Catherine Mintz

Elizabeth:  What influenced your decision to volunteer at N3F?

Catherine:  I seldom join any organization that I cannot do something for, since the experience and contacts -- "I don't know but my friend Joe does..." --gained while being active in an association can be invaluable.

Elizabeth:  Since joining, what have you learned?

Catherine:  Fandom has taught me a wide range of skills, from how to deal comfortably with people with radically different viewpoints and interests, to how publications are laid out by hand and by computer, as well as, many other things useful and arcane.

Elizabeth:  How does your N3F skills effect your work?

Catherine:  What I have learned has gone into my development as a writer and artist, for I have followed the well-worn path from fan to pro.

Elizabeth:  What kind of 'hats' do you handle?

Catherine:  Currently, I am assisting with the N3F Short Story Contest, the heading, the selection committee for the Kaymar Award -- lifetime achievement in the N3F -- and doing special projects, such as the club's 60th anniversary celebration at the 2001 Worldcon.

Elizabeth:  What is your most current project?

Catherine:  I work for SFWA on its website, am a candidate for Eastern Regional Director, and just completed staging a Nebula Event for Philadelphia.

Elizabeth:  How did volunteering help?

Catherine:  Within the N3F, I have been a director, directorate chairman, president, editor, art director, and layout staff, in addition to contributing writing and art to the club's publications.

Elizabeth:  Whom did you meet?  Make lasting friendships with?

Catherine:  Along the way, I have made lasting friends and many interesting casual acquaintances.