The Con Game
Took a day trip on Sunday to Lunacon in Portchester New York. Jay and I were supposed to go for the whole weekend, but a comedy of errors prevented more than a day. This is what happens when you plan with only half your ass.
But despite having to get up at 7 (after going to bed wine drunk at 2) and getting lost from Google Maps, the trip was worth it. Got to go to a few panels, met Jane Jewell, the Executive Director of SFWA (Science Fiction Writers of America), and we saw and were seen, which, in the small, close-ranked Science Fiction and Fantasy (SFF) world, it as important as anything. Whenever you go to one of these conventions, you see a very familiar group of faces, and after a while, that familiarity becomes a kinship of sorts, one that is needed to move in that world with fluidity. As an unknown writer, I am still pretty much invisible in that world, and Jay, who has worked behind the scenes in the industry for 10 years but hasn’t had a lot of time in the spotlight, is in a similar position.
We’re both trying to rectify that this year, though. With Lunacon past, I’m planning to go to I-CON in Stony Brook NY next, which is in like 2 weeks. I’m hoping to hit at least two days of that; maybe all three. Then, April 18-20 is New York ComicCon, which anyone who’s anyone is going to. Sadly, NYCC kind of overlaps with London Book Fair , but that’s okay. I am going to London to promote my book in August, and I doubt I would go twice in one year, anyway. Still, I’ve always wanted to go. At least my US and UK agents will be there, along with most of my international editors, convincing the chumps to take a chance on a young schmuck from Brooklyn.
Normally, I hit San Diego ComicCon in the summer, as it is the best con ever, but we skipped it last year so we could afford a trip to Greece for Jay & Fo’s Wedding instead. (If you clicked that link, you know it was worth it.) This year, my baby is due RIGHT SMACK DAB when the con is on, so my wife says I can’t go.
Feh. Stoopid baby…
After I get back from London, I’m next heading to Calgary Oct. 30-Nov. 2 for World Fantasy and (if I’m lucky) a bit of skiing.
Gonna try and fit Philcon in there just before Thanksgiving, too.
Good times.
Good times bud. Looking forward to many more road adventures this year…and beyond. -Jayf
That Rye Town Hilton is a bitch to find. And I live in Westchester and have been there more than once!
Listen, buddy, I’m bummed about missing ComicCon, too. Why’d you have to go and knock me up? Couldn’t we have just gotten another cat?
You should add an “appearances” section to your site that lists the cons you’ll be at. Maybe it’s premature now, but eventually, you’re fans will want to keep track.
You know, it’s ironic. You’re the day-walker and I’m deskbound and we are *both* living out of hotels.
Once someone gives a crap, I will be more than happy to list all my appearances somewhere on the site.
In the meantime, me appearing at a con is about as exciting as cleaning the lint filter in the clothes dryer.