World Horror Convention Review

by  Regina Allen

Though unable to attend the World Horror Convention, which was held April 7-10, 2005 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City, a colleague attended and sent me an interesting report on the convention which I’ll share with you.

The World Horror Convention, usually well organized and interesting, had its share of problems, due to its lack of organization. The Guests of Honor included Harlan Ellison, Joe Lansdale, Peter Straub and David Morrell (Vice President of the International Thriller Writers and author of “Creepers”). There were fewer panels this year than in previous years; also, it was not uncommon for several authors to panel more than three, which meant authors who may have requested a panel were shut out.

For whatever reason, artists frequently found themselves locked of out their own exhibit area, the Hospitality Suite opened late and, on several occasions, was closed or left open and unattended. In spite of these setbacks, the Flash Fiction Contest was well attended and “enthusiastically” performed by all writers.

Of all the parties, Leisure Books hosted the best, highlighting authors Doug Clegg, Jack Ketcham, Gerard Houarner (Fiction Editor for Space and Time magazine), P.D. Cacek and Joel S. Ross.

Ironically, because of its lack of organization, World Horror attendees had time to mingle and socialize. There were one-on-one sessions and agent/editor contacts so attendees took advantage of the situation.

The World Horror Convention, though loosely organized this year, offered attendees the chance to mingle, socialize and network.

Regina Allen is a fiction writer who now lives in New York. She is collaborating with author, Joel S. Ross (http://www.joelross.net) on a medical thriller.

For an extensive listing of conferences, check magazines like the Writer, Asimov’s Science Fiction, Locus Magazine, Poets & Writers and the June issue of Writer’s Digest. For websites, Writer’s Digest (http://www.writersdigest.com/conferences)and Shaw Guides (http://writing.shawguides.com) have an exhaustive listing of conferences and workshops. When contacting the organizations, please say you say it at Writer Online.

National

Santa Barbara Writers Conference in the Canyon
October 27-30, 2005
Focuses on environmental writing and poetry. Guests include two-time poet laureate and writer Robert Hass, Alison Luterman and Jacqueline Osherow. Conference includes workshops and readings.
For more information visit their website http://www.sbwc.org or call (805) 964-0367.

The 15th Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Writers’ Conference
October 19-22, 2005
Chicago, IL
This year’s theme is Our Black Revival. Guests include Octavia Butler, Angela Jackson, Houston Baker, Edward P. Jones and Thomas Sayers Ellis. Conference includes lectures, panel discussion, workshops and readings. Please note the conference recommends area hotels as accommodations are not included.
For more information contact Gwendolyn Brooks Writers’ Conference, Gwendolyn Brooks Center, Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive, LIB 210-A, Chicago, IL 60628-1528
Telephone: (773) 995-4440
Website: http://www.csu.edu/GwendolynBrooks

Astronomicon
November 11-13, 2005
Clarion Riverside Hotel, Rochester, NY
This is a genre conference. Guests include Bob Eggleton, Erwin S. Strauss, Steve Bennett and more. For more information contact The Rochester Fantasy Fans, Box31701, Rochester, NY 14603-1701
Telephone: (585) 342-4697
Website: http://www.astronomicon.info/
Email: chair@Astronomicon

Miami Book Fair International
November 13-20, 2005
Wolfson Campus of Miami-Dade College, Miami, Florida
Fair will include readings from authors from all over the world, panel discussions and writing classes in English and Spanish. Participating authors include Scott Turow, Joan Didion, Marilynne Robinson, Margaret Atwood and Jonathan Safran Foer.
For more information contact Miami Book Fair International, Florida Center for the Literary Arts, Miami-Dade College, 300 NE Second Avenue, Suite 3704, Miami, FL 33132
Telephone: (305) 237-3940
Website: http://www.flcenterlitarts.com

International

Michinoku SF Festival Nuncon
The 45th Japanese National SF Convention
Shizugawa, Miyagi, Japan
Membership includes two meals and hotel.
For more information on this genre convention, visit their website http://www.sendai.cool.ne.jp/sf006/
Email: m-con2006@japan.con or info@ZUNCON.jp

Summer Literary Seminars–Kenya
December 14-28, 2005
Nairobi, Kenya
Conference includes lectures, roundtable discussions, meetings with local artists and writers, and readings, poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction workshops. Faculty includes fiction writers Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Binyavanga Wainana, create nonfiction writer Aiden Hartley and Fiona McCrae, publisher of Graywolf Press.
Submit an online application form and 10 to 15 pages of poetry or up to 30 pages of proses with a $200 deposit by October 1.
For more information contact Summer Literary Seminars–Kenya, PO Box 225, Northampton, MA 01061.
Telephone: (888) 882-0949
Contact Person: Mikhail Iossel, Director
Website: http://www.sumlitsem.org
Email: sls@sumlitsem.org