sign in sign up
<<
Home , Matt Forbeck, Steven Schend, Tim Waggoner

The Newsletter of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers

Tie-In Writer is Up too shocked at even receiving difficult and rewarding books to the nod in the first place.” put together,” John said. “It For a Hugo Award The Vorkosigan helps if you have a good team Companion is a detailed behind the scenes, and we had IAMTW member John nonfiction guide to the science one of the best I can think of. Helfers received one of the best fiction universe created by From Kerrie Hughes’ and Ed surprises of his life recently Nebula and Hugo Award- Burkhead’s work on the when he was informed that The winning Vorkosigan Companion, the author Lois book he co-edited with Lillian McMaster “Companions are simultaneously one Stewart Carl, had been Bujold. It of the most difficult and rewarding nominated for a Hugo Award in features the Best Related Book category, articles and books to put together,” John said. his first major genre award details about “It helps if you have a good team nomination. “Vorkosiverse,” “All I remember was my jaw as Lois’s fans behind the scenes, and we had one dropping as I stared at the e- have dubbed of the best I can think of.” mail message.” John said in a her space- recent interview. “I don’t even faring universe remember what I said set about 800 immediately afterward, I was years in the future, and which is Concordance—which was a covered in thirteen novels and massive effort in itself, and five novellas. takes up almost half of the The volume features a new, book—to the weeks of work in-depth interview with Lois Crystal Carroll and Suford about her life and writing Lewis put in on getting the map career, a new article by Lois exactly right, to the last minute about the author’s life, and a editing provided by Denise detailed concordance listing Little, Lillian, and Lois herself, every major character, setting, everybody did a heroic job with event, vehicle, and piece of the various pieces of the puzzle. technology in the books. It also Lillian and I were left with contains articles on romance what many would think was the (written by New York Times- enviable task of putting them bestselling author Mary Jo all together. However, it both Putney), technology, biology, a was and wasn't. We wanted to pronunciation guide, and what put together the best book may very well be the first possible, but with such a wealth published map of the entire of wonderful material, it was Vorkosigan universe. very hard to figure out what “Companions are should come first.” simultaneously one of the most

Vol. 3, issue 4, July-August 2009 1 delighted that the Hugo nomination for The Vorkosigan Companion will help draw even more attention to Lois's amazing body of work. It was a tremendous pleasure to spend so much time reminiscing about our long friendship and in her universe.” And what did Lois, who is currently writing the next Vorkosigan saga, think about the nomination? She said, “I was very glad to hear about the Hugo nomination for The Vorkosigan Companion. This book really is a team effort, and I’m delighted to see the editors and contributors recognized.” Along with attending Worldcon, John and his wife John Helfers at a reading at Indy’s Game Fair. Kerrie will also be attending The book was initially others associated with the GenCon in Indianapolis, the conceived by John and Lillian at volume. Martin H. Greenberg, World Convention in the 2002 World Fantasy CEP of Tekno Books, which San Jose, and Windycon in Convention, where they sat helped execute the project, said, Chicago. down with Lois and her agent, “Everyone at our office is very As for other projects, he is Eleanor Wood to pitch the pleased to receive this news. constantly juggling several, project and receive permission Companion volumes have long including working at Tekno to go ahead. Although it took a been a core part of our business, Books, where he oversees many few years to go from initial and we’re excited to see our novels and anthologies in concept to completed book, the most recent effort honored with progress. He is also writing the book was completed in time to a Hugo nomination.” second Deathlands book in his be promoted at the 2008 World Mary Jo Putney had this to two-book contract with Science Fiction Convention in say about the news: “What Worldwide Publishing, as well Denver, where Lois was the wonderful news! It's a terrific as co-developing the Author Guest of Honor. compendium about an amazing Shadowrun Almanac Apparently it made enough of author, and the editors (working title) and editing and an impact after its December thoroughly deserve this honor.” writing short fiction for Catalyst publication to earn the Denise Little, contributing Game Labs. nomination. author and editor, replied, “Naturally it is a great “Wow! What an honor! For me, Attending and associate honor to be nominated,” John the chance to work on the book members of the Montreal said. “However, I’m looking that explored Lois’s richly Anticipation Worldcon forward to the World Science detailed and always engaging convention can vote in Fiction Convention in Montreal. universe was a dream come the Hugo Awards. Ballots Let’s just say I hope I have to true. But these tributes are very must be received by July explain what a Hugo Award is nice gravy. And Lois and the 3rd, with paper ballots to airport security when I editors richly deserve all the th return to the United States.” recognition they can get.” postmarked by June 27 . Reaction about the award John’s co-editor, Lillian was similarly enthusiastic from Stewart Carl, said, “I'm 2 THE QUICKEST WAY conflict. If I can replace the Doctor and his TO GET REJECTED companions so easily, then why does it have to be a by Brandie Tarvin Doctor Who story? Once you have a story with a They say one knows a truly cookie-cutter cast, the prolific writer by the size of her whole thing rather loses rejections pile. After all, only a its appeal. It's no wonder wanna-be has absolutely no the editor rejected me. rejections to her credit. Knowing what I know With this in mind, I decided now, I would reject me too. to compile a list of the best methods for getting rejections. The Advice #2: Tell the So, if I want to be one of the editor just why your story truly great writers of the age, I is the next best thing to need a giant pile of "Sorry, not sliced bread while today" notes to compare to simultaneously telling everyone else's. Right? So with him why the work he's the enthusiastic assistance of currently had published is IAMTW Member Brandie Tarvin several members of the IAMTW, the worst thing in the here are the recommendations. I universe. "Don't worry, Boss. I The Advice #3: Guidelines? dedicate it to all writers who go have your miracle cure!" Who needs those? You're a in perpetual search of the professional writer. Whatever almighty Rejection Letter. May True Story: Scott Andrews you send *will* be accepted it serve you well. tells of a time when he because you're the next Stephen submitted a comic proposal to King. Go ahead. The Advice #1: In the cover 2000 AD. "It had fantastic letter, tell the editor your artwork by a well-known artist True Story: David Bishop says protagonist can be swapped friend and I felt my script was "That sounds basic, but you'd be with any character the editor so pretty good. Unfortunately, in amazed. Like the time I was co- desires. Your story plot is far our callow submission letter, we editing THE ULTIMATE more important than the outlined everything we thought DRAGON, and I got a couple of characters within the story. was currently wrong with 2000 submissions that nowhere in AD, and the ways in which our the story had a dragon in it." True Story: One of my first strip would 'fix it.' story proposals was for a Doctor In other words, we sent a Guidelines are published for Who novel, back when Virgin letter to the person we wanted several reasons. First, to Publishing held the rights. In to hire us saying 'Hi, you're homogenize the submissions my zeal to sell my work, I put in useless and your book sucks, they receive. Yes, that means my cover letter: "My story but we can help!'" your submission blends in with features the current Doctor, but Scott says he never received everyone else's. If everything is I can change this to whichever a reply, and hardly any wonder. the same, however, the editors Doctor and companions you The last thing an editor or can concentrate on the actual need a story for." In short order, publisher wants to hear is how story instead of the frilly stuff. I received a form rejection letter awful their own approved stuff Also, as David says, it ensures with no additional explanation. is and if you're bashing them that writers are submitting It wasn't until about a year this badly in the submission stories that actually fit the later that I'd realized what I'd letter, how badly will you bash available work. done wrong. Part of a story's them once you've been hired appeal is why only the and seen the secret insides? protagonist can resolve the 3 A personal note, though. writing when they see it . . . and the writers—had long ago Unclear guidelines can be a Mind you, this was the very lost sight of Trek and Gene double-edged sword. If in doubt, first page! It did not leave me Roddenberry's vision. e-mail your question to the positively disposed towards the Cha-cha-cha. editor before you submit so you manuscript." Luckily for us, he had just can resolve all discrepancies in the thing to give Trek the kick your submission. See number two above. Editors in the pants it so desperately I recently came across a set and publishers want to hear needed, and would I/we be so of guidelines which mandated that all numbers be written out. ―Luckily for us, he had just the thing to give Trek the kick Instead of "25," you write in the pants it so desperately needed, and would I/we be so "twenty-five." This made sense. kind as to assist him in seeing to it that it received an I'd seen this requirement before. What the guidelines didn't editor's attention.‖ – Dayton Ward mention was how to deal with numbers as part of a proper how your manuscript will help kind as to assist him in seeing name. The names have been them make money without you to it that it received an editor's changed in this example, but giving a lecture on how poor attention. He even had a when I named Robot-T3 (for their decision-making processes website where he had posted example) as Robot-T Three, I are. And when you include that the first three chapters of his instantly got rejected because lecture as a rant in the actual opus. The rest of his website apparently I didn't know the manuscript itself. . . Well, you'd was so horrific that I was sure work well enough to know how best already be Michael Moore, all of this had to be a well- to spell Robot-T3's name before you make that particular planned practical joke properly. Of course, if I'd taken mistake. orchestrated by person or a moment to e-mail the editor persons who to this day remain instead of taking the guidelines The Advice #5: Oh, and while anonymous. so literally, I might have been you're "biting the hand that will Regardless, the letter he sent able to fix this problem before feed you," don't forget the is and remains one my favorite the rejection. networking! In this day and age e-mails of its type ever to grace of public information, getting e- my inbox." The Advice #4: By all means, mail and snail mail addresses is insult the publisher's or editor's relatively simple. Go ahead and If you don't know where to send good sense! They have enough spam every author who has ever your submission, you've skipped kudos from newspapers and written for the publisher. One of a step in the process. Every reviewers. You should be telling them might be willing and able writer should do his homework them the Truth About the Way to give you a leg up! to verify he's sending his Things Are. And don't forget to proposal to the person who will insult the industry in general True Story: Dayton Ward be making the decision. Sending while you're at it. gives us this sordid tale. "Early a mass e-mail such as the last year, I (along with several above, however, will not only True Story: Greg Cox shares a writers in Pocket's Trek stable) get you junk-mail blocked, but moment of his editorial was hit with the same blast e- will also likely ruin any future experiences. ". . . then there was mail from an aspiring writer chances you have of getting the guy who sent in a slush who had conceived the end-all your networking connections novel that begins with the be-all Star Trek novel. He was from the very agents, authors, protagonist, an aspiring author, convinced that the franchise and editors you just spammed. discovering yet [another] stack had spiraled down the cosmic of rejection slips in his mailbox, crapper, that the new movie The Advice #6: Spellcheck? then launching into a venomous would suck, and that the Grammar? Wut be them? Go diatribe about idiot New York company publishing the Trek ahead and add in the emoticons editors who don't know good books—along with the editors

4 and text-speak (ROTFLOL, anyone?) too. Be modern!

The Truth: Minor errors, few and far between, can usually be dealt with. But when it's obvious the writer was too lazy to run spellcheck or verify his homonym use, the editor will The following was quick grab the nearest form taken from Tod Goldberg’s rejection. It's hard enough work blog: reading hundreds of submissions a week, let alone It’s hard for me to parsing bad grammar, believe this, but my first homemade emphatics and ever- tour of duty on Burn changing net-speak. If you want Notice is just about over— a rejection, liberally sprinkle pending, of course, a new your work with unintelligible contract—as today is the acronyms. If not, I urge you to official release date of my resist the temptation and be second Burn Notice novel, meticulous in your work. The End Game. I am about 30 days from being done This list is by no means with my third Burn Notice comprehensive. I'm positive novel, called The Giveaway there are at least ten other and that will then be 18 ways to get a quick rejection months, three books and and look forward to discovering 180,000 words. The many more than that as I publisher hasn't told me if continue my writing career. In there will be more, though the meantime, I aim to share I understand the first one my list with as many people as has done well and the fans possible. This advice seems seem to like it, and it was fairly obvious, yet the above critically well received, contributors mention the sheer exceptionally excited about as which is always nice. well, wrote dozens of book number of writers making these Writing these books is mistakes every day. reviews and essays and articles certainly a different kind of and also have a day job Unless, these authors aren't experience for me—I write them really trying to get published. directing an MFA program in very, very quickly. More quickly creative writing. So it's been a Maybe they co-opted my plot to than I'd like, really, but the get the biggest stack of challenge to write quickly and turn-around time on them is lucidly while keeping the voice rejections in the world! Uh, oh. such that I really only have I'd better get cracking on of Michael Westen in my head about three months to write all the while. finding those new methods of each one and have a normal life instant rejection if I want my So, The End Game. Here's a in-between. And by normal life, little Behind the Music on it: name in the Geniss Book of I of course mean a normal World Records first. Opps, did I I knew I wanted to do writing life, which in this case something somewhat sports spell "Guinness" wrong? means that while I wrote those Ah, screw it. Who needs a related, and so Wendy and I three books these past 18 hatched the basic plot one dictionary anyway? @=) months, I also completed a new Visit Brandie on the Internet evening over pizza. I had the short story collection—Other plot of the novel written on at: www.brandietarvin.net Resort Cities—which will be out brandietarvin.livejournal.com scraps of receipts and such, and in October and which I am when I presented it to Matt, he 5 liked it but also suggested I talk research into the book, plus I to Rashad Raisani, a staff picked his brain on a few ideas I writer on the show who had a had on the caper itself, since similar idea that was just too that had been one of the things expensive to shoot. he was still trying to work on That week I came into the when they ditched the idea. So BN production offices for a it was very cool to have couple of days while they broke someone who basically was on the episodes of the second the same wave-length with me season so that I could get the before I actually started the flavor for the changes the show writing. was going to take, as well as get I then spent three months an idea where the show was writing the book...and then I going in season three, too, since wasn't happy and added a new obviously my books are written chapter from Fiona's pov when not at the precise same time the copyedits came in, which that the show is written. (For probably didn't thrill my instance, I've been getting the publisher, but it felt like scripts for the 3rd season over something was missing. the course of the past month or I've been tinkering a lot with so, but by the time I turn in The adding different povs into the Giveaway, I'll probably have books—Sam's, Fiona's, and in only seen the first nine episodes this new book I'm writing, you NSA agent. Two other friends on paper.) get the client's pov for a end up as one very odd chapter, too—because that's the therapist (the same two friends one thing I'm really able to do also ended up in The Fix as an that you can't get on the show. odd character named James Plus, it's fun for me as a writer. Dimon...but now I've used all of Writing in the same voice in their combined names, so they back to back books, as I did won't be in the next book...I essentially with The Fix and guess I better make some more The End Game, which were friends...) and several sentences written with very little break in begin "when you're spy" between, can be boring, frankly, because, dammit, that's what so in order to stay inspired and the people want and I am a excited about a project, writers people pleaser. trick themselves on their down (Though, despite that, I'm not days, they add new POVs, they going out on the road to please blow up a boat, they kick the people for this book as it someone in the head, they bring unfortunately is being released in a new character, whatever. right when the new book is due. As in The Fix, there are a But fear not people, as I'll be couple of inside jokes for folks in touring the world in the fall for the know. A villain is named for Other Resort Cities and will two friends of mine, one of happily sign all the Burn Notice whom is a big time famous books you'd like. But if you author. A mutual friend of mine really want a signed copy of The and Matt Nix's shows up briefly, End Game, I suggest you Rashad kindly gave me the by full legal name at least, the contact the wonderful people at notes he'd written up about husband of a well-known either Mysterious Galaxy or these very cool yacht races and I romance-author-friend of the Mystery Bookstore, both of incorporated some of that Wendy's appears as a former whom have a bunch of signed stock. ) 6 A LOOK AT THE SPECULATIVE LITERATURE FOUNDATION by Shilpa Sehgal it easy to locate booklists and op dealer’s tables, sharing costs other materials to use in and space. Need a category to put your outreach to schools and Membership in the SLF Co- larger-than-life fiction into? libraries. If you need it, the op is currently open to any self- The Speculative Literature SLF has it, or will get it for you. identifying small press and its Foundation thrives on helping As well as serving as a home- representatives—both online writers find homes for their base for speculative literature, and print presses are welcome more than imaginative pieces of SLF also raises funds from to join. Individuals self writing. “Speculative either members or outside publishing chapbooks and the Literature” is a catch-all term contributors in order to help like are also more than welcome meant to inclusively span the writers with their research. to join. Co-op membership is breadth of fantastic literature, The SLF currently presents free in 2009. encompassing literature individual and organizational So now you’re probably ranging from hard and soft grants and awards, including a thinking why you should join, science fiction to epic fantasy to $800 Travel Grant, a $750 right? The SLF is the first and ghost stories to folk and fairy Older Writer’s Grant, and a only arts organization serving tales to slipstream to magical $1000 Excellence in Speculative speculative fiction. Our many realism, or to modern Short Fiction award. In the valuable projects are funded mythmaking—any literature future, the SLF plans to have primarily through individual containing a fabulist or novel development grants, a membership fees. Membership speculative element. first novel award, small in the SLF offers you the The SLF’s mission is clear: to press/magazine development satisfaction of knowing that you promote literary quality in grants, and financial assistance are contributing to an speculative fiction by for writers attending workshops organization actively working to encouraging promising new or writing retreats. improve the field, for the benefit writers, assisting established You may be thinking “wow, of hard-working, talented writers, facilitating the work of this is a lot for the first and only writers and appreciative quality magazines and small arts organization serving readers, like you! presses in the genre, and speculative fiction!”, but there is Visit the organization’s site: developing a greater public more. The SLF also has a www.speculativeliterature.org appreciation of speculative project called The Small Press fiction. The monsters, aliens, Co-op. The Small Press Co- SCRIBE AWARD ghosts, and creatures found in operative is designed to help your writing can finally find a small presses within the CEREMONIES SET home in this genre. speculative fiction field co- The Specualtive Literature operate on projects and The Third Annual Scribes will Foundation was launched in exchange useful information. be awarded at a special ceremony at Comic-Con in San Diego, July January 2004 with many of its Membership in the Co-operative 23-29. goals already in mind. The SLF gives members access to our The gaming-related Scribes will strives to promote literary private discussion boards and be presented at in the Marriott quality in speculative fiction by mailing lists, where members Hotel at 1 p.m. August 13th at the may exchange information on Gen Con Game Fair in creating a comprehensive Indianapolis. website which serves as a hub finances, logistics, advertising, For a complete list of the for information of use to editing, and more. Members nominees, see the next page. speculative fiction readers, also have the opportunity to join Submissions are already being writers, editors and publishers. such group ventures as the Co- accepted for the 2010 Scribe Awards. Send your tie-in novels to Visitors of the website will find the appropriate judges. 7 STAR TREK: TEROK NOR, Special Gaming Scribe - SCRIBE DAY OF THE VIPERS Best Original S by James Swallow : THE NNOMINEES Best Speculative Fiction INQUISITIVES, THE Adapted DARKWOOD MASK The International Association of by Jeff LaSala Media Tie-In Writers is pleased HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN : DEATH to announce this year's ARMY by Bob Greenberger MARCH by Jean Rabe nominees for the 2009 awards, THE MUTANT CHRONICLES EBERRON: THE DOOM OF which honor excellence in by Matt Forbeck KINGS by Don Bassingthwaite licensed tie-in writing—novels STAR WARS - THE CLONE WARHAMMER: ELFSLAYER based on TV shows, movies, and WARS: WILD SPACE by Nathan Long games. by Karen Miller UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE Special Gaming Scribe - Best General Fiction LYCANS by Greg Cox Best Adapted Original Best Young Adult Original THE WORLD OF WARCRAFT: BURN NOTICE: THE FIX BEYOND THE DARK PORTAL by Tod Goldberg DR. WHO: THE EYELESS by Aaron Rosenberg & Christie CRIMINAL MINDS: by Lance Parkin Golden FINISHING SCHOOL PRIMEVAL: SHADOW OF THE MUTANT CHRONICLES by Max Allan Collins THE JAGUAR by Steven Savile by Matt Forbeck CSI: HEADHUNTER DISNEY CLUB PENGUIN: METAL GEAR SOLID by by Greg Cox STOWAWAY! ADVENTURES Raymond Benson AT SEA by Tracey West Best General Fiction Adapted Best Young Adult Adapted 2010 SCRIBES

DEATH DEFYING ACTS IRON MAN: THE JUNIOR Work has already begun on the by Greg Cox NOVEL by Stephen D. Sullivan 2010 Scribe Awards for books INDIANA JONES AND THE THE DARK KNIGHT: THE published between Jan. 1, 2009 KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL JUNIOR NOVEL by Stacia and Dec. 31, 2009. Send a copy SKULL by James Rollins Deutsch and Rhody Cohen of your book and the entry form THE TUDORS: KING TAKES JOURNEY TO THE CENTER to each judge in the category QUEEN by Elizabeth Massie OF THE EARTH 3D you are entering and to the THE WACKNESS by Tracey West IAMTW at: by Dale C. Phillips The highest honor the IAMTW X-FILES: I WANT TO can bestow is the coveted IAMTW BELIEVE by Max Allan Collins Grandmaster Award, which PO Box 8212 recognizes a writer with Calabasas, CA 91372. Best Speculative Fiction extensive and exceptional work Original in the tie-in field. This year's GENERAL FICTION honoree is KEITH R.A. BEST NOVEL—ORIGINAL GHOST WHISPERER: DeCANDIDO. He has written Keith R.A. DeCandido (Chair) REVENGE by Doranna Durgin more than thirty novels, most of PO Box 4976 : THE them original tie-ins or New York, NY 10185 COVENANT, HEAVEN'S novelizations. His work includes BONES by Samantha many Star Trek novels, as well Bob Greenberger Henderson as original books in the CSI: NY 36 Yarrow Road STARGATE SG-1: HYDRA by and Supernatural tie-in series. Fairfield CT 06824-4559 Holly Scott & Jamie Duncan 8 David Spencer Brandie Tarvin 41-07 42nd Street #4B 10864 Crosstie Ct FiestaCon Long Island City, NY 11104 Jacksonville FL 32257 Westercon 62 BEST NOVEL—ADAPTED Donald J. Bingle July 2-5 in Tempe, AZ, at the D. J. Stevenson (Chair) 5N085 Crane Road Tempe Mission Palms. P. O. Box 297 St. Charles, IL 60175 Programming will feature Claridge PA 15623 many local and regional authors, artists, and Alina Wickham scientists. There will be a 160 W. 95th St. #5A Masquerade, Art show & New York, NY 10025 Auction, Charity Auction, Writing Workshops, Dealers Raymond Benson Room, Gaming, and July 4th 811 Thompson Blvd. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Fireworks. Guests include Alan Dean Foster and SPECULATIVE FICTION Stanley Schmidt. The BEST NOVEL – ORIGINAL convention’s web site has Jean Rabe (Chair) WWA Convention more detailed information: 3511 22nd St. www.leprecon.org The Western Writers of Kenosha, WI 53144 America Convention is set for Steven Schend June 9-12 at the Sheraton in RWA 29th Annual 816 Fairmount St SE Midwest City, Oklahoma. Conference Visit the organization’s web Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Washington, DC’s Marriott site for more information. Wardman Park Hotel will www.westernwriters.org Ben Rome play host to the RWA event 5310 Ferndale St. July 15-18. More than 100 Springfield, VA 22151 workshops, panels, and DucKon 18 round-tables will be offered, BEST NOVEL – ADAPTED Chicago’s Science Fiction and many publishing Debbie Viguie (Chair) community hosts this gathering PMB-418 June 12-14 at the Holiday Inn in professions will be on hand. 3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy. Ste B-18 Naperville, IL. Guests include: One-on-one pitch sessions Lihue, HI 96766 Jim Butcher (author), Loren with agents and editors are Damewood (artist), Michael included. A 500-author Christina York Harrington (scientist), Seanan charity book signing is also 1045 SW 10th McGuire (filk), Shannon Butcher planned. The conference Lincoln City, OR 97367 (special guest). For more early registration fee is $425 information visit the convention’s for members and $500 for Lance Parkin web site: www.duckon.org non-RWA members. 1410 Wharton Drive Registration is open on the Newark DE 19711 Origins Game Fair RWA Web site. www.rwanational.org The Columbus Convention Center BEST YOUNG ADULT ORIGINAL & ADAPTED plays host to one of the country’s Richard Dean Starr (Chair) largest game events. June 24-28. Gen Con Indy 7440 Sepulveda Blvd. #312 More than 4,600 events and more August 13-16 at the Indianapolis Van Nuys, CA 91405 than 170 exhibitors are scheduled. Convention Center. The country’s Visit the web site at: largest game convention boasts www.originsgamefair.com seminars, games, a massive dealer’s room, art show, and a 9 Writer’s Symposium with a as the “room block” is expected to double track of programming fill up quickly. Activities will offering 90 hours of seminars and include an art show, filking, panel workshops. A complete list of the discussions, gaming, and more. Symposium schedule can be For more information, write the found at the Gen Con website or convention at TusCon, PO Box on Jean Rabe’s web page: 2528, Tuscon, AZ, 85702. Or you www.jeanrabe.com. Several can send an inquiry via e-mail to: IAMTW members are planning to [email protected] IAMTW attend, including: , Tim Waggoner, Steven Schend, Philcon 2009 Donald J. Bingle, John Helfers, The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Jean Rabe, Matt Forbeck, and Cherry Hill NJ is the site of this President— more. The Scribe Awards for year’s convention, set for Nov. gaming related fiction will be nd th 20-22 . The web site lists more Max Allan Collins presented at 1 p.m. August 13 . information: www.philcon.org For information about the con: Vice President— www.gencon.com Thought Bubble 3 nd Lee Goldberg MileHiCon 41 Nov. 20-22 has been set for one of the UK’s prominent comic Oct. 23-25, at Hyatt Regency- conventions. The event will be Tech Center in Denver, CO. More held in Saviles Hall, Leeds, than 80 guests and speakers on England. More than 1,600 fans science fiction, fantasy, and attended the previous year’s Website: horror are expected at what is convention. Activities will billed as the largest literary include workshops, seminars, www.iamtw.org convention in the Rocky comic-related film screenings, Mountain Region. Some of the and a “book crossing.” For E-mail: [email protected] scheduled guests include: Barbara information on attending and/or Hambly and Nancy Kress. Visit: participating, contact Lisa Wood: www.milehicon.org for more. [email protected] Send Tied-In submissions to:

WindyCon LosCon 36 [email protected] November 13-15, Lombart November 27-29, Los Angeles, Illinois, is the site for this year’s CA. The convention will be held WindyCon. Guests include: James at the LAX Marriott. Planned P. Blaylock and Phil and Kaja events include panels, workshops, IAMTW Foglio. Early bird registration is and many other activities. The $45 for the weekend, with hotel con is organized into “theme PO Box 8212 rooms at $104 a night. For more days,” and programming tracks. information: www.windycon.org Friday: horror; Saturday; dress Calabasas, CA 91372 like a pirate day; Sunday: TusCon 36 honoring artists and writers. Stoker-winning author Weston Author guests of honor are Ochse headlines the guests at Tananarive Due and Steven TusCon 36 Nov. 13-15 at the Barnes. For more information, see InnSuites Hotel in Tucson, AZ. the convention’s website at: The convention staff requests that www.texassf.org hotel reservations be made early, 10 All articles in this issue are copyright 2009 by their respective authors. All other content copyright 2009 IAMTW.