WisCon: programme assignment

[bookzombie]

I've just had confirmation of my programme items for Wiscon so:

Title: Why Return a King (or Queen)?

 "Why are fantasy writers from democratic countries so fascinated by monarchy? Why is The Return of the King assumed to be a good thing? And why do some women writers seem to adopt monarchy and just substitute a queen instead of a king? Is it just easier to write 'in the tradition', or are there deeper forces at work? "
 Sunday, 10:00-11:15 A.M.
 Capitol A

M: Georgie Schnobrich
Chris Hill
Tamora Pierce
Sarah Monette
P. C. Hodgell


Title: Martha Jones: Made of Awesome or Disappointing Stereotype?


 "The third series of the new Doctor Who heralded the addition of Martha Jones as the main companion. Fans of color cheered the news and many loved her first the first episode. But as the series went on, some fans found a lot wanting in Martha's character and put the blame squarely on the shoulders of the writers and producers. Now that Martha's Series Three character arc is complete and her guest episodes on Torchwood are also complete, we can examine her role in the Whoniverse. "
 Sunday, 10:00-11:15 P.M.
 Senate A

M: Michael D. Thomas
Joanna Lowenstein
Chris Hill
Marna Nightingale
Ariel Franklin-Hudson


I'm particularly pleased to be on the first panel as this is a subject that has fascinated me for ages (and I'm pretty sure I've ranted about it on a panel before now!)

Comments

[peake.livejournal.com]

On the subject of kings: I remember attending a panel at one American con populated by some of the biggest names in American fantasy, talking on something close to this subject. The thing I realised was that, despite the fact that they all claimed to know a great deal about history, not a one of them was aware that there was any difference between feudalism (introduced in Britain 11th century, pretty well extinct by the time of the Black death 14th century) and the divine right of kings (theory first propounded late 16th century, most closely associated with the reigns of James I and Charles I early 17th century). I came to the conclusion then that the reason so many American fantasy writers were keen to write about Kings was that they hadn't the foggiest idea what they were talking about.

[olivia-circe.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow, your first panel is going to be kind of amazing, I bet. What a fabulous group of people, and a really fascinating subject. I hope I can make it!

I am super excited about our panel, too! :D