Whew~! Readercon was a whirlwind, as expected, but so much fun. I had so many great panels, and I wrote down so many inspiring thoughts and quotes from fellow panelists. Two in particular from Vandana Singh: “There is an artificial line between nature and culture.” and “Shiva was a bisexual god before he got appropriated by mainstream Hindus.”
But now it’s time to gird my loins for Worldcon in Seattle! I leave in less than a week. But guess what…?
Fan Expo Boston
I got added to the Fan Expo Boston author lineup as well, being wrangled by Lovestruck Books, the absolutely fab new romance bookstore in Harvard Square, which has a huuuuge romantasy section, nice erotica section, and lots of other squee-worthy genres.
So this Saturday, August 9 I’ll be autographing Magic University at 11am at Fan Expo, along with Elizabeth Skarpnes (To The Gallows|on Bookshop & Amazon) and I.V. Ophelia (The Poisoner | on Bookshop & Amazon).
Then at 9pm I’ll be on an 18+ panel/writing workshop on How to Write a Sex Scene with Kim Swizz and I.V. Ophelia! The three of us will be giving advice (in graphic detail if necessary) on how to wring every last bit of pleasure from writing sex scenes! Whether you’re trying to keep it as low key as possible or you want to turn up the heat, we have techniques to share!
Fan Expo Boston is held at BCEC (Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, right next to the Westin Seaport.)
THEN, it’s off to Seattle Worldcon!
My Worldcon schedule is spread out over five days and four different venues:
WEDNESDAY 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Writing Sex Scenes Workshop
Room 330, Seattle Worldcon (convention center)
This will be a deep dive into how to write sex scenes really well — but here’s the trick: it’s actually a deep dive into how to write ANY scene really well.
Sex scenes are a building block of fiction, akin to fight scenes, car chases, family arguments, and other set pieces that a plot may require. If you’ve ever wanted to write better sex scenes (or any sex scenes at all, if the whole concept feels intimidating), this class will delve into the craft. I will present tools and techniques for approaching these scenes and making them work for both readers and characters, and how to tailor them to your genre or subgenre. We’ll also discuss pitfalls to avoid and subjects like content warnings.
Advance sign-up is required for workshops and table talks. The details on how to sign up is on the Seattle Worldcon website. Online reg for Wednesday events starts on Sunday, August 10th. Everything else is 24 hours before. In-person signups can also be done in room 236 (Program Ops).
THURSDAY 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Panel: Erotica & Horror: Polar Opposites or Twins Separated at Birth?
At Concurrent in the ACT Theater (across from the Sheraton).
With ML Krishnan (M), Cecilia Tan, Sumiko Saulson, Diana Pho, Coral Alejandra Moore
Erotica and horror—two genres guaranteed to make certain moms mad when they find the book hidden in your bedroom. Two genres that every other genre has tried (at times) to put down as schlock or trash. Why? What is it about literature that evokes strong visceral physical reactions from the reader that makes people so afraid? (And is “paranormal romance” their love child?)
Admission is free at Concurrent, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
THURSDAY 7:00pm to ?
Event: Writers With Drinks! Superstars of Queer Fiction
At Town Hall Seattle (1119 8th Avenue, 2 blocks from the Sheraton)
With Charlie Jane Anders, Annalee Newitz, Becky Chambers, Darcie Little Badger, Andrea Hairston, Cecilia Tan
An evening of queer speculative fiction! Whether you’re a Seattle local or you’re in town for Worldcon, enjoy readings by six authors of queer science fiction and fantasy whose work spans galaxies and realities.
Admission Required: Sliding Scale $10-$35
FRIDAY 1:30 – 2:30
Table Talk
Room 430, Seattle Worldcon (convention center)
This is one of those get-togethers where we can sit around talking somewhat informally in a get-to-know-you setting! Some cons call this a “kaffeelatsch” (but I believe one must bring your own caffeine to this one).
Advanced signup is required (through Worldcon online in advance or at program ops, Room 236 in the convention center).
FRIDAY 8:00 – 8:30
Reading
Room 429, Seattle Worldcon (convention center)
I will be reading from Bound by the Blood, my kinky paranormal thriller, which I’m currently serializing on Patreon, and which will be published in January 2026.
All members of the Worldcon may attend.
FRIDAY 9:00 – 12 midnight
BOOK PARTY
Room #TBA, Sheraton Hotel
Details to be figured out, but I’ll be hosting a book party in my room at the Sheraton. Come by and talk about erotic sf/f just like in the old days? (We just don’t call it a Circlet Press party anymore, now that I don’t own Circlet!) Other authors to be announced!
You don’t have to be staying in the Sheraton to attend the party! (The Sheraton is the official party hotel and there will be other parties going on, too!)
SATURDAY 3:00 – 4:00 pm
AUTOGRAPHS
Garden Lounge (3F), convention center
My “official” autographing at the con. Sally Kobee of Larry Smith Booksellers will have my books in the dealers room, including some copies of the Magic University collectors edition hardcover she picked up from me at Readercon. Visit her before you come by! (It would appear the Dealers Room is on the second floor, and the autographing area is on the third floor…)
And that’s it! See you there!
