CONVENTION REVIEWS:


StellarCon in North Carolina By Michael D’Ambrosio


StellarCon is a wonderful little convention run out of


High Point, North Carolina in early March, catering to a range of different fandoms, exotic and familiar: Whether you’re into science fiction, fantasy, gaming, podcasting, or costuming, there’s something here for everyone. Drawing around 500 attendees a year, the convention is well run by the volunteer staff. StellarCon mixes an array of experienced and new writers in panels and signings making their guests accessible to the fans who attend. More information can be found at http://www.stellarcon.com/.


MidsouthCon in Memphis, TN By Michael D’Ambrosio


This was my first time participating in MidsouthCon in Memphis, TN. The staff there treated every guest like a Guest of Honor. The convention was well attended and appeared to draw close to 2000 fans over the weekend. I had the honor of moderating a panel with Michael Stackpole who is always a wealth of information about books and movies. The Memphis Hilton is a beautiful hotel with its cylindrical shape and pie-shaped rooms in an ideal location. For a taste of southern hospitality in a science fiction environment, I highly recommend MidsouthCon. For information and details on next year’s convention see their site at http:// www.midsouthcon.org/.


Library of Congress Review By Michael D’Ambrosio


Recently, I was invited to the Library of Congress to


speak to employees and members of the general public on the topic of Books to Movies and what happens to the story during the transition. This was my first visit to the LoC and I was in awe of the building’s splendor. The first thing that struck me was the artwork on the


walls, ceilings and even the floor. It was a blend of many cultures from various ages in history. As stunning as this was, I was more impressed with the meaning behind the artwork. For the time the building was constructed, 1897, the project is just amazing. While I, myself, am not a big art fan, the LoC did leave a lasting impression on me. I hope later in the year to return and spend a whole day taking in the Library’s décor and its thousands of volumes of books. The history behind the Library and its vast collections


of historical and scientific books is quite exciting as well. From Thomas Jefferson’s collection to The Guttenberg Bible, this is a trip back in time. A reader’s card can be obtained to allow for access to the


reading area and, if you’d like to spend time in the reading room, I do recommend obtaining one. I don’t think you can go to the Library of Congress just once. Its splendor will draw you back again and again. Visit their website at http:// www.loc.gov/index.html and see some of the programs and sites available to you. While parking can be tough in the DC area, the Metro Station is just across the street from the Library which is also called the Jefferson Building.


National Haunters’ Convention By Michael D’Ambrosio


The National Haunters’ Convention is held every year in Oaks, Pennsylvania, just north of King of Prussia, on the first weekend in May. This is a tradeshow style


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convention that featured an amazing variety of Hallowen/ horror vendors and exhibitors. There were several old-style hearses on hand with the appropriate decor (coffins, bodies) on display. Many special effects artists and vendors were on hand to demonstrate their products. From creating your own tombstones and corpses to full sized sets demonstrating zombies, witches and other undeadly creatures, some with working hydraulic parts! Of course, Fangoria and 13th Hour horror magazines were on hand to show off their mags as well. Classes were offered for those who want to make their own costumes and props along with the materials to do. Other classes were also available for writers (by yours truly) as well. The Travel Channel sent a film crew to show the convention as one of the attractions of the area. I was pleased to see other authors present, like CJ Henderson, Pat Thomas, Thomas Malafarina besides myself to promote books. This is one unique convention that is definitely worth checking out. For more information, check out their website at www.national hauntersconvention.com .


ANNOUNCEMENTS:


GLAWS WRITER’S CONFERENCE - If you have not already registered for The Greater


Los Angeles Writers Conference, July 20-22, 2012, it’s not too late to get the best Early Bird Discounts! Los Angeles Valley Campus! Early Bird Pricing has been extended for all mem-


bers of the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society, so register now! As low as $79 for one day and $199 for all three! Compare to Santa Barbara Conference at $625 or Compare to Romance Writers Conference at $495


Learn more about the whole program at: http://


www.wcwriters.com/glawc/program.html Register now and get Early Bird Discounts at:


http://www.wcwriters.com/glawc/aboutregsitration. html


2012 Hugo Awards - Deadline Approaching for Right to Nominate Chicago, Illinois, USA - Chicon 7, the 70th World


Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), today issued a reminder that the deadline is fast approaching to gain the right to nominate for the 2012 Hugo Awards and John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. www.chicon.org/hugo-awards.php. contact us at hugoad- min@chicon.org.


Advertisers Sought for Chicon 7 Souvenir Book - Chicon 7, the 70th World Science Fiction Conven- tion


Chicon 7, the 70th World Science Fiction Convention


(“Worldcon”), is pleased to announce that prices and terms for advertising space in the Chicon 7 Souvenir Book are now available. All advertising space must be reserved by June 15, 2012. The Worldcon Souvenir Book is the convention’s main


publication, and will be distributed to attendees at the con- vention and mailed to those members who do not attend. The publication features information on Worldcon history, the Guests of Honor, the host city, and the membership list, as well as a range of feature articles covering different as- pects of science fiction. The Worldcon Souvenir Book is widely read by the


members, with many collecting the books from the events they have attended. As such, it offers the perfect platform for professional and fan organizations to connect with conven- tion members. It will reach an audience almost exclusively composed of science fiction, fantasy, and gaming fans. Chicon 7 is offering full-, half-, and quarter-page adver-


ConNotations


tising space. Professional rates start at $300 for a quarter- page black-and-white ad and range up to $1,400 for a full page in color. Fan rates start at just $75 for a quarter-page in black and white and range up to $500 for a full page in color. Special rates apply for the inside front and back cov- ers (color only). All advertising space must be reserved by June 15, 2012, with artwork due by the same date. Full details can be found on the convention website at


www.chicon.org/pubs.php. For more information, write to the Souvenir Book advertising sales team at adsales@chi- con.org.


Chicon 7 Increases Attending Membership Rates In addition, the Family Rate for two adults plus two or


more dependent children will remain unchanged at $540, providing an additional $40 discount for attending families. All Child and Young Adult rates are based on the person’s age as of August 30, 2012. The rate for an Adult Supporting membership will stay unchanged at $50. These rates will be valid through to the close of con-


vention pre-registration on July 31, 2012. Chicon 7 will be selling “at the door” memberships, including full attending and individual day memberships, from August 1 onwards. www.chicon.org/membership.php.


2011 NEBULA AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America is proud


to announce the nominees for the 2011 Nebula Awards (pre- sented 2012), the nominees for the Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation, and the nominees for the Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Book.


NOVEL


Among Others, Jo Walton (Tor) Embassytown, China Miéville (Macmillan UK; Del Rey; Subterranean Press)


Firebird, Jack McDevitt (Ace Books) God’s War, Kameron Hurley (Night Shade Books) Mechanique: A Taleof the Circus Tresaulti, Genevieve Val- entine (Prime Books)


The Kingdom of Gods, N.K. Jemisin (Orbit US; Orbit UK)


NOVELLA “Kiss Me Twice,” Mary Robinette Kowal (Asimov’s Sci- ence Fiction, June 2011) “Silently and Very Fast,” Catherynne M. Valente (WFSA Press; Clarkesworld Magazine, October 2011) “The Ice Owl,” Carolyn Ives Gilman (The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, November/December 2011) “The Man Who Bridged the Mist,” Kij Johnson (Asimov’s Science Fiction, October/November 2011) “The Man Who Ended History: A Documentary,” Ken Liu (Panverse Three, Panverse Publishing) “With Unclean Hands,” Adam-Troy Castro (Analog Sci- ence Fiction and Fact, November 2011)


NOVELETTE “Fields of Gold,” Rachel Swirsky (Eclipse 4, Night Shade Books) “Ray of Light,” Brad R. Torgersen (Analog Science Fiction and Fact, December 2011) “Sauerkraut Station,” Ferrett Steinmetz (Giganotosaurus, November 2011) “Six Months, Three Days,” Charlie Jane Anders (Tor.com, June 2011) “The Migratory Pattern of Dancers,” Katherine Sparrow (Giganotosaurus, July 2011) “The Old Equations,” Jake Kerr (Lightspeed Magazine,


Volume 22 Issue 3


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