Nearly final form, but there is alwys the possibility of additions, deletions, changes.
6:30-8:00 pm Dreamhaven Books, 2301 38th St E, Minneapolis.
Diversicon 27 Guest of Honor Nisi Shawl reads from, talks about, autographs her work. Sponsored by Speculations Readings Series. Subsequent Diversicon events take place at the Best Western Plus Como Park, 1010 Bandana Blvd W, St Paul.
2:00-2:50 pm Kruschenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
(see program book)
4:00-4:55 pm Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel Editors and Authors. We don’t have an adversarial relationship, but we often do, or seem to. is this all abunch of posturing, or is there something more to this? Editors need authors and authors need editors. What do we have to offer each other if we can get past this?
S. N. Arly, mod.; Nisi Shawl.
5:00-5:55 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Good dog/Bad blog - Modern Technology and Artists.
What modern technology is available for artists (for self promotion, research, networking, other reasons)? Online research: boon or bane? What purpose can a blog serve? What things can go wrong? Discussion Boards - good, bad or dependent on how they are used? Facebook? Tumbler? Twitter? How can these be useful? When do they become a hinderance? How can platforms like Patreon and Curious Fictions help or harm writers and artists?
S.N. Arly, mod.; Conrad Zero.
5:05-6:50 pm., Kruschenko’s Annex(Northern Pacific Room)
(see program book)
6:00-6:55 pm Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Prose Reading: Phylllis Ann Karr. Includes “the REAL Babes in Toyland”- it’s not for kiddies anymore!
7:00-7:25 pm Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Opening Ceremonies.
Scott Lohman, MC; Nisi Shawl, Ben Huset, Eric H. Heideman; Ursula K. Le Guin, Boris Karloff, Harlan Ellison in absentia.
7:30-8:25 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Guest of Honor Interview.
Nisi Shawl is interviewed by Eric M. Heideman and Scott Lohman.
8:30-9:25 pm Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Talk: An overview of the Minnesota Astronomical Society as told by Ben Huset.
8:30-9:25 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: A Peek into the Indie Writer World.
What’s an indie writer? What are reasons writer’s choose to go indie? What are the pros and cons of choosing this over a traditional path? How does this even work? What tricks, tips and tools are helpful? What pitfalls exist to be avoided?
S. N. Arly, mod.; Conrad Zero.
8:45-9:40 pm Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Dave & Eric & Anybody Who Cares to Join Them Sit Around and Talk about Films for an Hour.
This long running conversation looks at a wide variety of film topics.
David Christenson & Eric M. Heideman, co-mods.
9:00-? Late Night Hospitality Room (Room 105)
Party hosted by the Minnesota Space Frontier Society.
9:30-11:03 pm., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific)
(see program book)
9:45pm- 1:00am., Krushenko’s (Room 101)
A Party for Readers and Viewers.
Sponsored by Second Foundation, a speculative and science fiction book discussion that’s met regularly since January 29, 1983; most of whose members are also film buffs.
9:50-10:45 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel or Discussion: Science Fiction/Fantasy Televison.
The Year in Review. Our annual look at SF on the smallish screen.
Scott Lohman, mod.
11:00-11:55 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Song/Music Circle.
Russell Letson, host; David Lenander.
9:00-9:55 am., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Scott’s Saturday Morning Diversicon Cartoons and Video.
9:00-11:00 am.,m Hospitality (Room 105)
Latte, Barada, Nicto!
Coffee, espresso, and latte by Rich Brown, brew master.
10:00-10:00 am., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: Unrepentant Harlequin: Harlan Ellison (1934-2018).
On the author of “Repent, Harlequin,” Said the Ticktockman, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, Demon with a Glass Hand, The City on the Edge of Forever, Mephisto in Onyx, and Paladin of the Lost Hour. A look at his work and life.
Eric M. Heideman, mod,; Brian K. Perry.
10:00-10:55 am., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Panel or Discussion: Are you a Sansa or an Arya?
Do you meet brutal autocracy with the pointy end, or are you just trying to stay alive? Which Game of Thrones character are you most like? Be honest!
Martha A. Hood, mod.
11:00-11:55 am., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: Writing the Other.
Inspired by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward’s book, Writing the Other, we’ll talk about creating characters who differ from us ethnically as well as in gender, sexual preference, age and in other ways.
Eleanor Arnason, mod.; Nisi Shawl, Phyllis Ann Karr.
11:00-11:55 am., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Panel: Save The Earth!
On the next step - Lunar and asteroid mining.
Scott Shjefte, mod; Ben Huset.
11:00-11:55 am., Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Panel or Discussion: When Good TV Goes Bad!
Game of Thrones ended leaving a bad taste in many fan’s mouths. What causes a good series like GOT, Lost, Battlestar Galactica to lose its way? And what about those shows, if any, that have done it right?
Greg L. Johnson, mod.
Noon-12:55 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: The State of Speculative Poetry 2019.
Take a look at Speculative Poetry. The panel includes the announcement of this year’s Rhysling Awards.
F. J. Bergmann, mod.
Noon-12:55 pm., Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Panel: Not My Beautiful Minnesota!
It has become fairly common for urban fantasy writers to place their stories in a modern world analogue. What purpose does this serve? What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages and how can you avoid them? Who does it well?
S. N. Arly, mod.; Brian K. Perry, Conrad Zero.
1:00-1:55 pm.,m Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Round Robin Poetry Readings.
F. J. Bergmnann, host; Eleanor Arnason, Ruth Berman, Phyllis Ann Karr.
1:00-1:55 pm., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Panel: Revenge of the Action Movie.
Continuing our long-running series on film genres. This year’s genre takes a deep dive into the history of violence in films. How did cinematic entertainment evolve - or devolve - from clean cut fisticuffs of a Tom Mix Western to the surreal bloody spectacles of The Raid, John Wick and Fury Road? Featuring Kung Fu car crashes, superheroics and traumatic pathology.
David Christenson, mod.: Eric M. Heideman, Melissa S. Kaercher.
1:00-1:55 pm., Krushenkos’ (Room 101)
Panel: Resources for Spec Fic Writers.
So you have a great idea for a science fiction or fantasy story, but you lack some knowledge necessary to pull it off. It’s okay, we don’t all have to be rocket scientists to write about them. And we don’t all have to be geologists and cartographers to create new worlds. Writers share some of their go to resources for when they need to create something they don’t have a working knowledge of as well as tools we use to bolster our weaknesses.
S. N. Arly, mod; Conrad Zero.
1:00-3:00 pm East End of the Railroad Lobby
Workshop: Space “Crafts”.
Bring crafts to share: knitting, weaving, quilting, macrame.
Becky Huset, instructor/consultant.
2:00-2:55 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Fiction Reading: Nisi Shawl.
Our guest of honor reads from her work.
3:00-3:55 pm., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Panel: Literary SF detectives and SF Detective Stories.
A discussion about SF/F based detective stories and characters.
Carole Ashmore, mod.; Rick Gellman, Phyllis Ann Karr.
3:00-3:55 pm., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Presentation: The State of the Solar System 2019: Space Exploration.
Hank Lederer, mod: Ben Huset.
4:00-4:55 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: One Small Step.
On how the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo projects lead to the Lunar Landing on July 20, 1969.
Eric M. Heideman, mod.; Ben Huset, Scott Shjefte.
4:00-4:55 pm. Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Panel: C. J. Cherryh’s Foreigner Series.
A look and discussion of this long, ongoing series about humans and aliens living on the same world.
Eleanor Arnason, mod.; Greg L. Johnson, Russell Letson.
4:00-4:55 pm., Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Gaming Workshop: Cosmic Encounters.
Take a look at “the granddaddy of science fiction themed games”.
Robin Raieniemi, GM.
5:00-5:25 pm., East End of the Railroad Lobby
Massive autographing Nisi Shawl, et al.
5:35-6:46 pm., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
(see program book)
Dinner Break
7:00-7:30pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Auction items available for inspection.
7:30-9:40 pm., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
SF Minnesota Auction, including:
7:30-8:30 pm. Bidding Round One.
8:30-8:40 pm. Auction Halftime, including the announcement and reading of the Flash Fiction Contest winner.
8:40-9:40 pm Bidding Round Two.
Auctioneers: Melissa S. Kaercher, Rick Gellman; Quartermaster: Eric M. Heideman; Materials Scrounger and hunter: David Christenson; Vanna: Conrad Zero; Recorder: Scott Lohman; Treasurer: Arthur C. Johnson. The auction supports Diversicon, it’s sponsoring organization and projects, including the monthly Speculations Readings Series at Dreeamhaven Books; Tales of the Unanticipated; a Classic Horror Films Party; Diversicon Parties at other Minnesota and Wisconsin cons. To donate material, contact Eric or Scott.
9:00-Late Night Hospitality (Room 105)
Party Hosted by the Minnesota Space Frontier Society.
9:45 pm-2:00 am., Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Tales of the Unanticipated Party.
Celebrate this long-running speculative fiction magazine/anthology, the two most recent issues of which have been published by SF Minnesota. Meet contributors and staff and stock up on those missing back issues.
10:05-11:23 pm., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
(see program book)
11:00-11:56 pm., Outside on parking ramp (weather permitting)
Laser Pointer Tour of the Night Sky.
Gain lifetime comfort and a working familiarity with the Summer time Greek/Roman constellations. Learn to use the ancient starwheel (aka planisphere). See Jupiter and Saturn through a high quality telescope. Sign up in advance at the SF Minnesota Table.
Michael Kauper and Erica Stark, instructors.
11:30-11:56 pm., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
(see program book)
9:00-9:55 am., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Scott’s Sunday Morning Diversicon Cartoons and Videos.
9:00-11:00 am, Hospitality (Room 105)
Latte Barada Nicto!
Coffee, expresso and latte by Rich Brown, brew master.
10:00-10:55 am., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: What Happens to Women SF Writers?
Except for giants like Le Guin, women SF/F writers sometimes vanish from history. Why? Who should we still be reading?
Eleanor Arnason mod.; Eric M. Heideman
10:05-11:35 am. Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
(see program book)
11:00-11:55 am, Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: What Do I Read Next?
This panel, started many years ago at Minicon by the late Michael Levy and long considered one of Diversicon’s high points, continues incapable hands. Be prepared to hear about lots of exciting written
speculative fiction.
Greg L. Johnson, David Lenander, Russell Letson
Noon-12:55 p.m., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: The Left Hand of Ursula K. Le Guin.
On the author of A Wizard of Earthsea, The Left Hand of Darknes, The Dispossessed, The Language of the Night, Always Coming Home, and Catwings.
Eric M. Heideman, mod.; David Lenander
Noon-12:55 p.m., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Panel: Preparing for Readings.
A great way for writers to share or showcase their work is through
readings (live at conventions, bookstores, or other events, or
recorded as podcasts. Writing is a solitary activity, whereas reading
is closer to acting, and not all of us feel comfortable with this
change of venue. What can we do to best prepare ourselves for this?
How should you go about choosing a story or excerpt? What are good
options for practicing? How can this form of publicity go very wrong?
What can you do at the reading to make things go smoothly?
S.N. Arly, mod.; Conrad Zero
1:00-1:00 p.m., Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: Characterizations of Evil.
How SF&F treats evil — its origins and causes, the possibility
of redemption (or not). Looking at Stross’ Laundry Files, McGuire’s
October Day series, and other works that I will think of later.
Martha A. Hood, mod.; Nisi Shawl, Phyllis Ann Karr
1:00-1:55 p.m., Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Presentation: The Chinese Space Program.
Ben Huset, presenter
1:00-1:55 p.m., Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Panel: Star Trek: Discovery.
What should we think of the current Trek?
Scott Lohman, mod.; Robin Rainiemi
2:00-2:55 pm, Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Panel: The 21st Annual Yugo Awards.
The “Yugo”, founded by Laura Thurston, celebrates the SF/F works that should have been written but, alas, have not.
Carole Ashmore, Hank Lederer, co-hosts.
2:00-2:55 pm Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: Saved by The Expanse
The now Amazon series, based on the book series by James S.A. Corey goes into its 4th season in December 2019. Join us to talk about the books and the show.
Greg L. Johnson mod.; Scott Lohman
2:00-2:55 pm. Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Presentation: The Moon and Mars by way of Utah.
Special Guest Ben Huset has a powerpoint presentation on his experiences in space exploration by the way of Utah.
Ben Huset, presenter.
3:00-3:55 pm. Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: LGBTQ SF/F: What’s new in 2019?
A look at what’s going on for LGBTQ fiction, film and other issues.
Robin Rainiemi, mod,; David Lenander, Jason Tucker.
3:00-3:55 pm. Krushenko’s (Northern Pacific)
Panel: Critique Groups: Functional and Dysfunctional.
What are the benefits of being in a critique group? How about the dysfunctional? Can a dysfunctional group be salvaged and if so, how?
S. N. Arly, mod.; Brian K. Perry, Conrad Zero.
3:00-355 pm. Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Panel: Generic Panel.
Wide ranging discussion of various topics. Topics can be continuations from topics explored on other panels. New topics considered.
Arthur C. Johnson, mod.; Phyllis Ann Karr.
4:00-4:55 pm. Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Panel: “Even the Phone is Dead!” Boris Karloff, 1887-1969
A look at Boris Karloff and his career. Star and/or co-star of Frankenstein, The Old Dark House, The Mummy, The Black Cat, Bride of Frankenstein, The Body Snatcher, Isle of the Dead, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Targets.
Eric M. Heideman, mod.; Brian K. Perry, Robin Rainiemi, Sybil Smith.
4:00-4:55 pm. Krushenko’s Annex (Northern Pacific Room)
Panel: Our Words Matter.
SF & F words and phrases have contributed to the general lexicon. Which are most notable? Have our words influenced how people think about life, the universe and everything?
Martha A. Hood, mod.; Phyllis Ann Karr.
4:00-4:55 pm. Krushenko’s (Room 101)
Discussion: The Next Step on Diversicon’s Past, Present and Yet to Come.
Stop by and talk about the current con and Diversicon’s to come.
Scott Lohman, mod.
5:00-5:30 pm Mainstage (Soo Line Room)
Closing Ceremonies.
Scott Lohman, MC; Nisi Shawl, Ben Huset, Eric M. Heideman. Ursula K. Le Guin, Boris Karloff , Harlan Ellison in abstnia.
5:30-5:50 pm.
Dinner Expedition Prep.
Milling about and farewells.
6:00-7:15 pm
Dinner at Gabe’s by the Park.
Join organizers and guests for dinner. Contact Scott or Eric to be added to the guest list.
7:30-Late Night.
Krushenko’s (Room 101)
There is Still Like in the Old Dog Party.
Conversation, food, drink. Viewer’s Choice movies.
Railroad Lobby
Gaming and relaxing.
For Further Information
Diversicon 27
PO Box 8036
Lake Street Station
Minneapolis, MN 55408-0036
…or visit our Facebook page…
…or email
Diversicon…
Scott Lohman, D26 Chair…
Eric M. Heideman, Programming…
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