StokerCon 2016 - Double Down in Sin City

It's another Morbid Anniversary! Today we honor Bram Stoker (8 November 1847 - 20 April 1912) the ringmaster of vampires. I call him the ringmaster because Stoker didn't create vampires but he did make them popular. During his life Stoker was known more as the personal assistant of a well-known actor and the manager of the Lyceum Theater in London. He was obviously good at promotion.  I wonder what Stoker would think if saw the vampire culture that has grown from Dracula?

Stoker wrote many novels, short stories, and poems after Dracula. Did you know that you can read most of them for free? There is a Bram Stoker.org web site that has downloadable versions of Stoker's works.  You can also purchase hard cover copies of many of his novels there.

But the big news is that the Horror Writers Association is hosting the first ever StokerCon in Las Vegas this May. This event looks amazing. For four days you'll be able to participate in workshops (Horror University) by some great horror writers. If you've ever thought that writing horror fiction could be for you, then you need to take a look at the workshops being offered on the programming schedule.

If you're not so much into writing, then the Lucky Th1rt3en Horror Short Film Competition may be just the thing you're looking for.  Horror films that are 13 minutes and under will be screened and the winner will be announced on Friday the 13th.

I almost forgot to mention the biggest, biggest thing of all. On Saturday, May 14th, the Bram Stoker Awards will be announced. I've been wanting to read and see so many of this year's nominees. FYI - the Bram Stoker Awards have been given out since 1987. Winners receive the best trophy I have ever seen. It's a haunted house designed by Steven Kirk.

If you're looking for a reading list you might want to start with the past winners. The Horror Writers Association also offers a Bram Stoker Reading List of works their members have enjoyed. These aren't necessarily winners or even nominees of the award.

Whew. That's a lot of stuff to look at today. Do it for Bram Stoker.