Quick Pix from ICFA '97

(above) Donna basks in the applause after reading her paper. Left is Brett Cox, her session chair.

(above) Brian shows what he did to the critics as Tom Shippey and Michael Bishop cheer. He was responding here to the papers on his work.

(above) Donna poses with Brian Aldiss after the reading.

We attended ICFA for our 4th year. Donna presented a paper on 'Perspectives in Good and Evil in Brian W. Aldiss' HELLICONIA Trilogy.' Brian himself attended the reading and was very gracious. We encountered the jovial Joe Haldeman and the mythical Stephen R. Donaldson as well as hordes of scholars (or do scholars travel in schools like fish?). The great but largely unseen Daniel Keyes attended this year. Keyes, who should be carried around in a sedan chair for the rest of his life for writing 'Flowers for Algernon,' has always been a favorite of mine. Special guest Dan Simmons, well, it's funny. I took his picture and he wasn't in it. Wonder if he reflects in mirrors? Chelsea Quinn Yarbro was another guest - I've liked her stuff ever since a Galaxy story. Never mind how long ago that was. The famous wardrobes of David G. Hartwell and Charles Brown warred with the hibiscuses (hibiscii?) for brightest colors. I could go on and on and still forget someone, so no list. Thanks to all who made this a great conference.

(above) Stephen R. Donaldson between book signings. Also a rare portrait of mystery novelist Reed Stephens.

Joe Haldeman's FOREVER PEACE may be his masterwork. There is enough blood and gore to frighten Steven King, and all directed against the innocent. If I understand correctly, Joe sees technology bringing new horrors to the point where humanity will have to change or destroy itself. The book will be out soon!

Donna hugging Joe. As I snapped the shutter he was saying 'Boy, I hate this job!'

Brian Aldiss signing books and performing his WHITE MARS skit with co-conspirator Linda Haas. Bill Senior was in charge of lighting.

The Lord Ruthven Society is dead-icated to the pursuit of the revenant figure in literature and pop culture. Wait till they hear about the new computer game BLOOD, which I just saw today. Here, Ray McNally and Sarah Clemens try to fathom the uncharacteristic silence of Radu Florescu, on right.