The Australian Science Fiction Bullsheet 85 – April 2009

The Australian Science Fiction Bullsheet 85 April 2009 ISSN 1445-4319 (print version), ISSN 1445-4327 (online version)

GENERAL NEWS

CELEBRITY SPOTTING: museum curator and SF fan, KERRIE DOUGHERTY was spotted on the Collectors show, ABC TV on 13th March, promoting the Star Wars exhibit on show at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum until 26th April. (It moves to Scienceworks, Melbourne from June to November) A contestant on The Einstein Factor, ABC TV Sun 22nd March, had ISOBELLE CARMODY's Obernewtyn Chronicles as her special subject.

KERRIE DOUGHERTY, curator of Space Technology at Sydney's Powerhouse Museum will be speaking on The Challenge to Apollo, The Soviet Moon Program from 2-3pm on Sunday April 12 (Easter Sunday) at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. The program is free after paying museum entry. Also at the Powerhouse Museum from 13-17 April, and 20-24 April, at 11am and 1pm there'll be "Cogs and the Dragon" stage show suitable for littlies up to 10 years old. (Apparently the PHM has a lurking dragon!) On Sun 26th April from 2-3pm there'll be a Live Robot demonstration featuring the UTS Robot crew.

CONJECTURE, the Natcon in Adelaide in June is full steam ahead. See the entry in the conventions section of the Bullsheet for more details. For people thinking of joining the Natcon, please note MEMBERSHIP RISES on 13th APRIL. (Can't find any details about Ditmars yet, EH)

DUFF - The Down Under Fan Fund race . This year it's for someone in Australasia to go to Anticipation, the Worlcon hosted in Canada. Nominees are Emma Hawkes, Chris Nelson, Alison Barton, David Cake with Grant Watson. Voting closes May 17. See http://sffanz.sf.org.nz/duff/ for more information. (Reported by Irwin Hirsch)

CONGRATULATIONS to BRUCE GILLESPIE who was voted Best Fan Writer in the annual FAAN Awards held at Corflu 26, Seattle in March , These are the only awards given by fanzine publishers, writers and artists to their peers. Bruce's fanzine, Steam Engine Time (SET) was voted No 6 fanzine, and Ditmar (DICK JENSSEN) came No 8 as Fan Artist.

ANDROMEDA SPACEWAYS INFLIGHT MAGAZINE (www.andromedaspaceways.com) have recently appointed Edwina as their Ad Girl. If you're involved with a convention, have recently published a book, or anthology of a spec-fic nature, or you'd like to promote your creative talents (e.g. SF jewellery, computer game designer etc ) and you'd like to buy advertising in Andromeda Spaceways Inflight magazine, please contact Edwina (celestialcobbler@hotmail.com) We are currently selling advertising for issue 40, we publish 6 issues year, Advertising rates are available at <andromedaspaceways.com> We're also open to negotiation and contra deals.

CLARION SOUTH WRITERS WORKSHOP: Due to a run of bad luck, Clarion South recently hit rocky financial times (much like the rest of the world!) They've been running an appeal to raise $4000 to ensure future workshops continue. (Hopefully this will still be running in April, EH) You can donate to the Fundraising Appeal at <http://www.clarions outh.org/ donate.htm> to make a PayPal donation to Clarion South. You can also send cheques to Fantastic Queensland Inc. (a non-profit auspicing body), PO Box 1394 Towong QLD 4066. or direct deposit to: Bendigo Bank | Fantastic Queensland Inc. | BSB: 633-000 | Account Number: 125291708 (reported by Kate Eltham on the Visions list)

The SYDNEY WRITERS' FESTIVAL is on from 18-24 May at various locations around Sydney. Author RICHARD HARLAND will be giving two one day workshops (?) on writing fantasy 9.30-4.30, at the State Library of NSW on Sat 16th May and Sun 17th May. Cost is $140. The full program is available on line at www.swf.org.au,

The MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL LAUNCH PROGRAM is now open for submissions. Each year the festival runs a launch program for emerging or established publishers to speak directly to their audience. Preference is given to Victorian publishers over those from other states. The deadline for submissions is 1st May. All queries and applications should be directed to Louise Angrilli , Festival Admin Administrator, on 03 9645 9244 or louise@mwf.com.au. The Melbourne Writers Festival runs 21-30th August. See http://www.mwf.com.au/2009/content/mwf_2008_standard.asp?name=Book_Launches for more details, or www.mwf.com.au for general details about the festival.
SIR JULIUS VOGEL AWARDS FINALISTS : (NZ) A full list of finalists for this year's SJV's can be viewed at <http://sffanz.sf.org.nz/sjv/sjvNominations-2009.shtml> Voting for the SJV Awards will take place at Conscription, the 30th NZ National Science Fiction Convention held in Auckland, NZ from 29 May -1 June (q.v. conventions) Postal voting options will be available around late-April 2009, if you are NOT attending ConScription but still wish to vote. (Not sure if this means you have to be a supporting member of the con or not. EH) Winners will be announced after the Conscription banquet on the Sunday night of the convention.

RICHARD K. MORGAN, author of The Steel Remains, and Black Man who is Guest of Honour at Swancon, will also be touring Australia appearing at a number of events including City of Stirling Library 5pm on Wed April 8, MSFC 9pm, Friday 8th May, Galaxy Bookshop, Sydney, 5.30pm Thurs May 21st, Gaslight Books, Canberra, 3-4pm Sat 23rd May, Pulp Fiction, Brisbane 6.30pm Tues May 27th.

THUMBNAIL REVIEW: CHAOS SPACE by MARIANNE de PIERRES.I felt like an interloper coming late to a party with this book, not having read the previous volume, DARK SPACE. While I found it hard to get into at first, I'm glad I persisted, because it's well-crafted and fast paced. Reminding me in parts of Dune, Stargate and Farscape I was fascinated by the descriptions of the biological spaceship and intrigued as apparently separate and distinct major characters, with chapters named after them to represent their view points, are woven together in a most enjoyable story

THUMBNAIL REVIEW: A HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FICTION FANDOM 1935-1963 Originally written by Vol Molesworth, reprinted by Graham Stone ( Available for $10 from Graham Stone, 205-24 Victoria St, Burwood NSW, 2134.) 32 pp, A4 format. Gold embossed red card covers. ISBN 978-0-9579783-2-4. This is a factual representation of (predominantly Sydney) fannish activities through three decades of "the early years", originally written by Vol Molesworth, with many footnotes added to this version by Graham Stone. I found it an interesting historical document, and couldn't help noticing that while much has changed in fandom in the ensuing decades, we have much in common with our forebears. Having heard that Merv Binns is working on his memoirs of Melbourne fandom, I wondered if anyone is considering compiling fannish histories from similar eras but different states, or would it result in too many conflicting views? (EH)

STAR TREK WORLD TOUR KICKS OFF IN AUSTRALIA: As reported by Anthony Pasquale on <www.trekmovie.com> Paramount Pictures Australia recently announced the gala world premiere for Star Trek will be held at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday April 7th. Director JJ Abrams, actors Chris Pine (Kirk), and Zachary Quinto (Spock) Eric Bana (Nero), and Karl Urban (McCoy) will all be attending along with 1,600 invited guests. This is only the third time a film has debuted at the Sydney Opera House. Star Trek will open to the general public on Thursday, May 7. Gala premiers of the movie will also be held in Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, Spain and the UK. (reported by Kirok of L'Stok)

STAR TREK's upcoming movie release in Adelaide, SA on May 7 will be at The Palace East End Cinema. The event will include displays of Star Trek costumes and memorabilia and plenty of dressed up fans for the occasion. More details should be available at <http://www.starshipmawson.com>

Writer HARLAN ELLISON, who wrote the original series Star Trek episode,'City on the Edge of Forever' in 1967 is said to be suing Paramount for alleged failure to pay him for "merchandising, publishing & other exploitations" for the episode which won a Writers Guild of America teleplay award and a Hugo award in 1967. "It ain't about the 'principle,' friend, it's about the money! Pay me!" Ellison said in a statement. "I'm doing it for the 35-year-long disrespect and the money!" Ellison's suit accuses Paramount of failing to notify him about the "Crucible" book trilogy based on the teleplay and merchandising including a "talking" Christmas ornament. It also asserts that, under the WGA's master contract, Ellison's entitled to 25% of revenues from licensing of publication rights. Ellison also sued the Writers Guild of America for its alleged failure to act on his behalf but is seeking only $1 in damages plus attorneys fees and court costs from the guild. (reported by Dave McNary. Link relayed by Andrew Porter.)

HUGO NOMINEES ANNOUNCED: Best Novel: Anathem by Neal Stephenson (Morrow; Atlantic UK). The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (HarperCollins; Bloomsbury), Little Brother by Cory Doctorow (Tor) Saturn's Children by Charles Stross (Ace; Orbit), Zoe's Tale by John Scalzi (Tor)

Best Novella ``The Erdmann Nexus'' by Nancy Kress (Asimov's Oct/Nov 2008), ``The Political Prisoner'' by Charles Coleman Finlay (F&SF Aug 2008), ``The Tear'' by Ian McDonald (Galactic Empires) , ``True Names'' by Benjamin Rosenbaum & Cory Doctorow (Fast Forward 2), ``Truth'' by Robert Reed (Asimov's Oct/Nov 2008)

Best Novelette: ``Alastair Baffle's Emporium of Wonders'' by Mike Resnick (Asimov's Jan 2008), ``The Gambler'' by Paolo Bacigalupi (Fast Forward 2), ``Pride and Prometheus'' by John Kessel (F&SF Jan 2008), ``The Ray-Gun: A Love Story'' by James Alan Gardner (Asimov's Feb 2008), ``Shoggoths in Bloom'' by Elizabeth Bear (Asimov's Mar 2008)

Best Short Story. ``26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss'' by Kij Johnson (Asimov's Jul 2008), ``Article of Faith'' by Mike Resnick (Baen's Universe Oct 2008), ``Evil Robot Monkey'' by Mary Robinette Kowal (The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, Volume Two), ``Exhalation'' by Ted Chiang (Eclipse Two), ``From Babel's Fall'n Glory We Fled'' by Michael Swanwick (Asimov's Feb 2008) Best Related Book: Rhetorics of Fantasy by Farah Mendlesohn (Wesleyan University Press), Spectrum 15: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art by Cathy Fenner &Arnie Fenner, eds. (Underwood Books), The Vorkosigan Companion: The Universe of Lois McMaster Bujold by Lillian Stewart Carl & John Helfers, eds. (Baen), What It Is We Do When We Read Science Fiction by Paul Kincaid (Beccon Publications), Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded: A Decade of Whatever, 1998-2008 by John Scalzi (Subterranean Press)

Best Graphic Story: The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle Written by Jim Butcher, art by Ardian Syaf (Del Rey/Dabel Brothers Publishing), Girl Genius, Volume 8: Agatha Heterodyne and the Chapel of Bones Written by Kaja & Phil Foglio, art by Phil Foglio, colors by Cheyenne Wright (Airship Entertainment), Fables: War and Pieces Written by Bill Willingham, pencilled by Mark Buckingham, art by Steve Leialoha and Andrew Pepoy, color by Lee Loughridge, letters by Todd Klein (DC/Vertigo Comics), Schlock Mercenary: The Body Politic Story and art by Howard Tayler (The Tayler Corporation), Serenity: Better Days Written by Joss Whedon & Brett Matthews, art by Will Conrad, color by Michelle Madsen, cover by Jo Chen (Dark Horse Comics), Y: The Last Man, Volume 10: Whys and Wherefores Written/created by Brian K. Vaughan, pencilled/created by Pia Guerra, inked by Jose Marzan, Jr. (DC/Vertigo Comics)

Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: The Dark Knight Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer, story; Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, screenplay; based on characters created by Bob Kane; Christopher Nolan, director (Warner Brothers), Hellboy II: The Golden Army Guillermo del Toro & Mike Mignola, story; Guillermo del Toro, screenplay; based on the comic by Mike Mignola; Guillermo del Toro, director (Dark Horse, Universal), Iron Man Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway, screenplay; based on characters created by Stan Lee & Don Heck & Larry Lieber & Jack Kirby; Jon Favreau, director (Paramount, Marvel Studios), METAtropolis edited by John Scalzi; Elizabeth Bear, Jay Lake, Tobias Buckell, John Scalzi, and Karl Schroeder, writers (Audible Inc.), WALL-E Andrew Stanton & Pete Docter, story; Andrew Stanton & Jim Reardon, screenplay; Andrew Stanton, director (Pixar/Walt Disney)

Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: Lost: "The Constant", Carlton Cuse & Damon Lindelof, writers; Jack Bender, director (Bad Robot, ABC studios), Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Joss Whedon, & Zack Whedon, & Jed Whedon, & Maurissa Tancharoen, writers; Joss Whedon, director (Mutant Enemy), Battlestar Galactica: "Revelations", Bradley Thompson & David Weddle,writers; Michael Rymer, director (NBC Universal), Doctor Who: "Silence in the Library"/"Forest of the Dead", Steven Moffat, writer; Euros Lyn, director (BBC Wales), Doctor Who: "Turn Left", Russell T. Davies, writer; Graeme Harper, director (BBC Wales)

Best Editor, Short Form Ellen Datlow, Stanley Schmidt, Jonathan Strahan, Gordon Van Gelder, Sheila Williams

Best Editor, Long Form: Lou Anders, Ginjer Buchanan, David G. Hartwell, Beth Meacham, Patrick Nielsen Hayden

Best Professional Artist: Daniel Dos Santos, Bob Eggleton, Donato Giancola, John Picacio, Shaun Tan

Best Semiprozine: Clarkesworld Magazine edited by Neil Clarke, Nick Mamatas, & Sean Wallace, Interzone edited by Andy Cox, Locus edited by Charles N. Brown, Kirsten Gong-Wong, & Liza Groen Trombi, The New York Review of Science Fiction edited by Kathryn Cramer, Kris Dikeman, David G. Hartwell, & Kevin J. Maroney, Weird Tales edited by Ann VanderMeer & Stephen H. Segal

Best Fan Writer: Chris Garcia, John Hertz, Dave Langford, Cheryl Morgan, Steven H Silver,

Best Fanzine: Argentus edited by Steven H Silver, Banana Wings edited by Claire Brialey and Mark Plummer, Challenger edited by Guy H. Lillian III, The Drink Tank edited by Chris Garcia, Electric Velocipede edited by John Klima, File 770 edited by Mike Glyer

Best Fan Artist: Alan F. Beck, Brad W. Foster, Sue Mason, Taral Wayne, Frank Wu

The John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer: Aliette de Bodard*, David Anthony Durham*, Felix Gilman, Tony Pi*, Gord Sellar* *(Second year of eligibility)

For more information about the awards see http://anticipationsf.ca/English/Hugos

And congratulations to the Australians nominated for the Hugos! (EH)

CONCATENATION's website <http://www.concatenation.org> now has a new free access short story from the _Nature_ 'Futures' series up on their site.

WORLD HORROR CONVENTION 2010 has announced book and magazine illustrator, LES EDWARDS (aka Edward Miller) and Lovecraftian illustrator DAVE CARSON as their Artist Guests of Honour .

GAMES WORKSHOP (UK) intends to sell their original fiction line Solaris, which publishes about 20 sci-fi, horror and fantasy tales a year so they can focus on the Black Library, which publishes books related to their Warhammer figures and games. (Passed on by Andy Porter)

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

CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS Conference 2009: (aka C'ya Later) have announced a Writing and Illustrating Competition. Closing 30 June. Entry form required. Entry Fee: AUS$16.50 ($1.50 GST Included.) or by Paypal $17.50 (processing fee included) Categories: Picture Book –preschool aged children, Picture Book – primary aged children, Chapter Book, Young Adults, Graphic Novel (words & illustrations), Illustrated Picture Books (words & illustrations) and Illustration. Part of the illustration category includes a "Design a cover competition." Each category attracts a $100 prize, short listed entries will be submitted to at least one publisher of children's books. All entries receive their judge's feedback by 31st October 2009. For full details see: <www.cyaconference.com>

The Fourteenth Annual PARSEC Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Story Contest is open to non-professional writers (those who have not met membership requirements for SFWA or equivalent). Previous multiple winners and current contest coordinators are ineligible. First prize, which must feature the contest theme ("Dark Glass"), will win $200 and will be published in the Confluence 2009 program book. Second prize of $100 and third prize of $50 may be awarded at the discretion of the judges, with possible publication in a PARSEC INK publication. Submission implies consent for publication, but all rights revert immediately to the authors upon publication. NO entry fee. Stories must be original, unpublished and unsold Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror of no more than 3500 words, title and page number on each page, but author name only appears on separate cover page. Email submissions accepted on request (see below). Include SASE for result notification. Manuscripts will not be returned. Incorrect format will make the entry ineligible. Stories must relate to the theme.
Entries can be snail-mailed to Ann Cecil, PARSEC Short Story Contest, 2966 Voelkel Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15216-2036 USA. Entries close 15 April. Entrants should be notified of results by 15th June. For more information e-mail cecil@city-net.com (reported by A. Bell on the Visions list).

RUSSELL BLACKFORD asked sf writers, philosophers and other thinkers, for personal essays on why they reject religion, for a book he is editing with philosophy professor, Udo Schuklenk called 50 Voices of Disbelief: Why We Are Atheists, contributions appear from GREG EGAN, SEAN WILLIAMS, DAMIAN BRODERICK, GREGORY BENFORD, JOE HALDEMAN, and JACK DANN. The book is due out from Wiley-Blackwell in September.

THE PRIESTESS AND THE SLAVE is a new historical novella set in Ancient Greece by JENNY BLACKFORD published by HadleyRille books on April 15. ISBN: 139780981924311 See < http://www.hadleyrillebooks.com/Priestess.html>

THE GIMLET EYE by JAMES ROY is the latest YA novel in the successful Quentaris fantasy series from Ford Street Publishing, 2 Ford Street, Clifton Hill, Vic, 3068, www.fordstreetpublishing.com. ISBN 9781876462772. RRP $16.95

MASQUES is the latest anthology from the CSFG Publishing. Edited by GILLIAN POLLACK it features stories from Laura E Goodin, Doug Fry, Joanne Anderton, Andrew J McKiernan, Jacob Edward, Phillip Berrie, RJ Astruc, Felicity Bloomfield, Simon Petrie, Anne Mok, Ross C Hamilton, Ariella Adler, Mik Bennett, Matthew Sini, Cat Sparks, Donna Maree Hanson, Justin Thomas, Jason Fischer, Amelia Walker, Chris Jones, Marcus Olsson, Kylie Bullivant, Graham Storrs, Monica Carrol, Cat Sheely, YL Toh, Megan Jones, Nicole R Murphy, Richard Harland, & Astrid Cooper. For full details see <http://csfg.org.au/publishing/anthologies/masques>

P'REA PRESS offers the following books for sale: RICHARD L. TIERNEY: A BIBLIOGRAPHICAL CHECKLIST, a bibliography of H.P. Lovecraft's work over the last thirty-five years by Charles Lovecraft published by P'rea Press 2008 RRP $15+p ISBN 9780980462500, SPORES FROM SHARNOTH AND OTHER MADNESSES, poems of horror and the macabre by Leigh Blackmore, 2008 RRP $15+p ISBN 9780980462524, EMPERORS OF DREAMS:
SOME NOTES ON WEIRD POETRY, an overview of the genre of weird poetry down the ages to the present by S. T. Joshi, authority on H. P. Lovecraft, RRP $22+p or $70 signed+p ISBN 9780980462531 pbk 9780980462548 hbk or via dannyl58@hotmail.com P'REA PRESS via dannyl58@hotmail.com is looking for quality genre fantasy poetry, weird, fantastic, spec, dark, etc, from Australia

CYBERABAD DAYS, the new book by IAN McDONALD, author of the highly acclaimed BRASYL, is a return to his River of Gods world featuring a collection of previously unpublished stories and novellas. Available from 23 April through Gallancz, RRP $29.99. ISBN 9780575084087

THE FOREST OF HANDS & TEETH is the debut novel by CARRIE RYAN (a former litigator now writing about zombies in a post-apocalyptic world.) Available from 16th April, Gollancz. RRP $29.99 ISBN 9780575090859

HERITAGE OF THE XANDIM is the first book in a new series that tells the prehistory of MAGGIE FUREY's Aurian series. Athe Xandim are little more than simple beasts. Enslaved by the Phaerie, masters of the Old Magic, they have been trapped in horse form for so long that they have forgotten they once held human shape. Only the Windeye, the shaman of the Xandim, knows better. Available from 23 April. Gollancz, RRP $32.99 ISBN 9780575076824 (I can't wait to read this one. Edwina)

TANGLED BANK PRESS is a new Australian press currently inviting writers, poets, and artists to submit to the first publication, an e-anthology of spec fic, artwork and poetry exploring this theory of evolution and the legacy of Charles Darwin to be called The Tangled Bank. The Tangled Bank will be edited by Chris Lynch and published by Tangled Bank Press late 2009. For submission guidelines and more information, visit <http://thetangledbank.com.>

BEACON PRESS, a 155 year-old Boston-based nonprofit publisher with a mission driven by social justice, will publish a graphic adaptation of Hugo-award winning SF novelist OCTAVIA BUTLER's much-praised novel KINDRED. The graphic novel version of Kindred comes on the heels of a new hardcover edition of the prose novel released at the beginning of 2009. Literary agent Merrilee Heifetz, represents the Butler estate. (Reported via Andy Porter.)

ANTIPODEAN SF issue 130 offers flash fiction from the following authors: A. Harris, Steve Duffy, Alan Baxter, Jamie Richter, Shaun A. Saunders, Mark Farrugia, Felicity Dowker, Alan Richard, David Such, Dr. Brendan D. Carson. See www.antisf.com.au

TERRA INCOGNITA AUSTRALIAN SPECULATIVE FICTION. The 4th podcast is up now at www.tisf.com.au. (Reported by Keith Stevenson)

CORRECTION. The Bookbinding Guild will only have an information stall in the Arts & Craft pavilion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Thurs 16th and Fri 17th April. The Guild will hold intensive beginners weekend courses at the NSW Writer's Centre, in the grounds of Rozelle Hospital, Sydney on the weekend 20-21 June and 19-20 Sept, not May as mentioned in last month's Bull. 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. Merv reports that despite battling with a recalcitrant computer& power supply problems, as well as the effects of medication that leaves him very tired he is (with Helena's help, I presume EH) working on two issues of Out of the Bin to be released soon, (possibly primarily distributed by e-mail, with only a few print copies to defray the costs), and revising his memoirs covering conventions and gatherings up until Aussiecon 1

FRIENDS OF LINDA COX CHAN (FOLCC) raise money to donate to Juvenile Diabetes Research, Australia by selling donated books etc. (Current tally $80!) CHEAP Books looking for homes: Panglor by Jeffrey A.Carver, Hell on High by Ted Nolan and Holly Lisle. Original Dukes of Hazard activity book (500 pages. Colouring, puzzles etc). The Gerry Anderson memorabilia Guide (1994), Rolling Stones Mag visits Saturday Night Live, Sherlock Holmes Mystery book, GREG BEAR "Blood Music" Uncorrected book proof**, Life signs, the Biology of Star Trek, Absolutely Fabulous Book 2, Leonard Nimoy: I am Spock, John Rockham, Alien Sea, Starburst Classic Horror film, Kung-fu, Supergirl, Terrahawks annuals, The Bill – the Inside Story, (Thanks to John Tipper for donating the latest influx of books.).

HATCH, MATCH & DISPATCH:

HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to ROS and TED SCRIBNER.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! This version of The Australian Science Fiction Bullsheet is 7 years old this month. (I'm not itching so far, Ted, how about you?EH) Our newer readers mightn't realise that there was an earlier version of The Australian Science Fiction Bullsheet ran successfully for many years by Marc Ortlieb. We took the title over a while after Marc hung up his spurs. The cybercake's calorie free, so don't be afraid to take another slice! And if I can be completely tactless for a moment – we'd love to get a Hugo nomination (even though we'd have Buckley's chance of winning one, we know) when they come up next year. Edwina.

CLUBS & MEETINGS

MELBOURNE SCIENCE FICTION CLUB, Meet most Friday nights at 74 Melville Road, West Brunswick 3055.Membership to the MSFC is $30 single, or $40 family/household or overseas, and $20 for interstate p.a. Meetings: April 3 Food & Quiz night, no meeting on Good Friday (April 10), April 17, Minicon setup, MELBOURNE "ALL-CLUB" MINICON", 18 April,GOH: Kim Westwood. Admission $10, Families $20, Concession $5, April 24, Film Discussion: Superman Returns, May 1, Hot & Cold desserts, May 8th author Richard Morgan, May 15, Filmmaker Rory Young.(Edwina's done her own updating for once.)

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 2pm 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 25years. 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 is regenerating. They will 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 their temporary website: 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 on any Saturday that isn't 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 Sunday 5th April & May 3. $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>.

STARWARS: WHERE SCIENCE MEETS IMAGINATION exhibit at the (Sydney) Powerhouse Museum until 26th April. Entry to the exhibit is $24 adults, $12 children, $18 concession and $60 for families. Check<http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/starwars/> for full details. This exhibit opens at Scienceworks, Melbourne in June until November.

ANIMANIA: Anime and Manga festival SYDNEY 5-6th September (Venue to be announced). MELBOURNE 18th April, Rydges Hotel BRISBANE 9th May, Holiday Inn & 19th Sept (Venue tba) See http://www.animania.net.au/2009/ for more details.

SUPANOVA: (media/comics/authors events) BRISBANE: 3-5 April 2009, RNA Showgrounds, SYDNEY 26-28 June 2009, The Dome, Olympic Park, Sydney, 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)

VICTORIAN SPEC FIC WRITERS: 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, Melbourne. on 9654 9068, Applicants must submit sample chapters and story outlines to be eligible to attend this course. Cost $570 (or $530 for VWC members) This course will be held on 23 May, 25 July, 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.

SWANCON 09. Easter, April 9-13, Perth. All Seasons, 15 Robinson Ave, Northbridge (inner suburb of Perth.) GoHs Richard Morgan, Trudi Canavan, Rob Masters & Alicia Smith. Attending membership $160 ($140 concession) e-mail swancon@swancon.com or see

MELBOURNE "ALL-CLUB" MINICON, 18 April, 2009.St David's Uniting Church Hall, 74 Melville Rd, West Brunswick. GOH: Kim Westwood. Admission: $10. Families: $20. Concession: $5. (Reported by Thomas Bull)

CONQUEST (Melbourne games convention), 10-13 April 2009. Melbourne High School For further information see http://conquest.asn.au. (Reported by Thomas Bull)

TWILIGHT PROM 24 April 2009, Sydney (venue TBA), 25 April 2009, Oaks on Market, 60 Market St, Melbourne. GOH's Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene. (See www.thehubproductions.com/prom for further details.) (Reported by Thomas Bull)

CONSCRIPTION 2009, the 30th New Zealand National Science Fiction convention, is being held at The Grand Chancellor Hotel in Mangere, Auckland, NZ over (their) Queen's Birthday weekend, 27th May to 1st June 2009.GOH: Julie Czerneda, Fan GoH is Robbie Matthews Editor in Chief of Andromeda Spaceways Inflight magazine The convention chair is author Kevin Maclean. For full details see http://www.conscription.sf.org.nz/ConScription/ (Thanks to June Young)

CONJECTURE the 2009 Natcon 5-8 June. The Holiday Inn, Hindley St, Adelaide. GoH: award winning Canadian spec fic author, JULIE E CZERNEDA Attending membership currently $120, $80 Student, Child 5-15 $40, Supporting $60. ***PRICES RISING 13th APRIL*** Accom details also available on the site. Accommodation must be booked by 5th May to enjoy special con rates. Winery tours being organised. The con's also calling for volunteers to contact them, e-mail. (info@conjecture2009.org.) Check their website <http://conjecture2009.org/>

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. Continuum 5 Galaxies by Gaslight, Friday 14 to Sunday16th August 2009. GoH Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Membership prices until 30th April: $145 (adult), $100 (concession), $35 (junior). ( See site for further details.) $10 discount for members of an SF & F club, gaming club, or 2009 convention. Ether Conference Centre, Mercure Hotel Welcome 265-281 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne . 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. The World Fantasy Convention in 2009. Celebrating Edgar Allen Poe's 200th Anniversary. (New dates) 29th Oct – 1st Nov. Fairmont Hotel, 170 South market St, San Jose, California.

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,) (Currently inviting member authors/publishers to give readings of their work at the convention.) <www.whc2010.org>

AUSSIECON 4. Worldcon in Melbourne. Will be held 2-6 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank GoH's: Kim Stanley Robinson, Shaun Tan, Robin Johnson. Memberships Aus $210 attending, $70 supporting. $50 child. You can pay by credit card or paypal (check their website for memberships in other currencies) Postal address Australia in 2010, GPO Box 1212 Melbourne, Australia. 3001. US AGENT: Mark Linneman, PO Box 221878, Sacramento, CA 95822 USA, UK Agents Eve & John Harvey, European Agent: Vince Docherty. www.aussiecon4.org.au/

The World Fantasy Convention in 2010 will be held in Columbus, Ohio.

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 CELESTIAL COBBLER CERAMICS see www.celestialcobbler.com. Mention you saw my add in the Bullsheet and you'll get a "staff discount".

Apologies if I've left anything out this month, but I'm trying to meet two other writing deadlines coinciding with the Bullsheet. Good news to follow, I hope! Edwina

HAPPY EASTER, HAPPY PASSOVER, HAPPY AUTUMN EQUINOX (or Spring Equinox for out Northern Hemisphere readers.) Ted & Edwina.

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