StokerCon 2024

StokerCon, sponsored by the Horror Writers Association (HWA), was held May 30 – June 2, 2024 both virtually and in person at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley in San Diego CA. Guests of honor were Justina Ireland, Jona­than Maberry, Rob Savage, Nisi Shawl, and Paul Tremblay. The Stoker Awards were hosted by Kevin Wetmore Jr., and Mort Castle, Cassandra Peterson, and Steve Rasnic Tem received Lifetime Achieve­ment Awards. Co-chair KC Grifant said, ‘‘It was a delight to welcome so many attendees to San Diego, many of whom were attending StokerCon for the first time…. Personally, it was very gratifying seeing how many people ended the weekend with requests from agents, book deals, partnerships, and, more importantly, a renewed sense of com­munity in the horror world.’’

There were 676 in-person memberships, plus 84 virtual (19 of which were also in-person), not including last-minute or at-con sales. The conven­tion featured 60 in-person and 50 virtual panels, plus 152 author readings. Pitch sessions included 11 agents and editors. Other programming items were available, such as the Anne Radcliffe lectures, Librarians’ Day panels, Horror University work­shops, open-mic poetry, game sessions, interviews with guests of honor and Lifetime Achievement winners, and more. Scheduled panels included ‘‘Curating Inclusive Horror Anthologies’’ with Linda D. Addison, Ellen Datlow, Kenya Moss-Dyme, Shane Hawk, Lee Murray, and Richard Thomas; ‘‘Breaking in and Breaking Out: Navigat­ing Traditional Publishing’’ with Luke Dumas, Eric J. Guignard, Sarah Langan, Ashley (A.E.) Santana, Chuck Tingle, and Paul Tremblay; and ‘‘Building Your Brand on Social Media: A Horror Writer’s Guide’’ with KC Grifant, Ai Jiang, Brianna Ma­lotke, Brian McAuley, Cynthia Pelayo, and Marie Whittaker. 40 vendors sold books, games, jewelry, and more in the dealers’ room, and the San Diego Public Library had a table near reception. The social scene was lively and fun.

The Bram Stoker Awards were held the evening of Saturday, June 1 (see awards winners on page 6). Maxwell Ian Gold was the keynote speaker, and spoke about ‘‘How important the idea of the Horror Writers Association is,’’ describing it as ‘‘built on compassion, friendship, and laying the foundations so others can follow in the footsteps of likeminded creators….’’ The banquet had a little over 170 diners, and around 50 more crammed into limited space to see the ceremony; hundreds viewed the livestream, with the number of views reaching nearly 2,000 within a week of posting on YouTube. Other awards presented during the weekend included the Final Frame Short Film Competition, whose grand prize winner was Shé (Snake), written and directed by Renee Zhan.

Next year’s StokerCon is planned for Stamford CT from June 12 – June 15, 2025. Guests of honor include Paula Guran, Gaby Triana, and Tim Waggoner. For more, see the events page and the website.

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