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busy

Preliminary Panels
So this list isn't really THAT "preliminary," since the deadline's today, but I wanted to put out what our panel schedule is probably going to look like -- unless something changes between now and 11:59pm EST tonight -- and put out a call for last-minute panelist volunteers. If something looks interesting to you, call dibs! We'll take panelists all the way up to the Con, but you won't get your name on the schedule after tonight.

All panels are in Edgewood, in the Hyatt, unless indicated otherwise.

Friday, August 29
1pm: Welcome to Weyrfest!
Welcome, one and all! You've traveled from far and near to mingle with fellow Anne fans -- now's the time to find your friends, meet our staff, and endure our director's litany of housekeeping nonsense. Charlotte Moore, Angel Adams, Diana Blount, Susan Martin, Nicole Kosoris, John Harrison

2:30pm: A Reading with Anne and Todd McCaffrey -- International North
Anne and Todd read us an excerpt from their latest work. Anne McCaffrey, Todd McCaffrey

4pm: No One Noticed the Cat -- or Did They?
It's no secret that cats figure hugely into both Anne and Jody's books. What gives? Dogs are supposed to be man's best friend -- so what makes cats so well-suited for space adventures?

5:30pm: Roleplaying 101
You've read the books, you've written the fics. But can you actually ride a dragon, mine Black Crystal, or get yourself stationed in a Tower? The vast world of RPGs says you can. Learn the ropes to interstellar travel. Charlotte Moore

7pm: Dragon Poker!
Life on Pern can be rough -- hard physical labor, a lack of natural resources, horrible death from the skies. But the Pernese don't just cope: they deal. Bring your poker face and we'll show you what we mean (though we certainly won't show you our hand!). Angel Adams

8:30pm: Weyrfest Latchkey
In the spirit of Petaybee, bring your drums, poems, guitars, songs, or just your friendly smile, and join in a gathering of old and new friends as we use the sharing our creations with each other as an excuse for a really good party.

Saturday, August 30
10am: Dragon*Con Parade
Rise and shine -- it's time for the parade! Bring your Gather best, and meet up at our home base in Edgewood before we go to walk in one of Dragon*Con's biggest events.

1pm: A Reading with Jody Lynn Nye
Pull up a chair as Jody shares a passage from some of her latest work. Jody Lynn Nye

2:30pm: Lost in Translation
There may be only one language on Pern, but Anne's books have been translated into dozens, reaching millions of readers across the globe. A host of panelists read to us in several languages, then discuss how our experiences are different -- and the same. Charlotte Moore, Thomas Edgar, Joyce Lanterman

4pm: 101 Ways to Kill Your Characters
By fan request: if there's one thing we know about space, it's that Gruesome, Horrific Death happens. A lot. How have Anne and her coauthors done away with their characters, and how might we torment our own fanfic victims?

5:30pm: Dragon Sex!
A Weyrfest fan favorite returns! We discuss, in no uncertain terms, the dirt (the dirty, dirty dirt) on the process -- and pleasures -- of dragon reproduction on Pern. Adult language is common, so we don't recommend this panel for attendees under 16. Charlotte Moore

7pm: Weyrfest Costume Contest
You got all dressed up for the parade -- now show us the fruits of your creative labor! Come dressed as your favorite Anne McCaffrey character for a chance to win some really terrific prizes. MC'ed, as always, by Jody Lynn Nye. Jody Lynn Nye

Sunday, August 31
10am: Interplanetary Pioneers
Many of Anne's novels deal with interstellar exploration and colonization. What do we find so appealing about this theme? What does it take to be a colonist? If you could buy a one-way ticket to a brave new world, would you?

11:30am: Q&A with Anne, Todd, and Jody -- Hanover C-E
Anne and her coauthors bring us up to speed on their latest literary efforts, then take your questions. Anne McCaffrey, Todd McCaffrey, Jody Lynn Nye

1pm: Anne McCaffrey Trivia
Brush up on your reading -- it's time for our annual trivia contest! Form teams with your friends as you fight for the title of Anne McCaffrey trivia master!

2:30pm: The McCaffrey Legacy
In 1967, Anne set out to improve the image of dragons across the world -- but in doing so, she set the standard for women in science fiction. Where would sci-fi be without her? (And, for that matter, where would dragons?)

4pm: Threadfall: Some Perspective
We've all had daydreams about saving the world with our dragon partners. But is the prospect of high-speed death-by-spore really all that glamorous? Todd gives us a pilot's point of view. Todd McCaffrey

5:30pm: Cover Art Hits and Misses
Everyone's got their favorite cover artists -- Michael Whelan, Rowena, Brom, Steve Weston, Gino d'Achille, John Ennis. Who represents Anne most faithfully? Does anyone? Charlotte Moore

7pm: Art Contest Results
After much hemming and hawing, our judges have decided upon the winners of the first annual Weyrfest Art Contest. Come hear the results as we support all of our wonderful artists! Todd McCaffrey, Charlotte Moore, Angel Adams

8:30pm: Weyrfest Game Night
Come put your feet up after a long day of hustling back and forth between events. Practice your Dragon Poker skills with friends, or try your hand at the Dragonriders of Pern board game by Mayfair!

Monday, September 1
10am: A Reading with Todd McCaffrey
Todd takes us back to Pern as he shares an excerpt from his latest novel. Todd McCaffrey

11:30am: A Brief History of Psychics
A major unifying theme of Anne's novels -- from Pegasus to Pern to Petaybee -- is the socially and personally transformative power of psychic Talent. What's the appeal? Are we all a little Talented ourselves?

1pm: Remembering a Time When
Year after year, one of the things that draws us together is the simple fact that Anne's books have reached out and touched our lives in some way. Come spend some time sharing memories of favorite books and characters, and why they have special meaning.

2:30pm: The Worst Pern Movie EVER
A return to a 2006 favorite! With another iteration of a Pern film in the works, there's plenty of speculation about who will star in, write, and direct it. But what if it went horribly wrong? Let's hear the best of your worst ideas!

4pm: Dead Dragon Party
Alas: all good things must come to an end. Join as we bid farewell to our Pern friends -- until next year!

Updates will follow as more information comes in. Stay tuned!

I'm keeping this entry for my own reference, but please see the updated schedule posted on August 17.