World Fantasy Convention

[darkbow]

The World Fantasy Convention is in Columbus, Ohio, this year (2010) from Oct. 28-31.

I know it's a bit early, but is anyone planning to attend?

[Ropespor]

I am! The theme this year--humorous fantasy--ties in perfectly with my forthcoming first novel, Knight Terrors: The (Mis)Adventures of Smoke the Dragon.

Nicholas

[tchernabyelo]

I'm strongly considering it. Depends on a lot of things, though.

Didn't know there was a theme - thanks for that, Nicholas. Humourous fantasy isn't so much my thing...

[Ropespor]

Yeah, each year there is a different theme that shapes or informs some of the special panels, although of course the panels and readings cover the whole gamut of spec fic. So, even if you're not into a particular year's theme, rest assured there will be PLENTY to draw your interest (there are usually anywhere from 3 to 5 panels and readings going on at any one time, most of which are NOT on the theme).

Last year's theme was Edgar Allan Poe (in honor of his 200th birthday).

[Ropespor]

ONE WARNING: If you are thinking of going, get your membership well in advance. I was planning to attend last year--I'd even been booked to be on one of the panels--but when I went to buy my membership in September I discovered they had sold out (it was nearly two months before the convention!).

[Jaqhama]

Is the 'world' fantasy convention always held in America?

[Ropespor]

Is the 'world' fantasy convention always held in America?

It was held in Canada two years ago, but I think it usually is somewhere in the continental U.S.

[darkbow]

It's held in Canada roughly once every decade or so. Also been to London at least a couple of times, but it's generally in the U.S. You'd think Japan, Australia, France, Germany and a handful of other places with speculative fiction elements would warrant the con, but not as of yet.

[Scott M. Sandridge]

Well, since I live in Columbus, Ohio, it'd be silly of me not to attend. Might be the only chance I get to go to one of the big ones for a long time.

[DSCrankshaw]

It's only a month away now, so it's probably time to start talking about this one again.

I'll be there. It looks like I'll be doing a reading, in fact.

[Ropespor]

Awesome! When will you be reading?

[DSCrankshaw]

Unfortunately, I don't know yet. Black Gate's planning an off-program reading either Friday or Saturday. We'll have to wait and see how the schedule works out.

[Ropespor]

Yes, the Black Gate reading--that's the one I thought you were referencing. I plan on being there! John O'Neill is doing something in conjunction with Jason's Rogue Blades Entertainment (BG authors one night, RBE authors the other night). I may be reading at one of them, but don't know yet.

I am DEFINITELY on a panel: BEYOND MODERN HORROR, Saturday 10 am. Fun! (Although, why a horror panel first thing in the morning? I'll probably be recovering from Friday night. The horror!)

[DSCrankshaw]

Okay, finally got confirmation. I'll be reading from "A Phoenix in Darkness," a short novel coming soon to Black Gate, on Saturday night in the Madison room (unless we're bumped to the room next door). I don't know when exactly I'll be going, but it should be one of the earlier slots in the Black Gate reading, which starts at 8 pm.

EDIT: Okay, not so early. It looks like I'll be on at 9:10 pm.

[Ropespor]

DS, I just missed your reading--I dropped in on the BG reading about 10:00 pm on. It looks like there was a pretty good turn-out!

WFC was a blast. I wish I could get in a time machine and go back again.

[DSCrankshaw]

It sure was fun. Fortunately, there'll be another one next year.

The Black Gate reading was a blast. It went on longer than I expected. It was still going when I slipped out around 11:30 pm.