If you’re looking for me at the World Fantasy Convention this year (held in Washington, D.C., from Nov 6th to 9th) I’ll be participating in the following programming:

Gender Issues and Sexuality in Robert Aickman’s Fiction
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, Washington
Panelists: Chris Maloney (M), Rebekah Memel Brown, Lawrence Connolly, Simon Strantzas
Description: While known for atmospheric pieces, Aickman’s work does not shy away from issues of sexuality, as in his self-proclaimed “strange stories” such as “The Swords,” “Marriage,” “The School Friend,” “The Inner Room,” or “Revissante.” How are gender, sexuality, and the relationship with the natural and spirit worlds handled by the master? What influence does it have on the work of contemporary writers?

The Great Author You Are Not Reading: Robert Aickman
Time: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, Tidewater 2
Panelists: Simon Strantzas (M), Michael Dirda, Peter Straub, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Description: Have you read Cold Hand in Mine, Painted Devils, or Powers of Darkness? Then you are missing out on some wonderfully strange and compelling stories. Robert Aickman not only wrote strange stories, he also won the short fiction award at the first World Fantasy Convention in 1975. Learn why Aickman is being honored at this World Fantasy as the panel reviews his outstanding body of work.

I suppose I’m also invited to take part in the Mass Autograph Signing on Saturday night, but I tend to find those events soul-sapping, and will likely avoid subjecting myself to it.

Otherwise, I’ll be around for the bulk of the convention, so if you miss me at a panel, I’ll likely be wandering around the Dealer Room. Please feel free to come up and say hello should the mood strike.