If you’ve not yet registered for CONTEXT – a writing/genre convention in Columbus, OH at the end of this month, there’s still time! As they put it:
Context is a friendly convention focused on speculative fiction literature and related games, comics and films. If you enjoy manga, anime, science fiction, fantasy, or horror, you’ll find plenty to entertain you at this convention.
There’s a load of great small-group workshops (cost extra, but worth it for several hours of small class instruction on specialized topics) and panels galore. It’s small and fun, and is great for new and fledgling writers looking to improve their writing past that initial level.
I’ll be there as a dealer and on panels, and I’m also glad to say that I’ll be one of the judges for CONTEXT’s first-ever flash fiction contest (sponsored by Raw Dog Screaming Press).
Contestants will be able to sign up at registration; there will be
room for 12 contestants, and sign-ups will be first-come, first serve!There will be two contestant categories: Pro and Amateur. Contestants
in the Pro category would include writers who have published three or
more short stories or a novel; anyone who would qualify for active
status in SFWA or HWA would be a pro. Contestants who would qualify as
Amateur would have no or less than two fiction publishing credits.Contestants will read aloud complete stories of up to 1500 words;
they’ll be judged both on the story and on their performance of it.
People must read their own work, published or unpublished, and must
provide the judging panel with four hard copies in standard manuscript format so the judges can follow along. Individuals with speech disabilities, laryngitis, etc. may have friends read for them.Prizes will include a $25 voucher for the dealer’s room, a hardcover copy of Michael A. Arnzen’s 100 Jolts, and a sculpture created for the Lovecraft-inspired artbook Verminomicon.
Be there!