Horror Convention 29-30/11

Horror convention on the theme Lidman/Lovecraft November 29-30. The weekend offers a varied mix of author talks, lectures, art, board games and more.

On November 29-30, the City Library organizes the second edition of Lidman/Lovecraft, a horror convention inspired by authors H.P. Lovecraft and Sara Lidman. The event takes place at the City Library, Sara Kulturhus.

You can read the full program below.
Note, we reserve the right to make changes.

SATURDAY

Pedagogiska rummet, City Library
10:00 – 15:00 Creator’s bag
Kind ghosts, big ghosts, small ghosts, family ghosts. Come and experience a Laban and Labolina-inspired workshop where you can create your own ghost(s).
Drop-in. Free, no registration required.

Västerbottensrummet, City Library
11:00 – 12:00 Lecture: “Jump Scares Are Boring: One Trick’s Approach to Building Atmosphere in Horror Games”
This lecture explores how to create the mood and tension necessary for a compelling horror experience. We will break down the key elements that contribute to atmosphere in horror games and examine how they fit together to create lasting impact.

The lecture is in English.
Free, no registration required.

14:30 – 15:30 Panel Discussion
“I don’t even like to look out of the windows – there are so many creeping women out there…” – from The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
From Shelley to Carrie. Many women have influenced horror literature in one way or another. What roles do they play in the stories? Are they all madwomen or heroines? And what exactly is the phenomenon of “femgore”? These are some of the questions our panel will discuss during the horror convention. Welcome to a deep dive into women and horror.

Moderator: Jenny Lundgren (book blogger)
Participants: Christina Skoog Lindén (author) and Elin Edberg (author)

Free, no registration required.

Trappscenen
12:20 – 13:00 Winner of the Short Story Competition
This year’s winner of the short story competition Shadow over Tjärdalen will be presented and celebrated.

13:00 – 14:00 Ajvidepodden
Author and game developer Petter Nallo joins Ajvidepodden for a live recording at Lidman/Lovecraft, where they will delve into the 2011 novella Tjärven.
Is this Sweden’s strongest zombie story? Why is horror so well suited to the short story format? And what makes John Ajvide Lindqvist the Nordic region’s greatest horror writer? These are some of the questions they will try to answer – for the first time in front of a live audience.

Free, no registration required.

Granen, City Library
12:30 – 13:15 + 13:30 – 14:15 Workshop: "Speedrun: The Essentials of Making a Game"
In this crash course, we’ll take a quick look at what really matters when starting a game project – whether professional or hobby, horror or any other genre. This session is designed for anyone curious about game development, regardless of prior experience. All you need is passion and interest.
Participants will work in groups of 1–6 for 45 minutes per session, and each group will receive personal feedback afterwards. Come discover the basics and kick your brain into game developer mode!

Your mentors: Oskari Pelli and Esko Maijala from One Trick Entertainment. Together they have over 10 years of professional experience in game development. Oskari specializes in art, while Esko focuses on writing and project planning. Both are also closely involved in game design.

The workshop is in English.
Free, but registration required
Workshop: "Speedrun: The Essentials of Making a Game" External link.

14:30 – 16:00 Book Pizza – Text vs. Blood: Can Slasher Work Without Images?
The slasher genre is known for its bloody scenes, terrifying chases, and iconic killers – but is it the visual power of film that makes the genre so effective, or can a book create the same fear and suspense? In this book talk we’ll dive into the world of slashers and compare how the genre works in text versus image. We’ll discuss what gets lost – or maybe strengthened – when the knife is replaced by the pen. Come and share your thoughts over a slice of pizza!

Age limit: 16+. Free, but registration required
Bokpizza - Text vs. blod: Fungerar slasher utan bild? External link.

SUNDAY

Västerbottensrummet
12:00 – 13:00 The Theater Students
Students from the theater program interpret and perform newly written horror stories from this year’s edition of the Shadow over Tjärdalen short story competition. Don’t miss this chance to experience the world premiere of new Swedish horror literature.
Strong language may occur.

Free, no registration required.

13:00 – 14:00 William Älgebrink
At the Lidman/Lovecraft horror convention, William Älgebrink will have a conversation with Daniel Sjögren, Chair of the Cultural Committee. They will discuss debuting as an author, the significance of place in creativity, a love of dark stories, and much more.

William Älgebrink, born 1997 and based in Jokkmokk, is a communicator and filmmaker. He is also one of the editors-in-chief of the horror magazine Makaber magasin. In 2024, William debuted with The House at the End of the Pärlälv River, a dark suspense novel rooted in the inland of Norrbotten. It was nominated for 2024’s Best Crime Debut by the Swedish Crime Writers’ Academy, as well as for Book of the Year 2025.

Free, no registration required.

14:00 – 15:00 Books of Madness
Librarians Monika Oskarsson and Linnéa Wikman share their most hair-raising book tips. Expect a creepy mix of old and new titles for both hardcore horror fans and curious newcomers. Get inspired to discover new reads that might make you want to sleep with the light on.

Both English and Swedish books will be discussed.
Free, no registration required.

Granen, City Library
13:00 – 13:40 Storytime
Delightfully creepy storytime for the youngest. We’ll read a scary tale for children aged 3 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Free, no registration required.

14:00 – 16:00 Book Café
Horror book café. Bring your scariest book or find one on site. We’ll provide cookies, coffee, and tea. You can also bring a finished book to swap for a new one at our book exchange table. No registration required, come and go as you like.
Free, no registration required.

MORE TO EXPLORE...

Art Exhibition at the City Library
An art exhibition by local artists exploring horror art in various expressions and styles. The exhibition runs from 29/11 – 6/12.

Visual Arts Exhibition, Floor 2
Students from the visual arts program exhibit their works interpreting the theme of horror. A wide range of artistic expressions will be presented. The exhibition runs from 29/11 – 6/12.

Book Sales
Visit one of the sales tables on Floor 2 and discover new and Northern Swedish horror literature. Book sales take place 29–30/11, 10:00–16:00.

Organizer: Skellefteå City Library