The Australian Science Fiction Bullsheet 89 – August 2009

The Australian Science Fiction Bullsheet 89 August 2009 ISSN 1445-4319 (print version), ISSN 1445-4327 (online version)

GENERAL NEWS

(Belated) CONGRATULATIONS to MARGO LANAGAN and MIRANDA SIEMIENOWICZ whose stories were included in Ellen Datlow's The Best Horror of the Year See <http://sfscope.com/2009/05/contents-of-ellen-datlows-the.html>

The American cover of JUSTINE LARBALESTIER"S new book, LIAR, to be published in American in September, is already generating some controversy. The cover features a white girl with straight hair, while the novel is supposed to be about an African-American tomboy. Larbalestier has been quoted saying: "Having this cover on the front is undermining the book that I wrote." The full article can be viewed at: <http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6672790.html?nid=2286&rid=#%23CustomerId%23%23&source=link> (Published in Publishers Weekly,Relayed by Andy Porter)

MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL, among its many events the following familiar names will be panellists: Isobelle Carmody, Jack Dann, Margo Lanagan, Justine Larbalestier, China Mieville, Shaun Tan and Scott Westerfeld. Writers-in-residence include Max Barry and Shaun Tan.
See <http://www.mwf.com.au/2009/content/mwf_2008_home.asp> for full program details. (Thanks to Thomas Bull for the update.)

MELBOURNE RADIO STATION 3RRR FM's SF show, Zero-G compared by ROB JAN recently launched its first podcast. Hear it at: <http://rrrfm.libsyn.com/index.php?post_category=Zero%20G>

LOGAN CITY LIBRARY SPEC FIC MONTH. It's all happening at Logan North Library, crn of Springwood Rd and Sports Drive, Underwood, QLD. Most of the following events are free, though you need to book by phoning 34124140. Light Sabre challenge for 7yr olds+ 4-5 pm each Tuesday in August. Sat 1 August, 12-2 Tolkien: The Dwarves of Middle Earth presented by The BRIS TOLKIEN APPRECIATION SOCIETY; DR WHO Knit a scarf 6 & 20 Aug, 6-7.30; QUEST and WILLIAM JONES present "Build a Starship Enterprise Out of Used Office Materials" Sat 8th Aug, 1-3pm; author SIMON HIGGINS speaks 11-12.30, Sat Aug15th; author TRENT JAMIESON speaks on "How to Get to Know Your Characters" on Tues 18th Aug 6-7.30 pm; ANITA BELL conducts "Getting Published from 8 to 80" Sat 22nd Aug, 10-12; JASON NAHRUNG speaks on Vampire culture Sat 22nd, 1-2pm, TWILIGHT from 2-4pm Sat 22nd; author MICHAEL PRYOR speaks on Tues 25th Aug, 6.30-7.30; CLOSE ENCOUNTERS , UFOs and a Trivia night on Tuesday 27 Aug from 6pm. Writers Day with KYLIE CHAN, TRENT JAMIESON, LOUISA CUSAK, MARIANNE de PIERRES, ROWENA CORY DANIELLS and ANDREW WARLOW 10am-1pm, Anime-Manga 101 10-11am Sat 29th, also Book Sale and Sausage Sizzle from 9-2 Sat 29th. (Please double check their website <http://loganlibraries.org/category/library-news/general-news/logannorth> in case of any last-minute changes. EH)

A. BERTRAM CHANDLER. There's a new Facebook Group recently launched, and open to all fans of this Australian Spec Fic author. (Reported by Marc Ortlieb)

THE 2009 DOUBLE GAMMA AWARDS, given by Dr Who Clubs around Australia each year have been announced. Best Artist: Manuel Bouw (for `The Stone of Xonios', Sonic Screwdriver 168), Best Editor: Tammy Vogel (for SFSA Magazine 23, October 2008), Best Fanzine: Sonic Screwdriver, Best Newsletter: The Wall of Lies, Best Website: www.dwcv.org.au, Best Writer: Tai Wong for merchandise reviews, Data Extract, Special Achievement: Paul Deuis Write in: Phillip Edney (for David Banks interview) (Reported by Andrew Saunders)

LOCUS AWARDS for 2009 were announced 27th June. Best science fiction novel went to Anathem by Neal Stephenson, best fantasy novel went to Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin, best first novel went to Singularity's Ring by Paul Melko and best young adult book went to The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. For a full list of winners visit: <http://www.locusmag.com/News/2009/06/2009- locus-award-winners.html> (reported in the Infinitas July newsletter)

WORLD's FUNNIEST COMEDY ISLAND, a weekend comedy festival featuring over 200 comedy acts including ALEXEI SAYLE, THE GOODIES & JANE BUSSMAN, performing at 18 venues around Cockatoo Island (Sydney Harbour) on 17th & 18th October from noon until midnight. Ticket prices $119/$209 includes ferry travel to and from the island. Book online via tiketek, or see <www.worldsfunniestisland.com> for more details.

NOW THAT"S BIG! The 2009 Comic-Con International held in San Diego was completely sold out this year with 125,000 attendees ( Publishers Weekly, 7/6/2009. relayed by Andy Porter)

CORALINE, the animation film of NEIL GAIMAN's book, featuring the voices of DAKOTA FANNING, TERI HATCHER, JENNIFER SAUNDERS & DAWN FRENCH opens in cinemas around Australia on Thursday 6th August.

WAY TO GO, SIR TERRY PRATCHETT! Since being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Sir Terry has been outspoken in his support of the right for the terminally ill to die with dignity, stating: "My way to end my life will be to sit on my lawn at my home in Wiltshire with a bottle of brandy and Thomas Tallis playing on my iPod. I can't think of a better way to make my departure. Hopefully the doctor will have been around earlier to give me the appropriate injection…We are very good at living in this society but very bad at dying…Of course, if it's wet, I wouldn't be able to go on the lawn, I would have to change my plans. Then it would be the same way out but in my library." You can read the full article at: ! <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mandrake/5770474/Sir-Terry-Pratchett-sets-out-a-dignified-way-to-go.html> (Reported by Andy Porter)

PETER JACKSON recently stated that filming of THE HOBBIT was yet to get the green-light from the film studio (Daily Telegraph Mon 27/7/09 EH) By an interesting coincidence, J.R.R. Tolkien's heirs have filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Los Angeles to block production of the film. Christopher and Priscilla Tolkien claim they are owed $220 million from the Lord of the Rings films. Rupert Murdoch's NewsCorp, parent company of HarperCollins, and British charity, The Tolkien Trust are also plaintiffs, however Tolkien sold the film rights to The Hobbit and LOTR in 1969 for $250,000 in order to pay a tax bill (Reported by Andy Porter. Full story can be viewed at <http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/index.asp?layout=talkBackCommentsFull&articleid=CA6673069&talk_back_header_id=6611926>.

WORLDCON SITE SELECTION VOTE: For anyone lucky enough to be going to
ANTICIPATION – the Worldcon in Canada in August (q.v. conventions) The Site Selection ballot (to select a 2011 Worldcon venue) is available online at: http://www.anticipationsf.ca/English/SiteSelection
There'll also be a fanzine editors' luncheon meeting at ANTICIPATION on Saturday, August 8th, 12:30 in the Fourquet Fourchette , a restaurant in the convention centre which serves "interesting" food, such as bison, caribou, etc. This lunch follows directly after the faneds panel. (reported by Cathy Palmer-Lister) (Half their luck! EH)

ANDROMEDA SPACEWAYS INFLIGHT MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS: now with added bonuses boni bonusses free stuff! Due to skyrocketing interstellar maintenance charges, unsustainable ship losses (people park their asteroids in the strangest places!), and complaints from passengers' next of kin, Andromeda Spaceways is looking to cut the formerly popular Betelgeuse-to-Rigel express route. But we're forging ahead in other areas, which probably means more unsustainable ship losses are likely. Foutunately, the Inflight Magazine is keeping the spaceline afloat, or aloft, or whatever it is you call it when something's successfully staying away from any nasty gravitational wells, up there in space. You can do your bit, either by purchasing a gazillion-dollar Round-the-Galaxy ticket, or by signing up to a year's supply (six issues) of ASIM, providing you with the Galaxy's best fiction. And we'll give you a little something extra, for your trouble. But you'll need to be quick! PDF subs, normally $AUD27.00, now only $AUD25.00 with your choice of one of the ASIM "Best Of" Fantasy / Horror / SF pdf files, thrown in free. Australia-wide print subscriptions only $AUD49. with a choice of two special bonus deals: (A) the next 6 issues plus 3 back issues of your choice,(if available), or one of the ASIM "Best Of" Fantasy / Horror / SF pdf files.een issues. or (B) the next six issues, and all of the 3 ASIM "Best Of" Fantasy / Horror / SF pdf files. International print subscriptions, $AUD69.00 plus all three ASIM "Best Of" Fantasy / Horror / SF pdf files. Read heaps more stories for your money! (Due to postage increases, international *print* subscriptions expected to rise soon ) Current ASIM subscribers can purchase a "resubscription" extension to their sub, and get these special offers. See www.andromedaspaceways.com ***THESE OFFERS GOOD UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST 09!***

BULLSHEET MUSTER. Do you like reading the Bullsheet? Would you recommend it to your friends? If you know others who might like reading this newsletter, round `em up and point `em in our direction, either the Bullsheet website at <www.bullsheet.sf.org>, or the free e-mail: join by sending a blank e-mail to AUSSFBULL-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. If you've got a friendly local library or bookshop, and you wouldn't mind offering them some Bulllsheet fliers on our behalf, please contact Edwina (edwinafan@yahoo.com) Keep them dawgies movin', Rawhide! (oops, sorry, don't know what came over me. EH :- )

If anyone's interested in sharing a dealer's table at CONFLUX in Canberra in October, can they please contact Edwina? (celestialcobbler@hotmail.com)

BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS "Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog it's too dark to read"- Groucho Marx

SCAREY KISSES, a paranormal romance anthology edited by Liz Grzyb with Russell B. Farr planned for release in 2010 is open to submission until 1st December. Original stories only, no multiple or simultaneous submissions/ Story length 1000-8,500 words. E-mail submissions to scarykisses@ticonderogapublications.com with the words "Submission Scary Kisses" in the subject line. Manuscript should be double spaced, large margin, sensible font. Payment Aus 2 cents a word, maximum payment $100.

Au Contraire, the 2010 NZ Natcon,(q.v. Conventions) Short Story Competition. Best entries to be included in a New Zealand anthology of SF & Fantasy to be launched at Au Contraire, Entries should be connected to the convention theme: "The future is a foreign country" with some link to NZ if possible. Submissions up to 7,000 words, send as email attachment, RTF to anthology@aucontraire.org.nz, or post to PO Box 10104, Wellington NZ. Deadline 31 January 2010. See http://aucontraire.org.nz/competitions-writing.php for more details.

THE TANGLED BANK, anthology has extended its deadline for submissions of story and poetry until 15th September, 2009 (or when filled). They've also tripled the advance on royalties to AU$0.03/word, and DOUBLED the royalties shared between contributors to 40 per cent. Art and poetry advances have also increased -- $100 for cover art. The anthology, on the theme of evolution, reflecting the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin's Origin of the Species, will be published on multiple electronic platforms. For full submission guidelines see: http://thetangledbank.com/

STARLIGHT, a sexy spaceopera by Astrid Cooper. published by extasybooks will be available in selected Australian bookshops in September. ISBN 978-1-55487-144-5 RRP $24.99. Copies signed by the author also for sale. E-mail asti8@bigpond.com for details.

TRACATO, the third instalment of the highly acclaimed `A Trail of Blood and Steel' series by Australian author, JOEL SHEPHERD is released through Orbut this month. ISBN 9780733624186. RRP $32.99

OUTLAW is a historical novel that delves deep into the legend of Robin Hood from the point of view of a young Alan Dale by ANGUS DONALD published this month by Sphere, ISBN9780751542080 RRP $22.95

THE MANUAL OF DETECTION is a quirky looking debut novel by JEDEDIAH BERRY about Charles Unwin, a file clerk working for a detective agency. When an illustrious investigator turns up murdered, Unwin is promoted to detective with only a sleepy side-kick and a copy of The Manual of Detection to help him solve the case. The chapters of this book are he headings of the manual such as "On Shadowing", "On Corpses", "On Suspects". This one looks like it's going to be a lot of fun! EH. William Heinemann. ISBN 9780434019465 RRP $32.95.

PROPHECY OF SISTERS is the first part of a trilogy by MICHELLE ZINK released by Atom this month. Twin sisters Lia and Alice have just been orphaned, discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other.. This is a beautifully designed book. ISBN 9781905654505 RRP $29.99

ANDROMEDA SPACEWAYS INFLIGHTS MAGAZINE Issue 39 is *finally* available as a PDF after a short delay. The issue, edited by Andrew Finch, featured stories by Rob Shearman, Joanne Anderton, Paul Kennebeck, James Targett, Linda Steele and Dr. Philip Edward Kaldon. To purchase the PDF issue, or subscriptions to ASIM see www.andromedaspaceways.com and don't forget to look at their special offer good until the end of August.

ANTIPODEAN SF 133 is out now offering short, short fiction (under 500 words) from Jackie Hosking, Kevin Phyland, Rodney J. Smith, Rachel Holkner, Julie Wornan, Jake Wickenhofer, Mark Farrugia, Stephen James Elgrove, Shaun A. Saunders, Gregor MacNamara can be viewed at www.antisf.com.au

THE SPECUSPHERE issue 9, July – Aug, is available now at <www.specusphere.com> featuring news and reviews. The magazine is currently looking for volunteers to help with their book review group, as well as an Events Reporting Magnager: someone who can keep an eye on speculative fiction events, or events that might interest people in the genre, and organise for someone to report on them. The Specusphere team will offer networking ideas and interstate contacts. The manager will be given access to the website and given free reign to develop a style as they see fit. This is a great opportunity for someone to develop online managerial skills and contacts with writers & organisers in the genre. Contact Stephen if you're interested.

TERRA INCOGNITA SPECULATIVE FICTION Podcast #009 is up and free for your listening pleasure at www.tisf.com.au and also on itunes. This month Trent Jamieson reads `Slow and Ache' and Keith Stevenson reviews Sean Williams' Grand Conjunction.
The Sydney Bookbinding Guild will hold intensive beginners weekend courses at the NSW Writer's Centre, in the grounds of Rozelle Hospital, Sydney on the weekend 19-20 Sept You can leave a message requesting more information at (02) 8230 3470, or Graham Stone is also happy to talk to people interested in learning the art of book binding.

LEIGH BLACKMORE's Raven books, specialising in dark and horror fiction also includes Sequence comics. For a catalogue e-mail lvxnox@gmail. com. Leigh also occasionally sells on e-bay as seller
ID Quoth Raven Books.

MERV BINNS perzine, Out of the Bin is available from PO Box 315, Carnegie, Vic, 3163.

FRIENDS OF LINDA COX CHAN (FOLCC) raise money to donate to Juvenile Diabetes Research, Australia by selling donated books etc. (Current tally $0.) CHEAP Books looking for homes: Panglor by Jeffrey A.Carver ($1 + postage), Hell on High by Ted Nolan and Holly Lisle ($1+ postage). The Gerry Anderson memorabilia Guide (1994) ($5+post), Sherlock Holmes Mystery book ($1 + post), GREG BEAR "Blood Music" Uncorrected book proof** ($10+post), Life signs, the Biology of Star Trek ($5 + post), Leonard Nimoy: I am Spock ($5 +post), John Rockham, Alien Sea ($5 +post), Starburst Classic Horror film, Kung-fu, Supergirl, Terrahawks annuals, The Bill – the Inside Story (Annuals & Bill book $5 ea + post), (Thanks to John Tipper for donating the latest influx of books.).

HATCH, MATCH & DISPATCH: DEATHS:

CHARLES N. BROWN, Locus co-founder, (with Ed Meskys and Dave Vanderwerf) publisher and editor died peacefully in his sleep on July 12 on his way home from Readercon. Brown worked as a nuclear engineer until becoming a full-time SF editor in 1975. His first wife, Marsha Elkin (whom he was married to from 1962-69) helped him start Locus, while his second wife, Dena Benatan (1970-1977) co-edited Locus for many years. It was originally a one-sheet news fanzine, first published in 1968 to help the Boston Science Fiction Group win its worldcon bid. As per Brown's wishes, Locus will continue to be published. (Relayed by Bruce Gillespie from the Trufans list.)

ELEANOR 'Ellie' FRAZETTA, wife and business partner of spec-fic artist Frank Frazetta, passed away from cancer on July 17. Born Eleanor Kelly, she married Frank in 1956. She is survived by her husband Frank, four children, & numerous grandchildren. (Reported by Andy Porter)

Melbourne fan, DAVID McDONNELL, passed away from cancer on 21 July. A memorial service well attended by David's family and friends was held on Wednesday 29th July. Thanks to Sue Bursztynski, LynC and Cath Ortlieb for passing this sad news on.

Queensland writer and fan, KRIS HEMBURY passed away suddenly on 23rd July. A keen Star Wars fan, Kris had been a very enthusiastic, vibrant, active and supportive member of the Visions e-mail list, and had held the post of President of the Visions writing group. He had also been active with the Fantastic Queensland project. Kris' input in the local writing scene will be sorely missed by his many friends and people who came into contact with him. Thanks to Ray Williams for passing on this sad news to the Visions list.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to EDWINA who turns <mumble mumble> this month. CLUBS & MEETINGS

MELBOURNE SCIENCE FICTION CLUB, Meet most Friday nights at 74 Melville Road, West Brunswick 3055. Membership to the MSFC is now $35 single, or $45 family/household or overseas, and $25 for interstate p.a. Meetings: August 14: Author Night - Cecilia Dart-Thornton (Thanks to Thomas Bull for the update.)

AUSTREK, the Star Trek fan club in Victoria which has been going strong for more than 30 years meet on the 1st Saturday of every month from 1pm at the Northcote Town Hall, Melbourne. Annual membership to the club is $30. See <www.austrek.org> for more details. (Reported by Clare McDonald.)

FEDERATION SQUARE (Melbourne) SF & Fantasy genres book reading group. Free to attend, Meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 11.30am at Café Beer Delux in Federation Square. E-mail books@fedsquare. com

DR WHO CLUB OF VICTORIA has been operating for over 30 years. Their newsletter - Sonic Screwdriver - publishes news, reviews & gossip on Dr Who as well as publishing fanfic & pictures 6 times a year. $35 for a family membership) which gets you 7 issues of the newsletter. Members receive discounts at ABC shops and Minotuar in Elizabeth St, Melbourne. See http://www.vicnet.
net.au/~dwcv.

*SFFiG* SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY in GEELONG http://au.groups. yahoo.com/ group/SFFiG/ Irregular meets announced via email. Discussions, trivia & games, news and more! (Reported by Ben Hughes)\

SPACED OUT: a science fiction club for gays, lesbians and associated communities. $5 joining fee, then $20 annual membership. ($15 concession.) to Spaced Out Inc. PO Box 363, Preston, Vic. 3072.Non-profit SF club offering monthly meetings, "Diverse Universe" newsletter and "Solar Spectrum" annual anthology.

OUT THERE "You find a lot of queer things in space" is a social club for gay SF fans, mostly over 30, that meets monthly in Adelaide. Phone Rod on 0402027891 for more details.

CANBERRA SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. It's a relaxed social society for the discussion of SF and fantasy. Membership $24 p.a. For more info write to CSFS PO Box 47, Civic Square, ACT 2608, or e-mail canberrascifi@ hotmail.com.The

Doctor Who Club of Australia (DWCA) Membership $16 within Aust, provides 6 issues of Data Extract, membership pack, access to the club's member-only internet mailing list, discount prices on a range of merchandise, admission prices to club functions (including Whovention, discounts at selected retail outlets for Doctor Who merchandise. For more information contact Dwayne Bunney: corporate@doctorwho australia. org, phone 0416 269 726 or check www.doctorwhoaustra lia.org

The DR WHO CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA meet on the first Saturday of each month 12.30-5pm at The Collins St Centre, Cnr Shaftesbury Ave and Collins St, South Perth. Club stalls, info, afternoon tea and entertainment. See <www.comedydownunder.com/westlodge/> or phone Aaron on (08) 0400 1957.

JAFWA is Perth's largest & oldest anime group. They offer screenings in the Jones lecture theatre, Curtin University from 5pm onall but the first Saturday of the month. See <http://jafwa. asn.au for full details
STARSHIP MAWSON (www.starshipmawson .com) is a South Australian Star Trek fan club, & chapter of Starfleet International, run by Stuart Blair. (Reported by Stuart Blair.)

QUEST Queensland Star Trekkers Fan Club usually meet at the PCYC Fortitude Valley on the second Sunday of the month (though this occasionally changes) . Contact Mary Kemp either by phone: 07 32904243 or by e-mail: jmkemp@bigpond. net.au. The club's snail mail address is still PO BOX 2084, Brisbane, QLD. 4001. Quest's new website will be up and running in the near future. (Reported by Mary Kemp).

VISIONS WRITERS GROUP offers meeting and critiquing for SF, Fantasy and Horror writers in QLD Monthly meetings from 11am -2 pm, first Sunday of the month (except Jan and Dec) at Queensland State Library, Rm 2D, 2nd Floor. Brisbane. $10 joining fee, and $4 per meeting. There website is http://visionwriter s,org. You can also join their virtual group (great for writing tips and general SF info) at http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/vision- writers. (Reported by Kris
Hembury.)

INFINITAS BOOKSHOP/Blokey Stuff, Shop 22 Civic Arcade, 48 - 50 George Street Parramatta NSW. has 2 groups regularly meeting at its premises. The SF Discussion Group meets at 6:30pm on the first Thursday of each month except January. A SF Writers Group also meets at the shop once a month on Saturdays See <http://www.infinitas.com.au/ WritersGroup.php> for meeting dates.(Reported by Tim Martin via Ted Scribner).

FRIENDS OF SCIENCE FICTION meet monthly at the Granville Youth & Community Centre (Sydney). Meeting from 10am-6pm $10 members, $15 non-members.

SYDNEY FUTURIANS: Contact address: P.O. Box 152 Bexley North, NSW, 2207. Usually meet on the 3rd Friday of the month (except for December) in the foyer of UTS building, Broadway at 6.55pm.

STARWALKING (NSW) http://sydskyforce. starwalking. net holds meetings at the Lidcombe Catholic Workers Club, 24 John St, Lidcombe, opposite Lidcombe Railway station on the third Sunday of some months. Attendance costs $8 members, $10 non-members.

TAG, TERRA AUSTRALIS GARRISON - a Starwars stormtrooper appreciation society. Details can be found at www.501tag.com (reported on Sci fi reporter.)

NEWCASTLE SPACE FRONTIER SOCIETY (NSFS) Regular meetings and social functions. Full details available at www.nssa.com. au/nsfs. (Reported by Jack Dwyer.)

SPOCKSOC: A SF group run by students at the University of NSW Kensington, Sydney. http://www.spocksoc .unsw.edu. au

EVENTS VORTEX SF. SF Events happening in Brisbane, can be found at <www.vortexevents.com>. MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL. August 21 to 30. See <http://www.mwf.com.au/2009/content/mwf_2008_home.asp?> for more details.

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL STUDENT GAMING & ANIMATION EXHIBIT Aug 24-7Sept. Level 4, Foyer Exhibition Space, UTS short walk from Broadway & Central Station) More information through www.siaf.uts.edu.au

THE SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL (SIAF) 4-6th September at UTS city campus, use Harris St, Ultimo entrance.(Across from ABC, short walk from Broadway & Central Station) More information & ticket sales available through www.siaf.uts.edu.au

SSO DOES STAR TREK: The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will be performing highlights from the 11 Star Trek Movies accompanied by relevant film clips at the Sydney Opera House on Friday 4th & Sat 5th September. Prices range from $35 - $99 (plus booking fee. Concession tickets available.) http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/whatson/startrekwiththesso.aspx (Reported by Sarah Murray White.)

BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL. September 9-13. See <http://www.brisbanewritersfestival.com.au/> for full details.

STAR WARS EXHIBIT at Scienceworks, Melbourne until 4th November.

WICKED – THE MUSICAL, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, closes in Melbourne's Reagent Theatre on 9th August, and opens in Sydney's Capitol Theatre on 5th September

ANIMANIA: Anime and Manga festival SYDNEY 5-6th September (Australian Technology Park, Locomotive St, Everleigh). BRISBANE 19th Sept (Holiday Inn, Brisbane) ADELAIDE Oct 10th, Adelaide Festival Centere See http://www.animania.net.au/2009/ for more details (Thanks to Thomas Bull for the updates.).

SUPANOVA: (media/comics/authors events) PERTH: 3-5 July 2009, Claremont Showgrounds, Perth. See <http://supanova.com.au> (Reported by Thomas Bull)

MANIFEST (Melbourne Anime Festival) 21-23 August 2009. Melbourne Showgrounds. <http://www.manifest.org.au> (reported by Thomas Bull)

ARMAGEDDON EXPO, Melbourne, 17-18 October, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. See <www,armageddonexpo.com> Renowned Australian SF author, LUCY SUSSEX offers an intensive 1 day course on writing SF at The Victorian Writers' Centre 1st Floor, Nicholas Bldg. 37 Swanston St, Melbourneph: 9654 9068, Applicants must submit sample chapters and story outlines to be eligible to attend this course. Cost $570 (or $530 for VWC members) Course dates: 26 September, 28 November. (Reported by Kate Eltham on the Visions List)

CONVENTIONS GoH = Guest of Honour, OCP = Other Commitments Permitting, tba= to be announced.

ANTICIPATION, the 2009 Worldcon. Montreal, CANADA 6-10 August, 2009.GoH's: Neil Gaiman, Elisabeth Vonarburg, Tom Doherty, David Hartwell and Taral Wayne, Artist GoH Ralph Bakshi. Author Julie Czerneda will be Master of Ceremonies. See <www.anticipationsf.ca> for full details.

CONTINUUM 5: Ether Conference Centre, Mercure Hotel Welcome, 265-281 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne . Galaxies by Gaslight, Friday 14 to Sunday16th August 2009. GoH Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Narelle M. Harris. Membership prices ( to 7 August 2009): adult: $180, student/concession: $125, first-time to Continuum: $125, junior (5-16): $35, supporting: $35. ( See site for further details.) Postal address: Continuum 5 GPO Box 603, Melbourne, VIC 3001 website: <http://www.continuum.org.au> (Thanks to Thomas Bull for the update!)

CONFLUX 6, Oct 2-5. The Marque Hotel, Northbourne St, Canberra. GoHs James Minz and Marc McBride. Membership prices Attending (paid before 30 Aug) $230 ( $250 after 30th Aug)Student/concession $190 ($210 at door) Day m/ship $80, Supporting: $30

The World Fantasy Convention in 2009. Celebrating Edgar Allen Poe's 200th Anniversary. 29th Oct – 1st Nov. Fairmont Hotel, 170 South market St, San Jose, California.

TWILIGHT TOUR GoH PETER FACINELLI, CHASKE SPENCER BRISBANE: 10 Oct. SYDNEY: 11 Oct.9am - 6pm. See <http://www.thehubproductions.com/twilight-tour-bris-syd> for more details. (Reported by Thomas Bull)

WAI-CONN (Perth Anime Convention): 2010 "Demons vs Angels": 23-24 January 2010. See <www.panic-wa.org>, for now, or <www.wai-con.org> closer to that date for more details. (reported by Thomas Bull.) CONTINUUM 6: 26-28 February 2010. See <www.continuum.org.au>

WORLD HORROR CONVENTION 25-28th March, 2010 at the Royal Albion Hotel Brighton, England. This is the first time this con has been held outside America. LES EDWARDS (aka Edward Miller) and DAVE CARSON are Artist GoHs/ Membership: Attending 60 UK pounds,(or approx 65 Euros,) <www.whc2010.org>

SWANCON 2010: CONTAGION, The 35th Annual Western Australian Speculative Fiction Convention, 1-5 April 2010, Venue: TBA GoHs: Scott Sigler, Ian Irvine Attending: $130 until Oct 31 (cheques can be made out to Swancon 2010 and sent to GPO Box G429 Perth WA 6948) Contact: Contact: Linda Deegan, secretary-2010@swancon.com <mailto:swancon2010%40iinet.net.au>for more information.

AU CONTRAIRE, NZ Natcon, Fri 27-Sun 29th August, (the week before Aussiecon 4 for those northern hemisphere fans looking to extend their antipodean SF experience) Quality Hotel, Wellington. Full attending membership currently NZ $60. Day & supporting memberships also available. See http://aucontraire.org.nz/ for full details. Snail mail address is PO Box 10104, Wellington NZ.

AUSSIECON 4. Worldcon in Melbourne. 2-6 September 2010, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank. GoH's: Kim Stanley Robinson, Shaun Tan, Robin Johnson. Memberships Aus $210 attending, $70 supporting. $50 child. Payable by credit card or paypal (See <www.aussiecon4.org.au> for more information.)

WORLD FANTASY CONVENTION 2010 will be held October 28-31 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Columbus, Ohio (USA) Attending membership US $100. Snail mail WFC 2010, 3824 Patricia Dr, Upper Arlington, OH 43220, USA. Or see <www.contextsf.org/WFC> for more details..
RENO 2011 Worldcon bid. The intergalactic travel agents of Reno Convention Fandom, Inc. are delighted to announce a bid to host the 69th World Science Fiction Convention in 2011 (August 17-21) in the "Biggest Little City in the World," Reno, Nevada. See what Reno has to offer at http://www.rcfi. org, or e-mail info@rcfi.org if you want to support this Worldcon bid. Australian Agent: Jean Weber. To pay for presupporting memberships in A$, you can send Jean a cheque (payable to Jean Weber) or pay via Paypal to Australia@rcfi. org. Presupporting rates are A$20 ordinary, A$100 Friend, or for A$110+ you'll be considered a Really Close Friend. OTHER INFORMATION RESOURCES: The Inkspillers web site, < http://www.inkspill ers.com> is a great source of market information for SF writers that is always being updated by Tony Plank.

For links to books, movies and television shows see John Tipper's homepage<http://www.collecti ngbooksandmagazi nes.com>

Sci-fi REPORTER is a SF news service covering cons, fan clubs and media, edited by Stuart Blair. To subscribe to this list send an e-mail to scifireporter@ yahoo.com

SMW Editing & Proof reading services for academic (including theses), fiction & non-fiction. For more details or arrange a quote, e-mail s.murraywhite@gmail.com (Please note new e-mail address.)

KopperKat Manuscript Assessment and Editing service. Industry professional with many years' experience as an editor and best-selling author goes beyond the norm to assist you with your writing. Enquiries: kopperkat@gmail. com

If you want a great fanzine resource offering fanzines in PDF format, go to http://efanzines. com where Bill Burns hosts the electronic versions of a wide variety of the world's best fanzines. Australians whose fanzines are available include Bill Wright, Bruce Gillespie, Kim Huett and Ron Clarke.

The Bullsheet is available online at <www.bullsheet.sf.org.au>. and as a FREE monthly e-mail through the AUSSFBULL mailing list. To join send a blank e-mail to AUSSFBULL-subscribe@yahoogroups. com. The Bullsheet is also available as a snail-mail subscription for 24x55 cent stamps sent to Edwina Harvey c/- 12 Flinders St, Matraville, 2036. Send your news e-mail to edwinafan@yahoo.com.

Looking for hand-made original ceramics and silk with a SF or Fantasy (and increasingly horse and donkey) theme? Check Edwina's CELESTIAL COBBLER CERAMICS see www.celestialcobbler.com. Say you read the Bullsheet and get a "staff discount"

For no sufficiently explained reason this Fanzine still supports The Minneapolis in '73 Worldcon Bid