So last Friday, April 6, I decided to play hookey take a personal day from work and attend the Jack Williamson Lectureship in Portales, NM. This was the 42nd annual Lectureship.  Jack Williamson was a Professor of English at Eastern New Mexico University.  The Lectureship was established in 1977, when he retired.

I had always wanted to go, especially since I moved out to this part of Texas.  Portales is just under two hours from my house. I needed the break, so I went.

Boy, am I glad I did. I didn’t realize until i got there just how badly I needed the getaway.  It was like visiting a home I hadn’t realized existed and being united with family I never knew I had.  I will be returning next year.  By the time I left for home, the Williamson Lectureship became second only to Howard Days on my calendar.  (Those who know me will understand the significance of that statement.)

I’d like to thank Betty Williamson, Jack’s niece, for her hospitality and generosity during my visit.  Betty oversees the Lectureship and has done a remarkable job of keeping Jack Williamson’s legacy alive.  Jack was one of the most original and innovative science fiction writers of all time, and much of his work is sadly unavailable these days outside of second hand bookstores.

S. M Stirling reading from his forthcoming novel.

I arrived just before things started.  S. M. Stirling was the GoH.  He kicked off the program by reading from his forthcoming novel, Black Chamber, the first of a new series that comes out in July.  His reading lasted an hour and a half.  Most of the audience read along with him; his publisher comped the audience with advance copies.  I took advantage of the opportunity to have mine signed, as did many of the other attendees.

Next was an excellent lunch of tacos.  Connie Willis was the toastmistress.  If you’ve never heard her speak, she is hilarious. S. M. Stirling then gave a keynote address. He discussed the impact Jack’s books have had on his life and his writing. Among those in attendance were Walter John Williams and Joan Saberhagen, widow of Fred Saberhagen.

Not knowing anyone, I was sitting at a table by myself when Betty Williamson invited me to join her table.  Stephen Haffner had put me in contact with her beforehand.  I’d like to thank her for her invitation.  After lunch, I visited with Betty’s husband, who told me about his relationship with Jack. It was a great conversation, and I appreciate his taking the time to talk with me.

The campus B&N had a table set up selling books of the authors in attendance along with some titles by New Mexico authors.  There was also a selection of Jack Williamson titles, and I picked up several replacement copies.

Connie Willis’s daughter taught a class on forensic photography.  I missed that due to a coffee and run and just wanting to catch my breath.

l. to r., Betty Williamson (moderator), Walter John Williams, S. M. Stirling, Emily Mah Tipppets discuss writing.

The afternoon continued with three panel sessions.  There were two panels each hour, IOW a total of six panels.  I attended panels on writing, small presses and self-publishing , and writing time travel and alternate history.  All of the panels were lively and informative.  The panelists were interesting and informative.  The moderators left a lot of time for questions, and the distance that sometimes exists between an audience and a panel wasn’t there.  The panels, in fact the whole event, had an intimate feel about it.

Connie Willis and S. M. Stirling discussing time travel and alternate history.

After the panels came the worst part of the day.  I had to go home.

Jack Williamson was one of the first science fiction writers I ever read, and unlike some, I’ve continued to read him to this day.  I only had the privilege of meeting him once. (I’ll write more about that in another post.)  I’ve looked at several of his works recently.  (Golden Blood and “Wolves of Darkness“)  There will be more in the months to come.

I had a fantastic day.  My biggest regret is that I couldn’t be there for the Saturday morning writing workshop Connie Willis did.

I will make every effort to return next year.

Jack Williamson looking over my shoulder. I wish he would do that while I’m writing.