Division
appeared early on and seemed to be the theme of the convention, though all in a
light-hearted and intelligent manner. First up was during a panel entitled “All
But Actors on a Stage: Creating Memorable Characters” with Fiona McIntosh,
Robin Hobb, Stephen Gallagher, Suzanne McLeod, Jasper Kent and moderated by
Thomas F. Monteleone.
The opinion that
science fiction is driven by plot and fantasy by character was raised and
bandied about a bit before Robin Hobb provided several strong examples of
character led science fiction that pretty much blew that argument out of the
water, although it was an interesting way of looking at the perceived
differences between the two.
A panel with
diverse beliefs certainly led to an animated discussion that was worth
watching. You can make your own decision about which side of the argument you
are on but it was fascinating hearing about how the panellists begin their
approach to a story and how a character forms for each of them. Fiona McIntosh
describing how her characters in The
Lavender Keeper grew from a sprig of lavender was an excellent way of
reminding us that we all approach writing differently and can take inspiration
from anywhere.
From there I
went straight into “The Play’s the Thing: Style or Substance in Fiction” with
more division becoming evident from the offset. This time it was genre fiction
vs. literary fiction with Jack Dann, Ian R. MacLeod, Geoff Ryman, Lisa Tuttle
and moderated by Ellen Kushner.
The two sides of
this argument were boiled down to plot vs. no plot, good characters vs. good
prose, with literary fiction being hailed as having enviable, beautiful prose
and genre fiction being way ahead on narrative and characterisation. The panel
discussed which was more important. Well, both of course. What’s the point of
having beautiful prose if it does or tells nothing?
My first day at
wfc13 ended with the mass signing which – though not something I have ever
attended before, and with full lighting in the hall, lots of cramped bodies and
white tablecloths it did feel a little more academic than atmospheric – was a
great opportunity to chat briefly with authors, get books signed and meet
randomers in the many queues I found myself standing in.
More than
anything the mass signing was a reminder of how friendly and approachable the
authors and the other people who attend these events really are. It may not
seem like it to newcomers; at times it may feel daunting and cliquey, but just
put yourself out there and go for it. It’s also a great reminder that the
authors love to hear that people enjoyed their work – after all, they have
sweated, toiled and battled the dreaded writer’s curse over it.
Elloise Hopkins.
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