Friday, August 24, 2012

Bubonicon, and NM Science Fiction & Fantasy



Perhaps it is the altitude. Or the presence of the National Labs. Or the stimulating and evident cultural mix. Or just the grand scale, wide skies and ever-changing beauty of the Land of Enchantment. But for whatever reason, New Mexico is blessed with a particularly high concentration of
Science Fiction and Fantasy authors.

And not just authors, but also fans of the genres. Authors and fans will converge August 24-26 to celebrate their mutual interests when
The 44th Annual Bubonicon
occurs at the Albuquerque Marriott Uptown.




Bubonicon (in classic fan humor fashion, the name a wry nod to the fact that NM is the only state with annual cases of bubonic plague) is one of the largest such conventions in the Southwest, but still noted for having a welcoming atmosphere. The con is also famous for the distinguished group of local authors likely to attend, many of whom have themselves been guests of honor at other conventions worldwide. Look below for a list of New Mexico's science fiction and fantasy authors.

With so many authors in attendance it is not surprising that Bubonicon (or "B-con", to its intimates) also has a reputation as a "readercon", a gathering leaning more to print works than other media. But do not fear a dry professional conference -- while there are discussion panels which may verge on the scholarly, there is always a fun and lively recognition of science fiction and fantasy in movies and television, and the possibilities inherent in the genres. Costumes are always appreciated (this year's theme is "Mayan Apocalypse"), from "hall costumes" up to the often clever and elaborate presentations during Saturday evening's Costume Contest. The con also celebrates New Mexico's own filmmakers, with screenings of locally-produced films.

Other media are represented in the Art Show, where SF/F-themed works are on view and many are for sale. A Dealer's Room offers current and hard-to-find books, SF/F-themed clothing and jewelry, and a wide range of interesting odds and ends to catch the eye of anyone venturing inside.

This year's Guest of Honor is well-known author Brandon Sanderson; kicking things off as Toastmaster is author and screenwriter Michael Cassutt. Guest Artist is book illustrator Ursula Vernon. Many of the authors in attendance will be available for book signings.

While many of the hundreds attending Bubonicon each year are regulars (some sporting T-shirts from B-cons decades passed) new blood is always welcome and visitors are guaranteed a memorable experience. Day passes and weekend passes are available at the door.

Visit the Bubonicon website for the full schedule of events. And continue on below for an overview of New Mexico's science fiction and fantasy authors, many of whom are likely to be in attendance at Bubonicon 44.


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New Mexico's science fiction and fantasy authors are not just numerous and productive, but also highly talented and respected. In the list below you will find New York Times bestselling authors, Hugo (the highest award presented by the World Science Fiction Society) and Nebula (presented by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) award winners, and authors whose works have been turned into movies and television series. (And authors who have worked on movies and television series.) Lifelong New Mexican Jack Williamson (1908-2006) was the second author to be named a Grand Master of science fiction, and many of these authors have garnered other awards and recognition.

While distinguishing themselves in SF/F, many of these authors have also written in other genres, including detective/noir, horror, western, historical fiction and romance.

Many of these authors are likely to be in attendance at Bubonicon 44, and available for book signings.

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Daniel Abraham
        also writes as M.L.N. Hanover
        Titles in the Collection       Author's website
        also writes as James S.A. Corey
        Titles in the Collection       Author's website
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Doug Beason
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Suzy McKee Charnas
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Stephen R. Donaldson
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Steven Gould
Titles in the Collection      Author's website
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Darynda Jones
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Jane Lindskold
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
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George R.R. Martin
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
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Victor Milan
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
       also writes as Alex Archer (in the Rogue Angel series)
       also writes as James Axler (in the Deathlands series)
       also writes in the Jake Logan western series
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John Jos. Miller
Titles in the Collection       Author's Wikipedia page
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Laura J. Mixon
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
        also writes as M.J. Locke    
        Titles in the Collection     Author's website
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Pati Nagle
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
        also writes as P.G. Nagle     
        Titles in the Collection     Author's website
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Scott S. Phillips
Titles in the Collection     Author's website
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John Maddox Roberts
Titles in the Collecton      Author's Wikipedia entry
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Melinda Snodgrass
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
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S.M. Stirling
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
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Sheri S. Tepper
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
       also writes as E.E. Horlak
       also writes as B.J. Oliphant (Shirley McLintock series)
       also writes as A.J. Orde (Jason Lynx series)
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Ian Tregillis
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
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Robert E. Vardeman
Titles in the Collection       Author's website
        also writes as Karl Lassiter
        Titles in the Collection     Author's website
        also writes as Jackson Lowry
        Titles in the Collection     Author's website
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Sage Walker
Titles in the Collection      Author's Wikipedia entry
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Walter Jon Williams
Titles in the Collection      Author's website
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Gone But Far From Forgotten

Fred Saberhagen (1930-2007)
Titles in the Collection      Author's website
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Jack Williamson (1908-2006)
Titles in the Collection      Wikipedia entry
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Roger Zelazny (1937-1995)
Titles in the Collection      Author's website
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