George Ivanoff – Author

Last weekend I attended Continuum 9. Like those that went before it, this convention was awesome. Lots of great panels, so many interesting discussions and a really friendly, engaging vibe. For me, personally, it was special for a number of reasons.

Firstly, I got to launch my new novel, Gamers’ Rebellion (third book in the Gamers series). It had already been launched at a schools literary festival, but now I had the chance to unleash it onto the spec fic community. Many thanks to friend and fellow author Narrelle M Harris for launching the book. I felt very flattered by her lovely speech. A video of the event will be coming soon.

Secondly, I got the chance to talk about Doctor Who… a lot! Highlights include “Silence in the Library”, a panel about non-fic and critique books about Doctor Who; and the podcast recording of Splendid Chaps. Hosted by John Richards and Ben Mackenzie, Splendid Chaps is a series of live podcast recordings discussing various aspects of Doctor Who. Despite a shocker of a headache, I still managed to enjoy the recording, chatting about spoilers and cliffhangers.

Thirdly… I got to wear a Doctor Who TARDIS jacket. My wonderful wife Kerri made it for me. I wore it at the Splendid Chaps recording and at numerous other panels. And very soon, that jacket (and me) will be featured in a newspaper article.

As well as speaking on a number of other panels over the course of the weekend, covering everything from my latest writing work to the publishing industry in Australia, I also hosted SFQI, a spec fic version of Stephen Fry’s much loved comedy quiz show. The panelists were Narrelle M Harris, John Richards, Ben Mackenzie and Grant Watson. You couldn’t wish for better, more entertaining group of panelists. Thanks to them, SFQI was heaps of fun!

Oh, and then there was The Great Debate. Topic: Public transport is more exciting than space travel. I was opening speaker for the affirmative. NK Jemisin, the convention’s international Guest of Honour, was also on the affirmative, with Australian Guest of Honour Paul Collins speaking for the negative. The focus was very much on entertainment rather than serious debate… a goal that each of the speakers managed to achieve.

Finally, there were the Guests of Honour. They were both great speakers and ran interesting and inspiring sessions. Paul Collins coupled his speech with a writing workshop that was brilliant fun, while NK Jemisin delivered a truly inspiring speech (go read it RIGHT NOW). I’ve never read NK’s stuff, but after meeting her, listening to her speak and chatting with her over a kangaroo steak dinner, I’ll definitely be seeking out her work.

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Photo of Splendid Chaps podcast by Tehani Wessely. All other photos in this post by Adam Edmonds.

I’ve had a fairly quiet first half of the year in terms of speaking… which is a good thing, I suppose, given how many writing projects I’ve had on the go. But things are hotting up. I’ve had a string of bookings recently, with more on the way.

Three days during Book Week have already been taken, with talks at Mooroolbark College and Springvale Library, and a lecture for the “Encounters With Writing” subject at the University of Melbourne. So if anyone out there wants me for Book Week — there are only two weekdays left.

But things are kicking off this week, which is both Education Week and Library and Information Week. As part of Education Week, I’ll be visiting Gordon Street Pre-school to read some of my stories and talk about being an author. As part of Library and Information Week, I’ll be at the Craigieburn Library Literary Festival along with numerous other authors to run some writing workshops with local students.

Then there are a variety of other gigs coming up. As a Books in Homes Role Model, I’ll be visiting Hastings Westpark Primary School to talk about the importance of reading. Mentone Library, Write Away With Me Master Classes and a visit to Buln Buln are also on the cards. The upcoming release of Gamers’ Rebellion also means there will be promo gigs on the horizon as well.

But what am I looking forward to most at the moment? Continuum 9! Continuum is Melbourne’s annual spec fic and pop culture convention. If you’d like to find out a little about it, check out my Literary Clutter post. I’ll be doing a variety of things over the four days of Continuum 9 (7-10 June). I’ll be doing a reading, participating in a debate, launching my new novel, Gamers’ Rebellion, and hosting SFQI (a spec fic reinterpretation of Stephen Fry’s famous quiz show, QI). I’ll also be appearing on the following discussion panels:

• New in 2013
  “Debuts and new titles coming out in 2013. Come and hear the authors talk about their work.” With Danny Fahey, Richard Harland, Amie Kaufman and Cat Sparks.
• The Happiness Patrol: Squee v Hate
  “Think Doctor Who jumped the shark when it went into colour? Wish Rose would come back forever? Do you have very strong feelings about Amy Pond? Join us for a fight to the death! Or, um, until we agree to disagree.” With Liz Barr, Ben McKenzie, John Richards and Julia Svaganovic.
• Reboots and Retcons
  “/Reboot/: to trash all known series history and just start over. /Retcon/ (retroactive continuity): to “discover” new events from series history that supposedly always happened. Some consider rebooting and retconning simply helpful ways of freshening up a mature comics, TV, or film series. Others consider them big frickin cheats. Discuss.” With Lucy Baker, Nicole Canal and David McDonald.
• Melbourne’s YA novelists
  “Melbourne is overflowing with talent, but we’re especially blessed with lots of YA writers. Come and see them talk about their work, and how Melbourne influences their writing.” With Sue Burstynski, Paul Collins, Amie Kaufman and Michael Pryor.
• Silence in the Library
  “No horrible monsters in this library, just a lot of books about Doctor Who! Fans and contributors to recent anthologies talk about their work, and the other stand-outs in the special subgenre of Books About Who.” With Liz Barr, Ben McKenzie and John Richards.
• So You Want To Get Published
  “An introduction to getting short stories and novels published in the contemporary market.” With Paul Collins, Amie Kaufman, Jason Nahrung and Dirk Strasser.

One of the reasons I like going to Continuum (and there are many) is that I get to talk about Doctor Who as well as my writing. And Doctor Who is just the coolest thing ever! Want to come along? Check out the Continuum website for more info.

And if you want to book me for a speaking gig or a writing workshop, check out my speaking page and my list of upcoming gigs.