I feel incredibly fortunate right now. With all the grumbling I've heard on social media of people being slighted for spots on programming at the World Science Fiction Convention (Sept 1-5, Chicago), the organizers put me in seven different slots. Yes, seven. One writing panel, two literature panels, three science and technology panels, and a meet-and-greet-type thing where I will be one of the people attendees are coming to meet. And they have me moderating the writing panel, one of the literature panels, and one of the science/tech panels.
No, I haven't developed an exaggerated sense of my status in this field, which for most science fiction fans and writers is currently somewhere between "Who the hell is that?" and "I think I've heard of him somewhere." However, I will say that the amount of time I put into filling out the program participant survey--pushing three hours--definitely paid off. My advice to the slighted, including those way more famous than me: don't blow those off.
So, in the hopes that some of you reading this will attend, here's a copy-paste from a document the organizers encouraged us to share with what I'll be doing and when:
Title: Nonviolent Revolution
Participants:
E. Lily Yu (moderator)
Allan Dyen-Shapiro
Chris the Bard
Wes Rist
Elizabeth Bear
Description: Are you tired of fundamental change only happening via war and violence in order to replace one oppressor with another? Well, so are we! Join us as we explore historical and fictional examples of non-violent, peaceful transfers of power that fundamentally changed societies and toppled corrupt governments.
Space/Time: Grand Hall K Thursday, September 1, 2022, 1:00 PM CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
Session Environment: In Person
Session Format: Panel
Session Area(s): Literature
Title: DNA Is Just a Code
Participants:
Ben Root (moderator)
Allan Dyen-Shapiro
Laura Herzing
Liz Batty
Susan Weiner
Description: In school we learn that DNA makes RNA, and RNA makes proteins. In reality, it gets a little more complicated than that. Our experts will explain how genes are activated or silenced, the roles of transcription factors, and why genetics isn't always simple.
Space/Time: Grand Hall I Thursday, September 1, 2022, 4:00 PM CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
Session Environment: In Person
Session Format: Panel
Session Area(s): Science & Technology
Title: Playing in the Toolbox of Creation
Participants:
Allan Dyen-Shapiro (moderator)
Dan Koboldt
Laura Herzing
S.B. Divya
Description: It is an age old question in science—Just because we can, does it mean that we should? CRISPR gene editing has opened an entirely new field of "can." Let's talk about the "should." Gene editing has the potential for great healing and for great harm. How do we parse that? Our panelists will wrestle with the possibilities, ethics, and outcomes of playing in the toolbox of the Gods.
Space/Time: Grand Hall J Friday, September 2, 2022, 10:00 AM CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
Session Environment: In Person
Session Format: Panel
Session Area(s): Science & Technology
Title: The Ecology Strikes Back
Participants:
Allan Dyen-Shapiro (moderator)
Paula Boer
Sim Kern
T. C. Weber
Description: How do the changing realities of our contemporary environment impact writing about our world, or our future world? What changes have historically shaped human and non-human life on Earth? Delve into these subjects and learn how to add realism to your world building, while giving room for speculative ecosystems to develop and new ecologies to flourish within your story.
Space/Time: Airmeet 3 Friday, September 2, 2022, 7:00 PM CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
Session Environment: Virtual
Session Format: Panel
Session Area(s): Writing
Title: How "Hard" Can It Be?
Participants:
Allan Dyen-Shapiro (moderator)
Emma Johanna Puranen
Rosemary Claire Smith
Terri Favro
Description: Hard science fiction prides itself on leaning into the “science” of the genre. But where is the line, and how has it changed as our understanding of the sciences has changed? Is there any space-based science fiction that really tries to obey the laws of physics or the reality of the dangers of space? We'll discuss our favorite examples of good science in fiction, and how that's changed over the years.
Space/Time: Airmeet 1 Saturday, September 3, 2022, 1:00 PM CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
Session Environment: Virtual
Session Format: Panel
Session Area(s): Literature
Title: Stroll with the Stars—Sunday Morning
Participants:
Allan Dyen-Shapiro
Amber Morrell
Eli K.P. William
Mary G. Thompson
Paul Calhoun
Stephanie Hans
Tania Chen
Description: Take a leisurely stroll through the local area in the company of some of your favourite creators, and learn a little about this year's host city.
Space/Time: Sunday, September 4, 2022, 8:30 AM CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
Session Environment: In Person
Session Format: Other
Session Area(s): Special Items
Title: How to Tell a Pioneer from a Crackpot
Participants (with contact information where allowed)
Avani (moderator)
Allan Dyen-Shapiro
Elliot Craggs
Jesper Stage
K.G. Anderson
Description: Scientific innovators have ideas that sound unconventional and often face opposition from the establishment. Unfortunately, so do crackpots—a coincidence that crackpots and con artists often try to make use of. How do you tell the innovative but weird ideas from the completely impractical ones? And what about recognized geniuses who also have some crackpot ideas on the side?
Space/Time: Regency Ballroom D Monday, September 5, 2022, 10:00 AM CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
Session Environment: In Person
Session Format: Panel
Session Area(s): Science & Technology