For immediate release

For Further Information contact:
Kimm Antell
Phone: 512-733-7799
e-mail: dillochair@armadillocon.org

ArmadilloCon Gears Up for 28th Year

ArmadilloCon, an Austin science-fiction/fantasy convention sponsored by the Fandom Association of Central Texas (F.A.C.T.), looks forward to another successful year of showcasing some of the most prominent names in the literary world. The convention will take place on August 11 – 13, 2006 at the Doubletree Hotel in North Austin, TX.

"In keeping with tradition, we are bringing to Austin some great guests of honor that encompass many areas of science-fiction and fantasy," said Kimm Antell, chair of the 2006 convention. "We also continue to showcase a guest of honor who has moved from 'brand new' to 'must have on your bookshelf'."

Last year, ArmadilloCon brought in Scotland's Charles Stross and Australia's Sean McMullen, a great coup for science-fiction/fantasy fans in North America.

In keeping with that vein, Canada's Julie Czerneda (Guest of Honor) and Ireland-resident James P. Hogan (Special Guest of Honor) will grace Austinites with their creative genius. Julie Czerneda is currently known as one of the best science-fiction authors in North America in the last 10 years and is on the lips of many fans and experts who follow the genre. James P. Hogan is probably one of the most prolific science-fiction authors of the 20th century having written countless novels, novellas and short stories as well as working in comic books and non-fiction and conducting interviews in science-fiction.

Of course, the other guests of honor will also bring welcome knowledge to Austin.

The toastmaster, Esther Friesner, has written many books and won the Nebula award in 1995 and 1996 as well as receiving many other prominent awards. The editor guest, Diana Gill, edits for Harper Collins/Eos and has worked with authors such as William Gibson and Anne McCaffrey as well as noted newcomers Steph Swainston and Kim Harrison. Artist guest Ellisa Mitchell has long been a favorite of Texas science-fiction/fantasy fans and has an extensive portfolio as well as many illustrations published in books around the world. The fan guest, Grant Kruger, hails from South Africa where he belonged to a large group of fans who enjoyed reading and writing science-fiction. Grant is the first fan from the African continent to be a guest at ArmadilloCon.

ArmadilloCon regularly boasts over 90 writers, editors, artists and fans who participate in panels and the well-received Writer's Workshop, which takes place all day on Friday. This year looks to be another great year for ArmadilloCon and fans can look forward to learning more about the genres and hobnobbing with some of the most exciting names in science-fiction and fantasy.

Don't wait to purchase your membership. A full 3-day pass is available for $30 through March 27th and $40 thereafter. Writer's Workshop memberships are $65 and include a lunch on Friday as well as a 3-day membership to the convention. Memberships can be purchased online at www.armadillocon.org and through snail mail. Visit the website for more information.

About F.A.C.T.
The Fandom Association of Central Texas, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization dedicated to the promotion of science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction. They sponsor many activities aimed towards furthering the cause of literacy and the enjoyment of the genres. Also on the calendar this year is World Fantasy 2006.
www.fact.org

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