Westercon 64 - San Jose, CA, July 1 - 4 2011

So, I went to Westercon 63 this year. Check out my previous blog posting regarding the event. It was in Pasadena (so right around the corner from my house) so I checked it out. If you are a fan of Science Fiction writing and reading and you live on the west coast take a gamble and visit the conference. A lot of major writers from the west coast show up.

In 2011 it will be in San Jose at the Fairmont Hotel. I love the city and the area this is in. I doubt, due to the 4th, that I'll make it up for this event. But, if you reside in the by area, you should check it out.

Their 1st progress report for 2011 is up, so go the website for more info.

Check out their website:
Westercon64

NECON 31 - Bristol, Rhode Island, July 2011

The Northeastern Writers Conferences otherwise known as CampNecon will have its 31st retreat next summer at Roger Williams College.

This is thee major writer's conference for horror and dark fantasy and related genres. Look at the guest list and schedule of past events. I think all major writers in this genre make at least 1 pilgrimage to this event.

It is on my list of conferences to go, but I doubt 2011 will by my year.

Check out their website:
Necon

Wild WIld West Steampunk Con 2011 - Tuscon, AZ, March 4 - 6

This is an inaugural event. Can't say much more than that.

Take a look at their website:
Wild West Con

SteamCon III 2011 - Bellavue, WA - October 14 - 16

I will be posting a bunch of Steampunk Conferences/Cons today.

SteamCon III is as the name would suggest the third one. Although some would say the genre dates back to Verne and Wells, only in the last couple of years have I seen that this movement (art, literature, music, fashion, DIY ...) has really come to fruition.

This year's event is taking place from Nov 19 - 21 at the Seattle Convention Center. The theme is the "Weird Weird West". This year James Blaylock and Cherie Priest are the major guests.

Anyway, if this is your genre, take a chance.

Check out their Website:
SteamCon III

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2011 - Los Angeles, CA

This annual event held every April at the UCLA campus is sponsored by the LA Times in association with UCLA. A wonderful weekend event for all lovers of books. Always an amazing lineup with interesting lectures, seminars, booths, readings, and other events. They attract over 130,000 people over the weekend.

Go. Take the Family. You'll have a great time.

Cost: Free

Their Website:
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

LOSCON 37 2010 - Los Angeles, CA, Nov 26 - 28

I went to LOSCON several years ago. Well, it was before we had kids. Wait let me go check with my wife...

Okay, we narrowed it down to either November 2000 or 2001. Anyway, we were living in downtown Los Angels at the time and had come across it in the LA Weekly and thought why not. Although both big readers at the time, I hadn't even thought about writing during this period.

We had a great time. A lot of people show up and as I recall in a panel with Orson Scott Card and Harry turtledove one of my favorite remarks was made during the Q&A section ... "Yes, I believe the man in the Kimono had a question."

I've never been back. Not because of a lack of interest. No, more about timing. It is always held over Thanksgiving weekend. And for several years, we went back to my in-laws in Oklahoma (go Sooners) for Thanksgiving, then we bought a house, then kids .... yadayadayada.

This year, I'd love to go, but the weekend before I will be in Pittsburgh for Steelers/Raiders game, so I doubt I can swing two weekends of "no dad".

That being said, if you're living in Los Angeles, you should drop by.

This year's theme is Steampunk.

Cost: $40

Check out their website:
Loscon37

MythosCon 2011 - Pheonix, Az, Jan 6 -9

Okay this is a conference/convention for those interested in all things HP Lovecraft. At the past Killercon, Adam Niswander (the MythosCon's organizer and main backer) had a party advertising the event. Honestly, the man went all out in terms of snacks and alcohol. We chatted with him a bit and it is very clear he is putting a lot of heart and soul into the conference (and a lot of his own money). The guest list is pretty stellar in terms of fantasy/science fiction/ and horror writers.

Honestly, I like HP Lovecraft, but am no way a die hard fanatic. But, if the family wants to get away for the weekend, I just might go ... it seems like he is going all out and it might be nice to experience it.

Cost: $100 now or $125 at the door
Location: Missions Palms Hotel/Conference Center in Tempe $165/a night

Check out their website:
MythosCon

Life the Universe and Everything 2011 - BYU, Utah, Feb 10 - 12

So, until last year I had never heard of this symposium. However, after attending Superstars of Writing in Pasadena, I was made aware. This is a free conference with an academic bent, similar to Eaton at UCR. However, there are several classes/lectures about how to write genre fiction taught by known published authors. Previously, I've posted plotting excerpt clips from Dan Wells. These snippets came from LTU. In addition, there are several other clips from last years conference up on YouTube.

I doubt very much that I'd be able to get out to this. However, I just wanted to spread the word.

Cost: Free

Check out their website:
Life the Universe and Everything

2011 Eaton Science Fiction Conference - UC Riverside, CA Feb 11 - 13

UCR is maybe a 35 minute drive from my house, but I have never attended this conference. I plan to change that for 2011. This is an academic conference and is based around The Eaton Collection at UCR ... small blurb from their website:

The Eaton Collection is the largest publicly-accessible collection of science fiction, fantasy, horror and utopian fiction in the world. It consists of hardback and paperback books, pulp magazines, fanzines, film and visual material, comic books, and ephemera. It is housed in the Special Collections Department of the UCR Libraries, located on the fourth floor of the Tomás Rivera Library.

In 2011: The following individuals are already listed as conference speakers:
Harlan Ellison
Nalo Hopkinson
China Mieville

Registration is $70 for a day $135 for entire weekend.

Checkout their website:
The Easton Conference

Killercon 3 - 2011 - Las Vegas,NV, Sept 22-25

I've been to the first two and I do plan on going to this one. The first was fantastic, not only did my sister and I meet a lot of fellow horror/paranormal romance/thriller writers, but we made two good friends ... and really that's the name of the game.

As you read previously, we just returned from the second event. There was definitely some technical difficulties and a far small number of attendees. But we had fun just the same. In fact, when leaving, I thought it may not come back. So, I was surprised and happy to hear they are already in full swing for #3.

The venue has changed from the Palace Station to the Stratosphere, probably for the best.

In addition, Wrath had RJ Cavender (Cutting Block Press) and Bailey Hunter (Dark Recess Press) working with him.

The guest for 2011 will be Peter Straub. I have to say, Ghost Story is still in my top 3 horror novels of all time. Read it if you haven't. Just make sure to read it while the sun is out.

Anyway, tickets are $99.

Check out their website:
Killercon

International Thriller Writers Annual Thrillfest 2011 - NY,NY July 6 - 9

Never been, but I do have it in my personal bucket-list.

The annual events encompasses 3 events: Thrillerfest, Craftfest, Agentfest.
Once again, if you are writing in this genre get out to New York, take a stab at it.

Anyway, check out their website:
ITW

Gen Con 2011 - Indiana, August 4 - 7

Okay, I'm taking the information right from there website ...

Gen Con Indy is the original, longest running, best attended, gaming convention in the world. For over 41 years, Gen Con Indy has been setting the trend and breaking records. Last year, more than 30,000 unique attendees experienced Gen Con Indy. The biggest complaint we hear is that there is simply too much to do, see, and experience. Get lost in a phantasm of art exhibits. Stare at jaw-dropping costumes, or better yet, wear one of your own. Meet the movers and the shakers in the gaming industry. Check out the newest games and get a sneak peek at the latest editions.

Anyway, my buddy Pete informed me about this conference and he got a lot of good writing advice from Michael Stackpole at it.

Also, when you think about marketing or networking as an author or creative type, go were there is a strong likelihood of buyers of your shit. I'm sure if you look at a Venn diagram of sci-fi/fantasy/horror readers and gamers there would be a large intersection.

After Pete spoke to me about it, I realized that one of my favorite graphic novels (and now an online comic) Dork Towers made a lot of references to said confernce.

I hope to attend as soon as I have something to promote

Check out their website:
Gen Con

Social Capital

I'm going to pull a lot of my previous grad school crap out of my hat for these series of articles. I think one roadblock of many creative types is their lack of understanding of the business side of art. I firmly believe that if you eventually want to make a full-time living with your art, then you need to treat it like a business. Don't get nasty. What I mean is that you need to have two sides: the artist and the business person.

Since, this month, I've been listing conferences, I want to talk about networking. Sometimes people hiss when the word is mentioned. They associate superficial relationships or chamber meetings where you pass out business cards.

Listen.

No one succeeds alone. Learn to network in your artistic community.

Social capital is built by design, not by chance or happenstance. Wayne Baker, "Achieving Success Through Social Capital", wrote:

Studies show that 'lucky' people increase their chances of being in the right place at the right time by building a "spider web structure" of relationships that catch information ... Success is social: all the ingredients of success that we customarily think of as individual - talent, intelligence, education, effort, and luck are intertwined with networks.

When you attend conferences, conventions, artistic groups, seminars, classes, you build social capital in a number of ways.
- Friendships
- Industry insight
- Referrals
- Expertise
- Trust

Also, artists are typically hermits, it allows you to get out of your dark office or basement ...

Anyway, start thinking about it, you'll see more posts regarding networking during the month.

Romance Writers of America Annual Conference 2011 - NY, NY June 28 - July 1

My only insight into the romance field is my wife. She eats the books up like they are going out of style. She used to get the RWA magazine and I glanced through it as it has information for writers in general. Also, in terms of genre, romance is thee biggest seller. What piqued my interest were the ads regarding their annual conference ... the sure size and scope. I joked around that if I was a far younger man (and in far better shape ... and not married) and knew about the event in my 20s, I would have made it a yearly pilgrimage.

Anyhow, I won't be going. However, the event will be in Anaheim, California in 2012 ... and who knows

Check out their website:
Romance Writers of America

Dragon*Con 2011 - Atlanta, GA, September

I've never been, but I met some people at the Superstars of Writing Seminar who spoke very highly of it.

The following blurb is right from their website:
Dragon*Con is the largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe!

It is huge. In fact, I want to say it is the San Diego Comic Con of the South with more emphasis on Sci-Fi and Fantasy, but roughly the same. A large amount of attendees and guests.

This annual 4 day event was launched in 1987 and has grown to 30,000 attendees.

I eventually will go and it will be an excuse to see my buddy in Atlanta.

Checkout their website:
Dragon*Con

World Mystery - Boucheron - St Louis, MO Sept 15 - 18

This year the event is up in San Francisco, but I will be unable to go and I seriously doubt I will go to the St. Louis event (cost, priorities, ...) That being said, if you are a mystery fan or wannabe author, get your ass to this convention.

Look at the list of attendees...

Check out their main website:
Boucheron

San Diego International Comic Con - San Diego, CA July 21 - 24

Add this event to your bucket list.

Honestly.

I've been to this event on-and-off since undergrad time in San Diego ... almost 20 years ago. I've watched it grow from a strictly comic-book geek smell-a-thon to a multi-media pop culture phenomenon.

Rules to remember or the 3 Bs of Comic Con:
(1) Buy your tickets on-line ASAP - they sell out every year ... oh the days when you could just show up
(2) Book your hotel WAY WAY WAY in advance, or commute from National City or Carlsbad
(3) Bring deodorant

And listen, the event is no longer just for comic lovers ... no that changed long ago. In fact, I strictly go for the publishers (almost all the big houses are there) and the writing seminars.

I also enjoy meandering the autograph area to see who they dug up ... and they find a lot of obscure people.

Tickets are not on sale as of yet, but keep a look out.

Check out there website
San Diego Comic Con

World Science Fiction 2011 - Reno, NV, Aug 17-21

Also know as Renovation - This is the 69th annual World Science Fiction Convention. It is currently running in Australia as you are reading this.

WorldCon is the annual convention for the World Science Fiction Society. The five day long event has been held each year since 1939 with the exception of four years during World War II. Locations have included the United States, Canada, Australia, England, Scotland, Germany, and The Netherlands. Science fiction and fantasy fans have traveled from all over the world to attend, including Japan, Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Norway, Finland, Croatia, New Zealand, and Russia. In recent years the Worldcon has typically attracted between 3,000 and 6,000 attending members.

The 2011 convention will take place as the Reno Convention Center. Memberships are around $150 and room rates at the three hotels they are suggesting run from $119 to $149 per night.

The Hugo awards are handed out at this convention.

I've never been, but the sure size suggests I should attend. However, my rule will be that if I don't have something to plug, push, sale, market, or pitch ... I won't attend ... but I sure would like to ... I mean I've never been to Reno.

Check out their website:
World Science Fiction 2011

When anyone can be a published author

I know this is the month I go over conferences, but this is an interesting article.


When anyone can be a published author

World Horror 2011 - Austin, TX, Apr 28 - May 1

World Horror ... enough said.

Okay, I went to World Horror when it was in San Francisco several years ago. I had just finished my first novel and at that point knew very little about the industry. A perfect example, of not using my time wisely. I had a wonderful time, but I didn't pitch, I didn't really reach out or network, I didn't attend any parties. Suffice to say, a lost opportunity, but never again.

The price of the conference is $150 and the room rate at the hotel is $119 per night.

Joe Hill, Steve Niles, Brian Keene, Joe Landsdale and many others will be there. In fact, Brain Keene will be running a writing workshop. And Black Static magazine is running a short story contest (you have to have a membership when submitting).

So listen, if you attend, here are some rules ... #1 go to the bar and drink - easiest way to make friends, #2 do a little research on the people attending, #3 go to the readings and listen to new writers/authors, #4 volunteer.

Anyway, their most recent progress report is up online.

Although, I will definitely go to World Fantasy, the only way I will be going to Wold Horror is if I have a finished horror novel.

Here is a link to the website:
World Horror 2011

World Fantasy 2011 - San Diego, Oct 27-30

So, after attending the 2009 World Fantasy, I do have to say, if you are a writer of Sci-fi, Fantasy, or Horror, or any derivation of those, you must attend. Also, if you are a reader or fan of any of those genres or derivation,s you should attend.

From a fan standpoint, I doubt you will ever have as many favorite authors in one place. In addition, the price of a ticket is offset, by the huge amounts of free books you receive. In 2009, I required an extra suitcase to carry my swag home.

From a business standpoint, well I've been told by an expert (David Hartwell) that this conference is the main conference to meet the editors/publishers/agents in the field.

The theme for 2011 is:

Sailing the Seas of Imagination
“The seas” of all kinds have been an ongoing theme in fantasy, covering everything from the Flying Dutchman to “The Ship Who Sang.” But the “seas of imagination” denote more than just literal waters of various worlds. They include the lands to which we sail; the plants, animals, and people we find; and artists’ renderings of these exotic lands. We will explore all these and more.

Major guests include: Neil Gaiman, Conie Willis

Okay, not a personal as other conferences (they have over 800 attendees), but if you got something to pitch, sale, or you want to network, plan on attending.

Here's the link:

World Fantasy 2011

I'm Back

So, wondering where I went?

Work, fatherhood, and an entire list of other excuses is all I have to offer. That being said, I spent this past weekend in Las Vegas with my sis at the 2nd Annual Killercon. Just what I needed to get the creative juices flowing again.

The highlight of the convention was spending time with our friend Pete. Basically, we have solved all of the publishing industries' woes. Just hire us and we'll provide you with a wonderful strategic plan to become a successful author and build fans ... we just need to follow our own advice and finish some friggin stories. Too bad Cassandra couldn't make it, next year.

All right, well the convention has its share of drama. We received a text while en route explaining it had moved hotels. Fine, we drove, so we kept our room at the Palace Station (which is filing for bankruptcy) and then ventured over to the Stratosphere. Surprisingly, it took awhile for the hotel ambassador to find the convention and after running around an Inception like hallway, we found ... an empty room. We returned to the Palace Station hoping to find fellow writers hanging out at the bar as the year before ... not a single one.

Where was everyone?

Anyway, we returned to the Stratosphere Friday morning, and the convention started. It was quite clear the number of attendees had dropped ... which was sad. But, we enjoyed the talks, drinking, and meeting fellow writers. In fact, the weekend was too short.

So what does the month of September hold:
(1) The blog will be about various conferences and networking
(2) My writing goals - need to go back over them ... I'll keep you posted