Con Report

[handful_ofdust]

Had to beg off the final day of Ad Astra, for combined feeling-like-shit/looking-after-boy reasons. But yesterday was great, even though Cal had at least one melt-down, and proved somewhat difficult to contain during the earlier panels; Steve took him home around 5:00 PM, thus freeing me to spend the rest of the night doing the two best panels (one on serial killers and their glamourization in popular culture, the other the ubiquitous "How Far Is Too Far?", which actually quite rocked) and hangin' with my homies. Amongst the names and faces checked: Richard Gavin, Ian Rogers, recent Best New Horror pick Simon Strantzas (who I'd apparently met before, so I apologize for not having clicked with him earlier/remembered him initially), Mike Kelly, Suzanne Church, Sandra Kasturi (who was down with a migraine and a tooth complaint--hope she's better), Brett Savory, Dave Nickle, Michael Rowe and Christopher Golden, who was insanely pleasant and a great conversationalist, too (not that the others weren't, but hey, I already know all of them;)).

In other news, my reading went wonderfully--hell, the room was a whole quarter-full!--and much stuff was bought/sold, far more than I expected to spend or receive in either direction. Overal verdict: A good time was had, many girlie-looking pink Cosmos were drunk, and in a lot of ways, I think this was what I'd hoped World Horror Con 2007 would be...the debate was spirited and interesting, the gossip snarky and fun, the general charge of rubbing up against so many other creative "types" truly inspirational. Plus, it reinforced completely my lingering feeling that I have no bloody excuse to NOT produce as much as humanly possible during the upcoming haitus, rather than just moping around getting fat. These guys are the cream of the crop, and they're my peers--I need to live up to them.

Comments

[simon strantzas (from livejournal.com)]

Thanks for the name-drop! And don't worry about not remembering me. Hell, Michael Rowe never remembers me — I think I've been introduced to him as "new" about a dozen times over the past few years ;-)

I agree as well the con was better than WHC 2007, if only because it was more intimate and local-focused. At least, it felt that way to me on my first and only day of Ad Astra.

[handful-ofdust.livejournal.com]

Aw, you'll click with Michael eventually. And next time, we should have a direct talk too, if possible--I'd certainly love to get to know you the way I have Richard and Ian, Next Wave of Canadian Dark Fiction man!;))

[simon strantzas (from livejournal.com)]

Sounds like a great idea, Gemma. I'm looking forward to it!

[lonesome-crow.livejournal.com]

Great seeing you, Gemma!

[handful-ofdust.livejournal.com]

Great seeing you too, man! I'm sorry I haven't been able to be at the HWA dinners recently, but as I was saying, shit's just been fairly raw. It means a lot to be able to connect with you guys, though, even if it's only once a year.

[morbidloren.livejournal.com]

You were missed at WHC 2008. I had been hoping to hear some of Words Written Backwards live and had to read it to myself on the plane instead. Wow! I look forward to reading it again, now that my brain has come back online post-con.

Maybe I'll see you in Winnipeg next year?

[handful-ofdust.livejournal.com]

Re Winnipeg, might could be--when it's inside Canada, I think it sort of behooves me to at least try to get there, eh? Though Winnipeg's a pretty Goddamn frigid place at the best of times, which April actually isn't.;)

And yeah, sorry I wasn't there to read. My Ad Astra experience went well enough that it reminded me how last year, somebody asked me if I could start podcasting stuff and putting it up on a website somewhere. What do you think? Good idea?

[morbidloren.livejournal.com]

I think it's a great idea. I'm a tech idiot, but I would figure out how to listen to a podcast of you reading.

[moon-custafer.livejournal.com]

Hooray for having an inspiring time!

[handful-ofdust.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Always my hope.

In other news, it's my birthday on Friday, and I was hoping to hook up with some people for a meal out/possible movie night. Interested?

[strange.livejournal.com]

Crap, I wish I would have known that you and Brett were going to Ad Astra, I would have set up a signing for you both at the BE table in the dealer's room. My immense apologies - I suck ass.

[handful-ofdust.livejournal.com]

Not at all. From what I saw, Jeff Cottrill was representing you guys wonderfully--and you certainly can't be faulted for assuming I never go anywhere, if that's what happened, 'cause I only very seldom do! Want to try and hit Winnipeg together next year?

[canadiansuzanne.livejournal.com]

I took two photos during your reading and they turned out! I'll email them to you asap. However, I thought I had your email, but I don't. Feel free to send me a quick email at suzanne (dot) church (at) sympatico (dot) ca.