The RTMC Astronomy Expo will be held from May 22-26, 2014 at Camp Oakes just outside Big Bear City, California. The Astronomy Expo is an exciting event where amateur astronomers see new developments in telescope making, check out commercial telescopes brought by numerous vendors, listen to presentations about astronomy and observing, and have the chance to socialize and observe the night sky. You can learn more about the event at the RTMC Astronomy Expo website. The keynote speaker is Dr. Steve Howell, Project Scientist for NASA’s Kepler Mission, seen here enjoying his copy of Human Tales.
Steve and I co-edited the anthology A Kepler’s Dozen, which features thirteen stories set around planets discovered by the Kepler Telescope. In addition to Steve’s keynote presentation, the two of us along with Anna Paradox will present a panel discussing the anthology at 2:30pm on Saturday, May 24. Our plan for the panel is to discuss the ways science fiction can be used as an education resource and an inspiration for scientists, plus we’ll look at how science fiction writers are informed by discoveries in astronomy.
Whether on a prison colony, in a fast escape from the authorities, or encircling a binary star, A Kepler’s Dozen contains stories written by authors such as Mike Brotherton, Laura Givens, and J Alan Erwine which will amuse, frighten, and intrigue you while you share fantasy adventures among Kepler’s real-life planets. Of course we’ll have copies of the anthology on hand at the Expo. But, you don’t have to wait, visit the Kepler’s Dozen page to learn how to get a copy today!
David Lee Summers' Web Journal 
This looks fabulous. Ordered.
Thank you so much! Enjoy!
Great anthology idea, David–getting science fact out of science fiction. BTW, I’m about ready to interview you about your work out at Kitt Peak. Hope all is well.
Thanks, Chris! Things are well and busy! I’m hoping to put the finishing touches on a new novel tomorrow and submit it, then my daughter graduates high school on Thursdays. Busy week! I’ll keep an eye out for the interview.
Glad to hear it–you do have lots in the basket. I’ll take my time and come up with some good stuff, I hope. My publisher asked me today about you, since we’re launching a whole new boxed series of astronomy articles. Optical telescopes is one of the main sub-topics. I thought you’d fit right there. You can furnish me with your direct email address by emailing me at
stevenson_333@msn.com
I’ll get you in my accepted files and have a way to reply.
Just sent an email, Chris. Talk soon!