Weird Tales Fiction Editor Ann VanderMeer at World SF Con, Hugos

I haven't seen Ann for a week, and given our busy schedules, with her prepping for WorldCon, I thought an interview for the blog was probably the only way I'd have time to ask her about what she's doing for it. (I'm staying home and working.) So, drumroll, here's my interview with Ann about the upcoming WorldCon...What are you most looking forward to at WorldCon?You want me to pick only one thing? I am excited about the panels I am on--been working hard to prepare for them. But especially looking forward to meeting all those people I have known up to now only virtually and also re-connecting with my friends and colleagues. I wish I could tell you that I was looking forward to the Pub Crawl with Jim Minz and Jetse de Vries but alas I will miss that as my time is very limited there.Can you give us an idea of your panel schedule, and who else is on panels with you?Here is my schedule:Thu 7:00pm, in P-516D - The Function of a Cover?Tom Doherty (moderator), Ann VanderMeer, Beth Meacham, Dave HowellDescription: Why is there cover art at all---what's the purpose? The real reason why you see what you see on a cover: The publisher's intention isn't to show you a pretty picture, it's to intrigue you in the split second you glance at the book.Fri 2:00pm, in P-518A - Steampunk: Fish or Fowl?Anabel Anaya, Ann VanderMeer (m), Lev Grossman, Milt Stevens, Stefania Forlini, Liz GorinskyDescription: Is it fantasy? Is it SF? Is it an approach to design? Whatever the case, steampunk has been getting lots of attention lately. Writers and readers explain what it means for them.Fri 5:00pm, in P-516AB - Handicapping the Hugos II: The Short FictionAnn VanderMeer (m), Jonathan Strahan, Karen Burnham, Niall Harrison, Bill FawcettDescription: Our panelists survey the Hugo-nominated short stories, novelettes, and novellas: they tell us what they want to win, what will win, and why.Fri 10:00pm, in P-516E - SteamPunk!Ann VanderMeer, Christopher J. Garcia (m), Kristin Norwood, Nick MatthewsDescription: What is SteamPunk, and why is it the latest craze? Is it just Victorian clothing with goggles, or is it something more?Sat 9:00am, outdoors - Stroll With The StarsAnn VanderMeer, Cory Doctorow, Gay Haldeman, Joe Haldeman, Peter Atwood, Stu SegalDescription: A gentle, friendly 1 mile stroll with some of your favorite Authors, Artists & Editors. Leaving daily 9AM, from the Riopelle Fountain outside the Palais (corner of Ave Viger & Rue deBleury), returning before 10AM.Sat 1100am, in P524C - Weird TalesSession ID: 571Ann VanderMeer, Stephen H. Segal, and all WT writers that show up! (Nir Yaniv is confirmed and Peter Atwood is a possible)Sat 5:00pm, in P-511A - Playlists, Side OneAnn VanderMeer, Edd Vick, Elizabeth Bear (m), Stephen H. SegalDescription: Panelists introduce samples of their 10 favourite science-fiction/fantasy songs from outside the filk world, from Charlie Poole to the Flaming Lips.Sat 6:30pm - Ann VanderMeer SigningSat 7:00pm, in P-510D - Ghost StoriesAnn VanderMeer, Jenny Blackford, Adrienne Foster (m), Sarah Smith, Jill Snider LumDescription: Come listen to some ghost stories! Sorry, no campfire (but we can dim the lights).Sun 18:00, in P-710A - Hugo Awards ReceptionDescription: Reception for the Hugo award nominees, presenters and guests.What's the walk of stars all about?The Walk of Stars is this wonderful new tradition conceived by Stu Segal. Each morning a group of people get together to walk and talk. Stu schedules a list of stars (I am almost embarrassed to be on that list) and anyone can join us for some exercise to start the day. It’s a great idea and I am contemplating attending the other mornings in addition to the one I am signed up for. (And BTW - I can’t to meet Stu)Besides your panels, is there anything you want to attend at WorldCon?I am sure there are other events to attend. I’ve yet to see a complete schedule but I have already been invited to some parties and I know of some panels I plan to attend.Do you think you'll see much of the city while there?Probably not, and that’s a shame. I fly in Thursday and fly back out on Monday. Duty calls and I am limited on my time. Of course, that didn’t stop me from buying a guide book or trying to brush up on my French!What do you think of when you think of the Hugo?Oh, gosh…. I can’t get the image of the Rocket Ship out of my mind. How cool would it be to bring home one of those???Are you excited about attending the ceremony? What will you be wearing?I am very excited and I can’t believe you are asking about my dress. Do your readers even care? I selected a very beautiful pink and white flowery, flowy dress. My daughter says it’s very Floridian. I will stand out in the crowd of basic black but that’s ok. The main thing is I’ll be wearing wonderful pink shoes with a cute kitten heel. They match the dress perfectly. I am also wearing some bling that YOU bought me. Cheryl Morgan told me it was OK to Glam it up, so I am.