NIAGARA FALLS -- There's a lot of imagination packed in the Days Inn Riverview this weekend.

More than 200 authors, artists and fans are expected to attend EerieCon 3, a science fiction, horror and fantasy convention taking place Friday through Sunday at the Days Inn

Coordinator Jim Fillinger said that EerieCon was started to succeed Con-tradiction, a convention that took place for 17 years in Niagara Falls. It's organized by the Buffalo Fantasy League, a group formed 1949.

"This is really an informal con," he said. "All the guests love it because they can really relax."

The convention features a constantly-running video room; a dealers' room with books, magazines and other paraphernalia for sale, art show with an auction Saturday night; a masquerade, readings, author interviews, and about 25 different panel discussions -- from "Why Did You Decide to Write?" to "Aren't Creative People Weird?"

This year's guests of honor are author Hal Clement, who was honored as a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and Canadian author Robert J. Sawyer.

Kevin "Vince" Lijewski of Niagara Falls said he's attended about seven conventions in Niagara Falls, both EerieCons and Con-tradictions before them.

"Without doubt, meeting the authors, meeting the artists," is the best part of a convention, Lijewski said. He particularly cited Clement and author Lynn Flewelling.

"It's great to be able to sit down and get to know how they got into writing," he said. "In some time, it was really hard for them and in some cases, they almost literally fell into it."

Some authors enjoy meetings their readers, as well. Caro Soles of Toronto, who just finished a book tour promoting her novel "The Abulon Dance," said it's fun and makes good business sense.

It's great to get a chance to meet the people who are most likely to read your books," she said. "If you come to a place like this, then people are really interested.

"Not everyone wants to read a book about dancing hermaphrodites from outer space -- but if you're going to find them, this is where it's going to be."

EerieCon 3 continues today. A one-day admission can be purchased at the door for $15. The art show and dealers' room will be open from 10 a.m. to noon. The gaming room will be open from 10 a.m. until the convention closes at about 3 p.m. Panels and readings will take place starting on the hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.