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

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.