, and a pile of great ideas gathering dust. Then there's work, life, family, and cons. How do you maintain momentum with so many distractions? Panelists share their experiences as well as strategies to help keep you on track toward finishing the projects that only end when the manuscript is sent out!

Panelists:

• Jeffrey A. Carver
• Jeanne Cavelos (M)
• Debra Doyle
• Felicitas Ivey
• Fran Wilde

Reading by Elizabeth Bear, Sat 11:30 - Sat 11:55, Griffin

Reading by Jo Walton, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:25, Griffin

Writing Workshops: What's Right for You?, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Burroughs

Thinking about attending a writing workshop or an MFA program? Wonder how to pick which one is right for you? Once you do, then what? There is no magic formula to elicit an acceptance letter, but a solid application is a good place to start. Join representatives from various writing programs and learn how to present the best of what you have to offer as a student.

Panelists:

• Jeanne Cavelos (M)
• Theodora Goss
• Alexander Jablokov
• James D. Macdonald
• Shahid Mahmud

The Future of Art and Artists in SF and Fantasy, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Carlton

As the publishing industry changes, what does that mean for book art --- and for artists who make a living in SF/F? How might creativity be enhanced with the emergence of digital media? What untapped opportunities could benefit freelance artists and art lovers? And what challenges does this new regime bring? Join our panelists to get a look at the big picture.

Panelists:

• Bob Eggleton
• Greg Manchess
• David Palumbo
• John Picacio (M)

Concert: McGath/Ehrlich, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Douglass

Short Sets: Gary McGath and Gary Ehrlich

Autographing with Dana Cameron, Michael Flynn & Nancy Holder, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Galleria-Autographing

Kaffeeklatsche with Bruce Coville, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Jane Yolen, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Art Demo With Frank and Brianna Wu, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Harbor I

True Blood Distilled, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Harbor II

With the end of the Sookie Stackhouse books and the coming finale of the True Blood TV series, Boskone is honored to present this unique opportunity to hear about the Sookie experience from the perspectives of its writer, editor, and agent.

Panelists:

• Joshua Bilmes
• Ginjer Buchanan
• Charlaine Harris

Urban Fantasy in Transition, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Harbor III

Urban fantasy has a long history within fantasy literature, but it's certainly gained new prominence recently. How has the definition changed over time? What influences have helped to shape urban fantasy? How far back into the literary past does urban fantasy reach? How might it evolve in the future?

Panelists:

• Max Gladstone
• Christopher Golden
• Mur Lafferty
• Leigh Perry (M)
• Melinda Snodgrass

Writers on Writing: Character Versus Characterization, Sat 12:00 - Sat 12:50, Lewis

The success of any story relies upon its characters. But writers can get confused between establishing a character and characterization. What's observable? What's hidden? What do we see on the page, and what do we feel when reading about this character as a whole? Writers discuss ways to develop characters more deeply, and how characterization can either get in the way or be used successfully.

Panelists:

• Jeffrey A. Carver (M)
• Sarah Beth Durst
• Greer Gilman
• Steve Miller
• Steven Sawicki

DragonsLair: Closed for Lunch

Reading by Steve Miller, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:25, Griffin

The Future of Judaism, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Burroughs

The Pew Research Center's recent "Portrait of Jewish Americans" has generated much discussion about the future of the Jewish community. What do the trends portend? How will our increased mobility and exposure to other cultures and opinions on the Internet shape that future? And as Mel Brooks might say, what about Jews in Space?

Panelists:

• Daniel P. Dern
• Janice Gelb (M)
• Merav Hoffman
• Daniel M. Kimmel
• Fred Lerner

Welcome to Fermilab: Particles Beneath the Prairie (Solo Talk), Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Carlton

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is a fascinating place, full of mile-long machines, giant assemblies of intriguing apparatus, underground beams of mysterious particles, and a herd of buffalo. Take a tour and hear a few stories from Bill Higgins's 35 years in the accelerator business.

Concert: Gendron/Rogow, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Douglass

Short sets: Denise Gendron/Roberta Rogow

Exhibit, Tour 1, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Galleria-Art Show

This year, our special exhibit focuses on the art that accompanied the works of ten literary Grand Masters: Lester del Rey, Frederik Pohl, Damon Knight, A.E. van Vogt, Jack Vance, Poul Anderson, Hal Clement, Brian Aldiss, Philip Jose Farmer, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Learn about the illustrators and their illustrations on this tour.

Panelists:

• Joe Siclari
• Edie Stern

Autographing with David Hartwell, James Patrick Kelly & John Picacio, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Galleria-Autographing

Let's Talk Crowdfunding (Special Interest Group), Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Galleria-Discussion Group

Ever want to write a novel, make a comic book, or develop a game, but the resources needed are beyond your pocketbook? Why not collect funds on such sites as IndieGoGo, GiveForward, Kickstarter, RocketHub, Fundly, GoFundMe, or Fundageek? It's a great concept with enormous potential; let's discuss the pros and cons, successes and failures of crowdfunding.

Panelists:

• Ada Palmer
• Tili Sokolov

Storytime with Persis Thorndike, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Kaffeeklatsche with Patrick Nielsen Hayden & Teresa Nielsen Hayden, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Jack Haringa & Paul Tremblay, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Interview With Guest of Honor Seanan McGuire, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Harbor I

A good time shall be had by all as Hugo and Sturgeon Award-winning writer Elizabeth Bear interviews Boskone's Guest of Honor, Seanan McGuire. In addition to previously winning two Hugo Awards and the Campbell Award, in 2013 Seanan became the only person ever to appear five times on the same Hugo ballot. She is the author of the October Daye and InCryptid urban fantasies, plus several other works. Seanan also writes under the pseudonym "Mira Grant," whose sf/horror novel Feed was named one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2010.

Panelists:

• Elizabeth Bear (M)
• Seanan McGuire

Alternate Voices, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Harbor II

Stories told through documents, letters, reports, or other nontraditional voices provide opportunities for narrative dissonance because of what is not (and cannot be) said. Panelists discuss the possibilities of these varied voices.

Panelists:

• Scott H. Andrews
• Stephen P. Kelner (M)
• Michael Swanwick
• Walter Jon Williams

Gender Roles in Doctor Who, Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Harbor III

The characters (Companions, foes, etc.) in TV's Dr. Who have included men, women, and "other." How have they all conformed to "expected" gender conventions? Discuss notable breaks in tradition, giving examples (this will not be graded.) Note: you may also include Captain Jack and the Doctor's Wife.

Panelists:

• LJ Cohen
• Carrie Cuinn
• Max Gladstone
• Laurie Mann (M)
• Julia Rios

Telling Tales of "The Tell-Tale Heart", Sat 13:00 - Sat 13:50, Lewis

Edgar Allan Poe was a master craftsman and storyteller. Panelists read their favorite parts from his short story "The Tell-Tale Heart" and share what it is about those sections that speak to them, as well as discussing Poe's use of rhythm, imagery, characterization, etc. How does Poe do what he does with fiction?

Panelists:

• Theodora Goss (M)
• Mary Kay Kare
• Vincent O'Neil
• Faye Ringel
• Darrell Schweitzer

Reading by Allen M. Steele, Sat 13:30 - Sat 13:55, Griffin

Reading by Darlene Marshall, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:25, Griffin

Gravity and the Hard SF Film, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Burroughs

The movie Gravity comes packed with an incredible story of desperation and hope and potential. What does it tell us about ourselves? Is it a feminist film? Is it a scientific impossibility? What is it about this film that makes it special? Are there other SF films out there that do it better?

Panelists:

• Daniel M. Kimmel
• Melinda Snodgrass (M)
• Allen M. Steele
• Erin Underwood

Cinematic Landscapes, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Carlton

How do art and cinema interact? What would Lord of the Rings have been without its artistic landscapes? Would the film 28 Days Later have been so unsettling without its cinematic beauty? The panelists will discuss how art and landscapes interact to help convey the story of the film as well as to build tension, increase emotion, and leave a lasting image of the place in the minds of viewers.

Panelists:

• Gillian Daniels (M)
• Bob Eggleton
• Greg Manchess
• Frank Wu

Teaching Songs, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Douglass

There's a long tradition of using songs to teach us how do do things. How do we do this now and what can we teach? Are there some subjects that work better than others?

Panelists:

• Jordin T. Kare
• Talis Kimberley (M)
• Gary D. McGath

Art Show Tour -- Featuring the Art of David Palumbo, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Galleria-Art Show

Boskone Guest Artist David Palumbo gives a special tour of the work he's brought to Boston this year.

Autographing with Bruce Coville, Charlaine Harris, and E. C. Ambrose (Elaine Isaak), Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Galleria-Autographing

Group: Knit-A-Long, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Galleria-Discussion Group

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.

Panelists:

• Priscilla Olson
• Edie Stern

Kids Design Their Own Game with Fran Wilde, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Panelists:

• Fran Wilde

Kaffeeklatsche with Steve Miller, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with David Hartwell, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Interview with Science Speaker Bill Higgins (Interview), Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Harbor I

Join us for a lively discussion as former Special Guest Guy Consolmagno interviews Boskone's current Hal Clement Science Speaker, Bill Higgins. Bill is a radiation safety physicist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago. As a longtime member of fandom, he writes and speaks about the crossroads where science, history, and science fiction meet. Other topics that may come up include spaceflight, astronomy, physics, and maybe even some weird aviation.

Panelists:

• Guy Consolmagno (M)
• Bill Higgins

The Evolution of a Hero, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Harbor II

Heroes aren't born. They're made through a combination of choices and circumstances that mold them both internally as well as externally into someone powerful enough to represent a challenge to the story's antagonist. Has the once well-defined transition from zero to hero changed with the introduction of modern social structures? What about modern female characters who chafe against preconceived notions of who a hero is, what it means to be a hero, and how a hero is made? Are there differences between the growth of a hero for men and women? And what does this all mean for the antagonist?

Panelists:

• Jeffrey A. Carver (M)
• Debra Doyle
• Craig Shaw Gardner
• Greer Gilman
• Jennifer Pelland

Food in Fiction, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Harbor III

Every living creature depends upon food for nourishment and survival; how does that dependence come across in literature? Panelists discuss examples of how authors have used food and the culinary arts within science fiction, fantasy, and horror to reveal complex clues about cultures, characters, ethnicities, social standing, and so much more.

Panelists:

• Elizabeth Bear
• Steven Popkes (M)
• Jill Shultz
• Ian Randal Strock

Poetry in Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror, Sat 14:00 - Sat 14:50, Lewis

The purposes of poetry are myriad: commemorating love or loss, capturing oral histories, imparting lessons, making political declarations, telling stories. And poetry included genre elements long before the coinage of such terms as science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Join panelists for a lively discussion of their favorite poems and poets, as they touch on why genre themes continue to ignite the poetic imagination.

Panelists:

• LJ Cohen
• F. Brett Cox
• Merav Hoffman
• Jo Walton
• Jane Yolen (M)

Reading by Anna Davis, Sat 14:30 - Sat 14:55, Griffin

Reading by Melinda Snodgrass, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:25, Griffin

Capes, Canes, and Superhero Comics, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Burroughs

How we treat our superheroes and villains provides a unique view of our own culture's beliefs and values regarding ability and disability. Panelists explore the complementary and conflicting nature of superpowers and disabilities. What do the cane bearers and cape wearers from comics reveal about ourselves, our health concerns, and our treatment of those with permanent disabilities and chronic conditions?

Panelists:

• Dana Cameron
• Carrie Cuinn
• Daniel P. Dern (M)
• Christopher Golden
• Brianna Spacekat Wu

The Light Fantastic, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Carlton

Much critical attention is always devoted to dark fantasy: the more miserably hopeless the outcome, the more accolades. Why else is 1984 considered a masterpiece? But how about the happy stuff? After all, isn't fantasy supposed to help us escape from a society where Big Brother is watching every move? Let's consider the best of serious and humorous fantasy with positive conclusions. Great writing; interesting, complex, and evolving characters; beautifully described and consistent world-building; well-plotted stories -- check, check, check, check.

Panelists:

• Sarah Beth Durst
• Mary Kay Kare
• Bob Kuhn
• Tom Shippey
• Erin Underwood (M)

Featured Filker -- Bill Roper, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Douglass

Bill Roper is a man of many talents, well known for songs that are grim...or funny...or grim AND funny. He's been nominated for multiple Pegasus Awards and is the winner of three. Come find out why as our Featured Filker performs.

Panelists:

• Bill Roper

Autographing with Seanan McGuire, David Palumbo & Walter Jon Williams, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Galleria-Autographing

What Makes Writers Tick? (Special Interest Group), Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Galleria-Discussion Group

Most writers don't know why they write, only that they must. But research into writers' implicit motivations (unconscious emotional drives) shows a surprisingly consistent pattern found in published writers. Psychologist and author Dr. Stephen Kelner will discuss his findings, and how to apply them to oneself using psychological science to stay energized and writing.

Panelists:

• Stephen P. Kelner

Kids' Choice Art Show Tour, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Kaffeeklatsche with Jeanne Cavelos, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Charles Stross, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Interview with Special Guest Ginjer Buchanan (Interview), Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Harbor I

Let's talk text. Mystery and urban fantasy writer/editor Leigh Perry (aka Toni Kelner) interviews Boskone's Special Guest Ginjer Buchanan. Early in her career, Ginjer earned a living as a social worker while doing freelance editorial work on the side. After taking an editing job at Berkley, she worked her way up to her current influential position as editor-in-chief at Ace/Roc Books. A TV buff, Ginjer has also written pop culture essays, and edited and written tie-in novels. Come hear her opinions on editing, writing, publishing, the people she's known, the work she's shaped, and how it all involves way too many meetings.

Panelists:

• Ginjer Buchanan
• Leigh Perry (M)

What Is Storytelling For?, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Harbor II

Why tell stories? What is the purpose of narrative fiction in culture? Are the world and characters a massive counterfactual conditional and the narrative an extended consequence ... i.e., if things were thus, then this might happen? Or are we just telling lies?

Panelists:

• Debra Doyle (M)
• Patrick Nielsen Hayden
• Ada Palmer
• Michael Swanwick
• Jo Walton

The Potential of 3D Printing, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Harbor III

It seems certain that with the continuing development and cost-effectiveness of three-dimensional printing of a growing number of objects, manufacturing on an industrial and even a personal level will change. Can we print a moon base? What about human tissue or replacement organs? Printed plagues? How will 3D printing mold all our futures?

Panelists:

• Jeff Hecht
• Jordin T. Kare
• Mark L. Olson (M)
• Joan Slonczewski

Great Podcasts and Where to Find Them, Sat 15:00 - Sat 15:50, Lewis

Podcasting is hotter than ever. It still includes short audio fiction -- but now also recorded radio dramas, interviews, essays, and other commentary. With so many choices, where do you find the good stuff? Panelists discuss some of their favorite podcasts, sites, and stories.

Panelists:

• Scott H. Andrews (M)
• Kate Baker
• Neil Clarke
• Mur Lafferty
• Julia Rios

Reading by Guy Consolmagno, Sat 15:30 - Sat 15:55, Griffin

Reading by Jane Yolen, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:25, Griffin

Fandom and Genre Literature in Academia, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Burroughs

For some years, the literature of the fantastic has been finding its way into the hallowed halls of academe. What novels and authors are now taught alongside the mainstream classics that have long held sway in the classroom? Can fannish students and faculty expect to keep studying the literature they love, or will genre's presence in academia wane?

Panelists:

• F. Brett Cox
• Theodora Goss
• Jack M. Haringa (M)
• Faye Ringel

Roomba, Rover, or Robbie?, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Carlton

It's doubtful that Karel Capek, who originated the word, would recognize the Roomba learning and self-actuating device as a "robot." Today's robots perform tasks from filling prescriptions to collecting and assaying samples on other planets. What can we expect in the near future from the science of robotics--and how far are we from an electromechanical person?

Panelists:

• Jeanne Cavelos
• Tom Easton
• Edie Stern (M)
• Charles Stross

Chapter and Verse: Songs About Books Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Douglass

This round-robin-style concert will present short passages from books and stories that inspired songs, then feature the songs themselves.

Panelists:

• Gary D. McGath
• Edward L. Stauff
• Mary Ellen Wessels
• Batya "The Toon" Wittenberg

Autographing with Jeffrey Carver, Lisa J. Cohen & Daniel Kimmel, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Galleria-Autographing

Kids' Concert with Talis Kimberley, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Panelists:

• Talis Kimberley

Kaffeeklatsche with Bob Eggleton, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Charlaine Harris, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

From Pixels to Print: The Challenges of Running a Magazine, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Harbor I

Got a great idea for a online magazine or podcast that will feature exciting new content, authors, and artists? How do print versus online models compare? Figuring out what you want to do may be the easy part. Now let's talk about funding, staffing, and managing your organization, and then printing (or enpixeling), distributing, and publicizing your precious products. Successful magazine and podcast veterans tell you how they do it all!

Panelists:

• Scott H. Andrews
• Neil Clarke
• Carrie Cuinn (M)
• Shahid Mahmud

Magicians in Society, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Harbor II

How do magicians and their magic fit into the political, social, and class structures within an imagined society -- especially in worlds where most people don't possess such powers? What special challenges do magic-wielders face in a culture where magic isn't respected? Or even where it is? Moreover, what roles do science and scientists play in such a system, if any?

Panelists:

• Sarah Beth Durst
• Greer Gilman
• Nancy Holder
• Scott Lynch
• Tom Shippey (M)

The Pleasures of Parasites, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Harbor III

Join our crew of experts as they discuss their favorite parasites, plus what makes parasitism as an adaptive strategy so wildly fascinating. Be prepared to learn a lot of truly disgusting things!

Panelists:

• Priscilla Olson (M)
• Jill Shultz
• Joan Slonczewski
• Frank Wu

Expressing Yourself Through Audio, Sat 16:00 - Sat 16:50, Lewis

Writers, actors, musicians, and others with something to say now have relatively easy access to letting their voices be heard -- literally -- with the rise of iPod culture and the unfolding audio frontier. Experts on podcasting and selling voice work share their experiences. We'll discuss the nuts and bolts of starting your own podcast, who's out there podcasting today, and how you can set yourself apart to create your own audio niche.

Panelists:

• Kate Baker
• Bruce Coville
• Bob Kuhn (M)
• Mur Lafferty
• Julia Rios

Reading by Dana Cameron, Sat 16:30 - Sat 16:55, Griffin

Reading by Walter Jon Williams, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:25, Griffin

Failure Is an Option, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Burroughs

We have been trained to believe that failure is a bad thing -- that it's never an option. Fear of failure paralyzes us, keeps us from trying new things and reaching beyond the safe choices. What if failure were an option? How does failure affect the growth of a character? What about a society's failure? How does failure affect the trajectory of a story? What can we learn from it, and what does it reveal about us and the stories we tell?

Panelists:

• Anna Davis
• Felicitas Ivey
• Alexander Jablokov (M)
• Shahid Mahmud
• Paul G. Tremblay

A Certain Uncertainty (Solo Talk), Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Carlton

America's Next Top Model. The fascinating Mr. Flynn takes us on a tiptoe through the tulips of statistical modeling -- and the sources of uncertainty that should be, but seldom are -- addressed.

Panelists:

• Michael F. Flynn

Fantasy and the Sea Chantey, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Douglass

Songs of the sea have long included the stuff of fantasy: ghosts, mermaids, and other creatures of the "vasty deep." Share discussions and performances of some of these nearly forgotten gems of the ocean.

Panelists:

• Gary Ehrlich
• Jordin T. Kare
• Faye Ringel
• Edie Stern

Boskone Art Show Tour (Docent Tour), Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Galleria-Art Show

Art lovers! Our art docent provides an Art Show tour that highlights everything fantastic -- from paintings to drawings, sculptures, and more!

Panelists:

• Vincent Docherty

Autographing with Christopher Golden, Jo Walton & Jane Yolen, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Galleria-Autographing

Kaffeeklatsche with Myke Cole, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Joan Slonczewski, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

The Long Series -- How We Did It, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Harbor I

Experts in the long multibook series share their secrets for keeping it alive and interesting. How do you prevent characters and storylines from feeling tired after the third or twelfth or even nineteenth book? How do you keep all those characters and histories straight when coming up with new ideas? Can fandom affect series development? Finally, when -- and how -- do you bring things to a satisfying end?

Panelists:

• Ginjer Buchanan (M)
• Charlaine Harris
• Steve Miller
• Melinda Snodgrass

The Enduring Power of Fairytales
, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Harbor II

What is it about fairytales that holds the imagination -- and can it survive a few tweaks? Fantasy is rife with retellings of myths and legends, but why are today's authors and screenwriters so radically changing classic fairytale characters (as in Wicked) and/or even outcomes (as in Once Upon a Time)?

Panelists:

• Craig Shaw Gardner
• Max Gladstone
• Theodora Goss (M)
• Mary Kay Kare

The Year in Physics and Astronomy, Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Harbor III

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.

Panelists:

• Guy Consolmagno
• Jeff Hecht
• Bill Higgins
• Mark L. Olson (M)

Creating an Art Portfolio (Workshop), Sat 17:00 - Sat 17:50, Lewis

Artists and art portfolios go hand in hand. Our panelists discuss tips for new artists looking to create a portfolio, as well as for current artists looking to retool what they already have available.

Panelists:

• Bob Eggleton
• David Palumbo
• John Picacio (M)
• Frank Wu

DragonsLair: Closed for Dinner, Sat 17:00 - Sat 19:00, Galleria-DragonsLair

Reading by Nancy Holder, Sat 17:30 - Sat 17:55, Griffin

Broad Universe Reading, Sat 18:00 - Sat 18:50, Burroughs

Join Broad Universe in promoting women's writing with this rapid-fire reading, featuring Sandra Barrett, Jill Schultz, Roberta Rogow, Justine Graykin, Morgen Rich, Terri Bruce, Anna Erishkigal, and Phoebe Wray. Hosted by Elaine Isaak.

Make Your Own Games!, Sat 18:00 - Sat 18:50, Carlton

You like to play games, but have you ever considered how games are made? How do you design a game? What does it take to make a really good game that people will want to play over and over again? Here's your chance to learn from actual game designers, with games that have been released onto the market, or are in the development stage. Got questions? We've got answers! Join us for this exciting new panel on game development.

Panelists:

• Jeff Johnston
• Sam Liberty
• Aerjen Tamminga
• Bill Todd (M)

Singing in Harmony (Workshop), Sat 18:00 - Sat 18:50, Douglass

There's joy in singing along with other people. Sometimes singing along with the melody is all you need, but there's something magic about harmony. Learn how it's done.

Panelists:

• Kara Hurvitz (M)
• Ruth Wejksnora-Garrott
• Alexandria Wilkie

LOTERIA! with John Picacio, Sat 18:00 - Sat 18:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Join 2013 Hugo Award winner John Picacio as he conducts a few fun rounds of the classic Mexican game of chance called Loteria. It's similar to Bingo and it's easy to play. See Picacio's new art for his bold version of this classic game, and win cool prizes playing the traditional version!

Jewish Havdalah Service, Sat 18:00 - Sat 20:00, Griffin

So You Want to Run a Filk Convention?, Sat 19:00 - Sat 19:50, Douglass

As with any other type of fannish activity, a filk convention has its own ins and outs. What are things that you need to look for? What special considerations are there?

Panelists:

• Gary Ehrlich
• Merav Hoffman
• Ellen Kranzer (M)

Kids' Flash Fiction (short-short stories) with Daniel Dern, Sat 19:00 - Sat 19:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Author Daniel Dern reads and discusses flash length (short-short) fiction with kids.

Panelists:

• Daniel P. Dern

Fun With Seriously Silly Poses, Sat 19:00 - Sat 19:50, Harbor I

Expect to emit great giggles at our group reenactments of scenes from SF/fantasy/horror cover art. Warning: high probability of awkward audience participation and pretty pathetic props.

Panelists:

• E. C. Ambrose
• John Chu
• Gillian Daniels (M)
• Mur Lafferty
• Jennifer Pelland

Star Trek: Phase II Presentation (Video), Sat 19:00 - Sat 20:50, Carlton

Star Trek: Phase II is an award-winning independent webseries that produces new episodes of Classic Star Trek. We are a group of fans who have come together...for the purpose of having fun while making new episodes. Come watch a few episodes from the webseries with us! World premiere public screening of the episode "The Holiest Thing", followed by a Q&A panel with the cast and crew of Star Trek: Phase II.

Book Launch Party at Boskone, Sat 19:50-21:00, Galleria Con Suite

Fans and readers! Join us for Boskone's first Book Launch Party and see what's new from authors you already love as well as those you have yet to discover. Authors and publishers with a new book and a current Boskone membership are welcome to take part in the Book Launch Party. Bring your books and swag to the galleria and get ready for some Saturday night fun!

Reinventing the Quest -- for the 21st Century Reader, Sat 20:00 - Sat 20:50, Burroughs

The hero's journey is a well-defined and much-used structure for both books and movies. Has the idea of the quest changed for the 21st century reader and writer? If so, what effect does this change have upon the story and its characters? Panelists discuss examples of how 21st century writers have drawn upon the traditional structure of the quest and applied it to today's standards for today's readers.

Panelists:

• Anna Davis
• Michael F. Flynn
• Stephen P. Kelner (M)
• Tom Shippey

Paper Castle Building, Sat 20:00 - Sat 20:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Horrible Sex, Sat 20:00 - Sat 20:50, Harbor I

Sexual themes run through all film genres; how are they handled in horror movies versus, say, romantic comedies? What connects sex, death, fear, and the darker desires? How has sex changed in films these days -- and is there less of it? If so, is this a consequence of the new puritanism, feminism, or some other factor? Moreover, what is it about horror flicks that makes them great date movies?

Panelists:

• Christopher Golden
• Jack M. Haringa
• Felicitas Ivey
• Daniel M. Kimmel (M)
• Mallory O'Meara

Fantastic New England Literature, Sat 20:00 - Sat 20:50, Lewis

Genre literature based in New England is known for having a touch of the macabre, not to mention a Victorian edge laced with Gothic designs -- and a dab of horror to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Panelists discuss how New England as a setting inspires and affects the fiction they write.

Panelists:

• Dana Cameron
• Theodora Goss
• James Patrick Kelly
• Leigh Perry
• Faye Ringel (M)

Boskone Filk Fest, Set 1, Sat 20:00 - Sat 21:00, Harbor II+III

The Boskone Filk Fest begins with live performance by members of Sassafrass.

Panelists:

• Lila Garrott
• Kara Hurvitz
• Emily Lewis
• Ada Palmer
• Tili Sokolov
• Ruth Wejksnora-Garrott
• Alexandria Wilkie

Open Filk Sat 20:00 - Sun 01:00, Douglass

If you didn't get enough singing on Friday night, come back and sing some more!

NESFA Awards Ceremony, Sat 21:00 - Sat 21:15, Harbor II+III

The New England Science Fiction Association (NESFA) presents its annual Skylark and Gaughan Awards. 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.

Hugo Award Recommendations: Written Works, Sat 21:00 - Sat 21:50, Burroughs

What were your favorite SF/F/H novels, novellas, novelettes, short stories, related works, and graphic stories of 2013? 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 London soon.

Panelists:

• Bob Devney (M)
• Vincent Docherty
• Jack M. Haringa
• Jim Mann

Star Trek: Phase II Presentation (Video), Sat 21:00 - Sat 22:50, Carlton

Star Trek: Phase II is an award-winning independent webseries that produces new episodes of Classic Star Trek. We are a group of fans who have come together...for the purpose of having fun while making new episodes. Come watch a few episodes from the webseries with us!

Reduced William Shakespeare Star Wars Reading, Sat 21:15 - Sat 22:45, Harbor II+III

Join us for Boskone's special reading of Ian Doescher's Shakespearian Star Wars mashup with droids, heroes, heroines, villains -- and rhyming couplets. Abridged and directed by Laurie Mann.

Panelists:

• Kate Baker
• John Chu
• Bruce Coville
• Mary Crowell
• David G. Grubbs
• Bob Kuhn
• Darlene Marshall
• David Palumbo
• Joan Slonczewski
• Jane Yolen

Boskone Filk Fest, Set 2, Sat 23:00 - Sat 23:50, Harbor II+III

Saturday evening programming concludes with the second half of our Filk Fest, starring Lady Mondegreen (Merav Hoffman, Talis Kimberley, and Batya Wittenberg), and Featured Filker Bill Roper.

Panelists:

• Merav Hoffman
• Talis Kimberley
• Bill Roper
• Batya "The Toon" Wittenberg

---

Sunday

Yoga on Sunday (Special Interest Group), Sun 09:00 - Sun 09:50, Carlton

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

Panelists:

• Mary Crowell

MarbleWays and Legos, Sun 09:00 - Sun 09:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Writing Workout Sprint (Workshop), Sun 09:00 - Sun 09:50, Harbor II

Join writer Myke Cole for an invigorating writing exercise. Participants will write for 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of physical exercise, and the process will be repeated throughout the hour-long session. Military discipline for duration of class. Participants should come in gym clothes.

Panelists:

• Myke Cole

Reading by Scott Lynch, Sun 09:30 - Sun 09:55, Griffin

Flash Fiction Slam, Sun 09:30 - Sun 10:50, Burroughs

Join Boskone's first Flash Fiction Slam. Eleven (11) writers compete for the title of The Flash, reading their own original fiction -- which must tell a complete tale within a 3-minute period. Our expert panel of judges will score your work on a scale of 1 to 10, and you automatically lose 1 point for going over your 3-minute time. You may only read your own work. The reader with the top score wins! Sign up before the con for one of eight (8) advance reading slots on a first-come, first-served basis by e-mailing erin.m.underwood@gmail.com. Or sign up onsite at Program Ops in the Galleria for one of three (3) at-con openings. A waiting list will also be available.

Panelists:

• Paul Di Filippo
• Nancy Holder
• James Patrick Kelly
• Erin Underwood (M)
• Walter Jon Williams

Reading by Daniel Dern, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:25, Griffin

The Pleasure of Reading, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Carlton

Is a good book better than bad sex? What goes on in our heads when we read? Why is reading fun for you? Any reading rituals? Is reading really different from looking at art or listening to music? What's unique about experiencing a story on the page versus onstage or onscreen? How can re-reading be any fun?

Panelists:

• E. C. Ambrose
• Ellen Asher
• F. Brett Cox (M)
• David G. Hartwell
• Fred Lerner

Ecumenifilk I Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Douglass

The Sunday morning open circle, featuring songs of belief, lack thereof, and spirituality. Please be respectful.

Panelists:

• Gary D. McGath (M)

Exhibit, Tour 2 (Docent Tour), Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Galleria-Art Show

This year, our special exhibit focuses on the art that accompanied the works of ten literary Grand Masters: Lester del Rey, Frederik Pohl, Damon Knight, A.E. van Vogt, Jack Vance, Poul Anderson, Hal Clement, Brian Aldiss, Philip Jose Farmer, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Learn about the illustrators and their illustrations on this tour.

Panelists:

• Joe Siclari
• Edie Stern

Autographing with Scott Lynch & Allen M. Steele, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Galleria-Autographing

Long Live the Legion (Special Interest Group), Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Galleria-Discussion Group

Fun and Games with Walter H. Hunt, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Kaffeeklatsche with Ginjer Buchanan, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Theodora Goss, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Humor in SF, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Harbor I

Comedy is hard. Trying to write humorously in science fiction, fantasy, or horror takes iron nerve but a light touch. You run risks ranging from committing self-parody to simply (horribly) falling flat. How can it be done skillfully (situations, characters, plot, etc.)? Who's writing funny right now?

Panelists:

• Bruce Coville
• Janice Gelb (M)
• Darlene Marshall
• Jennifer Pelland
• Ian Randal Strock

Interview with Guest Artist David Palumbo (Interview), Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Harbor II

Former Guest Artist John Picacio interviews Boskone's current Guest Artist David Palumbo. As a freelance illustrator, David has provided genre-themed artwork for everything from book covers and collectible card games to advertisements and concept designs. He has received multiple honors for his work, including three Spectrum medals and a Chesley Award, and has shown in galleries from New York to Paris. Art enthusiasts: this is a panel not to be missed!

Panelists:

• David Palumbo
• John Picacio (M)

My Favorite (or Worst) Story and Why I Wrote It, Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Harbor III

Certain short stories hold a special place in the author's heart, no matter how they are perceived by the audience. Maybe it was an award-winner, gave birth to a series, earned a place in a notable anthology -- or turned out to be a complete failure. Each panelist will discuss a single published short story and share its genesis. What challenges arose when writing it? Has it led to new opportunities, fan interactions, or other surprises? What makes it special?

Panelists:

• Dana Cameron
• Charlaine Harris
• Leigh Perry (M)
• Paul G. Tremblay

Boskone Book Club (Special Interest Group), Sun 10:00 - Sun 10:50, Lewis

Announcing the Boskone Book Club! Purpose: to let con-goers get together and discuss one noteworthy work at length. This time it's Parasite by Mira Grant (the nom de plume our Guest of Honor, Seanan McGuire, uses for horror). Boskone's own Bob Kuhn will lead the discussion. To participate, please read the book and come ready with your observations.

Panelists:

• Bob Kuhn (M)

Reading by Julia Rios, Sun 10:30 - Sun 10:55, Griffin

Kids' Concert with Lady Mondegreen, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:25, Galleria-DragonsLair

Panelists:

• Merav Hoffman
• Batya "The Toon" Wittenberg

Reading by Michael F. Flynn, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:25, Griffin

The Dark Universe, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Burroughs

What are dark matter and dark energy? What is this dark universe that coexists alongside the cosmos we can see and feel? How apropos is George Lucas' description of The Force? (Obi-Wan Kenobi speaks of "[A]n energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together.") Is there something in this idea that might reveal mysteries that keep eluding us -- and do we really want to find out?

Panelists:

• Elizabeth Bear
• Guy Consolmagno
• Bill Higgins
• Mark L. Olson (M)

The Art of the Electronic Game, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Carlton

Pong and Pac-Man might still have their place, but the infusion of art into the gaming experience has evolved far beyond sliders and bouncing balls. From MYST to The Elder Scrolls to World of Warcraft, visual elements have taken on new prominence and importance. How does art affect gaming and game culture? How has visual design influenced and been influenced by the worlds within electronic games? See examples at Buzzfeed: http://tinyurl.com/m8qkup5

Panelists:

• Fran Wilde (M)
• Frank Wu
• Brianna Spacekat Wu

Ecumenifilk II Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Douglass

The Sunday morning open circle, featuring songs of belief, lack thereof, and spirituality. Please be respectful.

Panelists:

• Edward L. Stauff (M)
• Mary Ellen Wessels (M)

Autographing with Debra Doyle, James D. Macdonald & Darrell Schweitzer, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Galleria-Autographing

Agents 101 (Special Interest Group), Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Galleria-Discussion Group

Join Joshua Bilmes for a discussion on the business of finding an agent, selling your fiction, and promoting yourself.

Panelists:

• Joshua Bilmes

Kaffeeklatsche with Walter Jon Williams, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Jo Walton, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

A Literary Wonderland, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Harbor I

With approximately 25 film adaptations and countless derivative works seen since its 1865 publication, the influence of Alice in Wonderland upon literature, especially fantasy and young adult literature, cannot be understated. What makes this work so special? Why do new generations of readers keep coming back to it? Panelists discuss the curious characters and their curiouser stories that make Wonderland so special, as well as other works it has inspired.

Panelists:

• Sarah Beth Durst
• Craig Shaw Gardner
• Theodora Goss (M)
• Seanan McGuire
• Jane Yolen

Having Your Work Adapted to Film, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Harbor II

Most writers say they'd love to see their stories at the movies or on TV. At least, until it actually happens. What surprises, good or bad, can crop up during the adaptation process? How much influence does our writer have in developing the script? How do fans of the original react to the transition? Join our panelists for an inside look at the path from page to screen.

Panelists:

• Christopher Golden
• Charlaine Harris
• Steven Sawicki
• Melinda Snodgrass (M)

50+ Years of Doctor Who: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Harbor III

How has this seminal series evolved since that first BBC show on November 23, 1963? What are its highlights, lowlights, and iconic scenes?

Panelists:

• Dana Cameron
• John Chu
• LJ Cohen
• Tony Lewis
• Jim Mann (M)

Ezines, Fanzines, and Blogs, Oh My!, Sun 11:00 - Sun 11:50, Lewis

Fanzines, ezines, and blogs come and go, and return again in new and different forms. What is it about fanzines that gives them such resiliency when so many readerships remain in perpetual flux? What are the advantages of these forms? What do their readers -- and writers -- get out of each?

Panelists:

• E. C. Ambrose
• Steve Davidson (M)
• Steve Miller
• Mallory O'Meara
• Joe Siclari

Open, Sun 11:30 - Sun 11:55, Galleria-DragonsLair

Reading by Bruce Coville, Sun 11:30 - Sun 11:55, Griffin

Reading by F. Brett Cox, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:25, Griffin

Reboots: New Chances for Old Stories?, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Burroughs

Are do-overs only for television programs, movies, and comics, or can we hit the dreaded reboot button on written fiction as well? Which classic stories should be preserved untouched in SF/F/H's hallowed halls? Which might gain fresh life -- and new readers -- from judicious technological or social updating? Once you start changing things, how far should you go?

Panelists:

• Ellen Asher
• Alexander Jablokov
• Shahid Mahmud
• Beth Meacham
• Steve Miller (M)

Evolving Toward the Future, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Carlton

What is the future of Homo sapiens? What will humanity be like in 100 years? A thousand years? Ten thousand years? (Assuming we last that long.) How will we adapt to our changing environment? Will we practice genetic modification (and if so, what kind) on ourselves as well?

Panelists:

• Jeff Hecht
• Priscilla Olson
• Steven Popkes (M)
• Walter H. Hunt
• Jill Shultz

Filk: Fandom Within Fandom, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Douglass

Filk is a fandom within fandom, and a microcosm of fandom at large. What is filk's place in the larger fannish community? How does filk relate to fandom-at-large, and fandom-at-large to filk?

Panelists:

• Merav Hoffman
• Roberta Rogow
• Bill Roper (M)

Autographing with Seanan McGuire & Melinda Snodgrass, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Galleria-Autographing

Get Started Learning Magic Tricks with Daniel Dern, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Author and magician Daniel Dern shares the trick of the trade and teaches kids some fun and easy magic tricks.

Panelists:

• Daniel P. Dern

Kaffeeklatsche with Michael Swanwick, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with David Palumbo, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Interview with NESFA Press Guest Jane Yolen (Interview), Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Harbor I

Young adult and children's writer Bruce Coville interviews NESFA Press Guest Jane Yolen on how to remain viable as an author over a long career. Jane's books, stories, and poems have won the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Fantasy Awards, the Golden Kite Award, and the World Fantasy Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, among many others. She's a long-time favorite at Boskone too; learn why when you listen to this warm and witty conversation.

Panelists:

• Bruce Coville (M)
• Jane Yolen

Cyber Futures, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Harbor II

Smartphone implants, nerve-controlled mechanical limbs, chips to help boost your learning curve ... It all sounds like SF, but these scientific advances are well underway. The question is: how much more cyber can our future get? Orwellian video rooms and Scalzian BrainPals? Full-fledged A.I. integrated with our wetware? At what point do we begin to chip away at our humanity -- and when does (should) it stop?

Panelists:

• Myke Cole
• Paul Di Filippo (M)
• Michael F. Flynn
• Edie Stern
• Charles Stross

Future Fantasy and the Teen Protagonist, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Harbor III

Edgar Rice Burroughs once used the phrase "future fantasy." Could this term find fresh usefulness today, for instance to describe developments in young adult (YA) literature, where we see a growing mix of fantastic elements? What works might qualify as future fantasy? Could blending the scientific with the fantastic lead to further innovations in fiction -- or in science itself?

Panelists:

• Anna Davis
• Stacey Friedberg
• Nancy Holder
• Erin Underwood (M)

Against a Dark Background: Looking Back at Iain M. Banks, Sun 12:00 - Sun 12:50, Lewis

Scottish novelist Iain M. Banks (1954-2013) wrote brilliantly for both SF and mainstream fans, and was named one of the top 50 authors in postwar Britain by The Times of London. What do we make of his troubled viewpoint characters? His fondness for set pieces, rants, bleak smiles, and nasty shocks? His portrayals of sex, tech, morality, art, violence, and death? What sets his Jeeves-like Minds and drones apart from other writers' robots? Aren't his ship names just the coolest thing?

Panelists:

• Gillian Daniels
• Bob Devney (M)
• Vincent Docherty
• Patrick Nielsen Hayden
• Mark L. Olson

Reading by James Patrick Kelly, Sun 12:30 - Sun 12:55, Griffin

Reading by Theodora Goss, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:25, Griffin

Who's in the Attic, What's in the Basement, and I Don't Know Is Under the Bed, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Burroughs

A panel discussion of the things that give us goose bumps, send chills down our spines, or otherwise scare the daylights out of us.

Panelists:

• F. Brett Cox
• Gillian Daniels (M)
• Max Gladstone
• Darrell Schweitzer
• Paul G. Tremblay

Vandals of the Void: The Chelyabinsk Meteor Strike of 2013, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Carlton

One year ago, a window-shattering shock wave injured 1400 Russians and startled the world. A 20-meter asteroid had exploded in the sky above Chelyabinsk. Join Bill Higgins and Guy Consolmagno for a look at what scientists have learned about this striking event.

Panelists:

• Guy Consolmagno
• Bill Higgins

Concert: Sassafras/Crowell, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Douglass

Short sets: Sassafrass/past Featured Filker Mary Crowell.

Panelists:

• Mary Crowell
• Lila Garrott
• Kara Hurvitz
• Emily Lewis
• Ada Palmer
• Tili Sokolov
• Ruth Wejksnora-Garrott
• Alexandria Wilkie

Autographing with Neil Clarke, Craig Shaw Gardner & Jill Shultz, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Galleria-Autographing

OPEN, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Galleria-DragonsLair

Kaffeeklatsche with Seanan McGuire, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1 Kaffeeklatsche with Walter H. Hunt, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Mary Sue or Just Joe Hero?, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Harbor I

Who or what is "Mary Sue"? Panelists explain the term's origin, meaning, and wider implications. Why has its use become so popular? What's the difference between a Mary Sue and just a strong female character? Are there male Mary Sues? If we eradicated Mary Sueism, how many heroes or heroines would science fiction and fantasy have left?

Panelists:

• Stacey Friedberg
• Teresa Nielsen Hayden
• Jennifer Pelland
• Julia Rios (M)
• Bill Roper

Economics In Science Fiction and Fantasy, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Harbor II

"Economist" may have become an insult since the (widely unforeseen) crash of 2008, but doesn't any SF or fantasy world require some kind of an economy? Can the "dismal science" make a fun story? Could fusion power ever be free? What are the economic implications of robots and zombies, or dark lords, evil empires, and vampires?

Panelists:

• Paul Di Filippo
• Tom Easton
• Charles Stross
• Walter Jon Williams

Wicked Good Villains!, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Harbor III

A look at the awesome antagonists who make their stories come alive. What makes a good bad guy or girl? From Maleficent to Sauron, magic-wielding villains have been a staple of the fantasy tradition. But what makes them tick? Why do we find them so compelling? And when do they cross over the wicked good line to join the best villains in fantasy literature?

Panelists:

• Myke Cole
• Daniel P. Dern (M)
• Scott Lynch
• Darlene Marshall

Amazon's Impact on Publishing, Sun 13:00 - Sun 13:50, Lewis

On issues from price setting and self-publishing to marketing, reviews, and declining mass market paperbacks, the orbits of writers, publishers, and even readers all get perturbed by Amazon -- the massiest star in the Internet system. And now, the prospect of drones dropping off our tomes (and toilet paper). What's next? Let's discuss the Amazon Effect, and how it impacts our worlds.

Panelists:

• Joshua Bilmes
• Shahid Mahmud
• Beth Meacham (M)
• Ian Randal Strock

Reading by Debra Doyle & James D. Macdonald, Sun 13:30 - Sun 13:55, Griffin

Reading by Max Gladstone, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:25, Griffin

From Browncoats to Red Shirts, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Burroughs

"Millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced." SF can be cavalier about the death of away-team expendables or the faceless multitudes of Alderaan. But lately, storytellers are starting to finish off our favorites. Cheap, hateful trick -- or welcome return to reality? What are the benefits (and dangers) of a story where no one, not even your best-loved character, is ever truly safe?

Panelists:

• Debra Doyle
• Walter H. Hunt
• Steven Popkes (M)
• Melinda Snodgrass

Creativity: The Seven Deadly Myths (Solo Talk), Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Carlton

Creativity is often described in the same terms as magic -- the muse, being struck, getting inspired, etc. But contrary to what people think, creativity is inherent in the human animal, and considerable neuropsychological research points to a simple definition of creativity. That doesn't stop people from getting tangled in popular myths that can derail effective productivity, however. Fortunately, many of these myths are entirely explicable and avoidable.

Panelists:

• Stephen P. Kelner

Nattering About Songwriting, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Douglass

Creative people sitting around and talking creatively about the creative process.

Panelists:

• Mary Crowell
• Talis Kimberley (M)
• Batya "The Toon" Wittenberg

Autographing with Sarah Beth Durst & Leigh Perry (Toni L. P. Kelner), Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Galleria-Autographing

Kaffeeklatsche with Neil Clarke, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsche with Elizabeth Bear & Scott Lynch, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Galleria-Kaffeeklatsch 2

Understanding Fan Culture, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Lewis

What is fandom? If you consider yourself part of it, how would you describe it? Is there anything about it that makes it particularly appealing? How has it changed? And what do you think people from outside the community (especially those trying to break in) most need to know about it? How can we better understand what it means to be a fan in the 21st century and beyond?

Panelists:

• Steve Davidson
• Patrick Nielsen Hayden
• Bill Roper
• Janice Gelb (M)
• Brianna Spacekat Wu

Finding Your Voice as an Artist (Solo Talk), Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Harbor I

Boskone's Official Artist David Palumbo discusses the intimidating journey of discovering your artistic voice. What methods can be used to help an artist set their work apart in an ever increasing pool of talent? Where does the line fall between inspiration and imitation? When do you follow your own path and what part does it play in the business side of art?

Panelists:

• David Palumbo

Writers on Writing: Sex Versus Romance, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Harbor II

Authors share ideas and experiences about writing scenes that are erotic as compared to scenes that are romantic. Which is harder? Which is more fun to write? Does your protagonist's gender or preference make a difference? How do you accommodate audiences of different ages or sexual orientations? Is romance just sex in soft focus?

Panelists:

• Carrie Cuinn
• Anna Davis
• Nancy Holder
• Darlene Marshall (M)

Game of Thrones: What Happens Next?, Sun 14:00 - Sun 14:50, Harbor III

Okay, we really don't have any inside information either...but we do have our favorite theories. Come share yours with an opinionated gang of your fellow Game of Thrones fanatics, as we predict what will be coming on TV and in the final books in the series. (Note -- the unsullied should expect spoilers...)

Panelists:

• Bob Devney
• Priscilla Olson

Reading by Darrell Schweitzer, Sun 14:30 - Sun 14:55, Griffin

MASSFILC Meeting (Special Interest Group), Sun 15:00 - Sun 15:30, Douglass

Business meeting for MASSFILC, the Boston-area filk association. Dead dog filking opens right after the meeting finishes.

Feedback Session, Sun 15:00 - Sun 15:50, Burroughs

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 52. Help us get a good head start with reports on what went right (or wrong) this time, and how to achieve perfection next year.

Panelists:

• Adina Adler
• Ann A. Broomhead
• Tim Szczesuil

Dead Dog Filk Sun 15:30 - Sun 18:30, Douglass

Still more time to sing with your friends and chosen family, up until we run out of voice.