We want to make sure that you connect with other Sirens attendees who share your interests—whether that means an academic specialty, a favorite book, a professional field, or a love of faery wings. To make sure you have a chance to do so, we've developed a series of interactive programs designed to encourage informal chatting, networking, and discussion during the conference.

Faery Women Stories

Do you know a woman who seems particularly faery-like? Who perhaps dances with the trees, sings in the moonlight, or loves life so much that you know she must have been practicing for the last thousand years? Perhaps she's your mom, an author, a mentor, someone you've never met, a fictional character, or even yourself. We'll be collecting these stories during Sirens, and auctioning off our collaborative work.

Books and Breakfast

If you're up and about early, please join us to discuss faery books over breakfast. You must bring your own breakfast, but the Vail Cascade's marketplace provides portable, low-cost options.

Friday, October 8, and Saturday, October 9
Both sessions 8:00–8:45 a.m.

Friday, October 8: Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner, The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope, Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner, War for the Oaks by Emma Bull, and Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

Saturday, October 9: Ash by Malinda Lo, How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier, Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire, Tam Lin by Pamela Dean, and Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Writing Time

During the conference, we'll have interactive workshops and challenges, and even some time to hang out with others who do what you do. So bring your writing with you, and we'll give you a chance to develop your work and meet some new people.

Afternoon Tea

At every conference, our team wishes we could spend more time with attendees, and we wish our attendees had more informal time to spend with each other—so we scheduled it! Make sure to come to our afternoon teas. We'll have tea, of course, and people for you to meet. If you'd like to bring buttons or bookmarks or flyers about your group or your conference for the freebie table, please do. If you'd like to tell people about your research or your fandom, please share. Don't forget to see about having your books autographed by our attending authors during this dedicated signing time.

Dinner Excursions

Are you coming to Vail alone? Perhaps you're new to the area? Just looking to meet new people? Join us for a dinner excursion! Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Sirens, meet near our Information Desk at 6:00 p.m. to head out for dinner. We'll have a variety of options available, and you can see a bit of Vail while you go. Please note that everyone must pay their own way. (An additional excursion will leave at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.)

A Star Shall Fall Launch Party

Guest of Honor Marie Brennan has published two complex, riveting tales of a faery court below historic London: Midnight Never Come and In Ashes Lie. On August 31, 2010, her third Onyx Court book, A Star Shall Fall, was released—and on Saturday evening of Sirens, we'll celebrate this release with a launch party! Marie's launch party will take place starting at 7:00 p.m., an hour before our Faery Lights Ball, and will feature a faery drink, a faery costume contest, and of course, the opportunity to chat with Marie about her amazing work. Love faeries? Love passionate discussions? Love Marie's books? Join us!

And if you're interested in participating in our faery drink contest or our faery costume contest, please click the links below to review the contest rules—and good luck! The winners will receive signed copies of Marie's books!

Faery Drink Contest Rules - Faery Costume Contest Rules

Murder Mystery

Sponsored by: Choice of Games

Six powerful faery ladies, one dead faery king—and one throne to seize. The King of the Fey has been found dead during his own Faery Lights Ball, no mean feat for the murderess. Six powerful faeries are in attendance, one of whom has murdered the king and will likely seize the throne before the night is over. Can you find the faery killer before the clock strikes eleven?

And More

We are also planning a range of smaller activities for Sirens, which you might encounter when you check in or later in the weekend. Please make sure to bring books by our guests of honor for autographs, and perhaps give some thought to your favorite fantasy book or your favorite fantasy character. We'll see you in October!