WisCon 42 Schedule

For the second year in a row I'll be attending WisCon. From their site:

Our convention has grown up to become the annual gathering for the feminist SF community. It also functions as a vibrant meeting place for fans and professionals interested in broader themes of gender, race, and class in Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Which is exactly what I need. Last year I left my first WisCon feeling refreshed, renewed, and ready to tackle the second half of 2017 both in terms of my writing and the rest of my life. It's nice to spend a few days around like-minded geeky feminists.

Even though this is only my second year attending, I'll be moderating one panel and participating in another.

Saturday, May 26
10:00am to 11:15am
Conference 5

I am moderating Dead, Evil, and Clueless: Mothers & Step-Mothers in Fantasy and Science Fiction
#DeadEvilMothersInSFF

Too often, mothers and step-mothers exist in narratives to further the main character's story, by either dying early on, trying to stop or actively harm the main character, or by being utterly clueless as to the characters' actions. This panel explores why this is, as well as shares examples of mothers as partners, teachers, mentors – or even mothers as the main characters in an adventure!Panelists: Naomi Kritzer, Rivqa Rafael, Georgie L. Schnobrich, Heidi Waterhouse

Sunday, May 27
1:00pm to 2:15pm
University B

I am a panelist on Themes of The Last Jedi
#ThemesOfTLJ

If The Force Awakens was about hope and resistance against all odds, The Last Jedi seems to have taken a dip into what hopelessness looks like in the fight against tyranny. It's a much less optimistic film than it's predecessor, but does it carry the same weight as The Emperor Strikes Back or Attack of the Clones? What can we learn from these darker stories, and what turns of fate can we expect to take place in episode nine?M: Rosemary / Sophygurl. Becky Allen, Anika Dane, Christopher Davis, Meredith Morgenstern, Benjamin Rosenbaum

I'll also be looking for impromptu knitting circles again, attending a few other panels that look good, and going to the Tiptree Awards and GoH dessert salon again.

Less than a month to go!