potlatch n. (1) A ceremonial feast among certain Native American peoples of the northwest Pacific coast ... at which the host distributes gifts requiring reciprocation [Chinook & Nootka: patshatl, to make a potlatch gift]. (2) A gathering of the writers and readers of literary science fiction and fantasy at which participants exchange ideas.

Potlatch, the convention, is an all-volunteer, non-profit, literary event for the readers and writers of speculative fiction. At Potlatch, people talk to each other and participate in panel discussions about reading and writing speculative fiction. You’ll find conversations at the program events, in Algonquins (spontaneous member-generated programming), in writers' workshops, in the consuite, in the halls, and in elevators. Proceeds from Potlatch benefit Clarion West—an intensive six-week workshop for writers who are preparing for professional careers in science fiction and fantasy. Check out our Auction page for news about this year's Clarion West Scholarship Auction, an event that's traditionally held at each year's Potlatch.

Potlatch 19 will be held at the Deca Hotel in Seattle, Washington. Registration is now open. The general membership rate is $50 until fall, 2009. The at-the-door rate will be higher, so register now!

To get an idea what Potlatch discussions are like, check out these links to past Potlatch panels and Books of Honor.

Latest News

The Potlatch 18 Program Book is now available for download in PDF format. Progress Report 3 in PDF or Text formats, Progress Report 2, and Progress Report 1 are also still around in PDF format.)

Potlatch 19's Progress Report #1 is scheduled for release in mid-summer 2009.

Check out the Program page to see additional panel ideas that we're tossing around for this year. This is a work in progress, and we invite you to get involved!

Guidelines for participation in the Writers' Workshop have now been posted. Watch this space for more breaking news. You can also visit the Potlatch Livejournal Community.

 

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