Reasons To Come To BizarroCon

Posted on March 3, 2011 Updated on March 1, 2024

Networking!

Meet other writers, editors, and readers of bizarro fiction. Make new friends. Pitch ideas to editors. Since the convention is small (60-100 people) you’ll have a good chance to get to know pretty much everyone.

(BizarroCon 2016 Group Photo)

Readings!

There will be many readings by bizarro authors at BizarroCon. If you like readings there will be plenty of them. If you don’t like readings, there are tons of other things to do around Astoria. If you would like to give a reading, you will have the opportunity to sign up for your chance after you register. We’ll try to schedule you a slot, but no promises.

(Rose OKeefe, Cameron Pierce, Carlton Mellick III, Jeff Burk)

Workshops! Panels! Discussions!

All day Friday, there will be bizarro writing workshops and discussions on marketing and other important topics related to the business of bizarro writing. There will also be the meeting of the Bizarro Writer’s Association where we discuss the future of bizarro fiction. Come to BizarroCon and you will improve your skills as a bizarro writer and assist in the development of this burgeoning fiction movement.

(Mykle Hansen, Cody Goodfellow, Jeremy Robert Johnson, John Skipp)

Parties!

Really, BizarroCon is just one giant party. There’s nothing more fun than hanging out with a group of people who share the same passion as you do. This is where the weird impromptu events occur, such as pinky-wrestling tournaments, Prince Lemon dance-offs, and Kevin L. Donihe levitations.

(Carlton Mellick III, Jeff Burk, Patrick Wensink, Andrew Goldfarb, Zoe Welch, Sam Reeve, Garrett Cook)

The Wonderland Book Awards!

Saturday night will be the annual Wonderland Book Awards, honoring authors who have excelled in bizarro fiction. Everyone attending BizarroCon will be allowed to vote for the winners of the Wonderland Book Awards. To vote, you must be registered for BizarroCon (this includes those registered for the Saturday-only pass). Voting begins July 1st and ends September 30th. Email your votes for best novel and best collection to bizarrocon@gmail.com. Nominees in each category will be posted here soon.

The Ultimate Bizarro Showdown!

After the Wonderland Book Awards Dinner, BizarroCon is transformed into Bizarro Thunderdome! Up to twelve authors enter, only one leaves victorious. The distinguished bizarro judges will choose the top three performers. Winners will receive fabulous prizes and bragging rights for a year. Hosted by Michael Allen Rose and Sauda Namir, the Ultimate Bizarro Showdown is a showdown of ultimate awesomeness! If you’d like to sign up for this competition or have questions about the event, contact Michael at flood@gerbilprobe.com. There are only a limited number of spots available, so sign up now.

(Andrew Goldfarb, Carlton Mellick III, Jeff Burk, Kevin L Donihe, Garrett Cook, Bradley Sands, Cameron Pierce, Kirsten Alene)

Bizarro Books!

BizarroCon will have the largest collection of bizarro books available for purchase. Never before have so many bizarro books been available in one place.

(Patrick Wensink, Jason Wuchenich, James Beach)

Basic summary of what to expect of the BizarroCon Astoria schedule:

THURSDAY: Thursday is mostly just about everyone arriving into town throughout the day. For those who are waiting around for everyone to show up, it is a chance to get to know the new people and a chance to explore the historic town of Astoria. BizarroCon 2024 officially kicks off with the opening ceremony and welcome party at Dead Man’s Isle.

FRIDAY: Friday is filled with writing workshops and round table discussions. This is the day we get down to business. We help each other improve our craft of writing bizarro fiction, we brainstorm new book marketing techniques, and we plan the future of the bizarro genre. All the important stuff. At night, there is a curated film screening and after party with bizarro bands.

SATURDAY: We’ll continue with workshops, panels, and readings. Saturday night will be the Wonderland Book Awards Banquet, followed by the Ultimate Bizarro Showdown.

SUNDAY: We’ll host more readings and send out BizarroCon in style. Sunday is also your best day to make time for a beach trip.

If you have any questions contact bizarroconastoria@gmail.com