Updated – new panel added

Easter is not far away now, and the programme for this year’s Eastercon has been released. Here’s what I’m doing.

Mostly importantly, Wizard’s Tower will be having a book launch. We have seven new books for you. They are:

• The Sword Garden by Peadar Ó Guilín
• Psi-Tech by Jacey Bedford
• The Summer Goddess by Joanne Hall
• The Unicorn Keeper by Helen L Brady
• The Hand of the King’s Evil by Chaz Brenchley
• The Sky-Slayer by Joel Cornah
• Fight Like A Girl #1, edited by Roz Clarke & Joanne Hall

It has been quite a journey getting the book launch sorted, most of which seems to have caused by the hotel being awkward. We are still not entirely there, but here’s what I know.

The launch will be in the Sussex Room at 4:30pm on the Friday. Peadar, Jacey, Jo, Joel and Roz will be there. John Jarrold will be on hand to represent Chaz. Helen Brady may be able to be there, but she’s not at the con all weekend and she has other Easter logistics to manage. Juliet McKenna will be there because she has a story in Fight Like A Girl #1.

We’ll try to keep the chat to a minimum so you have time to buy books and get them signed.

I have no idea what catering we will have. Probably no alcohol because the hotel is being difficult. I was hoping we could do afternoon tea, but the hotel is not interested in letting us do that.

In addition I am doing four panels.

Friday 15:00–16:00, Pavilion

SFF and Trans History – SFF has a long history of challenging contemporay ideas of gender both through the lived experience of creators and through SFF works. Our panel discusses the history of trans people and SFF. With Sandra Bond, Nick Hubble, Joel Cornah & duckbunny

Saturday 09:00–10:00, Pavilion

Fanzines in the 21st century – Our panel talk about creating, sharing and discussing fanzines. In an age of microblogging and BookTok, what is the enduring appeal of a fanzine? How is it done, and what are the pitfalls in the modern age? With Alison Scott, Roseanna Pendlebury, Sandra Bond & Tommy Ferguson

Saturday 18:00–19:00, Pavilion

We Will Rise Again – Inspired by the publication of ‘We Will Rise Again: Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, and Hope’ edited by GOH Karen Lord and others, the panel discuss how writers and editors are trying to create different and radical futures, whose futures are included, and about being and/or working with activists to inspire creation. With Karen Lord, Emma Newman and Catherine Sharp.

Monday 13:30–14:30, Sandringham

Folklore, Cultures, and the Modern Fantastic: adapting myth – Folklores and myths are deeply rooted cultural properties. The panel look at how writers and artists have used and misused folklores and myths, and discuss good and bad practice. With Kat Kourbeti, M E Moirin, Johannes T Evans & Charles Stross.

And the rest of the time you will be able to find me in the Dealers’ Room. Please come and buy some books.