Bubonicon 50 – Day Three

And now, the last day of this years Bubonicon. Just in case you missed them, here are days one and two.

It’s always a shame when it comes to the last day, but like the saying goes, all good things must end. And, both this year and last year, I got the change to speak to some of the authors at a bit more leisure.

10:00-11:00     When Urban Fantasy Meets Paranormal Romance

I chose this panel, with Carrie Vaughn, Darynda Jones, T. Jackson King and Gabi Stevens., since urban fantasy is predominantly what I write and since there is a romance sub-plot in House in Exile, I thought there was a decent chance I would get some good ideas from it. The main one? Put a cat on your cover; apparently, they sell.

11:00-12:00     Co-Guests of Honour Presentation

Time for the Mary and John Show, part 2 (the first part was earlier in the week when I went to their discussion/signing at the Jean Cocteau Cinema in Santa Fe). The Guests of Honour, Mary Robinette Kowal and John Scalzi were introduced by toastmaster Lee Moyer. Then he left to return to the art show and we were treated to an hour’s worth of anecdotes about road trips, car trouble, unexpected fires and writing times among other things. Possibly the most fun of all the panels this year.

12:30-1:30     Melinda Snodgrass Reading

I was able to catch a little bit of a break before I went to my last reading of convention. Melinda Snodgrass read part of her new book, The Hidden World, third of her Imperials sci-fi series. After the reading, she accepted questions about writing, Star Trek, planning series and surviving Hollywood. She also generously gave away a copy of book one, The High Ground. I suppose I can’t be too disappointed I didn’t get it, but at least I got a photo (see below).

1:30-2:30     Radium Girls of Science & Sci-Fi

This panel focused mainly on the women that have been either forgotten or deliberately passed over in both science and science fiction. Discussed by Mary Robinette Kowal, Kathy Kitts, Joan Saberhagen, Corie Weaver and Sally Gwylan, I found it interesting and informative but I have to admit the main thing I got was some reading recommendations.

2:30-3:30     Embarrassing Beginnings: Hidden Starts

Another fun panel, this time with Darynda Jones, Lauren Teffeau, Caroline Spector, Emily Mah and Gabi Stevens. They talked about their early work and how they got started. Many of them were romance authors with seems to be unfairly maligned as a genre. Especially since romance has to have a re-readability factor, according to Caroline Spector; as opposed to porn which ‘they can keep grinding out’. Unfortunately, I did not get a photo of everyone cracking up at that bit…

3:30-4:30     How To Tell a Really Good Science Fiction Story

The last panel of the day, with Mary Robinette Kowal, John Scalzi, Betsy James and S.M. Stirling. As I expected I got a few good notes on this one and a few laughs into the bargain. The take-away, according to John Scalzi: “We have solved this problem and all science fiction will be brilliant from now on.”

4:30-5:00     Closing Ceremonies

Mary Robinette Kowal, John Scalzi, Lee Moyer and our co-chairs gave thanks to everyone who took part and gave us some news about next years convention.

Finally, although I’m not the best person with a camera (that’s Britt’s job), this year I was brave enough to ask for some photos.

Until next year…