This blog is brought to you by GeekGirlCon copywriter, Erin Doherty.
Since about first grade, reading has been my escape. It’s not that I had anything particularly bad in my young life that I needed to escape from, I just liked losing myself in another world. I read ALL the time: outside in the fields by my house, under the covers with a flashlight, you name it. Fantasy has long been a favorite genre of mine; I really wish magic and faeries and witches were real, but I’m just too pragmatic to actually believe. (This may explain why my current guilty pleasure is the work of Charles de Lint, whose books almost always feature a smart, independent, urban young woman who doesn’t believe in magic and then something magical happens to her.)
Since starting to work for GeekGirlCon, I’ve been thinking about when my love for speculative fiction—especially fantasy—began.
I think C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L’Engle might have been my first obsessive loves. It was in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe that I first learned about fauns and marzipan, though The Horse and His Boy might have been my favorite—hello, talking horse! I wanted Aslan to be real in the worst way, and I often opened closet doors with a brief sense of hope. As an only child, I lived vicariously through the four siblings and their adventures, reading the entire series again and again.
With A Wrinkle In Time and the many books about the Murrys and O’Keefes, I got a female character I could relate to in Meg, and I started to develop an appreciation for a clever turn of phrase. There was a creepy world where all the kids did exactly the same thing at the same time, there were dragons and fewmets, there were seraphim and nephilim, and there were talking mitochondria. All of which meant that there were also a lot of trips to the dictionary and the Encyclopedia Brittanica. I couldn’t get enough of that world and those people and read everything in the series.
I also read The Handmaid’s Tale, at the ripe age of 11. Yes, I was definitely too young to understand a lot of it, but I still liked it. Mostly I remember being fascinated with the concept of concubines and the fact that the main character used butter to moisturize her face. I have a fuzzy, greasy memory of actually trying the butter technique on my own face. Unsurprisingly, I didn’t like it. (And yes, I did reread it as an adult and understood a lot more! Margaret Atwood is now one of my favorite writers of dystopian speculative fiction.)
Perhaps more age-appropriate was my love of both Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I was much more interested in the latter, due in no small part to a set of cassette tapes I had that featured an actor reading the book (given to me by an English family friend). I liked to listen to the tape and read along at the same time. I especially loved the White Queen, with her “six impossible things before breakfast” and the Jabberwocky poem, which to this day I can still recite from memory, all the while hearing the voice of the English narrator in my ear. I always skipped the very end though, because I hated the idea that it had all just been a dream.
And if we’re going waaaay back, Bunnicula, The Borrowers, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and all of the Hans Christian Andersen and Brothers Grimm stories, and so many more.
Are there any childhood books that helped set you on the path to geekery and nerddom?
Comic books were once a child’s domain. Now not so much. Today’s Batman and Iron Man are aimed more for teenagers and, let’s face it, those more in their 30s than for those beginning their love for the graphic novel*. You may look fondly on your younger self, sitting around following the adventures of Wonder Woman, the X-Men, or Archie. But where do you start for your child?
The following 10 comic books are ones that I’d recommend for children ages 7-12, who might find a story to love. And, parents, you just might love them too.
I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura
There are monsters in every child’s life, but one girl, Barbara Thorson, is ready to fight them. And she’s preparing the world for her battle or at least trying. Barbara’s tale touches your heart, especially as she fights her demons: both real and imaginary. Between Kelly’s thoughtful writing and Niimura’s beautiful art, they bring Barbara’s story to life. Let I Kill Giants warm your heart.
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Peterson
One of my favorite comic books about the bravery of small things: in this case, mice. Mouse Guard draws you in with its beautiful art and keeps you around with its big heart. The Mouse Guard valiantly defends all mice territories from threats like eagles, weasels, foxes, crabs, and sometimes even larger creatures. Despite their size, the mice risk their lives for each other and work together to bring down their larger enemies. Soon Saxon, Kenzie, and Liam will be your new friends. Buy Mouse Guard.
Runaways Vol. 1: Pride & Joy by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona
Ever wonder what would happen if you found out your parents were super villains? That’s just what happens to these six teenagers (plus, one pet velociraptor). After finding out that their parents play for the dark side, they run away and plot to stop their parents. Also Vaughan doesn’t forget that they need practical things like food and shelter. How would you react to finding out that your parents are evil? Join the Runaways on their epic adventures.
Dolltopia by Abby Denson
I pretty much cannot stop raving about Denson’s Dolltopia. As a little girl, I played with dolls, mostly Barbies, Ninja Turtles, Batman, or Star Trek ones, all the time. There were extensive narrations in my head and certainly, ones like Denson’s book, that defied heteronormative gender identities. But before you go thinking Dolltopia might be too much of an intense genderqueer narrative for a child, it’s just subversive enough. It is, at its crux, a story drawn in all black and white and hot pink about a group of dolls that escape humans’ homes to find themselves. Whomever they may be. And there’s nothing stronger to give a child to read, but a book that tells them that they will be loved, no matter who they are. Get some subversive fun in your life.
Rose and Isabel by Ted Mathot
Take a historical trip back to the Civil War with Rose and Isabel, two sisters who don’t sit idly by while their three brothers go off to fight with the Union soldiers. But Rose and Isabel are no ordinary women; they come from a long line of warrior women. And even though they were taught pacifism and kindness all their lives, neither will tolerate the loss of their family. Travel back in time to meet these strong ladies.
Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane Vol. 1: Super Crush by Sean McKeever and Takeshi Miyazawa
Ever want to know what Mary Jane thought of Spider-Man when they were in high school? Now you can walk the halls with Mary Jane, Peter Parker, Flash Thompson, Liz Allen, Harry Osborn, and Gwen Stacey as they all try to figure out who they are becoming. Miyazawa manga-style art makes this teenage romp even cuter. Discover Mary Jane and Spider-Man in their early days.
Kevin Keller: Welcome to Riverdale by Dan Parent
Who doesn’t have fond memories of going to the orthodontist and reading Archie and the adventures of the rest of the gang in Riverdale? It can’t just be me. Well, today, the whole loveable gang’s still around getting up to their typical shenanigans that still make adults go “those darn kids!” Recently, current writer and artist Parent has introduced a new pal to the bunch, Kevin Keller. Kevin’s most famous for being Archie’s first gay character. Get to know Kevin and how he’s just another darn kid.
Doctor Who: The Only Good Dalek by Justin Richards and Mike Collins
Hiding from Daleks behind couches is a strong British childhood tradition I’d like to bring to the States. Exterminate! Here the Doctor and Amy Pond must stop the Daleks from invading Earth (again) and follow up on some rumors about there being a good Dalek. (The Doctor is not a believer.) My favorite scene is where a Dalek sinks into lava; now that’s something I’d like to see on the show. Do you believe in good Daleks?
GoGirl Vol. 1 by Trina Robbins and Anne Timmons
When Lindsay inherits her mother Janet’s superpowers, her teenage life involves more than just algebra. Inspired by Robbins own relationship with her daughter, GoGirl fosters a great mother-daughter relationship, not to mention equally awesome female friendships. In the first story, Lindsay saves her best friend Haseena, who’s been kidnapped, with the help of Janet and Haseena herself. Thoughout the book, Lindsay learns a lot about life, growing up, and her mother’s love as she starts fighting crime. And, of course, her adventures are just really a lot of fun. Take an adventure with GoGirl!
The Saga of Rex by Michel Gagne
Rex, a fox, gets taken from Earth to a faraway world to be studied. Due to his charismatic nature, he ends up traveling the universe and meeting his soul mate. In a comic with few words, Gagne paints every cosmic scene and discovers other worlds, species, and a bit of magic through the point-of-view of a fox. This adorable fox will melt your heart no matter what planet you’re from.
What comic books do you recommend for those under 12?
*Graphic novels are collected versions of comic books. Though sometimes these book might go straight to graphic novel format and skip the single issue.
Erica McGillivray is the Director of Marketing for GeekGirlCon.
Welcome to GeekGirlCon ’12! I’m blown away that we’re opening the doors on our second annual convention. I can’t believe it’s been less than a year since the first ever GeekGirlCon.
GeekGirlCon ’11 was a smashing success and sold out both days. Around 2,000 people came out each day to attend panels, workshops, a burlesque show, a Labyrinth sing-along, impromptu courtyard concerts, epic gaming sessions, fantastic geeky shopping, and artist/author signing sessions. Amazing.
Jedi girls at GeekGirlCon ’11. Photo from Carrie Goldman.
Some awesome changes for GeekGirlCon ’12 – we’re in a bigger venue, The Conference Center, in downtown Seattle; we expect around 3,500 people per day; and there’s lots more programming, panels, workshops, and gaming (tabletop and console), as well as great performance events such as a nerdy comedy improv show, a geeky concert, and a fabulous evening masquerade.
Even with our phenomenal growth, we hold true to our mission statement of supporting and celebrating geeky women. We’re still created by geeky women for geeky women; still no “geek cred” required. Be you a Trek fanatic, an amazing LARPer, an FX artist, a scientist (mad or otherwise), a librarian, a hardcore gamer, a fanfic writer, a genre reader (or writer), or any kind of geek you want to be – you are welcome.
Enjoy GeekGirlCon ’12, and thank you for making this event awesome! See you again in 2013.
Live Long and Prosper,
Erica McGillivray
GeekGirlCon President
Batman from Seattle Pride '11. Photo by Erica McGillivray
GeekGirlCon is excited be walking in the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday June 24th to show our support for the LGBTQ community. From staffers and volunteers to supporters and fans, the LGBTQ community has been part of GeekGirlCon from the start, and it is time for us to show how much we care.
Our signature GeekGirlCon color might be yellow, but our true colors are full-spectrum rainbow. A founding tenet of GeekGirlCon is acceptance and inclusion no matter who you are, and that includes all genders and orientations of self-identified geeks. GeekGirlCon strives to create and inclusive and safe organization and geek-focused events and con. We fully support Seattle Out and Proud’s mission to “Create Unity, Honor Diversity, and Achieve Equal Human Rights throughout our Region and the World.” Because, sometimes it’s not just about the geeks.
Watch for us! We’ll be in geeky cosplay or in GeekGirlCon logo garb and handing out information about GeekGirlCon ’12 as well as some goodies. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Seattle at 4th and Union Streets and concludes at 2nd and Denny. Visit SeattlePride.org for complete details.
GeekGirlCon is growing, and we’d love for you to join us! We’re a 100% volunteer team (sorry, no one gets paid) with a dedicated love for putting on events and celebrations of geeky women. We’re a diverse group from tech geeks and wordsmiths to Doctor Who fans and those who play too much Zelda on the weekends.
Being on GeekGirlCon staff requires 5-15 hours a week of dedication, biweekly staff meeting (in the evenings), events going, and of course, attendance at our annual convention. You also must live in the Greater Seattle area.
Geek Girls are here to stay! Place an ad in the GeekGirlCon 2012 program booklet or on our digital displays in the Conference Center and reach thousands of geeky convention attendees looking for businesses, services, and products that support and promote Geek Girls in the sciences and pop culture. GeekGirlCon is committed to growing our Geek Girl community on the web and at our convention.
Update (7/15/12): We are no longer selling ads– but thanks for your interest! Please consider advertising with us for GeekGirlCon ’13.
Our digital display ads go for $50/pair, and they will be displayed for 30 seconds every hour the entire weekend of GeekGirlCon 2012! We also have programming booklet print ads from full page color to just your patron name available. Ranging from $400 to only $10.
• We serve geeks of all stripes from science and math to comics, gaming, and anime.
• There will most likely be 500+ kids under 10-years-old running around. Keep those ads family-friendly.
• 100% of our funding goes directly back into GeekGirlCon. We are completely volunteer run. So placing an ad is a great way to support us and get the word out about your business.
Place an ad in our program booklet or digital displays today! For more information or to submit your order form, please email Erica.
Join us for our second annual convention, GeekGirlCon 2012!
Chase Masterson in the vendor room at GeekGirlCon 2011. Photo by Amir Rosenblatt.
GeekGirlCon ’12 will take place August 11th and 12th, 2012 at the Conference Center in downtown Seattle, WA. We are super excited to bring you another convention focused on the female geek. We’ll have programming, panels, games, exhibits, and more. So come and celebrate geeky women with us. From the scientist to the manga-addict, we have a little bit for everyone. All geeks welcome!
On January 21st, GeekGirlCon held our first All-Hands Meeting in the countdown to GeekGirlCon 2012. It may seem like a small thing, but hearing firsthand the people’s stories from 2011 and their suggestions for 2012 hit a sweet spot. It reminded each of us in that room why we do this: for you. We love GeekGirlCon, and we need it.
An enthusiastic GeekGirlCon attendee with special guest Trina Robbins at GeekGirlCon 2011. Photo by Kalai Socha-Leialoha.
GeekGirlCon 2011 was a historic event to us and the 4,000 people who attended the con over those two magical days. Together, we celebrated the female point of view. We created a safe and welcoming atmosphere for self-expression. We proved women can create a community together (and that others can participate too). We gave the world a glimpse of what women-positive messages can do. Whether you were volunteering, speaking, presenting, gaming, attending, or working, you helped create the magic. You stood up and were willing to act in support of geeky women everywhere.
Our actions did not go unnoticed. King5, Seattle’s local NBC affiliate, featured GeekGirlCon in their nightly news coverage, and we had a ton of love from news, blogs, podcasts, and you. CNN’s Geek Out! named GeekGirlCon as one of their geek heros of 2011. Sweet! We earned this. From the staff who made this event happen to you and your friends who came out to support it, GeekGirlCon is a victory for all of us and geeky or nerdy women everywhere.
This year, GeekGirlCon is back and more dedicated than ever. Our all-volunteer staff is focused on producing a bigger and better event in 2012. If you are hoping for a very important announcement about where the con will be and when it will occur, sorry to disappoint. Don’t worry. You will know soon enough. Cryptic? For sure. Worth the wait? Definitely.
Thank you everyone who came out tonight to see the sold out showing of Miss Representation!
For those of you who want to discuss the film more or maybe you didn’t make it, but still want to discuss these issues, please head to our GeekGirlCon forum and start posting your thoughts and responses.
The first-ever GeekGirlCon was a huge success! The con sold out on both Saturday and Sunday. We saw approximately 2,000 people come through the doors over two days to celebrate the contribution of women in geek culture. Attendees, panelists, guests, volunteers, vendors, artists, exhibitors, sponsors, media, parents, kids, and staff came together to create a safe place for everyone and anyone identifying themselves as geeks this past weekend. We should all be very proud of making this ambitious idea a reality.
If you haven’t done so already, please fill out the post-con survey. Your feedback is valuable to us and will make GeekGirlCon 2012 that much better.
GeekGirlCon staff will be taking some much needed time off. Please keep an eye on GeekGirlCon.com, Facebook, and Twitter for upcoming news and events.
Erin and Alicia greet GeekGirlCon attendees at our 2011 convention!
Upcoming November Events:
In November, we have some special screenings of essential geeky media in the works! So mark your calendars for A Geek Girls & Wonder Women TV Dinner at Central Cinema on Wednesday, 11/9 and a screening of the documentary Miss Representation at the new SIFF center co-hosted with SIFF and Reel Grrls on Wednesday, 11/30. Times and more info coming soon.
Thanks again for your support and we hope to see you all again in 2012. We know many of you are already asking at 2012, and as soon as we have the ink dry on a venue/date, we will let you know!
I think C.S. Lewis and Madeleine L’Engle might have been my first obsessive loves. It was in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe that I first learned about fauns and marzipan, though The Horse and His Boy might have been my favorite—hello, talking horse! I wanted Aslan to be real in the worst way, and I often opened closet doors with a brief sense of hope. As an only child, I lived vicariously through the four siblings and their adventures, reading the entire series again and again.
I started to develop an appreciation for a clever turn of phrase. There was a creepy world where all the kids did exactly the same thing at the same time, there were dragons and fewmets, there were seraphim and nephilim, and there were talking mitochondria. All of which meant that there were also a lot of trips to the dictionary and the Encyclopedia Brittanica. I couldn’t get enough of that world and those people and read everything in the series.
Perhaps more age-appropriate was my love of both Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I was much more interested in the latter, due in no small part to a set of cassette tapes I had that featured an actor reading the book (given to me by an English family friend). I liked to listen to the tape and read along at the same time. I especially loved the White Queen, with her “six impossible things before breakfast” and the Jabberwocky poem, which to this day I can still recite from memory, all the while hearing the voice of the English narrator in my ear. I always skipped the very end though, because I hated the idea that it had all just been a dream.
