Contact 2016: Where to find me at Natcon this weekend

In a few days, I’ll be heading up to Brisbane for Contact 2016, the 55th Australian National Speculative Fiction Convention, which is being held over Easter weekend. I’m super-excited but also not entirely prepared (read: not at all prepared) for the trip — I keep thinking it’s weeks and weeks away when, in fact, I’ll be flying out on Thursday!

If you’ll be around over the weekend, come by and say hello! When I’m not at the con bar, you can find me here:

Friday

Programming starts first thing in the morning, and I’ll no doubt be swanning around to many sessions throughout the day, but I’ll definitely be at the Aurealis Awards that night (pre-awards shindig starts at 6:30pm; the ceremony itself begins at 7pm. This is not part of the Contact membership, so if you’re keen to get frocked up and celebrate some awesome Australian speculative fiction, then head on over here to buy a ticket). I’m especially excited to be presenting at this year’s awards — Angela and I will be presenting the awards for Best SF Short Story and Best SF Novella!

Saturday

1:30pm – 2:30pm ‘Real Fantasy’ panel (Kim Wilkins, Kate Forsyth, Juliet Marillier, and me)

How do you research a fantasy novel? Join our panel as they discuss the detailed research and preparation that goes into creating a fantastic universe. Whether it is searching out medieval landmarks in the UK or discovering the real story of fairy tales, find out how much of their fantasy is embedded in reality.

6:30pm Contact Banquet (Again, not part of your Contact membership, so head on over to the website to buy a ticket for the banquet if you’re keen on coming.)

Sunday

10:00am – 11:00am ‘The Best Story I Didn’t Write’ panel (Juliet Marillier, Kirstyn McDermott, Thoraiya Dyer, and me)

Have you ever wished you’d written that book? Our panellists have! Not necessarily their favourite books but the book they wished they’d written. It might be the idea, the world-building or simply the exquisite writing – we want your ideas as well. Awaken the green-eyed monster within.

7:30pm – 8:30pm Ditmar Awards Ceremony