World Fantasy Con 2000 Program Schedule


Contents

Schedule of Events

* = moderator
Th1500B The Year in Fantasy: A Critic's View
Thu 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Ballroom B
C. N. Brown*, Cramer, Fletcher, Ganley
What does our panel of critics think was worth reading in 1999-2000?
Th1600B The Roots of Fantasy
Thu 4:00 PM-5:00 PM Ballroom B
Kelleghan, Senior*, Taylor
Pamela has been called the first novel. What literary forebears can we point to as the first fantasy novel(s)? Which early classics should be considered from a genre bent?
Th2000B The Year in Fantasy and Horror: A Bookseller's View
Thu 8:00 PM-9:00 PM Ballroom B
B. Brown, Ketter*, Klaw, Siros, Walsh
And now for a different perspective. What does our panel of booksellers think was worth reading in 1999-2000?
Th2100B The Year in Horror
Thu 9:00 PM-10:00 PM Ballroom B
Bryant, Crowther*, Datlow, Guran, Tem, Wilson
What was worth reading in darker fiction?
Th2200B Day of the Undead: The Evolution of Vampires
Thu 10:00 PM-11:00 PM Ballroom B
R. L. Conrad, Cupp*, Jeter, Kilpatrick, Navarro, Saberhagen
Vampires were portrayed in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula as evil monsters, yet cinematic adaptations of the novel have made the Count increasingly more sympathetic and romantic. And modern-day vampires, such as Nancy Collins's China Blue, are being portrayed as outright heroes. What happened?
Th2300A Reading
Thu 11:00 PM-11:30 PM Aransas
Keith Allen Daniels
Th2330A Reading
Thu 11:30 PM-Midnight Aransas
David Lunde
Fr1000B Books We Read as Kids That Influenced Where and Who We Are Now
Fri 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Ballroom B
Blaschke, Hoffman, Jeter, Saffel, Wentworth*
What fantasy reading experiences shaped the young minds and spirits of these worthy panelists? Would the same books work for today's kids?
Fr1000C How Much Research Do I Really Need to Do?
Fri 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Ballroom C
Dann, Kimbriel, Powers*, Stirling
Believe it or not, sometimes using a World Wide Web search engine isn't enough. You actually have to go into a library or, worse yet, travel to a foreign country to gather the information you need to write your story. Our panelists will talk about finding a good stopping point.
Fr1000A Reading
Fri 10:00 AM-10:30 AM Aransas
Jeffrey Ford
Fr1030A Reading
Fri 10:30 AM-11:00 AM Aransas
Peter Crowther
Fr1100B Politics and Horror
Fri 11:00 AM-Noon Ballroom B
Dedman, Fletcher, Joyce, Van Gelder*
Does the world's political situation affect the popularity of the horror genre? Does horror fiction itself espouse a particular political view? A recent F&SF editorial presented the theory that the popularity of horror fiction in America is tied to the political leanings of the current president. What's going on here?
Fr1100C The Challenges and Joys of Teaching Fantasy
Fri 11:00 AM-Noon Ballroom C
Davis, Haldeman*, Senior, Webb
Our panelists discuss choosing a reading list, imparting an appreciation for the genre, and whatever else they find interesting or rewarding with regard to fantasy in the classroom.
Fr1100A Reading
Fri 11:00 AM-11:30 AM Aransas
Ted Chiang
Fr1130A Reading
Fri 11:30 AM-Noon Aransas
Sharon Shinn
Fr1200C The State of Fantasy Short Fiction
Fri Noon-1:00 PM Ballroom C
Gunn*, Ice, Johnson, Kelly, Schweitzer, Smeds
Is there good short stuff still being published? If so, where and by whom? Any interesting trends?
Fr1200A Reading
Fri Noon-12:30 PM Aransas
K. W. Jeter
Fr1300B Artist Guest of Honor Slide Show
Fri 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Ballroom B
Vess
Fr1300C War in Fantasy
Fri 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Ballroom C
M. Conrad, Drake, Erikson, Moscoe, Stackpole*, Vardeman
War has always had a place in fantasy fiction. Some epic fantasies are structured to build to the big battle. Our panel of current literary warmongers will discuss the present and future of military fantasy.
Fr1300A Reading
Fri 1:00 PM-1:30 PM Aransas
Dennis L. McKiernan
Fr1330A Reading
Fri 1:30 PM-2:00 PM Aransas
Diann Thornley
Fr1400B Artist Guest of Honor Interview
Fri 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Ballroom B
de Lint*, Vess
Fr1400C Fantasy Mysteries
Fri 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Ballroom C
C. N. Douglas, Carl*, Vukcevich, Wilson
Learn about the modern day successors to Garrett's Too Many Magicians.
Fr1400A Reading
Fri 2:00 PM-2:30 PM Aransas
Brian Lumley
Fr1430A Reading
Fri 2:30 PM-3:00 PM Aransas
Andy Duncan
Fr1500C Overused Fantastic Archetypes
Fri 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Ballroom C
Buchanan*, Chamberlin, Gilman, Siegel
Diana Wynne Jones's The Tough Guide to Fantasyland codified something people have suspected for years: much of modern fantasy uses the same elements over and over. Haven't we seen enough elves, unicorns, mermaids, and vampires? If not, how do we keep these elements fresh?
Fr1500A Reading
Fri 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Aransas
John Crowley
Fr1600B Toastmaster Interview
Fri 4:00 PM-5:00 PM Ballroom B
Crider*, Lansdale
Fr1600C What Books Should be Brought Back into Print?
Fri 4:00 PM-5:00 PM Ballroom C
Gilliam, Nielsen Hayden, Schiff, Shapiro*, Weisman
Knowledgeable students of literary history are aware of several classics that have been out of print for many years. The panelists will acquaint novices and experienced readers alike with neglected masterpieces by such now little-known writers as Lord Dunsany and Thorne Smith.
Fr1600A Reading
Fri 4:00 PM-4:30 PM Aransas
Fred Saberhagen
Fr1630A Reading
Fri 4:30 PM-5:00 PM Aransas
Mark Shepherd
Fr1700C Matching Narrative Structure to Story
Fri 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Ballroom C
Crowley, Donaldson, Kushner*, Willis, Wolfe
A single series of events can be told in an infinite number of ways. The panelists will discuss choices one makes in picking the right structure.
Fr1700A Beyond Art School: Developing Your Own Style
Fri 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Aransas
Alexander*, C. Conrad, Ledet, Vess
Once an artist has mastered the technical skills of drawing, painting, or sculpture, the next step is to try to indentify a unique approach and point of view to express oneself.
Fr2000BC Mass Autographing
Fri 8:00 PM-10:00 PM Ballrooms B-C
Lots of folks signing at the same time! Bring your books.
Sa1000B The Neverending Story
Sat 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Ballroom B
Allison, Elliott*, Levine, Modesitt, McKiernan
The majority of popular recent fantasy novels have been series of increasingly thicker books. The panel will try to dissect the attractions of these books and determine what they have to offer that thinner books don't.
Sa1000C Instilling a Sense of Wonder
Sat 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Ballroom C
Crowley, de Lint, Denton, Vess*, Williams
Identifying that special feeling unique to our genre and the sense of wondrous amazement that we get from reading a special story or viewing a certain piece of art.
Sa1000A Reading
Sat 10:00 AM-10:30 AM Aransas
Fiona Avery
Sa1030A Odyssey Workshop Presentation
Sat 10:30 AM-11:00 AM Aransas
Cavelos
A presentation describing the author's experiences with Odyssey, a SF/F/H writing workshop.
Sa1100B Whither Heroic Fantasy?
Sat 11:00 AM-Noon Ballroom B
Emerson, Gemmell, Groell, Lang, Miller, Radford*
Starting with Beowulf and Conan and continuing through Vlad Taltos and Xena, heroes have been a part of fantasy for a long time. We discuss some of the more memorable heroes, and try to decide where this trend came from and where it's going.
Sa1100C The Day of the Dead in Literature
Sat 11:00 AM-Noon Ballroom C
Andersson*, Barker, deMonterice, Gay, Jeter
This Mexican Celebration has been captured in many fine works of fantasy and horror. We discuss them here.
Sa1100A Reading
Sat 11:00 AM-Noon Aransas
Joe R. Lansdale
Sa1200B Worldbuilding
Sat Noon-1:00 PM Ballroom B
Kenyon*, Marley, Mayhar, Stoddard, Wells
Constructing a universe and society from scratch, all for the purposes of telling an effective story.
Sa1200A Reading
Sat Noon-12:30 PM Aransas
Stephen R. Donaldson
Sa1230A Reading
Sat 12:30 PM-1:00 PM Aransas
Patrick O'Leary
Sa1300B Guest of Honor Interview: Jeter
Sat 1:00 PM-2:00 PM Ballroom B
Jeter, Lansdale*
Sa1400B Fantasy and Public Perception
Sat 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Ballroom B
Blevins, Cox, Edelman, Kroupa, Ca. Spector*
The popular success of any fantasy novel (Harry Potter, Anne Rice's vampire novels) immediately causes an outcry among the public, particularly parents. What can we do to change the perception of our genre?
Sa1400C History into Fantasy
Sat 2:00 PM-3:00 PM Ballroom C
Keyes*, Powers, Sherman, Trotter
Using history as a stepping-off point for your novel.
Sa1400A Reading
Sat 2:00 PM-2:30 PM Aransas
Patricia A. McKillip
Sa1430A Reading
Sat 2:30 PM-3:00 PM Aransas
Connie Willis
Sa1500B Guest of Honor Interview: Crowley
Sat 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Ballroom B
Crowley, Dann*
Sa1600B Fantasy in Comics
Sat 4:00 PM-5:00 PM Ballroom B
Barrett*, Lansdale, Jeter, Vess
Once considered a children's medium, comics have recently become accepted as a valid stage for serious work. Many creators move back and forth between novels and comics, including several of this con's guests. What are the attractions and advantages of this medium, and what material should readers seek out?
Sa1600C How to Read a Modern Fantasy Novel
Sat 4:00 PM-5:00 PM Ballroom C
J. Douglas, Hartwell*, Maass, Moorcock, Wolfe
One of the things that separates a genre novel from a mainstream work is the reading conventions. A lot of ambitious fantasy is simply not accessible to an intelligent "entry level" reader. How does a newcomer to the field get up to speed?
Sa1600CS Broad Universe Tea
Sat 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Con Suite
Broad Universe is a group being formed to promote women's writing within science fiction, fantasy, and horror. We'd like to do the same as Women Writing the West and Sisters in Crime; to help our authors better promote their books, and in general, let the world know that a lot of great stuff in the genre is being written by women. Writers, editors, publishers, reviewers, artists, and fans are invited to join us for tea and bon bons. Men can also be broad-minded and are welcome to join us.
Sa1700B Modern Fantasy Art and Teutonic/Celtic Master Race Wish Fulfillment
Sat 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Ballroom B
Clark, Danforth*, Nazarian, Vess
Ask the moderator. It was her idea.
Sa1700C Commercial vs. Critical Success
Sat 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Ballroom C
Bryant, Drake*, Donaldson, Engler, Modesitt, Saberhagen
Is it possible for a bestselling work to win acceptance by the literary community? Is it possible for a critically acclaimed work to sell well? We will attempt an earnest discussion of popular fantasy, and whether good reviews are necessary or are the kiss of death to sales.
Sa1700A Reading
Sat 5:00 PM-5:30 PM Aransas
Carrie Richerson
Sa1730A Reading
Sat 5:30 PM-6:00 PM Aransas
Suzy McKee Charnas
Sa2000B Myth as the Basis for Novels
Sat 8:00 PM-9:00 PM Ballroom B
Joyce, Lindskold, Romberg*
Native American stories vie with Norse, Greek, and Celtic mythology as the background for many modern fantasy novels and stories.
Sa2000A Reading
Sat 8:00 PM-8:30 PM Aransas
Craig Spector
Sa2030A Reading
Sat 8:30 PM-9:00 PM Aransas
Alex Irvine
Sa2100B Music/Fiction Performance
Sat 9:00 PM-10:00 PM Ballroom B
Jens
Blues/ghost stories
Su1000C Re-inventing "Once Upon a Time": The Modern Fairy Tale
Sun 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Ballroom C
Nicholls, Shaw, Vess, Webb*, Witcover
Whether it's changing the famous tales we learned in childhood or inventing brand new stories with fairy tale forms and sensibilities, it's a fabulous pastime.
Su1000A Mining Myths for Ideas: What's Left?
Sun 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Aransas
Latner, Martindale, Meacham*, Turville-Heitz
We look at folklore around the world and try to find fruitful material that can be used as the basis for fantasy yet unwritten.
Su1000BR WFC Board Meeting
Sun 10:00 AM-Noon Board Room
Attendance by invitation only.
Su1100A Reading
Sun 11:00 AM-Noon Aransas
Michael Moorcock
Su1230BC Banquet
Sun 12:30 PM-2:30 PM Ballrooms B-C
Lansdale*

Participant Index