ISFiC, or "Illinois Science Fiction in Chicago", is a non-profit organization best known for running the Windycon science fiction convention.
ISFiC was formed in 1973 as a coalition of the various science fiction clubs in Chicago, Illinois, United States. In addition to being the parent organization for an annual convention, it would also serve as a clearing house for fan activities in Illinois. The founders of the organization included Larry Propp, Mark and Lynne Aronson, Ann Cass, Jon and Joni Stopa and Mike and Carol Resnick.
Each summer, ISFiC holds a small picnic, named Picnicon after the generally accepted science fiction naming conventions.
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Main article: ISFiC Press |
In 2004, ISFiC started up a small press, ISFiC Press. Their first book was Robert J. Sawyer's Relativity. It was released on November 12, 2004, and included an introduction by Mike Resnick, an afterword by Valerie Broege and a cover by Jael.[1] They have published additional books annually, with works winning the Aurora Award[2] and being nominated for the Hugo Award.[3]
In addition to sponsoring Windycon, ISFiC also sponsors an annual writing contest for new authors.[4] The first winner of the ISFiC Writers Contest was Richard Chwedyk in 1986. Chwedyk would go on to win the Nebula Award.
The winners of the ISFiC Writers Contest include