Our Program department has been hard at work preparing an exciting and diverse assortment of presentations and discussion panels for you. The full schedule will be going up in the very near future, but here’s a list of the confirmed topics as of today:
A Child Free Lifestyle
Many in fandom are childfree, whether by choice or circumstance. Our panelists will explore the ramifications of living childfree at a personal and societal level.
A Single If…
In this interactive panel, the audience proposes a single change (What is Columbus never sailed? What if Hitler died in WWI?) and panelists decide what the world would look like today.
And Open The Mouth of Hell II: Re-Estimation
Come into the super volcano, like the one just 250 miles from the convention and see how a numerical model of one is constructed. This step by step introduction to modeling of a complex and terrifying phenomenon is presented, and how that work is helped along by information from geology, volcanology, liberty ships, nuclear / thermal power plants and fire safety. An discussion / question period will follow.
Art Appreciation
What is good art? Can art be measured or is it truly in the eye of the beholder? Join our panel of artists as they discuss all this and more.
Ask the Costumer
Do you have a great idea for a costume, but need help figuring out how to get started? Or maybe you have something done, but it just isn’t working right. Our panel of experts will help you solve your costuming problems!
Ask The Editor
Join Marty Halpern for “Ask the Editor.” Bring your general editing questions or specific editing questions. You may also bring a copy of your own work for demo editing.
Baby needs a new pair of shoes!
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to obtain and bring with you:
1 pair of NEW flipflops (your size)
4 squares (or more) of felt, any color
Glue gun and glue if you have it
pair of scissors
With these, you can create a pair of expedient footwear! If you have a particular design in mind, draw it out and consider the colors you want. Bring the felt in those colors and we will help with making a basic pattern and assembling the bits into footwear. We will go over both low-topped and high-topped shoe styles. We will also cover basics about working with leather for shoes and getting a good fit for comfort. Limited kits will be available for purchase for $5.
Bad Science
Bad science is more pervasive than most people think. Friends can swallow media hysteria as all scientific evidence is twisted to promote fear and panic. Politicians are more interested in spin than evidence.
How can you identify it? How can you counter it? Our panelists are skilled in debunking pseudoscience.
Becoming a Professional Writer or Artist
Our panelists will discuss how to make the transition to life as a professional. Bring your questions and go home with answers.
California as a setting for Speculative Fiction
California, with it’s diversity of cultures and landscapes, has a lot to offer as a story setting. What are the opportunities and limitations of setting your story in the GoldenState? What are the some of the most interesting stories set in California.
Can Fandom Break Free of the Geek Social Fallacies
Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory), Tony Stark (Iron Man), Abby (NCIS)
Geeks are becoming popular heroes to society at large. Are these good representations of geekdom, or just Hollywood stereotyping?
Care & Feeding of Performers
You want every show to be unforgettable – in the right way. Our panelists will discuss the major and minor aspects of taking care of your performers so that they can put on the best show possible.
Classic Literature 1: Moonraker
Nothing like the Moonraker came for two more years; even then the R-7 and Atlas couldn’t burn hydrogen – fluorine. At Boskone 50 our discussion flamed with inquiry whether this story is s-f. What about the craftsmanship? What about the denouement of Gala Brand?
Classic Literature 2: Vintage Season
Haunting, careful, penetrating, it’s often anthologized. It’s been attributed mainly to Moore, but both said that after they married they wrote everything together; for this one they used the name Lawrence O’Donnell; some call it their best. What makes them different from their symphonist Cenbe?
Classic Literature 3: To Live Forever
Vance preferred to entitle it Clarges, and maybe we should; it seems easier to find now under the infinitive. Compared to The End of Eternity (Asimov, 1955), or The City and the Stars (Clarke, 1956), it may not be forever; maybe they ought to be compared, they resonate. As usual, the language is brilliant, and the book is full of sparks.
Climate Extremes: Reality vs Fiction
Between dramatic headlines and political speeches, sometimes it’s hard to know what’s really going on with climate and weather. Our panelists will discuss truth and fiction in the real world.
Closing Ceremonies
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Join our Guests of Honor once more as we bring Westercon 66 to a close and hand off to the Westercon 67 team.
Comedy in SF/F
Whether in print or on screen, comedy has often played a large part in SF/F. Think about The Hitchhiker’s Guide, or Red Dwarf or Discworld. Or about The Trouble with Tribbles and Red Shirts: A Novel with Three Codas. A single scene, a single episode, an entire series – it’s all been done. Join our panelists as they talk about their favorites and how they use comedy into their own works.
Comfort Reading
Our panelists discuss their favorite stories and novels for reading (or reading again) when you’re feeling under the weather.
Concert: Cliff Winnig
Cliff will be playing sitar, with some traditional melodies but mainly his own compositions. He’ll also be talking about the instrument – how it’s played, the various parts, etc.
Concert: Phenomenauts
The Phenomenauts perform a science-fiction inspired mix of punk rock, garage and new-wave. Combined with compelling antics and theatrics, the group’s message is a call to arms to defenders of science and honor across the galaxy, dealing with the serious implications of science fiction, science fact, and offering new perspectives on Earth life as we know it.
Concert: Unwoman
Unwoman blends cello, electronica, and original lyrics to produce her unique sound. Join her for a casual concert in the atrium.
Convention Feedback
We hope you have enjoyed yourselves! Join us and tell us what went wrong as well as what went right.
Costume Photography & Videography
What do you need to take good photos of costumers? Our experts highlight tips for staging, lighting, and posing.
See also “Performing in a Masquerade” on Thursday and “Presentation and Stage Movement” on Friday.
Costuming from your Closet
Need that last minute costume? Listen as our experts discuss how to put different items from your closet and around the house together for that photogenic look. Have a bit more time? Learn what you can find at your local thrift shop.
Creating a Costumer’s Demo Reel
This class introduces the idea of a “demo reel,” a very common tool that many who work in Hollywood, including costumers, use to show off their past work to prospective employers. Most costumers have lots of photos and maybe even some masquerade videos of themselves that they can use to create their very own costumers’ demo reel. This class will show how to use the various image, video, and audio editing tools on Windows and Mac OS to create the elements and put together the finished product.
Crowdsourcing Science
From SETI to protein folding games to Christmas bird counts, scientists make use of the power of the masses for data collection and analysis. Our panelists will discuss how crowdsourcing works and what impact this may have on the design of research protocols.
Developing the Craft: Workshops, MFA, Books
As an aspiring author or artist you have many options to improve your craft. Our panelists discuss the benefits and challenges of various options to expand your skills.
Docent Led Art Show Tour
Join artists and fans as they lead a tour of the Art Show. Meet outside of the Art Show, Brandywine.
Doctor Who Through the Ages
Doctor Who has gone through 11 regenerations, a host of companions and villains and is still going strong 50 years later. But many fans have never seen an “old Doctor” – and many of us are aghast that they aren’t familiar with Jon Pertwee or Tom Baker. Our panelists span the generations, and help educate the “other half”
Evolution of Cover Art
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Cover Art has changed tremendously over the decades, from simple line drawings to full color pieces to all digital works. Our experts talk about this evolution and how it helps to sell the book.
Exomusicology
Even on earth, everyone doesn’t agree on what is “music” and what is “noise”. Our panelists will explore how alien physiology or social structure might impact their music.
Fan Community Input
Do the writers, producers and actors in Doctor Who (or any other genre show) read the fan boards, take the FanFic as “canon” and otherwise use that information as they move forward in the show? Or do they try to stay “untainted” from it all? Which is better?
Fannish Inquisition: NASFiC
Since the 2014 Worldcon will be held in London, there will be a NASFiC (North American Science Fiction Convention). Listen to the folks from Phoenix and Detroit talk about their proposals for 2014. Hear about other potential future sites, which will depend on Worldcon voting for 2015 and beyond.
Fannish Inquisition: Westercon
Interested in what’s going to happen at Future Westercons?
Join the folks from Westercon 67 in Utah, and bids for Westercon 68 (San Diego) and future events to learn about their plans and ask additional questions.
Remember that Site Selection voting will close on Friday July 5th at 7pm. This is your last chance to hear it first.
Fannish Inquisition: Worldcon
The two currently seated Worldcons are Lonestarcon 3, coming up this August, and Loncon 3 in 2014. Bids for 2015 (Helsinki, Orlando and Spokane), and beyond have all been proposed by various groups. Meet the organizers, hear their presentations about what to expect, ask questions and get the answers you need to cast your ballot.
Fantasy Series: Too Much of a Good Thing?
You read that first book and wait for the sequel. And then another… and another… Is it possible for a fantasy series to become unwieldy and out of control? What are the issues the author has to contend with? What happens if there is a media tie-in? Our panelists discuss several well-known series.
Fight Scenes for Writers and Artists
Whether in film, on stage, in print or in art, we’ve all seen fight scenes that work well and those that flop. Our panelists have experiences ranging from modern military to renaissance martial arts. See how they put that fight together.
Finding & Listening to Podcasts
With all of those podcasts out there, how do you find one that you like? Once you find one, how do you keep it in your queue without having to go through lots of steps? Learn this and more from our experts.
Finding Your Muse
What inspires you to create? Our panelists will talk about the various ways that they start their creative process and keep it going.
From Geek To Chic
As Felicia Day and The Guild sing, “I’m the one that’s Cool” Geeks have transitioned from being marginalized to being in the center. What are the driving forces behind this change? And what group is now on the margin?
Gaming
The Gaming Room will be open all weekend. Please double check the schedule at the door for special announcements and more detailed information.
Gender Identity in Public Places
Recent legislation across the country has brought the issue of gender identity in public schools, locker rooms, and restrooms to the forefront. The American Psychiatric Association’s newly released DSM-V now emphasizes “gender incongruence” and has deleted other terms. As the nation debates how to determine gender, our panelists will discuss the issues surrounding gender identity.
Green Construction and Architecture
“Green” has become the hip design trend. Recycled materials, local sourcing, and stormwater integration are commonplace; green roofs and walls are gaining ground. Our panel will discuss green building practices, what they mean for the future, and whether we’ll ever be able to grow our structures.
Hair for Fans
Fannish hair for everyone! Whether you wear an exotic hairdo on a regular basis and need to tone it down for everyday wear or want to make your hum-drum everyday hair look more fannish, then this is the panel for you.
Hugo Awards: 2013 Nominees
Congratulations you have a membership to LoneStarCon3! Have you started your Hugo research yet? Our panelists will fill you in on the nominees and help answer questions about the categories.
Illustrating “A Clash of Kings”
Artist Richard Hescox has been working closely with George R R Martin on a heavily illustrated limited edition of “A Clash of Kings” from Subterranean Press. Come get an early look at this work and hear about the collaboration.
Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations
Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.
First seen in the Star Trek episode “Is There In Truth No Beauty” in 1968, this Vulcan philosophy came to embrace the concept of acceptance andtolerance. Our panelists discuss the evolution of the concept since then, and relate it to current culture.
Interview: David Maxine
David Maxine will talk about his experiences founding and running a small press, and what it was like to be nominated for a Grammy.
Interview: Eric Shanower
Artist Guest of Honor Eric Shanower has been creating graphic novels about Oz and the Trojan War along with many other works. Join us as we talk to him about his works, his inspirations and what the future holds.
Interview: Nicola Griffith &
Kelley Eskridge
Join our writer Guests of Honor, Nicola Griffith & Kelley Eskridge, to hear about how they met, how they write and all sorts of tidbits.
Is Theater Dead?
Have television, movies, and YouTube killed the theater? With multiple permanent professional troupes and a variety of seasonal shows, Sacramentans may argue that theater is alive and well. Our panelists will discuss the ongoing role of theater in our society and the importance of having a local art form in our increasingly globalized world.
Live Demo: Recording, Editing and Posting your Podcast
Want to see just how easy it is to create, edit, and post your podcast without any service provider? It’s meant to be simple, and it is! Even if you don’t code your own web site, you can do everything necessary to manage your own podcast! Seeing is believing. During this session we’ll record and edit a quick session, and post it to a web site, and still have time to take your questions!
Makeup SFx
Ever wonder how those great makeup effects are made? Always wanted to know how to make those Klingon ridges? Join Mette Hedin as she brings her perspective as a recent student at the Neill Gorton Prosthetics Studio to Westercon. She has been making molds and prosthetics there, and will show you photos of her work.
Making Molded Pieces
Join Mette & Bryan as they show how to make 1 and 2 part silicon molds to create small resin-cast items. Pins, buckles, bling — all are possible using these techniques.
Marketing for Writers & Artists
There are many websites and self-help books claiming to help you market your works. Do they work? Do they hurt? If your work is being published by a “big house” do you need to do any of this yourself? Our panelists all have experience in navigating these rough waters and will explain what to expect.
Masquerade
The L-11 Project. On Loan From the Haunted Mansion. The Dating Game in Oz. Westercon’s staff & attendees have been seen in these and many more at past Masquerades. Who knows what you’ll see this year. Be there, and you’ll know why they won Best in Show!
Masquerade Contestant’s Meeting
Are you entered in the Masquerade tonight? If so, you MUST attend this meeting. Scripts and music will be checked, presentation order will be set and all your questions answered. Costumes are not required, but if you have a particular concern (ceiling clearance, for example) you may bring it along.
Match Game SF
Match Game! Get ready to match the stars in this science fiction-themed version of the classic 1970s game show. Contestants vie to guess how our panel will answer fill-in-the-blank questions like “Captain Kirk has the biggest ___ in Starfleet!” There will be prizes for all contestants.
Sign up at the Info Desk to be a contestant and check the newsletter for more information.
Match Game SF – Evening Edition
Match Game! It’s the late-night version! Get ready to match the stars in this science fiction-themed version of the classic 1970s game show. Contestants vie to guess how our panel will answer fill-in-the-blank questions like “Captain Kirk has the biggest ___ in Starfleet!” There will be prizes for all contestants.
Sign up at the Info Desk to be a contestant and check the newsletter for more information
Matrons & Crones
Protagonist or antagonist, matrons and crones are important, yet oft overlooked, characters in literature and media. Our panelists discuss the role and power of the older woman in both fiction and fandom.
Men Tell Us What It Is To Be a Girl: Baum and Carroll
L Frank Baum’s Oz books and Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories both tell of the amazing adventures of young, innocent girls in a fantasyland — yet they’re different in many ways. Our panelists will discuss these classic stories and more.
Military impressions and the “Fruit Salad” – Part 1
Want to do a uniform? NEED to have some bling with your rank? Want to avoid uncomfortable looks and comments from serving military people and veterans?
Come find out some of the nuances of uniforms and decorations and how Traditionally they are used and worn.
Then! stay for the workshop and learn to make a few decorations and awards!
Military impressions and the “Fruit Salad” – Part 2
Join the workshop and learn to make a few decorations and awards!
To participate in the workshop, please bring: 20 feet of “paracord” or 1/4” diameter braided cord, your choice of color, to make a shoulder cord. We will supply the rest to make a ribbon, a medal, and a shoulder board.
Modern Forms of Writing: Books, Comics, Film
It is common today for a story to jump between comic books, film, and books. Our panelists will discuss how the process of writing differs between these mediums and whether some stories are better suited to a certain medium.
NaNoWriMo
So you think you can write the next great novel? November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), the world’s largest writing challenge and nonprofit literary crusade. Join our panelists to learn more about how to participate and what to expect once you join.
Opening Ceremonies/Meet the Guests/Fireworks
Join our Guests of Honor and other participants for an opening reception. Stay for the fireworks from Cal Expo.
Page 119 – Is The Book Any Good?
Now that you’ve picked up that book, is it something you’d really like to read? Can you tell by reading any page at random? Our panelists will do just that, reading selected pages aloud, and you can vote: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Performing in a Masquerade
Whether you’re entering or just going to watch, come join our experts as they explain the process for solo and group entries, including how to enter, dealing with sound and lighting and enjoy your experience. No costume required!
See also “Presentation and Stage Movement” on Friday and “Costume Photography/Videography” on Saturday.
Presentation & Stage Movement
Want to make your Masquerade presentation even better? What about impressing everyone with your Hall Costume? Whether on a stage or just in the aisle, come join us and get some pointers.
See also “Performing in a Masquerade” on Thursday and “Costume Photography/Videography” on Saturday.
Princess Culture – Pros/Cons
It seems like everywhere you look, everyone is a princess, regardless of age. What does this obsession with the ideal “princess” mean for girls coming of age and grown women? Our panelists will discuss the implications of the princess culture, its causes, and if and how it can be changed.
Pro-Con: Print vs E-Books
In “The Rolling Stones” Robert Heinlein describes Cas and Pol using an e-reader. Mikes Vorkosigan often complains about the stacks of flimsies he has to read. Some feel that e-books are subsuming print books. Others feel that print will never die. Listen to the pros and cons of both formats, and make your own decision.
Publishing Options: Traditional vs On-Demand and Self-Publishing
The days of needing your own printing press are long gone. With modern publishing methods you can print one copy or 1 million. Our panelists will discuss the benefits and drawback of the various publishing options.
Radio Free Skaro – Live Podcast
Join the members of Radio Free Skaro as they record their weekly episode.
Reading: Kelley Eskridge
Guest of Honor Kelley Eskridge will read some of her favorite selections from her work.
Reading: Nicola & Kelley
Hear how it’s supposed to sound as Nicola Griffith and Kelley Eskridge, Guests of Honor, will read selections.
Reading: Nicola Griffith
Guest of Honor Nicola Griffith will read some of her favorite selections from her work.
RFS does MST3K
Join the Radio Free Skaro team for an episode of Doctor Who as you’ve never seen it before. Radio Free Skaro will provide live and unscripted commentary as we watch a classic episode of the Doctor.
Caution: may contain language some may find offensive.
Double Caution: may irreversibly change how you see the Doctor.
Running a Convention
The best conventions appear to run seamlessly while others turn into a multi-day train wreck. Our panelists will discuss what makes a convention work and the problems that can arise and how to fix them.
Science To Do At Home
PARENTS: Want to find out about fun backyard and kitchen science to do with your children? Or just have fun for yourself? Come join us to learn fun and educational activities to take home and share! We will build a couple of rockets, go over safety, learn fun celestial things to do, and find ways to make math, geometry and physics fun! Handouts will be provided for all. A limited number of optional “parts kits” in a bag will be available for $2.
To allow us to impart the maximum information, we ask that you NOT bring the children to this session.
Secrets of Publishing
Nearly every SF/fantasy author has been published by smaller press some point in their careers. It is also known for publishing new authors, midlist authors, short story collections, and other “odd” books typically rejected by the big New York publishers. Our panelists represent a spectrum of publications, and can “tell all”
Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes!
Oft overlooked, having the right footwear is a key component of any costume. Nothing can ruin a look more than the wrong shoes. Our experts have searched, crafted and even built a company around having the right footwear for every occasion.
Single Pattern
If everyone uses the same pattern, how many different ways can it be interpreted? Let our experts show you how it’s done at CostumeCon and other events.
Spy Themes (or Why I Want to Visit Portmeirion)
Spies have long pushed the boundaries of the possible. From mind-control devices to invisible cars, super computers to secret volcano lairs, spy stories abound with elements of science fiction. Is any of it also science fact? Our panelists will discuss the best and worst examples of spy-fi.
Star Trek: The Original Series
This is the place to get all of your Star Trek answered by our fantastic group of panelists, all of whom worked on the series (before it was called “TOS”).
Storytelling the Old-Fashioned Way
An exploration of the oral tradition of storytelling and how it relates to writing fiction. This panel of storytellers and writers will discuss tricks and techniques of oral storytelling that will and won’t work in the written form.
The Clarion and Clarion West Experience
For over forty years the Clarion Writing Program has been nurturing new writers through workshops and mentorship opportunities. The Clarion West program is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Join these Clarion/ Clarion West alumni as they discuss their experiences in the program.
The Fanboy Planet Podcast
A weekly rundown of news and issues in comics, movies, TV and occasionally wrestling. Join the gang as they host this week’s episode.
The Hugo Awards: Why Should We Care?
Regarded as one of the highest honors in the genre, the Hugo Awards are awarded based on a few thousand votes. Do they reflect the real quality of work or is it simply a popularity contest? Our panelists, including Hugo winners and Hugo Award organizers, will discuss the Hugo Award process.
The Land of Oz and the Trojan War: Graphic Novels by Eric Shanower
Cartoonist Eric Shanower is primarily known for his award-winning comics retelling of the Trojan War story and his comics, stories and illustrations based on L. Frank Baum’s Land of Oz. Come get an inside look at these projects and Shanower’s process.
The Pain & Joy of Self Publishing
Self-publishing allows the author to retain total creative control, but means they forgo the benefits of being with a major label. Our panel discusses the benefits and drawbacks of self-publishing and how to compensate for not having an editor and publishing house.
Theatre Arcanos LARP
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to attend the retirement party of Dr. Ugarte, the world-renowed scientist. Dr. Ugarte is reportedly planning to auction off several “”devices”” that he has invented in order to pay for his retirement to a life of luxury. Your task is to ensure that certain of these items end up in the “”correct”” hands. To assist you in this undertaking, we have teamed you with two of our top operatives. As always, should you or any member of your team be caught or killed, we will disavow any knowledge of your actions.
In order to ensure manufacture of a plausible cover story, please complete the pre-mission background questionnaire available in the Gaming room.
To Be or Not To Be… Anachronistic
Striving for the perfect period piece can drive a person mad. Is there a time when anachronism actually serves a purpose? How do you decide what’s an acceptable level? How do you deal with “costume nazis”?
Top 10 real-life Star Trek inventions
In 1966 teleconferencing, communicators, and phasers were science fiction; now they are science fact. Our panelists will discuss these and other inventions from Star Trek that are possible now.
Turning GM Skills into a Job
Organization, Planning, Attention to detail, Improvisation in the face of change, Communication. These are all skills that a good Game Master develops. They are also important skills in almost any workplace. How can you apply the skills you’ve honed over the years to the paid job market?
Using SF/F in the Classroom
With the popular success of Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games, speculative fiction has caught the attention of youth and their parents. From new hits to classic H.G. Wells, how can science fiction and fantasy be used in the classroom? Can literature be used outside the English lesson? What do these stories have to say about history, social science, or biology?
Westercon Business Meeting
All members of Westercon 66 are invited to join in the Business Meeting of Westercon. The agenda will be available on site.
Where’s My Tricorder?
Medical technology is advancing at lightning speed with new surgical procedures and telemedicine. How close are we to being able to diagnose and treat health problems with a hand-held device? Our experts will take you on a tour of the world of medical apps and devices that work with smartphones and tablets.
Why “NO” means No!
Is wearing a skin-baring costume an invitation to attention? What is the limit of “”socially awkward”” versus harassment? How do you clearly communicate “”leave me alone”” without causing a scene; or is a scene appropriate? What can conventions do to create a safe place for all members?
These and other questions will be considered by our panel.
Women in Gaming
Do women and men have a different expectation for the games they play? Do women bring a different gaming sensibility to game design and game play? Are there hurdles that women have to overcome or advantages that they have in gaming and the gaming industry?
