NecronomiCon 2024: The Stars Were Right
Howard Phillips (H.P.) Lovecraft died in 1937, his work known only to a select few in pulp fiction circles.
As I attended this year’s NecronomiCon in Providence, Rhode Island (his hometown), I wondered what he would have thought about two thousand people gathering to celebrate the world he created, almost a hundred years after his death. To be honest, I think he would have hated being the focus of so much attention. I imagine him lurking in in the background, quietly observing all the people and having a good time.
I had my own quiet, good time at the Con. I had no formal role in this year’s conference; no panels to prepare or readings to rehearse. I was able to relax and enjoy the conference and everything it offered.
The Parasite Panel: I May Never Eat Shellfish Again!
Interestingly, the thing that proved most valuable to me was a side conference, the Armitage Sessions. Named after the man who defended the Miskatonic University library from cultists in Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror, the Armitage Sessions brought in academics to talk about subjects relevant to the world (and work) of H.P. Lovecraft.
I attended presentations on impossible architecture, shell-boring parasitic worms, and the history of American asylums and their role in weird fiction. All the talks were thought-provoking. I have no doubt some of the material might show up in my writing (especially the shell-boring parasite worms ; )
It was also great to see my fellow horror writers, some of them familiar faces (Paul Tremblay, John Langan and Carol Gyzander) and some new (Peter Rawlik).
On the banks of the Providence River
Except for an isolated thunderstorm, the weather on the east coast was perfect. We were fortunate enough to be in Providence on one of the weekends they do Water Fire. The river that threads through the downtown is lit by bonfires. They close the streets and people stroll along the waterfront and ride in gondolas down the river. It’s a lively, friendly scene.
I even saw Cthulhu riding in one of the boats!
Head priest Cody Goodfellow and his assistant
Working Hard To Summon The Elder Gods!
Cthulhu must have had a great time because he missed the prayer breakfast held in his honor the next morning. (Not that I blame him. Too much pressure when you’re the featured guest!) Led by the head “priest” of his cult, Cody Goodfellow, songs were sung to Lovecraft’s Elder Gods, invocations chanted, and a buffet breakfast was consumed. It was the perfect way to close out my time at NecronomiCon.
And now, it’s back to reality, such as it is…