Conflux7 – Attendee Report

By Saul Garnell

Some of you may not have heard about Conflux, a speculative fiction convention that just took place in Canberra, Australia. Unlike last year’s Worldcon (aka Aussicon4), Conflux is small. Only a few hundred people attended. But what Conflux lacks in size, it more than makes up for in passion and soul. The sense of community is everywhere, from the shared joy of a book launch to the palpable loss of fantasy author Sara Douglass, who died shortly before the conference began. Overall, Conflux is a cozy get-together, where likeminded fans and writers mingle and enjoy their love of SF and Fantasy. As one would expect, I could not attend every discussion panel, book launch, special event, and Kaffeeklatsch. However, let me report to you, as best I can, some highlights from this uniquely “Aussie” SF&F event.

Discussion Panels

Duncan Lay

There were many panels to attend. All were chocked full of information and industry knowledge from pros who shared between them decades of experience. I remember on the second day going to one entitled, “Starting the Journey”, paneled by Natalie Costa Bir (editor guest of honor), Erica Hayes, Duncan Lay, and Nicole Murphy. It was about starting one’s career as a writer and how to prepare for it. Of interest were discussions about dealing with publishing houses, marketing, ePublishing, editing, and royalty schemes. Everything was presented concisely, and offered solid grounding to newcomers about the wacky world of writing genre fiction.

In a similar light, I was fascinated by the panel called “What Path Should You Take” chaired by Alan Baxter, Natalie Costa Bir, Nicole Murphy and the unforgettable Cat Sparks. This panel was geared towards new publishing options available to writers. It’s a big question these days. And though traditional publishing is clearly preferred, for better or for worse, anecdotes about indie publishing were intriguing. Alan Baxter was of special interest in my opinion. After failing to find a publisher for his novels, he created a self-publishing venture called Blade Red Press, where he published his novel RealmShift along with the sequel, MageSign. To his surprise, both books were later acquired and republished by Gryphonwood Press in 2010. So even though things worked out well, Alan warned that indie publishing choices are laden with great risk and hard work.

Alan Baxter

Book Launches

Angry Robot started things off with launches by three great authors: Kaaron Warren was there with three novels Slights, Walking the Tree, and Mistification; Jo Anderton launched her new book Debris.

CSFG (Canberra Science Fiction Guild) launched their Winds of Change anthology, which is full of new Australian talent.

Dawn Meredith launched her new book for young readers, The Anything Shop. She’s a wonderful writer who excites children to turn off the computer and delve into the extraordinary world of books.

Eneit press was also on hand with a historical reference book for the special Banquets put on by the convention. Entitled Five Historical Feasts, Gillian Polack and Jack Dann launched a book bound to be a collector’s item within the Australian SF&F market.

On a more sobering note, we found out that Eneit Press will be closing its doors. A victim of the Borders shutdown, Eneit finds itself unable to continue. It’s quite sad, because independent publishers like this are needed more than ever.

Kaffeeklatsche

As always for me, these are special treats, where a small group of attendees sit down and have a personal chat with authors and editors.

My first was with Duncan Lay, author of a three part trilogy entitled The Dragon Sword Histories. Before Duncan became a writer, he spent many years honing both his writing and professional skills in journalism. Now, I’m a hard core SF guy myself. But after listening to Duncan explain inspirational drivers coming from tragedies such as the Srebrenica massacre and the Battle of Bryn Glas, one could not help but feel compelled to read his work. I can only make a snap judgment from one meeting, but it is my guess that Duncan will be a major force in the SF&F world in the coming years.

Simon Petrie and Patty Jansen

The second kaffeeklatsch was with Simon Petrie and Patty Jansen, both major figures in the Australian writer’s scene. Simon is a Canberra-based research scientist and writer of speculative fiction. Patty is a member of SFWA and winner of the second quarter of the Writers of the Future contest. Both Simon and Patty are active members of the Andromeda Spaceways Publishing Co-operative, the publishing arm for Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine (also known as ASIM). They talked candidly about the ups and downs of ASIM and all the blood, sweat and tears that go into each issue. Compared to other semi-pro magazines, their work along with the rest of the ASIM cooperative, has clearly paid off, allowing ASIM to remain published on a very regular basis. One can only be in awe of two writers who have spent so many years selflessly promoting genre fiction.

And special congratulations go out to Patty. Having won the second quarter of the Writers of the Future contest, the fruits of all her hard work have now gained her global attention. It’s well deserved in my opinion.

Special Events 

Conflux hosted a Graf Zeppelin Banquet. What’s this, you say? It’s an annual dinner party (though the last of its kind), painstakingly designed by Dr Gillian Polack. This year’s theme was based on the LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin in its first round-the-world trip in August 1929. Many banquet attendees wore period costumes, and danced to lively music of the 1920’s. With historically accurate food, drink, and entertainment, the dinner was a steampunker’s delight.

Jack Dann

Jack Dann – Guest of Honor

What can I say about Jack Dann? As Conflux7 Master of Ceremonies, he’s larger than life, and one of the most interesting writers I’ve ever met.

A native New Yorker (like myself, I’m proud to say), Jack’s charisma and in-your-face enthusiasm acted as a lightning rod of exuberance throughout the entire four day event.

While Jack did a marvelous job giving workshops on writing, launching books, and emceeing special events like the Graf Zeppelin Banquet, what struck me most was his reading of his autobiography. As Jack unfolded his story to a small gathering, I realized how rich and wonderful his life has been. And even though his spirited New York attitude can sometimes rivet one’s attention at the expense of all else, he transformed into a soft-spoken gentleman who has suffered great pain, and struggled to find meaning in the ups and downs we so casually refer to as Life.

Beyond all the wonderful and interesting events that took place, it was this reading that I will remember most about Conflux.

Conclusion 

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed Worldcon last year in Melbourne, I have to say that Conflux7 was in some sense every bit its equal. I would even venture to say it was transcendent in some respects. The comradery was intoxicating. And though I would do anything to join Conflux8 in 2012, my extended business trip to Australia is coming to an end, and I must permanently relocate to the United States in November. It’s a sad, sobering thought, but one that makes my memories even more precious.

Conflux: nulli secundus