“Life, the Universe, & Everything,” commonly referred to as LTUE, is the longest student run symposium on science fiction and fantasy in the nation, and students with a valid UVU ID can attend the three-day conference for free.
“LTUE is comprised of panels, workshops, presentations, and papers on writing, art, literature, media, science and other aspects of speculative fiction,” according to the symposium’s website.
In addition, each year LTUE brings a special guest of honor to give the keynote address. This year’s guest of honor is Orson Scott Card, most famous as the author of “Ender’s Game.” Other special guests and presenters include Brandon Sanderson, author of the “Mistborn” trilogy and the final three books of Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” series, David Farland—who also works under the pen name of David Wolverton—author of more than 50 novels, and Anne Sowards, an executive editor at Penguin Group. Many other authors and editors will also attend the symposium and share their knowledge of the industry.
“Students can get all the skills a writer can, but we are also fundamentally a science fiction and fantasy symposium. Students interested in film, art, game design and even costuming can all get something out of the symposium, especially as these relate to sci fi and fantasy,” said Jessica Rhees, this year’s symposium chair.
Some of the presentations and panels this year include “Writing and Personal Health,” “A Look at Salt Lake ComicCon,” “How to Make a Graphic Novel,” “The Rhetoric of Superheroes,” and “Q&A: Art in Industry.” These are only a few of the almost 200 sessions available. In addition, authors will be reading from and signing their books. All of this is free to UVU students who have a valid UVU ID.
“This year’s at the door price for attending the whole ‘weekend’ is $45 for non-students…so students should take advantage while they can,” said Rhees.
Students can also spend some money to get extra perks out of the conference. For $20, students can spend 10 minutes with an editor or agent to pitch their manuscript or get a professional critique of the first page of their story. For $30, students can attend the gala banquet with Brandon Sanderson as the toastmaster.
People who are not interested in writing sci fi or fantasy stories will still benefit from attending. “There are presentations and panels on different authors, books and other media which can inspire students with new research topics or tie in with things they are learning right now, said Rhees. “Students who choose to volunteer to help organize the symposium gain additional skills in communication, organization and leadership. And all proactive students can use the symposium as a networking opportunity.”
The “Life, the Universe, & Everything” Conference is at the Marriott Hotel at 101 W. 100 N. in Provo from Thursday Feb. 13 to Saturday Feb. 15. For schedules and author information, to register for the symposium or to find out more, visit www.ltue.net.
