Real World Adventures

A Conventional Year

So this year is going to be (and, might I say, already is) rather spectacular. For one thing, three of my books are going to be published. By one of my favourite publishers. With launches at Forbidden Planet. I mean, that could be the only thing happening and I’d be chuffed to bits.

However, there are lots of other things happening that I’m very excited about: conventions and lots of them. Last year (October to October) was my first year as a convention attendee and I had a fabulous time. If you’re thinking about going to a convention or three this year, I thought it might be helpful for you to see which ones I’m going to in case any take your fancy. I’m going to tackle this chronologically as it’s the easiest way to order them.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all UK conventions, I hasten to add, these are just the ones I’m going to this year in the UK and US.

Microcon
When: 23rd February 2013
Where: Exeter University

Why: Several friends have said it’s a small and friendly con which seems like a perfect first event of the year. They’ve had Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman there as guests in the past.

Website: No website (which is a real shame, as it was hard to find useful current info) as everything seems to be being handled through the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/483391935046868/

Sci-Fi Weekender
When: 1st – 3rd March 2013
Where: HAFAN Y MÔR HOLIDAY PARK, Pwllheli, North Wales

Why: I went to the one last year and had a fantastic time. It’s nice to meet people who are fans of SFF in all mediums and I made several friends there that I’m looking forward to seeing again. SFX magazine isn’t involved with it this year, so it will be interesting to see how different it is. Hopefully the new location will be better than last year (shudders at memory).

Website: http://www.scifiweekender.com/

Eastercon (The proper name is Eight Squared Con this year.)
When: 29th March 2013- 1st April 2013
Where: Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford

Why: I loved Eastercon last year; there was a great atmosphere and the bar was a fantastic place to meet other writers. Funny that.

Website: www.eightsquaredcon.org

CONvergence

When: 4th July 2013 – 7th July 2013
Where: Bloomington, MN, USA

Why: At a party during my US trip to Worldcon last year, Paul Cornell (one of the loveliest chaps I know) was singing the praises of this convention to such an extent I decided to give it a go. I’m already impressed by how friendly and helpful the organisers are and the panel long-list I’ve just seen is one of the best line-ups I’ve seen. I’m very excited and very nervous about travelling all that way by myself, but if what I’ve seen so far is anything to go by, I think it will be worth it.

Website: http://convergence-con.org/

Edge-Lit
When: 13th July 2013
Where: Derby Quad

Why: Last year’s event was small but I was so impressed by how well it was organised and how smoothly it went. I met some lovely people there too who I really hope will be there this year. We chat online, but it’s not the same.

Websitehttp://www.derbyquad.co.uk/special-event/edge-lit-day-ticket

Worldcon (Lone Star Con 3)
When: 29th August 2013 – 2nd September 2013
Where: San Antonio, Texas, USA

Why: It’s Worldcon! It’s big and crazy and there are dozens of parties and fabulous people to meet. I’ve been told that San Antonio is gorgeous too.

Website: http://www.lonestarcon3.org/

Bristolcon
When: 26th October 2013
Where: Ramada Hotel, Bristol

Why: I’ve been to two Bristolcons now, and both were great. As I’ve said before, it’s small but perfectly formed. Lovely people, big enough to have lots to see and be part of yet small enough to feel intimate. All in one day too and local for me, so nice and easy.

Website: http://www.bristolcon.org/

World Fantasy Con
When: 31st October 2013 – 3rd November 2013
Where: Hilton Brighton Metropole

Why: I was all booked up to go to last year’s Fantasycon but had to cancel last minute thanks to some unpleasant Real Life stuff. The reason I’m looking forward to World Fantasy Con is because so many people will be travelling from abroad to be there. The fact that China Miéville will be the Master of Ceremonies is just an added bonus. *coughs*

Website: http://www.wfc2013.org

So there you go, all the conventions I’m definitely going to this year. Will I see you at any of them?