My WorldCon Schedule

I am attending WorldCon in Dublin! It’s less than two weeks away! I’m on panels! Hype!

Anyway, here’s where you can find me:

Integrating real-life science into science fiction and fantasy
Format: Panel
16 Aug 2019, Friday 14:30 - 15:20, Odeon 5 (Point Square Dublin)

Which came first: technology that inspired science fiction, or science fiction that inspired science? It’s like the chicken and the egg scenario as science drives SF as much as SF drives science. Why is that? What discoveries do we see in science fiction that have found their way into labs and real life? What real-life science are we still waiting to see in our science fiction? Join us for a fun and exciting chat about science, science fiction, and exciting new ideas!

Victoria Lee (Skyscape) (M), Shweta Adhyam, Aliza Ben Moha, Dr. Tom Easton

Re-imagining national epics
Format: Panel
17 Aug 2019, Saturday 13:30 - 14:20, Odeon 1 (Point Square Dublin)

National epics, such as Beowulf, TheTáin Bó Cúailnge, The Ramayana and The Epic of Gilgamesh, capture something true and recognisable about a nation's history and character. For modern writers, they can be a tempting but daunting source of inspiration. How has the material of national epics be used in modern fiction, and when do questions of ownership and authenticity come into play?

Meg MacDonald (Anglia Ruskin University / University of Glasgow) (M), Shweta Adhyam, Jo Walton, Dr Stephan Grundy

Neurodiversity and extraordinary powers in SFF
Format: Panel
18 Aug 2019, Sunday 16:00 - 16:50, Wicklow Hall 2B (CCD)

The inclusion of neurodivergent characters in fiction plays an important role in normalisation, but if the depictions are themselves problematic then they can further harmful stereotypes. The panel will discuss representation of neurodiversity in media, where it's done well and where it's problematic, and how they would like to see neurodiverse characters written.

Elsa Sjunneson-Henry (M), Terri Ash (Geek Calligraphy), Shweta Adhyam, Mikko Rauhala