This page: Updated Nov 5 / 2015.
1) VCON PICNIC (to be updated).
2) BASIC INFO ABOUT VCON.
3) BASIC INFO ABOUT VCON 41 (to be updated as info added).
4) All about WRITERS WORKSHOPS at VCON 41 (to be updated).
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1) VCON PICNIC SATURDAY (Info TBA).
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2) BASIC INFO ABOUT VCON
VCON is the oldest general-interest science fiction and fantasy convention in Canada and the Pacific Northwest. The convention has promoted the interests of science fiction and fantasy fan culture in Vancouver BC and its environs since 1971, offering events and exhibits focused on a variety of Science Fiction and Fantasy fandom interest areas such as literature, art, media, music, costumes, comics, games, etc.
VCON is organized by a subcommittee of the West Coast Science Fiction Association — a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and understanding of science fiction and fantasy fan culture in Vancouver BC and its environs. VCON is not, nor will it ever be, owned by a big business or corporation. For now and for as long as efforts continue VCON will be a convention built “For the Fans, By the Fans”.
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3) BASIC INFO ABOUT VCON 41
WEB SITE — www.vcon.ca
WHEN? — September 30 – October 2, 2016
WHERE? – TBA. Hotel negotiations underway.
To book a room at VCON discount rates (good till Aug 30th) go to: TBA
WHAT? — Art Show & Auction. / Vendors Hall / Author Readings / 24-Hour Games Room / Multi-Author Book Launch / Writers Workshops / Demos / Academie Duello / Artists Alley / Frankenstuffies / Fan Groups / Costuming / Panels / Lectures / Hospitality Suite / Dance / Elron Awards / Faned Awards / Turkey Readings.
WHO? – Author Guest of Honour: TBA
Artist Guest of Honour: TBA
Supermarionation Guest of Honour: Jamie Anderson (Son of Gerry Anderson, Thunderbirds, Fireball XL5, Captain Scarlet, Supercar, etc.)
Film Design Guest of Honour: Eric Chu (Battlestar Galactica)
Editor Gust of Honour: Karl Johanson (Neo-opsis Magazine)
Godzilla Fan Guest of Honour: Stan G. Hyde (Monster Attack Team Canada)
Master of Ceremonies: Spider Robinson (Callahan’s/Lady Sally series, Stardance Trology)
THEME? – Muppets, puppets & marionettes.
CONVENTION RATES? – ONLINE SALES GOOD TILL September 15th, 2015. After that date only at-the-door registration will be accepted during the convention.
WEEKEND MEMBERSHIPS:
SENIOR (65 +): TBA.
ADULT: TBA.
STUDENT: TBA.
YOUTH (7-18): TBA.
CHILD (0-6): Free
Note:
Students must show current student ID at the convention to remain eligible for student rate.
Seniors must show current ID confirming their age at the convention to remain eligible…
Youth memberships for kids under 13 and all child memberships must be purchased in combination with at least one adult, student, or senior membership.
ONLINE REGISTRATION: Not yet available
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4) WRITERS WORKSHOPS at VCON 40
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHO: Anyone who is a paid up member of VCON.
WHAT: Submit a short science fiction or fantasy story 3,000 words or less in length, or the first 3,000 words of the opening chapter of a science fiction or fantasy novel. Work must not have been professionally published. NO fan-fiction. Original fiction only (i.e. original characters, original background culture, etc.)
NOTE: Friday workshop is devoted to Novel opening chapters, Saturday and Sunday workshops are devoted to short stories. (Friday workshop already booked full)
WHEN: Submit by September 1st, 2016 (earlier if at all possible). Prefer ASAP. But first contact R. Graeme Cameron, the workshop administrator, at archive@vcon.ca , to find out if there’s still room for you in the workshop.
HOW: Send as a Microsoft Word document attachment via email to archive@vcon.ca .
COST: Nothing. Participants are expected to print out their own paper copies. (Professionals will receive paper copies from moderator if required.)
Number of Participants: 3 professional writers & 4 participants per session.
Professional Writers Attending TBA.
Workshop Style: Clarion style. Your work will first be critiqued by the other participants, then by the professional writers. Time limits apply. You will not be permitted to comment until after you have been critiqued.
Manuscript Requirements: Must be double-spaced, preferably Times Roman, point size twelve. The title of your manuscript and your name at top of each page. All pages numbered.
Workshop Schedule: Three workshops are planned, one each day of the conventions, three hours each session.
This year’s VCON 40 (tentative—subject to change) schedule is as follows:
- Friday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Novel workshop.
- Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Short Story workshop.
- Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Short story workshop.
Participants will be assigned a particular workshop in an effort to achieve a balance (of type & theme) of submissions. Please let the moderator know which workshops you can or cannot attend (we need at least 3 participants for each day). Accepted participants will receive an information package on procedure plus e-copies of other submissions.
Note: The above applies to first applicants only. Those on the waiting list will have to take whatever position (& date & time) becomes available, or the position will go to the next person on the waiting list.
You can contact me at archive@vcon.ca (I’m also the archivist for VCON).
Note: All those who are accepted into the workshop will receive a document giving examples of what to watch out for. This is very useful not only for critiquing others but also as a tool to help prevent you making these mistakes (which editors look for and will probably reject your manuscript if you are guilty of any of these typically ‘newbie’ mistakes) in your future writing.
Note: If you are on the waiting list and you are notified a position has opened up you must have your manuscript ready to be submitted immediately (in fact it wouldn’t hurt if you submitted it while you were on the waiting list, the better to get it distributed as soon as you come on board).