Mid-Atlantic Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Conventions

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Events For Writers and Science Fiction and Fantasy Buffs

I'm just starting out in the science fiction and fantasy convention circuit, and I had no idea there were so many out there! This site will serve as an ever-growing list of events for those interested in reading, writing, and learning more about the genre of science fiction and fantasy.

Feel free to suggest events that I've missed!

Many thanks to Allen Wold for his assistance in compiling this list.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Conventions

In Alphabetical Order

Already know what you're looking for? Look at the quick list below!
Allentown Comic Con
Various, Allentown, PA
Balticon
May 25-28, 2012, Baltimore, MD
Capclave
October 12-14, 2012, Gaithersburg, MD
ConCarolinas
June 1-3, 2012, Charlotte, NC
Confluence
July 27-29, 2012, Pittsburgh, PA
ConTemporal
June 21-24, Chapel Hill, NC
Darkovercon
November 25-27, 2011, Timonium, MD
Dragon*Con
August 31-September 3, 2012, Atlanta, GA
Madicon 21
March 9-11, 2012, Harrisonburg, VA
MarsCon
January 13-15, 2012, Williamsburg, VA
Mysticon
February 24-26, 2012, Roanoke, VA
Philcon
November 18-20, 2011, Cherry Hill, NJ
RavenCon
April 13-15, 2012, Richmond, VA
Shevacon
February 17-19, 2012, Roanoke, VA
Shore Leave 34
August 3-5, 2012, Baltimore, MD
Stellarcon 36
March 2-4, 2012, High Point, NC

Georgia Writing Conventions

Dragoncon - Leia and Jabba the HuttDragon*Con

2011 Location: Atlanta, Georgia
2011 Dates: September 2-5
2011 Cost: $90/105/120 (see website for details)

Image by disavian on Flickr.

More About DragonCon

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Maryland Writing Conventions

BaltiCon

2012 Location: Baltimore, MD
2012 Dates: May 25-28
2012 Costs: $50/55/62 (see website for details)

BaltiCon is hosted by BSFS, the Baltimore Science Fiction Society.

Capclave

2012 Location: Gaithersburg, MD
2012 Dates: October 12-14
2012 Cost: $45/50/55/60 (see website for details)

This event is hosted by WSFA, the Washington Science Fiction Association.

Impression: A very well-run convention, according to my limited perspective. Excellent panels with well-known figures from the industry. Well-stocked dealers room and frequent author signings. Food, drinks and gaming in the Con Suite. The organizers even held a gripe session after the convention to get feedback from the participants!

DarkoverCon

2011 Location: Timonium, MD
2011 Dates: November 25-27
2011 Costs: $50/55 (see website for details)

Shore Leave 34

2012 Location: Baltimore, MD
2012 Dates: August 3-5
2012 Costs: $80/85 (see website for details)

North Carolina Writing Conventions

ConCarolinas

2012 Location: Charlotte, NC
2012 Dates: June 1-3
2012 Costs: $30/35/40 (see website for details)

ConTemporal

2012 Location: Chapel Hill, NC
2012 Dates: June 21-24
2012 Costs: $30+ (see website for details)

StellarCon

2012 Location: High Point, NC
2012 Dates: March 2-4
2012 Costs: $25/30/35 (see website for details)

Pennsylvania Writing Conventions

Allentown Comic Con

2011 Location: Allentown, PA
2011 Dates: November 19-20
2011 Costs: $4

Confluence

2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
2012 Dates: July 27-29
2012 Costs: $40/50 (see website for details)

Philcon

2011 Location: Philadelphia, PA
2011 Dates: November 18-20
2011 Costs: $40+ (see website for details)

Virginia Writing Conventions

MarsconMadicon

2012 Location: Harrisonburg, VA
2012 Dates: March 9-11
2012 Costs: $15/20

MarsCon

2012 Location: Williamsburg, VA
2012 Dates: January 13-15
2012 Costs: $30/35/40 (see website for details)

An excellent looking three day convention, complete with several guests of honor, entertainment, and music!

Mysticon

2012 Location: Roanoke, VA
2012 Dates: February 24-26
2012 Costs: $30+ (see website for details)

RavenCon

2012 Location: Richmond, VA
2012 Dates: April 13-15
2012 Costs: $30/35/40 (see website for details)

SheVaCon

2012 Location: Roanoke, VA
2012 Dates: February 17-19
2012 Costs: $40/45 (see website for details)

Image by Thirteen of Clubs on Flickr.

What Is Your Favorite Mid-Atlantic Writer's Convention?

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Uber-Events I'd Like to Attend

These events aren't located specifically in the Mid-Atlantic region, but they draw participants from all corners of the globe, so I thought it appropriate to mention them here.

World Fantasy Convention

2011 Location: Columbus, OH
2011 Dates: October 27-30
2011 Costs: $150/+ (see website for details)

The biggest fantasy convention in the world.

Worldcon

2011 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2011 Dates: August 17-21
2011 Costs: $195/+ (see website for details)

The biggest science fiction convention in the world.

Words From The Expert

How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy

Amazon Price: $6.58 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

Orson Scott Card is one of the great gods of science fiction writing. Ignore his words at your peril!

What Are Your Thoughts On Conventions?

Have You Attended Any Yet? Do You Want To?

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I love science fiction and fantasy conventions! Especially because...

starhorsepax says:

I miss the Star Trek ones they used to have at Tyson's Corner, VA. There just aren't any close enough anymore. But they were loads of fun. And very dangerous to the wallet.

I've never been to one, but now you have me convinced! I'm just wondering...

 

Science Fiction Conventions in the Blogosphere

#bookclub
... as well as in fanzines (the first science fiction fanzine, The Comet, appeared in 1930); fan clubs like the Science Fiction League, formed in 1934; and annual gatherings like the World Science Fiction Convention, which began in 1939.
Sci-fi convention | 3-day event begins Friday in Ebensburg
Organizer Casey Bassett of South Fork said he started working on the idea of a science-fiction convention in the Johnstown area last August. ?After going to the comicon in Pittsburgh for years, I thought, 'Why not have one in the Johnstown area,' ...
Mobicon: Alien vixens mingle with pixies, Trekkers, belly dancers at science ...
By Casandra Andrews, Press-Register Enlarge Kate Mercer Madeline Radike as "Eridan" , Victoria Sullivan as "Rachel", Amanda Morrison as "Jade" and Kristine Gonzalez as "Rogue" during Mobicon XV, a gathering of science fiction fans on Saturday May 19 ...

More Information for Science Fiction/Fantasy Writers

Local Writers' Associations By State
These organizations are for writers in all genres. Joining one of these groups or attending a local conference will give you a lot of information about publication, improving your writing skills, and promotion. And the more authors, editors, and publishers you connect with, the better your chances at writing success.
Emma Larkins - Emerging Author
In my blog, I talk about my journey as I attempt to become a published author. I also work to establish ties within the writing and publishing industry.

Final Thoughts On Mid-Atlantic Science Fiction and Fantasy Cons Here!

And don't forget to show a little love if you liked this lens by clicking on the thumbs-up at the bottom or the top of the page. If you're not a member of Squidoo, why not sign up?

  • TheLifestyleChanger Feb 28, 2012 @ 10:00 pm | delete
    I don't participate in these, but certainly hope you enjoy and benefit from them.
  • CruiseReady Jan 25, 2012 @ 6:28 pm | delete
    I have a friend who should know about these, and will share your lens with him.
  • cffutah Jan 23, 2012 @ 7:51 pm | delete
    enjoyed reading this today, thank you.
  • axiomsedge Mar 3, 2011 @ 9:34 am | delete
    Just wanted to let you know that your page has been included in our list of Squidoo Sci Fi/Fantasy Lenses over at A Lens on Sci Fi (www.squidoo.com/a-lens-on-sci-fi). Go there to vote for your lens and to submit others that genre fans will like.
  • Ron Jones Feb 19, 2011 @ 6:04 pm | delete
    Don't forget Shore Leave (http://www.shore-leave.com/), which will be held north of Baltimore this summer. One or two writers' workshops are usually held at this convention.
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emmalarkins

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Words From The Expert 

How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy

Amazon Price: $6.58 (as of 06/03/2012)Buy Now

More About Writing 

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Check Out My Writing Blog 

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