Readercon 2012

Readercon is an annual conference/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 US and from Canada, the UK, and occasionally even Australia and Japan. They are joined by some 500 to 600 of their most passionate and articulate readers for a long weekend of intense conversation.

Although Readercon is modeled on "science fiction conventions," there is usually no art show, no costumes, no gaming, and almost no media (though some occasional panels do address dramatic forms, and we sometimes have live play-readings). 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, Greer Gilman, John Crowley, Michael Swanwick, Elizabeth Hand, Barry N. Malzberg, and others.

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 two major genre awards: The Cordwainer Smith Rediscovery Award for a neglected author, and the Shirley Jackson Awards for dark fantasy and psychological suspense.