Stoker Weekend 2009 – Simply the Best!

A message from HWA President Deborah LeBlanc:

Last weekend’s Stoker event was, in the words of the incomparable Tina Turner, “Simply the Best!” The lineup of special guests was to die for, the food at the banquet was spectacular, and the panels, workshops, and the awards ceremony were second to none. Oh, and the parties, folks, the parties! Huge thanks go to Heather Graham and Medallion Press for sponsoring the Gory Ghoul Ball and to Dark Scribe Press for sponsoring the Unspeakable 80’s Pre-Stoker Banquet party!

Congratulations to all of our Stoker winners, as well as our Lifetime Achievement Award winners, F. Paul Wilson and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. I can’t think of two more deserving writers for that prestigious award.

Throughout the weekend, I heard nothing but positive comments from people, all claiming this was the best Stoker event ever. And they were absolutely right. Everywhere you went, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. Something was different. The feeling was tangible — and wonderful.

There were so many people who helped make our Stoker weekend special that naming them all would cause this note to go on forever. Even more importantly, I fear I might forget to name someone, then I’d be guilt-ridden for a millennium.

I would, however, like to offer a special thanks to Heather Graham, HWA’s Vice President. Heather not only took on the expense of the Gory Ghoul Party, which included food, music and entertainment from her wonderful band, giveaways, and contests, so our attendees were assured a good time, she also brought an editor from a large publishing house so our members would have the opportunity to pitch in the major leagues. Thank you, Heather, for your abundant generosity!

And what words can possibly express the gratitude we have for Lisa Morton and John Little, our Stoker coordinators. Without them, this spectacular event would not have been possible. Both worked endless hours, determined to make this the best Stokers ever, and they succeeded in spades! I offer my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to John and Lisa for all of their hard work and commitment to HWA. Our organization is fortunate to have them because, without question, John and Lisa are indeed SIMPLY THE BEST!

Deborah LeBlanc
President HWA

Some photo highlights of Stoker Weekend 2009 (courtesy of Vince Liaguno):

Event Co-Chair and Stoker winner Lisa Morton and John Palisano

Gene O’Neill and Gord Rollo

Lynne Hansen, Nanci Kalanta, and Jeff Strand

Martel Sardina and Thomas Monteleone

Stoker nominee R.J. Cavender and Boyd Harris of Cutting Block Press

Rhodi Hawk, Alexandra Sokoloff, Hank Schwaeble, and Martel Sardina at the Dark Delicacies signing on Thursday, June 11th.

Web Editors Vince Liaguno (Dark Scribe Magazine), Nanci Kalanta (Horror World), and Greg Lamberson (Fear Zone)

John Everson and Martel Sardina at the Dark Arts Books table

Nate Kenyon, Leisure’s Don D’Auria, Nanci Kalanta, and Rocky Wood

Gene O’Neill, Gord Rollo, Vince Liaguno, and Alexandra Sokoloff

Rain Graves gives an impassioned reading during Stoker Weekend ‘09!

GLBT Horror panel with Maria Alexander, Hal Bodner, Vince Liaguno, and Chad Helder

Roy Robbins, Liz Scott, and Joshua Scott at the Bad Moon Books table

Vince Liaguno and Ellen Datlow

Stoker nominee Joel Sutherland spots a familiar book at Dark Delicacies!

Rich Hanf, HWA President Debroah LeBlanc, and Leslie Klinger

Stoker nominee Bill Breedlove and Martel Sardina at Dark Scribe Press’ Unspeakable 80’s Party

Del Howison and Nanci Kalanta arrive for the Bram Stoker Awards!

Deborah Ibarra and Reesa Brown enjoy the ‘Unspeakable 80’s’!

Mick Garris, Martel Sardina, and Stephen Jones

Ellen Datlow and John Everson

Stoker winners Lisa Morton and Vince Liaguno

The Lamberson Family

Nanci Kalanta, Alexandra Sokoloff, Rhodi Hawk, and Heather Graham

Chad Helder and Rain Graves

Stoker Awards MC Jeff Strand

Mick Garris accepts for Stephen King at the Stoker Awards!

Lisa Mannetti gives an emotional accpetance speech as she takes home the Stoker for Superior Achievement in a First Novel!

John Little accepts his award for Superior Achievement in Long Fiction for “Miranda”!

Chelsea Quinn Yarbro receives her Lifetime Achievement Award!

Thomas Monteleone presents the Lifetime Achivement Award to F. Paul Wilson!

F. Paul Wilson accepts his Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bram Stoker Awards!

Lisa Morton and Stephen Jones announce HWA’s partnering with WHC next year in Brighton, England!

This year’s Stoker class: (l to r) Chad Helder, Vince Liaguno. Lisa Morton, F. Paul Wilson, Lisa Mannetti, Larry Roberts, Sephera Giron, and John Little!