Stories of the future - science fiction, foresight and the future

The organisers at NatCon have annouced draft topics for a series of panels at this year’s conference.

I’ll be sitting on the panel: “Where the futurists got it wrong - Aaah, the 21st century at last. But where’s my personal rocket pack, and why doesn’t my mobile work in Halls Gap?”

If you have any comments about the topic, please let me know.

The types of things I’ve been thinking about include:
- examples where SF writers have conceived of futures before they’ve come to fruition
- the inspiration SF has provided for scientists and inventors to create (ie. Jules Verne’s books inspired many of the folk at NASA to dream and think about space travel)
- the role of SF and Futurists in creating a ‘future history’ that informs how we think about the future
- conception is half of creation: which is precisely why some SF authors have argued for the patenting of ideas in their stories

For a list of all the NatCon panels, visit http://www.natcon.org.au/2007/Program_Panels.htm.

Alessio

I wonder if it ever crossed Alessio’s mind that a girl (his girl) could hack into his own website. Well.. let’s just say it’s now been done.

How are things in the world of this up and coming author’s “other half”?
Well… other than the constant questions as to the whereabouts of Alessio (and when he’ll be back), and “Wow, what’s Clarion?” and “Gosh, six weeks- that’s AGES… do you miss him?” I’d say fine. I’m seriously considering getting that T-shirt printed though. You know… the one that says “Yes- Alessio is away. He’s at Clarion South- please see the website for further details: www.clarionsouth.org, or see his blog site www.storiesofthefuture.com”. I wonder if everyone else’s partners are experiencing the same.

Anyway, Alessio (if you read this- which I’m sure you will seeing as you seem to be religiously updating this blog site you’ve so brilliantly created). You’re doing a fantastic job at Clarion- haha subjective probably BUT, granted the late nights you’ve described and thousands of words being written and read… I’m sure you’re doing great! Such a brilliant opportunity! We’re all glad back home that you’re making the most of it .

My final note- please try and come home in one piece, so we can hear all your adventures first hand!

Linny.

Well, it’s official, the list for Clarion South 2007 has been posted. Myself, and 16 other people, will attend the 2007 workshop. Can’t wait….now I just have to get into ‘writing training’ for the next few months.

Alessio Bresciani (VIC)
Chris Green (VIC)
Chris Lynch (QLD)
Daniel Braum (USA)
Jason Fischer (SA)
Jason Stokes (ACT)
Jess Irwin (NSW)
Jessica Vivien (WA)
Laura Gooden (NSW)
Lyn Battersby (WA)
Melaina Faranda (NSW)
Michael Greenhut (USA)
Michele Cashmore (QLD)
Peter Ball (QLD)
Richard Pitchforth (QLD)

For more information, visit the site Check it out at www.clarionsouth.org.