So... Eastercon?

[Ursa major]

As a first-time Eastercon attendee, I have to say it was really enjoyable. (And I speak as someone who sees those described as wallflowers as being dangerously gregarious.) Very good fun, entertaining and informative. My only regret is that I often had to choose between equally-appealing panels.


Speaking of panels, I'll probably get round to mentioning the ones I did attended, and my just-about-100% good impression of all of them**. However, there was one disappointment. (Well, a pair of them, in fact.) Ian Sales was not wearing a goldfish bowl on his head. Worse, far from having photoshopped said device onto a photo of himself to create his avatar, it turns out that he'd downloaded the whole image! Disgraceful! (On the other hand, I did buy and read his Adrift on the Sea of Rains and really enjoyed it, so by the time I've finished the collection he's edited, Rocket Science, I may well have forgiven him. )



** - In particular those panels where various authors were being rather silly (but in a good way).

 

[Anne Lyle]

I had a similar experience to SJAB, although without the McDonalds (I nipped along to Tesco and bought some real food).

You can see a photo of me on the Iron Throne on my blog

 

[Ursa major]

I enjoyed your reading, Anne, and was glad that:

1. you seem to have had a really good success with the early sales of your book;
2. when you read from a chapter well into the book, you seemed to skip a section that was, presumably, spoilerish.

Regarding food: I was in the hotel next door (the Marriott), and the food there was far from cheap (to say the least). But as I haven't been away from home on holiday since 1986, I thought I'd treat myself.

 

[Coragem]

Well, my wife and I had a great time. Highlights were having two books signed by GRRM and I also got to ask him some questions. The interview with him was brilliant (it was just a massive shame that it clashed with the Rocket Science launch) and it was nice to meet Anne briefly.

There was one thing that, for me, was bitter-sweet: various panels made me go away and really THINK about my own writing. The realisation hit me that I need to go back and re-write my past ten month's work, and the eventual goal of submitting work to an agent seems further off than ever.

In particular, the panel on "how to get published" stressed, and stressed again, that the first page (or possibly 10 pages) of any manuscript has to neigh on perfect -- if the agent isn't saying "wow" he's saying "no". While my prologue is "edge of seat stuff" after my latest re-write I'm currently utterly lost in terms of what to do with my first five chapters.

Coragem.

 

[Ursa major]

That panel gave me an idea for a story; which is just as well, as I'm less than 200 posts away from needing to produce a x000 posts post.

(Note that the story will almost certainly not involve publishers, editors or agents**.)





** - Not even a thinly-disguised John Jarrold reviewing a typical week in which he destroyed the dreams of another 30 people.

 

[Anne Lyle]

@UrsaMajor - the bit I skipped wasn't spoilerish, but it was from a different PoV and required more reader knowledge to make sense of, whereas I felt that "Mal meets the ambassador" needed little explanation!

@Coragem - I strongly recommend finding a good writers' group. You can't judge your own work objectively, so you may be stressing unnecessarily and retreating into rewriting instead of getting on with the book.

 

[Ursa major]

Bears of little brain - this one included - appreciate text requiring little explanation; so I'll remain glad.

 

[Coragem]

@Coragem - I strongly recommend finding a good writers' group. You can't judge your own work objectively, so you may be stressing unnecessarily and retreating into rewriting instead of getting on with the book.

Thanks Anne.

I believe Ian Sales was a founding member of Sheffield SFF Writers Group, just down the road from where I live and opposite the offices where my wife works … which apparently is the same place that Ian himself used to work.

Small world.

I've attended the group once, and Eastercon has made me more determined than ever to keep that up. I DO need help to make decisions about my current novel (e.g., have I overloaded the plot, pacing, etc.).

Coragem.

P.S., My copy of Alchemist of Souls arrived on Saturday (from Amazon) while I was at Eastercon. A very nicely produced edition, and looking forward to reading it.

 

[Gary Compton]

I haven't been away from home on holiday since 1986, I thought I'd treat myself.

You need to get out of the home for the totally bewildered more Ursa. Have a word with Matron and she may increase your medication

 

[J-WO]

Best. Eastercon. Ever.

I didn't see any of you guys, I'm afraid. One of these years...

Just got back an hour ago. Brother took me around Soho's pubs last night. Need to lie down...

 

[Anne Lyle]

You coming to AltFiction, J-WO? It's in Leicester this weekend

 

[Ursa major]

Even if we all used our Chrons usernames as badge names, J-WO, the chances are that we still wouldn't cross paths, not with so many parallel panels. However, I did know that I met nesacat, morpheus42, Ian Sales, Ian Whates, Anne Lyle and Giovanna Clairval (a member from many years ago), though I didn't usually announce who I was. (As I said above, I'm not the most gregarious of folk and besides, transiting between panels didn't leave much time; and I'm not a bar person**.) Given the rather hit-and-miss nature of my memory, I may have forgotten glimpsing other Chrons folk; sorry if I've omitted them from that list.

(As as aside, I managed a whole two words - "Great chapters!" - as I passed GRRM on the steps leading up (or down) from the Atrium, some time after he read them out Friday noon.)



** - Someone, at least, may still have the picture they were taking at the NewCon launch, which would have included me holding a half-small-wine-glass of cider. Just as well I'm not teetotal but just tend not to drink alcohol.

 

[J-WO]

You coming to AltFiction, J-WO? It's in Leicester this weekend

I'm there!

A con a week! It's like being on a rock band tour, ain't it?

 

[Anne Lyle]

Well, without the trashing of hotel rooms!

I'm on a panel, Sunday at noon - maybe see you there

 

[J-WO]

Well, without the trashing of hotel rooms!

I'm on a panel, Sunday at noon - maybe see you there

Speak for yourself. I moved the complementary coffee and tea sachets around in their bowl on principle.

I'll keep an eye out for you.

 

[Anne Lyle]

Just don't do it to the mini-bar - the bastards put RF chips on the contents nowadays and charge you if you so much as touch them

 

[J-WO]

That happened to me 2 years ago at Eastercon. Grr...

 

[Lucifal]

This was the first Eastercon I've missed in five years. Mainly due to the rubbish (as far as sales were concerned) gig last year and my wife's desire to have a family Easter this year. The Radison at Heathrow has always been good for Murky Depths though, but I enjoyed Bradford the other year.
We're at Alt.Fiction this weekend so might catch some of you there.

 

[Anne Lyle]

Nice avatar, Terry - see you at the weekend!

 

[Stephen Palmer]

Wish I could be there, but just not enough cash...