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.
Website: http://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?
I’m going to WFC, and I’m thinking about going to Edge-Lit, but it depends on the money situation. And BristolCon, of course!
I shall be at EasterCon, Edge-Lit and World Fantasy – sadly finances won’t stretch to a US trip this year, which is a pity. (Also, Texas in August? Ugh, no!)
Oh, and BristolCon too – almost forgot that one…
Ooh that’s a lot of conventions! 🙂 Hope you enjoy them all!
I’ll definitely be at Edge Lit and World Fantasycon. Hoping to get to Eastercon too if budget allows. Hope to see you around and say hi! 🙂
I’ll be at WFC, my first con ever! It’ll be cool to be able to meet you in person 🙂
Hi Emm
I’m going to the weekender, and probably Edge.Lit
I wont be going to any outside of the UK 🙁
Unfortunately with a wife who works nearly every Saturday con’s are a little difficult for me to attend.
Hope to see you at the weekender 🙂
Sean
Eight cons! No, no. It’s a nightmare!
I thought I might manage one this year – Natcon/Conflux 9 in Canberra – just to meet some of the Aussie writers I’ve been chatting with for the past few years. Also, it seemed like the obvious place to go to meet my new publishers (but it turns out they’re all off to the UK that week on a junket!)
One’s enough, I think. More than enough.
Unless you actually like meeting people and [shudder] chatting.
Edgelit is a definite for me – when I went last year was my first time at any con.
Need to see if finances & logistics allow me to get to Brighton too this year…
You, Em, are doing splendidly. Glad to see it. I am visiting my friends today to say Happy Valentine’s Day so Happy Valentine’s Day to you. What a great year you have planned.