And now for something completely different: my WorldCon schedule. This year’s WorldCon is in Seattle, and I’m coming out for it. If you’re looking for me at WorldCon, here’s where to find me.
Thursday, August 14th
Table Talk. 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Room 430.
(You have to sign up for this. It’s an informal conversation with a small group and you can sign up for them with a whole lot of people, not just me. Signups are through the convention portal, open the day before, and are done on a lottery basis if more than 6 people want to come.)
Reading. 3:30-4 p.m., Room 429.
I am planning to read an excerpt from Obstetrix, my novella about an obstetrician who gets kidnapped by a cult, which is coming out from Tordotcom in June of next year.
Friday, August 15th
Arcane Principles: Philosophical Study of Magic. 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., Room 443-444
Magic is the core of many fantasy worlds, but sometimes the internal workings of those systems are underexplored. Join our panelists as they dive into the metaphysical and ethical consequences of magical systems from the fantastical to the seemingly mundane. Dean Wells (M), Holly Black, Naomi Kritzer, Salinee Goldenberg, Terry Brooks.
Why Does the Alt-Right Love Science Fiction? 7:30-8:30 p.m., Room 320
Over the past few decades, there have been attempts to co-opt science fiction in support of racist, sexist, and classist political movements. Even works such as Star Trek, Neuromancer, and The Disposessed have been claimed by alt-right leaders as foundational texts for their awful worldviews. Why does the alt-right love science fiction, and what problematic assumptions are coded into the genre that cause it to be open to these interpretations? Rachel A. Rosen (M), Jordan S. Carroll, Joseph Malik, Naomi Kritzer, Sam Asher.
Saturday, August 16th
Where Are Your Parents? 10:30-11:30 a.m., Room 321
Middle grade and YA books often suffer from the parent problem: If the protagonist had a responsible adult in their lives, they might not go on an adventure in the first place. Authors discuss their favorite ways to solve this problem, the narrative purpose adults serve when they are present, and how to strike a balance that empowers young protagonists while keeping adult characters meaningful.
Nino Cipri (M), Cassidy Ellis Salter, Michelle Knudsen, Naomi Kritzer, Shana Targosz.
Autographing. 12:30 – 1 p.m., Garden Lounge (3F)
The Hugo Award Ceremony. 8:30 – 11 p.m., Ballroom 1. My story “The Four Sisters Overlooking the Sea” is a finalist for Best Novelette.
I am pretty much always happy to sign things unless I’m in a hurry to get somewhere (e.g. a panel I’m supposed to be on, the bathroom, etc.) But I will definitely be there to sign things in that slot.
In addition! I will be at two cons in September: Diversicon (in Plymouth, MN, September 5-7) where I will be co-guests-of-honor with my bestie Lyda Morehouse, and CapClave (in Rockville, Maryland, September 19-21) where I will be a GoH along with Joe and Gay Haldeman. I am also planning to attend Gaylaxicon, in Bloomington MN October 3-5.
Will Tell Stories For Food 