Boskone57, or "Explain to me again why I'm leaving Florida for Boston in February???"

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Yes, it's that time of year. I'll be winging my way (weather permitting) up to Boston for New England's Longest-Running Science Fiction Convention, Boskone57. Despite having to dig out my seldom worn snow boots, I do love visiting my friends and meeting other fans.

I'll also be on a few panels, so here's my schedule. Where you see the "M" next to my name, I'm the moderator:

Journalism in Speculative Fiction*
Format: Panel
14 Feb 2020, Friday 17:00 - 17:50, Marina 2 (Westin)

From Wells and Orwell to Neil Gaiman, Cory Doctorow, and Annalee Newitz, there’s a long tradition of reporters becoming writers of SF/F/H. Our veteran newshounds report on what a background in journalism can bring to genre work. Are you already accustomed to research, deadlines, and low wages? Does the drive to get the facts mean it’s harder to make stuff up? Can reporters be written as good genre characters? While pounding out a hot story, must you wear a fedora?

Darlene Marshall (darlenemarshall@darlenemarshall.com), Clea Simon (M), Dan Moren , Daniel P. Dern, Sharon Lee

*I may arrive a little late for this one due to my airline schedule.

Weird Westerns and Why We Love 'Em
Format: Panel
14 Feb 2020, Friday 18:00 - 18:50, Marina 2 (Westin)

The Old West is full of magic and romance ... and just a little weirdness. What makes frontier fiction appealing as a speculative subgenre? How do the limitations of the period offer creative opportunities for authors? And while everyone likes a little lovin' in their westerns, how have the romantic rules changed? Remember, a cowgirl jes' needs a hat, a horse, and a little magic on her side!

Darlene Marshall (darlenemarshall@darlenemarshall.com), Nicole Givens Kurtz, Charlaine Harris, Laurence Raphael Brothers , David B. Coe/ D.B. Jackson (M)

Realistic Romance in the Modern Age of Spec Fic
Format: Panel
15 Feb 2020, Saturday 16:00 - 16:50, Burroughs (Westin)

Whether in deep space or in ancient sand-swept kingdoms, what does a modern romantic relationship look like? How have the romantic dynamics between characters changed? And how does romance play into true love, fading relationships, and "just sex" when a heroic woman comes to the rescue?

Charlaine Harris , David B. Coe/ D.B. Jackson, Darlene Marshall (M) (darlenemarshall@darlenemarshall.com), Holly Black, R.W.W. Greene

A Remembrance: Goodbye to the Good Place
Format: Panel
15 Feb 2020, Saturday 18:00 - 18:50, Marina 3 (Westin)

The Good Place has ended. Does this mean we're in the Bad Place? What was it about The Good Place that caught the attention and imagination of so many people? This much-loved instant classic is worth remembering and celebrating. Our panelists share what made this show so special and highlight the lessons that other shows could learn from it.

Laurie Mann (M), Darlene Marshall (darlenemarshall@darlenemarshall.com), Ginjer Buchanan, Jennifer Pelland

50 Ways to End Civilization
Format: Panel
16 Feb 2020, Sunday 14:00 - 14:50, Harbor II (Westin)

Who you gonna call when you need some clever ways to end the world? Authors and editors at Boskone, of course! Our panel of demolition experts breaks down just what it takes to destroy a world properly ... all in good fun. And are some endings just opportunities for new beginnings?

Darlene Marshall (M) (darlenemarshall@darlenemarshall.com), Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Cadwell Turnbull, Isabel Yap, John P. Murphy


See you in Boston!



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