M49 Programming Brainstorm

Information about how to create an account and edit this page is at the bottom of the Main_Page. Folks are also welcome to submit ideas to the programming department at programming@minicon49.mnstf.org

GOH Specific Ideas

Catherynne M. Valente Interview

Attend an interview with the multi-Hugo nominated and Hugo Award winner Catherynne M. Valente

SF Squeecast

Experience or discuss the previous incarnations of the Hugo awarding winning Podcast with SF Squeecast co-host Catherynne M. Valente.

Janny Wurts Interview

Attend an interview with the multi-award winning author The Cycle of Fire trilogy, Wars of Light and Shadow, and Empire Trilogy.

Don Maitz Art Slideshow

Art by Don Maitz including Fantasy, Maritime, and who could forget, the "A little Captain in ya" Captain Morgan.

Janny Wurts Art Slideshow

Art by Janny Wurts including Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Art of the Cosmos

Catherynne M. Valente Concert

In addition to her writing credits, Ms. Valente is also an accomplished musician. Would she be interested in a spot in the concert schedule?

Live Art Demonstration

Don Maitz

Live Art Demonstration

Janny Wurts

The History of the Prester John Legend

From the 12th to 17th centuries, the legends of priest-king Prester John were popular in Europe. The story captured the imagination of Europeans, who translated it into many languages and embellished upon the original story. What made this story go viral (by medieval standards)? How did the legend influence exploration, European expansion, and exploitation? Cat Valente has written two Prester John novels, The Habitation of the Blessed and The Folded World, with a third novel forthcoming (hopefully). She has also uploaded a YouTube video, Prester John: International Man of Mystery, explaining the history of the medieval legend of Prester John, as told by action figures.

Imagining the Conjurer

Don Maitz has several pieces of artwork depicting wizards, mages, and sorcerers. What information can be garnered of the personalities represented in his depictions of the conjurer?

Art

Industrial Strength Super Bubbles

Minicon will be later in the year than it usually is. Maybe we can combine this with Richard Tatge's Bubbles in an outdoor venue.

Knitting: It's Not Just a Hobby; It’s a Post-Apocalyptic Survival Skill

Learn the basics of knitting, and the role this skill plays in the lifestyle of SF fans. In the event of a worldwide catastrophe, what benefits would those of us with strong, nimble fingers bring to the new society?

Book Arts: Book mutilation as transformative work

This hands on panel will allow participants to carve, sculpt, etch, shape and alter books into new works. Glue, scissors, knives and other craft supplies will be provided.

DIY Filk

A roundtable event to create a song from scratch. Needs a two hour block of time.

Gaming

Matt McMillan Gaming Panel

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Literature/Writing

Maenads, Oracles, and Other Madwomen of Myth & Folklore

A bit touched, or privy to knowledge unknown to her female cohorts? A discussion of the frenzied, fanatical, and eccentric women that appear in the literature of the fantastic.

Page 117

Somewhere between "It was a dark & stormy night" and “the butler did it" lies page 117. If all you knew about a novel was the contents of page 117, would you read and/or buy it? Page 117s of well-known novels and fresh works are read aloud and discussed by the panelists and audience members.

Terra Incognita: The Role of Maps in Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature

A discussion of maps used in speculative fiction, either as endpieces or as part of the story. What are good (and bad) examples of maps of imaginary worlds? Can the inclusion of maps create problems? What can maps tell us of the modes of transportation, natural setting, and politics of the realm? Are maps for modern fantasy novels too modern (i.e. accurate)?

Books That Can Change Your Life

Profundity. Fiction can open a door, allowing a reader to explore new ideas and see things that didn't seem to be there before. How'd that happen? This description would be better if it were written by someone who knows something about writing.

I read that book and 20 years later it was a different book

Needs description

Science and Technology

M49 at M49

M49 is a elliptical galaxy in the Virgo cluster, and one of many objects that is barely visible in the city night sky with a telescope. An interactive discussion of parking lot astronomy.

Getting Medieval (Science) on Your *ss

The first institutions recognized as universities were established during the Middle Ages. What was the accepted worldview for citizens of the medieval world? Was it based on natural observation, superstition, or something else? What was the influence upon the arts, architecture, and literature of the time?