Worldcon—that glorious SFF convention that travels the globe and hosts the annual Hugo Awards—is coming up quickly. In a little over two weeks, I’ll jet over to Ireland for the Dublin 2019 edition of Worldcon.
The programming for this year’s event is excellent, and my panels are going to be a blast. Be sure to put these on your “must see” list (and then say hello!).
Chelsea Mueller @ Dublin 2019 Worldcon
Romancing the undead
15 Aug 2019, Thursday 11:00 – 11:50, Liffey Room-2 (CCD)
Vampires have long been the undead creatures of choice for paranormal romance, but how about other things that go ‘bump’ in the night? What has led to the popularity of vampires over other undead creatures?
Panelists: Chelsea Mueller, Annie Bellet, Maquel A. Jacob, PRK
If you like this then you’ll like that
15 Aug 2019, Thursday 13:00 – 13:50, Liffey Hall-2 (CCD)
Have you exhausted the backlist of your favourite author? Do you yearn for something that holds the same appeal? Then this is the panel for you! Join our merry band of panelists as they recommend new SFF titles similar in themes or style to popular authors and works of years past.
Panelists: Brianne Reeves (Bree Reads Books), Gary K Wolfe (Roosevelt University), Chelsea Mueller, Leah Bobet
‘You read my mind’: telepathy in SFF romance
16 Aug 2019, Friday 10:30 – 11:20, Odeon 5 (Point Square Dublin)
Whether it’s the ability to read your partner’s mind or mutual telepathic communication, telepathy adds the potential for both conflict and closeness in a romantic relationship. In what ways do science fictional and paranormal romance novels use telepathy? What are the potential pitfalls and complications of writing a mind-reading character?
Panelists: Sarah Rees Brennan, Chelsea Mueller, Kevin McLaughlin (Role of the Hero Publishing), Donna Maree Hanson
Riverdale and Sabrina: Small Town Gothic
16 Aug 2019, Friday 16:30 – 17:20, Odeon 5 (Point Square Dublin)
The Archie Cinematic Universe? Really? That’s what we’re starting to get, and it has a distinctly Gothic tone. We discuss how the two shows blend the familiar and the new to create an American Gothic for 2019. What reference points are they drawing from? What are their most striking innovations? How might this fledgling universe develop?
Panelists: Susan Connolly, Chelsea Mueller, Sarah Rees Brennan, Ali Baker (University of East London)
Outside of my own events, I’m likely to be popping into other panels, trying to meet an astronaut, and offering to grab a pint with new friends.
If you see me, please say hello!