About Readercon 23
Readercon is an annual conference or convention devoted to "imaginative literature" — literary science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the unclassifiable works often called "slipstream."
A typical Readercon features over 150 writers, editors, publishers, and critics, attracting prominent figures from across the U.S., and from Canada, the U.K., and occasionally even Australia and Japan. They are joined by some 500 of their most passionate and articulate readers for a long weekend of intense conversation.
Readercon 23
July 12-15, 2012
Burlington Marriott, Burlington, Massachusetts.
Guests of Honor:
Peter Straub & Caitlín R. Kiernan
Memorial Guest of Honor:
Shirley Jackson
Registration:
Pre-Registration is $60 through June 15, 2012.
Our Thursday evening program is free and open to the public.
Questions?
Send mail to info@readercon.org for answers.
About Readercon
Although Readercon is modeled on "science fiction conventions," there is no art show, no costumes, no gaming, and almost no media. Instead, Readercon features a near-total focus on the written word.
In many years the list of Readercon guests rivals or surpasses that of the Worldcon in quality. Readercon is the only small convention regularly attended by such giants of imaginative literature as Gene Wolfe, Samuel R. Delany, John Crowley, Barry N. Malzberg, Kit Reed, and Jonathan Lethem.
The program consists of two tracks each of panel discussions, author readings, and solo talks or discussion groups, plus kaffeeklatsches (intimate gatherings with an author) and autograph signings. The program also currently features the presentation of three major genre awards: The Cordwainer Smith Rediscovery Award for a neglected author, the Rhysling Awards for sf poetry, and the Shirley Jackson Awards for dark fantasy and psychological suspense.
There is a large Bookshop full of new, used, and rare and collectible books and magazines (and yet more great conversation; if a Readercon attendee is not at a program item, they're probably here).
There's more. We publish a Souvenir Book whose pages of content rival a Worldcon's in number, and a separate, comprehensive Program Guide. There is a hospitality suite well-stocked with munchies; and, yes, there are parties. And Readercon is proud to host a number of charitable efforts.
"The reason I love Readercon is that it's all about the words. The people who read them mix effortlessly with the people who write them… The panels are lively and unusual, the panelists ardent and articulate."
— Hugo-winning author James Patrick Kelly, in Asimov's, naming Readercon as one of three recommended conventions (the others being the World Science Fiction and World Fantasy Conventions)
"Readercon is my favorite convention."
— Samuel R. Delany
"I will miss a Worldcon, but never a Readercon."
— Yves Meynard, winner of the Grand Prix de la Science-Fiction et du Fantastique Quebecois
"We support the subversive notion that thinking is fun."
— Readercon founder Bob Colby