Well, I'm back from World Fantasy, and I'm happy to report that, in the end, I had a completely wonderful time.
Much of this feeling came from a friend (and former Writeshop member), Jaime Voss, who, using her awesome Social Powers managed to introduce me to a large number of incredibly charming and intelligent people, all of who allowed me to sit at their tables and accompany them to the parties. Going to social engagements of this kind are generally incredibly awkward for me, given my inherent shyness, and going in the company of such wonderful people made the experience so great. Thanks to everyone that let me hang out!
I can't easily describe how flat-out cool it is to spend a chunk of time in the presence of not only Sci-Fi and Fantasy fans but also with writers of the genre. They, quite simply, "get it". For instance, at one point, I found myself in the midst of a conversation about the depth of the story in the Pixar film "Ratatouille", and the commentary that it makes on the challenges and rewards of being an artist... it was, in a word, awesome. The next day, I happily geeked out with a new friend, John Hay, who agreed with me that, as good as the recent adaptation of CASINO ROYALLE was (it's the best Bond film since From Russia With Love, if not the best Bond film ever, IMHO), a straight-up adaptation of Ian Flemming's original James Bond books, done as proper historic, Cold War re-tellings and not modern movies would be best. Finally - someone that agrees with me!
Again, thanks to everyone that let me go with them to breakfast, talked to me in the hallways, sat beside me in panel discussions and had drinks with me in the stiflingly-hot room parties - your attention was noticed and very much appreciated, and I can't wait to see you all again next year (hopefully sooner)!
PROGRESS REPORT: Blood Magic Book 2: Nights of Sin is still chugging along, only slightly delayed by my recent car crash drama and the massive distractions of WFC. I began Chapter 22 yesterday and worked on it again this morning. The climax is unrolling right before my startled eyes, and, as is par for the course, the characters are already doing things that I don't expect. The body count is rising... Kirin is more tempted than ever to use the power that she swore she'd never employ again... the final enemy is about to be revealed... Good stuff, and I hope you find it as startling as I do. I can't wait to get it done and into Paula's hands.
I'm leaving Wednesday morning for Los Angeles. There, I will pick up my new Purple Haze 2005 MINI Cooper S convertible and attempt the 2,000-mile solo journey home. Alog the way, I'll pass through places like Flagstaff, AZ and Albuquerque, New Mexico (where I'll try to make a side-trip out to the Very Large Array just west of Socorro, NM - something I've wanted to see for years and years). I hope to document the entire trip and possibly get a magazine article commission out of the entire thing - wish me luck! I should be back this weekend, tired but hopefully intact, and will blog along the way if it proves to be possible.
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3 comments:
Yay, there you are! It was fun, wasn't it? Glad to meet you - don't be a stranger at the next con!
Hey Matt. This is the former ASA who sat across from you at breakfast in the Silo. I just wanted to drop by and say hello. You can find my new livejournal at krswails.livejournal.com. It was good meeting you last weekend. If you still would like some insight into law enforcement procedures, just let me know.
Good to meet you, too! It is all blurry, but we're the amoeba and we just pull folks in for a friendly drink at everycon. Feel free to pull up a stool any time!
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