Writers' groups--and local authors, reading--headline 4/21/2018 meeting

Local writers, writers' group panel, and officer elections on tap for April
What: Kansas City Science Fiction & Fantasy Society "Annual" Meeting 
Where: The Writers Place
3607 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
When: April 21, 2018
6:00 set-up, 7:00 Self-nominations (and voting for officers, if necessary), followed by Program
Program: Panel discussion: How does a writers' group work? Followed by 20-minute readings by three local authors.
Food theme: Finger food to eat while reading

Officer elections

According to the new 2018 Bylaws, voted in by a quorum of dues-paid members at the December, 2017 meeting, there are two new officer jobs to fill on the KaCSFFS Executive Board.

We'll still have a Director, Treasurer, Secretary, and Communications Officer, whose job descriptions have not changed in several years. However, the new Bylaws state that the ConQuesT Chair will no longer have a voting position on the Board.

Instead, the new voting positions to fill will be Quartermaster (in charge of managing and storing KaCSFFS property, as well as transporting it to and from meetings as needed) and Program Director (in charge of developing program content for monthly meetings, communicating with speakers or presenters, coordinating with party-planners, and keeping the Communications Officer abreast of developments).

If you think you have the right stuff to fill one of these positions, please come to the April meeting! Nominate yourself! If two or more persons self-nominate for the same office, a quorum of the dues-paid members in attendance will vote to choose between them.

Robert Chilson and Dora Furlong will join
the panel discussion about writers' groups.

Local writers take the spotlight
Kansas City has a long, rich tradition of being the home of science fiction and fantasy writers. This continues today: many writers live and work in the Kansas City metro or nearby parts of the region; many of them, in turn, are members of writers' groups.

The Program portion of our meeting, to take place directly after the short business meeting, will consist of a panel discussion about writers' groups, and three readings by local authors.

We heard readings by a couple of Noble Fusion writers last October; in April the guest writers are members of the Writers-in-Rob's-Living-Room group, hosted monthly by Robert Chilson, a longtime author of science fiction, fantasy, and horror novels and short stories.

For the panel discussion and readings, we'll move to the Library upstairs. Rob himself and science fiction author Dora Furlong will join our three guest readers, Holly Messinger, Lynette M. Burrows, and Jan S. Gephardt to talk about writers' groups and how they function (or malfunction, sometimes).

Holly Messinger

Readings by Messinger, Burrows, and Gephardt:
After the panel discussion, three of the panelists with new projects on the horizon will read short selections from them.

Holly Messinger

Holly Messinger, author of gothic horror novel set in the old west  The Curse of Jacob Tracy (2015 from Thomas Dunne Books), will read from the upcoming sequel, Curious Weather (due in 2019 from St. Martin's Press). 

Here's a brief description of the book:
"When Jacob Tracy—Civil War veteran, ex-seminarian, and reluctant psychic—agrees to move into Miss Fairweather’s St. Louis mansion and study magic with her, he has one purpose in mind: to hunt down and destroy the necromancer Mereck, a predatory madman who has twice tried to make a meal of Trace and trapped Trace’s partner Boz in a monstrous half-life.

"Sabine Fairweather has her own grievance with Mereck, though Trace doesn’t know the details and doesn’t particularly want to. The woman may be a brilliant scientist and a powerful witch in her own right, but there is darkness in her and bitter secrets that threaten the tenuous faith Trace has in her.

"With Mereck’s minions circling ever closer, and old allies posing unexpected threats, Trace knows he and Sabine have no choice but to trust each other. But for that to happen, he will have to lay bare all the deepest secrets of her soul…and quite possibly her heart."

Lynette M. Burrows

Lynette M. Burrows

Lynette M. Burrows  is the author of My Soul to Keep, an alternate-history thriller set for release from Rocket Dog Publishing this summer (stay tuned to her website for details).

Here's a brief description of the book:
"Miranda Clarke lives a charmed life . . . until she breaks the rules.

"It is 1961 but the world isn’t the one you know. The Prophet Josiah Shepherd, backed by billionaire J. D. Wagner and the Isolationist movement, kept the United States of America from entering World War II. The Nazis control Great Britain, Europe, and Northern Africa. Unopposed, Japan rules the east. America is a theocracy, a land of righteous repression led by the Fellowship and its council of greedy white men.

A concept drawing of one of the deadly Azrael, by Lynette's 
husband, artist Robert Burrows.

"Miranda’s parents are part of the Fellowship's elite, the inner circle. Her father, the nation’s premier preacher-politician, is on his way to the presidency. And Miranda's hope of living a quiet, private life vanishes. But when Miranda makes a break for freedom, she learns everything she thought she knew is a lie:

"Her vengeance-seeking aunt isn’t dead.

"Her parents and the supposedly benevolent Fellowship Council aren’t benevolent.

"And the terrifying tales of the angel-assassins called Azrael aren’t just stories.

"Miranda must escape a religious re-education prison, discover the truth behind her horrifying nightmares, outwit her mother’s deadly ambitions, and destroy the ruthless, cloned angel-assassins who pursue her—or die."

Jan S. Gephardt

Jan S. Gephardt,
by Colette Waters

Jan S. Gephardt is the author of What's Bred in the Bone, a space opera/mystery set in a future when Humans have found or created other habitats in the reaches of space. If all goes well, it'll be available in summer or early fall 2018:

Here's a brief description of the book:
"XK9 Rex is a dog who thinks too much.

"When a spaceship blows up among the docks at the Hub of Rana Habitat Space Station, the implications reach to the highest levels of the tiny sovereignty. But Rex is sidelined by a rookie mistake that has put his Human partner Charlie in the ICU.

"Now he’s on the outside looking in: worried, lonely, desperate to get back to his Pack and his life’s-work. He and his Packmates have been engineered and cyber-enhanced to be the most advanced forensic tools available to law enforcement, by a famous genetics lab—underwritten by the military intelligence of Transmondia, the Chayko System’s dominant power.

Rex in a happier moment: giving Charlie's niece Sophie a
doggie-back ride, as envisioned by Lucy A. Synk.

"But the XK9s are more than forensic tools, and more than their owners, the Ranan Orangeboro Police Department, ever bargained for. When Rex strives to prove just how capable he and his Packmates truly are, he unmasks a secret that could destabilize the entire System—and places all XK9s everywhere in mortal peril."

IMAGES: Many thanks to the Monterrey Peninsula Water Management District, for the "Elections" logo; Robert Chilson and Dora Furlong, for their photos; to Holly Messinger for the photo of her; to Macmillans for the Curious Weather cover image; to Lynette M. Burrows for the photo of her, as well as the photo of the Azrael by her artist husband Robert Burrows; to Colette Waters Photography for my head shot; and to Lucy A. Synk for the whimsical vision of XK9 doggie-back riding.

KaCSFFS Meeting Today!

Unusual FOURTH-Saturday KaCSFFS Meeting set for April 27, 2013:

The Writers Place

What time:  

Open Board Meeting: 5:30 p.m.

General Meeting: 6:30 p.m.

Where: 

The Writers Place,  3607 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO 6411

What's going on there:

Joining KaCSFFS, Buying ConQuesT Memberships, Eating, Socializing, and, most importantly, VOTING!

Have you cast your vote yet?

What will the voters say?
Absentee voting has been completed, but the main, in-person election has yet to be held. You must be a current dues-paid member to vote. Current, dues-paid members are those whose membership is good through March 2014.

For full details on the nominees, please review the earlier post, "We have a Contested Election!"

Time is also running out to reserve a ConQuesT 44 hotel room!

Holiday Inn Express CoCo Key Hotel/Resort.

There are still a few rooms left in the ConQuesT hotel block, book now before the discount rate of $85/night expires on May 1st. Make sure to enter the event group code SFS when booking to lock in the ConQuesT room rate. It's very likely there may not be room availability after the deadline due to Royals games happening right across I-70 in the Truman Sports Complex.

PHOTO CREDITS: The image of The Writers Place is from their website. The ballot box graphic is from 'The Nev Filter" blog. The photo of the Holiday Inn Express CoCo Key, where ConQuesT 44 will be held, is from the hotel's website. 

A Few Quick Notes:

Time is running out for KaCSFFS advance voting!
If you are a dues-paid member of KaCSFFS, and want to vote for the next President of the organization in advance, do it soon!

The candidates are Diana J. Bailey, incumbent, and Tyrell E. Gephardt. For more information about them, go to our original announcement.

Voting members may still choose one of three ways to cast a ballot.  But not for long!
In-Person voting: During the regular business meeting scheduled for April 27, 2013 at The Writers Place.
Via Online Poll: Go to the poll on the members-only KAXFEN list to cast an online vote between March 21-April 26, 2013.
Via Paper Ballot: Print, mark, sign and date the ballot on the "Absentee Ballot" Page on this blog (top of the sidebar at right), or request a copy from the Treasurer.  Paper ballots must arrive in the KaCSFFS Post Office Box (see ballot for full address) BY April 20, 2013 to be counted.

Holiday Inn Express CoCo Key Hotel/Resort.

Time is also running out to reserve a ConQuesT 44 hotel room!
There are still a few rooms left in the ConQuesT hotel block, book now before the discount rate of $85/night expires on May 1st. Make sure to enter the event group code SFS when booking to lock in the ConQuesT room rate. It's very likely there may not be room availability after the deadline due to Royals games happening right across I-70 in the Truman Sports Complex.

Remember the club meeting is the 4th Saturday, not the 3rd! 
A scheduling mixup with The Writers Place bumped us from our usual, third-Saturday time slot, but we'll be back the following week, and resume our normal schedule in May. 

Thus, in April the schedule is:
Saturday, April 27, 2013, 
Board Meeting (which is open to the public)-5:30 p.m. 
General Meeting-6:30 p.m.

PHOTO CREDITS: The ballot box graphic is from 'The Nev Filter" blog. The photo of the Holiday Inn Express CoCo Key, where ConQuesT 44 will be held, is from the hotel's website. 

We Have a Contested Election!

Self-Nominations are Final
The self-nominations for KaCSFFS Board officers are now closed.  At the March meeting we had some adjustments (two people removed themselves from consideration, and three self-nominated) from the lineup announced after the February meeting, and we officially have a run-off election for the office of President.

3-time incumbent Diana J. Bailey

Self-nominations were as follows:
President: Diana J. Bailey v. Tyrell Gephardt
Secretary: Kristina Hiner
Treasurer: Cindy Norton
Communications Officer: Jan Gephardt
ConQuesT Chairperson: Jesi Pershing (for ConQuesT 45)

KaCSFFS History in the Making:
If Diana Bailey wins a fourth term, she will be the first-ever Director/President of KaCSFFS to do so.  If Ty Gephardt wins, he will be the first-ever second-generation KaCSFFan to hold the top office (his parents have both been KaCSFFS members; his mother is the current Communications Director).

Challenger Tyrell E. Gephardt

Balloting Options:
Voting this year will be conducted for the office of President only.  Because self-nominations are required, there can be no write-in votes, and none of the other offices are contested.

The balloting options in the 2012 Bylaws include advance voting (Article III, Section 3).  This may prove to be especially important this year, because we had to move the meeting from its regular third-Saturday-of-the-month date to the fourth Saturday, because of a scheduling conflict at The Writers Place.

For this election, all active dues-paid, voting-eligible members (that is, those who are General Members with memberships paid in full through March 2014, or Life Members) may vote ONE time, by any of the three methods listed below.

Voting members may choose one of three ways to cast a ballot:
In-Person voting: During the regular business meeting scheduled for April 27, 2013 at The Writers Place.
Via Online Poll: Go to the poll on the members-only KAXFEN list to cast an online vote between March 21-April 26, 2013.
Via Paper Ballot: Print, mark, sign and date the ballot on the "Absentee Ballot" Page on this blog (top of the sidebar at right), or request a copy from the Treasurer.  Paper ballots must arrive in the KaCSFFS Post Office Box (see ballot for full address) BY April 20, 2013 to be counted.

PHOTOS: Photos of both candidates for KaCSFFS President are courtesy of William Tienken, via Facebook.  Many thanks, William!

Announcements and April Meeting

Last Chances and Important Votes!  And Eggs.
See below for details about the April 21 Meeting. Also, the deadlines for a discounted ConQuesT 43 membership are rapidly approaching!  Don't miss out!
Get the Skinny on ConQuesT 43 Guests of Honor!
Bryan Thomas Schmidt launches a new interview series on the "Grasping For The Wind" blog. Ursula Vernon, the Artist Guest of Honor is his first interviewee. Scroll down for his publishing schedule and more!
Full Already?

If you're an artist interested in showing at ConQuesT, better get registered! More details below!

Important! Don't Miss the April Meeting!

The usual day, the usual place--but not
your usual meeting!

Where: The Writers Place, 3607 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO.
When: April 21, 2012. The General Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs till about 9:30.
Why: An important deadline, and some important decision-making, with a side of frivolity.

The important deadline we face is to buy ConQuesT 43 memberships in person by cash or check. All current members of KaCSFFS may buy their ConQuesT memberships at a discount, until May 15. But the last time you can do so without paying a fee to PayPal is at the April meeting! So if you haven't bought your membership yet, NOW is the time!

If you aren't a KaCSFFS member, you must pay the full pre-convention price.  You can buy one at the meeting in person, or on the ConQuesT website until May 15. After May 15, the only time anyone can buy a membership is at the door, for full price.

(BROAD HINT: if you sign up to volunteer at the convention, you get a bonus discount! So sign up to volunteer!)

The important decision-making will be reflected in our votes. 
We first must vote for the contested office of Secretary of KaCSFFS.  April is the start of our Fiscal Year, and as such is the "Annual Meeting" (In case you were wondering, March was the end of the Fiscal Year, and officially designated the "Fiscal Meeting," when everyone was supposed to renew their KaCSFFS memberships).

We have a Contested Race!

Sherri Dean (L) seeks to replace incumbent Jeff Orth (R)
as KaCSFFS Secretary.

Most of the self-nominees ran for their positions on the KaCSFFS Board of Directors unopposed, and thus were elected by acclamation. They are: Diana Bailey, President (formerly Director, but the IRS code says she has to be Madame President now); Cindy Norton, Treasurer; Jan Gephardt, Communications Officer; and Victoria L'Ecuyer, ConQuesT Chairperson for the planning year (2013, in this case; for those who don't know Victoria, we introduced her in an earlier post).

But we must vote for Secretary. The candidates are Jeff Orth (incumbent) and Sherri Dean, bidding to return for a new term, after several years off. As noted in last month's meeting follow-up post, each candidate made a statement:


Jeff Orth (incumbent):
"Jeff is bad secretary. he will continue to be a bad secretary. Some body should kick his ass. Diana certainly would appreciate it."

Sherri Dean (challenger):
"I already did this [serve as Secretary] before, but . . . I could do it again if you like."

Hotly contested, as you can see. Now you get to decide! (as long as you are a currently dues-paid member of KaCSFFS, that is).

Bylaws, too!
A Provisional Draft of the Bylaws on the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society, Inc. was presented to the membership at the March meeting, and has been placed in a file on the KAXFEN Group. It is the product of more than a year's work by the Bylaws Committee, and has been written to carefully align it with the rules governing 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations chartered in the state of Missouri, while at the same time retaining most of the previous practices of the Society.

At the April meeting we will cast a preliminary vote to ratify or reject this draft.

"PugnoM" made a Dalek egg.
How creative can YOU be?

And now for the Frivolity:
This month's food theme is Eggs--and let's have fun with them!

Yeah, yeah, we know--Easter's over, for those who follow Christian traditions. But all cultures enjoy eggs all year long. Not only are they delicious and full of protein, but they also are full of creative potential.

And as usual, we'll have a contest among those who bring egg-themed goodies. We will present Certificates of Eggceptional Eggcellence to the winners in the following categories:

Eggstra Delicious: Foods made primarily from eggs. These will be judged for pleasing appearance and delicious taste. Please arrange for adequate refrigeration when necessary!

Eggcentricities: Egg-themed food that is not primarily made from eggs (chocolates, cakes, or anything decorated to look like an egg, for example). Must be edible.

Cre-egg-tive Minds at Play: Inspired by the tradition of Easter eggs made purely for display, these miniature sculptures, like the "Dalek egg" in the photo, are not meant to be eaten! Instead, they should be looked at to be enjoyed. You don't have to use real eggs, if plastic eggs or similar egg-shaped materials would work better. Create a humorous character or situation, make something unlikely out of eggs, or whatever your imagination cooks up--and be sure to give your masterpiece an appropriate title!

Pick your category, and let's see who can eggsterminate the competition!

Ursula Vernon is a talented artist
and writer, soon to be our guest!

Don't Miss Bryan Thomas Schmidt's Interview Series, either!
Ursula Vernon is our now-Hugo-nominated(!!!) Artist Guest of Honor for ConQuesT 43.

She and our own Bryan Thomas Schmidt had a nice long chat recently, and he took the opportunity to ask questions about her work, her life, and her approaches to things.

It's all in his interview on the "Grasping For The Wind" blog. The post went live April 19, and will remain available even after Schmidt's next posts appear.

He has an interview with ConQuesT writer Guests of Honor, Steve Miller and Sharon Lee that is scheduled for April 26.

It will be followed by an interview about ConQuesT with Chairperson John Platt IV and KaCSFFS President Diana Bailey, scheduled for May 3.

And Finally, An Important Announcement for ARTISTS, from the ConQuesT Art Show Director

As I write this, ALL of our vertical panel space for the ConQuesT Art Show has technically been reserved, though some of those reservations are not yet final (payments pending). Reservations don't always work out, so if you still want to exhibit 2-D art, there's a good possibility that the first artists on our waiting list eventually will get space. Those who pay their registrations promptly get preference.

If you are an artist who exhibits prints in the Print Shop, we still have room. If you work in 3-D and can use table space, reservations are still open. All reservations must be received by May 1, and all mailed-in art is due by May 18.

IMAGE CREDITS: The photo of The Writers Place is from their website. The photo of Sherri Dean is her Profile Picture on Facebook. Jeff Orth's photo is also from Facebook, taken by Baron Dave Romm at this year's Minicon, 4/8/12, and posted on his Wall. The "Bylaws Book" image is from the A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering "ByLaws/Standing Rules" page. The "Dalek Egg" is from PugnoM's Flickr page. The illustration of Ursula Vernon is by Ursula Vernon, and came from the ConQuesT Guests page. The thumbnail of vertical panels at the 2011 ConQuesT Art Show is a detail of a photo by Ty Gephardt.

The Rest of . . . Several Stories

Scroll down for important notes on the KaCSFFS Election!

Laser Rangers Announce Special Saturday Show!

Game of Thrones Special Features Showcased

Get in the mood for Season Two on Saturday 24th!

Grab your broadswords and shields, pikes and battle axes..."Winter is Here!"  With the recent release on Blu-ray of the first season of HBO's multiple award-winning "Game of Thrones" (and the series' 2nd Season coming to HBO on April 1st), this coming Saturday, the Laser Rangers are hosting a special alternate Laser Rangers sequel/follow-up to our 10 episode Game of Thrones marathon held last November. All are invited.

Ask David for location information!

     Start Time: 4:45 PM
     Location: The Usual (several miles N.E. of The Kansas Speedway and Nebraska Furniture Mart in KCK--see contact information in the proscenium arch illustration).

     Dinner: Join us for a Pot Luck (or just bring your own dinner)

Enjoy the 51" Samsung Plasma Screen 1080P viewing, 5.1 Audiophile Grade Sound System, and comfortable, theater-style seating.

For this special session we'll be showing various Blu-ray extras, both before and after the dinner break. Here's a sampling of what's available that you've not seen before:
     A Making of "Game of Thrones" Documentary

     15 Character Profiles 

     Creating the Dothraki Language 

     Inside the Ancient Order of the Night's Watch 

     From Book to Screen: How It Was Done 

     Creating The Series' Emmy-Winning Opening Title Sequence

     7 Voice-Over Audio Commentaries Guide to Westeros

Blu-ray Exclusive Features:
     The Complete Field Guide to Westeros: What You Need To Know 

     An In-Episode Guide 

     Anatomy of An Episode
And, as one additional, sepcial extra:
     7 Hidden "Dragon Eggs" (i.e., actors' audition tapes that won them their roles)

Keep scrolling down,  for important notes on the KaCSFFS Election!
Program Notes for Writers at the Last Meeting
We didn't have information about the fiction pieces to be read before the meeting. In case you'd like to follow up and read more, here it is:

Notes on fiction read Saturday March 17 follows.
L-R, our guests were: Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Sarah Frost, and Sherri Dean.

     Sherri Dean was first to read. Her story was "“Possum Love, Princess of Mars,” published in two different Yard Dog Press “Bubba” anthologies, Flush Fiction and Houston: We’ve GotBubbas!
     Sarah Frost next read an excerpt from a short story, “A Pilgrim at the Edge of the World,” possibly soon to be published in On Spec: the Canadian Magazine of the Fantastic.  
     Bryan Thomas Schmidt finished the evening with two excerpts from his recently-published novel, The Worker Prince, which in December was recommended as one of the Honorable Mention group of “Barnes & Noble's Best SF Releases of 2011." 
     Contrary to the previous announcement, Jim Murray did not present a reading. The evening's three readers were recorded, for possible future use in a podcast. We will keep you posted.


You're here at last! More important notes below, too! 
We Have A Contested Officers' Race!!!!
Well, SOMEWHAT contested. There are two self-nominations for the post of Secretary. Here's who they are, along with their "Why you should vote for me" statement (in their own words):

Jeff Orth (incumbent):
"Jeff is bad secretary. he will continue to be a bad secretary. Some body should kick his ass. Diana certainly would appreciate it."

Sherri Dean (challenger):
"I already did this [serve as Secretary] before, but . . . I could do it again if you like." (Author's note: Not only did she serve with distinction as Secretary, but she also has chaired ConQuesT).

Since Jeff did not withdraw his self-nomination upon hearing this (in fact, affirmed that he would not), we will have an election. It will take place at the April 21, 2012 KaCSFFS Meeting at The Writers Place.

In addition to a live election at
the April meeting, KAXFEN also
can vote Absentee this year.

Only current, dues-paid members are eligible to vote (memberships were due for renewal March 17). If you have not renewed your dues but wish to vote, you may pay online. See the sidebar at right for the PayPal button.

If you are a current, dues-paid member, but you know you will be unable to come to the April meeting in person, you may vote via Absentee Ballot this year, for the first time. Copy your Absentee Ballot from the ABSENTEE BALLOT page at the top of this blog, or download the PDF from the KAXFEN Yahoo Group.

All Absentee Ballots must be filled out, signed, and received at the KaCSFFS Post Office Box before the April meeting. Complete instructions can be found on the Official Ballot form.  Be sure to mail yours in plenty of time!

Introducing Your 2013 ConQuesT Chairperson-Elect, 
Victoria L'Ecuyer
Victoria responded to my pre-meeting call for self-descriptions by nominees with an interesting, much more lengthy response than those of other would-be office holders. She was unopposed on the 17th, so our Bylaws dictate that she is considered to have won by acclamation.

But because many KAXFEN don't know her well, here is her self-introduction:

Victoria as Co-Chair, at last year's
Closing Ceremonies (by K. Stokes)

Hello, my name is Victoria L'Ecuyer and this is my 12th year working ConQuesT.

I started out as a simple volunteer who showed up and helped out when there was nothing happening that I wanted to attend. For a couple of years I'd pop up at Joyce Downing's elbow, asking, "What can I do to help?" Then, when I just showed up and did the work without asking, Joyce made me her staff. When she thought about stepping down, she made me her co-director. 

About the time I was thinking of stepping down as Director of Registration, John asked me to be his vice-chair. I thought about it for a while. I really wanted to say "no" and walk away for good, but in the end I said "yes."

This was because I tell people to "quit bitching or do something about it" when they go into long rants about what is bothering them about a situation (or person)  they're involved in (or with). John offered me a chance to "do something" and I took it. 

You know how good (or bad) I was at running registration. (I'm well aware that some people think I sucked at it. I am also aware that I can't please everyone.) Right off the bat I was asked to make pre-printed badges happen. It was a challenge first implementing then working the kinks out badging process, but it happened. Along the way, and with Cindy Norton's help, I found and closed every single crack where stuff can get lost regarding paying membership and registration. (Getting a new Head of Registration and new Treasurer at the same time makes for Interesting Times.)

As Vice Chair last year, I created the concom's agenda and took minutes for the concom, then distributed them. This had the effect of reducing the five-hour meetings down to two or less. Setting the agenda and taking minutes is still being done by the Vice Chair. Our new record set by the current Vice Chair is a one-hour meeting.

As acting Co-Chair last year, I started the Chart of All Knowledge in an effort to manage convention logistics for scheduling. I did it again this year as official Co-Chair. This has made things easier for the various departments to keep track of who is doing what. It also helps the hotel to know when they can get in to clean and refresh the meeting rooms and con suite during the convention.  Because most authors schedule their appearances 1-3 years out, I've been working on next year's Guests of Honor for the last few months.

Because this year's Vice Chair is moving to Alaska in September, there is a chance you'll have me as chair for two years running. Yes, I'm already scouting for a new Co-Chair and Vice Chair. Unless someone decides to take over my duties, I'll show up and do the work in 2013. And possibly 2014. 

The Remaining Uncontested Nominations for the 
Board of Directors are:

President (formerly Director):
Diana J. Bailey (incumbent)
"Well, I guess I'm crazy enough to try it again."

Treasurer:
Cindy L. Norton (incumbent)
"After 3 years still attempting to figure out who was crazier, Ken K.  for asking, or me for accepting, I figure it is a tie. [There has been] no impeachment, and I keep nominating myself.  Still working on achieving the 501(3)c; setting up a record-keeping method for the Con that is simple enough that anyone can take over, and, importantly, the fun days still outnumber the crappy days, so [I'm] still having fun."  

Communications Officer (formerly Editor):
Jan S. Gephardt (incumbent)
"I used to be a graphic designer and marketing specialist, and I have tried to use these skills to develop the Blog, enliven the Directory, and aid other communications efforts on the Club's behalf . In my second term I hope to continue expanding and streamlining KaCSFFS communications, and aligning the design of all KaCSFFS public media, so we present a consistent image."

IMAGE CREDITS: The Game of Thrones title is from the Screen Rant blog. The movie screen frame image used for the Laser Rangers contact information is courtesy of Psychology Today Online. The photo of Bryan Thomas Schmidt came from the bio page on his website. The photo of Sarah Frost is from her Writertopia profile. The photo of Sherri Dean is her Profile Picture on Facebook. The Ballot Box image is from the MyLot image service. The photo of Victoria L'Ecuyer in Valkyrie chapeau is from the Midamericon Photo Archive (ConQuesT 42 photos by Keith Stokes. THANKS, Keith!!). 

Are YOU "Ossifer" Material?

February Meeting is the time to Declare Candidacy!

KaCSFFS only accepts self-nominations.

It is a time-tested KaCSFFS tradition for those who want to be officers to speak for themselves. We only accept self-nominations.

At the February meeting (6:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 2012, at The Writers Place), self-nominations become open for the offices of:
     Director/President
     Secretary
     Treasurer
     Communications Officer
     2013 ConQuesT Chair

New incoming officers have the option of up to a two-month orientation period, when the outgoing officer helps get them oriented. KaCSFFS officers serve for one year. No one may hold two elected Board of Directors offices at the same time, but there currently is no Bylaws-mandated limit on the number of consecutive terms one may serve.

This slate of officer titles is different from past years, and so is the timing. Here's why: The Bylaws Committee has been laboring to complete a set of Bylaws that will comply with all federal and state regulations for a 501(c)3 corporation--including changing "Director" to "President" and adding a fifth elected person to the Board.

Members WILL have a chance to see, discuss, and vote on the new Bylaws before we hold elections in April! But some of the changes are not going to be optional, if we want to take advantage of the benefits of a 501(c)3 corporation (trust us--we DO!).

All dues must be paid by the March meeting (6:30 p.m. Mar. 17, 2012, at The Writers Place), if you want to vote.

Voting is scheduled for April (6:30 p.m. Apr. 21, 2012, at The Writers Place),.

PHOTO CREDIT: The "candidate" image is from the Dixie County website.