It’s Worldcon time, my second in attendance in Glasgow and my fifth overall and this time I’ve volunteered for, and been given, some things to do on the programme. So, if you are coming to Glasgow for it, here is where you can find me:
Thursday 8th August, 19:00 hours, Alsh 2 – Languages of Scotland – A foray into the multiple historic languages of Scotland and how they exist today. I am moderating what should be a fun conversation on a more multi-lingual country than you might expect.
Friday 9th August, 16:00 hours, Argyll 3 – Gallus: An Anthology by the Glasgow SF Writers’ Circle – As you’re no doubt aware, I’ve co-edited an anthology of work by the Glasgow SF Writers’ Circle and this is our launch. Come along to learn about the book, meet many of the writers and buy a copy. There will hopefully be wine and home baking, should you need further encouragement.
*Updated* Friday 9th August, 19:00 hours, Barra – Mars Attacks – I have a habit of running stupid games at conventions and this year I bring you the return of one of my favourites, Mars Attacks. A chance to form a team and show off your engineering skills as you compete to hit the planet Mars with a chocolate based projectile.
Saturday 10th August, 16:00 hours, Clyde Auditorium – Nothing, Nowhere, Never Again – The latest in the great tradition of Reductio Ad Absurdum plays (the 2005 Worldcon one got nominated for a Hugo) and I’ve volunteered for back stage wrangling. So you won’t see me, but I’ll be there. It promises to be very silly.
Sunday 11th August, 11:30 hours, Castle 1 – Alasdair Gray: Writer. Artist. Visionary. – I’m very excited to moderate this discussion on the life and work of one of Glasgow’s greatest writers, Alasdair Gray. I shall be asking questions of some very learned people and we will aim to encourage the audience to go out and sample more of Alasdair’s work.
Sunday 11th August, 19:00 hours, Castle 1 – Doctor Who and Scotland – A panel I’m not moderating which gives me the opportunity to waffle nerdily about Doctor Who and its connections to Scotland.
Beyond these items I also intend to drop into the Ceilidhs. I have a great enthusiasm for the ceilidh dancing and like nothing better than swishing my kilt. Thursday night’s is an almost certainty and, while I like the idea of the Monday evening one, we shall have to see how the convention has left me. But if you fancy a hop and a skip, I will hopefully be there. And don’t worry if you don’t know the dances, they are reasonably straightforward and everyone is very friendly about helping you learn.
At other times I shall be simply knocking about, quite often talking toot in a bar somewhere, and am very happy to say hello to anyone. I am also terrible on names and faces, so please do not take any offence if I look at you strangely when you come up to me. It’s nothing personal, I can struggle with my own family. Below is how I currently look, although I’ll not necessarily be in a kilt if it’s not ceilidh time.
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