Join our panel discussion on what is arguably an under-appreciated form for science-fiction?. RADIO! Our guests will discuss their favorite examples, how the format is evolving into streaming audio online? and future productions we hope to hear in the future!
In the Golden Age of comic books, it was so simple: Superman saved the planet, Batman faced off against criminals trying to control Gotham City, the Fantastic Four fought against villains who- well, you get the picture. For the most part, heroes were heroes, and (with some exceptions, like Spider-Man) feted by the authorities and the public.
But with recent stories such as Watchmen (the graphic novel and the movie), "Hancock," and even "The Incredibles," there has entered some doubt; are these mighty, powered (or simply super-skilled) beings on our side?
A multifaceted talent, Laura is renowned for her work as an illustrator and costumer. Her artwork has graced the pages of TSR, The Easton Press, Analog, and Weird Tales. With a doctorate in music education, she is also a classical music radio host and voiceover artist.
6153.Classics of SF Discussion: Isaac Asimov, "The Currents of Space" (1952)
Moderator: John Hertz
Moderator John Hertz will lead discussions of three Classics of Science Fiction panels at Loscon 50, one discussion each. Come to as many as you like. You'll be welcome to join in.
Our operating definition is "A classic is a work that survives its own time. After the currents which might have sustained it have changed, it remains, and is seen to be worthwhile for itself." If you have a better definition, bring it.
Each of the three is famous in a different way. Each may be more interesting now than when first published. Have you read them? Have you re-read them?
"A merry tangle of interplanetary power politics'' - not bad from The New York Times. The Good Doctor's skill with detective fiction also shows. So far Trantor only has a sphere of influence. There's a reason for interplanetary- interstellar- trade. And Space has currents.
6259.Working With Your Significant Other: Writing Without Divorce Lawyers
Moderator: Steven L. Sears
It is often said that creative partnerships are closer than marriages. This is a panel about the stress and joys of writing with a partner, keeping it real, enjoyable, and productive without threat of pride and ego. Specifically focused on those who work within their relationships, but also relevant to any collaboration. Steven L. Sears and Jessica Brawner are a married couple and work together on projects as well as editing each other's work.
6235.The Present as Seen by the Past: How Science Fiction Depicted the 21st Century
Moderator: Matthew Arnold Stern
Where are we now and where did our literary predecessors think we would be? What predictions have come true and which (for better and for worse) are yet-to-be or never-was? What does that say about our current society and the future that still lies ahead?
6179.Reboot, Remake, Regurgitate: Why Hollywood Is Stuck in Groundhog Day
Moderator: Bob Nelson
Are there no more original stories to bring to the screen? Endless re-dos, rehashes, and sequels (one recent sequel follows its original by thirty-six years!) seem to say that the entertainment industry is short on original ideas. Is this really the case? And if it is, is there anything that can be done about it, or will the box office continue to validate such endless re-visitations?
A dedicated fan and conrunner, Genny Dazzo has been a vital part of the science fiction community since the early Star Trek conventions in New York. Her passion for fandom and her organizational skills have made her a beloved figure among fans.
"What do we love so much about aliens? Is it the wonder that somebody might completely removed from our context, introducing us to new, unthinkable possibilities? Or do we seek more relatable qualities, delighting in camaraderie among the cosmos? This panel explores these questions to offer insight on constructing fictional worlds where aliens are key players."
6111.ChatGPT or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love AI-or should I...?
Moderator: Bino Gopal
Come to a talk about Generative AI for beginners to dispel myths and talk about how it really works and what things you can benefit from with GenAI-and what things to watch out for from someone who works in the tech industry in the space and deals with it every day.
A prolific writer and producer, Craig Miller has over 200 film and television credits to his name. Known for his work on "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back" and "Curious George," Craig's contributions to both live-action and animated projects have left a lasting impact on the industry.
The term "dark fantasy" is being thrown around a lot these days, but how different is it from horror? Is it the tone, or the stakes (no pun intended to the vampires out there), or the level of gore? Horror and Dark Fantasy author/editor David Boop moderates this panel on speculative fictions "newest" subgenre.
6175.Open Hailing Frequencies / Getting Along with Other Fandoms
Moderator: Stacy Meyn
Print fans, Who fans, Trek fans, furry fans - can we all get along? Are there differences that are just too deep, or absurd, to bridge? Are all-interest conventions (such as Loscon) facing undue competition from single-topic gatherings? Our panel will discuss this phenomenon, and maybe try to come up with some answers.
6184.Science Fiction World-Building: Blending Fact with Fiction
Moderator: Jim Doty
Where does whimsy meet reality? Our panelists discuss the crossroads of real-world considerations and imagined technology. When can you discard the laws of physics with impunity and when do you need to "face facts?"
6185.Screening of "Surge of Power: Where There's Smoke" & Panel
Moderator: Vincent Roth
See an exclusive screening of the new movie, "Surge of Power: Where There's Smoke," - the latest installment of the Surge of Power indie superhero movie franchise known for having lots of celebrities from the sci-fi and superhero genres. Where There's Smoke follows Surge as he teams up with The Smoke (former pro wrestler Eric Moran) to form a superhero team to fight a mysterious evil group called The Council, and features guest stars Nichelle Nichols (Uhura from "Star Trek"), Robert Picardo (The Doctor from "Star Trek: Voyager"), Tim Russ (Tuvok from "Star Trek: Voyager"), Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon from the 1980 "Flash Gordon" movie), Joseph Culp (Doctor Doom from the 1994 "Fantastic Four" movie), John Davey (Captain Marvel from the "SHAZAM!" TV show), Michael Gray (Billy Batson from the "SHAZAM!" TV show), Shannon Farnon (Wonder Woman from the "Super Friends!") and Bruce Vilanch (comedian/award show writer). Join us for this special occasion celebrating with a post-humous performance by the late Nichelle Nichols.
6204.Starlog and Beyond: The Magazines and Fanzines That Shaped Fandom
Moderator: Karen Willson
Writers and editors of the iconic magazines Starlog, Fangoria, File 770, Star Wars Fan club etc. were eye witnesses and gleeful cheerleaders to the film and television SciFi explosion that started in the late 70s and 80s.
English ballroom dances from about the year 1800. Jane Austen is the great author of this period. Try Georgette Heyer's romance novels (yes!) set then. Lead by Laura Brodia Freas Beraha.
Please join us for the big get-together of the evening, where we can taste new flavors as well as old favorites in a casual atmosphere. This is also the venue for the formal announcements of the Forrest J Ackerman Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Evans-Freehafer Award for Service to the LASFS.
Poetry elevates us from animal to person, from electric currents to connected souls, from unbridled meat and instinct to...er, well, there's no getting out of that last one. Speculative poetry lets the reader escape as in fiction while connecting with themselves. Soft-world building inside poetry immerses readers without overcrowding. This panel can discuss the art of revealing just-enough of a new world for poetry to shine.
Improvised storytelling under pressure of time and madness. See us invent stories and characters too bizarre for fiction just so we can set up random lines the audience picked for us.
Work together to create a brand new fairytale in this fast-paced group storytelling session. Whether it turns out spooky, romantic, tragic, or very silly is up to you.
We are having our traditional blood drive on Saturday. They always have tasty treats and often giveaways for donors (and balloons, don't forget the balloons!)
We all know who Robert A. Heinlein, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Isaac Asimov were. The well-read among us will know of the works of Fredric Brown, L. Sprague de Camp, C. L. Moore, Fritz Leiber, Leigh Brackett, and many others. Our panel will consider whether there are some "hidden gems" whose writings are well worth seeking out.
6256.Whispers of Wonder: Embracing Speculative Poetry
Moderator: Wendy Van Camp
Immerse yourself in speculative poetry and learn about supportive organizations for poets, explore renowned awards, and publication opportunities in the genre. Poets will also read selections of their original work.
6169.Mission Updates: The latest news from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Moderator: Krys Blackwood
Join engineers and scientists from NASA's JPL to hear the latest and greatest about missions to Mars, Europa, and Venus - plus new Earth science which aims to understand our own planet.
John Trimble was an active science fiction fan for over 60 years, having worked on several science fiction convention committees, co-chairing with his wife Bjo their own media and Star Trek convention, MC'ing many awards ceremonies such as the Hugo Awards, and co-founding the SDCC art show. John passed away in April. Please join John's family and friends in remembering and celebrating his life.
Are there elves in LA or mages on the police force? Urban Fantasy brings together our day to day world with our flights of fancy. Our panelists will discuss how the blending of two worlds works and where to find the best examples.
You have characters. You have a plot. You even have settings where the characters and the plot come together. The next step is to combine these elements of your writing in ways that will make your audience fall in love with your story. This workshop uses directed exercises and practical application to teach students the four steps that can transform writing from words, sentences, and paragraphs into an immersive experience that readers just can't put down.
You can sew a button and hem your pants, but what comes next? Colleen Crosby offers a more intermediate level workshop on how to bring out the best in your sewing.
6085.About Small Presses: If everyone says you can do it yourself, why get a publisher?
Moderator: Bob Nelson
If everyone says you can do it yourself, why get a publisher? The internet would have you believe that you do not need a publisher to publish your book, and maybe you don't. Let's talk about al the reasons you should.
Creating a project for an interactive or collaborative engagement is very different from writing a novel or screenplay. What's the difference between writing for board games versus role-playing games? How do you know when a game is "done"? How do you write when you don't have full control of your narrative? What's important to keep and what can you let go?
6228.The Haunting Of Silverwood Manor - A Wild West Ghost Story and puzzle room paired with crafted cocktails.
Moderator: Susan Melquiades
In the heart of the untamed American West stands Silverwood Manor, a grand yet haunting relic of the Hawthorne family's opulence. Once a symbol of wealth, it now bears the weight of sorrow and betrayal, particularly from a tragic summer in 1874. Among its restless spirits is Eleanor Hawthorne, the bride whose life was cruelly cut short on her wedding day. Clad in her ghostly gown, she wanders the halls, mourning lost love and shattered dreams. Those who enter Silverwood Manor are drawn by its dark history, but many find themselves ensnared by the very secrets that linger within its walls.
Piece together the chilling and dark mystery retold by the ghosts that haunt the manor in one hour, and the spirits will release you. Solve the puzzles while you enjoy a 4-part interactive cocktail experience (non-alcoholic versions will also be offered).
6117.Cross-Platform Projects: Adapting from Books to Film to Games and Back Again
Moderator: Matt Conant
Translating your story across medium can be tricky, which is why so many book-to-film adaptations feel poorly conceived. But when done well, you get Lord of the Rings, The Expanse, Fallout, or countless others. Join us to discuss the differences in writing for different media, how to adapt one to the next, even which one is best for your specific project. Or learn how to craft a universe that spans the worlds of cinema, publishing, and interactive media.
6110.Charting the Cosmos: The New Frontier in Space Science
Moderator: Arlene Busby
The future of space science potentially includes traveling to other planets & settling on the moon. Additionally, future mining and fueling outposts, and exploration outside the Solar System using robotics.
In some ways, these genres are worlds apart. In others, they can actually be quite similar. Can there be interactions between them, and just as importantly, should there be?
6154.Classics of SF Discussion: Andre Norton, "Star Man's Son" (1952)
Moderator: John Hertz
Moderator John Hertz will lead discussions of three Classics of Science Fiction panels at Loscon 50, one discussion each. Come to as many as you like. You'll be welcome to join in.
Our operating definition is "A classic is a work that survives its own time. After the currents which might have sustained it have changed, it remains, and is seen to be worthwhile for itself." If you have a better definition, bring it.
Each of the three is famous in a different way. Each may be more interesting now than when first published. Have you read them? Have you re-read them?
No surprises here. From. say, Paragraph 5, we know what is happening and what will. But how well she does it (yes, Andre was a woman)! Her sense of event - of character - of the telling detail - keep us eager to watch her bring about what must occur. David Hartwell considered this a classic, wise man.
6229.The Haunting Of Silverwood Manor - A Wild West Ghost Story and puzzle room paired with crafted cocktails.
Moderator: Susan Melquiades
In the heart of the untamed American West stands Silverwood Manor, a grand yet haunting relic of the Hawthorne family's opulence. Once a symbol of wealth, it now bears the weight of sorrow and betrayal, particularly from a tragic summer in 1874. Among its restless spirits is Eleanor Hawthorne, the bride whose life was cruelly cut short on her wedding day. Clad in her ghostly gown, she wanders the halls, mourning lost love and shattered dreams. Those who enter Silverwood Manor are drawn by its dark history, but many find themselves ensnared by the very secrets that linger within its walls.
Piece together the chilling and dark mystery retold by the ghosts that haunt the manor in one hour, and the spirits will release you. Solve the puzzles while you enjoy a 4-part interactive cocktail experience (non-alcoholic versions will also be offered).
Four new titles of Czech science fiction is now available to US readership. The panelists will discuss the novel "The Martians" by 1920s lady writer Emilie Proch?zkov? (published by Space Cowboy Books, translated by Carleton Bulkin), brand new graphic novel based on Karel ?apek?s classic "R. U. R." (translated by Julie Nov?kov?, published by Rosarium Publishing), early queer pre WWII fantastic novel "Manfred Macmillan: Book One of the Three Magicians Trilogy" by Ji?? Kar?sek (translated by Carleton Bulin, published by Amherst College Press), and anthology of the best 1980s Czech science fiction "Bradbury?s Shadow" co-edited by Jaroslav Ol?a, Jr. (various translators, published by Nov? vlna and Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Los Angeles).
You finally finished writing that book, but you're intimidated by the idea of finding an agent and a publisher. You explore self-publishing only to find out that you need to do all of your own formatting, marketing, promotion, and absolutely everything else. It's a lot of work! No matter which way you go, it seems impossible but? people do it. How do they come up with a plan? What platforms do they use? What are the tips and tricks? Can AI help? How can you make the impossible of marketing and self-publishing manageable and, in fact, enjoyable? Come find out!
Craig Miller, Lucasfilm's original Director of Fan Relations, gives a slide show on the early days of Lucasfilm and marketing Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back to fandom and the rest of the world. Including stories about 20th Century Fox's market research on making Star Wars, George Lucas's original explanation for the Millennium Falcon's 12 parsec Kesel Run, picking Leigh Brackett to write The Empire Strikes Back, the wrap party Carrie Fisher threw, UnderwearThat's Fun To Wear, taking Droids to Sesame Street, and more.
6218.Taking the Earth's Temperature: The Impact of Climate Change
Moderator: Melora Larson
Putting specialized cameras and other sensors in Earth orbit allow us to keep an eye on the health of plants and cities around the globe. There are several currently orbiting missions (ECOSTRESS, EMIT, OCO-3 and more) and some planned follow-on missions that are keeping an eye on the surface temperatures around the globe, the carbon and methane emissions around the globe, and the movement of dust around the globe. What these missions have taught us, and what more we can learn from the planned missions will be discussed.
Sure, we all know about Watchmen, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and Ghost in the Shell. But what about V for Vendetta, Maus, Persepolis, and Barefoot Gen, some of which only touch on the fantastic in their content and approach. What's going on in graphic novels today?
6230.The Haunting Of Silverwood Manor - A Wild West Ghost Story and puzzle room paired with crafted cocktails.
Moderator: Susan Melquiades
In the heart of the untamed American West stands Silverwood Manor, a grand yet haunting relic of the Hawthorne family's opulence. Once a symbol of wealth, it now bears the weight of sorrow and betrayal, particularly from a tragic summer in 1874. Among its restless spirits is Eleanor Hawthorne, the bride whose life was cruelly cut short on her wedding day. Clad in her ghostly gown, she wanders the halls, mourning lost love and shattered dreams. Those who enter Silverwood Manor are drawn by its dark history, but many find themselves ensnared by the very secrets that linger within its walls.
Piece together the chilling and dark mystery retold by the ghosts that haunt the manor in one hour, and the spirits will release you. Solve the puzzles while you enjoy a 4-part interactive cocktail experience (non-alcoholic versions will also be offered).
A legendary author in the realm of hard science fiction, Larry Niven is best known for his award-winning novel "Ringworld" and his collaborations with Jerry Pournelle, including "The Mote in God's Eye" and "Lucifer's Hammer." His work has shaped the genre and continues to influence new generations of writers.
Are black holes really the vacuum cleaners of the Universe? What role do they play in the evolution of stars and Galaxies? People can come and learn about all of the weird and amazing characteristics of black holes and see why they don't suck!
6125.Filk: Song Circle, "Songs Old Enough to Drink.
Song circle, "Songs Old Enough to Drink." Songs that have been around for a long time or a fannish history are encouraged, or the first fannish song you wrote or heard.
6257.Wilhelm Scream Documentary - Hollywood Sound Museum
Moderator: Steve Lee
Join Steve Lee of the Hollywood Sound Museum for a very special update on the Museum, including a chat about sound and music in your favorite science fiction and horror movies? AND a sneak peek at a clip from the documentary about one of the most notorious sound effects - "The Wilhelm Scream." The documentary's director, Anna Quinlan, will join the panel via Zoom.
6084.A United Earth: Science Fiction's Long Legacy Portraying the Political Unification of Humanity and the Abolition of War
Solo Panel: Tad Daley
I started devouring science fiction when I was a kid. I dug it because it offered both rollicking good yarns and fascinating speculations about the vistas of human possibility. And I discovered, too, almost in passing, that many science fiction works, both in literature and in film, contained something like a world state, a world government, a politically and constitutionally unified human race. Often this wasn't even what the story was about. It was just a background component of the fictional future universe created by the author. And almost always, it had an inherent plausibility to it. "A couple hundred years in the future? Of course we will have managed to abolish war by then. Of course we'll have a unified human race by then."
So in this presentation, I will examine a world state as a major theme in the long history of science fiction - dating as far back as H.G. Wells and continuing to contemporary authors like Ada Palmer and Becky Chambers. In some cases I will examine something larger still, such as the galactic states seen in landmark works like Star Trek, Isaac Asimov's Foundation novels, and the 1951 film The Day The Earth Stood Still. And I will finally consider why, when brilliant science fiction writers can make this development seem so believable, so desirable, and so inevitable, real-world political thinkers like me are dismissed as hopelessly utopian when we assert that we might chart a course toward the political unity of the human race as an actual historical goal.
6194.Social Conventions in Heinlein: Families, Finances and Systems of Government
Moderator: Glen Olson
Were you inspired by the multi-generational Line Marriage from MOON IS A HARSH MISTRESS, warmed by the Nest in STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND, fascinated by the group marriage and other relationship possibilities presented in Time Enough for Love through To Sail Beyond the Sunset?
From Frankenstein to Who Censored Roger Rabbit, a discussion of speculative fiction with plots that Hollywood warped into something very different. What did the movie do better, and what do we wish more people understood about the source material?
Have you either wanted to edit your own anthology or just submit to one? How does one pitch a whole anthology or just a single story? Bestselling editor David Boop brings some the authors from his many anthologies to a Q&A panel where we answer your burning questions. Featuring Eytan Kollin and more!
6103.Batman: The Animated Series -- Its Inspiration and Legacy
Moderator: Bob Miller
Commemorating Batman: The Animated Series and its spinoffs by the people who made it. What made the shows so great despite the odds? Panelists include director Dan Riba, writer Stan Berkowitz, and moderator Bob Miller (writer, Starlog, Comics Scene, Animation Scoop and Batman: The Animated Interviews.)
6208.Surviving Neurodiversity in a Normative World Without Losing Your Spiciness
Moderator: Susie Searight
An estimated 20% of the population is Neurodivergent with numbers growing annually. Our culture is rapidly realizing that our most educated and intellectually gifted peoples are neuroatypical. It's time to remove the stigma and embrace our Badassery.
Hallmark, originally just a greeting card company, has been producing Christmas Ornaments for over 50 years. The early days saw a small influx of Peanuts, Disney, Muppets and Betsy Clark characters, which had some success. In 1991, however, they made a bold move, by testing the desire for a holiday version of the starship Enterprise. The resulting explosion of "want" solidified the plan to begin what is now an extreme push to highlight the very real desire to collect favorite characters and relive iconic childhood dreams. This presentation will focus on the kinds of Pop Culture icons represented in the 2024 Dream book catalog. Hallmark ornaments are not just for Christmas any more!
Stephen King is a living legend, and his book On Writing has been influential for an entire generation of writers. In this panel, we will look at some of King's writing advice that has withstood the test of time, some that has not aged quite as well, and we may touch on other books on writing that supplement or supplant On Writing.
Join us for a panel discussion to celebrate Walt Lee (August 16, 1931 - November 23, 2014) - a life-long science-fiction and fantasy film fan, film consultant, regular Loscon guest, and creator of the seminal 3-volume "Reference Guide to Fantastic Films." Moderated by his son, Steve Lee.
6155.Classics of SF Discussion: Eric Frank Russell, "Wasp" (1957)
Moderator: John Hertz
Moderator John Hertz will lead discussions of three Classics of Science Fiction panels at Loscon 50, one discussion each. Come to as many as you like. You'll be welcome to join in.
Our operating definition is "A classic is a work that survives its own time. After the currents which might have sustained it have changed, it remains, and is seen to be worthwhile for itself." If you have a better definition, bring it.
Each of the three is famous in a different way. Each may be more interesting now than when first published. Have you read them? Have you re-read them?
Again this author's wit is with us (he won a Hugo for his story about an offog). James Mowry, wondering why he's wanted, is told of an automobile crash in which four men died, their car wrecked, when a wasp flying through an open window distracted the driver; Mowry is being recruited as a wasp.
Craig Miller, whose Hollywood career dates back to working on the original Star Wars, tells more Star Wars tales as well as stories about marketing genre films of the 1980s like Superman II, The Thing, Krull, The Dark Crystal, The Last Starfighter, The Black Cauldron, and more, as well as writing animation ranging from Curious George and The Smurfs to The Real Ghostbusters to G.I. Joe and Beast Wars.
A beloved figure in the filk music community, Kathy Mar has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics. Her contributions to the genre have earned her multiple Pegasus Awards, and she continues to inspire with her performances and recordings.
6244.Time Travel: The Do's, the Don'ts, and the Dear God Whys
Moderator: Glen Olson
Current theories hold out the possibility that time travel may be possible. We discuss current thinking...and talk about why this might be a good idea, or a bad one.
6227.The Greatest Writing Advice I've Ever Received
Moderator: Brian Buhl
Writers will take turns discussing the greatest writing advice they've ever received. Some audience participation will be encouraged. If at the end, we've exhausted all of the good advice, we're almost certain to dive into some of the worst advice we've received, too.
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