You guys. It’s no secret I’m a lover of all things dark and scary. But did you know there is a convention for people like me? It is called World Horror Con. As part of my membership in the Utah Horror Writers chapter, I have the privilege of knowing some of the organizers. The more I hear about all the things they have planned, the more interesting the weekend becomes.

A discussion of all the ways you can kill people with food? Panels about police procedures? True crime discussions? Whether you’re a writer looking for inspiration and specifics or if you’re just a fan who wants a glimpse behind the scenes, this is going to be a killer convention. (No pun intended, of course!) It’s being held this year in Provo, Utah – my back yard. As a bonus, if you’re into art, the art show and vendor booths are open to the public.

Here’s the official press release. I hope you’ll join me! This Con travels all over the country and there are no plans for returning to Utah – let’s send them on their way with all the love! (And if you’re out of town, think about a nice weekend in Utah. It’s a beautiful place and we’re having a hell of a ski season that should still be in full swing then!)

Horror Comes to Utah!
Provo, Utah.

The World Horror Convention, an international gathering of horror writers, artists, editors, filmmakers, and fans, will converge on the Provo Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Provo, Utah, April 28 to May 1, 2016.  This premiere event has been to Salt Lake City twice.  For the third, and final, appearance in Utah, it will be in Provo.

WHC, a semi-professional conference, will have panels and presentations featuring professionals in the field on subjects as diverse as current literature, true crime, horror poetry, dark fantasy, horror art, Vincent Price, the developmental stages of a serial killer, Cracking the Story Code, Police Procedurals for Writers, and the dark side of Disney.  A special “killer tea” will feature a keynote speaker who will help authors find creative ways to kill people with food.  The event includes an art show, vendors’ room, horror film festival, kaffeeklatsches, and book signing by 100 horror authors.  Workshops and pitch sessions will be available for writers and an artist alley will showcase artists at work.  Guests will also have the opportunity to go on a real ghost hunt.

The event will feature some of the top authors in horror fiction, including Darren Shan, Sarah Pinborough, Jack Ketchum, Joe McKinney, Brian Keene, Kevin J. Anderson, Michaelbrent Collings, Michael Arnzen, and Dan Wells.  It will also feature poet Linda Addison, cover and concept artist Keith Thompson, graphic novel and cover artist, Carter Reid and scholar, editor and author, Michael R. Collings.  In addition, Victoria Price, daughter of famed actor Vincent Price, will do a presentation on her father and have some of his work available for sale.  There will also be a number of academic presentations on true crime.

The World Horror Convention, established in 1991, is the premiere event for horror fans and professionals alike.  It is held in a different location every year and celebrates the horror genre.  The 2016 World Horror Convention will showcase a growing community of professional authors and artists in Utah as well as a number of guests from around the world..

Help Utah welcome the world to The ZomBee State!  Go to http://whc2016.org for more information on the convention and how to become a member.