A. L. Kaplan

Tag: Baltimore Science Fiction Society

  • UPCOMING APPEARANCE: BALTICON 50 – May 27 – 30, 2016

    From May 27 – 30, I’ll be part of, Balticon 50, a fantastic convention in Baltimore, Maryland at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. There will be four days of Multi-Track Programming featuring authors, publishers, editors, artists, scientists, musicians and much more. Everything Science Fiction and Fantasy in one huge package. 

    I’ll bYoung Adventurerse reading a portion of WOLF DAWN, from YOUNG ADVENTURERS: Heroes, Explorers & Swashbucklers on Saturday at 1:00. I’ll also read my winning poem, SCALES OF GLORY at the poetry contest reading on Sunday. (Time TBA)

     

    On top of this year’s guest of honor, George R. R. Martin, past guests of honor were invited back to celebrate Balticon’s 50th anniversary. Here’s a list of Alumni that are coming.

    John Varley – Balticon 15, 1981,
    R. A. MacAvoy – Balticon 19, 1985
    Nancy Springer – Balticon 20, 1986
    Michael F. Flynn – Balticon 26, 1992
    Compton Crook Award 9, 1991,
    BSFS Heinlein Award 2003
    Donald Kingsbury – Balticon 26, 1992
    Compton Crook Award 1, 1983
    Allen Steele – Balticon 27, 1993,
    BSFS Heinlein Award 2013
    Harry Turtledove – Balticon 32, 1998
    Phil Foglio – Balticon 36, 2002
    Kaja Foglio – Balticon 36, 2002
    Steve Miller – Balticon 37, 2003
    Sharon Lee – Balticon 37, 2003
    Steve Barnes – Balticon 39, 2005
    Larry Niven – Balticon 41, 2007,
    BSFS Heinlein Award 2005
    Peter Beagle – Balticon 41, 2007
    Connie Willis – Balticon 42, 2008,
    BSFS Heinlein Award 2011
    Charles Stross – Balticon 43, 2009
    Jody Lynn Nye – Balticon 46, 2012
    Joe Haldeman – Balticon 47, 2013,
    BSFS Heinlein Award 2009
    Jo Walton – Balticon 49, 2015
    BSFS Heinlein Award 2009

    Check out the website to see the full list of participants and activities.

    Hope to see you there.

    A.L. Kaplan

  • GOOD NEWS COMES IN CLUSTERS

    It seems that good news comes in happy little clusters. My poem, “Midnight Dance,” won honorable mention the Balticon 49 poetry contest and was published in this year’s BSFAN magazine. I had the pleasure of reading my poem at this year’s convention. Balticon is run by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. (BSFS) See my recommended links for more details.

    Earlier in the week I receive notification that my poem, “Aware,” was accepted for publication in Dragonfly Arts Magazine 2015.  Dragonfly Arts Magazine is published by Hope Works. (Howard County Maryland Domestic Violence Center.)  Check back soon for the link to a free copy.

    After so much good news, how could there be more? Well, there is. Indies Unlimited 2014 Flash Fiction Anthology, which contains four of my short stories, is now available on Amazon as an E-book. A print version is forthcoming.

    Happy writing Y’all.

  • Balticon 46

    There’s nothing like a Science fiction convention to bring out the wackiness in all of us and I mean that in a good way. This year’s Balticon which was held over Memorial Day weekend was no exception. Where else can costumers, writers, fans, and science geeks all hang out and have fun? I spent most of my time going to writing workshops and costuming workshops, but managed to slip in some anime and games. This year’s masquerade had only 24 entrants, but where they lacked quantity, they made up for in quality and presentation. The Best in Show winner titled, Basic Black, had me laughing hysterically. Ever see Jafar in a little black dress and heels? There were plenty of great costumes just walking around the halls as well. For Doctor Who fans, I saw a TARDIS and at least three Doctors. One of those Doctors was also in the masquerade along with a couple of Weeping Angels. The short film contest, which included a world premiere and several Maryland premieres, was quite enjoyable, but I wonder if some film makers truly understand the concept of telling a complete story. The Chase, directed by Philippe Gamer, won for anime and The Oblique Sector created by Albion Park Productions of Massachusetts won for live action.

    Oh, did I mention I won the Hall Costume Contest for my Blue Dragon?

    Balticon 47 will be held Memorial Day weekend of 2013. Come join the fun. You can find more information at the BSFS website. I hope to see some of you there next year.

  • Balticon

    This Memorial Day weekend is Balticon, Maryland’s premier Science Fiction/Fantasy Convention. It’s loads of fun with activities that range from writing workshops/panels, readings, science programs, anime, games, costumes, and so much more. It runs from Friday through Monday. I’ll be doing a costume panel this year. My friends, daughter and husband are doing their first panels as well.

    If you are in the area, come check it out. For more information on the convention go to Balticon and check the list of my friend’s panels at http://marylanddreamweavers.wordpress.com/ 

    Hope you see you there.