Loscon 42 Writing Contest Under Way

Loscon 42 co-chairs Robbie Bourget and Marcia Minsky have announced that the con is holding a Writing Contest for aspiring writers. Entries are being taken now.

There are three categories:

  • Youth (6-12)
  • Young adult (13-20)
  • Adult (21 plus)

Prizes are still being decided.

Bourget and Minsky say:

We are looking for your best fantasy or science fiction between 500 and 1000 words; the youth and young adults may supplement their word count with illustrations (each one worth 50 words). We will be having a professional writer (to be named later) judge this competition.

All submissions must be received by October 31, 2015. Submit your entry to [email protected].

Loscon 42 takes place November 27-29 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Guests of honor are Jim C. Hines, Bobbi Armbruster, David B. Mattingly, and Theresa MacWillie.

Please Help Save Marcia’s House

Marcia Minsky

Marcia Minsky

Fans are rallying around Marcia Minsky, past president of LASFS and co-chair of this year’s Loscon, who is in danger of losing her house.

Following years of setbacks and unexpected expenses, she has gone into arrears on her Homeowners Association dues.  She has been served with papers giving her ten days to settle or her house will be sold from under her.

A GoFundMe appeal has been launched with a goal of raising $14,000.

[Thanks to Karl Lembke for the story.]

Tepper, Levin Marry

Debra Levin and Matthew Tepper wed in a Jewish ceremony at the LASFS clubhouse on June 30 in the presence of about 75 family members and friends.

A canopy lifted on four poles was carried into the main meeting room by members of the wedding party including John DeChancie and David Gerrold.  The canopy was blue fabric with an elaborate yellow design.

The principals came forward in procession, Rabbi Marcia Minsky, who presided over the ceremony, Tepper in a top hat and black tuxedo, and Levin wearing a white wedding gown beautifully trimmed in lace.

Minsky was assisted by Mark Poliner. Tom Safer cued the music. Other participants included Joyce Sperling, Eylat Poliner, Charles Lee Jackson II and Jerry Pournelle, plus several more whose names I didn’t know.

At the appropriate point in the ceremony, various people had the honor of reading one of the seven blessings, in Hebrew if they were able, otherwise in English translation. Jerry Pournelle recited the third blessing in English: “Blessed are You, LORD, our God, sovereign of the universe, who creates man.” Barry and Lee Gold did a glorious job reading the lengthy seventh blessing, first in Hebrew, and then in translation.

Matthew waved off the applause that began when people thought the service had ended, because he still needed to stamp on the glass – then the couple was introduced and applause resumed.

LASFS officers figured prominently in the service. The groom is club president, while his bride is vice-president-elect. Marcia Minsky and Eylat Poliner, are co-vice-presidents, and Charles Lee Jackson II is a Special Advisor.

It was a great occasion, and a chance to greet some old friends including Elst and Carole Weinstein, Regina Renante, Marty Cantor, and quite a few of those named above.