Mumble Herder

WisCon! This weekend! Can't wait to see everyone! This is my schedule!

Three Dashing Gents & One Classy Dame: Sat, 10:00–11:15 am, Conference 2

Gwenda Bond, Richard Butner, Christopher Rowe, David J. Schwartz

Four authors read from recent work.

I'll be reading from my novel-in-progress. I'm pretty damn excited to hear these other folks read, though.

What Are the Main Infectious Disease Threats for the Next 20 Years? Sat, 1:00–2:15 pm, Assembly

Moderator: David J. Schwartz, Erin Cashier, Jim Leinweber, Carl F. Marrs, Cecile Resop

We are currently experiencing a fairly mild influenza pandemic, there are major problems with antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens, and there are ongoing concerns about bioterrorism. Are these or other threats most likely to cause problems for us in the next 20 years?

I don't really know anything about this topic, but they asked for people who would volunteer to be emergency-type moderators, and I volunteered. Those other folks are going to educate the hell out of you, though.

The Work of Kage Baker: Sun, 2:30–3:45 pm, Caucus

Moderator: David J. Schwartz, Gwenda Bond, Shira Lipkin, Margaret McBride, Gregory G. H. Rihn

Best known for her Company (Dr. Zeus Incorporated) series of mysterious, powerful, time–traveling operatives, Kage Baker's speculative fiction deftly ties history, fantasy and science with ribbons of adventure, romance, irony and keen cultural insight. She wanted more time to spend with us; let's spend some time with her life work.

Another emergency-draftee panel for me. I have, regretfully, yet to read any of Ms. Baker's work, but I know that the other panelists will have a lot to say about her.

The SignOut: Mon, 11:30 am–12:45 pm, Capitol/Wisconsin

Come get your book signed! Or stand in front of my table so I look popular!

Between events I will probably be in the Dealer's Room, either shopping or helping out Gavin at the Small Beer Press table. Or, you know, eating. Oh man I can't wait to get some Vientiane Palace. And Himal Chuli. And maybe some Kabul . . .

For the locals: Friday at 7:30, myself, Alan DeNiro, Will Alexander, and Kelly Barnhill will be reading from the Interfictions 2 anthology. Please come! Magers & Quinn is located at 3038 Hennepin Avenue South in Minneapolis. More details here.

WisCon, AKA my favorite weekend/five days of the year, is next weekend. Many of my friends are unable to make it this year, which is disappointing. On the other hand, many of my friends will be there, and it will also be an opportunity to try and meet new people and turn some acquaintances into friends. I will just have to pretend that I am not unbearably shy, which is NO PROBLEM REALLY I'M NOT SOCIALLY AWKWARD AT ALL.

The bulk of my weekend will be spent in the Dealer's Room, as I am going to be running the Small Beer Press table for Gavin and Kelly, who are unable to attend this year. Come by, say hello, and buy some books!

I have also signed on for one panel and, of course, a reading, because readings are hella fun:

Is Regionalism Dead? Sunday 8:30 - 9:45AM in Senate A

Moderator: David J. Schwartz; Alex Bledsoe, Catherine Cheek, Rich Novotney

Modern publishing technology (e.g., the Internet, desktop publishing) seems to have created a global village and shrunk the distances between major cultural centers and the far–flung places where some writers live. Yet some Canadian writers who submit to U.S. markets are regularly warned not to focus too much (if at all) on Canada, and rural writers in any country are given similar warnings about writing about their actual milieux, yet reader appetites for fiction set in New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Tokyo or thinly–disguised versions of these cities are presumed to be unlimited. Let's discuss whether reality matches this perception.

Reading: Shadow Over Powderhorn Sunday 2:30 - 3:45PM at A Room Of One's Own Bookstore



Like the sign says: Will Alexander, Barth Anderson, Haddayr Copley-Woods, David J. Schwartz

Oh, and I'm also registered for the Sign-Out, but there may be logistical issues. Suffice it to say that I will Be Around. Hope to see many of you in Madison!

Book! You miss book news, I know you do. HERE IS MORE. Nice things said at AuthorMagazine.org. Jeff VanderMeer gives a shoutout over at Omnivoracious. In non-linkable news, Mr. Jason Erik Lundberg reports that he spotted (and purchased) the UK edition in Singapore. ALL YOUR CITY-STATES ARE FOR MY CONQUERING.

Speaking of book, a reminder that I'll be reading as part of the Bookslut Reading Series tomorrow night (Tuesday) at the Hopleaf in Chicago (I just got in and it's like I never left), 7:30 PM, with Eddie Campbell. Y'all should come.

I keep forgetting to plug this, but: I'll be reading from Superpowers this Thursday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Common Good Books, 165 Western Ave North, Suite 14 in St. Paul. Bring a friend!

Also, if you want to keep track of events like this, I always post about them on the Facebook group for Superpowers. I have told y'all I'm on Facebook, right? Right over here. I find it so very soothing compared to MySpace.

Actually, most of the information is right up there on top, but I'll elaborate for purposes of clarity.

I'll be reading from Superpowers at Dreamhaven Books, 912 West Lake Street in Minneapolis, at 7 PM on Thursday June 12th.

Mark your calendars, people. I want a CROWD.

One, my brother Steve is raising money for the Animal Humane Society's Walk for Animals. Steve works at the Golden Valley branch of the Humane Society, and they do good work there. Check out his page, and send some cash his way if you're so inclined.

Two, I won't be online much today due to an unexpected road trip. Long story short, if you're in Marshall, Minnesota and are going to see Kelly Link and Alan DeNiro read tonight at SMSU, looks like you may be getting me as well. Should be fun.

Three, I was watching the Discovery Channel yesterday and I found out that people are trying to reverse genegineer dinosaurs from birds. This will be important later, I think. Take notes.