Young Writers Society

Alright all. We've had a few topics about this in the past, and now we got most of the funding, it's time to start getting serious and get some plans sorted.

Name

We never decided, and it descended into mayhem last time. I still like YWS Con for the simplicity, but I know that's not the popular opinion.

So let's think of a great name!

Location

This was the most heated debate. New York City seems like a decent compromise, as it means most of the American members will be able to come, and European members can probably get decent flights if they book in advance.

The Australians and New Zealanders and others will probably be screwed, but we knew that anyway!

Let's make a decision. We need the city so we can start looking at appropriate hotels and buildings to host the convention. Please pick your preference from the shortlist below, which is based on suggestions from last time.

New York City
London
Los Angeles
Toronto
Chicago

Funding

Thanks to some anonymous donations, we've managed to secure the majority of the funding required. We still need about £5000 more (or roughly $7500) based on our estimates, and especially if we want to offer some free tickets to members!

So let's brainstorm some funding events! Post some ideas below.

Date

I still favour Summer 2016. It's the easiest time for people to take holidays, and there's no university/college/school.

I think we should aim for a long weekend - run the Convention from Friday to Sunday night. People can then always come for longer if they like (I'm sure they'll be a few parties on the nights before and after!).

Age Limit

It seems a shame to impose an age limit but it might be necessary or we may have a lot of legal obstacles and challenges to face. Nonetheless there are plenty of other communities that host conventions for all ages so it's possible.

I feel bad if we said 18+ only, and it would also mean that many members wouldn't be able to come. What do you think?

Secrecy

Remember, this is going to be one of the greatest announcements we'll ever be able to write on YWS, so KEEP IT A SECRET! If too many people find out it will ruin the excitement a little.

However, we do need to announce to YWS soon so everybody has a chance to save up money if they need to. Perhaps we should aim to secure the rest of our funding and start booking places by July? That gives us a year to sort out the details and a year for everyone to save up.

Events and Special Guests

I think we need to think BIG. Let's make a list of all the famous authors we would like to see (even if you think they'd never say yes in a million years) and then start with our favourites and work down. If we never try, we'll never find out! Who's to say we couldn't convince JK Rowling or Neil Gaiman to make an appearance?

In terms of events, I have no doubt all you smart creative people have some ideas up your sleeves. This can be done over the next year, but we should think of some really cool stuff for everyone to get involved in. Remember, this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity for members to meet!

WRITING THIS HAS MADE ME REALLY EXCITED!!!

The Australians and New Zealanders and others will probably be screwed, but we knew that anyway!

I would be angry, but I'm also going to be back in America by that time, so absolutely Chicago! I mean, it's already got Printers Row, so we could probably time our Convention for the same time! That would mean hotels would be slightly more expensive, but maybe we could stake out a little piece of Harrison subway station and just have a giant slumber party?

Chicago would be best for me. And @Hannah I'm really not sure the Harrison stop is the, erhm, cleanest place to have a slumber party. If everyone doesn't mind being a little cramped (and letting my three-legged cat bite them a little) we can all just crash at my studio apartment.

As far as special guests, I think we ought to consider who it is the youths really want to see these days. Is that John Green guy still popular?

Nah, let's have a slumber party at the Greyhound bus station in Chicago.

@Lauren2010 can vouch for me.

John Green is sooo 2013. My vote is for EL James because the kids only deserve to hear from the very best. I don't care what anyone says, Fifty Shades of Grey is a literary masterpiece.

Uh, San Francisco, losers. Alternate name: The Bek and Jack haven't been on the same continent since 2009 Con!

(Lauren, just bring your three legged cat no matter where we go, because I need to meet your cat, yes)

I def agree with Mesh on San Francisco. Think of the sun, warmth and avocados!

How're we planning on accommodation? I'm sure we could airbnb it.

Also if @Sachiko makes it big this year, she should be the keynote.

hahahahahahahhahahahaHA

you think SF in summer is warm and sunny. Avocados, however, is a very valid point.

Um, I really don't think J. K. Rowling would be the best addition to the convention... didn't you see Lauren's topic about her? I think if we ask her, she'll try to poison Nate or something.

Totally agree on Sachiko as the keynote though!

I do think that since Sachiko recently sold her novel to publishers for a $50,000 dollar advance the least she could do is come speak for us.

I'll be a doctor by July 2016 I'll have the cash dollah rolling in. Why not Samoa?

StellaThomas wrote:I'll be a doctor by July 2016

Ahahahahhahahah. Hahahahaha. Yeah. Good luck with that.

StellaThomas wrote:I do think that since Sachiko recently sold her novel to publishers for a $50,000 dollar advance the least she could do is come speak for us.

I'll be a doctor by July 2016 I'll have the cash dollah rolling in. Why not Samoa?

Don't forget that I'll be an Oscar-winning filmmaker and if you're lucky, I'll make an appearance to have you all begging at my knees to adapt your pathetic novels.

I think we should take cues from our predecessors and add a ball pit. No larger than 8ft by 8ft (that's 2.4384 meters for you weird folks), but not too small. Must be able to fit at least three people in it at once. Preferably inflatable.

If that's not possible, we could always look around and try to find more guest speakers. Have one huge convention hall with three people talking at all times, that'll work, right? Do we have enough money for the equipment budget to have three mics at all times, or would they just have to yell?

The Australians and New Zealanders and others will probably be screwed, but we knew that anyway!

Nothing ever works out for us. This is unacceptable. It should be here and you lot can all enjoy the thirty hour flight. Pffft.

Def Chicago. We all know my convenience is the most important. (I think we should call it Fortis's Con. It just makes sense.)

I like Anci's ball pit idea. Why not expand that theme and cover the entire Convention hall's floor in ball pit balls?

This is an outrage. Australia is consistently in the top 3 cities on the YWS, we're well worth having a con here. I refuse to attend or even discuss the event if you won't take Australasia seriously.

You KNEW my feelings about this. I can't even.