September 29-October 1, I’ll be attending Capclave in Rockville, MD. I consider Capclave my “home con”, and do my best to attend every year. It’s a laidback, reader-focused con attended by lovely folks saying smart things about the genre. There’s good food to be had nearby and a patio perfect for sitting outside and catching up with friends. What more could you want?
Here’s where you’ll be able to find me throughout the weekend.
State of Horror – Saturday – 10 a.m. – Washington Theater
Panelists: A.C. Wise (Moderator), Hildy Silverman, Jorie Rao, Randy Dawn, Sunny Moraine
It is a good time to be a horror fan. The genre is drawing bigger audiences while gaining interest even from those who normally shy away from the dark side. Panelists take a look at the current mainstreaming of horror in books, movies, TV, and games. What makes horror so interesting right now and where is it going? How are creators bringing in new fans or reviving common mythologies and horror tropes?
How to Change Your Reading Diet – Saturday – 11:30 a.m. – Washington Theater
Panelists: Mary G. Thompson (Moderator), Irette Y. Patterson, Michael Dirda, Sarah Avery, A.C. Wise
Reading ruts happen! Panelists discuss the best ways to diversify your reading habits to find new gems and genres that you’ll love next. Where can you find new sources for your TBR list? What are tips for sifting through new titles to find something you love? How many pages should you give a book or story before moving on?
Modern Book Bans – Sunday – 10 a.m. – Eisenhower
Panelists: Jeanne Adams (Moderator), Andy Duncan, Mark Roth, Sam Lubell, A.C. Wise
There has been an alarming trend of censoring and banning books in public libraries and schools often targeting LGBTQ, Black, and Latine stories and authors. Banned Book Week, a campaign promoted by the American Library Association and Amnesty International, starts on Sunday, October 1st. Who is behind the current book bans? How can we support the freedom to seek and to express ideas in our public spaces? Are there books that should be banned or have limited access?
Author Reading – Sunday – 11 a.m. – Monroe
Me! Reading! Something! Maybe even out loud. Possibly with chocolate on hand to bribe people into staying.
The full schedule for the convention can be found here.
