Inspired by the daring adventures of women characters and compelled by brilliant works by women authors, Sirens is dedicated to women in fantasy literature. Our conference is part scholarly examination and part networking retreat, and we welcome academics, authors, professionals, educators, librarians, and readers to attend and participate. We also encourage all attendees, regardless of background, to provide perspectives on fantasy books by women, female characters in fantasy works, and how to support women in fantasy literature.

Within our focus on fantastic women, each year Sirens features a fantasy-related theme--and in 2011, our theme is "monsters," and we expect to examine and dissect monstrous characters and themes of monstrousness. Women have too often been decried as "monsters," and examples of monsters and questions of monstrousness pervade fantasy literature. Our guests for 2011 are Justine Larbalestier, Nnedi Okorafor, and Laini Taylor, each of whom has written of female characters who may--or may not--be monsters, and all attendees are welcome to submit presentations on all topics related to women in fantasy literature.

Sirens will take place October 6–9, 2011, at the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa in Vail, Colorado.

Please feel free to contact us at help[at]sirensconference.org. We're happy to answer any questions you might have.