Instead of talking about a trip I took in the past, today I want to look at a trip in the future: my journey to the familiar Boston Westin Waterfront hotel for this year’s Boskone science fiction convention. This is the 63rd Boskone, which is kind of amazing. Among other things, that means Boskone was around before Star Trek aired on TV, before Frank Herbert’s Dune or Larry Niven’s Ringworld were published in book form, even beore 2001 arrived in theaters! These dudes were into science fiction before anybody.

At this year’s convention I’ll be on three panels, plus an autographing session. I’ll also be at the Art Show reception and probably do some hanging around in the lobby bar. Say hi if you see me. Here’s my schedule:

Friday, February 13

5:30 p.m.: Horror as Comfort — a panel discussion about the ways horror fiction can sometimes be a source of solace and comfort to readers or viewers. Appropriate for Friday the 13th.

7:00 p.m. Aliens Without Limitations — a panel about aliens, particularly aliens which are superior to humans in most respects. How will we respond if we meet beings we cannot equal?

Saturday, February 14

1:00 p.m. Autographing — I’ll be right next to the dealer area, ready to sign books or anything else.

7:00 p.m. The Future of Libraries — Libraries continue to adapt to changes in technology and society, so we’re going to discuss what directions that might lead in the future.