Friday 16 February, 2018

Time Zone: (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

2:00 PM

Stories Before the Apocalypse

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Juliana Spink Mills (Participant)

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Moderator)

Julie C. Day (Participant)

Alan Gordon (Participant)

John Chu (Participant)

We’re familiar with post-apocalyptic futures, from Max's desert hellscape to Katniss's dystopic districts. But what about right before the cataclysm — as doom and destruction loom large? How do people live? How do relationships change as we shift into survival mode? Let's share our few existing "must-read" favorites, and discuss stories we’d like to see.

AIs and the Female Image

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Victoria Sandbrook (Moderator)

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Christine Taylor-Butler (Participant)

Laurence Raphael Brothers (Participant)

John P. Murphy (Participant)

When it comes to AIs wearing mechanical bodies, until recently, many “female” AIs were all about gorgeousness and sexuality. Now some portrayals emphasize strength and intelligence. Can you do both? How well do these creations represent women, metaphorically or realistically? How does the representation of “male” AIs differ?

Generation Ships

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

John R. Douglas, Freelance (Moderator)

Cady Coleman (Participant)

Vincent O'Neil (Participant)

Stacey Berg (Participant)

Generation ships, interstellar arks that travel at sublight speed, are all the rage in science fiction, and real-life scientists are even looking at the possibility of sending ships in space to far-off planets. Even if the science were possible, should we actually use generation ships to populate new worlds? Is it fair to the children? What are we asking of them? What might we lose or gain in the process?

Star Wars Mad Libs

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Harbor II

Game Show

Mihku Paul, Feathers of Many Colors (Moderator)

Kaitlin R. Branch (Participant)

Inanna Arthen / Vyrdolak, By Light Unseen Media (Participant)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Who doesn’t love a good session of Mad Libs, Boskone style? Join us for a special edition of Star Wars Mad Libs — in which the audience provides the nouns, adverbs, and adjectives for a raucous reading performed by our panel of program participants.

Splendor

2 hours, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Moonquake Escape / Leaf Me Alone

4 hours, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

3:00 PM

Welcome to Boskone!

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Independence

Panel

Brenda Noiseux, Almost a Game (Participant)

Janice Gelb (Participant)

New to the con? Or returning after a long absence? Join us for a short discussion about what Boskone has to offer. Hear the highlights, learn some lingo, and meet new people who love the same strange things you do — plus some weird new stuff of their own! Then join our docents for a stroll around the con.

Angels in Speculative Fiction

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Bob Kuhn (Moderator)

Alexander Jablokov (Participant)

Victoria Sandbrook (Participant)

Walt Williams (Participant)

Angels in fantasy, science fiction, and horror aren't always what you might expect. There are the ones that behave, well, angelically, and the fallen angels — but also bad-tempered angels, angels from advanced civilizations, and more. What attracts writers (and readers) to this motif? What common themes, like redemption or the Fall, recur? Are there novel ways to write an angel?

The Real Hero of Hogwarts

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Priscilla Olson (Moderator)

Julia Rios, Mermaids Monthly (Participant)

Pete Hollmer (Participant)

Flourish Klink (Participant)

Everyone knows the Harry Potter series. Harry is at the center of the story with events swirling around him, but is he the real hero? In fact, is there any real hero at Hogwarts? Let's discuss heroism. What does it take to be a hero — and what does that even mean in a place like Hogwarts?

One-Book Wonders

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Beth Meacham (Participant)

Michael Stearns, Upstart Crow Literary (Moderator)

Bob Devney (Participant)

Greer Gilman (Participant)

John R. Douglas, Freelance (Participant)

Publishers (and authors) love the continuing sales and predictable incomes of a good series. But not all readers feel happy committing to a 10-volume epic fantasy saga with 500+ pages per book. The works we cherish most may be a tale well told between a single pair of covers. Let’s share and discuss our favorite stand-alone stories.

Armchair Detectives

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Leigh Perry (Moderator)

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

E.J. Stevens (Participant)

Mary Kay Kare (Participant)

Brendan DuBois (Participant)

Crime and fiction have long been a popular pairing. But what have science and technology done to the prospects of pulling off the perfect murder? How much tricksier must authors get to keep their readers guessing, especially in this new age of the armchair detective?

Kaffeeklatsch: Steven Popkes

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Steven Popkes (Participant)

1950s — The Golden Age of SF Movies

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Daniel Kimmel (Moderator)

Garen Daly, 44th Boston Science Fiction Film Festival and Marathon (Participant)

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Vincent Di Fate (Participant)

Eric M. Van (Participant)

Soon after World War II, as the Cold War introduced chilling new threats to the world’s peace of mind — Hollywood (and Tokyo) launched an avalanche of SF and monster-related movies. Was this a golden age? Or were these flicks mostly cheap shockers that kept recycling variations on the theme of "Monster Attacks!"?

Istanbul

2 hours, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

My Favorite Game

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Lewis

Panel

Auston Habershaw (Participant)

Carlos Hernandez (Moderator)

Dan Moren (Participant)

M. C. DeMarco (Participant)

Join us as we explore the wonderful world of board games. Our panel of expert gamers will discuss their favorites from the past 10 years. We’ll compare bragging rights, and swap tales of our victories (or defeats). Let’s include our top ten lists — feel free to bring and share your own!

4:00 PM

Dragonar Academy

1 hour 40 minutes, 4:00 PM - 5:40 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

Ash is a student at Ansalivan Dragon Academy, attended by children who have formed contracts with dragons. He possesses the "star mark," the sign of a contract, but since his partner hasn't been born yet, he seems insignificant. The awakening of the dragon he's raising inside his body is triggered by an incident, and it emerges in the form of a young girl.

The 10 Books That Made Me a Fan

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Steve Davidson, Amazing Stories (Moderator)

Tony Lewis FN (Participant)

Kenneth Rogers, Lost Imaginations (Participant)

Genny Dazzo (Participant)

There are books that interest us, books that inspire us, and books that stimulate us to read more! Our panelists share the books that made them fans and kept them reading. What's so special about these works?

Big YA

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Gregory Katsoulis (Moderator)

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Michael Stearns, Upstart Crow Literary (Participant)

Christine Taylor-Butler (Participant)

E. Ardell (Participant)

What is Big YA? Well, it's a term we just made up here at Boskone to talk about the intricacies of writing, editing, and publishing big, long young adult series. What are the challenges associated with writing a series where the characters often don't age as quickly as their readers? How do you track all the details without dropping threads? And why are these long epic YA series so popular today?

Reimagining the Book

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Marina II

Solo Talk

Jen Gunnels, Tor Books (Participant)

Does print have to come first? What other forms matter? How does format affect the "book" quality and/or sales? What might be a much-needed change for the future? How about releasing books as serials, as we did in the distant past? Let's think outside of the book box.

The New Doctor Is Coming!

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Jim Mann (Moderator)

Don Pizarro (Participant)

Carrie Cuinn (Participant)

Dana Cameron, writer (Participant)

Gerald L. Coleman (Participant)

The new Doctor Who has a female body. That's great, but really is that all we're looking forward to this year? What else is in store for the good Doctor? And will her new appearance change the character we have grown to love? Will she, like Missy, become softer? Will she have a female companion? And why did she choose a female body this time?

Kaffeeklatsch: Jane Yolen

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: James Cambias

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

James Cambias (Participant)

Revisiting Big Dumb Objects

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Mark Olson (Moderator)

M. C. DeMarco (Participant)

Daniel P. Dern, File770.com (Participant)

JeffWarner (Participant)

Brendan DuBois (Participant)

Big Dumb Objects (BDO) are so called because they evoke a sense of wonder simply by existing. The objects themselves are numinous: no plot needed, no characterizations should bother to apply. The term, really, is a bit of a putdown; is it fair? The case can be made that BDOs are one of SF's truly unique inventions, and ought to be appreciated as such. So let's celebrate the Big Dumb Objects we know and love — and perhaps a few we've missed along the way.

Japanese Light Novels

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Lewis

Solo Talk

Kaitlin R. Branch (Participant)

Some of the most popular Japanese anime has come out of light novels. We’ll discuss what differentiates these novels from SF/fantasy literature from the U.S., run down some of the most popular titles, and explore what makes these books so popular.

Reading by Catherine Asaro

30 minutes, 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Curse Your Inevitable Romantic Subplot!

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Heather Albano (Moderator)

Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert (Participant)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Participant)

Kevin McLaughlin (Participant)

Juliana Spink Mills (Participant)

Just when things are getting good, somebody has to go and fall in love. Are romantic subplots required? And what makes them work or fail in the larger storyline?

4:30 PM

Reading by Alan Gordon

30 minutes, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Alan Gordon (Participant)

Reading by Walter Jon Williams

30 minutes, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Walter Jon Williams, Word Domination (Participant)

5:00 PM

Reading by Marshall Ryan Maresca

30 minutes, 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Marshall Ryan Maresca (Participant)

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

R.W.W. Greene (Participant)

Jen Gunnels, Tor Books (Participant)

Mary Kay Kare (Participant)

Darlene Marshall (Participant)

Bob Kuhn (Moderator)

Fifty years ago, Anne McCaffrey released Dragonflight, the first novel in her Dragon Riders of Pern series. This epic fantasy series captured the hearts and minds of generations of readers. What is it about this book and this series that is so compelling?

Incorporating Cultures Into Fiction

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Beth Meacham (Moderator)

Lauren Roy (Participant)

Mihku Paul, Feathers of Many Colors (Participant)

Carlos Hernandez (Participant)

Erin Roberts (Participant)

In writing, it's hard to navigate between inclusion and appropriation of a culture or cultural elements. But like it or hate it, people write what they know ... or at least what they think they know. Complicating matters, the definitions of these two words are fuzzy for many. So, what is cultural appropriation? How do we incorporate cultures or aspects of cultures without crossing the line?

Collaborating With Others

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Sarah Smith (Participant)

LJ Cohen (Moderator)

Adam Stemple (Participant)

Craig Miller (Participant)

Tom Easton (Participant)

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Collaboration isn't always easy — learning to work with others, even your friends, can be tricky. But it can create some amazing results. Our participants share their experiences, advice, and questions as they reveal the joys and pitfalls of partnered art.

Interstellar Travel — Separating the Reality From the Fiction

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Marina I

Solo Talk

Les Johnson (Participant)

Traveling to the stars will be difficult, and require engineering on a scale unimaginable today — but the laws of nature say it can be done. In this talk, Les Johnson will describe the distances involved, the propulsion systems that will and won't work for getting us (or our robotic probes) to another star, and the status of research toward making interstellar travel possible. Note: Only technologies based on real physics will be described!

Kaffeeklatsch: Jeff Hecht

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Jeff Hecht (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Walter Hunt

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Walter H. Hunt (Participant)

YA Fiction Guest Interview: Tamora Pierce

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Harbor II

Interview

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Julie Holderman (Participant)

With a brand-new book out and nearly 30 other novels, dozens of short stories, and several comics to her name, Tamora Pierce is a much-loved author of children's and young adult fantasy fiction. Join us for this lively discussion with Tamora about her life, her writing, and her love of cats, conducted by her longtime friend Julie Holderman.

St. Petersburg

2 hours, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Tarot and Divining Fantastic Fiction

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Lewis

Discussion Group

Trisha J. Wooldridge (Participant)

Author and Tarot guru Trisha Wooldridge leads a discussion on Tarot, fortune-telling, and the art of the seer in fantasy and science fiction. Trisha will provide a live demonstration.

Reading by James Patrick Kelly

30 minutes, 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Participant)

Law and Justice in Speculative Fiction

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

B. Diane Martin, Readercon, Fan Funds and Auctions (Participant)

Bracken MacLeod (Participant)

Kenneth Schneyer, Johnson & Wales University (Moderator)

Alan Gordon (Participant)

Auston Habershaw (Participant)

In an SF or fantasy world, justice may be meted out by a familiar legal system, by religious hierarchies that rule through faith, by some corrupt order that props up an evil regime, etc. How do you show the complex evolution/interplay of a society and its justice system in a single tale? Why do so many stories concentrate on crime and criminals? How do you quickly sketch out a justice system for a culture that’s different from our own?

5:30 PM

Reading by Greer Gilman

30 minutes, 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Greer Gilman (Participant)

Boskone's Regency Dance with Guest of Honor Mary Robinette Kowal

1 hour 30 minutes, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

- Harbor III

Event

Kevin Turausky (Participant)

Antonia Pugliese, Commonwealth Vintage Dancers (Participant)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Calling all dancers! Join our Guest of Honor, Mary Robinette Kowal, as we travel back in time to Britain’s Regency period, when dancing was all the craze. Antonia Pugliese from Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, a Boston-area nonprofit that reconstructs, performs, and teaches dances of the 19th and early 20th century, will lead us through Boskone's special set of Regency dances. So put on your 19th century duds or keep your modern wardrobe to represent your favorite era — as we genre-happy gentlefolk join together to dance, Regency-style!

Reading by Robert J Sawyer

30 minutes, 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Robert J. Sawyer (Participant)

5:45 PM

Dirty Pair: Project Eden

1 hour 25 minutes, 5:45 PM - 7:10 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

When the planet Agerna comes under attack, the 3WA sends its top trouble consultants — Kei and Yuri. Can they solve the mystery behind the attacks in time to save the planet's Vizorium supplies? And can the planet survive having the Lovely Angels on the case? In Japanese with English subtitles.

6:00 PM

How to Do Magic Tricks

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Independence

Solo Talk

Daniel P. Dern, File770.com (Participant)

Author and magician Daniel Dern has entertained Boskone's children for years in DragonsLair. It's now time for their parents to get in on the act. Daniel shares tips, tricks, and possibly even a few mysteries of the magical arts!

Heinlein's Rules for Writers

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Carlton

Solo Talk

Kevin McLaughlin (Participant)

Heinlein's rules offer a different model for writers from the one most commonly taught; they're a lot of fun to follow, but challenging. Put into place, they have helped many writers achieve professional success. Come learn more about classic SF author Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) and his processes.

Folktales Within Poetry

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Theodora Goss (Moderator)

Jane Yolen (Participant)

C. S. E. Cooney (Participant)

John Chu (Participant)

Trisha J. Wooldridge (Participant)

From “The Lady of Shalott” to “Goblin Market” to The Iliad, some quite engaging poems are inspired by folklore, legends, or myths. What other examples can we add — perhaps from non-European poetry? What do folk sources bring that an original story might lack? Our panelists will discuss (and perhaps read) some of their favorites — what are yours?

The Sword in the Stone: A New Beginning for the Arthurian Legends?

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Faye Ringel (Participant)

Elizabeth Bear (Participant)

E. Ardell (Participant)

Auston Habershaw (Participant)

Heather Albano (Moderator)

First published in 1938 as a stand-alone tale, T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone departs from older sources to (wonderfully) imagine King Arthur as a boy in Merrie Olde England. What did it bring to now-popular tropes such as shapeshifting, the hidden prince, or the magical education? Later incorporated into the first part of White’s 1958 novel The Once and Future King, it helped spark the musical Camelot. (And, of course, Spamalot.) Would we remember much about King Arthur, his Knights, and their Round Table without these books? How did they influence the wider fantasy genre? Have they been replaced by the stories they inspired?

SF/F (NESFA) Hymnal Singing

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Marina I

Filk / Music

Origami for Kids

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Participant)

Meet Up: The State of Black Science Fiction Facebook Group

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

Gerald L. Coleman (Participant)

Join Gerald Coleman for a discussion focused on the popular Facebook group The State of Black Science Fiction and visit the group online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackscifi/

Kaffeeklatsch: Adam Stemple

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Adam Stemple (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Catherine Asaro

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Exploring Gender in Speculative Fiction

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Julie Holderman (Participant)

Inanna Arthen / Vyrdolak, By Light Unseen Media (Participant)

Dr. Stephen P. Kelner Jr., Ascent Leadership Networks (Participant)

Suzanne Palmer (Participant)

Stacey Berg (Moderator)

In 1969, Ursula Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness famously featured an androgynous culture. More recently, Ann Leckie’s celebrated Ancillary series and her latest novel, Provenance, treat readers to a society in which gender doesn’t matter. What other SF/F/H writers offer us gender-expansive characters or societies? Why and when should gender matter?

Awesome Action Sequences

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Lewis

Workshop

Vincent O'Neil (Participant)

Author Vincent O'Neil leads a short workshop for writers who would like to hone the craft of writing action sequences.

Group Reading: Speculative Fiction Shorts

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Christian Baines (Participant)

Susan Jane Bigelow (Participant)

Jack Haringa, Worcester Academy (Moderator)

Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert (Participant)

Dr. SETI, Inc. (Participant)

Rajnar Vajra (Participant)

You're sure to enjoy this specially designed group reading, which brings together a select group of Boskone's speculative fiction authors — just for you.

Asimov's Laws

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Burroughs

Solo Talk

Robert J. Sawyer (Participant)

Asimov's Laws of Robotics just turned 75; they date from World War II. Isn't it time we abandoned what, really, is a slaveholder's credo in favor of a win-win scenario for interactions between humans and artificial intelligences? Join Robert J. Sawyer, who wrote a guest editorial for the journal Science on "Robot Ethics" and is the author of the Hugo Award-nominated Wake, which seeks just such a non-zero-sum solution, for a lively talk followed by audience discussion.

7:00 PM

Future of Noir

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Alexander Jablokov (Moderator)

Nik Korpon (Participant)

Chris Irvin (Participant)

Vikki Ciaffone (Participant)

Laurence Raphael Brothers (Participant)

Noir (the French word for “black”) began as a Hollywood subgenre depicting hard-boiled, cynical characters in sleazy settings. It’s certainly found a new home in urban fantasy. But is the murky world of noir inherently incompatible with the sleek, shiny surfaces of science fiction? Or as our visions of the fruits of science and technology grow darker, does noir have a future as a main strain of SF?

All the Universe's a Stage ...

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Jeanne Beckwith, Norwich University (Participant)

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Participant)

Jen Gunnels, Tor Books (Participant)

C. S. E. Cooney (Participant)

F. Brett Cox, Norwich University (Moderator)

... And all the men and women (and robots, and wizards) merely players. William Shakespeare was a Jedi master at creating characters and building tension upon the stage. What can he teach us about how to craft a compelling SF/F/H character? And how to make completely unrealistic situations and people feel real, given the limitations of whatever medium we choose?

Name That Legendary Object

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Marina II

Game Show

Michael Sharrow (Moderator)

Jennifer Pelland (Participant)

Erin Roberts (Participant)

Bob Kuhn (Participant)

Legendary objects of yore — from various worlds throughout the universe, and from myriad planes of existence — have been gathered together in anticipation of this special Boskone game, for the entertainment and edification of the public. Our expert "historians" compete for the ultimate prize as they seek to identify these awesome articles, which may have once been owned by gods, heroes, villains ... or the occasional ancient street sweeper. Audience participation is encouraged: bring your favorite enigmatic items to be identified by our adepts of the interdimensional.

Space Exploration for Kids

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Les Johnson (Participant)

Kids get an up-close look at materials used for space exploration in this discussion group — led by NASA scientist Les Johnson — about spaceships and interstellar travel.

Kaffeeklatsch: Elaine Isaak

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

E C Ambrose, Rocinante Books (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Auston Habershaw

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Auston Habershaw (Participant)

The Greatest Space Opera Ever

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Allen M. Steele (Participant)

Kevin McLaughlin (Moderator)

Scott Lynch (Participant)

Walter H. Hunt (Participant)

Suzanne Palmer (Participant)

Space opera. Wait, it's not singers in outer space? Then: What is it? Why is it called that? Why is it so popular? And, in the opinions of the panel and our audience, what is the greatest space opera ever? Inquiring Boskonians want to know.

Puerto Rico

2 hours, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Before the Flat Screen

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Lewis

Panel

Ginjer Buchanan (Moderator)

Deirdre Crimmins (Participant)

Daniel Kimmel (Participant)

Tony Lewis FN (Participant)

Craig Miller (Participant)

They may lack the amazing visuals and grittier content of today’s science fiction and fantasy shows, but some of the TV series we grew up on continue to delight. Let's dish over our long-ago favorite fare. Remember Bewitched, My Favorite Martian, I Dream of Jeannie, The Jetsons, or ALF? Why do these oldies still resonate today? Can they teach us anything? Na-No, Na-No!

Reading by Brendan DuBois

30 minutes, 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Brendan DuBois (Participant)

History of Death Rays in Fact and Fiction

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Burroughs

Solo Talk

Jeff Hecht (Participant)

Scientist and laser expert Jeff Hecht walks us through the fact, fiction, and fun of death rays. Some of the things we see on the silver screen may or may not be possible today, but who knows what the future may hold?

7:15 PM

Hidden Figures

2 hours 7 minutes, 7:15 PM - 9:22 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in African-American female mathematicians, who served as some of the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. This film follows three of these women, known as "human computers," as they rose in the ranks of NASA. Alongside many of history's greatest minds, they were tasked with calculating the momentous launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, and guaranteeing his safe return. (2016)

7:30 PM

Reading by Bruce Coville

30 minutes, 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Bruce Coville (Participant)

8:00 PM

Fresh Fantasy Worlds

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Gerald L. Coleman (Participant)

Andrea Martinez Corbin (Participant)

John R. Douglas, Freelance (Moderator)

Marshall Ryan Maresca (Participant)

“High” fantasies in much of western speculative literature lean heavily on the European Middle Ages for inspiration. Pastoral landscapes, Camelottian castles, noble knights, distressed damsels. All much loved — all done to death. (Or killed off by George R. R. Martin.) Why do we still cling to them so? What’s it take to create a fresh fantasy world? Besides European models, what other options are there? And how do you enliven tropes, settings, and situations that have become old hat?

Fantasy in Gilbert & Sullivan

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Ellen Asher (Participant)

Greer Gilman (Participant)

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

Faye Ringel (Moderator)

Daniel P. Dern, File770.com (Participant)

Fandom and the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan go back a long way. Isaac Asimov was an avid Savoyard (G&S fan), as have been many other SF/F writers. The operas themselves exemplify — and parody — the tropes of fantasy (Iolanthe), medievalism (Patience), and Gothic horror (Ruddigore, The Sorcerer). Boskone also has special connections with G&S. Why are these Victorian masterpieces still so popular in (and out of) fannish culture?

Creature Creations

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Christopher Paniccia, Gridiron Publishing (Participant)

Author and artist Christopher Paniccia works with kids to help them create their own amazing creatures.

Kaffeeklatsch: Tom Easton

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Tom Easton (Participant)

Munchkin

2 hours, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Group Reading: Cambridge SF Workshop

1 hour 30 minutes, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Heather Albano (Participant)

James Cambias (Participant)

F. Brett Cox, Norwich University (Participant)

Gillian Daniels (Participant)

Alexander Jablokov (Participant)

Steven Popkes (Moderator)

Kenneth Schneyer, Johnson & Wales University (Participant)

Sarah Smith (Participant)

A rapid-fire reading by the members of the long-running Cambridge SF Workshop, featuring writers Heather Albano, James L. Cambias, F. Brett Cox, Gillian Daniels, Alex Jablokov, Steve Popkes, Ken Schneyer (M), Sarah Smith, and Cadwell Turnbull.

The Many Influences on Horror

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Deirdre Crimmins (Participant)

Bracken MacLeod (Moderator)

Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert (Participant)

Vikki Ciaffone (Participant)

If we can discuss fantasy without constantly talking Tolkien, we ought to be able to consider the history of horror without always invoking Lovecraft. What other influences, major or minor, have impacted the growth of horror, generating the genre we know today?

8:30 PM

Jordin Kare Memorial Concert

1 hour, 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM

- Marina I

Event

Mary Kay Kare (Participant)

Mary Ellen Wessels (Participant)

Roberta Rogow (Participant)

Steve Brinich (Participant)

Gary Ehrlich (Participant)

Dr. SETI, Inc. (Participant)

Ben Newman (Participant)

Edie Stern, Fanac (Participant)

Priscilla Olson (Moderator)

Edward Stauff (Participant)

Join Boskone's filkers for a very special concert celebrating the life and music of our longtime friend Jordin Kare.

8:45 PM

Opening Ceremony: Meet the Guests

15 minutes, 8:45 PM - 9:00 PM

- Galleria - Stage

Event

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

David G. Grubbs (Moderator)

Gay Ellen Dennett, FN, NESFA - New England Science Fiction Association (Moderator)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Craig Miller (Participant)

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Marianne Plumridge (Participant)

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Welcome to Boskone, New England's longest-running convention for science fiction, fantasy, and horror! Whether you are attending for the first time or the fifty-fifth, we invite you to join us in the Galleria to meet this year's guests. Guest of Honor Mary Robinette Kowal will also say a few words acknowledging our departed friends, including SF icon Ursula K. Le Guin.

9:00 PM

Boskone 55 Reception

2 hours, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

- Galleria - Art Show

Event

Gay Ellen Dennett, FN, NESFA - New England Science Fiction Association (Moderator)

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

David G. Grubbs (Moderator)

Craig Miller (Participant)

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Marianne Plumridge (Participant)

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Connoisseurs and philistines alike: welcome to the Boskone Art Show! Join us in the Galleria for an upscale social mixer. Meet our program participants while enjoying refreshments, stimulating conversation, and exceptional art that's a feast for the eyes. Experience the music and the festivities as Boskone celebrates another year of science fiction, fantasy, and horror in Boston.

Robo Rally

3 hours, 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

The Truth About Vampiric Folklore

1 hour, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

- Lewis

Solo Talk

Inanna Arthen / Vyrdolak, By Light Unseen Media (Participant)

Everything you think you know about "traditional” vampires is, probably, (un)dead wrong! We'll explore what people who really believed in vampires really believed.

Evolution and Alien Psychology

1 hour, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

- Burroughs

Solo Talk

Dr. Stephen P. Kelner Jr., Ascent Leadership Networks (Participant)

Earth is just one tiny speck in the universe, not to mention the multiverse (if that even exists). From planet to planet, life likely starts in different ways and evolves according to its own rules, influences, and experiences. How might different origins lead to the evolution of different types of people, different societies, and different understandings of personhood and psychology?

9:30 PM

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

2 hours 17 minutes, 9:30 PM - 11:47 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies, and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand. (2017)

Trivia for Chocolate

1 hour, 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM

- Carlton

Game Show

Mark Olson (Participant)

Priscilla Olson (Participant)

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.

10:00 PM

Open Filking

4 hours, 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM

- Marina I

Filk / Music

Boskone's 2000s Dance Party

2 hours, 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM

- Harbor III

Other

Madeline Lee (Participant)

Tristan Marks (Participant)

Get your boogie on! Join our Boskone DJs Madeline and Tristan for some late-night dancing.

Name That Tune: What’s Next?

1 hour, 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

- Burroughs

Game Show

Vince Docherty (Moderator)

Tim Szczesuil FN, Boskone (Participant)

Denise A. Gendron (Participant)

How well do you know skiffy TV and movie music? Well enough to keep going when the music stops? Come earn points (and chocolate!) by singing, humming, or speaking what comes next after the live cello or programmed computer music goes silent. Extra credit for being able to identify the movie, characters, or scene associated with the music.

Saturday 17 February, 2018

Time Zone: (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

9:00 AM

Children's Open Programming

1 hour, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Participant)

10:00 AM

The Lego Batman Movie

1 hour 40 minutes, 10:00 AM - 11:40 AM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

A really slick (in fact, plastic) Bruce Wayne must deal with the usual suspects as they plan to take over Gotham City, while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick. (2017)

Reading by Kristin Janz

30 minutes, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

- Independence

Reading

Kristin Janz, Mysterion (Participant)

Technology and the Crisis of Conscience

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Carlton

Panel

Pete Hollmer (Participant)

JeffWarner (Moderator)

LJ Cohen (Participant)

Cady Coleman (Participant)

Just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should. Characters like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Masamune Shirow's Major demonstrate some consequences of the headlong pursuit of scientific breakthroughs. What are the real stakes in the playing-god game? Will we use technological advances for good or evil? What will guide us? And how does fiction help inform our ethical dilemmas?

Boskone Book Club: Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Marina III

Discussion Group

Bob Kuhn (Moderator)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

The Boskone Book Club continues! Join us for a conversation that brings con-goers together to consider one noteworthy work at length. This year we are reading historical fantasy Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal (our Guest of Honor). Boskone's own Bob Kuhn will lead the discussion; Mary Robinette Kowal will join the group halfway through for a Q&A. To participate, please read the book and come ready with your thoughts and questions.

Jurassic Park and Dinosaurs v. 5.0

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Marina II

Panel

Bob Eggleton (Participant)

David McDonald (Participant)

Elise Sacchetti, Ladies of Comicazi (Moderator)

William Hayashi (Participant)

Michael Swanwick (Participant)

Twenty-five years ago, an islandful of dinosaurs tore up the Hollywood box office. Four flicks later (in June, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom will make five), these reptile relics continue to slay us. Why is the thought of a dinosaur theme park still so cool? (And by the way, what’s funny about the concept of dinos in space?) More broadly, why would the idea of the prehistoric past colliding with our present/future hold such fascination? And would we be better off letting sleeping saurians lie?

Writing Workshops & MFA Programs Redux

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Marina I

Panel

John Chu (Participant)

Jeanne Cavelos, Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust (Participant)

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Moderator)

Erin Roberts (Participant)

Jessica Treadway, Emerson College (Participant)

Thinking about attending a writing workshop or an MFA program? Wondering how to pick the one that’s right for you? Once you do: then what? There’s 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 to win your place.

Drawing Aliens

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Gregory Katsoulis (Moderator)

Join author and animator Gregory Katsoulis for some alien drawing fun!

Watching Westworld

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

Priscilla Olson (Participant)

Marianna Martin, Genretastic.com (Participant)

What makes HBO’s ranchers-and-robots TV show Westworld so amazing — and what insights does the series give us into the development of consciousness? (Warning: There will be SPOILERS if you didn't see all of Season 1!)

Kaffeeklatsch: Bruce Coville

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Bruce Coville (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Christine Taylor-Butler

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Christine Taylor-Butler (Participant)

Autographing: J. Kathleen Cheney, Brendan DuBois, Dan Moren, Sarah Smith

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Sarah Smith (Participant)

Brendan DuBois (Participant)

Dan Moren (Participant)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Participant)

The Future of Medicine

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Harbor II

Panel

Justin C. Key (Participant)

M. C. DeMarco (Participant)

Stacey Berg (Moderator)

Don Pizarro (Participant)

Medical advances are, well, advancing by leaps and bounds. What's new? Will AI administer a booster shot to discovery? And what about those pesky nanites? Our panelists share their favorite new developments in medicine and medical technology. Can SF authors prescribe new ideas to rock the docs’ world?

Urban Fantasy in the Light

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Harbor III

Panel

Vikki Ciaffone (Moderator)

Hillary Monahan (Participant)

Leigh Perry (Participant)

Errick Nunnally, Journey Planet Fanzine (Participant)

James Moore (Participant)

Urban fantasy tends to lurk in the dark corners of a noirish society, down where only the shadows dwell. Must these stories be quite so grim? Why is it always night? Where’s the color and brightness? Why so much black leather? Would the occasional pair of pink pastel pedal pushers get you arrested by the genre police?

Classic Dungeons & Dragons Game

3 hours, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

James Cambias (Moderator)

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Game on! Author James Cambias leads a classic game of Dungeons & Dragons as Boskone 55's Dungeon Master.

Jump Drive

2 hours, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Filk: I Hear Fandom Singing!

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Lewis

Panel

Faye Ringel (Participant)

Edie Stern, Fanac (Moderator)

Gary Ehrlich (Participant)

Roberta Rogow (Participant)

Legend has it that “filksinging” originated in a 1950s typo for “folksinging.” Is this origin story true? And has filk, like the Velveteen Rabbit, grown into the real song of the fannish people? Our panel of filk performers and scholars will engage in another traditional practice: arguing over definitions. Cave canem! (Beware, they may sing).

Reading by Nat Segaloff

30 minutes, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

- Griffin

Reading

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Feminist Fairy Tales

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Burroughs

Panel

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Victoria Sandbrook (Participant)

Andrea Martinez Corbin (Participant)

Julia Rios, Mermaids Monthly (Moderator)

E.J. Stevens (Participant)

Women frequently serve as the main characters of fairy tales. (Why, by the way?) It’s hard not to notice they’re often presented as victims, or the subjects of a lesson learned. Do any tales instead offer strong female role models? What can modern feminist perspectives contribute when considering stories from so long ago and/or far away?

10:30 AM

Reading by Shahid Mahmud

30 minutes, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

- Independence

Reading

Shahid Mahmud, Arc Manor/Phoenix Pick (Participant)

Reading by Adam Stemple

30 minutes, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

- Griffin

Reading

Adam Stemple (Participant)

11:00 AM

Encaustics for Adults

2 hours, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Makers' Space

Makers Space

Lisa Hertel, The Cogitation Zone (Participant)

Join artist Lisa Hertel for a fun session of encaustics — the ancient art of painting with wax. This session will run for 2 hours, so please feel free to drop in at any point.

Reading by Victoria Sandbrook

30 minutes, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

- Independence

Reading

Victoria Sandbrook (Participant)

CRISPR, Gene Editing, and the Future of Food

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

David Shaw (Moderator)

Rajnar Vajra (Participant)

Kaitlin R. Branch (Participant)

Kristin Janz, Mysterion (Participant)

Stacey Berg (Participant)

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) techniques for gene editing are said to find wide application in the food industry, raising the possibility of food that won’t spoil so fast. Or pigs that carry less harmful fat. Such genetically modified organisms (GMOs) carry considerable promise — plus a fat load of questions about possible consequences. Let’s talk about the future of food.

Black Publishers in SF/F

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Christine Taylor-Butler (Moderator)

Kenesha Williams, Black Girl Magic Literary Magazine (Participant)

Justin C. Key (Participant)

Gerald L. Coleman (Participant)

Zig Zag Claybourne, Obsidian Sky Books (Participant)

Science fiction and fantasy work by black writers is thriving. The environment is slowly (but finally) changing, as more publishers, editors, and artists enter the market every day. Our panelists discuss the lay of the land, the challenges of publishing black-themed content, getting shelf space at large and/or independent bookstores, and more.

The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the SF Short Story

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Darrell Schweitzer (Moderator)

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Participant)

Paul Di Filippo (Participant)

Julie C. Day (Participant)

Suzanne Palmer (Participant)

Back in the day, the SF/F/H short was the genre’s centerpiece, economically and artistically. Today SF is a novel business. Or is it? There may be more talented short story writers and ready markets around than ever. Let’s trace the importance and popularity of the short form, and consider how short stories might help shape the genre’s future.

The Art of Character Portraits

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Marianne Plumridge (Participant)

Jonathan Hunt (Participant)

Vincent Di Fate (Moderator)

Christopher Paniccia, Gridiron Publishing (Participant)

Reiko Murakami (Participant)

Portraits are difficult to master. The artist must capture the glint in the eye, the tilt of the neck, shadow and light, color and texture, and everything around the subject. Plus, in the speculative art world, not all portraits are of people. How do you portray a fantastic creature when there are no models?

Welcome to Boskone!

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Meetup Spot

Panel

Leslie Turek FN (Participant)

Laurie Mann (Participant)

Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter Hats

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Mihku Paul, Feathers of Many Colors (Participant)

Join artist and author Mihku Paul for a wonder-filled hat making session.

Objection! The Game

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

John P. Murphy (Participant)

The Phoenix Wright series of visual novel adventure videogames has used a blend of science fiction and fantasy tropes to explore ideas about law and justice. What makes a game about lawyers and lawcourts so fun and exciting, and how well does it get its ideas across?

Kaffeeklatsch: Tamora Pierce

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Max Gladstone

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Max Gladstone (Participant)

Autographing: Jeffrey A. Carver, Theodora Goss, Mary Robinette Kowal, Marshall Ryan Maresca

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Jeffrey A. Carver (Participant)

Marshall Ryan Maresca (Participant)

Theodora Goss (Participant)

NESFA Press Guest Interview, Featuring Nat Segaloff

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Harbor II

Interview

Tim Richmond (Participant)

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Nat Segaloff, our NESFA Press Guest and author of A Lit Fuse: The Provocative Life of Harlan Ellison, shares the ups and downs of writing the biography of one of science fiction’s most controversial figures. Hear the tales only Nat can tell as he shares some choice “Harlan stories,” and touches on other notable figures and experiences in SF, media, and society. Conducting the interview is Tim Richmond, author of Fingerprints on the Sky: The Authorized Harlan Ellison Bibliography. This don’t-miss session may well be the only time these two Ellison experts share a dais.

Star Wars: A New Beginning Reawakens Again

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Nik Korpon (Moderator)

Craig Miller (Participant)

Erin Underwood (Participant)

Garen Daly, 44th Boston Science Fiction Film Festival and Marathon (Participant)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi scored with many, but not all, fans — and broke many, but not all, box office records. Looking back over the SW saga: what’s it all about so far? And looking ahead: will we keep watching after 2019, when Episode IX caps the storyline begun by Luke, Leia, and Han? (Disney, now the franchise owner, says the Wars won’t be over for at least 15 more years.) Whose story do we want to see next? Whom do you ship? What would you skip?

Concert: Catherine Asaro

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Lewis

Concert

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Come sit and enjoy a special concert with Catherine Asaro, Boskone's Hal Clement Science Speaker.

Reading by Scott Lynch

30 minutes, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

- Griffin

Reading

Scott Lynch (Participant)

Colonialism and the New Space Race

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Allen M. Steele (Moderator)

Vandana Singh (Participant)

Pete Hollmer (Participant)

William Hayashi (Participant)

European expansion into the American West and other "new frontiers" used to be portrayed as a great adventure — and a civilizing enterprise. For those being invaded, however, colonial expansion has been less pleasant. The Space Act of 2015 allows the commercialization of space by private entities. But if powerful technocrats like Elon Musk use tropes from Westerns to promote Mars exploration, will we venture into space with the same old colonialist attitudes? Or can we learn from history, and approach space exploration with new mindsets?

11:30 AM

Reading by Janet Catherine Johnston

30 minutes, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Janet Catherine Johnston (Participant)

Reading by Elizabeth Bear

30 minutes, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Elizabeth Bear (Participant)

11:45 AM

Bubblegum Crisis (ep 1): Tinsel City

46 minutes, 11:45 AM - 12:31 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

A female mercenary team, armed with unique power armor suits, battle the forces of the corrupt mega-corporation Genom in futuristic Tokyo. In this episode 1, The Knight Sabers fight Boomers and encounter AD Officer Leon McNichol. Aqua City is destroyed.

12:00 PM

How To Write A 10-Minute Play

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Independence

Workshop

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Participant)

Author and playwright James Patrick Kelly shares tips and tricks on how to write a short 10-minute play, covering basic structure issues, character development, and timing. Sign-up is required by emailing program@boskone.org by 5pm Friday or stop by Program Ops to sign up in person. Program Ops is located next to Registration.

Fan Fiction Is Fun!

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Flourish Klink (Participant)

E. Ardell (Participant)

Gillian Daniels (Participant)

M. C. DeMarco (Participant)

Elise Sacchetti, Ladies of Comicazi (Moderator)

Let's face it: fan fiction is fun. Despite all the good/bad arguments for writing/not writing amateur (or at least, unpaid/unauthorized) fiction about characters from your favorite book/movie/TV show, an extensive/enthusiastic community has grown up around this quirky genre. What is it about fan fiction that we love? (Besides the / (slash) stuff.) Why do we write it/read it? And where can we get some more?

The Heart of Horror & Stephen King

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Vincent O'Neil (Moderator)

Lauren Roy (Participant)

Kenesha Williams, Black Girl Magic Literary Magazine (Participant)

Paul Tremblay (Participant)

Jack Haringa, Worcester Academy (Participant)

The throne of the King of Horror seems more secure than ever, with recent releases including the novel Sleeping Beauties (with his son Owen), and movies based on his work including The Dark Tower, It, Gerald's Game, and 1922, plus TV series The Mist and Mr. Mercedes — as well as an anniversary reprint of The Stand plus a Christine video short and a collector’s DVD of The Dead Zone. Stephen King revitalized and sustained the horror genre through a rough period of redefinition and rebranding. What is it about his scary stories that’s so compelling? Why do his characters stand out? Which tales will keep our dark little hearts beating faster for years to come?

A Case for Space

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Vince Docherty (Moderator)

Cady Coleman (Participant)

Janet Catherine Johnston (Participant)

Jeanne Cavelos, Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust (Participant)

Les Johnson (Participant)

Current and former members of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration come together to share their experiences — and perhaps make NASA’s case for expanding the exploration of space. What does it take to work with a team that sends a person into orbit, a man to the moon, and vessels throughout the solar system?

Detectives in Urban Fantasy

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Leigh Perry (Participant)

Ginjer Buchanan (Participant)

Brendan DuBois (Participant)

Christopher Paniccia, Gridiron Publishing (Moderator)

Dana Cameron, writer (Participant)

Let's inspect the hard-boiled detectives of Fantasy Town: sorcerous sherlocks, PI wizards for hire, half-dead/half-sidhe gumshoes, and more. How do these eldritch investigators compare to their non-magical peers? To each other? Does magic spoil a reader's chance of solving the mystery fair and square — or is it just another clue to be sussed out?

Tour of the Art Exhibit (I)

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Art Show

Docent Tour

Joseph Siclari, FANAC Fan History Project (Participant)

Edie Stern, Fanac (Participant)

Take an informative stroll around the special art exhibit with the curators. You’ll hit the highlights with knowledgeable guides who can indicate points of interest.

DragonsLair Closed for Lunch

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Game of Thrones: The End Is Nigh!

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

Priscilla Olson (Participant)

Our annual attempt to speculate on the future of everyone’s favorite spec fic TV show (not to mention the books)! Join us for another lively discussion of what appealing pageantry and perversity or delectable butchery and betrayal await us. Speaking of which, now that we've outrun the books and we're nearing the end, does anyone really know what's in store for the characters we love to hate — and the ones we hate to love? Warning: possible spoilers ahead!

Kaffeeklatsch: Jeffrey A. Carver

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Jeffrey A. Carver (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: John Langan and James Moore

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

John Langan (Participant)

James Moore (Participant)

Autographing: Elizabeth Bear, Elaine Cunningham, Timothy Liebe, Jane Yolen

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Elizabeth Bear (Participant)

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

Elaine Cunningham (Participant)

Jane Yolen (Participant)

It's Not Always About Sex

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Juliana Spink Mills (Participant)

Darlene Marshall (Moderator)

E.J. Stevens (Participant)

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Steven Popkes (Participant)

Speculative fiction is filled with friendships that turn into romantic entanglements. Is that all there is? Can’t our characters just have friends, of whatever gender, without hookups and/or heartbreaks? How about we rescue the world from the odd apocalypse or alien invasion, and forget about the sex for a change?

A Wizard of Earthsea

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Vandana Singh (Participant)

Robert V.S. Redick (Participant)

Jeff Carroll (Participant)

Max Gladstone (Moderator)

Ursula K. Le Guin's masterpiece was published 50 years ago. A classic coming-of-age story, A Wizard of Earthsea continues to cast its spell over teens and adults alike. Why is Ged such a compelling character? What makes the story as fresh and appealing today as in 1968? What does it have to say about words, magic, ambition, patience, truth, death? Our panelists share their insights — and favorite parts.

Moonquake Escape/Leaf Me Alone

6 hours, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Song Circle: Space Travel

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Dr. SETI, Inc. (Participant)

Come join us and sing about those far-off spaceflights.

Group Reading: Fiction for Kids and Young Adults

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Kristy Acevedo (Participant)

Daniel P. Dern, File770.com (Participant)

Erin M. Hartshorn (Moderator)

Sarah Jean Horwitz (Participant)

Justin C. Key (Participant)

Trisha J. Wooldridge (Participant)

Boskone presents a special group reading for lovers of children's and young adult fiction. Our authors provide a range of stories and topics that are sure to delight and entertain!

Class Structure in SF and Fantasy

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Walter Jon Williams, Word Domination (Participant)

Scott Lynch (Moderator)

Kenneth Rogers, Lost Imaginations (Participant)

Susan Jane Bigelow (Participant)

Where's all the great SF/F about working stiffs? Even if they serve as more than set dressing, working-class heroes often undergo some Cinderella transformation that moves them up in class. What stories succeed in keeping the class and culture of their protagonists intact, treating them seriously and realistically while launching them on their fantastic journeys? Does SF see the preservation of class systems as important, or is it just a tool to keep a good person down?

1:00 PM

The Original 1936 Flash Gordon: Planet of Adventure!

3 hours 20 minutes, 1:00 PM - 4:20 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

Movie Mike, Independent (Participant)

Real 16mm Films with Movie Mike. This is Movie Mike’s new expanded feature, cut from all 13 chapters of the original serial — not the short theatrical or TV versions you may have seen. It tells the whole story in a little over 3 hours, and has never been shown before at any convention. Jump on Dr. Zarkov’s rocket and we’re off to Mongo, the planet of adventure, to battle Ming The Merciless! Meet winged hawkmen and visit their floating sky city. Become a slave shoveling radium into the atom furnaces. Enjoy invisibility, swordplay, and ray guns. Rescue Dale from a dire fate! See dinosaurs and monsters, classic heroism and villainy, plus laughably crude special effects. With wonderful music, costumes, and props, lots of thrills and action, a silly script, and bad acting!

Reading by Geary Gravel

30 minutes, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Geary Gravel (Participant)

Mental Illness and Art: Can You Still Create If You're Cured?

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Adam Stemple (Participant)

Bob Eggleton (Participant)

David McDonald (Participant)

Julie Holderman (Participant)

Hillary Monahan (Moderator)

Some maintain that mental illness can fuel artistic creativity; others say it’s a hindrance. How do artists struggling with disturbances of the mind manage their illness and sustain their creative spirits? Our panelists share their experiences, interests, and inspirations.

Writing for Children

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Gregory Katsoulis (Moderator)

Tui Sutherland (Participant)

Bruce Coville (Participant)

Sarah Jean Horwitz (Participant)

Michael Stearns, Upstart Crow Literary (Participant)

The process you use in writing literature for children, and the elements you need to include, are different from those for YA, teen, or adult fiction. What are those elements? How do you adjust your style? And how do you avoid the ultimate mistake of talking down to a child?

Faith, Philosophy, and Religion in Speculative Fiction

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Rajnar Vajra (Participant)

Kristin Janz, Mysterion (Participant)

Janice Gelb (Moderator)

Inanna Arthen / Vyrdolak, By Light Unseen Media (Participant)

Resolved: science fiction, fantasy, and horror are perfect genres in which to explore ideas and philosophies, especially aspects of religion and faith. True? If so or not so, why? And what dangers do we face in creating new religions (*cough* Hubbard), or in these kinds of speculations generally?

Remembering Alien Voices

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Marina I

Solo Talk

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

In the mid-1990s, today’s NESFA Press Guest Nat Segaloff started an SF audio book and live-performance production company — called Alien Voices — with John de Lancie and Leonard Nimoy. Their productions starred many of the two actors’ fellow Star Trek performers. Now, Nat shares specially edited highlights that include rarely seen rehearsal videos. This exceptional presentation offers a unique look at adapting SF from the page to voice or video.

Kids' Art Show Tour

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Long Live the Legion!

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

Priscilla Olson (Participant)

Our yearly though increasingly forlorn salute to DC’s Legion of Super-Heroes. Sigh. Despite several comics reboots over the years, looks like it’s still dea — wait! Up in the TV sky! It’s Supergirl — now with Brainiac 5 and Saturn Girl … Please join us. We’ve got a Legion of stuff to talk about again!

Kaffeeklatsch: Robert J. Sawyer

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Robert J. Sawyer (Participant)

Autographing: LJ Cohen, Daniel M. Kimmel, E.J. Stevens, Michael Swanwick

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Daniel Kimmel (Participant)

Michael Swanwick (Participant)

LJ Cohen (Participant)

E.J. Stevens (Participant)

Guest of Honor Interview, Featuring Mary Robinette Kowal

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Harbor II

Interview

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Cady Coleman (Participant)

Professional puppeteer; costumer; voice actor — Mary Robinette Kowal is a multitalented marvel. But she’s here mostly as a Hugo-Award-winning SF/F author with a delightful gift for storytelling. Join us for Boskone's Guest of Honor hour, conducted by Mary's good friend (and former astronaut!) Cady Coleman.

The Fantasy Survival Guide

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Melanie Meadors (Moderator)

Steven Popkes (Participant)

Craig Shaw Gardner (Participant)

Elizabeth Bear (Participant)

Vikki Ciaffone (Participant)

Before you set out on that epic fantasy adventure, you should be properly prepared. Our panelists offer a list of "to dos" and "to don'ts" that might come in handy — before and during your epic quest through the wilds where mythic creatures and dangerous beings of yore are said to still dwell. And, with a little luck, you may even return alive ...

Guru of the Game Room Tournament

5 hours, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Join the Boskone gaming tournament — and see if you have what it takes to be named the Guru of the Game Room!

Concert: H Paul Shuch

30 minutes, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Dr. SETI, Inc. (Participant)

Reading by Allen M Steele

30 minutes, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Allen M. Steele (Participant)

Fractured Fairy Tales

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Dana Cameron, writer (Moderator)

Theodora Goss (Participant)

Jack Haringa, Worcester Academy (Participant)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Participant)

Carrie Cuinn (Participant)

Perhaps the most piquant part of beloved animated TV series The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends (1959–1964) was the dry, sly, wry humor of its “Fractured Fairy Tales” segments. These managed to twist hoary stories into something sparkling new, adding biting satire with just a dash of horror. What’s the charm of these odd little gems? Do kids still watch them? Should they? What else (Shrek) has refreshingly revamped old fairy tales?

1:30 PM

Reading by Darlene Marshall

30 minutes, 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Darlene Marshall (Participant)

Concert: Roberta Rogow

30 minutes, 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Roberta Rogow (Participant)

Reading by Walter Hunt

30 minutes, 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Walter H. Hunt (Participant)

2:00 PM

Knitting Circle

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Galleria - Makers' Space

Makers Space

Edie Stern, Fanac (Participant)

Priscilla Olson (Participant)

Let us feel each others' fiber....

Reading by Kate Baker

30 minutes, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Reading: Kate Baker

26 minutes, 2:00 PM - 2:26 PM

- Independence

Reading

Myths and Legends in Urban Fantasy

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Kenesha Williams, Black Girl Magic Literary Magazine (Participant)

Erin M. Hartshorn (Participant)

Elaine Cunningham (Participant)

James Moore (Moderator)

Beth Meacham (Participant)

Urban fantasy may focus on stories set within cities, but many of these tales come with some sort of mythology or legend at their core. What is it about the mix of ancient mythology and modern city that we find so interesting? How do we blend stories from our rural past into a contemporary cityscape without creating a hot mess?

Beyond Afrofuturism

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

William Hayashi (Moderator)

Gerald L. Coleman (Participant)

Kenneth Rogers, Lost Imaginations (Participant)

E. Ardell (Participant)

Jeff Carroll (Participant)

Afrofuturism started as by definition an outsider movement. But like many subgenres of speculative fiction, it has had a direct impact on the development of the larger field. Where is Afrofuturism going? Which authors should we be watching as they branch out into other subgenres? Are Afrofuturistic stories now becoming seen simply as science fiction, fantasy, or horror?

About Airships

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Jeffrey A. Carver (Participant)

James Cambias (Participant)

Although fairly scarce in science fiction since Verne and Burroughs, these fancy flyers have recently gotten a real lift from steampunk. What is an airship? How does it work? Is it really a practical form of travel? Our panelists float some fun facts about the design, mechanics, and sheer romance of the airships of SF and fantasy.

The Orville vs. Discovery

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

Christine Taylor-Butler (Participant)

Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert (Moderator)

Robert Howard (Participant)

Steve Davidson, Amazing Stories (Participant)

Each show has a vociferous fan base. Why do so few people like both? Is Star Trek: Discovery the heir to Deep Space Nine, or an abandonment of what makes Trek, Trek? Is The Orville an enjoyable homage to the Star Trek universe, or an expensive excuse for Seth MacFarlane to cosplay James T. Kirk? (Or all of the above?) And what can we expect from these shows going forward?

Model Magic: Making Monsters

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Lisa Hertel, The Cogitation Zone (Participant)

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Artist Lisa Hertel leads kids in a hands-on demo that is kid-friendly and kid-safe, as they create fantastical creatures made of clay.

Meet Up: Emerson College Popular Fiction

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

Jessica Treadway, Emerson College (Participant)

Join the Emerson College popular fiction meet up for a casual discussion about writing, MFAs, and popular fiction.

Kaffeeklatsch: Marianne Plumridge

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Marianne Plumridge (Participant)

Autographing: Kristy Acevedo, Catherine Asaro, Walter H. Hunt, Craig Shaw Gardner

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Craig Shaw Gardner (Participant)

Kristy Acevedo (Participant)

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Walter H. Hunt (Participant)

Breaking the Laws of Magic

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Faye Ringel (Moderator)

Walter Jon Williams, Word Domination (Participant)

Julie Holderman (Participant)

Michael Swanwick (Participant)

Zig Zag Claybourne, Obsidian Sky Books (Participant)

Brandon Sanderson, in his First Law of Magics: "An author’s ability to solve conflict with magic is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to how well the reader understands said magic." George R. R. Martin: "I want hints of the unknowable. I want awe and wonder. I want mystery. I want to discover but also be unsure of what I’m about to encounter. I guess that means I want magic!" Is it important to have a system of magic? Once you've defined a given magic system's limits, is it OK to break them?

Sex and Romance in Young Adult Fiction

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary LLC (Participant)

Hillary Monahan (Participant)

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Michael Stearns, Upstart Crow Literary (Moderator)

Starting with that talk about when a bird and a bee love each other very much, the most embarrassing topics in teenagerdom have got to be sex and romance. Just as awkward in fiction, these issues demand special sensitivity when writing YA. Who’s ready to read stories with sexual themes? How far is too far? What details are involving but not icky? And will gender diversity that’s fine with 13-year-olds explode half the heads on the school board?

Learn to Play: Wicked Apples

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Brenda Noiseux, Almost a Game (Participant)

Learn how to play Wicked Apples, the game of strategic chaos! This quick 15-20 minute experience is fun for veteran gamers and folks new to gaming alike. Wicked Apples was the winner of the 2016 Tabletop Audience Choice Award at the Boston Festival of Indie Games.

Writing Filk

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Lewis

Panel

M. C. DeMarco (Moderator)

Roberta Rogow (Participant)

Ben Newman (Participant)

Steve Brinich (Participant)

What does it take to write a song? Do you start with the music or the lyrics? What do you need to know?

Reading by Vandana Singh

30 minutes, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Vandana Singh (Participant)

The Golden Age Reconsidered

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Allen M. Steele (Moderator)

Fred Lerner (Participant)

R.W.W. Greene (Participant)

Ellen Asher (Participant)

Paul Di Filippo (Participant)

How well do Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov, and other Golden Age writers stand up today? Which of their ideas remain at the core of modern SF? What parts of their canon have faded? Why do they continue to be pillars of the genre for some readers? Are they likely to retain that status as times change further?

2:30 PM

Reading by Darrell Schweitzer

30 minutes, 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Darrell Schweitzer (Participant)

3:00 PM

Reading by Daniel Kimmel

30 minutes, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Daniel Kimmel (Participant)

Supergirl's Sister

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

R.W.W. Greene (Moderator)

Vikki Ciaffone (Participant)

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

Dr. Mom (Participant)

LGBTQ characters on TV and film are often just sidekicks, and can tend to be one-dimensional. But a few feel like whole and complete people. One such TV standout: Alex Danvers, aka Supergirl's sister. What makes her character so well-crafted? Has the revelation of her sexuality changed her portrayal, or our perception of who she is? What other examples of strong LGBTQ characters come to mind?

Non-Genre Fiction That Inspires Us

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Kenneth Schneyer, Johnson & Wales University (Moderator)

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Alexander Jablokov (Participant)

Theodora Goss (Participant)

F. Brett Cox, Norwich University (Participant)

We’re always talking about icons such as Mary Shelley, Stephen King, J. R. R. Tolkien, and others who breathed air into our literary lungs — but what about non-genre fiction? Our panelists discuss some of their favorite authors from outside the SF/F/H field, who have inspired them as writers and readers.

The Scientific Method in SF

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Bob Kuhn (Potential)

Kaitlin R. Branch (Moderator)

Genny Dazzo (Participant)

Kristin Janz, Mysterion (Participant)

Justin C. Key (Participant)

Vince Docherty (Participant)

Scientists abound in science fiction. Do these characters behave like real scientists, the good and the bad? Which authors get it right as they present positive images of scientists, and depict the way they work? The "mad scientist" is a common type in our literature — but is that really the way scientists go wrong?

The State of the Universes

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Brenda Noiseux, Almost a Game (Moderator)

Marianna Martin, Genretastic.com (Participant)

Robert Howard (Participant)

Jack Haringa, Worcester Academy (Participant)

Errick Nunnally, Journey Planet Fanzine (Participant)

The Big Bang that set off the media explosion of the DC and Marvel Universes has continued to produce films, television shows, games, and comics at a near exponential rate. Is DC doing better? What’s up with Marvel? From Wonder Woman to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, we’ll dish on our favorites as well as the good, the bad, and the ugly released over the last year in our super universes.

Official Artist Art Show Tour

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Galleria - Art Show

Docent Tour

Marianne Plumridge (Participant)

Join Boskone 55's Official Artist in the Art Show to view and discuss the work she has on display.

Dragon Stories & Crafts With Tui Sutherland

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Tui Sutherland (Participant)

Kids join Tui Sutherland to color dragon images, while she talks about the winged beasts and answers questions about writing.

Struggling With Your Writing

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

Jeanne Cavelos, Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust (Participant)

Join Jeanne Cavelos, editor and founder of the Odyssey Writing Workshop, as she sits down to discuss helpful tips and best practices for overcoming obstacles and getting back to writing.

Kaffeeklatsch: Elizabeth Bear

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Elizabeth Bear (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Vandana Singh

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Vandana Singh (Participant)

Autographing: James Cambias, Dana Cameron, Leigh Perry (Toni Kelner)

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Dana Cameron, writer (Participant)

Leigh Perry (Participant)

James Cambias (Participant)

The Magic of Historical Fantasies

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Darlene Marshall (Moderator)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Scott Lynch (Participant)

Beth Meacham (Participant)

Walter Jon Williams, Word Domination (Participant)

Fantasies set in the past are growing ever more popular. Why do we love stepping back in time and sprinkling a little magic into the past? Could these same stories be told in modern times, or would some of that magic be lost? And when changing the workings of the known world by adding magic, is it still important to keep historical details correct?

The Best Science Fictional Worlds

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Christian Baines (Participant)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Participant)

Paul Di Filippo (Moderator)

Robert J. Sawyer (Participant)

Daniel Hatch (Participant)

Star-spanning cultures laced together via nicely working warp drives, cities where teleportation handles everything from personal transport to sewage disposal, drunken arks where cerulean time runs sideways, resorts with molten tungsten rivers flowing lazily uphill past iced lemonade trees — these settings may all be, in fact, totally impossible. But they can still seem functional enough, within a well-written story. How? Why? And what are some of our favorite fantastic planets?

Enhancing Your Musical Performance

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Gary Ehrlich (Participant)

Edward Stauff (Participant)

Mary Ellen Wessels (Participant)

A workshop offering performance hints for aspiring musicians. Find out tips for improving your singing, arranging songs, recruiting other musicians, and more. Experienced performers with tips to share are welcome.

Reading by C. S. Cooney

30 minutes, 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

C. S. E. Cooney (Participant)

Modern Marvels

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Priscilla Olson (Moderator)

Daniel P. Dern, File770.com (Participant)

Carrie Cuinn (Participant)

Geary Gravel (Participant)

Our panelists consider their favorite gadgets, and list their Top 10 — including landmark examples from the past, as well as modern gadgets that are currently changing the future.

3:30 PM

Reading by Walt Williams

30 minutes, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Walt Williams (Participant)

Reading by Carlos Hernandez

30 minutes, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Carlos Hernandez (Participant)

4:00 PM

How to Build a Bookcase

1 hour 30 minutes, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

- Galleria - Makers' Space

Makers Space

Suzanne Palmer (Participant)

Got books? Need more space? Come see a live demonstration on how to build a bookcase.

Reading by John Chu

30 minutes, 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

John Chu (Participant)

Ensemble Casts and Continuing Characters

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Ginjer Buchanan (Moderator)

E C Ambrose, Rocinante Books (Participant)

Kenneth Schneyer, Johnson & Wales University (Participant)

E.J. Stevens (Participant)

Some well-written spec fic features ensemble casts where the secondary characters are as interesting as the leads. What are the guidelines for creating great supporting roles? How do these people (or aliens, AIs, disembodied demons, etc.) fascinate despite less face time? Do they get more freedom to be themselves, while main characters must be all things to all audiences? Which secondaries deserve (or have received) their own spin-off stories?

Clothing That Creates Character

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Elizabeth Bear (Participant)

Suford Lewis, NESFA Press (Moderator)

Janet Catherine Johnston (Participant)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Participant)

Characters don’t wear costumes; they wear clothing. What’s the right raiment for the right person? Think about the style statements made by James Bond, Brienne, Doctor Manhattan, Gandalf, Kip Russell, Josephus Miller, Offred, Diana Prince, Alexia Tarabotti, or Jane Vincent. Our fashionistas discuss some of spec fic’s fashion faux pas, as well as some truly ingenious choices of garments for our favorite fictional characters.

Comics for Young Adults and Teens

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Robert Howard (Moderator)

Tui Sutherland (Participant)

Elise Sacchetti, Ladies of Comicazi (Participant)

Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary LLC (Participant)

Josh Dahl, MakeBetterComics.com (Participant)

From Runaways to Ms. Marvel, Paper Girls, and more, comics for young adults are booming. Let's look at some famously must-read YA comics, as well as publications just hitting the shelves that are not to be missed. What is it about YA comics that capture the imagination — especially of teen readers?

Editing Online Magazines

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Don Pizarro (Moderator)

Kate Baker, Clarkesworld Magazine / SFWA (Participant)

Shahid Mahmud, Arc Manor/Phoenix Pick (Participant)

Kenesha Williams, Black Girl Magic Literary Magazine (Participant)

Julia Rios, Mermaids Monthly (Participant)

Curating the content of any online periodical comes with its own special opportunities and challenges. Our experienced panelists share what it takes to pull an online magazine together — and how the process may differ from life on Planet Print. They'll also take a look at some of the newest and best zines now online.

Kids Concert with Mary Ellen Wessels and Gary Ehrlich

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Mary Ellen Wessels (Participant)

Gary Ehrlich (Participant)

Xenolinguistics

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Galleria - Discussion Group

Discussion Group

What makes a language alien? Conversely, what makes one human? Topics include speech and other communication modes, rare types of grammars, and fictional alien languages.

Kaffeeklatsch: Craig Miller

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Craig Miller (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Flourish Klink

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Flourish Klink (Participant)

Autographing: Gerald Coleman. Bruce Coville, Geary Gravel, Bracken MacLeod

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Bruce Coville (Participant)

Geary Gravel (Participant)

Bracken MacLeod (Participant)

Gerald L. Coleman (Participant)

Religious Characters in Fiction

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Dr. Stephen P. Kelner Jr., Ascent Leadership Networks (Moderator)

Max Gladstone (Participant)

Darlene Marshall (Participant)

Mary Kay Kare (Participant)

What challenges are involved in authentically depicting characters — perhaps like Russell's Emilio Sandoz, Pratchett's Brutha, Addison's Maia, or Wilson’s Alif — for whom religious belief is important? Are SF/F/H audiences accepting of these figures, or resistant? Is it easier to write characters who share your own beliefs, or more difficult (at least to do it well)?

Science Guest Interview, Featuring Catherine Asaro

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Harbor III

Interview

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

E. Ardell (Participant)

Come get your geek on with Catherine Asaro, Boskone 55's Hal Clement Science Speaker. Catherine shares her experiences in theoretical chemical physics, as well as her work as a science teacher, coach for nationally ranked math teams, member of the governmental advisory group SIGMA, and Nebula-award-winning SF author.

Reading by Jane Yolen

30 minutes, 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Hugo Award Recommendations: Dramatic Presentations

1 hour, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Bob Devney (Participant)

Daniel Kimmel (Participant)

Garen Daly, 44th Boston Science Fiction Film Festival and Marathon (Participant)

Deirdre Crimmins (Participant)

Jim Mann (Moderator)

What's the greatest stuff you saw last year? Join us to discuss 2017's best movies, TV shows, theatrical productions, and more in the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Panelists and audience members share their favorites and discover new things to see. Let's find the hidden gems, and take notes for this year's Hugo Awards nominations ballots too — they’re due in San Jose soon!

4:30 PM

Reading by Andrea Corbin

30 minutes, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Andrea Martinez Corbin (Participant)

Concert: Benjamin Newman

30 minutes, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Ben Newman (Participant)

5:00 PM

Workshop: Writing Comics

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Independence

Workshop

Josh Dahl, MakeBetterComics.com (Participant)

Comics artist and author Josh Dahl gives a short workshop on the ins and outs of writing comics. This is not an in-depth session, but it will cover the high points and basics for those interested in learning what it takes. Sign-up is required by emailing program@boskone.org by 5pm Friday or stop by Program Ops to sign up in person. Program Ops is located next to Registration.

Frankenstein 200 Years Later

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

John Langan (Moderator)

F. Brett Cox, Norwich University (Participant)

Faye Ringel (Participant)

Bracken MacLeod (Participant)

It's still alive! In 1818, Mary Shelley stitched together a bone-chilling tale of dread and science, and created a monster — whose humanity cut as deeply as Dr. Frankenstein's knife. This Promethean fiction has inspired authors, fans, and scientists ever since. (Though is it better remembered than read?) What challenges did Shelley face in bringing her story to print? What would she think of her effect on literature over the last two centuries? After all these years, let's find out what makes this tale tick.

Spiritual Animals

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Chris Irvin (Moderator)

Mihku Paul, Feathers of Many Colors (Participant)

Tui Sutherland (Participant)

Beth Meacham (Participant)

E.J. Stevens (Participant)

Animals in SF/F/H aren’t all just lazy lap dogs or cozy cats. Dæmons and familiars, patronuses and spirit animals — these creatures often play subtly influential roles in the lives of main characters. Why do some animals assume such importance? Have their roles changed over time? Is over-anthropomorphizing a concern? Our panelists discuss our furry, feathered, and scaled friends in all of their glory.

How to Get Rejected Redux

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Steve Davidson, Amazing Stories (Moderator)

Kate Baker, Clarkesworld Magazine / SFWA (Participant)

Ginjer Buchanan (Participant)

John R. Douglas, Freelance (Participant)

Last year, our panelists provided a down-and-dirty look at the best ways to get your manuscript tossed into a publisher's round file. We traded a few stories and had a few laughs. Surely, there are even more ways to get roundly rejected by agents, editors, and publishers!

Border of the Unknown

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Theodora Goss (Participant)

Errick Nunnally, Journey Planet Fanzine (Moderator)

Trisha J. Wooldridge (Participant)

Dana Cameron, writer (Participant)

Gerald L. Coleman (Participant)

Much fine fantastika involves crossing the boundary between the known and the unknown — especially that uneasy border between the village and the trees. Let's look at the long history of that great unknown, the enchanted forest. Why has it pushed and pulled at people’s imaginations since ancient times? To find out, let’s stroll away from safety and into the woods, as the liminal light fades and the shadows gather all under the boughs unbowed …

DragonsLair Is Closed for Dinner

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Kaffeeklatsch: Michael Swanwick

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Michael Swanwick (Participant)

Autographing: Jon Hunt, Scott Lynch, Tamora Pierce, Walter Jon Williams

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Scott Lynch (Participant)

Walter Jon Williams, Word Domination (Participant)

Jonathan Hunt (Participant)

Electronic Evolution: Is Skynet Here Yet?

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

John P. Murphy (Participant)

Jeanne Cavelos, Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust (Participant)

John Chu (Participant)

Jeffrey A. Carver (Participant)

Allen M. Steele (Moderator)

“Finding English inadequate, the AIs began communicating to each other in their own incomprehensible language.” So that happened. At Facebook last year … However, the humans didn’t actually shut them down in a panic. Let’s explain, and discuss the actual state of artificial intelligence development. Is AI’s creating language a big step? In a right direction? (Like, self-directed evolution?) Also: What else is new? What’s cool? What could happen soon? Never?

Governmental Structures in SF/F

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Susan Jane Bigelow (Participant)

Vandana Singh (Participant)

Daniel Hatch (Moderator)

Nik Korpon (Participant)

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

How do we construct systems of governance in SF/F literature, TV, and films? Why are so many of them imperial and/or totalitarian, or (even more likely) corporatocracies? Is there an ideal government? From the Federation Council to the Republic/Imperial Senate to Honor Harrington’s Star Kingdom constitutional monarchy, are there any we'd actually want to live under? Can SF/F invent or inspire a better government?

Song Circle: Dragons and Dragoons!

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Edward Stauff (Participant)

Group Reading: Broad Universe

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Heather Albano (Participant)

LJ Cohen (Participant)

E C Ambrose, Rocinante Books (Moderator)

Roberta Rogow (Participant)

Join members of Broad Universe — a nonprofit association dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and promoting female authors of science fiction, fantasy, and horror — as they read tidbits of works and works in progress. Celebrate 17 years of “Broads” with Elaine Isaak, Heather Albano, Roberta Rogow, LJ Cohen, and more!

The Year in Astronomy and Physics

1 hour, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Mark Olson (Moderator)

Jeff Hecht (Participant)

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Rajnar Vajra (Participant)

An annual roundup of the latest research and discoveries in two sciences that matter. Our experts will share what’s new and interesting, cutting-edge and speculative. From planets to particles, and beyond!

6:00 PM

Reading by Pete Hollmer

30 minutes, 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Pete Hollmer (Participant)

What Good Is an Agent?

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Erin M. Hartshorn (Moderator)

Joshua Bilmes, JABberwocky Literary Agency (Participant)

Barry Goldblatt, Barry Goldblatt Literary LLC (Participant)

Richard Shealy (Participant)

Hillary Monahan (Participant)

Everybody wants an agent — but why? What's the big deal? Sure they can help you make contacts with publishers, but is that their only purpose? What else can or should an agent do for you? How do you know when your agent isn't really working out? How do you transition between agents without burning bridges?

Jewish Havdalah Service

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Marina II

Other

Service ending the Sabbath.

Drones

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Marina I

Solo Talk

Dr. SETI, Inc. (Participant)

Drones are a growing part of life in the modern world. Paul Schuh takes us through what role they play (and may play in the future) in our society, the problems and benefits they provide, and the rules and regulations surrounding the operation of these high-flying devices.

DragonsLair Is Closed for Dinner

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Kaffeeklatsch: Julia Rios

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Julia Rios, Mermaids Monthly (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Craig Shaw Gardner

1 hour, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Craig Shaw Gardner (Participant)

NMBR 9

2 hours, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Reading by Paul DiFilippo

30 minutes, 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

- Griffin

Reading

Paul Di Filippo (Participant)

6:15 PM

Cowboy Bebop

1 hour 40 minutes, 6:15 PM - 7:55 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

The futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners. (2001)

6:30 PM

Boskone Book Party

1 hour, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

- Galleria - Stage

Event

Erin Underwood (Moderator)

Roberta Rogow (Potential)

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Les Johnson (Participant)

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Participant)

E C Ambrose, Rocinante Books (Participant)

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Robert V.S. Redick (Participant)

Christopher Paniccia, Gridiron Publishing (Participant)

Kenneth Rogers, Lost Imaginations (Participant)

Walter H. Hunt (Participant)

Adam Stemple (Participant)

Kristy Acevedo (Participant)

Chris Irvin (Participant)

R.W.W. Greene (Participant)

Come join the fun at Boskone 55’s Book Party — and meet the presses and authors who have new books coming out at the con! This is your chance to see what’s new from writers you already love, as well as those you have yet to discover.

Tiptree Bake Sale @ Boskone

1 hour, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

- Galleria - Meetup Spot

Event

B. Diane Martin, Readercon, Fan Funds and Auctions (Participant)

The Boskone Bake Sale benefits the James Tiptree Jr. Award, an annual literary prize for speculative fiction that expands or explores our understanding of gender. The sale is held on Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (or until we sell all the food).

Please consider bringing something to be sold: all non-refrigerated foods are welcome (particularly those that also suit dietary restrictions — e.g. gluten, lactose, egg-free). If you are thinking of donating, please drop off at 6:00 pm or during the sale itself! If you are planning to donate some treats, or if you would like to volunteer to help with the bake sale, please contact us at bdiane@gmail.com.

Munchkin

2 hours, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

7:00 PM

Ebru Marbling Paper Making

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Using ancient techniques, we'll try paper making again. Come prepared to create.

A Musical Tour of John Williams' Classics on Cello

1 hour, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Denise A. Gendron (Participant)

Cellist Denise Gendron takes us on a musical tour of some of John Williams' most memorable movie tunes from Star Wars to Jaws, ET, and more!

8:00 PM

Invaders from Mars (1953) — and More!

1 hour 55 minutes, 8:00 PM - 9:55 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

Movie Mike, Independent (Participant)

16mm Films in the Evening with Movie Mike. Only the kid knows that they’ve landed and burrowed in behind the house. They’ve taken over his mommy and daddy and the police via brain control radio. It’s a paranoid child’s nightmare of alienation, directed by William Cameron Menzies, with Leif Erickson, Hillary Brooke, and little Jimmy Hunt. Milburn Stone (Doc from Gunsmoke) is the tough old colonel who saves the day. Note the lovely stark effectiveness of the police station scene, and the brilliant use of stock military footage for epic effect. Don’t miss the zippers on the backs of the huge Martian mutants as they shuffle through the underground tunnels of their secret base. And those “raygun-melted” tunnel walls are clusters of balloons: notice they stir in the breeze. Menzies excelled at design, and this film is beautifully composed and shot, with good props, sets, and costumes. This movie runs 78 minutes, so we’ll add a condensed version of This Island Earth that includes the flying saucer trip, space war on the planet Metaluna, and that big insect mutant — all good stuff you will like.

Reading by Carter Roy (Michael Stearns)

30 minutes, 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Michael Stearns, Upstart Crow Literary (Participant)

Farm to Table in Space

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

B. Diane Martin, Readercon, Fan Funds and Auctions (Moderator)

David Shaw (Participant)

Carrie Cuinn (Participant)

Dr. Mom (Participant)

“Farm to table” is a modern social movement that promotes serving local food acquired directly from the farmer, but also encourages coming together and bonding over a meal. Fantasy often depicts these kinds of scenes, in taverns or mead halls: but what about science fiction? How does the mess hall on a spaceship compare to the warm, welcoming mead hall — or is something lost in translation?

Beyond Pokemon Go: Writing For Augmented Reality Games

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Marina I

Solo Talk

Heather Albano (Participant)

Location-based augmented reality games are becoming increasingly popular in the mobile marketplace, and their unique structure offers new and exciting storytelling opportunities to writers and game designers alike. But AR games are not the first to incorporate the real world as a design element; live action roleplaying games have been doing this for decades. Veteran LARP designer Heather Albano will discuss how the best practices of live action design are being applied to early augmented reality games right now, and how game writers can leverage these design principles to create memorable (and successful!) AR games in the near future.

Open Mic: Myths & Legends!

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Galleria - Stage

Event

Lauren Roy (Participant)

Elaine Cunningham (Moderator)

Kenneth Schneyer, Johnson & Wales University (Moderator)

C. S. E. Cooney (Participant)

Carlos Hernandez (Participant)

Gabriel Erkard (Participant)

E. Ardell (Participant)

Ben Newman (Participant)

Roberta Rogow (Participant)

Don Pizarro (Participant)

Trisha J. Wooldridge (Participant)

Mary Ellen Wessels (Participant)

Edward Stauff (Participant)

Live from Boskone: A special selection of tall tales as told by our program participants — plus audience members. All show off their open mic skills in the third annual Boskone Open Mic extravaganza. This year features the myths and legends of yesterday, today, and tomorrow! Each participant contributes his/her most legendary performance — a 5-minute story, poem, song, skit, interpretive dance, or whatever!

OPTIONAL: For extra appeal, feel free to come dressed as your favorite mythic or legendary character.

The Rules: Boskone members are invited to join our participants in the open mic by signing up for one of the six open slots at the door to the event, which opens for sign-ups at 7:30 p.m. Each performer is given a firm 5-minute time limit (max), including setup time. So a quick transition between acts is key. Please no profanity: DragonsLair is within hearing distance.

Saturday Night Special Event: Boskone Awards and Rapid-Fire Theater

2 hours, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

- Harbor II+III

Event

David G. Grubbs (Moderator)

Bruce Coville (Participant)

Bob Kuhn (Participant)

Gay Ellen Dennett, FN, NESFA - New England Science Fiction Association (Participant)

Laurie Mann (Participant)

Mihku Paul, Feathers of Many Colors (Participant)

Michael Sharrow (Participant)

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Ginjer Buchanan (Participant)

Fred Lerner (Participant)

Tui Sutherland (Participant)

Jen Gunnels, Tor Books (Participant)

Erin Roberts (Participant)

Christine Taylor-Butler (Participant)

William Hayashi (Participant)

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Daniel Kimmel (Participant)

Saturday night's presentation is a fast-paced theatrical extravaganza, featuring a set of mini-shows that resemble live-action podcasts (akin to a science fiction variety show with a short awards ceremony, an interview, a game show, and an original radio show with aliens). This special Saturday night program has something for every fan. Hosted by Boskone’s very own David G. Grubbs.

8:00 pm — The Boskone Chorale: Presenting Jordin Kare's "Fire in the Sky."

8:10 p.m. — NESFA Awards Presentation: 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. We will also be announcing the winner of the NESFA Short Story Contest.

8:40 p.m. — Special Interview: The Rapid-Fire Theater continues with a short interview, featuring bestselling children's author Tui Sutherland.

9:05 p.m. — What's My Name: Panelists race against the clock in a science fictional guessing game that somewhat resembles "What's My Line?" as a panel of experts try to identify the characters being portrayed.

9:45 p.m. — Boskone Radio Play: Boskone's Rapid-Fire Theater comes to an out-of-this-world conclusion with a short adapted radio play by Nat Segaloff about humanity's first contact with aliens.

Stained Glass Art

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Colored gels, paper, glue; make something pretty to hangi in your window.

Kaffeeklatsch: Brendan DuBois

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 2

Kaffeeklatsch

Brendan DuBois (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Timothy Liebe

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Galleria - Kaffeeklatsch 1

Kaffeeklatsch

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

Bang: The Dice Game

1 hour, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

8:30 PM

Reading by Kevin McLaughlin

30 minutes, 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Kevin McLaughlin (Participant)

9:00 PM

Soup to Nuts: The Life Cycle of a Book

1 hour, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Joshua Bilmes, JABberwocky Literary Agency (Participant)

Richard Shealy (Moderator)

Pete Hollmer (Participant)

Susan Jane Bigelow (Participant)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Participant)

What is the life cycle of a book, from completion to publication? Our panel of agents, editors, and authors share advice on everything from querying an agent or an editor to dealing with revision requests, reviewing the contract, maintaining the relationship between editor and agent, and more.

Power Grid

3 hours, 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Open Filking

4 hours, 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

9:15 PM

Group Reading: Noir at the Boskone Bar — Special Edition

1 hour 30 minutes, 9:15 PM - 10:45 PM

- Galleria - Stage

Reading

Paul Tremblay (Participant)

Chris Irvin (Moderator)

Errick Nunnally, Journey Planet Fanzine (Moderator)

John Langan (Participant)

Dana Cameron, writer (Participant)

Nik Korpon (Participant)

Gillian Daniels (Participant)

Bracken MacLeod (Participant)

Leigh Perry (Participant)

Noir at the Boskone Bar is a special night of reading and fun with our noir, crime, mystery, and horror writers. Hosted by Chris Irvin and Errick Nunnally.

10:00 PM

Logan

2 hours 17 minutes, 10:00 PM - 12:17 AM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

In 2029, somewhere on the Mexican border, a worn-down, weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X. However, Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are upended when a young mutant arrives — pursued by dark forces. (2017)

Minneapolis Music Meet-up

1 hour, 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

- Burroughs

Filk / Music

Adam Stemple (Participant)

Join our Minneapolis contingent of musicians for an informal evening of music and fun.

10:30 PM

Dublin 2019 Late Night Meet Up

1 hour, 10:30 PM - 11:30 PM

- Galleria - Meetup Spot

Vince Docherty (Participant)

Erin Underwood (Participant)

Jackie Kamlot (Participant)

Ginjer Buchanan (Participant)

John R. Douglas, Freelance (Participant)

Join the Dublin 2019 Worldcon team for a meet up in the Galleria for some Irish snacks and music.

Sunday 18 February, 2018

Time Zone: (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

9:00 AM

Marble Ways and Legos

1 hour, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

9:30 AM

Reading by Suzanne Palmer

30 minutes, 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

- Independence

Reading

Suzanne Palmer (Participant)

Flash Fiction Slam

1 hour 30 minutes, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

- Carlton

Reading

R.W.W. Greene (Moderator)

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Participant)

Shahid Mahmud, Arc Manor/Phoenix Pick (Participant)

Vikki Ciaffone (Participant)

Jen Gunnels, Tor Books (Participant)

Boskone's Flash Fiction Slam returns! Be one of eleven (11) writers to compete for the title of The Flash, reading your own original fiction — which must tell a complete tale within a 3-minute period. Our expert panel of judges will score your work, and you automatically lose 10 percent 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 by sending an email to program@boskone.org for one of eight (8) reading slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Or sign up onsite at Program Ops in the Harbor Foyer for one of three (3) at-con openings. A waiting list will also be available there.

10:00 AM

Godzilla: Final Wars

2 hours 5 minutes, 10:00 AM - 12:05 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

The 50th-anniversary Godzilla film. Godzilla travels around the world to fight his old foes — plus a mysterious new menace designated Monster X. (2004)

NESFA Reading Group: The Dark Apostle: Elisha Barber 1 by E. C. Ambrose

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Marina III

Discussion Group

Michael Sharrow (Moderator)

E C Ambrose, Rocinante Books (Participant)

The NESFA Reading Group meets to discuss their next book of choice — The Dark Apostle: Elisha Barber 1 by E. C. Ambrose. Join us for a conversation led by NESFA's Mike Sharrow; Boskone's own E.C. Ambrose will join the group halfway through for a Q&A. To participate, please read the book and come ready with your observations and questions.

Sound and Fury: Storytelling in Audio Drama

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Marina II

Panel

Bob Kuhn (Moderator)

Bruce Coville (Participant)

Kate Baker, Clarkesworld Magazine / SFWA (Participant)

C. S. E. Cooney (Participant)

Timothy Liebe (Participant)

How do you tell a story when all you have is the sound of your voice? Learn tips and tricks for setting the scene, showing action, and building character — aided by music and sound effects!

The Forgotten Topics in YA Fiction

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Marina I

Panel

Kristy Acevedo (Moderator)

Gregory Katsoulis (Participant)

Kenneth Rogers, Lost Imaginations (Participant)

Carlos Hernandez (Participant)

Young adult fiction panels often focus on what makes a believable teenage character, young love, or great teen hero. But there’s so much more to explore! What about stereotypical teen behavior? Villains? Reality versus fiction? Let’s spread the net wide. This is our chance to dish on the topics that get the least airtime.

Kaffeeklatsch: Joshua Bilmes

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Kaffeeklatsch

Joshua Bilmes, JABberwocky Literary Agency (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Les Johnson

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Kaffeeklatsch

Les Johnson (Participant)

Tour of the Art Exhibit (II)

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Art Show

Docent Tour

Joseph Siclari, FANAC Fan History Project (Participant)

Edie Stern, Fanac (Participant)

If you missed the first — this is your chance to stroll around the special art exhibit with its curators. You’ll hit the highlights with knowledgeable guides who can indicate points of interest.

Creating a Franken-Story

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Kenesha Williams, Black Girl Magic Literary Magazine (Participant)

Kids work with author Kenesha Williams as they create and stitch together a scary original story.

Autographing: Kevin McLaughlin, Robert V.S. Redick, Nat Segaloff

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Robert V.S. Redick (Participant)

Kevin McLaughlin (Participant)

Official Artist Interview with Marianne Plumridge

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Harbor II

Interview

Marianne Plumridge (Participant)

Tim Szczesuil FN, Boskone (Participant)

Join Marianne Plumridge for a special discussion in which our Official Artist talks about the creative process, life, and art — including her own work, from Rocket Doodles, cosmic whales, and Dreamboats to Birds 'n' Bots and beyond.

Life in Space

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Harbor III

Dialog

Stacey Berg (Participant)

Cady Coleman (Participant)

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

What does it take to become an astronaut? What's it like to live in space? These questions and many more will get answered by astronaut Cady Coleman. Cady sits with science fiction writers Mary Robinette Kowal and Stacey Berg, who ask her everything you ever wanted to know about life in space.

Lords of Waterdeep

2 hours, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

The History of Filk

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Edward Stauff (Moderator)

Mary Kay Kare (Participant)

Steve Brinich (Participant)

Denise A. Gendron (Participant)

Filk: What is it? Where did it come from? Panelists share the history of science fiction's musical art form.

Reading by Ken Schneyer

30 minutes, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

- Griffin

Reading

Kenneth Schneyer, Johnson & Wales University (Participant)

Hugo Award Recommendations: Written Works

1 hour, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

- Burroughs

Panel

Bob Devney (Moderator)

Jim Mann (Participant)

Vince Docherty (Participant)

What were your favorite SF/F/H novels, novellas, novelettes, short stories, related works, and graphic stories of 2017? Panelists and members share their favorites and discover new things to read. Let's find the hidden gems and take notes for this year's Hugo Awards nominations ballots too — they’re due in San Jose soon!

10:30 AM

Reading by Max Gladstone

30 minutes, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

- Independence

Reading

Max Gladstone (Participant)

Reading by Theodora Goss

30 minutes, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

- Griffin

Reading

Theodora Goss (Participant)

11:00 AM

Reading by John P Murphy

30 minutes, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

- Independence

Reading

John P. Murphy (Participant)

LGBTQ Elements in Speculative Fiction

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

John Chu (Participant)

Susan Jane Bigelow (Participant)

Christian Baines (Participant)

Julia Rios, Mermaids Monthly (Moderator)

Where are all the LGBTQ characters in SF/F/H? They may exist — but are often relegated to secondary or background status. What can we do to elevate them to main characters? Our panelists cite some of the best LGBTQ speculative fictions being published, and what makes these pieces stand out. Generally, what authors and publishers should we be following?

Horror and Humor

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Don Pizarro (Moderator)

Craig Shaw Gardner (Participant)

Marianna Martin, Genretastic.com (Participant)

That's awfully funny! Horror and humor may be strange bedfellows, but the two genres can combine in surprisingly complementary ways. How can you best weave them together into a terribly amusing tale? And why do they work so well together?

The Future of Work

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Mark Olson (Moderator)

James Cambias (Participant)

Jeff Hecht (Participant)

B. Diane Martin, Readercon, Fan Funds and Auctions (Participant)

How has innovation — changing technologies, new digital platforms, advanced AIs — altered the fundamental nature of work? While humans may always have a place in the labor hierarchy, just where will we find ourselves on the food chain? Is there room for everyone? Specifically, how will technology eliminate current jobs and enable new ones?

The Visual Language of Art

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Joseph Siclari, FANAC Fan History Project (Moderator)

Bob Eggleton (Participant)

Marianne Plumridge (Participant)

Vincent Di Fate (Participant)

Reiko Murakami (Participant)

A picture is worth a thousand words. Whether you’re looking at a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn or by Boris Vallejo, it captures a moment of time and tells a story about it. Let's consider some of our favorite paintings — past and present, mainstream and speculative — to discuss what they say, how they say it, and why we love them.

Kaffeeklatsch: Nat Segaloff

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Kaffeeklatsch

Nat Segaloff (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Beth Meacham

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Kaffeeklatsch

Beth Meacham (Participant)

Deconstruct an Accordion!

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Geri Sullivan, Boskone 58 (Participant)

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Help take apart an old accordion to see how it's constructed!

Autographing: Robert J. Sawyer, Carter Roy (Michael Stearns), Allen M. Steele, Clarence Young

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Allen M. Steele (Participant)

Robert J. Sawyer (Participant)

Michael Stearns, Upstart Crow Literary (Participant)

Zig Zag Claybourne, Obsidian Sky Books (Participant)

Living With Climate Change

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

Vandana Singh (Participant)

Vince Docherty (Moderator)

Robert V.S. Redick (Participant)

Les Johnson (Participant)

Laurie Mann (Participant)

The last year has seen an onslaught of floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, and more. Birds and mammals are altering their migration patterns. Insects, fish, and plants are showing up where they’ve not been seen before. It feels like an apocalyptic novel. But it's just what we get to live with, in an age of shifting global climate. Let’s put efforts to reverse things aside. Without becoming too doomy or gloomy — with our natural world in flux, what can we expect next? How do we prepare for changes to come? What steps can we as individuals take to adjust to our changing world?

Marketing Uphill

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Alexander Jablokov (Moderator)

Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert (Participant)

Joshua Bilmes, JABberwocky Literary Agency (Participant)

Craig Miller (Participant)

Sometimes marketing for writers feels like walking uphill to school barefoot in the snow. Does it ever get easier? At what point is enough enough for you and your social network? What about live events? How much should you invest, and how do you measure the return? Our panelists share their experiences and tips for managing your marketing.

Song Circle: Moldy Oldies

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Steve Brinich (Participant)

Reading by Mary Robinette Kowal

30 minutes, 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

- Griffin

Reading

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Fantasy and Folklore in Shakespeare

1 hour, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Greer Gilman (Participant)

Jeanne Beckwith, Norwich University (Participant)

Gillian Daniels (Moderator)

Shakespeare didn't just write histories, romances, and comedies. He was also a master at drawing on folk sources, and creating compelling fantasy fictions. Let's consider the fantastic side of Shakespeare: his characters, his stories, and the magic within his writing.

11:30 AM

Reading by Julie Holderman

30 minutes, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Julie Holderman (Participant)

12:00 PM

Reading by Les Johnson

30 minutes, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Les Johnson (Participant)

"Realistic" Hackers

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

John P. Murphy (Moderator)

Walt Williams (Participant)

Dan Moren (Participant)

Laurence Raphael Brothers (Participant)

Computer hackers are often depicted as genius young criminals who work in their parents’ basements, as guys who are nonconforming loners, as sexy quirky girls who rock killer glasses. The truth is far more complex. Let's hack the hacker mythology, and debunk the creepy caricatures we see on TV and read about in books. Are there any good examples out there of hacker characters who are realistically portrayed?

Women Who Write Science Fiction

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Victoria Sandbrook (Moderator)

LJ Cohen (Participant)

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Erin Roberts (Participant)

Marianna Martin, Genretastic.com (Participant)

Mary Shelley, Leigh Brackett, Ursula K. Le Guin, Connie Willis, N. K. Jemisin — women have been in the thick of writing science fiction for a very long time. Let's discuss some of their landmark publications that captured our imagination. Why do we love these stories? What works should we look for the next time we're browsing the shelves?

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Steven Popkes (Moderator)

William Hayashi (Participant)

Robert J. Sawyer (Participant)

Laurie Mann (Participant)

Eric M. Van (Participant)

Fifty years ago, 2001: A Space Odyssey stormed the screens and bookstores of the science fiction and science worlds. (Clarke’s book and Stanley Kubrick’s film were developed concurrently, based on Clarke’s 1951 short story “The Sentinel”; both men worked at writing both; the movie was actually released first.) As icons of the genre, these works transformed the way people think about science fiction, space, AIs, and more. Where are we 50 years later? Is 2001 still the classic it was? Do the science and story still hold up? What did it tell us about our future, and are we there yet?

Dark Fantasy for Children/YA

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Marina I

Panel

Adam Stemple (Moderator)

Sarah Jean Horwitz (Participant)

Tui Sutherland (Participant)

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Gabriel Erkard (Participant)

How dark is too dark when it comes to dark fantasy and horror for younger readers? Is there an invisible line in the sand? Should we provide kids with more happy endings? And what draws them to these stories in the first place … even when none of the characters are children?

Kaffeeklatsch: Walter Jon Williams

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Kaffeeklatsch

Walter Jon Williams, Word Domination (Participant)

The Accordion Autopsy

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Discussion Group

Geri Sullivan, Boskone 58 (Participant)

Come join us for a discussion and dissection of an old accordion that has seen better days.

Comics and Cookies

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Meetup Spot

Discussion Group

Josh Dahl, MakeBetterComics.com (Participant)

Brenda Noiseux, Almost a Game (Participant)

Bring your cookies and your favorite DC Rebirth comics, and chat with fellow fans about the new stories being told.

Children's Open Programming

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Other Participant)

Daniel Dern brings back his DragonsLair magic show for Boskone's children!

Autographing: E. Ardell, John Langan, Christine Taylor-Butler

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

E. Ardell (Participant)

John Langan (Participant)

Christine Taylor-Butler (Participant)

Reading by Tamora Pierce

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Harbor II

Reading

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

Everybody’s a Critic. No, Really.

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Fred Lerner (Moderator)

Deirdre Crimmins (Participant)

David McDonald (Participant)

Darrell Schweitzer (Participant)

Gillian Daniels (Participant)

From Goodreads to Rotten Tomatoes to social media, a vast chatterverse of opinions instantly rates any story, book, movie, game, song, or con panel you might wish to experience. Where can you find the best reviews? How can you tell quickly if a given review is worthwhile? If you opine yourself, how can you make sure your own hot take stays cool?

Lego Robotics Demo & Programming

3 hours, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Harbor I

Event

Michael Sharrow (Moderator)

Christopher ernenwein, Hatch (Participant)

Siavesh Safarizadeh, Hatch (Participant)

Matt Brown, Hatch Makerspace (Participant)

Dan Gessel, Hatch Makerspace (Participant)

Chenyu Lin, Hatch Makerspace (Participant)

Karl Twelker, Hatch Makerspace (Participant)

Have you ever wanted to build a robotic arm? A remote controlled racer? A mechanical monster of doom? Here’s your chance! Using Lego NXT kits, we will build the project of your dreams. Guaranteed to destroy Jupiter! (Scale model of Jupiter not included.) Designed for members from age 10 to adult.

Ticket to Ride: Rails and Sails

3 hours, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Munchkin

2 hours, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Harbor I

Gaming

Bill Todd (Other Participant)

Song Circle: Myths and Legends

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Mary Ellen Wessels (Participant)

Edward Stauff (Participant)

Stories for Themed Anthologies

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Griffin

Panel

Julia Rios, Mermaids Monthly (Moderator)

Tom Easton (Participant)

Erin Underwood (Participant)

Elaine Cunningham (Participant)

Zig Zag Claybourne, Obsidian Sky Books (Participant)

The growing popularity of themed anthologies is creating new life for short fiction. Editing and writing for these collections, however, can be tricky. How do you find the right stories? To what extent do you edit? And what kind of anthology would we all like to see?

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

1 hour, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Jennifer Pelland (Moderator)

Vandana Singh (Participant)

Kenesha Williams, Black Girl Magic Literary Magazine (Participant)

Scott Lynch (Participant)

Marshall Ryan Maresca (Participant)

Octavia Butler's prescient dystopian novel Parable of the Sower was written 25 years ago. Set in the 2020s, it presents a society beset by climate change, social and economic collapse, corporate greed, wealth inequality … need we go on? What did Butler’s masterpiece get right — and wrong? How do her beleaguered characters cope? And what can the novel teach us today?

12:15 PM

Bubblegum Crisis (ep 2-4)

1 hour 32 minutes, 12:15 PM - 1:47 PM

- Marina IV

Film/TV/Media

Michael Kerpan FN (Other Participant)

A female mercenary team, armed with unique power armor suits, battles the forces of the corrupt mega-corporation Genom in futuristic Tokyo. The episodes are entitled "Born to Kill," "Blow Up," and "Revenge Road."

1:00 PM

Turning a Short Story Into a Play

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Independence

Discussion Group

Jeanne Beckwith, Norwich University (Participant)

Got a story that would be great on the stage? Don't know where to start? Step through the process with playwright Jeanne Beckwith in this Boskone workshop on how to turn a short story into a stage play. Participants are welcome to bring a short story of their choice to the workshop.

Resurrecting Superman

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Dan Moren (Moderator)

Marianna Martin, Genretastic.com (Participant)

David McDonald (Participant)

Dr. Stephen P. Kelner Jr., Ascent Leadership Networks (Participant)

Robert Howard (Participant)

How do you kill a Kryptonian so he stays dead? Odds are, we’re not about to find out … While dead may be dead in at least a few cases, most comic book / movie superheroes have an uncanny knack for survival — thanks to their power of super takesies-backsies. What do life and death really mean in a genre where The End is probably just A New Beginning?

Igniting the STEM Literary Movement

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Brenda Noiseux, Almost a Game (Moderator)

J. Kathleen Cheney (Participant)

Catherine Asaro (Participant)

Kaitlin R. Branch (Participant)

Cady Coleman (Participant)

There’s a growing focus in education on bringing more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into the classroom. Stories with strong STEM components are being written for children and young adults. But how do we attract younger readers’ attention, and build greater interest in this literature? Participants share their ideas and invite suggestions from the audience.

Weird Science and Odd Inventions

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

James Cambias (Participant)

John P. Murphy (Moderator)

Julie C. Day (Participant)

David Shaw (Participant)

Jeff Carroll (Participant)

Sometimes ideas sound better in your head! Scientific discovery and invention can take strange and unexpected turns when creativity is let loose. Fortunately, some of the end products turn out to be truly remarkable. Our panelists discuss their favorite unusual inventions and surprising scientific discoveries.

Kaffeeklatsch: Paul Tremblay

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Kaffeeklatsch

Paul Tremblay (Participant)

Kaffeeklatsch: Jack Haringa

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Con Suite

Kaffeeklatsch

Jack Haringa, Worcester Academy (Participant)

Buttons, Beads, and Pipe Cleaners

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Dragonslair

Children - DragonsLair

Persis Thorndike, Westat (Participant)

Autographing: Auston Habershaw, Christopher Paniccia, Max Gladstone

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Christopher Paniccia, Gridiron Publishing (Participant)

Auston Habershaw (Participant)

Max Gladstone (Participant)

Boskone Special Guest Talk by Craig Miller

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Harbor II

Solo Talk

Craig Miller (Participant)

Join us for a fascinating talk by Craig Miller, a well-known and respected writer/producer with over 300 credits to his name. Craig will discuss his experiences in the film industry, and treat us to a Lucasfilm look at the production of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.

Neil Gaiman Anniversary Reads

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Harbor III

Panel

Bracken MacLeod (Moderator)

Jane Yolen (Participant)

Justin C. Key (Participant)

John Langan (Participant)

Trisha J. Wooldridge (Participant)

It’s a notable year for Neil Gaiman, with publication anniversaries for his engaging, ironic dark fantasies The Graveyard Book (10th) and The Ocean at the End of the Lane (5th) — plus from his lighter side, Don't Panic: The Official Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Companion (30th). Let's gab about his novels and stories, comics and characters, movies and TV adaptations and rock-star aura.

Concert: Gary Ehrlich

30 minutes, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Gary Ehrlich (Participant)

Afrofuturism Group Reading

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

William Hayashi (Moderator)

Kenesha Williams, Black Girl Magic Literary Magazine (Participant)

Errick Nunnally, Journey Planet Fanzine (Participant)

Christine Taylor-Butler (Participant)

Zig Zag Claybourne, Obsidian Sky Books (Participant)

Boskone's Afrofuturism Reading features a wide selection of authors who come together for this special group reading.

Something Old/New/Borrowed/Blue

1 hour, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Fred Lerner (Participant)

Geary Gravel (Participant)

Michael Swanwick (Participant)

Edie Stern, Fanac (Moderator)

Expand your to-be-read list, as well as your horizons. Our intrepid panelists will recommend a classic SF book, a current SF book, something brought in from outside SF that is a must-read — and, if they wish, something sexy as well!

1:30 PM

Concert: Mary Ellen Wessels & Ed Stauff

30 minutes, 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Mary Ellen Wessels (Participant)

Edward Stauff (Participant)

2:00 PM

Tea With Mary (Kaffeeklatsch: Mary Robinette Kowal)

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Galleria - Makers' Space

Kaffeeklatsch

Mary Robinette Kowal (Participant)

Erin Underwood (Moderator)

Join Boskone's Guest of Honor for tea in the Con Suite. (Requires Kaffeeklatsch sign-up at Program Ops in the Harbor Foyer.)

Reading by Robert V.S. Redick

30 minutes, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

- Independence

Reading

Robert V.S. Redick (Participant)

Great Villains in Kids' SF/F

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Carlton

Panel

Tui Sutherland (Participant)

Bruce Coville (Moderator)

Carlos Hernandez (Participant)

Tamora Pierce, Tamora Pierce LLC (Participant)

From Sauron to Voldemort, the Grinch to the White Witch to the Dane Twins, Mrs. Coulter to President Snow to Mayor Prentiss — what kind of characters do children and young adults truly love to hate? Are there limits to showing real evil, or can kids take more than we think? How obvious do we get: if there’s a mustache, must it be twirled?

Fan Power and TV

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Marina III

Panel

Janice Gelb (Moderator)

Genny Dazzo (Participant)

Suford Lewis, NESFA Press (Participant)

Steve Davidson, Amazing Stories (Participant)

Flourish Klink (Participant)

When fans band together, it can be a powerful thing. After Sense8 was canceled, the internet exploded with plaudits, protests, and petitions. Result: the network added a special 2-hour series finale. Let's discuss the keys to successful fan-led revivals of television shows. What makes them successful? How do we let the networks know what we want, and that we mean business?

Comics, the Hugo Awards, and the Future

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Marina II

Panel

Brenda Noiseux, Almost a Game (Moderator)

Jackie Kamlot (Participant)

Josh Dahl, MakeBetterComics.com (Participant)

James Bacon (Participant)

Consider comics and their place in the Hugo Awards. How's the Hugo for Best Graphic Story working out? As tales from comics take over TV and movies, is one award enough? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of it all. And if this were a comic, what happens in the next exciting issue?

Autographing: Sarah Jean Horwitz, Christopher Irvin, Vandana Singh

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Galleria - Autographing

Autographing

Chris Irvin (Participant)

Vandana Singh (Participant)

Sarah Jean Horwitz (Participant)

Field Medicine in a Fantasy World

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Harbor II

Panel

LJ Cohen (Moderator)

Kristin Janz, Mysterion (Participant)

Kevin McLaughlin (Participant)

Christopher Paniccia, Gridiron Publishing (Participant)

After fighting orcs or falling into a ravine, you can come out with more than cuts and bruises. Yet without modern medicine, our fantasy heroes are often left to their own devices to stitch themselves back together. What tips and tricks should they know? What nearby items — plants, herbs, spyderwebs — might be helpful? But also: why isn’t there tons more toothache, child mortality, and gangrene in Fantasielande?

Song Circle: Parody

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Gary Ehrlich (Participant)

Group Reading: Stonecoast MFA

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Griffin

Reading

James Patrick Kelly, writer (Moderator)

Theodora Goss (Moderator)

Julie C. Day (Participant)

Kaitlin R. Branch (Participant)

Mihku Paul, Feathers of Many Colors (Participant)

E. Ardell (Participant)

Come hear the literary stylings of the Stonecoast MFA alumni, students, and faculty who have come together for this special group reading at Boskone.

Ending a Series

1 hour, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

E C Ambrose, Rocinante Books (Moderator)

Marshall Ryan Maresca (Participant)

Walter H. Hunt (Participant)

Sarah Smith (Participant)

After writing three novels (or more!), how do you pull all your loose ends together to provide a satisfying conclusion? What are readers looking for in the final book of a series? And if you leave openings for another triptych or two, can it really feel like The End?

2:30 PM

Reading by Gabriel Erkard

30 minutes, 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

- Independence

Reading

Gabriel Erkard (Participant)

3:00 PM

MASSFILC Business Meeting

20 minutes, 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

The (usually brief) monthly business meeting of MASSFILC, the greater Boston area's local filk club.

Feedback Session

1 hour, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- Burroughs

Panel

Jim Mann (Participant)

Erin Underwood (Participant)

Gay Ellen Dennett, FN, NESFA - New England Science Fiction Association (Participant)

R Duffy, NESFA (Participant)

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

3:30 PM

Dead Dog Open Singing

1 hour 40 minutes, 3:30 PM - 5:10 PM

- Lewis

Filk / Music

Come share songs to close out the convention! Science-fictional or fantastic topics may predominate, but all songs are welcome. Come to sing or just to listen.

Schedule

Filters

Filter by Track

Filter by tag

Session Types

Locations

Other Filters

Friday 16 February, 2018

Saturday 17 February, 2018

Sunday 18 February, 2018