Welcome back to the Boskone 56 Mini Interviews! Today you are in for a special treat, because we talking with four authors! E. C. Ambrose, Clea Simon, Steven Popkes, and Alan F. Beck, are all here to talk more about themselves, books, and Boskone!

E. C. Ambrose

E. C. Ambrose wrote “The Dark Apostle” series of dark historical fantasy novels about medieval surgery. The Dark Apostle started with Elisha Barber (DAW, 2013), described in a starred Library Journal review as, “beautifully told, painfully elegant”, and continues with Elisha Magus, Elisha Rex, and Elisha Mancer, concluding with Elisha Daemon, in 2018. As Elaine Isaak, she is the author of The Singer’s Crown (Eos, 2005), and its sequels, as well as the “Tales of Bladesend” epic novella series. Her short fiction has won the Tenebris Press Flash Fiction contest and appeared in Fireside magazine and Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader. Editorial credits include Love Free or Die, and two additional volumes of the New Hampshire Pulp Fiction series.In the process of researching her books, Elaine learned how to hunt with a falcon, clear a building of possible assailants, and pull traction on a broken limb. The author is a graduate of and an instructor for the Odyssey Writing workshop. In addition to writing, Elaine works as a guide, teaching rock climbing and leading outdoor adventure camps.

Visit E.C. on her Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

In 10 words or less, how would you recommend Boskone to a friend or fan?

Greatest concentration of avid readers in New England

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

When I attended the Science Fiction Hall of Fame Induction in Seattle several years ago, I got the chance to introduce myself to Anne McCaffrey, and tell her that one of my first ever short stories was Dragonriders of Pern fanfic. She took in my name tag, turned to her assistant and said, “I believe I have Elaine’s book on the shelf to read, don’t I?”

Do you have a favorite photo from a book event or literary convention? If so, when and where was it taken? What do you enjoy most about this photo?

For my first published novel, I had the chance to do a signing in the town where I grew up. One of the people named in the acknowledgements of the book was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Krackhardt, because she let me stay inside to read during recess. I had mistakenly thought she was dead–but she attended my reading, and I got to thank her personally and have a photo taken with her.

Who is your favorite literary character of all time? What is it about this character that you admire?

Schmendrick, the Magician, from Peter S. Beagle’s The Last Unicorn. Schmendrick struggles to produce any magic at all. He struggles with just about everything, really. He is awkward and incompetent–and trying very, very hard to do the right thing and live by his ideals, no matter what.

Clea Simon

The author of more than two dozen mysteries featuring cats, three nonfiction books, and one punk rock urban noir, World Enough (Severn House), Clea Simon likes to keep busy. The Boston Globe best-selling author’s most recent mysteries range from the dystopian black-cat narrated Cross My Path (Severn House) (the third Blackie & Care mystery) and the snarky pet noir Fear on Four Paws (Poisoned Pen) (Pru Marlowe #7) to the cozy A Spell of Murder, the first Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, which Polis Books will publish in December. Clea lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband and one (1) cat. She can be reached at www.cleasimon.com

Visit Clea on her Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

I want to further expand my universe! I’ve long been involved in the crime fiction/mystery community, but increasingly my books have involved (or evolved to include) paranormal and dystopian elements. As my world(s) expand, I’m looking for others who see the paranormal as perfectly, well, normal as well.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

I wish I could pass through the wardrobe to the lamp post and meet Mr. Tumnus the faun for the first time. I’ve gone on to love other books besides “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” ? in fact, “The Magician’s Nephew”* remains my favorite of the The Chronicles of Narnia. But that first magical journey so perfectly captures what books can do. They are these hidden portals to new worlds. Always have been.
*This may explain why, as a child, I invented an elaborate religion around the worship of trees. I guess C.S. Lewis would think my little pagan heart had missed the point.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

I got to meet the late great Sue Grafton at a crime fiction convention about eight years ago. I’m such a fan, I was stammering as I approached her, but she was so unfailingly gracious, even asking me if I was a writer. When I told her that, yes, I was, and that in fact I was working on a book then, she leaned forward and said, softly, in my ear, “It’s hard. Isn’t it?”

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

Having just celebrated the release of my first “witch cats of Cambridge” book, A Spell of Murder, I am deep in the writing of the second book. So far, we have two suspects accusing each other, one murder, and ? again ? three magical cats trying to keep their person out of trouble. It may be called “An Incantation of Cats,” and if all goes well, it will come out in December 2019.

Who is your favorite literary character of all time? What is it about this character that you admire?

Frodo, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” because he is so tragic and true. Or possibly Edward Gorey’s “The Wuggly Ump” (from the book of the same name), because he is so single-minded (and reminds me of my cat, as well).

Steven Popkes

Steven Popkes is mainly known for his short fiction and novellas. That said, there are three novels out there for people to read: Caliban Landing, Slow Lightning and Welcome to Witchlandia. He has been collected several times in various “Best of…” anthologies. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife. Together they have a dog, a cat, forty turtles and twenty three chickens. The turkeys just visit. His son just visits.

Visit Steve on his Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

Boskone is a convention that investigates the science fiction of the written word. Other media are also looked at but it’s primarily the written narrative.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

Book: Norstrilia. Film: 2001.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

I once overheard a fan talking about my work to another fan. He said I had to be gay because I treated gays so well in my work. I liked that.

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

I have just finished a novel involving the long term effects of child abuse and the terraforming of Venus.

Who is your favorite literary character of all time? What is it about this character that you admire?

Huckleberry Finn. Because at all times he tries to do things his own way and stumbles onto the right thing to do from his own point of view, in spite of those around him. (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain)

Alan F. Beck

Alan F. Beck has been an artist, designer and illustrator for over 30 years doing work for many major corporations including book covers and magazine illustrations. His work has been exhibited in art shows and Science Fiction/Fantasy conventions all across the country. He has won numerous awards and honors including two Chesley award nominations, a HUGO finalist award nomination, and received a “Body of Work” Award at LA Con IV WorldCon Art Show, Anaheim, CA. Alan’s work tends to be realistic and surrealistic in nature, often whimsical and humorous. His paintings and prints can be found in collections in the US, Canada and Europe. He has recently published a children’s book “The Adventures of Nogard and Jackpot” and is creator of the “Mouseopolitan Museum of Art”. His artwork and concepts are produced using acrylics, watercolor, pastels, 3-D modeling and image manipulation programs. His art can be found in Space and Time magazine, The Fantasy Art Bible, assorted e-zines and various book covers. visit www.alanfbeck.com

Visit Alan on his Facebook and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

I?m based out of Brooklyn, NY so Boskone is easily accessible for me. Boskone is a well run convention by great people. In my opinion, it has one of the greatest art shows on the east coast and the panels are filled with knowledgeable experts and the subjects are not only interesting but entertaining as well.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

One of my favorite films is Walt Disney?s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I know it?s an old one and I saw it when it first came out. The scene in the beginning where the partially submerged sub was zooming across the sea toward the ship just blew my teenage mind away. I loved the under water scenes and the design of the nautilus that fit the time of the story. I could have done without Kirt Douglas singing to the seal but the anti war message resonated with me as well.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

One of my fondest memories that happened was when I was standing my my panel in the art show when a woman approached with her little girl hiding behind her leg. She told her daughter that I was the man the made her favorite Nogard & Jackpot picture. I stooped down and the shy girl came out told me what her favorite picture was. Then she went on to tell me all the other ones she had and said the Adventures of Nogard and Jackpot was her best book ever. This conversation went on for another 5 minutes. Meetings like this and talking to fans is one of the best joys of life.

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Welcome to a new week, Boskone fans! As we count down the days to Boskone, check out these amazing mini interviews with Grady Hendrix, Reiko Murakami & Alan L. Brown.

 

Grady Hendrix

Grady Hendrix is the award-winning author of the novels Horrorstor,  My Best Friend’s Exorcism, and We Sold Our Souls. He’s also the author of Paperbacks from Hell, a history of the horror paperback boom of the 70’s and 80’s, as well as the screenwrite

r of Mohawk and Satanic Panic.

Visit Grady on Facebook, Twitter or via his website.

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

Boskone is close to NYC and I’m lazy, so that’s part of the appeal, but I also love how grassroots it is. It’s a nice way to stay in touch and get drunk with people I know in the area who I don’t have an excuse to see otherwise.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

Darby O’Gillis and the Little People was a movie that terrified me as a child when it was screened at Peter Mansfield’s birthday party. I hid from the TV screen in a full-blown, free-falling attack of gibbering fear. I’d love to feel that scared again.

They say you can find hints of creators in their work. Looking back at your work, which character, piece of art, song, poem, article, etc. most closely resembles you? Why?

I feel a lot like the Swamp Thing: slow, stupid, and generally confused by the people around me. Also, I smell bad and live in a puddle of muck.

 

Reiko Murakami

Reiko Murakami, also known as Raqmo, is an award-winning U.S. based concept artist and illustrator specialized in surreal fantasy and horror characters. Her work has been published in Spectrum, Infected by Art, ArtOrder Invitational: The Journal, Exposé, 2D Artist and many others.

Visit Reiko on Facebook, Twitter or via her website.

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

I learned about Boskone from some of my artist friends who attend. I love that I get to see them there every year. The fact that it’s in Boston is great too.

They say you can find hints of creators in their work. Looking back at your work, which character, piece of art, song, poem, article, etc. most closely resembles you? Why?

I use myself as a model for hands quite a lot. Especially for my personal work you can probably recognize me in their hand gestures.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

One time at a con I was talking to a person about my work. I was explaining the background story of the piece, which was based on very personal and emotional event, and after I was done talking the person started to share their personal event. We didn’t go too much of the details of our experiences, but it wasn’t needed. At the end of the day we felt we were connected, all because of what I painted. That was the best experience I’ve ever had, because sharing our feelings and connecting is my purpose in making art.

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

I am working on a publication, but I cannot disclose any information yet. All I can say is it’s very exciting, I’m creating a ton of images for it, and it is the biggest projects I’ve ever done 🙂

 

Alan L. Brown

Alan Brown contributes bi-weekly reviews of classic SF books to TOR.com in the Front Lines and Frontiers column, reviews the Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show for the website, and occasionally contributes articles on other topics. He is also an SF author, albeit not a prolific one, having contributed to Tor’s There Will Be War series, Baen’s War World series, and John F. Carr’s small press relaunch of that same War World series. He has a story coming soon in Charles E. Gannon’s Lost Signals of the Terran Republic, shared-world anthology. He retired from the US Coast Guard Reserve as a Captain, and retired from a civil service career that included supporting the US Navy as an Emergency Manager. He is a lifelong fan of science fiction, having started on the juvenile novels of the ’20s and ’30s that his father tucked away in the basement: Tom Swift, the Great Marvel series, Don Sturdy and the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs. He started reading comics as Marvel exploded on the scene in the mid-1960s, and soon graduated to grown-up stories in Analog and Galaxy magazines, and SF and fantasy novels of all varieties.

 

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

Boskone was one of my father’s favorite cons, and became one of mine as well. It involves a nice mix of literary and media topics. In its current incarnation, it is small enough to feel cozy, and big enough to have a lot of options.

 

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

The movie Star Wars is the first thing that comes to mind. It was like nothing I had seen before. As if Hollywood had looked into my head, and put together just the right mix of pulpy space opera goodness to make me happy.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

I’ll never forget my first interaction with an author, I was at my first con with my dad, and he called to another old timer across the huckster room. When he turned around, I saw those big muttonchop sideburns, and realized it was Isaac Asimov. I’m glad they had things to talk about, because my tongue was tied in knots. It turns out my dad had been a customer at the candy shop in NY where Isaac had worked when he was young, and had encountered him a number of times over the years.

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

I am a regular contributor to Tor.com and I have a story coming out soon in the Lost Signals anthology, edited by Chuck Gannon.

The Flash Fiction Slam is back! The Boskone Flash Fiction Slam has become a Boskone staple and you don’t want to miss out! Be one of the 11 writers to dazzle the judges and the audience with an original story that can be read in under 3 minutes.

Sign up in advance for one of eight (8) reading slots on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing program@boskone.org. Please put “Flash Fiction Slam” in your email’s subject line. Once the 8 pre-convention slots are full, you can come to Program Ops in the Harbor Level Foyer to sign up in person for one of the remaining three (3) slots. A waiting list will also be available.

Judges

• James Patrick Kelly
• Andrea Corbin
• John Chu
• Rob Greene, Moderator

Date: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Marina 2

Flash Fiction Slam
Boskone’s Flash Fiction Slam returns! Be one of eleven (11) writers to compete for the title of The Flash, reading your own original fiction — which must tell a complete tale within a 3-minute period. Our expert panel of judges will score your work, and you automatically lose 10 percent for going over your 3-minute time. You may only read your own work. The reader with the top score wins! Sign up before the con by sending an email to program@boskone.org for one of eight (8) reading slots on a first-come, first-served basis. Or sign up onsite at Program Ops in the Harbor Foyer for one of three (3) at-con openings. A waiting list will also be available there.

With over 350 program items and nearly 200 program participants, there are a lot of things to keep track of at Boskone this year. But we have an app for that!

(Actually, we have your choice of two apps for that!)

With your smart phone, tablet, or computer, you can use the Grenadine Event Planner app or the KonOpas app to personalize your very own Boskone 56 schedule!

Online Schedules

The Boskone 56 schedule is online as a schedule that can be personalized as well as a text-only listing.

The Boskone Schedule Apps

Grenadine Event Guide is an (IOS or Android) application available on your phones and mobile devices. Grenadine is the database we use to set up the Boskone schedule. We have a schedule that can be personalized and can be connected with Grenadine’s mobile app. Once you have installed and launched the application, enter code “boskone56” to download the correct schedule.

Note: If you have set up a Grenadine account in the past for organizing your Boskone schedule, you can reuse that same account. Otherwise you may need to sign up as a new user.

KonOpas is a web based online schedule that you can view in any browser and can be personalized to export and share with others.  KonOpas will store all its data in the browser so you can still view it when you have no internet connectivity.

Access the KonOpas schedule at http://schedule.boskone.org

Tweet Your Experience

Use #boskone to share your thoughts on Twitter.

Boskone Internet Access

The hotel lobby offers free internet access so that you can keep up with any last minute schedule changes. So, please be sure to refresh your app before heading to the program area since the hotel does not make internet access available in those spaces.

Happy Friday and welcome back to the Boskone 56 Mini Interview series! Have you bought your tickets to Boskone 56 yet? We are only 3 weeks away! Well, if you are still on fence about it, today we are talking to Auston Habershaw, Marshall Ryan Maresca, and K.R. Branch, who are more than happy to tell you exactly why they love Boskone and what they enjoy most about coming each year 🙂

Auston Habershaw

On the day Auston Habershaw was born, Skylab fell from the heavens. This foretold two possible fates: supervillain or scifi/fantasy author. Fortunately he chose the latter, and spends his time imagining the could-be and the never-was rather than disintegrating the moon with his volcano laser. He is a winner of the Writers of the Future Contest and has published short stories in F&SF, Analog, and Galaxy’s Edge among other places. His fantasy series, The Saga of the Redeemed, is published through Harper Voyager—the final installment of which, The Far Far Better Thing, will be released in March of 2019. He lives and works in Boston, MA, and you can find him online at aahabershaw.com

Visit Austin on his Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

Well, in the first place, Boskone is a local convention for me (I live in Boston) and I think it’s important as an author to support local organizations that encourage and attract fans and authors like me. Even more important than that, though, is the simple fact that Boskone is a convention that consistently attracts top talent in an intimate setting. If you’re looking to meet your favorite author and talk with them without having to deal with the mob scene that is some of the larger conventions, then Boskone is an excellent choice.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

I’m going to go pretty old school here, but I’d love to encounter Stevenson’s TREASURE ISLAND for the first time again. That book is so rich in character, in setting, in dialogue–in *everything*–that it sucked me in as a kid more than any book had before. And the plot twists! And Long John Silver! God, so often as a kid I imagined being Jim Hawkins. Now, as I begin to reach John Silver’s age (his 40s), I long for those adventures of my youth.

They say you can find hints of creators in their work. Looking back at your work, which character, piece of art, song, poem, article, etc. most closely resembles you? Why?

This is a tough one, since self-analysis is inherently biased, but I’d say that there is an awful lot of me in both Tyvian Reldamar and Artus in my series The Saga of the Redeemed. Tyvian is the worldly, cynical, arrogant me and Artus is the optimistic, naive, and humble me. Part of the point of the story is that they need each other, even though they often try to escape from each other.

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

Book 4 in The Saga of the Redeemed (my fantasy series)–titled THE FAR FAR BETTER THING–releases on March 5th of 2019. It will be the conclusion of the series.

My short story “Applied Linguistics” will be in the January issue of Analog.

There are some other short works that should be appearing at some point that year, but I don’t have the pub details yet.

Marshall Ryan Maresca

Marshall Ryan Maresca is a fantasy and science-fiction writer, author of the Maradaine Saga: Four parallel series set amid the bustling streets and crime-ridden districts of the exotic city called Maradaine. This includes The Thorn of Dentonhill, A Murder of Mages, The Holver Alley Crew and the forthcoming The Way of the Shield. His work also appeared in Norton Anthology of Hint Fiction and Rick Klaw’s anthology Rayguns Over Texas. He also has had several short plays produced. He lives in Austin with his family.

Visit Marshall Ryan on his Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

This year will be my fourth time coming to Boskone, third as a panel participant, and I find it to be one of the real standouts of fan run conventions, with the quality of the panels, the breadth of talent attending, and the open, friendly environment.
Plus, I won’t lie, my sister lives in the Boston area, so it gives me the opportunity to visit her family at the same time.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

I’m going to have to go with DIE HARD, which remains one of my favorite movies of all time. It really is a masterpiece of structure and character work. Part of why I would want a do-over in experiencing it for the first time is because I really didn’t get a proper go of it the first time around. I first saw it when it was on rotation on HBO, and saw it starting halfway through. So when I did see it from the beginning, I had already been spoiled for the back half. So getting to see it unfold completely fresh, properly from the beginning, that would be a real treat.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

OK, this is kind of a cheat, but I was recently one of the Guests of Honor at PhilCon, and a few friends from college came out to see me. That included brining their teenage children, who were HUGE FANS of my books and were super excited to talk about them, with me and with each other. So it was wonderful, both as a chance to see old friends, but also to see that kind of enthusiasm in its raw, unfiltered form. That’s exactly why I write books: for people to geek out over these characters and stories as much as I do. And that’s pure joy for me.

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

I’ve got two novels coming out in 2019. First is A PARLIAMENT OF BODIES, which is the third Maradaine Constabulary novel (and the ninth in the overall Maradaine sequence), which comes out March 26th. Our inspector heroes, Satrine and Minox, are called to solve the mystery of a murderous atrocity on the Parliament floor, which will team them up with some of the main characters from the Maradaine Elite series which started with THE WAY OF THE SHIELD last October. And then, in October 2019 I have the next Maradaine Elite novel: SHIELD OF THE PEOPLE, in which our heroes Dayne and Jerinne deal with a radical protestors and a threat to the integrity of the Parliamentary elections.

K.R. Branch

K.R. Branch is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast MFA program. She lives in Nebraska but goes adventuring at the drop of a hat. Her most recent writing endeavors include participating in #querykombat, presenting a paper at the International Conference for Fantastic in the Arts, and an author spotlight on The Stonecoast Review.

Follow K.R. on her Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

I attend a lot of large conventions centered around anime and manga which host more than thirty thousand people in a weekend. It’s fun, but it’s an entirely different kind of fun than Boskone’s intimate, laid back atmosphere. At the big conventions, I spend a lot of time people watching. At Boskone, I can actually talk to people!

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

This is a hard one, because so much of my perception of books and films is connected to where I am in my life at that point in time. For instance, the first time I read “Snowflower and the Secret Fan” I had just had a big fight with a good friend, and when I got to the end I cried for hours, knowing that my friend and I had experienced something very similar to the characters. I sent that book to her as a mea culpa and we’re friends again now.

I’d love to watch all of the Avatar: The Last Airbender (The Nickelodeon series) again for the first time. The sheer wonder of the world, the comedy and drama of the story, the characters, that would be really fun to experience again without spoilers.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

I met Tamora Pierce at Boskone 2018. I had this tatty old copy of “Wild Magic” with me because when I was a kid I would take this book everywhere – it was one of the first books I bought with my own money in my own decision – I knew I liked Tamora Pierce and she had another book, so I bought it. I’d read in school, on trips, in the bath, and this book looked it. Everyone else in line had these lovely, hardback copies, and I started to get a little nervous. I knew how much this book meant to me, but after seeing all these carefully conserved hardbacks, would she?

Shouldn’t have been worried at all. She carefully opened my half-falling apart book and signed the title page and encouraged me when I sputtered about how she had inspired me to write. Top 10 moment of my life.

Who is your favorite literary character of all time? What is it about this character that you admire?

Mrs. Coulter from “His Dark Materials” series by Phillip Pullman. She is written as a beautiful person doing evil things (and occasionally using her beauty to those ends) which is a nice change from the “ugly person is evil” thing. The way she chooses to end her story is fascinating.

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Welcome back to our Boskone 56 Mini Interviews! Today was are talking with Victoria Sandbrook Flynn, R.W.W. Greene, and M.R. Richardson!

Victoria Sandbrook Flynn

Victoria Sandbrook is a speculative fiction writer, freelance editor, and Viable Paradise graduate. Her short fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in SWORD & SONNET, PODCASTLE, SHIMMER, CAST OF WONDERS, and elsewhere. In her editorial life, she recently published STARTING FROM SCRATCH: A Primer on Writing and Editing Cookbooks through the Editorial Freelancers Association. She is an avid hiker, sometimes knitter, long-form talker, and initiate baker. She often loiters around libraries, checking out anything from picture books to monographs. She spends most of her days attempting to wrangle a ferocious, destructive, jubilant tiny human. Victoria, her husband, and their daughter live in Brockton, Massachusetts. Find her on victoriasandbrook.com and on Twitter at @vsandbrook.

Visit Victoria Sandbrook on her Facebook, Twitter, Website, and Goodreads!

In 10 words or less, how would you recommend Boskone to a friend or fan?

A comfortable, focused, thought-provoking gathering of SFF pros and fans.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

There are a handful of books, stories, and movies I’d love to revisit with a fresh mind, but I’ll go with the film 28 DAYS LATER. It was the first zombie flick I’d seen and I had no idea of what to expect, no experience with the genre’s tropes or history in book, film, or comic form. My husband made me a plate of food about halfway through watching and I was so entranced, revolted, and engaged I couldn’t bear to eat. I couldn’t move. The sensation of being totally carried away by a story, of being unmoored from everything you expect, is precious for anyone who works with words.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

In my past-life as an in-house development editor of nonfiction, I worked (and worked and WORKED) on THE UNOFFICIAL GAME OF THRONES COOKBOOK, which by chance debuted the same year as A FEAST OF ICE AND FIRE, the *official* compendium of recipes. The publishing company where I worked had established this unofficial line years before with some success, and we followed our format very carefully so as to not step on the toes of the official property. Well, of course that was also the year George R. R. Martin came to Boskone. I dared myself to have him sign it. He did, with a firmly raised eyebrow, of course. But it was a very proud moment for me: I’d put a lot of work into this fan-work and got to connect my face and name with the end-result (which so few editors get to do). And George was gracious about it, thank goodness. It’d take me a few more years to feel less star-struck around published authors I respected, but that was definitely a step in the right direction.

R.W.W. Greene

R.W.W. Greene is a New Hampshire writer who once believed he’d be living in orbit by now. His fiction has seen daylight in Metaphorosis, Stupefying Stories, and Daily Science Fiction, among other places. He collects typewriters, keeps bees, and Tweets about it all @rwwgreene.

Visit R.W.W. Greene on his Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

I have always liked that Boskone has such a strong focus on writers and literature, and the event is small enough that you can easily meet and hobnob with some of the best speculative-fictions producers in the biz. As an added bonus, you never know if you will be sitting next to an astronaut, a glassblower, or a chemical engineer, and that diversity of background and knowledge makes discussions lively. The SF-Fantasy gestalt at Boskone is deep and wide and powerful.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

I’m going to change this prompt a little to my first experience with a character, and I’m picking Spock as played by Leonard Nimoy and expanded upon in the James Blish novelizations. Spock taught me a lot about masculinity, emotional control, and the power of knowledge and invention. So many of my pre-Spock “heroes” were the cowboys, the take-charge-and-punch-faces guys. Spock showed me a different way of doing and behaving.

Do you have a favorite photo from a book event or literary convention? If so, when and where was it taken? What do you enjoy most about this photo?

The photo I picked was taken during a book-launch event on Oct. 26, 2018 (my 47th birthday) at the Bookery in Manchester. NH. It was the local launch of “Writers Resist: The Anthology,” a collection of poems, essays, and short stories written in wake of Donald Trump’s election to the U.S. presidency. There also were launch events in San Diego, Bethesda, MD, and Brooklyn, NY. I like the pic, not only because I am proud of my inclusion in the anthology, but (notwithstanding the dance step I seem to be doing) because I appear sanguine about doing my thing and sharing my work. It has taken me a while to get to that point.

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

Eh … 2019, as I sit here in December, seems so far away. The short answer is: Yeah, I’m working on a book and shopping short stories, but I don’t know what will hit when. I can tell you that, in the waning days of 2018, some stuff came out. “Writers Resist: The Anthology” came out in October 2018. The Manawaker Flash Fiction Podcast audio-published my story, “Love in the Time of Light Speed,” in November 2018, and the same story was included in “Passages: Best of NewMyths Anthology, Vol. 1,” which came out in December 2018. Incidentally, “Love in the Time of …” first saw daylight at the Boskone Flash Fiction Contest a few years ago, and it inspired the book “The Light Years,” which I am currently shopping around.

M.R. Richardson

M.R. Richardson with a clear mastery of world-building creates compelling wild, cutthroat novels. Balancing vivid action, with personal reflection, existential dilemmas, and richly detailed worlds, his space operas are far more complex than first meets the eye. Combining war, politics, and intrigue, his first novel Galactic Mandate: A Radical Cause is an epic debut.

Visit M.R. on his Facebook and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

It’s on the east coast so I will meet new people and new types of people. It is fun to get out of my area.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

District 9, Because it opened my eyes to what a film could be

They say you can find hints of creators in their work. Looking back at your work, which character, piece of art, song, poem, article, etc. most closely resembles you? Why?

All of them. Because I can see myself doing/ saying/ being any of my characters if I had their backstory.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

I like meeting authors I admire and seeing how humble they are.

Do you have a favorite photo from a book event or literary convention? If so, when and where was it taken? What do you enjoy most about this photo?

Not yet but I’m hoping to make some.

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

Look out for Galactic Mandate: The Scream and Galactic Mandate Trail of Destruction

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Register for Boskone 56 today!

Welcome back again to the Boskone 56 Mini Interviews! Hope you all had a great weekend! Let’s start off this week by hearing from Brett James, Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert, and Kenneth Schneyer!

Brett James

Brett James is the author of the popular novel The Drift Wars, as well as several others. He has worked various jobs in support of his writing career, some of which are interesting (Harpers Magazine), some of which are less so (programming). He recently released the second novel in his Tangent septology, Lies and Silence, and he will be releasing a new novel, Tunnel, in April. He crafts a handmade edition of all of his books and also makes pocket copies of his short stories, which he distributes at conventions such as Boskone (check the free table).

Visit Brett on his Facebook, and Website!

With many conventions to choose from and limited time in your schedule, what attracts you to Boskone?

As a writer, I find a lot at Boskone that is focused on the process of writing, as well as creativity and idea management. It’s pretty easy to find such panels at a beginner’s level, but Boskone definitely goes beyond. I think even the most experienced writer would have to work hard not to find something that excites them at Boskone.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

The Once and Future King by T.H. White, without a doubt. It is, at times, shocking how irreverent he is to such exalted material, and yet in doing so, he transforms the classic tale in a way that makes it immediate and timeless.

They say you can find hints of creators in their work. Looking back at your work, which character, piece of art, song, poem, article, etc. most closely resembles you? Why?

While my major characters are always (hopefully) far more interesting than myself, I like include myself as a minor character, where I can, much like the classic muralists did. No hints, but for those who know me, I hear that those characters are easy to spot.

Who is your favorite literary character of all time? What is it about this character that you admire?

There are a lot, so don’t expect me to always pick the same one, but I’ll say Archie Goodwin of the Nero Wolfe series. The entire series, which is extensive, is basically a monologue by Archie. It’s beyond belief how entertaining this one character manages to be, over such a long period of time. For me, no living person could compete, and I imagine that even Rex Stout, his creator, was no match for him.

Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert

Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert writes science fiction, horror, dark fantasy, and the occasional poem. Her short fiction had appeared in the anthologies The Final Summons, Killing It Softly (Vol.1), and The Deep Dark Woods. Read her poetry in the anthology Wicked Witches, the websites Tales of the Zombie War and Eternal Haunted Summer, and in The Wayfarer: A Journal of Contemplative Literature. Suzanne is a freelance content creation expert, editor, and marketing consultant. She has degrees in Communication and Sociology. Find her on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter @SuzsMuses.

Visit Suzanne on her Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

In 10 words or less, how would you recommend Boskone to a friend or fan?

Boskone is THE convention for serious, Boston-area specfiction fans.

They say you can find hints of creators in their work. Looking back at your work, which character, piece of art, song, poem, article, etc. most closely resembles you? Why?

I recently wrote a horror short story, “Unafraid,” about an aspiring writer who wishes to be unafraid in her writing work. My inspiration for this character (unlike me in many ways, otherwise) was my own self-doubt and fear of putting my authentic voice out there. Writing this story helped exorcise some of my lingering fear. Unlike my character–for whom things end badly–I believe I’m headed in the right direction and getting past my apprehension.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

I still laugh thinking about this–it was at Readercon about nine years ago, and I had just started attending cons as an aspiring writer. I got into an elevator with Samuel Delany, and I realized who he was as soon as I stepped in. After a few seconds, I sputtered, “You’re Samuel Delany, aren’t you?” He confirmed that he was. “Oh my God, you’re so awesome!” I said. He was so gracious and kind. It was NOT my most articulate moment!

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

My fantasy/horror short story “In Darkness, She Sheds” is part of the New England Speculative Writers premier anthology, “The Final Summons,” due February 5, 2019. I’m waiting to hear on the status of two other short stories. If all goes well, they will also be published in anthologies during 2019.

I also intend to self-publish a follow-up to my first poetry chapbook sometime in 2019. The first was titled, “Interview with the Faerie (Part One) and Other Poems of Darkness and Light.” The follow-up will be “Interview with the Faerie (Part Two) and Other Poems Fantastical and Mundane.” I don’t have a release date for that yet.

I also plan to try and teach myself how to write a novel! I have about 1/3 of it written already.

Who is your favorite literary character of all time? What is it about this character that you admire?

My favorite literary character is Lauren Oya Olamina from Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” and follow-up, “Parable of the Talents.” Lauren is far from perfect, but what makes her compelling is that she is incredibly smart, brave, resilient, and able to overcome the many shortcomings of her upbringing and the society in which she was raised (and which consequently falls apart around her.) She suffers terribly, yet comes out a survivor and a pioneer for a new way of thinking and being.

Kenneth Schneyer

Kenneth Schneyer received a Nebula nomination, and was a finalist for the Sturgeon Award, in 2014. His short fiction appears in Lightspeed, Strange Horizons, Analog, Uncanny, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Clockwork Phoenix 3 & 4, Daily Science Fiction, Escape Pod, PodCastle, Pseudopod, and elsewhere. In 2014, Stillpoint Digital Press released his first collection, The Law & the Heart. By day, he teaches law, logic, and literature to undergraduates in Providence, Rhode Island. Ken was born in Detroit, but has lived in southern New England for over 30 years. He’s interested in astronomy, politics, history, propositional logic, constitutive rhetoric, feminist theory, and practically everything else.

Visit Kenneth on his Facebook, Twitter, and Website!

In 10 words or less, how would you recommend Boskone to a friend or fan?

Boston-area SFF writers will have time to talk to you.

If you could relive your first experience with any book or film, which one would you pick? What is it about this book or film that you want to experience again for the “first time?”

The 1978 film version of Superman. I was 18, and had been a fan of the comics as long as I could read. The opening credits came on, and the music began to build — then there was a fanfare, and the “S” symbol came on the screen. I swear the hairs stood up on the back of my neck; it was like seeing a ghost and having all your wildest dreams fulfilled at the same time. After that moment, it didn’t really matter how good the rest of the film was.

What is your favorite memory of a fan interaction at a convention? It could be you as a pro interacting with one of your fans or you as a fan meeting someone you admire.

As a new writer, I approached Michael Swanwick and asked him to sign a book for me. He complied, inscribing the following: “Next time, you give the autograph.” <3

Can you share some details about upcoming projects or what you’re working on now? Do you have releases in 2019 that readers should look for?

I have a bunch of stories in process: a short story about making golems, a novel about people who can alter the desires of others, a crossover fanfic for my own entertainment, and a bunch of projects that are only speculative.

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Register for Boskone 56 today!

BOSKONE 56 is coming February 15-17, 2019!  and the program schedule is now online.

Come check out all of the exciting activities and start planning your convention! The schedule is available through the Grenadine app schedule so that you can personalize your Boskone experience or you can view the text-only schedule.

Boskone 56 Program Highlights!
Be sure to check out the full program schedule to see what else you would most like to attend, but here are a few highlights from this year’s signature events:

Free Friday Afternoon Programming (January 15 2:00-6:00 pm)
We’re hosting Free Friday Afternoon again, which means all Boskone programming begins at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 15th and is free to the public from 2:00-6:00 pm. Memberships are required after 6:00 pm on Friday and throughout the rest of the convention.

Friday, 5:00 PM (free to public)
Special Event: Interview with The Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin Director Arwen Curry
Theodora Goss, Arwen Curry
Marina 1 · 50 min · Interview
Theodora Goss interviews director Arwen Curry about her feature documentary Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin. With Le Guin’s active participation, Curry followed her for a decade to document her life and work. From A Wizard of Earthsea (1968) with the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award to Lavinia (2008) with the Locus Award, Le Guin’s numerous accolades include multiple Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards. This special interview with Arwen Curry is hosted in coordination with the Boston premiere of Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin at the Boston SF Film Festival on Thursday, February 14. Official Trailer: Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin from Arwen Curry on Vimeo.

Friday, 9:00 PM
Opening Ceremony: Meet the Guests
Cindy Pon, Christopher Golden, Jim Burns, Elizabeth Hand, Vandana Singh, David G. Grubbs (M), Michael Swanwick
Galleria – Stage · 15 min · Event
Welcome to Boskone, New England’s longest-running convention for fans and creators of science fiction, fantasy, and horror! Whether you are attending for the first time or the fifty-sixth, we invite you to join us in the Galleria to meet this year’s guests:

• Guest of Honor: Elizabeth Hand
• Special Guest: Christopher Golden
• Official Artist: Jim Burns
• Young Adult Fiction Guest: Cindy Pon
• Hal Clement Science Speaker: Vandana Singh
• NESFA Press Guest: Gardner Dozois (in memoriam)

The Opening Ceremony ends with a toast to Gardner Dozois by Michael Swanwick.

Friday, 9:15 PM
Boskone 56 Reception
Vandana Singh, Elizabeth Hand, Cindy Pon, Christopher Golden, Jim Burns
Galleria – Art Show · 105 min · Event
Connoisseurs and philistines alike: welcome to the Boskone Art Show! Join us in the Galleria for an upscale social mixer. Meet our program participants while enjoying refreshments, stimulating conversation, and exceptional art that’s a feast for the eyes. Experience the music and the festivities as Boskone celebrates another year of science fiction, fantasy, and horror in Boston.

Saturday, 6:30 PM
Boskone Book Party
Brenda W. Clough, Erin Underwood (M), Cerece Rennie Murphy, Isadora Deese, Christopher Paniccia, Steve Davidson, Suzanne Palmer, Clea Simon, Jane Yolen, Adam Stemple, Julie C. Day, Karen Heuler, Jeff Hecht, KJ Kabza, Grady Hendrix, Kenneth Rogers Jr., Clarence Young
Galleria – Stage · 50 min · Event
Come join the fun at Boskone 56’s Book Party — and meet the presses and authors who have new books coming out at the con! This is your chance to see what’s new from writers you already love, as well as those you have yet to discover.

This is NESFA Press’s official release party for On the Road with Gardner Dozois: Travel Narratives 1995-2000 (NESFA Press, February 2019) with a special “Introduction” by Michael Swanwick and “Memories of Gardner” by Robert Silverberg, Sheila Williams, Walter Jon Williams, Eileen Gunn, James Patrick Kelly, and Erin Underwood.

Saturday, 8:00 PM
Boskone 56 Awards Ceremony
David G. Grubbs (M), Daniel M. Kimmel, Jane Yolen, Bruce Coville, Gay Ellen Dennett, Michael Sharrow
Harbor II+III · 20 min · Event
Saturday night’s extravaganza begins with the New England Science Fiction Association’s Award Ceremony, in which we present our annual Skylark and Gaughan awards. The Skylark Award honors the work and personal qualities of an exceptional contributor to science fiction. The Gaughan Award is presented to a talented up-and-coming / emerging speculative artist. We’ll also be announcing the winner of the NESFA Short Story Contest!

Sunday, 11:00 AM
Boskone Book Club: Want by Cindy Pon
Cindy Pon, Bob Kuhn (M)
Griffin · 50 min · Discussion Group
The Boskone Book Club continues! Join us for a conversation that brings con-goers together to consider one noteworthy work at length. This year we are reading Want by Cindy Pon (our Young Adult Fiction Guest). Boskone’s own Bob Kuhn will lead the discussion; Cindy Pon will join the group halfway through for a Q&A. To participate, please read the book and come ready with your thoughts and questions.

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Want to attend Boskone? We’d love to see you there. All attendees need to purchase a Boskone 55 convention membership before the price rise on January 23. Click here to buy yours today! 

Full Weekend Rates

These rates are good through January 22, increasing on January 23.

• Adult Full Convention: $55
• College Student Full Convention: $35(school ID required)
• Grade: K-6 Full Convention: $25 (school ID may be required)
• Grade: 7-12 Full Convention: $25 (school ID may be required)

One Day Rates

• Friday One Day: $25
• Saturday One Day: $50
• Sunday One Day: $20

Memberships for Children and Kids-in-Tow

All children (ages 7–12) who use Dragonslair services must be convention members. However, children who stay with their parents at all times are considered “kids-in-tow,” and need not have memberships. (“Kids-in-tow” do not receive any convention materials.) We are not able to offer babysitting through the convention.

Day rates for College and K-12 students will be available at-con with the rates above.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at registration@boskone.org.

With over 300 program items, including panels, readings, workshops and special events, Boskone 56 is shaping up to be a weekend you won’t soon forget!

 

We are pleased to announce that Boskone has joined with the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival (BSFFF) and Women in Film and Video of New England (WIFVNE) to bring filmmaker Arwen Curry to Boston for two special events.

Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin by producer/director Arwen Curry is the first feature length documentary about the life and legacy of science fiction icon Ursula K. Le Guin. Though primarily funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, California Humanities, and the Berkeley Film Foundation, Arwen also turned to Kickstarter to raise the additional funding from nearly 3,200 backers to complete the project.

Join us at Boskone for a Special Interview with director Arwen Curry and award-winning author Theodora Goss
Friday, February 15, at 5:00 pm **corrected day**
Hosted by Boskone
Westin Waterfront Hotel
425 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
Boskone membership needed to attend the interview at the Westin. Viewing the film’s Friday premiere is not required. (Buy your Boskone membership here.)

 

Watch the Boston Premier of Worlds of Ursula K. LeGuin with Director Q&A
Thursday, February 14 at 7:00 pm
Hosted by the Boskone Science Fiction Film Festival (BSFFF)
Somerville Theatre
55 Davids Square
Somerville, MA 02144
BSFFF ticket needed to attend viewing at the Somerville Theater. (Buy a Film Festival tickets here. You can use the code BoskoneSF44 for a 20% discount when purchasing a festival pass online (which expires 2/11) or you can purchase a single ticket for the documentary without a discount. For additional details, please visit the BSFFF site.)

 

[vimeo 268831999 w=640 h=360]

 

 

From the Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin website:

“Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin is a feature documentary exploring the remarkable life and legacy of the late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin. Best known for groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy works such as A Wizard of Earthsea, The Left Hand of Darkness, and The Dispossessed, Le Guin defiantly held her ground on the margin of “respectable” literature until the sheer excellence of her work, at long last, forced the mainstream to embrace fantastic literature. Her fascinating story has never before been captured on film.

“Produced with Le Guin’s participation over the course of a decade, Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin is a journey through the writer’s career and her worlds, both real and fantastic. Viewers will join the writer on an intimate journey of self-discovery as she comes into her own as a major feminist author, opening new doors for the imagination and inspiring generations of women and other marginalized writers along the way. The film features stunning animation and reflections by literary luminaries including Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, David Mitchell, Michael Chabon, and more.”

For more information about the project please visit https://worldsofukl.com/.