UK Writers’ Conference – thoughts please?

[erastes]

One thing the UK has a dearth of, it's writers' conferences.  There are a few fantasy and sci-fi ones and the Historical Novel Society has one every couple of years but there's no general one, no romance (unless you are a member of the RNS) nor a GLBT one.  We have tonnes of "literary fairs" but they are invite only affairs where only celebrity authors are allowed and there are few locations where you can simply set up a table and pimp your books.  I recently inquired about the price of a stall at one of the large Gay Pride events and a single stall was £1000!!!

So, seeing as hall rental for a day would probably be a LOT less than that,  (I've found places which are £50 a day) and I'd ask everyone to bring their own tables, would there be any interest in doing an informal conference of some sort for 2010?  I feel that unless someone does one, it won't get done, and if we start small, then that's ok - it can only get bigger - and it would be great to at least connect with other writers, even if not many readers come.  Thinking inclusive at the moment too, not "just" m/m or "just" romance.

Depending on interest, there would be a few panels, and then socialising, and signing of books. Nothing huge - no fairy balls!

Feel free to pass this along and all thoughts welcome.

Comments

[chris-smith-atr.livejournal.com]

presuming not getting married that weekend am in. more than happy to help with organisation. xxx

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Thanks hun!

[leatherdykeuk.livejournal.com]

Count me in -- I'd come down for the day.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Hurrah!

[clarelondon.livejournal.com]

I'm in. It's a good idea, and you're right, it only needs to start on a small scale until it finds its feet. Where were you thinking of holding it? I can probably travel wherever.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking Birmingham at the moment....

[clarelondon.livejournal.com]

Sounds fine, keep me posted. ^_^

[kittymay.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, but if I can't wear my fairy outfit then I can't possibly consider attending.

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Hey, no balls, doesn't mean you can't come, as you are, Twinkerbell.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Have posted this at my journal and have had offers of possible attendance and spiritual support!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Hurrah! :D

[essayel.livejournal.com]

Presumably readers would be welcome too? Because otherwise the books would just circulate amongst the authors.

I'd be interested in attending just for the fun of it and to support the event if it's open to the hoi polloi [of which I'm a proud and long serving member].

[sleveen.livejournal.com]

Are the hoi polloi recruiting? I really fancy those purple fezzes...

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Definitely readers - would be pointless if readers didn't come!

[sleveen.livejournal.com]

Fairies don't have balls. All their sex organs are internal. ::nodnod::

::sets off across the Atlantic in dory:: ^__^

[erastes.livejournal.com]

This is not true - I've read many stories which mention Elfhoods.

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

NO FAIRY BALLS?!!

HOW can you hold a romance convention without fairy balls?

If there's a shortage of lissome, dainty gentlemen at this shindig, you'll know why!

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I have one rule. No chippendales. if there's going to be strippers, lets have real ones.

:)

And someone shoot me if we ever get to the stage where someone suggests having a fairy ball.

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

Mr. Humphries will be devastated.

[probodie.livejournal.com]

I'd definitely be interested in attending and I know of others who may possibly be, too. Spread the (m/m) love!! :-)

[erastes.livejournal.com]

If I get enough interest from teh m/m crowd, that'll be good, but I'd like to keep it more open if possible - please do spread the word!

[crawling-angel.livejournal.com]

Fairyshmaryballs. How about angelic ones? ;p

*looks down* Eeep! I don't have any. You know how shy I am *hides*

I would love to read about the aftermath of such an event. :)

[erastes.livejournal.com]

You will come even if I have to come and do the whole thing in your garden. AND I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE.

I'm shy too!! We can sit and swig baileys in a corner.

[crawling-angel.livejournal.com]

*shakes in shoes* LOL

Hehe, we'll be the tipsy cat ladies!

[taylorbooks.livejournal.com]

I would come if you wouldn't mind non-UK authors. Would you solicit any editors or agents to attend or would it be strictly writers and readers?

[erastes.livejournal.com]

I'll invite everyone!

[feed-your-muse.livejournal.com]

I'd come. I've been to an SF/F convention (day) but it would be good to go to one for romance (in all its glory).

Merry

Conference or convention, what's in a name?

[johnrw.livejournal.com]

asphodeline hasn't been online today so hasn't seen this yet.

Anyway, depending on how this progresses if you want advice/help/experience in setting up a con both of us have been there (Accio 2005, the 2005 Worldcon, two Eastercons; 2008 and 2010-I know it hasn't happened yet! asphodeline is doing Guest liaison I'm doing random bits). I suspect that you twist our arms!

Alternatively There's a small Convention runners convention (gets circular doesn't it!) next January check out the details at www.conrunner.org.uk (strange the site appears to be down at the moment. Also there's a wiki on running a SF convention at www.conrunner.net

Re: Conference or convention, what's in a name?

[erastes.livejournal.com]

Thank you! That's EXCELLENT news and will be a great help. I shall probably be nabbing you at some point.