Program descriptions * * Program participants * * Wednesday & Thursday * * Friday * * Saturday * * Sunday * * Monday
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Adaptations: not Faithful Enough or too Faithful
The Lord of the Rings has shown that fidelity to the original can successfully transport a complex fantasy to the screen. Why has this not happened more frequently? Does it require only megabucks, a caring producer, and a reverent creative team? And by the way, can an adaptation be too faithful?
Alma Hromic Deckert, Craig Engler, Craig Miller, Nick Sagan, Isaac Szpindel
The first draft is done. Your new novel is revolutionary, groundbreaking and will change the world! Now what?
Joshua Bilmes, Jeanne Cavelos, Josepha Sherman, Robert Silverberg, Caro Soles
Increasingly, corporations and other organisations are looking at any and all vehicles to push their agenda (making money, spreading a message, etc.). Is SF immune to this? If not, can something be done to stop it? Should SF somehow go on the offensive, perhaps even consciously push its own priorities?
Scott Bakker, Gregory Frost, Teresa Nielsen-Hayden, Stephen Pagel, Ann Zeddies
For people who want to costume, and have little or no experience costuming. Come find the answers to your costuming questions.
Alixandra Jordan, Toni Lay, Carole Parker
Online, Snailmail, Face-to-Face Writers Groups
The Panelists describe the pros and cons of different kinds of writing groups and talk about the group they belong to.
Bridget Coila, Barb Galler-Smith, Aynjel Kaye, Rochelle Uhlenkott
Panelists, under the moderation of Guest of Honor Mike Glyer, attempt to come up with the most outrageous prevarications in an ongoing quest to amuse the members and best their fellows.
Deb Geisler, Mike Glyer, John Pomeranz, Michael Swanwick, Howard Waldrop
Several ceremonies are planned at this time.
Don Kaiser, Dan Heine, Andrew Bertke, Joe Agee, Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo
The time we have practiced ducking for.
Torcon Committee Members
George R. R. Martin
Robert J. Sawyer
Liz Williams
Janna Silverstein
Science fiction and fantasy have become more respectable in recent years. Is SF&F now accepted within the academic community, or merely tolerated as just another crackpot, fringe genre?
John Clute, Justine Larbalestier, Lorna Toolis, Heather Urbanski, Allan Weiss
The folk process morphs a traditional ballad through many small changes and continues to do so to reach the form in which it reaches us. It happens in filk too. It's the process of the listeners making a song "their own."
Daniel Glasser, Melissa Glasser, Graham Leathers
Recording - Playing with Equipment
Some hands on play (supervised of course) with the gear. Find out how to connect it, how to power it, good things and bad things to do with it. Why do things work the way they do?
Ken Lalonde, J. Spencer Love
Bill and Guy talk about the NASA mission (NEAR) to visit the asteroid Eros that will ultimately land on the body
Guy Consolmagno
Old New Voices: The John W. CampBell Award Winners, Thirty Years Later
Come join our august group of Panelists as they discuss the John W. CampBell Award and the impact it made on them and their career.
George R. R. Martin, Cory Doctorow, Gardner Dozois, Alexis Gilliland, Harry Harrison, Nalo Hopkinson
Genre vs. Mainstream Fiction in Canada
Alison Baird, Terence Green, Scott Mackay
Dave Duncan, Jean-Louis Trudel
Connie Willis
Alexandra Elizabeth Honigsberg
Robert Metzger
Katherine Brandenburg
Humans are gregarious, Cooperative, tribal, and omnivorous, among many other attributes. All of these are up for reassessment in constructing fictional aliens and their societies. Let's try some and see how.
Hal Clement, Julie Czerneda, Edward M. Lerner, G. David Nordley
Even more than science fiction scribes, fantasists tend to put great effort into designing novel cultures, determining how they work, and considering how they might interact with each other. Panelists will discuss their favourite exotic cultures from fantasy literature, and see if any general principles can be adduced for the creation of interesting and novel human cultures.
Scott Bakker, P.C. Hodgell, Victoria McManus, Sean Mead, Josepha Sherman
Translating images from the movies, television, anime, manga, book covers, etc. into costumes. Come and hear some of those who have done it.
Maral Agnerian, Pierre Pettinger, Dawn McKechnie
Farscape The Best Science Fiction Show Ever?
Great stories, writing, characters, acting, effects, and direction made this deep-space action drama awe-inspiring, unique -- and possibly the best that modern media science fiction has to offer. Why is it gone? Why can't other shows achieve this quality? Will it be back?
Dave Creek, Sarah Elliott, Peter Knapp, Tara Oakes
Day Jobs for Writers -- Journalist, Freelance Technical/Science Writer or Professor Track?
Remember the good old days when you had to hide your SF/Fantasy from your English teacher? English teachers are now writing the stuff. Is all that respectability squeezing the life out of SF? Is becoming a professor to support your SF habit like cutting your hair in the early 70's after coming down from that great rush of we're-all-gonna-change-the-world rock and roll?
Bridget Coila, Jonathan Cowie, William Dietz, John Scalzi, Edward Willett
W. Randy Hoffman, Peggi Warner-Lalonde
Where do you start? A simple introduction to Songwriting, beginning with how to structure a song and getting started on lyrics.learn how to make something as simple as a rhythm egg into a cool accompaniment
Terence Chua, Gary Ehrlich, Lynn Gold
Tanya Huff
Beauty in the Near and Far Future
Will the advent of nanotechnology and other high technologies change the way we perceive beauty? Especially if nanotech can quickly and painlessly change your appearance almost at whim.
Stephanie Johanson, Aynjel Kaye, Anthony Lewis, Sarah Zettel, Scott Westerfeld
A discussion of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.
Suzy Charnas, Janice Eisen, Ed Greenwood, Alixandra Jordan, Terry Pratchett
Wanted: The Privatisation of Space
Elizabeth Klein-Lebbink, Steven Lopata, Henry Spencer, Pete Thomas, Karen Traviss
Does all good or great fantasy take root in the fairy tales of our or earlier peoples' youth? Should the books carry a warning label that it is an edited or abridged version of another work? Would you allow your work to be changed for the new audience? The panel would discuss the trends in children and young adult literature to "clean" adult books of any possible objectionable material (harsh/foul language and sex for examples) before republishing in a YA edition.
Kathryn Cramer, Dave Duncan, Sarah Elliott, P.C. Hodgell, Linnea Dodson
Whether it's writing, art or filk SF has issues around the protection of intellectual property. A discussion from several angles, and hopefully from several countries.
Terence Chua, J. Spencer Love, Gretchen Roper
Andrew Barton, Kate Soley Barton
Minneapolis, er, make that, Toronto in 1973
A look back at the campaign for the right to host the 1973 Worldcon.
The Chesley Awards: A Retrospective
A look at the Chesley Awards.
Paul Barnett, Elizabeth Humphrey, Pamela D. Scoville
Anne Pinzow, Bonnie Kunzel
Lawrence Schoen
Sheila Finch
Charles Coleman Finlay
Terry McGarry
Has Science Fiction Failed as a Fiction of Science?
After Vernor Vinge's "Across Realtime" saga popularized the notion, other science fiction writers looked into the Singularity -- and blinked. To date, very few other authors have written stories that encompass the notion. Why? Is the idea simply out of fashion, or somehow out of reach?
Hal Clement, John Clute, John G. Hemry, Charlie Stross, Jean-Louis Trudel
Writing the Extraordinary Realistically
In literature and television, extraordinary subject matter is almost invariably met with disbelief. Yet in real life, experiences of fairly odd things -- and reports of even odder ones -- are commonplace, raising barely an eyebrow in many circles. How does a writer let the reader understand that truth really is stranger than fiction? How can one present the bizarrerie of the simply real?
Marilyn "Mattie" Brahen, Chris Moriarty, Melinda Kimberly, Connie Willis, Sarah Zettel
Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Sentience?
AI or AS -- what's the difference? Can we have one without the other? Which would we prefer? Perhaps we should be questing instead for Artificial Stupidity, the ability to get the expected result most of the time with limited resources...
Andrew Burt, Charles Cohen, Julie Czerneda, Marcel Gagne, Bill Taylor
The Myth of Fannish Uniqueness
Is fandom truly unique? Why do we distinguish ourselves from non-fans by calling them "mundane"? How do we differ from readers of mysteries, westerns, romance novels? Once, reading SF/F set you apart. How have changes in the rest of the world collided with our fast-held belief that fans are Slans? In many ways, we've won. Why aren't we happier about it?
James Hay, Evelyn Leeper, Nicki Lynch, Andrew Porter, Ben Yalow
Zulu Heart is Steven Barnes" latest novel, an alternate history story in which Egypt and Ethiopia colonized the New World using European slave labour. Discuss Barnes" unique vision of an alternate Earth, in which African culture reigns supreme
Stephen M. Stirling, Suzanne Allétirling, Carl Cipra, Amy Thomson
Humour in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Does humour have a place in science fiction and fantasy? Where? When? Is it ever inappropriate? When does it go too far? When not far enough? (For example, where are all the political satires we used to see?) And since we're such a fun-loving bunch, why isn't there even more of it?
Esther Friesner, Tanya Huff, Mike Resnick, Steve Sawicki, Lorna Toolis
Heinlein's Women -- Heinlein's Women -- "Just Like the Girl Who Married Dear Old Dad"
Audience participation is welcome in the discussion of female character types, their purpose and impact in Heinlein's works.
Karen Haber, Dr. Elizabeth Anne Hull, Robert James, David Silver, Pat York
Gary Ehrlich, Lynn Gold
All of us get sloppy in intonation, placement and projection. This is a review for some and an introduction for others.
Mark Bernstein
Everyone who wants to participate will be given a tin sheet and a handful of random words (with 2 or three blanks) and let the madness begin. This will require a host, a judge and cheesie prizes.
Carolyn Clink
The BDP Hugo Split...Will It Prevail?
Did the BDP (Best Dramatic Presentation) Hugo Split work the first time around? (In other words, will Buffy fans finally be sated?) How about next year?
Chris M. Barkley, Vincent Docherty, Daniel Kimmel, Peter Knapp, Guy Lillian
SPACE: The Imagination Station
Everything you want to know about Canada's alternative to the Sci-Fi Channel. As real North Americans already know, SPACE: The Imagination Station is a national, 24-hour, English-language SF specialty channel that's the best part of many Canadian cable packages. We'll discuss the channel's stellar mix of science fiction, science fact, speculation, and fantasy, delivered in a mix of movies, documentaries, and series both current and classic, plus several original programs. Come find out what's now approaching us from SPACE.
Lyla Miklos
David-Glenn Anderson, Kathryn Sullivan
Movie Screening for Children.
Practical Fantasy: Costuming For The Hall
Comfort, attention to detail, practicality, and Panache - there's a real art to designing and making a good hall costume, It's one thing to look wonderful, it's another thing altogether when you can't easily use the elevator, the stairs, or for that matter, the bathroom.
jan howard finder, Toni Lay, Kate Morgenstern, Andrew Trembley
Electronic Books - What do READERS Need?
Our own genre extols the virtures of easily accessing electronic information, but the reality falls far short. What's missing? What's needed? What are the roadblocks?
John Bartley, Stephanie Bedwell-Grime, Cory Doctorow, Norma McPhee, Michael Ward
Design: The Glue Holding Our Dreams to Our Reality
Design, particularly as it pertains to future technology and products - is the means by which we turn our dreams into reality. It extends from the pure arts to the intensively scientific. This talk will consider how design is more than just a kind of knowledge held by experts. We will look at how design can be done by almost anyone, for almost anything.
Dr. F. Salustri
Karen Purcell
Movie Screening for Children.
Robots Learn to Shoot: The Use of Robots in a Military Role
Asimov's First Law is looking unlikelier by the day. Soon automatons may well be given the ability to kill humans independently. Should we pull this particular technosocialpolitical trigger? If so, can Colossus and Guardian, Joshua, Solo, or the T-3000 and Skynet be far behind?
Greg D. Armstrong, Paul Chafe, Charles Cohen, Pete Thomas
A kind and gentle introduction to the art of filk music, with a combination of discussion and music.
Eloise Beltz-Decker, Daniel Glasser, Melissa Glasser
Getting a TV Series on the Air
What does it take to turn an idea into a successful TV show? pannelists dscuss their experiences in getting a new genre series off the ground and on the air.
Lyla Miklos, Melinda Snodgrass, Isaac Szpindel, Marc Zicree
The commonest style in the Midwest. A free for all, where anyone can jump in. There may be a host or filk ghod/dess to ensure fair play.
Lee Martindale
Opening Ceremony and Guest of Honour Reception
Peter Jarvis, Guests of Honour
Many fans have experience in real-world technology research and development, yet somehow this aspect of a fantasy world is almost universally neglected. In most models, new magic must come from somewhere and there must logically be a process behind it. Would it resemble the process of science? Are spells humanly divined, granted by the gods, or discovered among the random mumblings of powerful yet deeply insane Extreme Wizards?
Rob Chilson, James Alan Gardner, Ed Greenwood, Steven Lopata, Elizabeth Moon
For your Thursday evening entertainment, a group of poets, storytellers and musicians entertain in a casual environment. Hosts: Judith Hayman and Carolyn Clink
Carolyn Clink, Judith Hayman, Richard Chwedyk, David Clink, Scott Green, Sandra Kasturi
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Angel: Waiting in the Wings
Some from the realms of magic and other speculative universes.
Barry Gold
Conversation with George and Howard
Two old friends get together to have a chat.
George R. R. Martin, Howard Waldrop
Spider and Jean Robinson show off their non-literary talents as they perform their vast repertoire of songs for the Torcon attendees
Spider Robinson, Jeanne Robinson
David Hayman
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Conversations with Dead People
Lynn Gold
The commonest style in the Midwest. A free for all, where anyone can jump in. There may be a host or filk ghod/dess to ensure fair play.
Lynn Gold
Filk songs of faith and belief. No insults to any faith allowed.
Lee Gold, Barry Gold
A venerable style from the East Coast.
Terence Chua
Science Fiction: An Idea Continuum not Divide
Ideas born of science fiction were once considered "fringe," but are now much closer to the mainstream. Does SF/F really make us explore social taboos and become more open to technology? How has the study of SF/F changed social appreciation of the topic?
Scott Bakker, Justine Larbalestier, Bradford Lyau, Lorna Toolis, Heather Urbanski
How does one write relationships that are outside the norm (1 male/ 1 female, 2.4 kids)?
Carol Berg, Alexandra Elizabeth Honigsberg, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Karin Lowachee, Scott Mackay
Sculpted Costumes: From Body Shaping To Body Armour
Ever see those incredible costumes that look as if they were sculpted, not sewn? Come and learn from the experts.
Chris Kramer, Dawn McKechnie, Jacqueline Ward
Beading and bead weaving. Glitz is the name of the game for a number of costumers, and non-costumers. Necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories; beading a costume. Come, see, and learn.
Cary Conder, Caroline Julian, Maral Agnerian
Never Say You Took a Creative Writing Course!
Editors talk about what not to mention in the cover letter with your manuscript. Why it's a mistake to include such vital information as "I took a creative writing course," or "My grandmother liked it," or "It's just like the last Harlan ... only different," or of course our favourite: "If you don't publish this your stupid."
Tina Beychok, Joshua Bilmes, Scott Edelman, Gordon Van Gelder, James Minz
James Stevens-Arce
Singing before noon? Impossible. Come on and give it a try. (Friday)
Glenn Grant
Why we love Harry Potter and Hate Draco Malfoy
Audience interacts with Panelists aout what their like and dislike about the Harry Potter novels.
Barb Galler-Smith, Marvin Kaye, Persis Thorndike
The DaVinci project (X-Prize entry)
Brian Feeney
A retrospective of Issac Asimov's, the man as well as his works. How he changed science-fiction and his indelible mark on the genre.
Hal Clement, Gardner Dozois, Dr. Elizabeth Anne Hull, Fred Pohl, Robert Silverberg
Shotokan Karate Workshop. This will be an ACTIVE workshop for beginners and intermediates. No prior experience required. Fans will be asked to participate. Attendees will learn simple martial arts moves, some martial arts secrets, will slowly perform a basic sequence, and may even break a sweat. Hope to see you there!
Kenn Bates
Write a Haiku by noon, or start that Pantoum. Our wonderful instructors will teach a specific poetic form and you get to try it out. No experience necessary! Today's Class: Darrell Schweitzer will teach Limerick.
Darrell Schweitzer
Paul Barnett
Elizabeth Hand
James Alan Gardner
Julie Czerneda
Movie Screening for Children.
Kevin Standlee, Donald Eastlake III, Pat McMurray, Clint Budd
Aaron B. Larson, Jay Lake, Catherine Shaffer, Mike Brotherton
Jean Lorrah, Pat Forde, G. David Nordley, Rick Wilber
Stephen M. Stirling
Walter Jon Williams
Books vs Movies: Should they be Compared?
Are the two types of media even comparable? Given the advances in media, can CD-based literary efforts really be compared to more traditional literature?
Janice Eisen, Paul Levinson, Elizabeth Miller, Patrick Nielsen-Hayden, Melinda Snodgrass
Research in designer drugs is only just beginning. What are the prospects for the construction of drugs or beverages that place you into well-defined psychological states, whether happiness, sexual arousal, receptiveness to learning or cosmic awareness? Recent research suggests that this idea is not entirely silly. But could it ever reach the point of skipping over the more tedious parts of learning, for example?
George Flentke, Susan Smith, Isaac Szpindel, Eric M. Van, Fran Van Cleave
Your costume is perfect. It can be seen from the back of the stage; but you can't. Get tips and suggestions from those that have been doing this successfully, for years.
Andrew Trembley, Julie Zetterberg
Does the Scientific Method Make Science Work?
Is it the idealized scientific method that makes science successful? Or is it the meat-grinder of peer review and backstabbing that's responsible for the loftier heights of scientific achievement? Well, what's the last experiment YOU conducted using only the scientific method? We bring tales of how science actually works, up close and really personal.
Catherine Asaro, Kenn Bates, Howard Davidson, James Killus, Michael Swanwick
Anime surrounds us. It is one of the major media forces around us. More and more people join the ranks of Anime fandom every day. Interested in this art form, but uncertain where to start? Come and find out where and how.
Brett Achorn, Anna Hui, Eric Langlois, Michelle West, Emru Townsend
I've Written a Story, Now What?
It's not enough to write a great story; now you have to find someone to publish it. This panel is for beginning writers who want to learn about the process of submitting their work to editors and agents, and making that first sale. Panelists will share tips based on personal experience, and debate the pros and cons of various career jumpstarting strategies.
Patricia Bray, Nick DiChario, Dale L. Sproule, Liz Williams, Eleanor Wood
Kinderfilk - Greasy, Grimy Gopher Guts and Other Silly Songs
Silly Song Concert/Singalong with kids
Andrew Porter, Pete Thomas
The Flight of Buran - The Russian Space Shuttle
The Flight Of Buran - The Russian Space Shuttle A behind the scenes look at the previously secret planning, development and testing of the Soviet Space Shuttle Buran and the Energia Rocket, including rare footage of atmospheric tests with strapped on afterburning jet engines.
Hugh S. Gregory
The Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic is a prized and juried award. Panelists discuss how to enter, and what it means when you win.
John Clute, Candas Jane Dorsey, Mici Gold, Terence Green, Peter Halasz, Nalo Hopkinson
Baen Travelling Slide Show (with Door Prizes!)
I present a selection of the best of Baen upcoming cover art and discuss books and artwork while entertaining questions from the audience.
Toni Weisskopf
George R.R. Martin reads from the fourth installment of his latest series.
George R. R. Martin
Jae Leslie Adams
Movie Screening for Children.
Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Jean Lorrah
Amy Thomson
Hal Clement
Harry Harrison
Should Parents of an Unborn Child have the Right to Refuse Fetal Improvement
In the near future, it will be possible to screen the unborn for undesirable traits, and perhaps modify such traits in the womb. Do the parents of an "abnormal" or "maladjusted" child have the right to refuse this modification? What about when the state imposes it?
Jeanne Cavelos, Russell Blackford, Nancy Kress, Kristine Smith, Jonathon Sullivan
The recent Columbia tragedy has focused attention yet again on whether space travel is safe. What are the hazards of travelling to or from space? Is simply traversing the area outside of Earth's atmosphere itself a hazard? What is necessary to protect against any of these hazards. And who decides what is acceptable risk?
Hugh S. Gregory, Geoffrey Landis, Henry Spencer, David Stephenson, John Strickland
So here you are in Toronto; can you use the trip to stimulate your work? What are the ups and downs of tourism-as-research? What do you miss? What does it add?
Melinda Kimberly, Samantha Ling, Elizabeth Moon, Mike Resnick, Josepha Sherman
Fandom comprises dozens of subgroups. While wandering the halls or even perusing this guide, you may note references to "gay fen," "Furry fans," "gamers," "filkers," "costumers," "fanzine fans," or "SMOFs." Are these identifications sometimes made in a manner that can be construed as discriminatory? Are we becoming so balkanized that it's impossible to keep a foot in multiple fandoms? Do some groups of fans look down on other groups of fans? Why would we accept this when so many of us oppose discrimination in our mundane lives?
Janice Gelb, Peter Knapp, Ron Oakes, Alex von Thorn
Creating Believable Aliens in Believeable Worlds: What to Consider
How can we construct a non-human being with real character? What authors particularly "give good alien"? Is it the case that the closer we get to a true alien, the more incomprehensible -- and often the more uninteresting -- it becomes to most readers? But surely we should do more than just stick tentacles on Tom Sawyer.
Hal Clement, Walter H. Hunt, Robert Reed, Frank Wu
For those of you with an interest in tech. A workshop/demo/discussion on getting the lights to light and stay lit...or how to get them to blink on and off and on and off and on and...
Chris Kramer, Kevin Roche
Ingrid de Buda, Philip Allcock
You have some lyrics and some ideas. Now what? Some ideas on making music and words go together.
Steven Macdonald, Bill Sutton
The Year in Review: Computer Technology
Computer Technology changes so rapidly, even the experts must work to keep pace. Come hear about the new, the exciting and where all of this could lead.
Charles Cohen, Daniel Dern, Marcel Gagne, Daniel Grotta, Mark Van Name
An appreciation of animation dircetor Chuck Jones' life and work
Paul Barnett, Pamela D. Scoville
Panelists discuss this collection of essays about the universe of the Matrix series of Movies.
David Brin, Kathleen Goonan, Joe Haldeman, Walter Jon Williams
Working Together, Married Together
The collaborative process is difficult enough when it involves two friends. Is it any easier when the collaborators share every aspect of each other's lives?
Kelly Freas, Laura Freas, Sharon Lee, Steve Miller, Jeanne Robinson, Spider Robinson
John Barnstead, Jean-Louis Trudel, Elisabeth Vonarburg
Sarah Elliott, Lisa Ragsdale
Are you new to fandom and Worldcons? Stop by with your questions and we'll introduce you to fandom.
John Mansfield, Lorena Haldeman, Rusty Hevelin, Mike Glicksohn, Susan Manchester
Enterprise: A Night in Sick Bay
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Children's Programming Closed for Lunch
Fred Pohl
Karin Lowachee
Marvin Kaye
Charles Coleman Finlay
Buffy: The Triumph of Characterization
Characters in Buffy changed and grew throughout the series. Why is this so rare? Why did it work in Buffy? Should it work elsewhere?
Ginjer Buchanan, Rob Gates, Colleen Hillerup, Lyla Miklos, Douglas Smith
If This Goes On: A look at USA 2008
Dynastic presidencies; homeland so-called security; suspension of constitutional rights whenever the word "war" is invoked -- the war on some drugs, the war on terror ... Where is American society headed, and how can it be stopped from getting there? A wholly unbiased discussion.
Mark Bernstein, Beth Hilgartner, David Hartwell, Stephen M. Stirling, Fran Van Cleave
Certain thinkers look forward to a sudden, radical change in human reality, occurring within a human lifespan, caused by progress in artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and related fields. What are they talking about? Why has it been called the Singularity? And is it, as Bruce Sterling has suggested, the Rapture for geeks?
Russell Blackford, Andrew Burt, Simon Smith, Eliezer Yudkowsky
So, You're Gonna Enter Your First Worldcon Masquerade?
You've competed at small local conventions and the regionals. Are you ready for the Big Time? Come and find out how to make certain that you are. This covers things like Registration, Green Room, and Tech.
Byron Connell, Penny Lipman, C. D. Mami, Carole Parker, Roberta Rogow
1953: The Year of the First Hugo
1953 yielded a bumber crop of science fiction, including Asimov's Second Foundation, Clarke's Childhood's End, Bester's The Demolished Man, Bradbury's Farenheit 451, Pohl and Kornbluth's The Space Merchants and Sturgeon's More than Human. This is also the year in which Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey both started publishing. A look at a year that produced many of today's classics.
Tom Doherty, David Kyle, Fred Lerner, Robert Silverberg
Taking Fabric Where It Has Never Gone Before: Manipulating Fabrics For Fun, not Profit
Master Costumer Jacqui Ward gives you a hands on presentation on how to make something one dimensional (fabric) into 3-D designs. Quilting, applique, beading, embroidery, and layering are just a few of the techniques used.
Jacqueline Ward
What Every Pro Should Know About Fandom
Without fandom, there would be no Worldcon, no Hugo Awards. While you may be able to be a successful SF or fantasy writer without any contact with fandom, once you immerse yourself in this milieu there are definite do's and don'ts -- particularly if you'd like to participate in convention programming, be invited to be a guest of honor, and win fan-awarded prizes. Find out what they are from people who know.
Gay Haldeman, Suford Lewis, Craig Miller, John Pomeranz, Dick Smith
Advice for Aspiring/New Writers
* how to get an agent * rights, manuscripts, etc. * how not to be a PITA * selling the second book
Edo van Belkom, Melinda Kimberly, Chris Moriarty, Beth Meacham, Wen Spencer
Gender Biases Among SF Magazine Editors, Publishers and Reviewers
A recent article in the SFWA Bulletin asks the question: Since the US population is 50.9% women, according to the 2000 Census, why was the percentage of short stories by women in the Big Three (Asimov',F & SF and Analog) no more than 29% in 2001? How do we account for the underrepresentation of women in our genre?
Mary Anne Mohanraj, Scott Edelman, Karen Traviss
The pros work at performance to make it look that relaxed and easy -- and interesting. You can do it too. Here are some ideas to really sell that song..
Barry Gold
All the same instruments we hated in rhythm band, come to a new life when they accompany something as fun as filk. Meet some new instruments and learn how to make something as simple as a rhythm egg into a cool accompaniment.
Graham Leathers, Brenda Sutton
Find out what's new at Tesseract Books and what's still great about the great backlist of Canada's premier publisher of SF.
Timothy Anderson, Candas Jane Dorsey
All you Wanted to Know about Science but were Afraid to Ask
Elizabeth Caldwell, Jordan Raddick, Diane Turnshek
Children's Programming Closed for Lunch
Fiona Patton
Workshop: Introduction to Alien Languages
A workshop in which the "Panelists" introduce participants (not more than 20) to principles of creating alien languages for use in science fiction.
Stanley Schmidt, Lawrence Schoen
The time we have practiced ducking for.
Torcon Committee Members
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Enterprise: A Night in Sick Bay
Mike Moscoe
Wil McCarthy
Terence Green
Dr. John Flynn
The Heinlein Society -- Annual Corporate Meeting
Annual corporate meeting, with reports of the board of directors and officers to the membership. The meeting is open to members of the Society as well as to any interested members of the public.
Introduction to the WSFS Business Meeting
The Worldcon business meeting can be intimidating for newcomers. the panels provides an introduction to why the business meeting is important and how it works. We'll also talk about some of the topics that will be covered at the meeting.
Stephen Boucher, Bob MacIntosh, Martin Easterbrook, Linda Ross-Mansfield, Ben Yalow
Steve Nagy, Charles Coleman Finlay, Karin Lowachee, Charlie Stross
Gerri Balter, James Stevens-Arce, Dr. Elizabeth Anne Hull, Janna Silverstein
Darrell Schweitzer
Steven Harper Piziks
What is the concept of "classic" ? Who defines it? And how does it apply to SF/F? Does it apply? Is there "classic" mass media sf? How did this concept evolve into what it has become today?
John Clute, Mark Olson, Toni Weisskopf, Andrew Wheeler, Sheila Williams
What is sentience? What is its relationship to intelligence, to free will? Is it in any sense an objective phenomenon, or is it an article of faith?
David Brin, John Hertz, Robert J. Sawyer, Peter Watts, Eliezer Yudkowsky
If squids were furry, lived on land, and made a happy trilling sound, would they make good pets? We'll soon be in a position to find out, and this raises many social and ethical questions. We already produce tailless and hairless cats, as well as dogs ranging from the size of large rats to that of small horses. There are glowing rabbits growing in our labs. Where might this lead? Is it fair to birds to produce flying cats? Is it fair to dogs to teach them to solve crosswords? Is it fair to animal rights activists to produce living fur coats?
George Flentke, Nancy Kress, Judy Lazar, Larry Niven, Richard Chwedyk
Getting Started In Anime Costuming
How to get started in Anime Costuming, known to its dedicated fans as Cosplay. Learn about Anime costuming and how it is influenced by Japanese culture.
Maral Agnerian, Caroline Julian, Dawn McKechnie, Barb Schofield
The Gaylactic Network is an affiliation of clubs for LGBT fans and their friends. Come find out more about this organization, its affiliate clubs and its activities, as well as how to form an LGBT fan club in your own hometown.
Peter Knapp, Rob Gates, Carl Cipra
In days gone by, a lady was considered naked if she was not wearing a hat. For most costumers, it's the same. From Captain Hook to Gandalf the Grey, everyone needs a hat. Discover how easy it is to make a classy hat.
Kate Morgenstern
Fantasy Backgrounds: Prefab or Custom?
Some fantasy relies on a historical base to give it the right feel, some on established myth, some on durable and evolved private mythology, and some on trappings cut from new cloth. Different kinds of stories seem to differ in their adaptability to each of these approaches; which combinations work best, and why? What features of a tale interact significantly with this choice?
Ellen Asher, James Barclay, Carol Berg, Daniel Grotta, Caitlin Sweet
Is the Cost of this Event Deductible?
How much of your Worldcon trip expenses is deductible? How much of the other money you spend is considered an expense in the eyes of your local tax collector? Find out how to get the most out of your writing income.
Daniel Dern, Sharon Lee, Andrew Porter, Jim Rittenhouse, Ramona Winkelbauer
Heinlein 101 - All you ever wanted to know about Heinlein but were afraid to ask"
An omnibus overview and survey of the themes, writing techniques, literary forms and character types of Heinlein's works. The who, when, where, what and, most important, why of reading Robert A. Heinlein. General introduction to Heinlein's writing covering various zigs in his career and the groups of different works: pre-war, juveniles, Post stories, Future History, Stranger and the novels of the 60's, and the final World as Myth books
Robert James, Bradford Lyau, Bill Patterson, Spider Robinson, David Silver
SF fandom exists because we so love the literature that reading is not enough; we need to discuss it with other fans. When the fan is also artist, the discussion takes the form of another artistic expression; a painting, book cover, movie or a kind of music named "Filk." Such "conversations" between artists have existed in all genres since Man first committed Art, and are worthy, themselves, of fannish attention. This panel bings writers and songwriters face-to-face to read excerpts, perform music inspired by the excerpts, and discuss their themes, motivations and the creative process. Come eavesdrop!
Joe Haldeman, Tanya Huff, Connie Willis
Panelist will demonstrate how to draw celtic knots and instruct the basics to the audience. The audience will be given opportunities to practice techniques.
Deb Kosiba
I'm submitting this panel because I know that Laura Anne Gilman is in Italy and ROC always does a panel, but its currently not included.
Laura Anne Gilman
Mike Glyer chaired the Los Angeles Worldcon in 1996. Twenty years earlier, Ken Keller chaired the Worldcon in Kansas City. These two friends talk about how chairing a Worldcon changed over two decades and may even engage in a discussion of the current strengths of each city as they vie against each other to host the Worldcon in 2006
Mike Glyer, Ken Keller
So You'd Like to be Involved with Torcon
Come join in on the fun! Get a behind the scens glimpse of the exciting action in running a Worldcon.
Torcon Volunteer Department Staff
Joel Champetier, Elisabeth Vonarburg
Kookieklatch/Reading - Selected Works
Kathryn Sullivan
Taral Wayne
Workshop: Creating Two Alien Languages (Green)
Participants split up into two teams and design a language.
Stanley Schmidt
Workshop: Creating Two Alien Languages (Purple)
Participants split up into two teams and design a language.
Lawrence Schoen
P.C. Hodgell
Harry Harrison
Esther Friesner
Justine Larbalestier
Marilyn "Mattie" Brahen
Edward Einhorn
Many writers place poems (or snippets) within their larger works, especially novels. Do these poems enhance or detract from the book?
Richard Chwedyk, Phyllis Gotlieb, Alexandra Elizabeth Honigsberg, Terry McGarry, Diane Turnshek
Remember those glorious visions of giant space habitats, compete with lakes and forests? Whatever happened to that idea? Where has the dream gone?
Mike Brotherton, Geoffrey Landis, G. David Nordley, Donald Simmons, John Strickland
What to Do About Bad Writing Habits
You're a writer. It's what you do. The words have to get out of you somehow, and the ideas need to keep flowing. But are there specific habits that all writers can share to make the process easier? When is organization, structure, constancy useful, and when can they hinder?
Gardner Dozois, Karen Haber, Samantha Ling, Tom Doherty, Rochelle Uhlenkott
All Anime is not the same. As with all things are different genres with Anime. Fantasy. Science Fiction. The single hero. The quest. Groups. The future. The past. High tech. Find out exactly what some of these genres are and which games typify each one.
Alice Bentley, Allen Garvey, Derwin Mak, Frederick Patten, Kent Wong
Tools Of The Trade: I've Got Scissors and a Needle; What More Do I Need?
A "Show-and-Tell" where the experts show you what's in their kit beside sewing supplies, duct tape, wire cutters, etc.
Tina Connell, Jill Eastlake, Karen Purcell, Andrew Trembley
The Spectrum Awards are given out annually by the Gaylactic Network. Come find out which works of 2002 have been recognized for their excellence in presenting LGBT themes and characters.
Rob Gates, Carl Cipra, Peter Knapp
Take a little fantasy (or a lot), then graft in onto a well researched historical background. Voila historical fantasy. Nothing changes, but everything does as familiar historical figures find mystery and magic in their world, or legends are retold in their "real" settings.
Kathryn Cramer, Guy Gavriel Kay, Richard Foss, Lori Ann White, Beth Zipser
Percussion Workshop (no drums!)
All the same instruments we hated in rhythm band, come to a new life when they accompany something as fun as filk. Meet some new instruments and learn how to make something as simple as a rhythm egg into a cool accompaniment.
Melissa Glasser, Gretchen Roper
How close were dinosaurs to intelligence? Shoud we expect to see the saurian form elsewhere? Is there a typical treatment of saurian intelligence and is it justified?
Michael Brett-Surman, Harry Harrison, Robert J. Sawyer
Fannish Inquisition I Information From the Two 2006 World Science Fiction Convention Bids
Los Angeles and Kansas City are both bidding to host the 2006 Worldcon. Come hear what each bid has to offer. Worldbuilding techniques range from close extrapolation to alternate history to wild flights of fantasy, but the best F/SF is always set in worlds rich enough and believable enough for readers to move into. How do working F/SF writers create their imagined worlds? How do they give them breadth, depth, and substance? Is the process of imagining fantastic worlds different from the science fiction writer's process of extrapolation -- and if so, how? Why do some imagined worlds (Tolkien's for instance) seem to age so well, while others quickly grow dated? What rules, if any, help keep imaginary worlds or visionary futures plausible for real-world readers?
Bid Committee Members
What fanzines of the past are memorable and or seminal to the development of fanzine fandom.
Mike Glyer, Guy Lillian, Richard Lynch, Leah Zeldes Smith, Dale Speirs, Steve Stiles
Science - Demos/Experiments for kids.
Bridget Coila
What's upcoming at Warner.
Jaime Levine
What is the Nature of Canadian SF
John Robert Colombo, Karl Schroeder, Donna McMahon, Peter Watts, Robert Charles Wilson, Allan Weiss
Preamble to Video Conference with Chris Hadfield
Doors open at 45 minutes before the start. Questions will be taken from the audience to be considered to ask Chris Hadfield.
Julie Czerneda, Rocky Persaud, David Stephenson
Book Talk - If you liked Harry Potter...
Bonnie Kunzel, Diana Herald
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Minority Report
China Mieville
Don Bassingthwaite
Kevin Dockery
Genetic Engineering in Agriculture
What are the moral, ecological and economic implications of monoclonal agriculture, cloning, and transgenic technology? How can we derive the benefits of these techniques while limiting our exposure to their pitfalls?
Jonathan Cowie, George Flentke, James Hay, Susan Smith, Karen Traviss
Economists might insist that fantasy economics should follow the same principles as any other economics. (Not for nothing is it called the Dismal Science.) But the impact of a cornucopia, a Midas, or a simple unionised talking horse would surely cause some muddle in the markets. Would the economics of a fantasy world really be that of medieval England? Would it differ only in detail, or in large-scale structure?
James Barclay, Carol Berg, Ed Greenwood, Steve Jackson, Cheryl Morgan
Notions of what are and are not likely shapes for solar systems have changed throughout the history of science and science fiction, and never more rapidly than at the present as empirical data finally arrive on the satellites of nearby stars. Panelists will discuss notions of what other star systems will look like: the most common, the most humanly useful, and the most exotic or abstractly interesting.
Nancy Kress, Larry Niven, Jean-Louis Trudel, Wil McCarthy
Libertarian Futurist Society Prometheus Awards Ceremony
This is the annual LFS awards ceremony where the Prometheus Best Novel and the Hall of Fame awards are presented.
Fred Moulton
Ray guns, blasters and light sabers: just special FX? Strobes, sound, LEDs, and neon can make those props come alive.
Chris Kramer
Middle Eastern Dancing Costumes & Belly Dancing
A short performance, followed by instruction and advice from some of Fandom's finest Belly dancers.
Michele Jaye Solomon, Linda Donahue, Julia Mandala
Kurt Vonnegut would certainly be recognized as one of the most popular living science fiction writers -- if he called his work SF. Where do "The Sirens of Titan," "Slaughterhouse-Five," "Cat's Cradle," "Galapagos," and other items in the Vonnegutian oeuvre fall in the history of science fiction? Do you consider his stuff SF? Why doesn't he?
Russell Blackford, David Hartwell, Mark A. Rayner, Andrew Weiner
Genre-Bending: The Rise of the Crossover Novel
A number of the most successful SF works of the past decade have been genre-mixing crossover novels: creations that blend SF themes and settings with elements from spy thrillers, murder mysteries, romances, and other genres outside the realm of traditional SF. In some ways these writers recall the ferment of SF's Golden Age (Asimov's "Caves of Steel," for example, was a detective story). In other ways, they represent a radically new trend in SF. What inspires these crossover novels? What non-SF works are their authors reading? How does the crossover square with SF traditions -- and what new possibilities does it open up for SF in the future?
Lisa DuMond, Terence Green, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Teresa Nielsen-Hayden, Glenn Sixbury
So you want to make a CD? Some initial steps in planning a recording.
Ken Lalonde, Graham Leathers, Lee Martindale
Mark Bernstein, Merav Hoffman
Fannish Inquisition II Information from the 2006 NASFiC Bids
Seattle and Charlotte are bidding for the 2005 NASFiC. Come hear what each bid has to offer
Bid Committee Members
A talk about the Royal; Astronomical Society
Building an Alien - Interactive Panel
An audience participation event. With the guidance of a moderator, audience members come up with the ideas for what they breath, how many eyes, and the rest of the details and our panel of artists will see if they can figure out what it looks like.
Mike Brotherton, Kelly Brown, Walter H. Hunt, Kathryn Sullivan
Although those within fandom had long known of Bloch's genius, he was discovered outside the field in 1960 when a minor filmmaker named Hitchcock turned his novel, Psycho, into a film. Panelists discuss how success, however major or brief, outside the field affects authors who matured in the science fiction "ghetto."
Paul Barnett, Dr. Robert Blackwood, Bob Devney, Don Hutchinson, Daniel Kimmel
Video Conference with Chris Hadfield
A video telconference with Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield.
Julie Czerneda
Isaac Szpindel
John Hertz
Heinlein Society Awards Dinner
This inaugural Annual Heinlein Awards Dinner will be held at Badali's Restaurant, 156 Front Street West (one block from Torcon3). This judged presentation is made for excellence in writing science fact or fiction. A cocktail reception commences at 6 PM, sharp! Seating at 6:30 PM; the awards conclude at 8:15 PM, followed by an audio-visual presentation including the interview of Arthur C. Clarke and Robert Heinlein by Walter Cronkite on July 20, 1969, hours after man's first small step on the Moon. Tickets may be purchased at The Heinlein Society's fan table on or at its S.I.G. meeting at 1 PM, Friday, August 29, in the Royal York, British Columbia room for $75 each. A limited number, at $100 each, may be available at the door.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Enterprise: Carbon Creek
Jerry Weist
Michelle West
Derryl Murphy
Catherine Asaro
Terry Pratchett
Adrian Bedford
Mike Resnick
So, You Want to be An Artist ...
he route to take in order to be a professional artist. Where do you start? What sources should an artist begin with? How does one begin down that path to fame, glory and riches? What art sells (for the artist), and why? Can a "non-commercial" piece ever be sold?
Lee Gilliland, Geoffrey Surrette, Liz Williams, Jean-Pierre Normand, Frank Wu
What if: Canada had a Different Neighbour than the USA?
If Canada had a neighbour that was not the United States, would Canada be any different? Richer, more powerful, more listened to? Is our proximity to the United States a blessing in disguise? Or would Canada's socialist economy work better without the constant brain drain going south? What if Canada had attained nationhood BEFORE the USA? And where would the USA be without us?
John Dupuis, Nalo Hopkinson, Ben Jeapes, Pat McMurray, Connie Willis
Conversations with Isaac Asimov
The Science Fiction Oral History Association brings us Dr. Isaac Asimov, through the magic of recorded audio.
Isaac Asimov
Learn what everyone should know before submitting that first manuscript. Aimed at beginning writers, Panelists will answer questions about writing and marketing your work.
Ginjer Buchanan, Dave Creek, Jay Lake, Mandy Slater, Wen Spencer
Mass Book Signing for STARS: Original Stories Based on the Songs of Janis Ian
A mass booksigning for Janis Ian's STARS volume, hosted by DAW Books and Penguin Canada.
Susan Casper, Alexis Gilliland, Joe Haldeman, Janis Ian, Nancy Kress
Band assignments will be posted in the Saskatchewan Room at 1700 Friday. Bands will select their song(s)
Judith Hayman
Roberta Rogow
What are Fan Funds and who are this year's winners?
Some people claim that there are no heroines in Anime; that the females are there simply as eye candy, in need of recusing? Is this true? Or are there female Anime heroes capable of kicking ass on an equal footing with the guys?
Brian Chu, Anna Hui, Winnie Hui, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Kent Wong
On the Tales (and Tails) of Lovecraft
not only did H.P. Lovecraft influence our GoHst of Honor, but he also had a direct influence, and correspondence, with numerous other authors who went on to make a name for themselves in horror, fantasy, and science fiction. What set Lovecraft apart from the other authors whose work filled out the pulps. Why did he develop a cult following during his life and why did it continue to burgeon after his death. Is he still an influence on the field after all this time?
Alan Beatts, Ellen Datlow, Marvin Kaye, Darrell Schweitzer, Andrew Wheeler
A presentation on the Museum being built in Seattle, Washington.
400 Years of Fantastic Lliterature in Canada
John Robert Colombo
Astronomy 2003: The Year In Review
Guy Consolmagno, Geoffrey Landis, Ken Wharton
Milk, Cookies and Storytelling
David-Glenn Anderson, Edward Einhorn
Marc Zicree
Robert Charles Wilson
Esther Friesner
Kelley Armstrong
The Earth is Big and We are Small. Should We Be Afraid?
Proponents of the Gaea hypothesis have been heard to contend that the earth takes care of itself, and therefore is capable of healing what ecological damage humans might do. This fails to account for the very real possibility that the healing process involves removing the disease vector, i.e. humanity. How realistic is this possibility? How much can we irritate the earth before it decides to scratch?
Jonathan Cowie, Harry Harrison, China Mieville, Jonathon Sullivan, Karen Traviss
Direct Computer - Brain Interface
Wiring ourselves by direct linkage of our existing neural structures to the computing infrastructure is a staple of Cyberpunk literature. When and how should we do this? Is it even wise or safe? Is it really all it's cracked up to be?
Jack L. Chalker, Howard Davidson, Matthew Jarpe, Eric M. Van
Anime Influences in North American Media
In the twenty-first century media permeates our lives and culture. We cannot escape it. Anime is a large part of this. It saturates our lives; from video games to television to comic books to clothing, Anime is a major influence on how we view things; how we think; how we dress. Why?
Brett Achorn, Brian Chu, Allen Garvey, Eric Langlois, Emru Townsend
Broad Universe Rapid-Fire Reading
Broad Universe describes itself as "a group of women and men dedicated to celebrating and promoting the work of women writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror." Ten group members read short selections from their current and forthcoming fiction in the hopes of doing just that.
Naomi Bilodeau, Suzy Charnas, Anne Harris, Ellen Klages, Louise Marley, Victoria McManus
Science Fiction Film Literacy in One Easy Panel
The Panelists will examine the history of Sci-Fi film from beginning to end, including the creamy middle. Each Panelist should come up with a list of ten "Must Sees" before hand to be given to the audience.
Dr. Robert Blackwood, Dr. John Flynn, Kathi Overton, Craig Miller, Robert Vogel
The Integration of Science and Religion in SF&F
Science Fiction is often seen as the literature of the humanist, the rationalist and the skeptic. Yet as we look at the underpinnings of the physical universe, even theoratical physicists can see the possibility of the hand of God underlying out physical exisctence. How do authors integrate religion and science? Can it only be done in fantasy settings
Scott Bakker, Paul Fayter, Phyllis Gotlieb, Beth Hilgartner, Paul Levinson
From the Ground Up: Building Fantastic Ecosystems
What kind of world would produce a gryphon? How about giant killer plants? How would you go about designing a plausible landscape and other lifeforms for your alien or fantastic creatures?
Hal Clement, Julie Czerneda, Will McDermott, Robert Reed
1953 yielded a bumber crop of science fiction, including Asimov's Second Foundation, Clarke's Childhood's End, Bester's The Demolished Man, Bradbury's Farenheit 451, Pohl and Kornbluth's The Space Merchants and Sturgeon's More than Human. This is also the year in which Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey both started publishing. A look at a year that produced many of today's classics.
Thog's Masterclass is the department of Dave Langford's sf newsletter "Ansible" which showcases "differently good" lines from sf and fantasy -- the literary equivalent of a blooper reel. Dave's solo "Live Thog" presentation has brought fear, loathing and giggles to British, US, and Australian cons, and now makes its Canadian debut.
David Langford
Children's Programming Closed for Supper
Cory Doctorow
Charlie Stross
Paul Barnett
The feminist movement is, arguably, no longer the force it was in the 1970s. Do we still need science fiction that identifies itself as feminist? Has society progressed to the point where it is outdated? How would some of the feminist classics be received if they were to be published in today"s society?
Ctein, Lee Martindale, Cheryl Morgan, Lisa Tuttle
Beanstalk! Are We Ready to Build One?
Recent developments in carbon fibres have opened up the realistic possibility that we could actually build a space elevator with current technology. Is this for real?
Catherine Asaro, Jordin Kare, Karl Schroeder, Tim Smith, John Strickland
Hollywood possess an excruciatingly annoying habit of changing otherwise perfect comic book plots into an amalgamation for the movie. Why can't they just shot the old plot? Of if they choose to create a whole new story, why must they, well, Hollywoodize the romance, the characters, the ending, and on and on? Somehow, after "Blade" was released, filmmakers discovered how to make movies-taken-from-comics not suck. But what can they do to make more of them masterpieces?
Brett Achorn, Keith DeCandido, Colleen Hillerup, Isaac Szpindel
Filk music is the stepchild of folk music. Here are pieces from the other side that resonate with the filk community.
Gary Ehrlich, Allison Durno, Daniel Glasser
What is the Mars Society. A discussion by its members.
Rocky Persaud, Jim Mcginty
A discussion about the radio show Faster Than Light, and/or about science fiction and fantasy on radio in general (or lack thereof!) We could play clips from classic radio shows in the past, and from Faster Than Light.
Joe Mahoney
Persis Thorndike, Joni Brill Dashoff, Karen Purcell
Marcie Tentchoff
Gregory Frost
Colleen Anderson
Charlaine Harris
Artificial Life Forms and Their Rights
Mankind may be on the verge of creating new types of life not seen before on the planet. What are the implications? Should these life-forms be treated differently from "natural" life? Can life now be patented?
Dave Creek, Scott Mackay, Sean Mead, Robert J. Sawyer, Susan Smith
Race In SF: Black, White, Asian Or Just Human?
What is the point in depicting humans as belonging to one or another of what today's society classifies as races? Shouldn't SF writers strive, in the neutral case, to make all of their human characters just that - members of the human race - without reference to the colour of their skin? But sometimes, of course, race is the point. When race is depicted, is it done well? Or do writers too often resort to stereotype?
Stephen Pagel, Karin Lowachee, Derwin Mak, Antonio Ruffini, Michael Z. Williamson
Convention Costuming:A Visual History
A slide show and visual trip down Memory Lane. See what costuming was like is the beginning; how it grew; and find inspiration for your place in its future.
Jack Krolak, Suford Lewis, C. D. Mami, Charles Mohapel, Lenny J. Provenzano
An alternate-history stage drama about science, "Copenhagen," won the 2000 Tony Award. New works and adaptations of fantasy and SF are appearing more and more on stages in New York, Chicago, and London. Which are especially worth attending or reading? How well can SF -- the literature of imagination -- be translated to live theatre?
Suzy Charnas, Alexis Gilliland, Leah Zeldes Smith, Lori Ann White, Alan Ziebarth
Queer characters in television tend to be restricted to the world of sitcoms and soap operas. With the exception of Willow, Tara and Ivanova, LGBT characters in science fiction are almost unheard of. We have been clamouring for years for a gay character on Star Trek. Why are most television producers so squeamish about including our community in a genre that is supposed to be breaking barriers?
Alan Siler, Fiona Patton, Lyla Miklos, Kimberly Ann Kindya, Andrew Trembley
Filk didn't start in the 90's or 80's but way back before we ever even thought about recording it. A few folks who were there in the fifties and sixties talk about their experiences.
Dick Eney, Barry Gold, Lee Gold
Performers' Circle International
Filk is not just a North American phenomenon but enjoined around the world. There are filk communities in the UK, Australia and Germany, and filkers from just about everywhere. Songs with an international flair.
Philip Allcock, Andrew Barton, Kate Soley Barton
Graham Leathers
Friday night Shabbat services on Friday, August 29. All are welcome.
Pat York
Alison Baird
Diane Turnshek
Pat York
A dance presentation by Ravenar will precede the Show Us Your Dream Costume Dance that begins at 9:00pm. (Cash bar)
Born or Bitten: Biological vs. Supernatural Vampires
In folklore, it's a transmissible curse...but some vampire fiction puts biology in the clothing of the fantastic, featuring a separate species at the top of the food chain. (George R.R. Martin's "Fevre Dream" is one such work.) With most assumptions of vampire fiction radically changed, it's almost a whole different genre.
Lisa DuMond, E.E. Knight, Elizabeth Miller, Peter Watts
Why did Firefly Fail and Angel Succeed?
Joss Whedon's Mutant Enemy Television has spawned two very successful shows ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel"), but his latest creative effort, the Western-in-space called "Firefly," has just been declared extinct. What is it about the Angel/Buffy-verse that made for better TV than the world of "Firefly"?
Christopher Garcia, Colleen Hillerup, Christine Mak, Robert Vogel
Big Girls and Boys' Toys: women in post-cyberpunk hard and military sf
One of the major trends in contemporary sf is the presence of women writers who have been visibly influenced by the cyberpunk movement. These writers are mixing and matching traditionally masculine genres (hard sf, hardboiled detective fiction, military sf, cyberpunk, spy thrillers) to create stories that don't fit neatly into traditional sf categories. What's going on here? And what do these writers have to say about the future of sf in the post-cyberpunk era?
Elizabeth Moon, Chris Moriarty, Kristine Smith, Wen Spencer
more of a mixer than a panel, since the audience will be encouraged to get up and mingle. I have buttons from SFf.net and hopefully some other items to share. It's a great and growing community.
Columbia Remembrance & Space Celebration
A memorial for a lost ship and crew. A celebration of our belief in the space program and its contribution to humanity. The discussion takes the form of another artistic expression; a painting, book cover, movie or a kind of music named "Filk." Such "conversations" between artists have existed in all genres since Man first committed Art, and are worthy, themselves, of fannish attention. This panel bings writers and songwriters face-to-face to read excerpts, perform music inspired by the excerpts, and discuss their themes, motivations and the creative process. Come eavesdrop!
Sally J. Headford
Join the action as two teams try to assemble a poem from scrap. Audience participation is encouraged!
David Clink, Herb Kauderer, Timothy Anderson, Scott Edelman
Children and Literature: Sicence Fiction and Fantasy
Lisette Boily, Roland M. Green, Terry Pratchett
Ken Wharton
Ann Zeddies
Terry McGarry
Does black leather turn you on? Did you really like Mrs. Peel's leather jumpsuits? What about simple things like leather gauntlets and harness? Whatever your interest in costuming with leather, stop by; learn a few things; exchange leather dreams.
Kevin Roche
This is a Space (Exploration) Program?
The last ten years has seen less manned exploration of space than the first 3 years did of its history. A recent report stated that NASA funding levels kept at 1960s levels would be $100b, not the humble (many say pathetic) $15b it currently gets. Is this intentional? Are we gearing up towards a great outburst of manned exploration, or will it continue to be moribund? Can this be changed, and how? And who should be running the show? Bureaucrats? Politicians? Engineers? Scientists? Private enterprise? SF Geeks?
Dave Creek, Henry Spencer, David Stephenson, John Strickland
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Spiderman
Herb Kauderer
David B. Coe
Filk music has been around for a long while. Here are songs that stand the test of time (nothing newer than 1990, and older is better)
Joey Shoji
One of the most respected of Canadian musicians, Stan's music is always popular in the filk community. Our own "Decadent" Dave Clement hosts a circle presenting Stan's music.
Eloise Beltz-Decker
The commonest style in the Midwest. A free for all, where anyone can jump in. There may be a host or filk ghod/dess to ensure fair play.
Decadent Dave Clement
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Conversations with Dead People
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Spirited Away
Steven Macdonald
You thought filk was only a decade or two old? Here's music from the fifties, sixties and seventies. (Pre-1980 filk)
Lee Gold, Barry Gold
The commonest style in the Midwest. A free for all, where anyone can jump in. There may be a host or filk ghod/dess to ensure fair play. Songs with an international flair.
Paul Kwinn
The Publishers' and Editors' Views on "What Sells?"
What sells? A view from publishers and ediors? Come hear the experts speak.
Joshua Bilmes, Ginjer Buchanan, Scott Edelman, Gordon Van Gelder, Andrew Wheeler
The process of evolution involves convolving carefully husbanded diversity with a chaotically and opportunistically explored environment, with the added complication that the environment is itself no less malleable to the gene than the physical carrier we call the body. This differs so much from the popular view of directed evolutionary development towards superior forms that it is hard even to compare the two. Yet public policy tends to be informed by the latter, and much bad press for evolution has ensued. How can we instill in people a more accurate notion of how evolution works, and in consequence how the natural world will respond to our actions and policies? Given a better understanding, how should our policies be different?
George Flentke, Karl Johanson, G. David Nordley, Peter Watts, John Wilson
Carving a 6" block of foam into a costume is one method, but does not allow for errors. Come learn a different approach by building up layers of foam, then carving out the details.
Chris Kramer
Morning Sing: Oh, What a Beautiful Morning
Songs for the early risers you know who you are! (Saturday)
Globalization and Anti-Americanism
The popular concept of Globalization is commonly of homogenization of many facets of life: choice of music, food, clothing are increasingly become less varied, and seemingly more American. Is anti-AMericanism an outgrowth of the growing tide of Anti-Globalization, or are the two unrelated? As SF is mainly an American phenomenon, could there be a backlash against the genre?
Russell Blackford, Harry Harrison, Justine Larbalestier, Paul Levinson, Mike Moscoe
Book Launch: Open Space/Island Dreams
Mike Glyer, Connie Willis
Elizabeth Humphrey
Science Fiction in the Classroom (SFC): Keynote Address
Participants then choose between a Language Arts Focus or a Science Focus
Catherine Asaro
Harry Potter Jeopardy - Round One
Janice Eisen, Lisa Ragsdale
Shotokan Karate Workshop. This will be an ACTIVE workshop for beginners and intermediates. No prior experience required. Fans will be asked to participate. Attendees will learn simple martial arts moves, some martial arts secrets, will slowly perform a basic sequence, and may even break a sweat. Hope to see you there!
Kenn Bates
Write a Haiku by noon, or start that Pantoum. Our wonderful instructors will teach a specific poetic form and you get to try it out. No experience necessary! Today's Class: Susan Manchester will teach Sestina.
Susan Manchester
Robert Heinlein "Pay It Forward" Blood Drive
Join fellow con-goers as we welcome our guests of honour and officially open Torcon3. Reception will be followed by a concert by Canada's own inimitable Spider Robinson (concert starts at approximately 10:00pm).(Light refreshments and cash bar)
Stanley Schmidt
Steve Saffel
Ellen Klages
China Mieville
The Computerization of, Well, Everything
Finance, industry, the military (soon to include authorization to pull the metaphorical trigger). Car engines, voting machines (don't get us started), watches, artificial limbs, scooters, vacuum cleaners. Does rampant computerization ever stop? And if not, what will be left for puny humans to do?
John Bartley, Charles Cohen, Karl Schroeder, Mark Van Name
It's a Book, It's a Game, It's...
It's a fairly well-known fact that the Wild Cards universe started as a superhero role-playing campaign. Then it spawned "GURPS: Wild Cards," coming full circle. Authors who've been through the experience discuss making books out of gaming (such as Stephen Brust's "Dragaera" series) and games out of books ("GURPS: Vorkosigan" comes out soon).
Paul Barnett, Lori Cole, Ed Greenwood, Steve Jackson, Janna Silverstein
What Do You Mean, You Don't Stock The Staff Of Saruman?
Most costumes need props of one type or another, whether it's fans, guns, picture frames, or magic mirrors. not every store sells them, and you need to customize them even if you can buy them. Find out tips on turning your $5.00 axe into the "real" thing.
Maral Agnerian, Dawn McKechnie, Kate Morgenstern
Using the Folklore of Canada in Fiction
The folklore of Canada seems to surface only rarely in fiction, though there is a wealth of traditions - and a healthy menagerie of fantastical beings - to be found here. What material is there, and how does it interrelate? What is most relevant to the Canadian and international audiences? And in what ways can it (and should it) be used?
Celu Amberston, Alison Baird, Derryl Murphy, Guy Gavriel Kay, Jean-Louis Trudel
Reviews: the Good, the Bad, the Vicious
Why should SF be reviewed? What makes a good review? Should writers read their own reviews? Difference between a review and a critique?
Scott Edelman, Craig Engler, Karen Haber, Donna McMahon, Michelle West
It's over a hundred years since "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" (1900) was written, and even longer for "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (1865). But we still seem to be coming up with new adaptations and interpretations for both. What explains their lasting appeal?
Edward Einhorn, Esther Friesner, W. Randy Hoffman, Suford Lewis, Roberta Rogow
Readings: Open Space/Island Dreams
Is your child forever playing dress-up with your fabric collection? Come to our discussion of what to do next to create and show off your enwst costume. How about the local Masquerade?
Persis Thorndike, Talis Thorndike Love, Joni Brill Dashoff, Jared Dashoff
Spider Robinson
SFC: Reading, Writing, & Literacy through SF
Science fiction is a gold mine for language arts teachers, from its building blocks of imaginative storytelling and the communication of ideas, to the way SF explores societal issues and concerns of relevance to students. Join this panel of editors, authors, educators, and librarians as they discuss science fiction as literature, including where to look for those great student-ready stories.
Betsy Mitchell, Pat York, Bonnie Kunzel, Cathy Palmer-Lister, Terence Green, Robert James
SFC: Bringing Science to Life through SF
Science fiction can do so much more than provide examples of bad science from the movies. It can reveal how real science happens, who is involved, who might be affected, and turn what can seem a block of unfathomable knowledge into a vibrant, human activity -- full of creativity and consequence. Join this panel of educators who use the power of fiction to inspire and teach their students
David DeGraff, Donna Young, Jordan Raddick, Jeanne Cavelos, Hal Clement
Discrimination Reading 3: Lisa Tuttle
Lisa Tuttle
Kinderfilk - Musical Chairs Filk Style
Kate Soley Barton, Paul Kwinn
Jack Krolak
All Torcon3 members are invited to meet and mingle with the Canadian Aurora award nominees. (Light refreshments and cash bar).
James Stevens-Arce
John Clute
George R. R. Martin
Stephen M. Stirling
David Brin
Though their pursuits are not mutually exclusive, religion and speculative fiction are almost complete anathema to one another. When religion is depicted in SF, more often than not it is ridiculed as superstition, derided as a pursuit of less advanced minds. Why is this kind of discrimination acceptable? Why are there not more proudly religious characters in SF?
William Dietz, Phyllis Gotlieb, John G. Hemry, David Honigsberg, Patrick McGuire
15 People On A Postage Stamp Stage - What Do We Do Now?
Want to be part of a megagroup? Find out what you need to start one and design an effective presentation.
Cary Conder, Pierre Pettinger, Sandy Pettinger, Jacqueline Ward, Julie Zetterberg
Meet the John W. CampBell Award for Best New Writer Finalists
The five finalists for the JWC award and a moderate. This is a discussion of how the finalists for the JWC award made their professional debuts. What kind of backgrounds do they have? Where did they submit work? To what do they attribute their success? This is of interest to writers who would like to make a professional debut some day.
Charles Coleman Finlay, David Levine, Karin Lowachee, Wen Spencer, Ken Wharton
The 50th anniversary of ACE Books! What is in ACE's future?
Ginjer Buchanan
Jordin Kare, Kathleen Sloan
Filk inspired by a literary source has some special techniques. You don't want to just retell the story. So, what do you do.
Stephanie Bedwell-Grime, Lee Gold, Brenda Sutton
Developing Your Convention's Web Site
A workshop illustrating some of the common questions that your website should cover, and some of the deisgn and navigation issues you need to consider.
Janice Gelb, Blars Larson, Sharon Sbarsky, Rich Zellich
Writing a Good Science Fiction or Fantasy Story
Our Panelists discuss the important characteristics of what makes a good science fiction/fantasy story.
Edward Einhorn, Thomas Seay, Kathryn Sullivan
Dr. David Stephenson, noted Canadian space physicist and con stalwart, speaks on interplanetary craft to be developed by 2067.
David Stephenson
The Science Fiction Oral History Association
The Science Fiction Oral History Association (SFOHA) is a non-profit organization that maintains an archive of audio and video recordings of historic people and events related to science fiction. Come hear what they're about.
Michael W. Gardiner, Anne KG Murphy, Dick Smith
SFC: Fiction from the Science Writing Workshop
Learn how to guide students through their own science fictional exploration of the world starting from scientific concepts, current issues, and even illustrations. Warning: wonder is likely.
Diane Turnshek, Herb Kauderer, Kristen Britain, Caitlin Sweet
SFC: Science from the Fiction Workshop
To solve the problem posed in a science fiction short story, participants will design, build, and test a working prototype vehicle. All materials and testing equipment will be supplied. Caution: fun is inevitable!
Tony Czerneda, Sarah Elliott, Rocky Persaud, Marcel Gagne
Children's Programming Closed for Lunch
Feminist Reading 2: Elizabeth Hand
Elizabeth Hand
Are you new to fandom and Worldcons? Stop by with your questions and we'll introduce you to fandom.
Rose Lillian, Dave Gallaher, Lloyd Penney, Pat Sims, Bobbi Armbruster
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Showing of the Hugo Nominee: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Writers must know what they are writing about: or do they? How much research is enough? Must you know and identify your target audience (hard science/trek/fantasy) first? Is there a minimum amount of science an sf author needs to know.
William Dietz, John Dupuis, Terry Pratchett, Sheila Williams, Connie Willis
Frequently, alien sex is depicted as being exactly the same as human sex, with differences in superficial biology only. But what if the Venerians are not just us with bad haircuts and bigger, say, ears? How might truly alien beings enjoy sex? Assuming "enjoy" is the right word.
Bridget Coila, Glenn Grant, Lawrence Schoen, Robert Silverberg, Amy Thomson
Attrition warfare with men and machines is fast becoming as obsolete as smokestack industry. If the ultimate goal of war is to destroy your enemy's will to resist, what shall we have at our disposal to wage war in the future?
Paul Chafe, Charles Cohen, J