Historical Novel Society conference 2011 [Archive]

Ariadne

02-27-2010, 12:59 AM

Divia

02-27-2010, 01:05 AM

oh dear. Thats all the way on the other side of the country :(

You see I'm a horrible flyer. I suppose if I have a sedative in me I'll be fine, but oh dear, flying.. and it shall be a long trip....

Ariadne

02-27-2010, 01:13 AM

Yep - the West Coasters have had to travel a long way for the last two conferences so this'll be more on their turf. The hotel's right on the water with lots of palm trees around though :)

Divia

02-27-2010, 01:17 AM

Do you have drugs for me to take to knock me out for this flight. :p

I assume we'll get a hotel rate n all that good stuff. Will the conference be in the hotel/

Ariadne

02-27-2010, 01:19 AM

Heh. Yeah, I don't care for long flights either. It'll be at the hotel - they're not ready for reservations yet but we got a really good rate, the same as we got in Schaumburg.

Ash

02-27-2010, 02:00 AM

Oh great, you guys finally come out west, and I'm going to be in Portland that weekend. You couldn't schedule this a week later? Heck I am only a six hour drive away (five if my DH drives) .... I went to a convention at the Mariott nearby the Hilton; its a great spot, right on the water, near Seaport Village and other places to visit.

Speaking of, make sure you take a journey over to the Hillcrest area (near Balboa Park) for some great used bookstores - Bluestocking Books and 5th Ave books. I am bummed to find that the big used store in downtown closed up last fall. We went there every summer. Too bad.

MLE

02-27-2010, 02:24 AM

It's about time! I'll tell my sis-in-law that we'll be down for the week, she's always bugging us to come down to sunny San Diego.

Margaret

02-27-2010, 04:56 AM

Oh, goodie! This may be doable for me. I have fond memories of San Diego - I visited with my husband many years ago and a hummingbird at the zoo decided my sweater was a flower.

Chatterbox

02-27-2010, 05:38 AM

This sounds like a good thing to use my miles for...

Ash

02-27-2010, 01:34 PM

Oh, goodie! This may be doable for me. I have fond memories of San Diego - I visited with my husband many years ago and a hummingbird at the zoo decided my sweater was a flower.

Hee, my husband took a picture of one in my hair, same place :) Oh and speaking of the zoo, the new Polar Bear and Elephant exhibits are not to be missed!

Ariadne

02-27-2010, 01:39 PM

Thanks for all the great info on San Diego - others from the organizing committee live there/have visited often, but I haven't been there yet. I'll probably be flying out this summer to see the location for myself.

boswellbaxter

02-27-2010, 02:06 PM

I think this is the weekend after my daughter's high school graduation, so I should be able to make it. Sounds fun!

Nefret

02-27-2010, 05:30 PM

Sounds fun. Wish I could go though.

Matt Phillips

02-27-2010, 09:32 PM

I love San Diego. In addition to the zoo, I'd highly recommend the Wild Animal Park affiliated with the zoo. It's located about a half-hour outside the city and includes a wide open free range area where giraffes, rhinos, wildebeasts, ostriches, water buffalo, gazelles and other African and Asian wildlife roam and graze. It's beautiful - it's as if you're in the savannah. You can see the open area from a tram that runs around the perimeter, but it's more than worth it to splurge on one of the rides where you sit in an open trailer pulled by a truck and they drive you through the grounds, right in the midst of the animals. You get to feed acacia (if I recall correctly) leaves to the giraffes (who are quite friendly and voracious) and apples to the rhinos.

Whale-watching boat rides are also fun in San Diego but I'm not sure if that will be the right time of year for it; it depends on their migration schedule ...

Libby

02-27-2010, 09:37 PM

San Diego is out of the question but I can do Manchester!

Divia

02-27-2010, 10:14 PM

I can only speak for myself but I didnt have a whole lot of free time when i went to the last conference.

Julianne Douglas

02-28-2010, 04:03 PM

I was hoping for San Francisco, but San Diego will definitely do. :) Though I fear hubby and kids will want to tag along to go to Legoland, etc.

Nefret

02-28-2010, 04:37 PM

If anyone from the Bay Area is going and needs another person, let me know. I'll pay for gas and navigate.
Oh, I forgot about Legoland.

Ash

02-28-2010, 04:40 PM

I was hoping for San Francisco, but San Diego will definitely do. :) Though I fear hubby and kids will want to tag along to go to Legoland, etc.

With all the times we've gone, we have wanted to go to Lego Land but have been put off by the outrageous price. David does lots of legos but he says its just not worth it to him. I can't imagine how parents do it when they've got two or three kids in tow who go there. (but then I've wondered that about Disneyland and SeaWorld)

Divia

02-28-2010, 05:25 PM

I was hoping for San Francisco, but San Diego will definitely do. :) Though I fear hubby and kids will want to tag along to go to Legoland, etc.

I told my mother about it and showed her the hotel and I think she wants to tag along too!

Julianne Douglas

03-01-2010, 02:36 AM

Great! The more the merrier. I bet she'd have a lot of fun. We've been talking about going to SD for ages, so this will be a good excuse to finally go.

I'll have to Google Legoland. Is it really that expensive?

michellemoran

03-01-2010, 09:17 PM

WOW - finally a location next to me! I'm really looking forward to it.

cw gortner

03-01-2010, 10:40 PM

I'm in! Now, I have to conjure up an exciting panel idea to submit!

TonyHays

03-02-2010, 11:45 AM

You are a first class conjurer, C.W.!

Julianne Douglas

03-03-2010, 06:27 PM

Sarah-- do you have to be a published author to propose a panel?

Ariadne

03-03-2010, 06:43 PM

No, anyone can propose something -- in the past there've been academics, researchers, librarians, or other experts on a topic sitting on panels.

Divia

03-03-2010, 09:26 PM

*gasp* I could have my own librarian panel. :p JK.

But I would like to see some YA stuff. I know I missed the teen panel cause it was on Sunday.

cw gortner

03-03-2010, 10:00 PM

You are a first class conjurer, C.W.!

We had fun last time. Let's think of something we might do together? I'll have a mystery out by then, too!:D

Ariadne

03-03-2010, 10:14 PM

*gasp* I could have my own librarian panel. :p JK.

But I would like to see some YA stuff. I know I missed the teen panel cause it was on Sunday.

I had a librarian panel last time... not this time, though. I don't want to stress myself out again by doing too much :D

I'd like to see more YA content too.

Divia

03-03-2010, 11:50 PM

We had fun last time. Let's think of something we might do together? I'll have a mystery out by then, too!:D
I learned a lot from the panel you did with Michelle. I daresay that was the best one of the conference.

I had a librarian panel last time... not this time, though. I don't want to stress myself out again by doing too much :D

I'd like to see more YA content too.

You looked like a busy woman!

I wonder if a lot of people attended the YA panel. And if people would like to see more.

Ariadne

03-04-2010, 12:02 AM

I didn't get a chance to see the YA panel, but it seemed to have good attendance when I looked into the room. I know there was an problem with one agent cancelling last-minute (the one who was most interested in YA), and I'll bring up the need for that focus when we discuss it next. We're going to be getting together in San Diego in a couple months for our annual meeting, so if anyone has ideas or suggestions you want me to pass on to the rest of the group, feel free to let me know!

Divia

03-04-2010, 12:22 AM

I can only speak for myself(since I'm working on YA stuff) but I was devastated when they canceled.

I wonder if there is a big demand for it though. I just dont know. Maybe I am in the minority, which could be.

Thats kind of you to take our suggestions though. You rock. :)

diamondlil

03-04-2010, 01:36 AM

YA is such a hot genre all round at the moment, I would be surprised if there weren't other people who are interested as well.

michellemoran

03-04-2010, 05:03 AM

Divia - I think having you on a librarian panel would be fantastic. Authors often have difficulty in successfully reaching out to libraries. I think it would be really interesting to discover the ins and outs of library talks (I get invited to a lot of them, but often can't make it), what libraries look for in speakers, how often they book authors, etc.

michellemoran

03-04-2010, 05:07 AM

Divia: I wonder if a lot of people attended the YA panel. And if people would like to see more.

I think a YA panel would be great. Although I personally don't plan on writing any more books which I consider to be YA/adult fiction crossover, I would find it really interesting. Besides, you can never learn too much about the industry, and since YA is hot, there are bound to be many other authors who would like to see a YA panel.

fljustice

04-06-2010, 08:34 PM

I missed the last one in Chicago, because my dad was in town for my daughter's HS graduation. California's a shlep, but it's time we were on that coast.

Ash

04-07-2010, 03:05 AM

Wait a minute - the one in San Diego - thats next year, right? Yes, I can go! I was thinking it was this June.

Divia

04-07-2010, 09:56 AM

Its in June next year. :)

Ken

04-15-2010, 11:28 AM

Just a note that the date and location for the next North American HNS conference have been set: June 17-19, 2011, at the Holiday Inn on the Bay in San Diego, California. That's all the info we have now, but I expect other things will be finalized in the upcoming months.

Well, let's say that I am prepared to attend your conference to enlighten you all as to my fascinating novel of the adventures of Sir Othon de Grandson, but I have certain requirements that will need to be confirmed, before I can decide to grace the conference with my presence:

Given the parlous nature of the HNS treasury,I am prepared to reduce my normal speaking fee from $200,000 to $100,000 (cash, please, in small suitcase).

I will require first class air and ground transport for my wife and myself (and possibly my daughter, if she decides to come). In lieu of commercial airlines, I am prepared to arrive by private jet, but it must be a Lear 60, or larger.

5 Star accomodation in three bedrooms for the night of my lecture only. I do not intend to have to stay to listen to anyone else.

I insist on having at least two bottles of still spring water (unopened, please) on the left side of the lectern from which I will speak.

I am only able to accept questions from the audience that have been collected in advance, screened and deleivered by a designated representative, rather than from individula members of the audience.

If members wish to be photographed with me, my fee is $100 per photo and I would rather that those members chosen be... how shall I put it? - among the more photogenic of the audience.

Please respond by return confirming that my conditions are acceptable to you. I would prefer you not to contact me directly, but correspond with my agent Mrs P. A. Lin. Thank you!:p

Catherine Delors

04-15-2010, 01:02 PM

5 Star accomodation in three bedrooms for the night of my lecture only. I do not intend to have to stay to listen to anyone else.

Three bedrooms? Aren't you telling us more than we need to know about your private life? :)

boswellbaxter

04-15-2010, 01:53 PM

Well, let's say that I am prepared to attend your conference to enlighten you all as to my fascinating novel of the adventures of Sir Othon de Grandson, but I have certain requirements that will need to be confirmed, before I can decide to grace the conference with my presence:

Given the parlous nature of the HNS treasury,I am prepared to reduce my normal speaking fee from $200,000 to $100,000 (cash, please, in small suitcase).

I will require first class air and ground transport for my wife and myself (and possibly my daughter, if she decides to come). In lieu of commercial airlines, I am prepared to arrive by private jet, but it must be a Lear 60, or larger.

5 Star accomodation in three bedrooms for the night of my lecture only. I do not intend to have to stay to listen to anyone else.

I insist on having at least two bottles of still spring water (unopened, please) on the left side of the lectern from which I will speak.

I am only able to accept questions from the audience that have been collected in advance, screened and deleivered by a designated representative, rather than from individula members of the audience.

If members wish to be photographed with me, my fee is $100 per photo and I would rather that those members chosen be... how shall I put it? - among the more photogenic of the audience.

Please respond by return confirming that my conditions are acceptable to you. I would prefer you not to contact me directly, but correspond with my agent Mrs P. A. Lin. Thank you!:p

Ken, no bendable straw for your water? Surely you are not lowering your standards!

Catherine Delors

04-15-2010, 01:57 PM

Ken, no bendable straw for your water? Surely you are not lowering your standards!

No, apparently Ken is flexible about the bendable straws... Sorry, couldn't help it! :D

boswellbaxter

04-15-2010, 02:36 PM

No, apparently Ken is flexible about the bendable straws... Sorry, couldn't help it! :D

Hee!:D

Or maybe he's holding out for one of those crazy straws!

Catherine Delors

04-15-2010, 02:51 PM

Hee!:D

Or maybe he's holding out for one of those crazy straws!

What about cocktail cherries and a little Chinese paper umbrella? You want fancy, Ken, we'll show you fancy!

Ariadne

04-15-2010, 03:54 PM

Huh, these esteemed speakers are SO demanding, you know. Guess that means we'll have to revise our confidential agreement. I'll just put the original version of the contract here in my recycle bin ...

:D :D

Ken

04-15-2010, 05:02 PM

What about cocktail cherries and a little Chinese paper umbrella? You want fancy, Ken, we'll show you fancy!

Miss Delors, I imagine you are referring to paper 'parasols' not 'umbrellas!' Shame!:o

Now, as you can also imagine, I prefer to drink directly from the bottle as conference glasses are notoriously unhygienic! No more bendy straws either as the last time I drew water through one of them, it made a rude noise, something akin to a Pitbull snort! Took a long time to live that one down, particularly as someone left some lipstick on it!

Three bedrooms, one for me, one for Mrs Ken and one for Miss Ken Junior (if she comes). While there is of course, no problem between Mrs Ken and I, we are adult about most things and we have been closely following Misfit's 'Cheesy Covers' thread. If we decide to go to America, Mrs Ken has challenged me to find someone more pointier breasty than she is! She therefore has agreed to my having my own room so that I can conduct any research necessary.

So, fellow Historical Fiction Authors, are you ready to pay what is needed for an unforgettable lesson in how to write the perfect, guaranteed sale, instantly renowned work of incredible historical fiction? Or are you all wimps???:confused::confused:

Catherine Delors

04-15-2010, 05:21 PM

Miss Delors, I imagine you are referring to paper 'parasols' not 'umbrellas!' Shame!:o

Parasols, umbrellas... Gimme a break! You got the idea. And know that it takes far more than that to put me to shame. And then it is Madame Delors, if you please, not Miss Delors.

So, fellow Historical Fiction Authors, are you ready to pay what is needed for an unforgettable lesson in how to write the perfect, guaranteed sale, instantly renowned work of incredible historical fiction? Or are you all wimps???:confused::confused:

I guess the HNS prefers low-cost, low-maintenance, high-octane speakers like me. :)

Ken

04-15-2010, 08:21 PM

it is Madame Delors, if you please, not Miss Delors. :)

Excusez-moi Madame Delors! Je suis desole de vous avoir mal adresse! Apres toutes ces reponses negatifs, j'ai decide de ne pas aller chez les Americos, mais de partager l'excellence de mon oeuvre parmi mes amis Britanniques. Tant pis pour vous!:p

Catherine Delors

04-16-2010, 07:28 AM

Excusez-moi Madame Delors! Je suis desole de vous avoir mal adresse! Apres toutes ces reponses negatifs, j'ai decide de ne pas aller chez les Americos, mais de partager l'excellence de mon oeuvre parmi mes amis Britanniques. Tant pis pour vous!:p

Apology graciously accepted!
Too bad you will not be flying to the US (with the ash cloud anyway, who knows when transatlantic air traffic will resume...) See you maybe at the UK HNS Conference. :)

Divia

11-28-2010, 03:29 PM

I saw on Facebook that our very own Mr. Gortner is heading to the conference and will be speaking on 3 panels. Score. Looking forward to hearing you speak. The last time was awesome.

However, I was wondering if a schedule is out yet? I can't find one. I would like to begin shopping for plane tickets ASAP . Last time I left Sunday morning at 8 AM.

When will a schedule be out? Not to nag or anything. ;)

Ariadne

11-28-2010, 03:46 PM

Nagging is OK :) The program chair's going to be sending me an updated schedule to put online once it's more firmed up and more speakers are confirmed. So hopefully it will be ready to post within the next week.

Divia

11-28-2010, 04:01 PM

Groovy. Thanks :)

boswellbaxter

11-28-2010, 09:30 PM

I got word today that I'll be on one of the panels!

Elizabeth

11-28-2010, 09:36 PM

Me too! I'm so excited!

Divia

11-28-2010, 10:34 PM

I don't think I made the cut, though I understand. I'm sure they want authors and that aint me...yet ;)

I will be going. I just dont know what days I'll be there. I may leave on Sunday depending on what is being offered.

Julianne Douglas

11-28-2010, 10:48 PM

Looking forward to meeting you, SUsan!

Question re membership in HNS: when are renewals due? If we are currently members, are we covered for the member rate at registration?

Thanks.

boswellbaxter

11-28-2010, 11:00 PM

Looking forward to meeting you, SUsan!

Question re membership in HNS: when are renewals due? If we are currently members, are we covered for the member rate at registration?

Thanks.

Looking forward to meeting you too!

I'm no longer doing memberships, but as far as I know they still run by calendar year. I haven't received the November publications yet but I assume a renewal form for 2011 will be enclosed with them.

Ariadne

11-28-2010, 11:11 PM

HNS members who are on the roster for 2010 can sign up for the conference from now through the end of the year and get the member rate. Ditto for those who are already signed up for 2011. After the first of the year, those on the books for 2011 can sign up at the member rate.

I got word that shipment of the November magazines has been delayed a bit, but there should be a renewal form in with them when they're sent, like BB said.

Julianne Douglas

11-28-2010, 11:31 PM

Thanks, Sarah! It looks like a wonderful conference, as always! I've been looking forward to it for two years. And it's in my state this time, so at least travel costs will be a bit lower for me.

So who's planning on coming?

Divia

11-29-2010, 12:06 AM

Me. But I dunno for how long. Like I said before I may leave early Sunday morning.

I've got a novel to pitch. :)

MLE

11-29-2010, 02:57 AM

I'm definitely going. I have family in San Diego, and they are expecting me to come a little early and leave a little late--covering all the bases with one drive there & back.

fljustice

11-29-2010, 02:51 PM

I'll be there. I was hoping to be on a panel, but haven't heard anything, so probably didn't make the cut. No matter, I'll enjoy the others and pitch my new novel.

Divia

11-29-2010, 07:46 PM

I'll be there. I was hoping to be on a panel, but haven't heard anything, so probably didn't make the cut. No matter, I'll enjoy the others and pitch my new novel.

Join the club. :p

Im a little dissapionted that our own Ms. Moran won't be there, but I'm sure there must be a reason.

I'm interested to see what putting the Y in YA means...cause that title confused me.

I will be leaving on Sunday morning. Since I live on the other side of the country I'll need to get outta dodge.

I've very shocked that Susanne Dunlap isn't on the YA VS Adult discussion. I mean she's a pretty big hitter when it comes to YA HF novels. There are a few others, of course, but she writes teen books.

Divia

11-29-2010, 07:51 PM

Score. I just checked the agents. There are a few that deal with YA. I am a happy gal. :D

Matt Phillips

11-29-2010, 08:01 PM

I'd like to go, but it's on the opposite coast, and travel expenses may be an issue. I would definitely go if I were likely to have a finished manuscript at that point, but I won't. I don't expect to be ready to start querying until the end of 2011.

In light of that, do you all think it would still be worthwhile to attend? I'm sure I'd still learn a lot and enjoy it tremendously, both as a reader and a writer. But to justify the cost, I would like to feel like it brings a good opportunity to make contacts with agents that will still be useful several months later.

Is pitching like querying - you should only do it when you have a finished manuscript, so you can send the agent a query right away when you get home?

Alternatively, do you have the opportunity to meet agents at this conference outside of formal pitch sessions? Are there more informal meet-and-greets? It might still be beneficial to be able to say in a query that I met the agent at the HNS Conference, even if I wasn't ready to pitch my project at that point.

I'm probably overthinking this but I have no experience attending writing conferences so I'm not sure what to expect. If only it were every year in the U.S. - then I'd just wait till '12!

Thanks for any advice

Divia

11-29-2010, 08:53 PM

In light of that, do you all think it would still be worthwhile to attend? I'm sure I'd still learn a lot and enjoy it tremendously, both as a reader and a writer. But to justify the cost, I would like to feel like it brings a good opportunity to make contacts with agents that will still be useful several months later.

Michelle Moran told me to go, cause I was on the fence two years ago. She said it would be a great experience and she was right. You do learn a lot and its great to network with other writers. You feel like you've come home cause everyone loves the same stuff you do.

Is pitching like querying - you should only do it when you have a finished manuscript, so you can send the agent a query right away when you get home?

Well, I can only speak for myself, who screwed it up....I didnt have a finished piece and then I pitched it and they liked it, but then issues happened with the manuscript. So it never went anywhere. I knew some people who were finished and some who weren't and raced through it to finish it, but I dunno how wise that really is either.

Alternatively, do you have the opportunity to meet agents at this conference outside of formal pitch sessions? Are there more informal meet-and-greets? It might still be beneficial to be able to say in a query that I met the agent at the HNS Conference, even if I wasn't ready to pitch my project at that point.

I wasn't bold enough to go up to agents out side the pitch session and speak to them. I thought it rude to bother them at dinner or something, and I didn't know them well enough to speak to them in the hallway or something.

There are some meet and greets. I know that one author came up to me after I spoke at one of the panels. I was a librarian and she wanted to pick my brain a bit. That was fun.

It is a good thing to go to. However, if money is an issue I can understand why you may not want to go. If its a deal breaker then I say wait till the one two years from now. That might be a better time for you

I'm probably overthinking this but I have no experience attending writing conferences so I'm not sure what to expect. If only it were every year in the U.S. - then I'd just wait till '12!

Thanks for any advice[/QUOTE]

Ash

11-29-2010, 11:58 PM

Divia

11-30-2010, 02:32 AM

Mmm, the more I am reading, the more I am wondering - is this conference just for HF authors? I'm getting the feeling that its not meant for readers. I'd love to go but I am not a writer, I just love HF.

To be honest I'd say its more geared towards writers.
Here is the schedule http://hns-conference.org/schedule/

Perhaps that will help :)

You will meet authors and people who love the genre. Last con we got a huge goody bag of free books n' stuff. There will also be vendors selling books.

I don't want to discourage anyone from going, of course, but I go with the mind of a writer first and foremost.

Ariadne

11-30-2010, 03:11 AM

I may be biased, being one of the organizers and all, but I'm not a fiction writer, just a reader. And this is my 4th event, so there must be something in it for me :D

The speakers are mostly authors, but not all of them, and how much you get out of it may depend on how much you like hearing authors and others talk about historical novels - writing techniques included. I don't go to the editor and agent appointments, is all.

I'd say about 75% of the 300 attendees are writers, published or not yet. I actually wish more readers would attend. It may be that there isn't that large of a base of readers and fans who are willing to travel to attend, like there is for other fields. We've had people from the media as well as bloggers attend and report back. Reporters from Publishers Weekly and B&N were there last time, and all of their reports are probably still online.

If you're curious to read a reader's perspective (http://www.historicalnovelsociety.org/solander/slc-conference.htm) (2nd one listed), we asked for pieces about the conference for an earlier issue of Solander.

Also, the program on the website is nowhere near complete. We just wanted to get something online by the time registration opened, so people would have an idea of the offerings to start with.

Divia

11-30-2010, 10:09 AM

Also, the program on the website is nowhere near complete. We just wanted to get something online by the time registration opened, so people would have an idea of the offerings to start with.

Will there be other panels?

I'd say about 75% of the 300 attendees are writers, published or not yet. I actually wish more readers would attend. It may be that there isn't that large of a base of readers and fans who are willing to travel to attend, like there is for other fields.

Maybe you could get some actors who played in HF movies. ;) That's always a big draw at Comic Con. It's hard to get readers there, you're right. Do other genres suffer the same thing. I have never gone to another writing conference.

Elizabeth

11-30-2010, 12:23 PM

Is there any sort of outreach to attract readers who live in the host city or close by? Maybe an inexpensive ticket to the group booksigning and reception (it's a cash bar anyway, so more cash for the bar!) for locals?

If I were a historical-fiction lover, I might not register for the whole conference, but maybe ten or fifteen bucks for a fun booksigning and reception with a lot of my favorite authors, on a summer Saturday afternoon? I would so be there.

And all librarians and booksellers in the city could be invited and comped!

Ariadne

11-30-2010, 01:14 PM

Will there be other panels?

Probably not any more panels unless there are a lot of cancellations (fingers crossed that doesn't happen!). There's one more track on Saturday than there's been in the past. With that, we've maxed out the hotel's meeting space!

Maybe you could get some actors who played in HF movies. ;) That's always a big draw at Comic Con. It's hard to get readers there, you're right. Do other genres suffer the same thing. I have never gone to another writing conference.

Would be nice - though Comic Con has a lot more money :D There are huge reader conferences for mysteries and romances, but they're larger forces in the industry. Most authors are readers also, of course. The reader/author ratio may stay the same, but for future events, we may expand attendance - depends on how things go with this one, and whether it sells out as expected.

Just updated the schedule with the latest that the program chair sent me last night.

Ariadne

11-30-2010, 01:44 PM

Is there any sort of outreach to attract readers who live in the host city or close by? Maybe an inexpensive ticket to the group booksigning and reception (it's a cash bar anyway, so more cash for the bar!) for locals?

Richard, the program guy, lives in SD and has connections to literary groups in the area, so there'll be local publicity. Local readers are usually eager to attend the whole thing, ditto anyone within driving distance. It's the more distant readers that I'd like to see more of, though there's still a nice contingent. We have one reader/librarian from Alaska (the one who wrote the Solander piece) who's attended all of them since Salt Lake, and I know some bloggers from the east coast will be attending. Having it in San Diego should help! It is a great location... my husband and I are going to be making a vacation of it.

Opening up the booksigning/reception is something we periodically debate, and I'm not sure what will happen this time. I suspect many of the authors would appreciate it too :) but space may be an issue. I'll bring it up to the group.

cw gortner

11-30-2010, 04:26 PM

Mmm, the more I am reading, the more I am wondering - is this conference just for HF authors? I'm getting the feeling that its not meant for readers. I'd love to go but I am not a writer, I just love HF.

Readers can have just as much fun as writers, Ash. I attend with both hats on now, but as a reader I have loved meeting some of my favorite authors, getting my books signed, and listening to them on panels. Plus, everyone is for the most part very approachable and the programme has areas of interest to readers and writers alike. I think these conferences have something for everyone to enjoy. I agree with Sarah, too, that even more readers attending would be great but hf readers don't seem to demonstrate that same initiative or volume that, say, romance or mystery readers do when it comes to attending genre events. The romance and mystery conferences enjoy enormous budgets because they garner enormous reader support. Boucheron, the big annual mystery/thriller event, was held here in SF this year and a few writers I know were there, including our own Tony Hays. I didn't attend due to a bad cold but I heard the conference was sold out way in advance, with a significant percentage of attendees being readers.

So, the more hf readers we get attending the HNS events, the better :)

michellemoran

11-30-2010, 05:22 PM

I am really, REALLY looking forward to this conference! My editor and I are teaming up for a panel about making the most out of the author/editor relationship.

And Richard is so organized. What a great asset to HNS!

Divia

11-30-2010, 11:38 PM

Michelle I am pleased you'll be there.

Ariadne, well, comic con has a little more money. ;)

I received an email asking if I would moderate the Adult Vs Young Adult panel. I accepted, but I'm way nervous. moderating? Oh my. I hadn't expected such a big hat. I hope I can do it!

michellemoran

12-01-2010, 06:40 AM

You're going to be GREAT Divia! No doubt about it :D And that is one panel I'll certainly be attending!

fljustice

12-01-2010, 02:34 PM

I received an email asking if I would moderate the Adult Vs Young Adult panel. I accepted, but I'm way nervous. moderating? Oh my. I hadn't expected such a big hat. I hope I can do it!

Well done, Divia. I'm sure you'll do a great job!

Elizabeth

12-01-2010, 02:55 PM

I received an email asking if I would moderate the Adult Vs Young Adult panel. I accepted, but I'm way nervous. moderating? Oh my. I hadn't expected such a big hat. I hope I can do it!

Yay, Divia! You'll be great. The line between Adult and Young Adult seems to be blurring more and more every day and I'll be very interested to see what your panel has to say.

Divia

12-01-2010, 11:13 PM

Thanks everyone. :)

I'm interested to see what the panel says too. It should be fun, but like I said I'm sure I'll be nervous.

There are 2 YA panels. that totally rocks.

Ash

12-01-2010, 11:27 PM

Readers can have just as much fun as writers, Ash. I attend with both hats on now, but as a reader I have loved meeting some of my favorite authors, getting my books signed, and listening to them on panels.

Thanks - I'll probably go, sounds like it could be very fun. Usually we are in San Diego during our hot month from hell (July) but we'll take our week a few weeks early and go then. DH will go explore comic book stores and other toy places while Im at the conference, then its off to the beach!

Divia

12-02-2010, 12:24 AM

We should try to get together and have a HFO meet and greet :D

Ash

12-02-2010, 03:33 AM

That could be fun! Maybe have it somewhere in Hillcrest near the three indie bookstores in the area. Eat and smooze (talk) a bit, then go bookstore hopping!

Elizabeth

12-02-2010, 11:46 AM

A get-together would be wonderful. Count me in! :)

cw gortner

12-06-2010, 02:41 AM

Me, too! Maybe we could meet for drinks one evening? I'm arriving probably on Friday afternoon.

Julianne Douglas

12-06-2010, 03:04 AM

Just registered! SOOO EXCITED!! I'd love to get together with any forumites.

MLE

12-06-2010, 03:40 AM

Count me in.:D

fljustice

12-06-2010, 03:59 PM

I'd love to meet you all in person!

michellemoran

12-06-2010, 04:47 PM

Me too! This is going to be great fun :D

Ariadne

02-15-2011, 02:07 AM

I've updated the schedule (http://hns-conference.org/schedule-of-events.pdf) (in PDF) with info I received from the program chair today. We have 165 people registered -- pretty good for the first couple of months! Also, the costume pageant coordinator just wrote up a great description of the show she'll be organizing (http://hns-conference.org/) on Saturday night.

Divia

02-22-2011, 01:43 AM

I'm looking at flights now. I assume I fly into San Diego airport?

Ariadne

02-22-2011, 02:14 AM

Yup, there's a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. More info here (http://www.hisandiegoonthebay.com/airport-hotels). I should book my flight one of these days too.

Divia

02-22-2011, 02:26 AM

Yup, there's a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel. More info here (http://www.hisandiegoonthebay.com/airport-hotels). I should book my flight one of these days too.

Score. Mine was 635.00 with travelers insurance. I didnt think that was bad. The flight times are decent. Coming home is gonna be a bear. But I'm flying across the country so not too bad.

Ariadne

02-22-2011, 02:58 AM

I'm seeing $650 to San Diego from Champaign, and multiply that by two (husband's coming along) = eek. I may wait a little longer...

Divia

02-22-2011, 03:04 AM

I'm seeing $650 to San Diego from Champaign, and multiply that by two (husband's coming along) = eek. I may wait a little longer...

When I did it a month ago it was more expensive. I think it was around 800 or so. It could go down, but I'm not willing to wait, personally. I need to get a good time slot since I'm in NY

Ash

02-22-2011, 12:29 PM

Whoa, $600 from NY to San Diego? Flights really have gone up. Our last trip to NYC from Phx was under $400 just a few years ago.

Ariadne

02-22-2011, 03:10 PM

I did more looking around and found some flights at $320 so am going to book tonight. That's a big improvement.

Divia

02-22-2011, 04:16 PM

Flying out of Syracuse is always more expensive...why I dunno. We suck I guess. But I have to fly across the country and well I have my panel at 7 AM. I didn't want to get there at midnight, so my choices were limited. I could have gotten cheaper flights but the hours would have been horrible.

I've never paid 400 for a flight. Unless I am flying to Baltimore or maybe Chicago. And even then its creeping up towards 500.

TeralynPilgrim

05-04-2011, 07:32 PM

I would love to go, but there's no way I could afford it. I don't suppose any of you know of a place to get scholarships or financial help?

Julianne Douglas

05-10-2011, 07:03 PM

Ugh, it's nearly $300 to fly Southwest from San Francisco to San Diego!

MLE

05-10-2011, 08:08 PM

Ugh, it's nearly $300 to fly Southwest from San Francisco to San Diego!
Check Virgin America, Julianne, they had a roundtrip SF to LA for $150 including taxes last month. You had to not fly on a Friday or a Monday, IIRC.

Julianne Douglas

05-13-2011, 05:02 AM

Thanks, MLE. Couldn't find anything cheaper since I have to fly Friday and Sunday. $238 from Oakland to SD. $320 from Champaign to SD looks like a great deal, Ariadne!

boswellbaxter

05-13-2011, 11:37 AM

Thanks, MLE. Couldn't find anything cheaper since I have to fly Friday and Sunday. $238 from Oakland to SD. $320 from Champaign to SD looks like a great deal, Ariadne!

That's awful! It will cost me only $450 round-trip to fly from North Carolina, and that's traveling Friday and Sunday. I wonder why intra-state travel is so expensive.

Ariadne

05-13-2011, 12:31 PM

Thanks, MLE. Couldn't find anything cheaper since I have to fly Friday and Sunday. $238 from Oakland to SD. $320 from Champaign to SD looks like a great deal, Ariadne!

It would have been, if I was paying attention :o That was the one-way price, although it didn't say so until I got to the payment stage. It ended up costing me $650, and my husband won't be coming along after all - not with those prices...

TeralynPilgrim

05-13-2011, 01:54 PM

Divia

05-13-2011, 01:55 PM

It would have been, if I was paying attention :o That was the one-way price, although it didn't say so until I got to the payment stage. It ended up costing me $650, and my husband won't be coming along after all - not with those prices...

Thats how much min was. In the future it would be a nice idea to get a conference in the middle of the country that way it would be easy for everyone.

Ariadne

05-13-2011, 01:59 PM

Thats how much min was. In the future it would be a nice idea to get a conference in the middle of the country that way it would be easy for everyone.

It moves from the East Coast to the Midwest to the West Coast, so it should be back east next time. The East and West Coast locations have been the most popular. A lot of people are adding on vacations.

MLE

05-13-2011, 04:26 PM

Does anyone need a roommate? I'm on the lookout for one, and I have until the 18th before I have to pay for my hotel. If you want, you can room with me after I've paid for the hotel and just reimburse me half the cost.
The person who was going to share my room had a family emergency come up and can't go. I'm only staying at the hotel Friday and Saturday, as I have friends/family an hour away. But I'd be happy to share my room. Reservation already made. PM me if you are interested.