DASFA

Since we will be having the picnic this month, there is no program.

Looking back, the July meeting and program went well. Travis let us vote on which story he would read, and the leprechaun assassin (with accent) won. I enjoyed it, and hope he brings the character back for another appearance … maybe a prequel. The Dead Dog wasn’t huge, but Travis and Chanel joined us and there was lively conversation, pizza and cheese.

I attended the last part of Paul’s August alternate … pool, conversation and cheese.

It's time for the DASFA Picnic!

Location:
Cherry Knolls Park
7077 S Elizabeth St, Centennial , CO

In August it is traditional for the group to have an outdoor picnic instead of the usual indoor meeting and party. This year we are meeting at Cherry Knolls Park. The Address is listed above, but from the maps the shelter we are meeting at is on the Easter Avenue side of the park. South Suburban Parks and Rec lists the amenities as Restrooms, Electricity, Access to Water, and ample parking. There is also a grill so someone will bring some charcoal.

The Denver County Fair (and the Geek Pavilion, which Rose is managing) is still signing up volunteers. A mere four hours gets you a free three-day pass. You also get free parking as a volunteer.

There's tons of fun stuff going on, so if you decide you'd like to check it out and lend a hand, visit www.denvercountyfair.org/volunteer

Our July program is author Travis Heerman. A freelance writer, poet, screenwriter, podcaster, English instructor, poker player, biker, and roustabout, Heerman is the author of two published novels (Heart of the Ronin and The Ivory Star) plus the upcoming Rogues of the Black Fury and a metric ton of role-playing game work. His short fiction pieces have appeared in Cemetery Dance, Historical Lovecraft, Library of Horror Press, Pulp Empire and others.

I love this song by Jonathan Coulton inspired by John Scalzi's new book "Redshirts". I will get this book. Spotted in Wired.

This isn't Scalzi's first book theme song. Last year Paul and Storm put out a power ballad for the book "Fuzzy Nation". (First saw this on boingboing)

For the June meeting, sharpen your brains and uncap those sharpies because it's time for SF Pictionary! Those of us who feel art-challenged will have the option to be guessers instead of drawers .. though we will need a few braver souls to take up the marker.

I am waiting for confirmation of a potential program for July but it’s not definite yet.

I expect some folks will be attending part/all of the Denver Comic Con this coming weekend at the Convention Center … if anyone goes how about a brief con report at the meeting?

The classic fanzine Ansible, which is available happily in an emailed edition, has just released it's 300th issue, which is available here. Have a look!

One of the coolest book trailers I have ever seen is for the book Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. This is a simple video - all it does is show the amazing illustrations by Keith Thompson and add a little animation. It is interesting that the cover for Leviathan does not highlight the Thompson illustrations. Instead, like most YA covers, it uses a photoshopped mosaic of images that includes manipulated photos.

Mario Acevedo sends word that Mike Henry, the director at Lighthouse, says that LitFest will charge its member rate to DASFA members, savings between 20-30% depending on the event.

Connie Willis will be featured at the upcoming Salon: Literary vs. Genre Death Match on Thursday, June 7, 2012

For the April meeting, Gary Jonas will be our guest. Gary is the author of the novels MODERN SORCERY (first in the Jonathan Shade series) and ONE-WAY TICKET TO MIDNIGHT as well as the short story collection QUICK SHOTS. They are available as e-books and as trade paperbacks. The second Jonathan Shade fantasy novel, ACHERON HIGHWAY, is currently scheduled for a September 2012 release. In addition to novels and stories, Gary has also written screenplays.