Next week I'll be attending my first-ever WorldCon (and only my second-ever in-person con.) I am very EXCITE. It's also my first trip to Scotland, so I'm really looking forward to it.
I've been very lucky with the panels I'm on - see below for the full schedule, but I have panels on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and I will also be wandering around looking anxious and awkward, probably in a nerdy t-shirt and with a giant My Little Pony bag strapped to my back. If you see me, please ignore my RBF and say hi!
EPIC APPEAL
Thursday 8th August 16:00, Forth
Fellow Panellists: Marve Michael Anson, Andrea Stewart, Kate Elliott, Tao Wong.
Epic fantasy stories usually encompass multiple volumes and thousands upon thousands of pages. What is the appeal of the epic novel? Is it the multi-act storylines, the interwoven structure, the intricate details, the big cast of characters? Or the fact that you can use them as a weapon? Or all of the above? Come along to find out just what makes an epic novel deeply satisfying for readers and writers alike.
UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS IN FANDOM AND FANTASTIC LITERATURE
Friday 9th August 16:00, Argyll 2
Fellow, Panellists: Ash Charlton, Antonija Mežnarić, Ng Yi-Sheng, R.S.A. Garcia
Delve with us into the rich tapestry of voices shaping fandom and fantastic literature. Join our discussion as we explore the diverse perspectives and under-represented groups contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of storytelling and fan culture. Which of them require our special attention?
SPACE FOR NEW VOICES – FUTURE WORLDS PRIZE WINNERS
Friday 9th August 19:00, Alsh 2
Fellow Panellists: Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, Ben Aaronovitch, Mahmud El Sayed
The Future Worlds Prize is a writing prize for unpublished writers of colour in fantasy and sci-fi; its most recent winner was Ese Eheriene for her short story "The Suit Sellers of Kowloon". Our panel of former winners is joined by Ben Aaronovitch, one of the prize sponsors, to discuss the impact of the prize.
AFRICAN CULTURAL INFLUENCES IN FANTASY
Saturday 10th August 10:00, Hall 1
Fellow Panellists: T.L. Huchu, Ehigbor Okosun, Marve Michael Anson, R.S.A. Garcia, Rogba Payne
This panel delves into how African mythology, folklore, and traditions shape fantastical worlds, creating narratives that challenge and expand the genre's boundaries. Join our authors as they explore the incorporation of African languages, spiritual beliefs, and historical elements into fantasy, highlighting both authenticity and creative reimagining. We will discuss representation, cultural appreciation, the growing impact of African-inspired fantasy on a global scale, and the magic and majesty of African heritage in fantasy storytelling.
REALITY BITES: ESCAPISM IN SFF
Sunday 11th August 11:30, Meeting Academy M2/M3
Fellow Panellists: J A Mortimore, Julia Rios, Minerva Cerridwen, Phoenix Alexander
For many, science fiction and fantasy is the ultimate act of escapism: the avoidance of reality by imagining exciting but impossible activities. From orcs opening coffee shops to daring space adventurers, this panel discusses what makes the best escapist stories.
40th ANNIVERSARY OF NAUSICAA
Sunday 11th August 17:30, Meeting Academy M2/M3
Fellow Panellists: Eli K.P. William, Avery Delany, Jack Grimwood/Jonathan Grimwood, Juan Sanmiguel
Released in 1984, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is one of Hayao Miyazaki's earliest movies, pre-dating even the Ghibli studio. In this panel we will discuss the reception and censorship of the movie in the West, its various inspirations, and what it has to say about environmentalism, war, and the duties we have to each other and to our planet.
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