Science Fiction and Fantasy
There was a time when the idea of a world-wide system linking people and computers might have been straight out of the pages of the latest science fiction magazine. No surprise then, that science fiction and fantasy fans, writers, editors, artists, and more have taken to the Internet in large numbers from the time of the early bulletin board discussion groups to the instant messaging, blogs, and chat rooms of today. Whether you're new to science fiction and fantasy and want to know more, have a favorite writer you'd like to know more about, are looking for information on actors, movies, and TV shows, or would like to meet people who share the same interests in science fiction and fantasy as you do, the Internet is the perfect place to find out what you need to know.
Expand All Guide SectionsFantasy and Science Fiction History and News
Over the years, a whole culture has grown up around people's love of and appreciation for fantasy and science fiction. If you're newly enchanted and would like to know more about where science fiction, fantasy, and the people who love it come from, the Internet has a wealth of information available to you. You can bring your knowledge up to date with sites that give a history of the subject, and then get into the swing of things by discovering what's happening in the community now.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Much of the history of science fiction and fantasy in the 20th century is also the history of the fans--the women, men, boys, and girls-who read, watch, talk about, and sometimes obsess over their favorites. The Fan History Project has all you need to know, and more, about how the science fiction and fantasy fan community grew up, along with the stories that drew them all together.
- You'll find that many of the best Web sites about fantasy and science fiction are the work of fans and amateur writers. Don't disregard these; as you'll realize from the insight above, science fiction fans are also experts.
- Don't be surprised if you run into a few words or phrases that are new to you. Like all communities built around an intensely shared interest, science fiction and fantasy fans have developed some specialized terms to describe what they like and do. One manifestation of this is the use of sf versus sci-fi as an abbreviation for science fiction. SF is actually a more all-encompassing term, because it also stands for speculative fiction.
Dulcinea's Picks
For the history of science fiction and fantasy ...
The SciFi Guide
, by Agatha Taormina of Northern Virginia Community College, is a well-written introduction to science fiction that combines a fan's zeal with an academic's knowledge. The history section starts with pre-history and ends up in modern times. There are also sections devoted to authors, recommended books, science fiction in media, and links to resources and sites devoted to sf.
Welcome To World Of Fantasy
has a bit of a clunky design, but makes up for it with a wealth of information and a real sense of enthusiasm for its subject. The "History" section is divided by topics, from fantasy's roots in mythology to the works of the modern masters. There are also reading recommendations, a library of fantastic creatures, an art gallery, links to other sites, and more.
The Ultimate Science Fiction Web Guide
is the perfect thing for those ready to move beyond general knowledge and into the obsessive details. The site has articles on several subjects, but what really stands out are the 6,000+ links to all things science fiction and fantasy.
For fantasy and science fiction news ...
Locus Online
is the Internet presence of Locus Magazine, the science fiction and fantasy equivalent of Billboard. You'll find daily updates on news, author appearances, conventions, new books, movies, shows, and links to new material on other Web sites.
Ansible
is one of the more notorious publications in science fiction history. The work of highly opinionated, and very informed British sf fan David Langford, Ansible is always filled with entertaining commentary on the latest goings-on in fantasy and science fiction. The Web site has issues archived dating back to 1979.
TheOneRing.net
started out as the main fan site for news about the Lord of the Rings movies. It has continued on as a news service and gathering place for fans of all kinds of fantasy.
SciFi Wire
is the news service page of SciFi.com. SciFi Wire posts regular updates on news about books, movies, television shows, fandom, comics, and pretty much everything at all related to fantasy and science fiction. You can find video previews of upcoming shows and movies, and, of course, links to the other sections of SciFi.com.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazines and Books
For science fiction and fantasy writers, magazines, whether in print or online, are a place to try out their craziest ideas, play with new styles, and perfect their craft. The plots and ideas of science fiction and fantasy movies and TV shows are almost always taken from books and stories. A good thing then that the Internet is home not only to Web versions of print magazines, but also to Web-only publications, and a large number of review sites covering all the latest on- and offline publications.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Fan fiction is a consequence of the fan-oriented nature of fantasy and science fiction. Fanfic, as it's known, had its start in the 1970s, when Star Trek fans who were disappointed with the cancellation of the original series started writing their own episodes, printing them up, and trading with other fans. The idea spread until today you can find fanfic devoted to almost any popular TV series, book, or movie, from Harry Potter to Star Gate SG-1, and even Days of Our Lives. Be warned, though, that a good percentage of fanfic is devoted to portraying favorite characters doing things they couldn't do in their official version. That means lots of sex and extreme acts of violence. Parents will want to check out any fan fiction sites their children might be drawn to. "Fan Fiction - A User's Guide", is a good introduction to fanfic, and includes a handy glossary of terms.
- Many books these days are available in downloadable editions known as e-books. Some e-books need special software or a viewer to read. Many you can read right inside your browser. Electric Story has a wide selection of e-books available, some of them for free.
- If you don't have enough time to read these days, and many don't, an Internet alternative is the podcast, a downloadable recording of authors and others reading stories, conducting interviews, and commenting on science fiction and fantasy. There are many Web sites where podcasts are available, and a good place to find fantasy and science fiction is The Escape Pod.
Dulcinea's Picks
For science fiction and fantasy magazines on the Internet ...
Asimov's Science Fiction
is the Web site for the best-selling science fiction magazine in print. There's a discussion forum, history of the magazine, links, blogs, columns, and sometimes a story from the latest issue.
Analog Science Fiction & Fact
is the magazine for readers of hard science fiction, sf that deals most closely with scientific ideas. Their Web site has links, submission guidelines, a discussion forum, table of contents for the latest issue, and a feature whereby authors discuss the science content of stories they've recently had published in Analog.
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction
is the third of the major print science fiction and fantasy magazines with an Internet equivalent. The Web site has reprints of award-winning stories, on-line only stories and articles, and guidelines for how to submit stories to the magazine.
Fantasy Magazine
features edgy fantasy stories, many from up-and-coming young writers. The Web site has reviews and stories, free to read, from the latest issue.
Strange Horizons
is a weekly online magazine with fiction, poetry, reviews and columns, on all aspects of fantasy and science fiction. There's also an art gallery and a reader's forum. Strange Horizons is supported by reader donations.
Realms of Fantasy
is one of the widest-read magazines in print devoted to fantasy in all its forms. The Web site contains excerpts from stories in the magazine, interviews with authors, and a lively forum.
RevolutionSF
is an online magazine whose motto is "Tough Love For Sc-Fi." You can find fiction, reviews, commentary, writing contests, blogs, and discussions, all presented with attitude on a nicely laid-out Web site.
SF Crow's Nest
is another of the most popular science fiction and fantasy magazines on the Internet, with monthly fiction, articles, reviews, and more. Run out of the United Kingdom, SF Crow's Nest is especially good for news and reviews on the latest British fantasy and science fiction.
Tangent Online
is a review site with the incredible goal of reviewing every short story published in every magazine and anthology devoted to fantasy and science fiction. Want to know what was good in everything from Asimov's to Weird Tales? You'll find it here.
For book reviews on the Internet ...
The SF Site
is one of the most popular science fiction and fantasy-oriented Web sites on the Internet. Updated twice monthly with a full range of book reviews, there are also reviews of movies and TV shows, guides to classic fantasy and sf, news, and an archive of all the reviews that have ever appeared on the site.
SFRevu
divides its book reviews between the United States and the United Kingdom. There are also reviews of graphic novels, movies, and reports from science fiction conventions around the world.
Fantasybookspot
is a lively, regularly updated collection of reviews by reviewers who are obviously big fans of what they are reading. The reviews are mainly of fantasy novels, but the occasional science fiction story also turns up on their list. Interviews, polls, and a book club round out the features of this Web site.
The Internet Review of Science Fiction
takes a more critical, academic approach to its reviews of fantasy and science fiction. It's a good place to check out if you're looking for reviews, articles, and commentary that dig a little deeper below the surface of fantasy and science fiction stories. Some content on the site requires a paid subscription to read.
Sci-Fi TV
Science fiction has been on the screen since television was first born. Classic shows like The Twilight Zone long ago earned their place in television history, and today there is science fiction and fantasy on every major network, plus of course the Sci Fi Channel. The full history of fantasy and science fiction is available to you on the Internet; plus there are a myriad number of guides, blogs, and Web sites devoted to what's on TV right now.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Science fiction and fantasy were on television from the very beginning, and the show that led the way was Captain Video and His Video Ranger. Before you dismiss Captain Video as just a silly kid's show, however, note that Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Sheckley, and Jack Vance, all wrote for the show.
- If you get a hooked on one or more shows, you may want to share your enthusiasm with other fans. See the Fandom section of this guide to learn about online fan forums.
Dulcinea's Picks
TV.com: Sci-Fi TV Shows
is as complete a source for science fiction and fantasy on television as you will ever need. Shows are listed alphabetically, plus there is current news, and there are comparative lists of the most popular and highest-rated shows.
SciFi.com
is the Sci Fi Channel's Web site, and the place to go for information on what fantasy and science fiction is on TV now. There are features, interviews, blogs and previews of upcoming shows. The site as a whole also includes news at Sci Fi Wire, reviews of television shows, books, and Web sites at Sci Fi Weekly, and of course, forums and discussion boards.
The Science Fiction and Telefantasy Databanks
could only be the work of a true fan of science fiction and fantasy. Clive Banks provides details on all the shows you know and many you've probably never heard of. This site, an ongoing project, is especially good for its listing of British TV shows, some of which have never aired in the United States.
Fantasy and Science Fiction Films
Science fiction and fantasy in movies have a huge following. Every summer blockbuster season seems to bring along another movie with marauding aliens or live-action superheroes. The Internet is an easy, quick way to find out not only what sci-fi movies have already been made, but also what's to come.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For many people, movies and television shows are their main, often only, experience with science fiction and fantasy. Because of that, mainstream movie audiences and inside science fiction and fantasy fans will often judge a movie quite differently.
- In addition to the more general sites listed below, it's always possible to search for information on specific movie titles. With any luck, you'll find a Web site or blog that will tell you everything you want to know.
Dulcinea's Picks
The Sci-Fi Movie Page
has all the latest information on current and upcoming fantasy and science fiction movies. There are reviews, trailers, articles, downloadable scripts, a discussion board, and news and rumors concerning future movies.
Science Fiction Films
is another labor of love, this time by Tim Dirks. The site is an historical look at fantasy and science fiction in film, from 1902's A Trip to the Moon, to the present. The Web site is arranged both chronologically and topically, with spaceships, monsters, aliens, dragons, wizards, and fantastic planets all given their proper due.
Brimstone Pit: The Horror & Science Fiction Movie Database
is dedicated to those films where horror meets fantasy and science fiction. The alphabetical list of titles starts with 13 Gantry Row and ends with Zombies of Mora Tau, with stops at everything from The Matrix to Lord of the Rings along the way. If you love scary science fiction and fantasy, this is your Web site. Note that this site is for an older crowd.
Roger Ebert
knows his stuff. Science fiction and fantasy fans will often note that mainstream reviewers misjudge films because they don't know enough about the genres outside of the movies they've seen. That's not true of Roger Ebert. Read his reviews and it's evident he has knowledge of and an appreciation for all kinds of science fiction and fantasy. His Web site is not divided by topic or genre, but you can search for reviews of individual movies by title.
A Futurist at the Movies
, written by Josh Calder, focuses on how the future has been portrayed in movies. You won't find any fantasy or films set in the past discussed here, and, as the author says, this isn't really film criticism. But it is an often fascinating look at what movies and movie-makers think could be coming our way.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Art
As soon as science fiction and fantasy began to be published, books needed cover art and stories needed illustrations. Since then, a whole world of fantasy and science fiction-inspired art and artists has come into being. The Internet is the perfect gateway for introducing yourself to a new realm of art that comes not from what's real, but instead from what's fantastic.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Science fiction and fantasy art isn't often exhibited in galleries or museums. One place you can see this art in exhibit form is at a science fiction convention. For more about conventions see the Science Fiction Conventions section of this guide.
- Artists don't always confine themselves to one style. It's possible that a particular artist you're looking for won't appear in the general guides or specific artist sites that follow in our Picks. A good way to find an individual artist whose work has caught your eye is to find his or her name on the cover flap or credits in a book, magazine, comic, or graphic novel, and search for them individually.
- Keep in mind that the art and graphics you'll find on these sites is all copyrighted. Don't download or copy anything unless it's explicitly made clear that it's available for free. If you would like to download or copy art, you should visit the findingDulcinea Free Use Guide to learn what's available-and what's legal.
Dulcinea's Picks
For fantasy and science fiction art ...
Fantasy Fine Art
is a beautifully laid-out site with sample galleries from well over a hundred artists, along with links to the individual artist's Web sites and information as to how to contact them.
Speculative Vision's Science Fiction and Fantasy Art Gallery
is a little smaller than Fantasy Fine Art, and has more of a science fiction flavor to its favored galleries. Clicking on thumbnail images easily accesses artwork, and registered members can freely post their work on the site.
The Elfwood Project
is a popular site with lots of fantasy and science fiction art, advice for budding artists, and busy discussions and bulletin boards. The homepage features a display of "moderator's choice" artworks and selected art from the member of the day.
The Ultimate Guide to SF, Fantasy, Space and Surreal Art
is the project of artist Slawek Wojtowicz. The links are arranged alphabetically, but click on them and you'll find over 1,100 artists and galleries. If you don't like one, there are plenty of others to choose from.
The Vintage Paperbacks & Digests
art gallery is for those who fondly recall the covers of old-time Vintage paperback books. There are links to cover art by artists and by genre, and the subjects are not limited to fantasy and science fiction. But all the covers evoke the style and look of an era long gone by.
Worlds of Wonder
is a gallery and distribution site featuring more than 30 artists and works from estates and private collections. Run by Jane Frank, a longtime collector of science fiction and fantasy art, Worlds of Wonder is a good place to start if you're interested in purchasing or collecting this kind of art yourself. Simply browsing through the catalog is a good introduction to the high quality of art that is available, and what it costs.
For sites devoted to individual artists ...
The Art of Michael Whelan
is the official site for the man who may well be the most famous science fiction and fantasy artist in the world. The site has galleries with Whelan's work, a biography, and news about his appearances and projects. You can buy prints on the site.
The Frank R. Paul Gallery
is for all those who fondly recall the old pulp magazines with their lurid covers featuring monstrous aliens, mad scientists, and imaginatively designed spaceships. Frank R. Paul drew many of those covers for magazines like Wonder Stories and Amazing Stories, and his brightly colored illustrations seem to almost jump off the page to this very day. In addition to the artwork, the Web site contains a short bibliography of Frank R. Paul and an introduction to his work.
Spiderwebart Gallery
is the Web site of Greg Hildebrandt, who, along with his brother Tim, is best known for his artwork based on Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings. This site also features art by several other artists, including comic book illustrators, children's book illustrations, and art inspired by Star Wars.
The Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists
features galleries by the artists who belong to the association, promotes science fiction and fantasy art throughout the world, and provides services including discussion forums and help with copyright infringements for its members.
Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Just because the content you produce will be imaginative and often unreal doesn't mean you don't need some guidelines, structure, and tips for writing. The Internet is full of advice for aspiring writers of all kinds, and, given the expansive online community, for science fiction and fantasy writers in particular. The sites below will provide both advice you can apply right away, as well as information about workshops.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The first piece of advice that most writers will give to an aspiring writer is simple. Read. Read all you can, find out what you like and don't like, and it will eventually come out in your writing. Looking for recommendations for reading fantasy and science fiction? See the Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazines and Books section of this guide.
- "Fanzines" are one of the earliest examples of fan activity in fantasy and science fiction. In the '40s and '50s, fans would type up their zines, mimeograph them, and send them out to other fans. Copying machines eventually made the process easier, and today, with computers and the Internet, anyone who wants to can set up a Web site or blog, the modern equivalent of those original fanzines. You don't have to be a professional or full-time writer to publish your zine, but many a science fiction and fantasy writer has started out just that way. eFanzines.com has both historical archives of past fanzines and listings of fanzines currently on the Internet.
- Individual blogs and Web pages can also be a good source of information and advice for new writers. Consider the writers featured in the Author Web Sites section of this guide your virtual mentors.
Dulcinea's Picks
SpecFicWorld
is a clearinghouse for resources available to science fiction and fantasy writers. There are guidelines for new writers, articles to help you choose where to submit your work, whether or not you need an agent, and how to find one if you do. There's a small fee involved, but you can try the site for one free week.
The Critter's Workshop
is an online writer's group in which members critique each other's manuscripts. This kind of mutual criticism is an invaluable method for new writers to learn and improve their work. Newsgroups and discussion boards allow members to discuss their work with other writers in real time. The workshop currently boasts 10,000 members, so you are not alone.
Speculations
is a guide to fantasy and science fiction markets for writers that provides a number of forums for writers to discuss their experiences in submitting work to various editors and publications. Get the inside scoop on what to expect when you've sent your work to a publisher here.
Advice to Aspiring Writers
is author Jeffrey A. Carver's gift to those who would like to write. Carver's advice is both practical and inspirational, aimed as much at the heart of a new writer as at her mind.
The Clarion Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers' Workshop
is science fiction and fantasy's equivalent of a major league training camp, where talented writers are taught what it takes to become a pro. Scholarships are available to successful applicants, and every year the teaching staff includes many of the most famous and talented writers in fantasy and science fiction.
Writer Beware
is the warning page put up by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, the professional association for fantasy and sf writers. The Web site lists warnings about literary fraud, scams, and schemes that target writers. The site also contains links to more information about membership in the SFWA.
The Writer at Work
can put a smile on your face when you're stuck in the middle of a paragraph and the right words just won't come out. Hopefully, you'll be back on track.
Author Web sites
On their Web sites and blogs, writers use the opportunity to talk about subjects beyond what they say in their books, to share some of their own life, and to interact with fans and readers. Your knowledge of science fiction can only be increased when you learn more about the people who create it. The sites below are a selection of some of the best.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Writer's blogs are a good way to pick up writing tips. If the blog allows comments, you can use that as a way to strike up a conversation. Mention that you're interested in writing and you'll find that most writers are more than happy to tell you everything they know.
- LiveJournal has become an extremely popular site for writers who want to keep a blog or other kind of Web page on the Internet. LiveJournal works as both a host for blogs and a networking site. Start reading the blogs here and you'll find lots of people responding to each other.
- Group blogs instill a sense of community. Two of the best are listed below.
Dulcinea's Picks
For some single-author blogs and Web sites ...
They must need bears
is Elizabeth Bears' blog, and it's a witty and irreverent collection of sharp observations and late-night musings on everything from race relations to what music is worth listening to. There's a link that will take you to her official Web site, but as the author herself says, "honestly, nobody visits the Web site." That's because the blog is too darn good.
Neil Gaiman
began his career as a comic-book writer. Since then, he's gone on to fame as a novelist whose reputation goes far beyond the worlds of science fiction and fantasy. His online journal contains thoughts on his life as a writer, and he regularly answers questions from readers and fans.
Ecstatic Days
is the online journal of Jeff Vandermeer, a writer whose work crosses boundaries between fantasy, horror, and science fiction. His blog focuses on his writing, the work of other writers he enthusiastically recommends, and the news of the day, all of it rendered through a truly oblique sense of humor.
Nalo Hopkinson
has been impressing people ever since her first book, Brown Girl in the Ring. Her Web site has links to all her blog posts, where she keeps a running commentary on life as a young writer.
The Mumpsimus
is Matthew Cheney's blog. Cheney is an editor, writer, and reviewer. His views on science fiction and fantasy are thoughtfully presented here, as are comments on travel, music, and other interests.
KurzweilAI.net
is the work of Ray Kurweil, a writer and editor whose Web site chronicles the latest in science and technology, throws in some science fiction, then speculates as to how it might all play out in the real world. If you've ever wondered where science fiction writers get their crazy ideas, look no further. They get them from people like Ray Kurzweil.
For group blogs in fantasy and science fiction ...
BoingBoing: A Directory of Wonderful Things
is what you get when a bunch of young, smart writers get together to write and comment on whatever they want. The conversation covers politics, literature, music, movies and anything else that strikes their combined fancy. Cory Doctorow brings a science fiction writer's perspective.
Making Light
is the blog of the writing and editing team of Teresa and Patrick Nielsen-Hayden and several guest writers. There are two main topics here: politics and science fiction. Dive into the many comments, and you'll find posts by the most well-known names in fiction and fantasy.
Sci-Fi Fandom
Since the Internet began, fantasy and science fiction fans have used e-mail lists, bulletin boards, and later, chat rooms and Web sites to share interests and meet other people. That's especially true today. As technology has improved, so have your opportunities to meet and socialize with other fans online. The sites below will help you get started.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many of the magazine sites listed in earlier sections of this guide, from Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine to SciFi.com have discussion boards and chat rooms, often divided up by topics. They're all good places to go to chat with other people about fantasy and science fiction.
- Fantasy and science fiction fans have been forming clubs and social societies since the 1930s. If you live in a major city, there's almost certainly a general science fiction organization in your town, and probably several others devoted to more specialized interests. If not, check with your library to see if there are any organized discussion groups. Bookstores and coffee houses where readings are held also often serve as places where fans of all kinds gather.
- If you're interested in meeting sf fandom en masse, take a look at the following section, devoted to Science Fiction Conventions.
Dulcinea's Picks
SFF Net
is a networking site for fantasy and science fiction readers, writers, pros, amateurs, and just plain fans. Members write blogs, and form discussion groups. There are writer's workshops, book, movie, TV and gaming reviews, and news and information about upcoming conventions.
Sffworld
is a straightforward discussion forum, with discussion threads based on topics posted by commentators. You'll need to register, but it's free, and there's a fairly large community here. Topics rarely go long without a comment.
Interaction
is the discussion forum of TTA Publishing, the publishers of Interzone magazine. Discussion topics range from books to art, from science and technology to television.
Star Fleet
is the home of the International Star Trek Fan Association. There are many clubs and social organizations built around fan's love of TV shows, but Star Trek is the show that started it all. There are over 4,500 hundred members in 250 chapters worldwide. If you're a Star Trek fan there's a good chance a chapter is near you. The Web site has information on joining, where the clubs are, discussion boards, and, of course, lots of information on Star Trek in all its manifestations.
The Tolkien Society
's Web site is, as befits the nature of its namesake, a more sedate affair than the Star Trek site. You won't find any costumed fans here. Instead the atmosphere is more that of a traditional literary salon, where members quietly yet fervently discuss their favorite work. That work is, of course, the Lord of the Rings, and The Tolkien Society's Web page provides news, facts about J.R.R. Tolkien, and will happily tell you how to join in.
Science Fiction Conventions
While you may see some fans dressed up in costumes, the average science fiction or fantasy convention isn't much different than any other convention; people with a shared interest meeting to conduct business find out more about what brings them all together. Oh, and there are parties, too. You can learn all about them on the Internet.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Fantasy and science fiction fans often differentiate between traditional conventions which are planned, organized, and run by volunteers; and corporate-sponsored conventions that are run to make a profit. At volunteer-run conventions, the writers and other pros are guests of the convention. At corporate conventions, the pros are paid an appearance fee and access to them is controlled. Both types of conventions can be fun; the difference is that of being a participant versus being a customer.
- Science fiction and fantasy fans have developed many traditions and insider language over the years. If you decide to attend a convention, you might like to check out something like the SF Convention Survival Kit For NeoFans before you go.
- Conventions come in all sizes, from fewer than a hundred members to several thousand and more. The conventions listed below are a few of the more popular conventions, plus a couple others to give you a feel for just how much variety is out there.
Dulcinea's Picks
The World Science Fiction Convention
is the biggest show in science fiction and fantasy. Held every year in a different city, on or near Labor Day weekend, Worldcon attracts thousands of people for four days of socializing, panel discussions, autographing sessions, workshops, art shows, parties, and more. The Hugo Awards for the best in science fiction and fantasy are awarded here, and the Masquerade has to be seen to be believed.
The World Fantasy Convention
is just what the name implies, an annual gathering devoted more closely to fantasy than science fiction. While it also changes location yearly, World Fantasy is smaller than Worldcon; attendance is limited to about 500 people. That makes it a little more intimate, and perhaps, as a consequence, World Fantasy attracts a higher percentage of professional writers, editors, and artists than almost any other convention.
Norwescon
, held annually in Seattle in the spring, is the premier gathering of fantasy and science fiction fans on the West Coast. In addition to all the usual convention activities, the Philip K. Dick Award for best book originally published in paperback is awarded here.
Wiscon
bills itself as "The World's Leading Feminist Science Fiction Convention." Held Memorial Day weekend in Madison, Wisconsin, Wiscon is known for the number of professionals who attend, and for the quality of the programming. Registration is limited to 1,000 members.
Readercon
At, everything is simplified to books. Consequently, this medium-sized Massachusetts convention is a favorite of those whose main passion is reading, and for whom science fiction and fantasy are the best reading there is.
SciFiConventions.com
has information and tips for convention organizers and attendees, a guide for new fans, and a calendar listing over 800 conventions. That means there's a pretty good chance there's one near you soon.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
