Tag Archives: Worldcon

Worldcon Schedule

We’re almost there. Only a few weeks to go. And the schedules are coming out (still subject to a bit of change of course) but here’s mine so far…

Invasion and the Irish imagination

Format: Panel
15 Aug 2019, Thursday 11:00 – 11:50, Wicklow Hall 2B (CCD)

The history and culture of Ireland have been shaped by invasion, from the mythologisation of Lebor Gabála Érenn (‘The Book of Invasions’), set down in the 11th century, to the arrival of the Normans and English in subsequent centuries. How has Irish fantastic literature engaged with this history? How is it similar to, or different from, other post-colonial fantastic literatures? And how do contemporary Irish SF writers tackle invasion and its aftermath in their work?

Jo Zebedee, Ian McDonald, Dr Jack Fennell, Ruth Frances Long (M) , Peadar Ó Guilín

Introduction to Irish SFF

Format: Panel
15 Aug 2019, Thursday 14:00 – 14:50, Wicklow Hall-1 (CCD)

This panel is the ideal starting place for anyone unfamiliar with Irish SFF. There will be a brief overview of the genre as a whole and how it relates to Irish culture and history, as well as reading recommendations. Later in the convention there will be panels covering the topic in more detail from a variety of viewpoints.

Nick Larter (M), Dr Máire Brophy (ADAPT Centre) , Dr Jack Fennell , Ruth Frances Long

Kaffeeklatsch: Ruth Frances Long

Format: Kaffeeklatsch
15 Aug 2019, Thursday 16:00 – 16:50, Level 3 Foyer (KK/LB) (CCD)

Ruth Frances Long

Stroll with the stars: Saturday

Format: Stroll
17 Aug 2019, Saturday 09:00 – 09:50, Ground Floor Foyer (CCD)

Ruth Frances Long, Vanessa Rose Phin (Strange Horizons) , Sazib Bhuiyan (Can With Candle) Sheila Williams (Asimov’s), Kate Baker (SFWA, Inc. & Clarkesworld Magazine), Kieron Gillen

Fairies and Irish folklore in YA

Format: Panel
17 Aug 2019, Saturday 12:00 – 12:50, Liffey Room-2 (CCD)

Banshees. Leprechauns. Fairy rings. We all know the Irish myths… don’t we? But do they still have power for modern readers? What do we need to understand about the fae folk? And what importance do these traditions have in modern YA stories? Our panellists will explore the influence of Irish myth, folklore, and legend in YA over the years.

Ruth Frances Long (M) , Susan Connolly , Sarah Rees Brennan, Peadar Ó Guilín

(Seriously, for moderating this one, I am thinking of bringing a whip… you’ve been warned.)

Autographs: Saturday at 14:00

Format: Autographing
17 Aug 2019, Saturday 14:00 – 14:50, Level 4 Foyer (CCD)

Ruth Frances Long, Anna Stephens (HarperVoyager UK), Emma Newman, Fred Gambino , Sarah Gailey , Alec Nevala-Lee

Is the musical a work of fantasy?

Format: Panel
17 Aug 2019, Saturday 16:00 – 16:50, Wicklow Room-1 (CCD)

Everyone knows the rules of a musical: all street urchins perform impeccable choreography, every lonely goatherd can carry a tune, and all sisters wear matching outfits differing only by colour. The setting of a musical is as fantastical as a fairy court or witch’s cottage. But does this escape from reality count as a fantasy setting?

Ruth Frances Long, Gabriella Gomez (Science fiction bokhandeln) , Neil Williamson (M) , Marguerite Smith (Dublin 2019) , Lee Harris (Tor.com Publishing)

Group Reading: Fiction for Kids and Young Adults

Format: Group reading
18 Aug 2019, Sunday 16:30 – 17:20, Alhambra (Point Square Dublin)

Dublin 2019 presents a special group reading for lovers of children’s and young adult fiction. Our authors provide a range of stories and topics that are sure to delight and entertain!

Christine Taylor-Butler (M), Delia Sherman, Ruth Frances Long

Irish myths and legends for children

Format: Panel
19 Aug 2019, Monday 14:30 – 15:20, Odeon 5 (Point Square Dublin)

Ireland is rich with stories and legends that have been told and retold to children over the years. What is it about these stories that give them such staying power? What role do these tales fulfill in their original forms? And how do we keep them feeling fresh and new for the coming generations?

Ruth Frances Long (M) , Nigel Quinlan , Deirdre Thornton (Dublin City Libraries), Dr Claire Collins (University College Dublin), Mr Michael Scott

I’m also planning to be at

Octocon presents: The Golden Blasters

Format: Awards

18 Aug 2019, Sunday 14:30 – 16:20, Odeon 1 (Point Square Dublin)

Octocon is proud to co-host this year’s Golden Blasters with Dublin 2019. Now in their tenth year, the Blasters are dedicated specifically to the art of the short film and screenplay in the genres of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Please join us as we show you the finalists for this year’s awards – the winners of which will be decided not only by our panel of judges but also by you, with the coveted Silver Blaster audience award. So be sure to come along and help decide which film will take home this year’s Blaster.

So if you’re at Worldcon, make sure to say hello.