Fantastic Genres II:

Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror

and Children’s Literature

October 6-8, 2006

SUNY New Paltz

Following the success of the first Fantastic Genres conference in late April-early May of 2004, the second conference once again looks to bring together writers, editors, critics, and academics in dialogue about the fantastic genres.  Taking place over Columbus Day weekend of 2006, (October 6-8), the conference will host a range of programming including fiction and poetry readings, academic papers, and panel discussions on topics ranging from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to the narrative elements of Role-Playing Computer Games.   

Keynote Writer:

John Crowley

From the beginning of his career, John Crowley has been among the most innovative and exciting writers working in the fantastic genres.  His Little, Big (1981) has achieved the status of modern classic, while subsequent works such as The Translator (2002) and Lord Byron’s Novel:  The Evening Land (2005) have solidified his accomplishment.  Crowley‘s four-volume Aegypt series (Aegypt (1987), Love And Sleep (1994), Daemonomania (2000), and Endless Things (forthcoming 2007)) is one of the major accomplishments in the literature of fantasy of the last quarter-century.  John Crowley has twice been awarded the World Fantasy Award, and is a recipient of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters’ Award in Literature. Link: John Crowley’s LiveJournal

Keynote Critic:

Joan Gordon

Reviews editor for Science Fiction Studies, Joan Gordon is the author of a critical study of Gene Wolfe, and co-editor of the anthologies Blood Read:  The Vampire as Metaphor in Contemporary Culture (1997) and Edging into the Future:  Science Fiction and Contemporary Cultural Transformation (2002).  She is Professor of English at Nassau Community College; her essays and reviews have appeared in publications including The New York Review of Science Fiction and Science Fiction Studies.  Link: Science-Fiction Studies                      

Other Scheduled Guests:

John Joseph Adams, Marleen Barr, Dave Belden, Rick Bowes, Chris Cevasco, Michael Cisco, Douglas E. Cohen, F. Brett Cox, Jeffrey Ford, Alexander Irvine, Sarah Langan, Nick Mamatas, Sarah Micklem, Kim Paffenroth, Helen Pilinovsky, Veronica Schanoes, Amy Tibbetts, Gordon Van Gelder, Ysabeau Wilce, Paul Witcover    

If you’re a science fiction/fantasy/horror professional, and you’d like to participate, contact conference administrator John Langan (langanj@newpaltz.edu).

Conference Fee:

Admission to the conference is $35.00, payable by check or money order to SUNY New Paltz.  Please mail payments to John Langan at the address below. SUNY New Paltz students with a valid student I.D. may attend the conference at no charge.

Lodging Options:

There are a number of lodging options available within a relatively brief drive to the SUNY New Paltz Campus.  The 87 Motel offers affordable rooms and rates; the area is also home to the Mohonk Mountain House and Minnewaska Lodge, both of which offer more deluxe accommodations.  For a complete list of local motels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts, please consult the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact:

John Langan (langanj@newpaltz.edu)

SUNY New Paltz

75 South Manheim Blvd.

New Paltz, NY 12561

845-257-2736

SUNY New Paltz Homepage

(includes driving directions)