Only four more days until the L. A. Worldcon, where I’ll be on five panels, acting in a play, doing a reading, autographing, and table talk, plus recording at least five episodes of Eating the Fantastic. Whew!

Here’s where you’ll be able to find me for all but those culinary conversations —

Reading
Thursday, August 27, 6:40–6:55 p.m., San Simeon B (Hilton)

Hear Me Out: Hugo Best Fancast Finalists
Friday, August 28, 9:00–10:00 p.m., 259 (ACC North)
Since 2012, we have been showing our love to the Hugo Award for Best Fancast. Come hear this year’s finalists talk about the ins and outs of running a fancast, what that entails, and how you, too, could be sharing your work out there for all to hear.
with Amy Salley, Gary K Wolfe, John Coxon, and Natania Barron

Finding Satisfaction as an Author Apart from Sales (or Lack Thereof)
Friday, August 28, 1:30–2:30 a.m., 258 (ACC North)
Whether you are a midlist trad-pub author or self-published, being published can be satisfying—and frustrating. While everyone aspires to be that breakthrough author with millions in sales and hordes of adoring fans, the vast majority hover somewhere between midlist survival and total obscurity. We will explore the life of an author regardless of how many books you sell, and how to enjoy the process. We will also address the many activities you can participate in, and ways to showcase your work once you’ve published your first book.
with Benjamin Liar, Christine Amsden, Palmer Pickering (M), and Vanessa MacLaren-Wray

How to Give Dang Good Feedback
Friday, August 28, 3:00–4:30 p.m., 252C (ACC North)
“I liked it” might make the creator happy but it’s not very actionable. How do you provide a kind but useful critique?
with Emiko Ogasawara, Kaitlin Schmidt, Lisa Padol, Matthew Cropley, and Terri Wells (M)

Welcome to Clarion San Diego!
Saturday, August 29, 9:00–10:00 p.m., 251C (ACC North)
Clarion faculty and alumni will answer your questions about the long-standing writing program for science fiction and fantasy writers that takes place on the lovely campus of the University of California San Diego for six weeks each summer. Get answers to questions such as how to apply, the timing of application to acceptance, where you will eat and live, the cost, the availability of scholarships, and more. Come find out how it can advance your writing goals!
with Christine Valada (M), James Patrick Kelly, and Mary Turzillo

The Failure of the Century (Staged Reading)
Saturday, August 29, 1:30–TK p.m., Pacific Ballroom D (Hilton)
It’s after midnight in Providence, when the eccentric, problematic author H. P. Lovecraft receives three visitors: Fellow pulp writer Frank Belknap Long (performed by ME); Lovecraft’s estranged wife, Sonia Greene; and Nyarlathotep, a figment of Lovecraft’s feverish imagination. One part horror story, one part Dickensian Christmas panto, The Failure of the Century is the first play by Nick Mamatas, author of Move Under Ground, and the Lovecraftian crime novel I Am Providence.

Can We Enjoy the Art of Unethical People?
Sunday, August 30, 12:00–1:00 p.m., 258 (ACC North)
Over the years we learned that some of the “big names” in science fiction and fantasy were, and are, behaving in a very unethical way. Their works, however, may be important to us. Is it possible to separate the art from the artist? Should we try doing so, and if yes how can we achieve it? And last, but not least: how can we ethically enjoy such pieces of art?
with Christine Amsden, Julie Soskins (M), Kylie Adkins, and Matthew S. Rotundo

Table Talk
Monday, August 31, 9:00–10:00 a.m., Monterey (Hilton)

Autographing
Monday, August 31, 1:00–2:00 p.m., Pedestrian Bridge (ACC North)

I hope to see you there!

Only six more days until the Seattle Worldcon, and while I’m still busy finalizing my unofficial activities — such as my donut runs and the meals over which I’ll record episodes of Eating the Fantastic — the official programming is locked down.

Here’s where you’ll be able to find me pontificating —

Welcome to Worldcon
Wednesday, August 13, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Room 345-346
Welcome to the Welcome to Worldcon panel, where we will answer your questions, make loads of suggestions, and be generally helpful. Worldcon has a lot to see and do, and some of us try to do it all. We will share tips on how to attend the con without wiping out, whether you’re new to cons or have been going to cons for years. We’ll explain the importance of the 5-2-1 rule… err, guideline. Extroverts, introverts, and everyone in between are all welcome.
with Laurie Mann (M) and Sarah Gulde

The Comics Code Authority Panel
Wednesday, August 13, 6:00–7:00 p.m., Room 345-346
The Comics Code Authority was created as a way for the comics industry to police itself and its content. While it’s no longer used, its impact was felt for decades. Let’s talk about the creative choices companies had to make in order to comply with the code and the developments in comics since the code was dropped.
with Ada Palmer (M), Rev. Randy Smith, Selena A. Naumoff, and Tia Tashiro

Coping With Short Story Rejection
Thursday, August 14, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Room 431-432
This panel presents a deep dive into the grueling process of submitting short stories and how to stay organized, sane, and happy. Panelists will not only discuss their personal experiences being rejected, but what led them to finally being accepted in a short story market. Hints, tips, and tricks on how to get your story out of the slush pile.
with Victoria N. Shi (M), Rachael K. Jones, Sam Asher, and Sheila Williams

Autographs
Thursday, August 14, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Garden Lounge (3F)
The listed creators are available to sign autographs this hour.
with Brenda Cooper, Irene Radford, Neil Clarke, P.L. Stuart, Patrick S. Tomlinson, Robin Jeffrey, S. A. Chant, Salinee Goldenberg, Sarah J. Daley, Sarah Pinsker, Gregory A. Wilson, and Kat Richardson<

Are Podcasts the New Fanzines?
Thursday, August 14, 7:30–8:30 p.m., Room 345-346
Back in the day, many fans would “pub their ish,” producing fanzines and APA zines to share with friends and readers they’d never even met. Now, there seems to be more energy put into podcast production. Fan editors and podcast producers talk about what’s the same about their productions and what’s different.
with Sam Stark (M), Kat Kourbeti, Luke Elliott, and Michael Ireland

The World of Spec Fiction Podcasts
Friday, August 15, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Room 321
This panel explores the dynamic landscape of creating and sustaining speculative fiction podcasts. From crafting captivating narratives to engaging with listeners, panelists will share insights, strategies, and challenges in producing content that transports audiences to fantastical realms. Topics will include storytelling techniques tailored for audio, building and nurturing a dedicated fanbase, collaborating with authors and voice actors, and navigating the evolving podcasting industry.
with Alex Kingsley (M), Michael Ireland, Natania Barron, and Stefan Rudnicki

Table Talks
Saturday, August 16, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Room 430
Have an intimate discussion (up to six participants) with your favorite creators. Space is limited, advance sign-up required.
with Michael Ravine, Rebecca Roanhorse, Luis Carlos Barragán Castro, and Dan Moren

I hope to see you there!

The Glasgow Worldcon kicks off in eight days, and even though it’s in the future, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic … because it will mark the 50th anniversary of my first Worldcon, which I attended in Washington, D.C. in 1974.

You probably weren’t at that one, but if you’re going to be at this one, here’s where you can find me … when I’m not off hunting for donuts, recording episodes of my Eating the Fantastic podcast, or sitting in on panels absorbing the wisdom of others, that is! —

My First Time at Worldcon
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 2:30 p.m. (Argyll 2)
We have selected some fandom veterans, as well as recent Worldcon attendees, to share their stories of how they prepared for and how they experienced their first Worldcon. We hope you will get inspired for your first time at Worldcon.
with Emily January, Alan Fleming, Claire Brialey, and España Sheriff

The Art of the Interview
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m. (Academy M4)
Many podcasts rely on interviews with creators, fans, and other interesting people. What makes a great podcast interview, and how do you learn the skills you need to put your guest at ease and make an entertaining podcast? And how should you approach being a podcast guest?
with Randee Dawn, Adrian M. Gibson, Janet Forbes, and Wendy Van Camp

Podcasts and Big Business
Thursday, August 8, 2024, 8:30 p.m. (Dochart 2)
Podcasts started as a niche hobby, ballooned into a media empire, and now we’re seeing stories that the business of podcasting is in decline. How has the rise of the podcasting industry affected the individual podcaster? Do you run your podcast as a small business or as a hobby you can monetise, and how do you keep your podcast finances sustainable? What are the benefits of joining a podcasting network, or do you prefer to do your own thing?
with Alan Bailey, Dan Moren, Marguerite Kenner, and Mur Lafferty

The Difficult Second Album
Friday, August 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m. (Alsh 1)
So you’ve started a podcast! You’ve got microphones and editing software and even a few listeners! What’s next? How do you keep your podcast exciting and build an audience? How do you measure success or failure? Does every podcaster want to keep growing their audience, or are you happy in your small niche?
with Ali Baker, Alison Scott, Luke Elliott, and Marguerite Kenner

Table Talk
Friday, August 9, 2024, 1:00 PM (Hall 4)

Stroll with the Stars
Monday, August 12, 2024, 9:00 a.m. (Outside Crowne Plaza)
Join your fellow convention members, and perhaps some big names, for a gentle stroll (1.3 miles/2km) around Festival Park, across the river from the SEC, led by Farah Mendlesohn and Mike Scott. The route is wheelchair-accessible, and we will adjust our pace to match the abilities of the slowest walkers. Sign up at the Registration Desk by 18:00 the previous day, and meet at 09:00 outside the Crowne Plaza hotel’s main entrance.

I hope to see you there!

Earlier today, the Chengdu Worldcon opened nominations for the Hugo Awards, the Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book, and the Astounding Award for Best New Writer. If you’re eligible to nominate this year, I hope you’ll take my 2022 short story publications into consideration — but I’d ask that you please consider Eating the Fantastic in the category of Best Fancast as well.

Last year, I invited you to eavesdrop on 27 meals with amazing creators, welcoming you to the continual culinary conversation I’ve been having since I attended my first convention at age 15.

Here are links to all 2023 episodes so you can decide whether the podcast — which I launched in February 2016 — is to your taste. Pick a guest who calls to you and join us at the table!

Breakfast on Eggs Benedict with Fonda Lee in Episode 162 of Eating the Fantastic

Dig into duck with Usman T. Malik in Episode 163 of Eating the Fantastic

Nibble noodles with Daryl Gregory in Episode 164 of Eating the Fantastic

Brunch with two-time Hugo Award nominee Natalie Luhrs in Episode 165 of Eating the Fantastic

Eat enchiladas with Bram Stoker Award-winning writer Paul Tremblay in Episode 166 of Eating the Fantastic

Share deep-fried wontons with Library of Congress curator Sara Duke in Episode 167 of Eating the Fantastic

Pig out on pork BBQ with Paul Witcover in Episode 168 of Eating the Fantastic

Chow down on butter chicken with Paul Kupperberg in Episode 169 of Eating the Fantastic

Uncover Alex Segura’s secret identity in Episode 170 of Eating the Fantastic

Join John Appel for a dry-aged burger in Episode 171 of Eating the Fantastic

Brunch with writer Steven R. Southard on Episode 172 of Eating the Fantastic

Share sushi with the award-winning writer Wen Spencer in Episode 173 of Eating the Fantastic

Grab dinner with Gwendolyn Clare during Episode 174 of Eating the Fantastic

Join David Gerrold for a breakfast buffet on Episode 175 of Eating the Fantastic

Dig into dumplings with Patrick O’Leary in Episode 176 of Eating the Fantastic

Catch up with Sam J. Miller over khachapuri in Episode 177 of Eating the Fantastic

Brunch on Eggs Benedict with Michael Jan Friedman in Episode 178 of Eating the Fantastic

Join writer David Ebenbach for cheesecake in D.C. on Episode 179 of Eating the Fantastic

Meet Max Gladstone for a Mexican meal in Episode 180 of Eating the Fantastic

Chow down with Wesley Chu in Episode 181 of Eating the Fantastic

Come to Chicago for lunch with Carol Tilley in Episode 182 of Eating the Fantastic

Dig into dim sum with the Nebula Award-winning Eileen Gunn in Episode 193 of Eating the Fantastic

Munch Carnitas Benedict with the award-winning Michael Swanwick in Episode 184 of Eating the Fantastic

Eavesdrop on Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki in Episode 185 of Eating the Fantastic

Bite into blood sausage with Tim Waggoner in Episode 186 of Eating the Fantastic

Dive into dim sum with Randee Dawn in Episode 187 of Eating the Fantastic

Take a seat at the table in Little Italy with Al Milgrom in Episode 188 of Eating the Fantastic

Should your eavesdropping entice you to listen to future episodes, subscribe at the iTunes store or via the show’s RSS feed of http://eatingthefantastic.libsyn.com/rss to download them to the device of your choosing.

Thank you for your consideration!

Welcome back to another culinary conversation from the 80th World Science Fiction Convention, where you’ve already joined me for brunch with Wesley Chu and lunch with Carol Tilley.

My guest this time around is Eileen Gunn, who received the Nebula Award in 2005 for “Coming to Terms,” a story inspired, in part, by her friendship with Avram Davidson, about whom she’s working on a biography. She also won Japan’s Sense of Gender Award, and has been nominated for the Hugo, Philip K. Dick, Locus, and Tiptree awards. Her short story collections include Stable Strategies and Others (2004), Questionable Practices (2014), and most recently Night Shift Plus … , out earlier this year as part of the PM Press Outspoken Authors Series. From 2001-2008, she was editor and publisher of the influential webzine The Infinite Matrix. She served for 22 years on the board of directors for Clarion West, and taught there and at numerous other creative writing workshops. She also had a lengthy career in technical advertising and website management in Boston, Seattle, and New York.

We discussed how it’s possible to write when you always have writers block, the Ursula K. Le Guin story which convinced her she could have a career in science fiction, the two most important things she wants aspiring writers to know, her early advertising career writing funny ads for shoes she didn’t like, the reason she believes “I don’t decide what the story is until after I’ve finished it,” which famous science fiction writer wrote the box copy for Screaming Yellow Zonkers, the question Kate Wilhelm asked her at Clarion which unlocked the unknown ending of a story in progress, the way her years in the ad business helped her become a better writer, how Carol Emshwiller made her a person of interest with a sheriff’s department, what she said on a Worldcon panel which was so outrageous the audience had to be told she was joking, how Psychology Day magazine was almost sued over Frankenstein because they didn’t listen listen to my advice, and much more.

Here’s how you can join us at Chicago’s MingHin cuisine — (more…)

Chicon 8, the 80th World Science Fiction Convention, is just around the corner, and if you’d like to hear me pontificate while viewing the top half of my face — because the con has an excellent masking and vaccination policy, the only reason I’m willing to attend — here’s where you’ll be able to find me.

I’m on nine programming items this year. If you’ll be at Worldcon as well, I hope we’ll be able to interact during at least one of them.

Autographing
Thursday, September 1, 2022, 1:00 PM

Geek Pictionary!
Thursday, September 1, 2022, 4:00 PM, Grand Hall L
Come and draw your own conclusions with fellow nerds, geeks and SFFH fans as we get panelists to sketch selected prompts and the audience to decode what they’re trying to “say”! Does not require art talent, but panelists should be prepared to contribute prompts and be ready for an anything-goes atmosphere.
with Devo Spice, Joshua Palmatier, Polina Baron, and Randee Dawn

First Night Chicon Social
Thursday, September 1, 2022, 7:00 p.m., Wrigley
Whether you are new to Worldcon or a long-time attendee, come meet some new people. Say “hi”, share and learn useful con info and tips, and swap recommendations for visiting Chicago.
with Angeli Primlani and J. J. Styles

Living in a Zociety
Friday, September 2, 2022, 5:30 PM CDT, Crystal Ballroom A
The Walking Dead, Kingdom, Army of the Dead, Daybreak, and Anna and the Apocalypse are examples of zombie-populated societies. In such settings, the focus is more on the surviving humans and their fight for survival. But in order to succeed, survivors sometimes need to break social norms and do the unthinkable. Who are the real monsters? Humans or zombies?
with Daniel Kraus, Heshe Leontess, Kelly Robson, and Penelope Flynn

Understanding Podcast Production: Audio Recording
Saturday, September 3, 2022, 11:30 AM CDT, Grand Hall J
This panel will do a deep dive into the recording process, answering questions such as: What microphone do I need? How can I record if I don’t have a proper studio? Which online services help facilitate the scheduling and execution of the recording process? Our panelists will share their secrets and help you secure the highest quality audio with which to create your episodes.
with Bob J. Koester, Heath Miller, Peter Adrian Behravesh, and Ric Bretschneider

Finding Optimism and Comfort in Horror
Saturday, September 3, 2022, 5:30 PM CDT, Crystal Ballroom C
People read horror for all kinds of reasons. And while it might seem paradoxical, for some, horror fiction is a source of optimism and comfort. Where do these readings come from, and what are the writers and books that fit this niche?
with Tim Waggoner, Nino Cipri, Ruthanna Emrys, and Tananarive Due

Contextualizing Authorship
Sunday, September 4, 2022, 10:00 AM CDT, Randolph 2
The life and works of many SFF creators have been the subject of non-fiction works, from Julie Phillip’s James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Life of Alice B. Sheldon, Alec Nevala-Lee’s Astounding, and Abraham Riesman’s True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee, to the two recent Robert Heinlein biographies by Farah Mendlesohn and William Patterson Jr. How do these works help us contextualise the life and works of creators who are still celebrated today?
with Lorelei Esther, Abraham Riesman, and Alec Nevala-Lee

Podcast Genres: The Zine
Sunday, September 4, 2022, 1:00 PM CDT, Grand Hall L
One of the most common “flavors” of podcast is “the Zine”, centered around the discussion of news and information pertaining to a specific facet of contemporary culture. Whether it’s reviews, news, interviews, or how to’s, the Zine feeds the public’s curiosity on the podcast’s area of expertise. This panel will see some the top podcasters describing their unique format within the genre, offer suggestions for how best to frame informational podcast content, and showcase some of their favorite examples of Podcast Zines.
with Alan Bailey, Mary Anne Mohanraj, and Ric Bretschneider

Table Talk
Monday, September 5, 2022, 1:00 PM, Crystal Foyer
Chat with writer, editor, and podcaster Scott Edelman about his 110+ published short stories (and surviving the several thousand rejection slips he received while making those sales), his years working at Marvel Comics, his Eating the Fantastic podcast, and more.

Hope to bump into you there!

It’s getting to be that time again, so if you’re eligible to nominate for the 2020 Hugo Awards, I invite you to check out my 20120 short story publications — but please also consider Eating the Fantastic in the category of Best Fancast as well.

Once March rolled around, and I was no longer able to travel to conventions and record episodes in restaurants, the nature of Eating the Fantastic changed. Now the nibbling occurred, not face-to-face across a table, but with hundreds or thousands of miles between me and my guests.

As I attempted to recapture the year we were supposed to have rather than the year we were given, sometimes we baked, and sometimes ordered takeout, sharing pizza, Weiner schnitzel, pappardelle, brownies, scones and more. In this new world, food continued to do what food always does — relax us, loosen our tongues, turn strangers into friends and bring friends even closer.

(more…)

The 78th World Science Fiction Convention is nearly here, and for the first time, when I say “here,” I mean everywhere, rather than just the chosen host city. Because due to the pandemic, the meatspace Worldcon in Wellington, New Zealand has gone virtual this year, which means you can attend from wherever you happen to be.

I’d hoped to be flying off to New Zealand right about now, where in addition to attending the con, I’d also record a few episodes of my Eating the Fantastic podcast. Though I can’t do the latter in the flesh, I’ve begun having long-distance meals with those I would have dined with in Wellington, such as Lee Murray. And as for the con itself, I’ll be participating in three panels and a reading, all via Zoom.

Would you like to catch my pontificating? If so, here’s my schedule, translated (correctly, I hope) to U.S. East Coast time —

Modern Short SF and Fantasy
July 29, Wednesday 9:00 p.m., Programme Room 1
More good SF short fiction is being published now than ever before, but does it have the same impact on the field? Is there a core set that everyone is reading, or do different audiences read different subsets? What are the best places to publish, and to find, the best short SF and fantasy?
with Charles Payseur, Daryl Gregory, Sheila Williams, and Neil Clarke

Reading
July 30, 2020, Thursday, 8:30 p.m., Reading Room 2

Fandom in the 1970s
July 31, Friday, 11:00 p.m., Programme Room 5
Fandom exploded in the 1970s. It became larger and more diverse, adding multiple conventions every weekend. Fanzines and APAs also exploded. Science fiction itself exploded in mass media with movies like Star Wars and Superman. What was fandom like in the wacky ’70s, and how has it changed over the decades since?
with Raewyn Nevin, Mark Loney, Gay Haldeman, and Parris McBride-Martin

Comics and Manga in the 21st Century
August 1, Saturday, 8:00 p.m., Programme Room 3
The fields of comics and manga continue to change and evolve, both in content and in the way they are marketed and sold. How has the field changed in the last 20 years? What are the best recent comics and manga? And how will Covid-19 impact the field?
with R.W.W. Greene, Ada Palmer, Jason Franks, and Queenie Chan

Hope to see you there!

Yesterday, CoNZealand opened nominations for the 2020 Hugo Awards. If you’re eligible to nominate this year, check out my my 2019 short story publications — but I’d ask that you please consider Eating the Fantastic in the category of Best Fancast as well.

During 2019, I invited you to eavesdrop on 41 guests across 27 episodes for 53+ hours of ear candy, attempting to replicate all the fun I’ve had since I attended my first convention at age 15 — and then started wandering off from those conventions for good meals with good friends. The only difference between then and now is — since February 2016, I’ve been inviting you to take a seat at the table and eavesdrop. (more…)

It’s time to say farewell to Dublin, because as far as this podcast is concerned, the 77th World Science Fiction Convention is finally about to end. I previously invited you along to sit in on a Javanese dinner with the Nebula Award-winning Lisa Tuttle, share crab and eel with the Hugo Award-winning Cheryl Morgan, and brunch on the delightfully named dish Breakfast of Champions with Arcade Award-winning Maura McHugh. As for this fourth and final episode recorded during Worldcon, I can’t think of a better guest to bring live for you on Halloween than the great horror writer Ramsey Campbell.

Ramsey published his H. P. Lovecraft-inspired first book of stories The Inhabitant of the Lake and Less Welcome Tenants in 1964 when he was only 18, and hasn’t stopped since. He’s a two-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award, a four-time winner of the World Fantasy Award, and a TWELVE-time winner of the British Fantasy Award. He’s also received lifetime achievement World Fantasy and Bram Stoker Awards, and was named a World Horror Grandmaster. Previous guest of the podcast T. E. D. Klein called his collection Demons by Daylight “perhaps the most important book of horror fiction since Lovecraft’s The Outsider and Others.” High praise indeed!

We got together on the final day of Worldcon, long after the 4:30 p.m. closing ceremonies had ended. So instead of traipsing around to the usual dead dog parties, we had dinner at Rosa Madre, which I found via Eater’s list of the 38 Essential Dublin restaurants — where at one point as I looked across the table, it seemed as if he was nibbling on Cthulhu! (And sure, I know it was only baby octopus, and not the the Great Old One … but we horror writers like to dream.)

We discussed his early relationship with Arkham House editor and publisher August Derleth, who he might have been had he never discovered H. P. Lovecraft, how this master of unease is able to keep the sense of dread going for the length of a novel (hint: he’s not entirely sure himself), why he loves The Blair Witch Project, what it was like writing novels in the Universal monsters universe, how he felt when The Times listed The Doll That Ate its Mother as one of the silliest titles of 1987, how Twilight Zone editor T. E. D. Klein changed his life, our shared memories of the 1979 World Fantasy Convention, why he feels his attempts to write science fiction have been “clumsy,” the way he was made speechless on his first meeting with J. G. Ballard, why he admires Vladimir Nabokov, and much more.

Here’s how you can eavesdrop on our conversation at Rosa Madre — (more…)