I’d like to kick this off by congratulating the first place winner of the Garden State Horror Writer’s 16th annual writing contest, Mr. Larry Hodges! Larry, as you can see from the cover, won the lead story slot in this issue. If you would like to take a shot at winning the next contest, please drop by http://www.gshw.net/contests.html for details about the contest requirements and deadlines for this year.
We recently ran a poll on the Space and Time website asking folks if they plan to attend any science fiction conventions this year. A whopping 78% of respondents said, “You bet, so long as I have the funds.” I would like to offer the following suggestions to those looking for some great cons to attend in 2011-2012, based on my experiences as a guest or attendee. Hey, if you have the funds, may as well spend them based on someone’s recommendation, right? I should note that the majority of these conventions are East Coast based, since that’s the region closest to me. For more information on conventions in other areas, check out: http://www.sfsite.com/depts/cons01.htm.
Lunacon (http://2012.lunacon.org/): A moderate-sized, fun convention held in March every year, featuring some great literary guests, such as next year’s Guest of Honor John Ringo. One of the most notable features of Lunacon is its hotel, the Rye Town Hilton, which has been affectionately nicknamed the “Escher Hilton” by past attendees. Lunacon also features active and varied party options. A lot of big name authors, editors, and publishers pop up at Lunacon, due to its proximity to New York City, the heart of the publishing industry, so it is a great option for aspiring authors.
Balticon (http://www.balticon.org/): Held over Memorial Day weekend every year, Balticon boasts 24-hour programming over four days. It attracts top-notch guests - this year’s GoH is Dr. Ben Bova - and offers a diverse and hectic schedule of panels, special events, kaffeeklatches, and parties. You may need some No-Doz or the equivalent, but you certainly won’t be bored.
Philcon (www.philcon.org): The grandfather of all literary conventions, Philcon 2012 celebrates its 75th anniversary this November with GoH Cory Doctorow. Philcon has worked to diversify its offerings in the past few years, so you will find panelists chatting about everything from Lovecraft to the latest in Steampunk fashions.
Arisia (www.arisia.org): One of the few conventions that can boast a consistent growth in attendance, Arisia attracts fans of books, television, movies, costuming, and alternate lifestyles with its many and varied offerings. From panels to parties, dances to LARPing, going to Arisia is a great way to liven up a drab January.
Shore Leave (http://www.shore-leave.com/): Looking for a con with impressive genre media guests that’s a more manageable version of a Comic-Con? Want an alternative to wallet-draining for-profit conventions like Creation offerings? Look no further than the fan-run Shore Leave in July. Shore Leave draws guests from Star Trek, Stargate, Battlestar Galactica, and other familiar universes, while also hosting some of the best-known writers of tie-in novels, like Peter David and Keith DeCandido. They offer plenty of autographing and formal meet and greet opportunities, but most attendees agree that the best part is the opportunity for chance encounters with the celebs as they hang out in the hotel bar, thanks to the intimate setting of the event.
That’s about all I can fit in this issue. More tips to follow in Issue #115!
Hildy Silverman
Editor-In-Chief
Loading ...
