I thought the Stokers were just awards - what's with the whole weekend?

The Stoker Awards Event is the one official annual event put on by and for members of the Horror Writers Association (HWA), and as such provides HWA with a venue not only to hand out our awards, but also to provide business opportunities and casual events for our members, promote ourselves to non-members, hold our annual business meeting and more.

Do I need to be a member of HWA to attend the weekend?

No—anyone with an interest in horror literature is welcome! But if you write horror or dark fantasy and have made a sale, you really should consider joining HWA. Click here to read HWA's membership requirements, including information about our new Supporting Membership category that can instantly save you money on your registration!

Can I buy a ticket to only the banquet?

Yes, you can (check out the Register page to buy tickets). The banquet will take place on Saturday night.

Are you associated with the World Horror Convention?

No - HWA is a completely separate organization from the World Horror Society, the parent organization behind the World Horror Conventions.

But aren't the Stokers always given out at World Horror Conventions?

We do occasionally hold our event in conjunction with a World Horror Convention - most recently, we did work with the 2009 WHC in Brighton, England, and the 2008 WHC in Salt Lake City - but in the past most of our events were held separately.

Why aren't the Stokers being held with WHC in 2010?

Buoyed by the success of our Stoker Weekend held in Burbank in 2009, the HWA’s Board of Directors voted to hold a standalone event every other year. In addition, we want to provide more business opportunities for our members, as well as provide options for horror writers and readers in these tough economic times during which travel may be prohibitive for some.

So which should I go to - the Stoker Weekend or the WHC in Austin?

The answer to that is: You should go to both! You can find out more about the 2011 World Horror Convention here.

I'm a writer - what kind of business opportunities will I find at the Stoker Weekend?

We'll have everything from lots of parties and chances to interact with other professionals in casual, friendly face-to-face settings to pitch meetings with agents and other professionals to workshops with top writers to a special Thursday night mass signing during which books may be sold (drop us an email if you’re a published author and would like to participate). No matter what stage your career is at, you'll have plenty of chances to advance even further at the Stoker Weekend.

What if I'm just a fan?

We'll have plenty for you, too - meet and chat with your favorite writers, listen to readings, sit in on informative panels, and more.

I'd like to come, but I don't know anyone...

Don't sweat it - we'll provide plenty of opportunities to network throughout the weekend, and none of us bite (at least not enough to draw blood!). Also, you might consider volunteering; working as a volunteer is a great way to bond with other horror lovers, and you might even get some free pizza to boot. Email us if you’re interested in volunteering during the event. You can also get to know people before the event at our message board - you might even be able to find a roommate!

How can I stay up to date with news on this great event?

You can join our Facebook Group to receive updates as they happen, or subscribe to the feed at our Dark Whispers blog.