First, what's the difference between a convention and a conference? Sometimes there isn't one. But for the purpose of this article, we will assume that a conference is referring to a writer's conference, where you attend writing workshops and potential agent pitch sessions, plus get the chance to interact with other writers who are also focused on improving their prose. A convention is focused more on the "selling" side of things. Editors and agents are still likely to be there, not to educate you on the writing craft, but to promote their current projects. Authors are likely to be there to host book signings, and other writers may be there to network and mingle with their peers.
Are conventions worth going to? Absolutely. Even while they are slanted more towards the vendors, there are still lots of opportunities to network, get advice, and become in-the-know on industry trends and hot new releases. Plus they tend to be a lot of fun.
With all that in mind, here is a list of 10 conventions revolving around speculative fiction:
1. World Fantasy Convention - This is being held Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2009, in San Jose, CA.
2. Dragon*Con - Just held this past weekend, in Atlanta, GA. Check out their website for upcoming info on next year's gathering.
3. Penguicon - This convention combines people's passion for both science fiction and computing. 2010 will see Howard Taylor as the Guest of Honor.
4. Confluence - A small, friendly conference focused on the literature and art of Science Fiction and Fantasy.
5. World Science Fiction Convention - Run by the World Science Fiction Society, next year's will be held in Australia.
6. The North American Discworld Convention - Held last weekend, this was the first of its kind, celebrating fantasy author Terry Pratchett.
7. Fantasycon - Coming up on Sept. 18-20th, this UK-based convention will be hosting the 2009 British Fantasy Awards ceremony.
8. World Horror Convention - Also being held across the pond this go-round, the WHC will be based in Brighton, England. March 25-28, 2010.
9. Geek.Kon - Celebrating all things geeky! Oct. 23-25, 2009.
10. Mythcon - Hosted by the Mythopoeic Society, this conference is constructed around a theme related to Inklings studies and/or fantastic and mythic literature.
Comments
Great info! I'll be attending World Fantasy, but before that, FenCon in Dallas in September. Then next year, ConDFW also in Dallas in Feb. 2010.
I live in Australia and don't get out much but I will definitely be going to the 2010 World Science Fiction Convention in Melbourne, Australia.
Meanwhile if you get a chance maybe check out my new book at: "Science Fiction and Alternate History - A Collection of Short Stories, by Strategic Publishing, New York.
It is on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and all the main sites.
Cheers
Cheers
Just FYI, World Fantasy was great! I'll be writing about Dallas' upcoming ConDFW at the Dallas Speculative Fiction Examiner, stay tuned!
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