Here’s my schedule for ConQuesT, which will be held Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25, 2014) at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
Friday May 23
4 pm The Business of Art
There is more than one way to make a living pursuing a career of art. This panel will explore ways to use social media, conventions, festivals, and networks to sell your artwork. We will also discuss the pitfalls of beginning artists. [They call us “starving artists” for a reason…]
Saturday May 24
10 am British SF Television
Why are their programs so good? From Doctor Who to Red Dwarf to Primeval, SF programs on British TV have been good. Why is that? [Seriously? Primeval? That is soooo several seasons ago. Let’s talk about Orphan Black!]
1 pm Story In A Bag (M)
Everyone in the room will write a story in a hour! Pull a slip of paper out of each bag (plot elements, settings, characters, first lines, objects) that MUST all be used in the story. You will have one hour to compose and edit your story. Stories will be posted (anonymously) in the Con Suite and members of the convention will vote on which ones they like most, with winners announced at closing ceremonies! There’s also special bags with story elements for our Young Fan division. So, amateur or pro, young or not so young, come on up and write something! [We’re only doing one session this year instead of two. ]
3 pm Why Sci-Fi and Fantasy Art?
Panelists will discuss why they are attracted to fantasy and science fiction art and the philosophy behind their art. How this type of art is viewed by the art world in general and ways to present sci-fi and fantasy art beyond fandom and why this might or might not be important.
4 pm Books, Books Everywhere
For those fans who are having trouble finding their bed, fridge, pet, etc. because they are running out of space to store their books, this panel explores how others have solved the dilemma of storage and organization of large book collections. [Solved? Who are they kidding. There’s never enough room for books! Or art supplies!]
Sunday May 25
10 am How Many Doctors?
“The Day of the Doctor” raised an interesting question: With the addition of John Hurt’s War Doctor, does the number of Doctors change? Does the Doctor get any more regenerations?” [I suspect this will be hotly debated.]
