This weekend I will be in sunny Dublin for the Phoenix Convention, from Friday evening through until Sunday afternoon  I’m really looking forward to the event and all that’s planned. I have three panels scheduled over the weekend, see below for details.

Saturday 11:00 : What Makes a Good Story along with Ian McDonald, Paedar Ó Guilín and Steve Westcott, which should promote a good discussion about all things writing-related.

Sunday 11:00 : Genre Bending with Laura Anne Gilman, Paedar Ó Guilín and Cheryl Morgan, which seemed appropriate for me, as someone who writes urban fantasy historical mysteries with comedic and horrific elements.

Sunday 13:00 : Urban Fantasy: A flash in the pan or here to stay? with Catie Murphy and Steve Westcott.  Hmm, wonder which side of the debate I’ll take on that one?

I am also looking forward to meeting new and familiar faces, in particular Catie Murphy, author of the superb UF series, The Walker Papers, and fellow Angry Robot author Colin Harvey, who’s new book, Damage Time, is out at the end of April.  In addition, I’ll be travelling over with Juliet E McKenna, which gives her a chance to tell me about the exciting podcast she did with Solaris Books recently.

Hope to see you there.

With it being almost the end of January, I am busy planning the events for the year ahead. Already things are getting booked, so I thought I would share what’s up and coming on the calendar front.

Firstly, we have the Phoenix Convention or PCon as it is probably better known. This takes place on the weekend of the 5th, 6th and 7th March at the Central Hotel Dublin. This will be my first PCon and I am thoroughly looking forward to it.  The guest of honour is Nick Harkaway and there will be lots of other people there including Juliet E McKenna and C E Murphy (who has a posh new website – click the link to see).

I was emailing the organisers in the week about panels and possible events, and asked whether they were running Kaffeeklatsch type sessions and was told that Guinnessklatsch had been discussed. Not sure whether that will make it to the final program or not, but I think it sets the tone nicely.

Then there is Eastercon or Odyssey 2010 as this particular Eastercon seems to be styled.  Held at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow, London between April 2nd – 5th, this is probably the largest of the UK SF, Fantasy and Horror conventions.  As I am a fan of the Felix Castor series, I am delighted that Mike Carey will be there along with Iain M Banks, Liz Williams, Alastair Reynolds and artist Carlos Ezquerra.

From 17th – 19th September at the Britannia Hotel, St James St in Nottingham is FantasyCon, which hosts the British Fantasy Awards and a plethora of other events.  Last year’s FCon was excellent, so while it is a little early to talk programs and guests of honour yet, I am already signed up to attend this year’s event.

Last but by no means least, NewCon 5 is planned for 9th and 10th October in Northampton at it’s regular venue of the Fishmarket Arts Centre.  Not sure what the program will be yet, but this event has a great atmosphere and for a small boutique con it punches far above its weight.  Guests already include Paul Cornell,  Paul McAuley and Pat Cadigan, so it’s already shaping up to be a con not to miss.

Am also thinking I might go to PicoCon as an attendee, but that’s not confirmed yet.

So that’s the program so far.  Lots to look forward to, I’m sure you’ll agree.  If you are going along to one of these events and you feel like saying hello, please do.  It’s always great to meet people who share my enjoyment of the genre and books in general.  I’ll be updating the program with more details when I know more.