World Horror Convention

[topol_sheap]

Hey All,

I thought I would start a thread about the WHC coming to the UK early next year. How that came about so quickly I don't know.

Anyway, I thought I'd start something in here for those of you that will be going, so you know where people are staying and when to meet etc.

Either way, we should all meet up sometime in the new year for a couple of brewskis.

Tops

[DC 1]

Well, we're hoping to attend this if nothing else comes up.

[Goth Girl]

I can't think that far ahead... over a year away! Put me down as a definite maybe!

If it was the same weekend this year I couldn't do it as we're playing our biggest gig yet, but March 2010, well we'll see!

[topol_sheap]

I see what I did. It's not this year, which would be why I thought I couldn't make it. Hmmm... whoops

[Goth Girl]

But at least that makes it more possible for next year!! :)

[Silver]

I'm certainly intending to be there. Not sure what Joanne will be doing yet, and even though she's joined up now she won't be able to answer for herself because she's too tight to get elite membership!

[Goth Girl]

Regarding any meet-ups this year, unless they're London based, I'll have to give it a miss... Steve's company are inches away from bankruptcy (thanks to the Adams chain of shops going under) so they've all had their hours reduced (a little) and are working 4 day weeks for a while until things (hopefully) get better.

So money's going to be tight in Das AltonHaus... probably not going to be able to go to any of the festivals I usually do, and certainly not the Canadian one I'd hoped to do too :(

[Silver]

Oh no, fingers and toes crossed that his company manage to sort it out.

The company that Lee works for are quite concerned at the moment, but they are getting by for now, hopefully it will stay that way.

[topol_sheap]

I hope all this works out for you. (Steve and Lee)

[DC 1]

This could turn into a mini Keogh Meet Up. It would be a great chance for us to all get together with Brian & Silky, Bob & Marianne and Allen & Chris in a bar in Brighton for a night of fun, drinking, chat and drinking.
Also a good chance to get books signed by the above and other authors attending (Kim Newman, Ramsey Campbell et al).

Hope to see as many of you there as possible even if it is still a lonnngggg way off.

[Silky]

Yep, we are planning on being there provided all goes well by then and nothing else pops up that's more important than the con. But we are registered.

Allen & Chris have registered so they should be on the membership list now on the Con website.

With Steve Jones, Inc. running the thing it should be a great con. It's the first WHC that's been out of the USA. We'll just have to hope that some good authors come over. Some had a really bad experience when they came over for WFC years ago in the Docklands...

Shame it's going to be a dredge of a ride coming from Torquay but since we've got a driver for airports and such at least we'll be able to go from point A to B without train problems.

I know Bob was talking about them coming over but I'm not sure on that one yet.

I know with having a driver we'll be able to bring lots of books for Allen and Bob to sign.:D

And it will be great having a mini-Keogh ... Allen and Chris are hoping for that.

All for now...

[Silky]

Brian informed me last night that the Eggletons are indeed coming over.:D

[Silver]

Yay!

[Silky]

Please see the important note I have put on about attending the convention.

[Silky]

Continued from More News, This Time From Me…

Lastly: all you guys should take a look at the World Horror Convention web site. As most of you will already know, it’s going to be in Brighton, UK! This is a very rare occurrence! Lots of UK authors, including yours truly, and many Americans, too, will be there. My good pal and great author F. Paul Wilson (“Repairman Jack”) will be having a d rink with me in the bar. If you want to meet him – and a whole bunch of other American writers, through me – well get signed up before they raise the registration fee!

What with the Koszowskis, the Eggletons and what have you, Friday and Saturday night in the bar is going to look lime some kind of mini K’Con!

All for now–

Brian

*****

Also, a great friend and collector extraordinaire … Dave Willoughby … he’s been collecting Brian’s works for donkeys years … is coming over from Utah, USA.

I have to tell you that this is one house that you would definitely want to raid … sorry if you’re reading this Dave, I just couldn’t resist.

[Silky]

I have just been informed that W. Paul Ganley and his wife Terry will be coming to the con as well ... it's old home week!

So you'd better dig out those unsigned Ganley editions!

[Lady M]

I've never been to England, never been to a Convention outside of journalism, and all the famous people will be there. I don't want to sound like a crazy tourist, so as soon as tuition's paid, I'll register to go. Me and my hubby will make a holiday of it.

Ashley

[ShadoeWolfe]

I can tell you that as things look now - the Wolfe and his better half will be attending this. :)

.....Unless the world economy shuts down and there is no work or money for anyone...and we are homeless....then I will have to pass... :D

[Silky]

I can tell you that as things look now - the Wolfe and his better half will be attending this. :)

YEE HAW!:D

[hopfrog]

My new hardcover omnibus from Centipede Press, INHABITANTS OF WRAITHWOOD: BEST COLLECTED FICTION OF W. H. PUGMIRE, is scheduled to have its debut there, so I'll be there as well, hanging out with Jerad Walters at the Centipede Press table. Centipede did that huge book featuring art inspir'd by H. P. Lovecraft, their books are lovely. Mine shall probably be illustrated by Harry O. Morris, Jr., an old Lovecraftian mate. I've been told that Brits put on the VERY BEST conventions, and it will be lovely to see Ramsey again, although I expect to see him this year at WFC in San Jose. My only time in England was at the London airport on my way to Ireland, where I lived (mostly in Ulster) for sixteen months, so I'm anxious to visit England. I'm leaving lots of room in me suitcase for British paperbacks!

[Silver]

Fantastic, I was waivering a little now that I have a wedding to pay for - but really I can't miss this! Haven't booked in yet - but as soon as I have the means I will.

[necrosage2005]

Is there any chance that we may ever be able to entice you guys to hop over the pond and attend a convention in the USA? I know that next October NYC will be having another Comic Con and seeing as how TOR has a booth there and there also have been comic books made of The Necroscope series I think that it would be awesome to have you both here.

[Silky]

Is there any chance that we may ever be able to entice you guys to hop over the pond and attend a convention in the USA? I know that next October NYC will be having another Comic Con and seeing as how TOR has a booth there and there also have been comic books made of The Necroscope series I think that it would be awesome to have you both here.

Interesting ... I just went and found the link and it's for 2010. Always worth thinking about, especially if a movie comes about...

[topol_sheap]

Interesting ... I just went and found the link and it's for 2010. Always worth thinking about, especially if a movie comes about...

That sounds promising. Especially as movies take years to make... does that imply there's some impending news?

Tops

[Silver]

I just had the very same thought Tops - I hope so!

[Silky]

We do know they are working on it but not to worry ... when we know ... you'll know.

[Ilya Sul]

W.H.C....come on...someone's got a plane for me :D?

[Silver]

Bad news guys. Realistically I'm not going to be able to make this after all. I'm totally gutted.

Lee has just narrowly avoided being made redundant at his work but is going onto reduced hours so won't be earning as much, and there's no guarantee that his job is secure even now.

Also as we're getting married in October any spare money after bills (and there's not much of that now!) has to go on the wedding so we're really not going to be able to afford to book in anywhere before it's all full up.

It's a real shame, I'd LOVE to go and was so much looking forward to it. If there are still places available after October and Lee is still working then, maybe - but it seems unlikely to me.

[Goth Girl]

Hope everything goes OK with Lee's job honey.

To be honest, I very much doubt if I'll be able to make it... I simply can't commit to anything that far ahead, and I probably won't know until Jan/Feb if I'm free that weekend, by which time I'm sure everything will be fully booked. I might be able to pop down for a few drinks in a pub somewhere though, if people are willing to venture outside of the convention!

[Silver]

Thanks Debs

We could have a mini-con, for those that couldn't get booked in for the real thing!

[DC 1]

At last. All booked up and ready to go.

[Silky]

Yesssss!!!! Glad to hear it. Looking forward to seeing you there.:D

[sdkdmd]

I'm thinking about it. Gonna have to see how things go.

[Rixy]

Right, I'm booked in now. Looking forward to it.

[necrosage2005]

I wish that I could afford both the time and money to come out and see you guys. Unless you come to the US I'm going to have to hope to see you sometime in Ellas. Ektos an then pate eki allo. (Unless you don't go there anymore.) ;)

[Hia]

Heya, im sorta new here (been browsing for years but only signed up today), but i thought id ask this all the same.

I want to go the convention, but im kinda intimidated by all you guys, one reason i want to go is to meet more Keogh fans, but you all seem closely nit so im kinda intimidated of signing up and going to the Con when you all seem so close and i appear like an outsider.

Plus the chance to meet Brian Lumley would be great especially if he could give me advice for my own Sci-Fi/Horror book im working on. Hes the one who inspired me to write after reading the 1st 5 Necroscope books all those years ago.

[Silver]

Hia I guess you could say we are quite closely nit, some of us have been around here for years and we've seen each other through a lot in that time. There's no need to be intimidated though, all are welcome, we don't bite - not too much!

Seriously I'm sure you'll have a great time. Also, you'll never get to meet the master if you don't go, do you really want to miss that oportunity not knowing when it'll come again?!

[Rixy]

Hia,

Don't worry about it at all, as long as you can drink you'll fit right in! In all seriousness you'll have a great time and you get to meet Brian and Silky plus the added bonus of all the others!

[necrosage2005]

Although I haven't been to many conventions I can give you some advice. Every single person that is attending the convention already has something in common with you. They are fans and are there for a good time. Just because people recognize screen names does not mean that they know each other. Sure, some will be friends, but that doesn't mean that they won't be open to making new ones with everybody there. You also already have a little bit of a heads up, you've been reading these boards for years.

When you do go and meet Brian, please come back here and tell us that were unable to go and meet him what advice he gave you and how you liked the convention.

Just a quick question for me. Is cosplay allowed or encouraged? For those that don't know what that is it is when you dress up as your favorite character, like during Halloween but at the convention instead of Trick or Treating (sadly no candy). It would be so cool to see people dress up like some of the Wamphri.

[Silky]

I agree with all the above. Brian always likes to meet new readers. So you won't need to worry about fitting in.

Rixy, great to see you've joined up. We are going to have a little mini-con after all.;)

Bring all those books to get signed by Brian, Bob and Allen. This is a great chance for all the UK folk to get their books signed. And also, anyone who is a James Herbert reader ... you can get his too. I'm bring my Dark Dreamers book cause I'll be getting at least three new signatures in it.:D

[Hia]

Ok then, ill wait to see if i get into University then, and if so ill book the hotel so i can stop over instead of just going for the day then :)

Thank you, Silver, Rixy, Necrosage2005 and Silky, ill try and meet up with you all then and have a good time provided nerves dont over come me :)

[Silver]

I'd love to meet you there Hia, but unfortunately I'll most likely not be going. This is a big deal for me, since joining I've never missed a UK convention that Brian's been at and believe me I wouldn't be missing this one for just anything. I'm getting married in October and can't afford it, trying to save as much money as I can to pay for the wedding. When I might be able to afford it afterwards I expect it'll be booked up solid - boo!

That's even worse now that I know James Herbert will be there too, I really like some of his books.

Good luck with Uni, and have a good time. The only requirement is that you MUST tell those of us that didn't go what you all got up to with lots of photo evidence to post here!

[ShadoeWolfe]

I'd love to meet you there Hia, but unfortunately I'll most likely not be going. This is a big deal for me, since joining I've never missed a UK convention that Brian's been at and believe me I wouldn't be missing this one for just anything. I'm getting married in October and can't afford it, trying to save as much money as I can to pay for the wedding. When I might be able to afford it afterwards I expect it'll be booked up solid - boo!


Silver, big expensive weddings are overrated. Amber and I got hitched for about $75 and we planned it and pulled it off in less than three days. :D Now, there was no family or friends involved - but c'mon, you'll see them afterward. You just have to ask yourself - what is more important - World Horror Convention or your wedding? ;) heh heh

[Rixy]

Sharon it's easy - make the Horror Con your honeymoon :-) I'm sure Lee wouldn't mind!

I used to work in Brighton so I know a fair few places to eat and drink if people want to break out for a bit.

Silky - I'm looking forward to it, hopefully a few more people will appear between now and then.

[Silver]

Shadoe we're not having a really expensive wedding, it's going to be very cheap in comparison with most and far less than the average spend, it'll cost no more than £2000. That's a lot more than yours I know but we just can't do it without family or friends, and Lee's family alone is huge! I want it to be exactly how Lee wants it to be, I've been married before but he hasn't so I'm doing everything I can to make sure he gets as much as possible of what he wants for the day, and he wants family and friends.

We're getting married in October, then almost immediately there's Christmas to consider - which we really won't be spending a lot on this year. If there's still availability when we can afford it after that, which will probably not be before February, we'll be there - but the chances of that are slim to none!

[purple sparkle]

We're getting married in October, then almost immediately there's Christmas to consider - which we really won't be spending a lot on this year. If there's still availability when we can afford it after that, which will probably not be before February, we'll be there - but the chances of that are slim to none!


Don't forget how many birthdays you have to budget for between october and febuary as well. :)

[Silver]

Gee, I wonder whose birthday you really mean? Great, thanks for reminding me!

[ShadoeWolfe]

Ok - it is official! I finally got around and booked our memberships in for the Con and now we just need to settle in on a hotel to stay. The convention hotel still has some rooms available but Amber has reward points she can use at the Holiday Inn down the street making our hotel stay essentially free. Just wondering if anyone had any comments or reviews of that hotel as opposed to the convention hotel?

And as it looks now, we are going to try and get in on that Tuesday so we will have plenty of time to get together with friends before the convention starts. :D

[Ilya Sul]

E N V Y :D

[Silky]

The Holiday Inns we have stayed in over here have been good. I would imagine being in a resort town.

Here's the link for the Brighton Holiday Inn:

http://www.holidayinn.co.uk/h/d/hi/925/en/hotel/BHTSF?&sitrackingid=11939461&sicreative=3280651401&dp=true&sicontent=0&siclientid=1935&cm_guid=1-_-100000000000002273234-_-3280651401&cm_mmc=Google-PS-HI_UK-_-G+B-EMEA-Mkt-GBR-_-Exact-_-holiday+inn+brighton|-|100000000000002273234

You can have a good gander here...;)

[DC 1]

Just spoke to Keith GE. He is now booked up for this as well. Starting to look quite good

[Silver]

DC, I know I told you that I would be coming to this after all, it kills me but I really can't make it. Been doing the sums and they don't work, it'll cost over £100 each for us just to get there.

Even going for a cheap hotel we'll be looking at about £500 for travel, accommodation and admittance to the event before any spending money for essentials such as eating and drinking and drinking!

Lee tried to get me to go without him so it'd only be half the price, and I would have but he's deffinately going to be made redundant in January now so we need to save the money.

Hope you all have a great time

[sdkdmd]

DC, I know I told you that I would be coming to this after all, it kills me but I really can't make it. Been doing the sums and they don't work, it'll cost over £100 each for us just to get there.

Even going for a cheap hotel we'll be looking at about £500 for travel, accommodation and admittance to the event before any spending money for essentials such as eating and drinking and drinking!

Lee tried to get me to go without him so it'd only be half the price, and I would have but he's deffinately going to be made redundant in January now so we need to save the money.

Hope you all have a great time

What if you eliminate the eating part?

[ShadoeWolfe]

I will pick up some of the drinking part if you can make it. Ok, maybe only one round, but that is better than none! :) If you can get everyone to get you and Lee one round, you should be able to get as happy as the rest of us and you will forget about the eating and the fact you will be sleeping on the hotel stoop. ;)

[Silver]

That's lovely and I wish I could, but now we'll be one income down next month I'm going to have to be a grown up and realistic, just can't afford it this time.

[DC 1]

Hey, It's a shame you wont be there but I'm sure we will all get to meet up in the new year sometime. There should be plenty of photos taken and i'm sure Dave will make sure some end up on the board.

Sorry to hear about Lees job. Hope he finds something soon

[Silver]

There better be pictures, I want to see lots of pictures!

[topol_sheap]

Hi Guys, I wont be coming either for one reason or another. It's not that I don't want to, but my plans involve something which is far closer to my heart. I would be good to have a meet up in the new year at some point!

[ShadoeWolfe]

Lung surgery? ;) (you said it was closer to your heart... har har)

Sorry to hear you can't make it. We actually just got our rooms booked so all we have left is our flight. Can't wait to see everyone who DOES make it. :)

[Silver]

Yes a meet up deffinately, we'll have to organise something.

[posem]

hey guys, sort of breaking conventions here (conventions - conventions, eh heh :D )

this year im out as some of you probably know, posem is still underage :/
However, 2011 looks to be a prime year for me to be allowed into the wide world :D

submergence in coursework, 6th form work, scouting and photography
(oh and a job. Yeah, posem got a job, what happened to the world... 0_o)

all the above and even more have distracted me from all you guys :/ but when i have my degree it'll all be worth it :D

PLUS, after i've worked my way through all the Sword Of Truth books (only on book 2, dont get your hopes up ;) )
i can reread ALL the necroscope books as i bought them as e-books and imported them onto my iPod Touch for portable reading :D (my pride and joy xx)

so yeah, 2011, posem is being released into the wide world and will be more than anticipating meeting all you people finally over a topic we all enjoy.

peace for now xx.

P.

[ShadoeWolfe]

There are only 16 memberships left according to the World Horror Con's website. Be sure to get signed up now if you haven't!!

Also, Brian will be receiving his award at the banquet on Saturday at the Brighton Pier. Make sure you get your tickets before they are sold out as well!

[Silver]

Please can we have lots of pictures taken of this, for those of us unable to make it. Not just of this banquet, but the whole thing so that I can see just how much fun I'm missing!

[Rixy]

Sharon, drop me an email, I live about an hours drive from Brighton so if you and Lee want you could crash here and drive over with me if you like?

[Silver]

Rixy you are a very generous man and I would love to take you up on that offer, but I can't. We still can't afford for both of us to go as Lee hasn't managed to get another job yet (though he's just applied for one that looks promising - fingers crossed!) so we're on a really tight budget, and even if we could I've just checked the website and the tickets for the convention have all sold out.

You can't go to the banquet unless you have a ticket to the convention and the ceremony isn't expected to be finished till about 10.30pm, then there's a party back at the hotel - which is also fully booked.

Everyone will be at the convention during the day and the banquet in the evening. We won't be able to get in so will hardly see our friends at all, and if I go by myself (which I can almost afford to do!) I'll be on my own all day and most of the evening so it isn't really worth it.

Thanks anyway though, we must arrange for a general meet sometime soon, it would be great to see you.

[Rixy]

Rixy you are a very generous man and I would love to take you up on that offer, but I can't. We still can't afford for both of us to go as Lee hasn't managed to get another job yet (though he's just applied for one that looks promising - fingers crossed!) so we're on a really tight budget, and even if we could I've just checked the website and the tickets for the convention have all sold out.

You can't go to the banquet unless you have a ticket to the convention and the ceremony isn't expected to be finished till about 10.30pm, then there's a party back at the hotel - which is also fully booked.

Everyone will be at the convention during the day and the banquet in the evening. We won't be able to get in so will hardly see our friends at all, and if I go by myself (which I can almost afford to do!) I'll be on my own all day and most of the evening so it isn't really worth it.

Thanks anyway though, we must arrange for a general meet sometime soon, it would be great to see you.

No worries mate. Shame you both can't come down but as you say it's all sold out now pretty much.

We'll definately have to organise a proper drink soon, I haven't seen everyone since the last Con!

[Silver]

That's way too long, we will certainly have to do something about it, but then you'll be seeing most people at the WHC I guess.

[Rixy]

What is the plan for next week? When is everyone getting there?

[ShadoeWolfe]

Amber and I should be getting into Heathrow around 10am on Wednesday, 24th. We should be in Brighton by 1pm at the latest I figure and we are staying at the Holiday Inn down the road. I plan on having my phone with me and getting an international plan for the month so I can easily get hold of everyone.

[DC 1]

We should be getting there lunchtime (ish) on Thursday. Staying in con hotel so easy to find (The bar).

See you there....

[Rixy]

Ok, I'm staying at the Hilton Metropole just along the road. I'll head along to the bar in the con hotel on Thursday. I'll IM my mobile number

[ShadoeWolfe]

Here is a link to the schedule from the WHC site:

http://www.whc2010.org/prog-grid.pdf

Notable times (otherwise known as what I will be at):

10am Fri 26th: The 'X' Factor with Bob Eggleton and Allen Koszowski in Lounge (Track 2)

2pm Fri 26th: Brian Lumley reading and Q&A in Lounge (Track 2)

7-9pm Fri 26th: Mass autographing in Lounge (Track 2)

7-10pm Sat 27th: HWA Bram Stoker Awards Banquet (The Pier)

Lots of other stuff going on and things will be sure to change once we all get there, but this is a good place to plan some of your adventure. Enjoy

[topol_sheap]

I would love to be coming to this. Really I would :(

I'll still be having some fun though! :D

[Silky]

We will be there Thursday afternoon!:D

[Numasthrall]

Wish I was going to this:(
no mon,no fun....to everyone whos going,have fun:)

[Rixy]

Ok, I was due to get there on Friday but it looks like I need to come down on Thursday. Lukily it's only an hour drive for me! Thursday it is.

[kenny]

I'm sure everyone that's attending will have a fantastic time:grin:, just give a little thought to us who can't make it for one reason or another and perhaps raise a glass to us:(

[Silver]

I will be having a glass of brandy or two on the Saturday evening in honor of our lifetime achievement winner, think of me while the rest of you are having probably your 23rd glass/bottle of something tasty that day!

I will be really missing you guys that weekend, I hope you all have a great time.

[Rixy]

I will be having a glass of brandy or two on the Saturday evening in honor of our lifetime achievement winner, think of me while the rest of you are having probably your 23rd glass/bottle of something tasty that day!

I will be really missing you guys that weekend, I hope you all have a great time.

With KGE going it'll probably be a lake of wine and I'll be merrily drowning in it!

[Silver]

Ha ha, it'll be bigger than a lake - it'll be a real red sea!

[ShadoeWolfe]

Just an fyi - install Skype if you haven't and add me so i can make free skype to skype calls on my mobile while I am over there. Skype id is shadoewolfe - obviously. :) Thanks!

[ShadoeWolfe]

Amber is wanting to know if we can buy Vitamin Water over in England or if we should bring some with us? any advice would be appreciated as this is her 'after drinking' drink to recover

[Rixy]

Amber is wanting to know if we can buy Vitamin Water over in England or if we should bring some with us? any advice would be appreciated as this is her 'after drinking' drink to recover

Yep, I've seen it in the stores over here. Waitrose definately sell it. Can't see the attraction myself, I've always found red wine to be the perfect hangover cure!

[Rixy]

Ok, I'm not going to get there until Friday due to work but I'll be making up for lost time straight away.

[ShadoeWolfe]

Ahh- that sucks. Take the day off! :) (And thanks for the heads up on Vitamin Water - I agree, red wine sounds better)

[ShadoeWolfe]

Ok - we're outta here as of 5pm EST and will be off to the airport. Can't wait to see everyone and pictures will be taken and shared either as soon as I can on the Facebook page or on here when i get back - depends on how my internet goes over there. :)

[kenny]

Ok - we're outta here as of 5pm EST and will be off to the airport. Can't wait to see everyone and pictures will be taken and shared either as soon as I can on the Facebook page or on here when i get back - depends on how my internet goes over there. :)

Don't you mean over here:p

[DC 1]

Ok, we're back from Brighton and I can say, a good time was had by all.

It was great to see old friends again and for those of you who could not attend, you were missed.

[kenny]

Glad to hear everyone had a great time looking forward to the photo's if there are any.

[DC 1]

This is what we found in the goodie bag we all received on arrival.

[Rixy]

Had a great time as well. I don't think I've seen as much free booze before! The bash on the pier was good (free booze). Then back at the hotel (free booze) then the artists room (free booze), then more book launches (free booze) and then the after awards party (free wine)! I need a weekend to recover.

As Keith said it was great to catch up with everyone there, Brian & Silky, Allen and Chris, Bob and Marianne, Keith & Sarah, Dave & Amber and of course the indomitable Keith Grant Evans and we missed those that couldn't make it. I think we kept to the spirit of Keoghcon!

[Silver]

I missed you guys, I was trying not to think of all the fun you would have been having all weekend! I was in a seriouly bad mood that started Friday and didn't finish till yesterday!

I'm so glad you had a great time but am seriously jelous of the swag and free booze!

[Rixy]

I missed you guys, I was trying not to think of all the fun you would have been having all weekend! I was in a seriouly bad mood that started Friday and didn't finish till yesterday!

I'm so glad you had a great time but am seriously jelous of the swag and free booze!

You would have enjoyed it. You'd probably have pulled another all nighter! Still we'll sort something out for this year. I'm thinking about a BBQ at my place later in the year, could be a laugh.

[Silver]

I agree we do need to do something, and if you can put up with us in your home that sounds like an excellent idea!