NEWS & EVENTS
Greetings friends, readers, and fellow genre enthusiasts! Below I've listed some literary events of interest, mostly local, and perhaps I'll see you there.
NOTE: Due to the pandemic, events may be online, rescheduled, or cancelled.
5/22/20
thru
5/25/20
8/1/20
thru
8/2/20
8/6/20
thru
8/9/20
8/28/20
thru
8/30/20
9/25/20
thru
9/27/20
Balticon 2020 - CANCELLED
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - Participate in a FREE VIRTUAL BALTICON online :)
The Maryland regional science fiction convention sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society.
Starquest Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention
The Hampton by Hilton, Frederick, MD
I haven't been to this one, but it has a flashy website devoted to SF & fantasy films and television.
NOTE: These dates are on the website, but there's also a notice that the convention will be postponed to a later date, still to be determined.
Mythmoot: Annual Speculative Literature Conference
National Conference Center in Leesburg, VA
I haven't been to this one, but it's literary and local! The focus is on Tolkien.
C3 2020 - Creatures Crimes & Creativity Conference
Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Columbia MD
A gathering of writers and readers of all genre fiction, including mystery, suspense, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, and more! This event is a great place to meet and mingle with local genre authors. The guest speakers have been terrific in the past and I've gotten a lot out of this convention every time I've attended.
Register today and join us :)
National Book Festival 2020
VIRTUAL DUE TO THE PANDEMIC - see their blog for content
FREE
Over 150 authors, illustrators, and poets usually attend this celebration of books in our nation's capitol. Come to browse, hear your favorite authors and artists speak about their work, and discover new favorites. Have fun and remember to get all of your new books signed (hopefully next year)!
10/16/20
thru
10/18/20
Capclave 2020
Rockville Hilton & Executive Meeting Center/Rockville
DC area literary science fiction and fantasy convention hosted by the Washington Science Fiction Association (wsfa.org).
I attended Capclave last year while going through chemo. It was a much-needed reminder of what's really important to me: the wondrous world inside my head, the hidden realms in other peoples' heads, and the magical way words and stories can sustain us, lift us from our troubles, and transport us throughout the universe.
10/29/20
thru
11/1/20
World Fantasy Convention 2020
ONLINE - Enjoy it from your comfy armchair!
Home of the World Fantasy Award, one of the genre's 'big three' literary awards in the United States, along with the Hugo and the Nebula.
This is a literary convention attended by many of the genre's best known authors, with a spectacular art show featuring legendary artists and works (many for sale!) and a vendor room packed with tempting tomes from publishers large and small. The swag bags are an avid reader's dream: over-sized zippered canvas totes filled with free books! This is a big event with a sprawling schedule of panels, readings, and slide-show lectures, given by beloved authors, artists, agents, and publishers. You'll have to choose between events and even skip some if you want to eat, sleep, or go home and feed your cats. At World Con you can rub shoulders with genre idols, make contacts in the industry, and best of all, discover new authors and works that capture your heart.
I had a wonderful time at the 2018 Con in Baltimore.
11/6/20
thru
11/8/20
FaerieCon - International Faerie Convention 2020
Baltimore Sheraton Inner Harbor., Baltimore, MD. 2103
Fairies, Steampunk, and Wonders galore!
Since the biggest hazard is an eye-poke from a fairy wing tip, I suggest wearing your trusty Steampunk goggles. Besides, they look super cool, right? If you don't have super cool Steampunk goggles, this is the place to get 'em.
And a crown. I couldn't decide between an antlered crown or one with glittery tapestry leaves, and then they were all sold out. Darn! At least I got cat ears. Black faux-fur with dusky pink velvet inside. Next year I'll get a proper crown. Everybody should have at least one. Remember, we're all Kings and Queens in Narnia.