I am going to attend my first science fiction convention. I got the news yesterday from BayCon that I've been selected to speak on one panel and moderate another. The thrill of pure terror that coursed through me when I opened the email was like a glass of cold ice water poured straight down my gullet after a hot and sweaty 10K.
What was I thinking? I've never even been to one of these. Now I'm going to be stand in front of people at one and talk like I know something? What role does the moderator play? Is it like at RWA where you introduce people and try to control the Q&A at the end? Or do I create questions for the panel to discuss?
I've been googling my fellow panelists (I know one of them - Jeff Carlson - who is an incredibly fun guy on top of being a terrific writer) and everyone is way more science fiction-y than me. I had to look up what speculative fiction was and I'm still not sure I truly understand.
More important yet, what do I wear?
Please. Give me some advice. Tell me you've been to one of these and know what to do.
6 comments:
How exciting, Eileen!!
I too am a sci-fi con virgin, but I did speak on a panel at World Fantasy Con last fall and at that con, the moderator did, in fact, ask the questions... And then controlled who from the audience asked questions.
But I think it's cool to contact the panelists ahead of time to discuss what you plan to ask. (My moderator did not do this, however, and I didn't have a clue what to expect and met the moderator and my fellow panelists when I walked onto the stage....) But it all turned out fine. :)
You'll be awesome!!! So wish I could go. :(
I wish you could come with me, too! I could use a little shoring up. At this point, I know one person. I keep reminding myself of what it was like to go to RWA National for the first time. I hadn't even met my roommate before.
I just want the other kids to like me, you know?
Eileen! that is so exciting. Nerds are fun and as long as you love Battlestar, Joss Whedon and Star Trek, you'll be fine..
As for clothes, Princess Leia always goes over well...
I am going to have to dig out some cinnamon roll hair pieces.
Eileen - you would make an awesome Princess Leia!
Report back with details!
I really wish I'd decided to go now. :( But the other kids are going to LOVE you. Seriously.
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