Epic ConFusion 2012
Posted by Meg
Back in January, Peat made the long trek out to Detroit, Michigan to Epic ConFusion 2012. Run by the good folks at Subterranean Press, the con was quickly booked with some of the best and the brightest in fantasy writing today. This illustrious list includes Joe Abercrombie, Brent Weeks, Patrick Rothfuss and our very own Peter V. Brett. This made the con a haven for epic fantasy writers and their fans. It was also exciting because this group of authors had never all hung out in the same place before.
For another excellent perspective on the weekend, check out Patrick’s post on the blog Yetistomper about the weekend. A lot of the excellent pictures in this post are taken by him (credited where appropriate).
Before the weekend officially started, everyone toured the Subterranean Press offices and warehouse. A healthy dose of Nerf guns, swords, hilarity and roughhousing ensued.
Are they the Three Musketeers or the Three Amigos?
Battling (note: Peat’s sword is in his left hand, the arm where he had his surgery!)
Myke makes weird hand gestures to illustrate gun safety
Myke Cole at the shooting range
Brent Weeks ready to fire
Shooting
Zombie Osama Bin Laden, shot by Brent Weeks. I wouldn’t mess with that guy.
Prepared for the noise: Yani Kuznia and Josh Parker from Subterranean Press, David Kletcha, the head of programming at the con, with Joe Abercrombie
Opening Ceremonies: Patrick Rothfuss, Science Chair Harley Thronson (NASA scientist), Brent Weeks, Peter V. Brett, Joe Abercrombie and the Con Chair Bryan Decker
An interesting fact about Harley Thronson is that Gary Gygax hit him up for money for a little project known as D&D, but Harley thought it sounded stupid. But, you know, he works for NASA, so don’t feel too sorry for him.
Stormtrooper! (Credit: Patrick)
THIS is the droid we’re looking for!
Brent got pissed off at Joe for cheating when rolling for characters for the Author D&D Game.
John Scalzi: a bit late for the battle for independence.
Book Signing with Jim Hines, toastmaster of the convention.
Joe Abercrombie – Reading with Robin Hobb (Patrick)
Justin from Staffer’s Musing, Myke and Douglas Hullick Credit: (Patrick)
Peat talking to fans. That’s Brent Week’s eyeball next to him. (Credit: Patrick)
Panel: Patrick Rothfuss, Bradley P. Beaulieu (not a single person at the convention was able to pronounce his name), Myke Cole, Peter V. Brett and Joe Abercrombie (Credit: Patrick)
Another notable event that occurred was The Legendary Licked Book of Epic Confusion, in which 15 distinguished fantasy and science-fiction authors actually licked a copy of John Scalzi’s book The Sagan Diary, quickly making it a book with the most fantastical DNA you can find anywhere. It’s one of a kind. You can check out what Scalzi had to say about the previous book on his blog Whatever.
Not even the awesomeness of the sonic screwdriver pen can make up for my derpy expression in that pic.
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun with your assorted weaponry! Will you be coming back again next year?
Damn that was a fun weekend and a great con. I’ll have a hard time staying away in future years.
Thanks for all the pics! The convention was amazing, my first con and I will defiantly go again. My husband and I got to chat and have dessert with Peter, Joe Abercrombie, and Brent Weeks. It was unreal. Thank you so much for coming to Detroit.
Jim Hines-It was nice meeting you too, my husband bought your books during the signing and really liked them, I will be reading them after I finish the Night Angel series.