BOSKONE 54

Note that older posts under this thread are further down. Look for the time/date stamps for section breaks.

Also note that there are all sorts of Typos. Sorry about that. Typing on an iPad with large fingers is rather difficult.

17FEB 8:15 PM

Long day--and I left before half of it was done (There was a late night screening of Deadpool. I was SO tempted...but I never would have made day two)

So. Where was I?

Yes. Panels, Readings and such.

First, let me say that the logistics around Boskone were handled superbly. There are way more things going on here then at ReaderCON. The Dealer room is massive. There is a game room where hundreds of board games, card games and video games can be played. There are video screening rooms. There are art exhibitions. This felt more like one of the bigger conventions--not quite a ComicCON, but still quite large.

Yet, somehow, it felt less crowded. Maybe today it will be different, but Friday was pretty tame, professional and fun!

Wizards, Warlocks, and Witches

E.J. Stevens, Jane Yolen, Cerece Rennie Murphy, Adam Stemple, Bruce Coville (M)

So, the strike-thoughs are not typos. Only Jane (who I adore), Adam (Jane's son and who is a bit of a kindred spirit) and the lovely Cerece Rennie Murphy were at the panel.

And it was awesome.

There was some talk about witches and how women who have power were thought to have been way more evil then warlocks, Yoda, writing, politics and general stream of consciousness. I laughed for an hour--then more when I chatted with Jane and Adam in the lobby later. And even more when I caught up with Cerece in the dealer room.

Using History in SF and Fantasy

Bradford Verter, Jo Walton, Mark L. Olson (M), Dana Cameron, Ada Palmer

From alternate history to vaguely familiar settings in a unique story world, history is a great resource for inspiration. What are some of the most creative uses of history in fiction? How much research is needed before writing and fleshing out the story? Panelists discuss examples of how history has enriched some of our favorite novels. But can sticking to history hobble your creative instincts? When should we deviate from historical truths and strike out into the creative unknown?

More of a traditional panel--and was rightfully crowded. I must admit I left part-way through as the crowd was a bit much.

Some of the artwork on display
Ok. Here is a picture of Brandon. Quiet down, you heathens. Milton was WAY more accessible!

At 5-ish or so, I wandered down to the dealer room where Brandon Sanderson and Milton Davis were signing autographs. As you can imagine, the line for Brandon, as guest of honor for Boskone, was huge...I was never going to get to meet him in time to make CSE Cooney's reading--and there was no way I was going to miss Claire (although Carlos wasn't there---hopefully I'll see him on Saturday)

But I digress.

Milton was at a table near Brandon, but there was no line for him--so I took the opportunity to speak with him What a charming, intelligent and funny author! I'm going to make time on Saturday to pick up a book or two of his and chat some more--fascinating man who writes fantasy series NOT based on white European cultures. Great stuff.

Reading by C.S.E. Cooney

There are a lot of writers I have met through the years whether via writing groups, conferences of classes. Claire Suzanne Elizabeth (CSE) Cooney and her partner in crime Carlos Hernandez are two of my favorites that I was introduced to as a part of the whole Mike/Anita Allen Clockwork Phoenix/Mythic Delirium team of AWESOME.

Claire's Bone Swans collection of stories have won lovely awards and is worth a read. Or two. Just amazing stuff and she was good enough to sign my copy!

She read a short story last night--the name of which I can't remember 9DESPITE asking for the title specifically--then I refused to write it down, apparently) that was so funny my sides hurt from laughing. I love the way Claire paints such surreal worlds in her writing.

AND she left us hanging! Somebody better pick up the story soon because I need to find out how it ends!

 

 

I know it's early...but I head back to the train and home. Day two awaits and I must prepare to deal with the crowds...

17FEB 1:45 PM

Boskone Day One.

A Train ride. A mile walk in freezing temperatures.

An Irish pub (And those of you who know me KNEW I’d find an Irish pub).

Panels. Laughter. Lines. New People. Old friends.

I photoshopped out the frostbite

That’s the summary for day one at Boskone. This conference is wicked awesome, to use a Boston colloquialism.

I got to the Westin Waterfront in Boston and picked up my badge with 3 minutes to spare before the first panel. No chances to explore until later—I dove right in.

Steam’s Rising: A Proliferation of Punks

James Moore, KT Bryski (M), Victoria Sandbrook, Melanie Meadors

I arrived, breathless, and sans coffee (despite the fact that it was mid-afternoon, my body was craving caffeine). As it was the first scheduled panel of the free portion of the day, there weren’t, as of yet, a lot of people milling about. I knew that would change.

My friend, writer, and former Ragnarok associate editor Melanie Meadors was on this panel and I wanted to be there to support her. Moderator KT Bryski kicked it all off with introductions and the discussion began.

Steampunk, of course is the most well known of the “punks” (transgressive stories about rebellion with technological aesthetics of Victorian-era London). The integration, technology and cosplay typical of fans in this space were discussed. “Gaslamp” Punk, Deco (or “Flapper”) Punk, Diesel Punk, Solar Punk, Cyber Punk, and Dread punk were all touched upon with one question hanging over the panel—when do all these “punks” merge to be labeled just so?

Extra points for Melanie for wearing a 1920’s hat and costume to the panel!