MRK at LAcon V (World Con)

I am looking forward to attending LAcon V, from August 27-31 in Anaheim, CA. Learn more about the event here.

Here’s where you can find me:

Thursday, August 27

• Stroll with the Stars: Get some fresh air, exercise, and chat with authors, editors, and artists in an informal setting. Hear about the interesting, fun, and maybe even unbelievable features of Anaheim. (9:00 AM, Hilton Lobby)
• Reading – Mary Robinette Kowal (12:30 PM, 252 C)
• Collaborative Writing: Panelists will discuss the pleasures and perils of co-writing. Do you both work up a contract first? Do you get an agent to represent both? What is your method of writing together, and how do you resolve the inevitable clashes when two creative minds are passionate about their way of doing things? Each panelist has published at least one co-written work. (1:30 PM, 256 B)
• Autographing – Mary Robinette Kowal (4:30 PM, Pedestrian Bridge)

Friday, August 28

• Writing Loyal Companions in SF/F: Tips on how to create a furry sidekick in stories: developing personalities, how to make readers feel attached to animal characters, and how to avoid the whiff of slavery, where the companion apparently exists only to nurture the protagonist without any life of their own. Examples will, of course, be provided. (9:00 AM, El Capitan AB)
• Puppetry for Storytelling: The use of puppetry as a theatrical technique has been seen around the world for thousands of years. We have seen it used in science fiction storytelling on stage, television, and in film. Let’s look at some of our favorite SFF puppets and how stories would have been vastly different without them. (10:30 AM, 260 C)
• Live Podcast – Writing Excuses: Writing Excuses is a fast-paced, educational podcast for writers, by writers. Our goal is to help our listeners become better at their craft. Whether they write for fun or for profit, whether they’re new to the domain or old hands, Writing Excuses has something to offer. Join our live panel for a half hour Q&A then a podcast episode with the topic chosen from YOUR questions. (1:30 PM, 259 AB)
• Writing the Science Fiction Murder Mystery: This mix of two genres has long been popular. Panelists will discuss how to plot a the SFnal mystery, avoiding the pitfalls of a murder mystery with SFnal window dressing, or a hard SF novel shaped around a murder, with robotically bland characters ticking through the clues with all the passion and emotional engagement of a desk clock. How to balance both? Panelists will offer examples of SFnal mysteries that enhance both aspects of the story. (4:30 PM, 251 C)

Saturday, August 29

• Audiobooks 101: The Process for Indie Authors and Rights Holders: Learn the mechanics of the audiobook process from a group of professionals who will outline all aspects of production, casting, and distribution of audiobooks, including rights issues, casting concerns, and marketing. Find out how writing lends itself to audio, and get tips from the narrators who bring words to life. (1:30 PM, 255 ABC)
• Go Fact Yourself Live – Prady vs. Kowal: The podcast where we quiz the smartest celebrities we know and find out why they love what they love! In this episode, Bill Prady faces off vs. Mary Robinette Kowal. Who will fact themself better? (4:00 POM, Pacific Ballroom D)

Sunday, August 30

• Table Talk – Mary Robinette Kowal (10:30 AM, Salinas)
• Meetup: Elsie the Talking Cat (Virtual) (3:00 PM, Online 8)

Monday, August 31

• The Talking Cat Journey: What if your cat could tell you where it hurts — or thank you for helping? Mary Robinette Kowal shares her five-year journey with Elsie, an 8-year-old calico with a 130-word vocabulary who uses Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) to express grief, coin phrases like “laser bird,” and even self-report an undiagnosed injury. Learn the science behind button communication and how to start this life-changing conversation with your own pet. (10:30 AM, 256 A)
• Meetup: Elsie the Talking Cat: If you’re a fan of Mary Robinette Kowal (MRK), you almost certainly know about Elsie the Cat. Elsie is MRK’s 7-year-old calico cat, who has a 130-word vocabulary and uses Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) to express herself. Join this meetup with Elsie and Mary Robinette! NOTE: This item will require a 10 minute walk to Elsie’s hotel from the ACC North. (12:00 PM, 257 Undividable)
• Fiber Arts in SF/F Fiction (Virtual): Panelists experienced with fiber arts discuss how they enrich stories already published. Who gets it right? For writers, how have they used fiber arts in their writing? What are some interesting avenues to learn about fiber arts for writers interested in this aspect of worldbuilding? (1:30 PM, Online 1)