READERCON 32

So this past weekend (July 13th to 16th, 2023) I attended ReaderCon! For anyone that doesn’t know, Readercon is a Sci Fi and Fantasy con focussed on the written word, both reading and writing. Unlike many cons, it does not have video games, role-playing game rooms, dress up/costume events, or many of the other things that often go along with SFF cons. It is principally some lectures/talks from writers about the world of SFF, talking about other writers’ work, or the craft of writing. It had some kaffeeklatsches which, as always, were amongst my favorite parts, and a book-selling area.

I am told there were parties too, but as I am local to the metro Boston area where it is held I did not stay at the host hotel, so do not know anything about that aspect. I would suspect they were perhaps calmer than other cons given the overall feel of the con, without the costumes and gaming, was a little smaller, calmer, and (?) more serious. I would describe it as more “bookish” but that seems redundant.

I will say the talks felt a little more intimate than the big production that is Worldcon. And I have no doubt I will attend again next year. If you find the bigger cons overwhelming (as I do) perhaps give Readercon, or a similar, small local con near you a try instead. It’s a very distinct, but worthwhile experience.

Highlights for me this year included talks from luminaries like Elizabeth Bear, Jeanne Cavelos and Jeff Vandermeer, but also many other writers who offered up perfectly distilled gems of craft or readings from their works. I was literally scribbling names of people all week to look up more of their work. I also enjoyed the kaffeeklatches with Sheila Williams, editor of Asimovs, who was funny and inclusive, Arley Sorg, editor of Fantasy Magazine, amongst his many other roles, and who talked to us about believing in our craft, and Neil Clarke, Editor and founder of Clarkesworld, who eloquently spoke about AI and its dangers and from whom I got my card – the header image of this article – something anyone who has had a piece rejected from Clarkesworld can receive.

However, despite the sadness of the guy on the card, I would say the overall experience of Readercon was very uplifting – all these people were positive and encouraging and told me: “keep going”; I will, and I hope you do too.

As always I welcome any and all comments or questions below!