Potlatch 17 Sci Fi Con in Seattle
2008 Potlatch Science Fiction Convention Coming to the Hotel Deca
Seattle's Hotel Deca will host science fiction fans and writers in February 2008 when the speculative fiction convention Potlatch manifests its 17th incarnation.
Get ready, spec-fic fans and writers in the Pacific Northwest: The Potlatch literary convention for the readers and writers of speculative fiction comes to Seattle, Washington, February 29 through March 2, 2008.
The Potlatch convention roams from Portland, Oregon to Seattle every other year and sometimes is held in the San Francisco Bay Area. This year, the Hotel Deca in Seattle's University District will act as headquarters for Potlatch number 17.
What Is a Potlatch?
According to the Potlatch website, the word "potlatch" means a "ceremonial feast among certain Native American peoples of the northwest Pacific coast...at which the host distributes gifts requiring reciprocation [Chinook & Nootka: patshatl, to make a potlatch gift]."
It also can mean a "gathering of the writers and readers of literary science fiction and fantasy at which participants exchange ideas. Reading, talking about, and writing science fiction is what Potlatch is all about." Unlike other sci-fi conventions, or "cons" as they are fondly called, where the focus is more on the fans and fan interests (and fan parties), Potlatch is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that maintains a literary focus.
Potlatch 17 Book of Honor, Parable of the Sower
For example, most Potlatch cons have a chosen Book of Honor, around which most of the programming is centred. The Book of Honor for Potlatch 17 is the late Octavia E. Butler's intense dystopia, Parable of the Sower. (See below for more info.)
25 Years of Clarion West
Another unique aspect of this inviting con is that it was founded to help support the Clarion West Writers Workshop, an intensive 6-week workshop for writers preparing for professional careers in science fiction and fantasy, held annually in Seattle.
2008 marks the 25th anniversary of the highly respected workshop, which boasts instructors like Joanna Russ, Samuel R. Delany, Mary Rosenblum, Connie Willis, and many more. According to Kate Schaefer, Potlatch 17 Chair, "Since 1992, Potlatch has raised over $41,000 for the scholarship fund and an additional $6,000 for general operating expenses."
Potlatch 17 Programming
Potlatch 17 programming, while in its early stages at time of printing, will include the following:
- Various panels, "some based on Parable of the Sower, some exploring various aspects of the workshop phenomenon, and some others out of left field" (from Potlatch website)
- Public readings performed by Clarion West alumni
- Beginning writers writing workshops
- Delicious banquet
- Hospitality suite
- Bar
- The Clarion West Scholarship Auction and reception
More information about Potlatch 17, membership fees, and programming may be found on the Potlatch 17 website. An interview with Potlatch 17 Chairperson Kate Schaefer can be found in Intro to the Potlatch Sci Fi Con. To learn more about the Book of Honor, Parable of the Sower, read Octavia Butler's Parable Honored.
Sources
Potlatch website (accessed January 5, 2008).
Clarion West website (accessed January 5, 2008).
