For Charles Brown, science fiction and fantasy were part of a vast and far-reaching conversation stretching back more than a century, spanning genre, theme, technique and more, engaging readers, writers, and critics. Our panelists provide their perspective on the conversation, where it's taken them and where it might be taking all of us.

Science fiction can often treat nature, even an intriguing alien environment, in a very sterile manner. By contrast, both fantasy and nature writing often celebrate nature and make the reader want to run outside and explore. How can writers use the language of nature writing to help bring alien countrysides to life? What are some of the good and bad examples of writing about the great outdoors in science fiction, fantasy and nature narratives?

How are cross-cultural inflences manifested in Science Fiction? We look at the impact of both modern and ancient cultures on on SF. How, say, has American SF been affected by Japan? What are the trans-Atlantic influences in play? We expect a wide-ranging discussion.

Starting with the early works of William Gibson, Bruce Sterling, and others, Cyberpunk was a major influence within SF in the 1980s and into the 90s. Where is Cyberpunk today? What do we see when we look beyond the convention North American view and past the confines of the strictly written word?