Tachyon writers and editors Ellen Datlow, James Patrick Kelly, Michael Swanwick, and Sheila Williams are all attending Readercon 30, July 11-14, in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Although Readercon is modeled on “science fiction conventions,” we have no art show, no costumes, no gaming, and almost no media. Instead, Readercon features a near-total focus on the written word.

In many years the list of Readercon guests rivals or surpasses that of the Worldcon in quality. Readercon is the only small convention regularly attended by such giants of imaginative literature as Samuel R. Delany, Ellen Datlow, Amal El-Mohtar, John Crowley, Greer Gilman, and Catherynne M. Valente.

The program consists of two tracks each of panel discussions, author readings, and solo talks or workshops, plus kaffeeklatsches (intimate gatherings with an author), autograph signings, and extracurricular activities. The program also currently features the presentation of two major genre awards: the Cordwainer Smith Rediscovery Award for a neglected author and the Shirley Jackson Awards for dark fantasy and psychological suspense.

From Readercon 27: Robots as Proxies in Science Fiction (Part 1 Part 2) with Ted Chiang, Josh Jasper (leader), James Patrick Kelly, Terence Taylor, and Jo Walton

Guests of Honor:
Tananarive Due & Stephen Graham Jones

Memorial Guest of Honor:
Edward W. Bryant

Gordon Van Gelder and Michael Swanwick at Readercon 29 (photo: Daniel Dern) 

Readercon offers a massive selection of readings, signings, and panels. To find any of these authors, check out the entire schedule on their site.