Ah, WFC. What to say, what to say?
I am battling the dreaded con crud, which has made my mind just a little fuzzy--and I'm scared I'll forget to tell you about something or someone awesome that you should know about . . .
SO. I've decided that instead of a long post about this year's World Fantasy Convention I'll just sum it up in these simple words:
I am battling the dreaded con crud, which has made my mind just a little fuzzy--and I'm scared I'll forget to tell you about something or someone awesome that you should know about . . .
SO. I've decided that instead of a long post about this year's World Fantasy Convention I'll just sum it up in these simple words:
It.
Was.
Awesome.
No. You don't get it.
Like seriously awesome.
I could tell you about the guy who said he was going to curse us, or astrally project into my friend Holly McDowell's dreams to turn them into nightmares. (Um, cray-cray anyone?) Or about how the hotel concierge sent us three times--THREE--to places that were actually closed. (Liquor store? Check. Breakfast joint? Check. Sushi place? CHECK.) Or how Andrew Smith really knows his scotch. (Well, I don't actually know because I was too much of a wimp to try, but STILL. According to everyone else.) Or how Carolina Valdez Miller and I wowed everyone with our *amazing* duet rendition of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You." (Amazing is a codeword for horrible, but let's keep that between us, shall we?) Or my secret friendship handshake with Amber Van Dyk. (It's not even a real handshake, that's how secret it is!) Or discovering that Matthew MacNish is even sweeter in real life than online. (He will be my friend forevah. Even if I have to force him!) Or getting swept away by another one of Brad Beaulieu's readings. (Because, dude. The guy's books are just. so. good.) Or when Rob Ziegler told me he thought I looked like I was 24. (Um. He was so far off. And for that, I will heart him always.) Or . . . I could probably ramble on for pages and pages and pages.
But those things? They're only a few examples of why WFC is so great. Seriously. I've gone to a lot of conferences the past couple years, but WFC has been my favorite every time. It's not even because of the panels, though I went to some great ones. Or because, yanno, Neil Gaiman was a guest of honor. (I didn't stalk him, like some people I know, but I did see him out and about a few times. It was cool.)
WFC is so special because it's a constant reminder that we're all in this together. People are friendly and genuinely interested in each other's careers. There is so much laughter and so much fun. It's the complete sense of community. Everyone's there because they write or read fantasy, and for me--someone who has so few non-writer friends who enjoy genre fiction?--it's like heaven. Constant chatter about books, industry, writing, buzz . . . It doesn't get better than that.
Sadly, I had so much fun that I kept forgetting to take pictures. I'm beyond bummed that I missed out on capturing the fantastic moments I had with everyone else, too. But here are the few I snapped along the way:
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With Carol, my heart. |
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And Shannon, whom I couldn't survive without. |
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And my roommate, Jess, who IS tiny and absolutely adorable! |
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So, um, anyone who knows me knows I'm a pretty strong advocate for Bellinis. Enjoying them here with Carol, Holly, Rae, Jane, Rob, & LK! |
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One more shot with Holly & Rae, who were two of the first writers I ever met in real life and will always have a very special place in my heart. <3 <3 <3 |
But like I said, I took way too few photographs. I'm dying to introduce *all* of my fave WFC people with you guys--so below are my WFC friends (some new, some I've had for years) linked to their twitter profiles. From there you can find their websites and their books and . . . just their general awesomeness. Because, trust me, these are good people. Each one is a blast and a half and well worth getting to know.
And oh, look at that. This post turned out long anyway. . .
In any case, I can't wait for WFC 2012. It's in Toronto next year. Who's coming with me???
PS. For all you YA writers--we're having a First Line Critique Day at YA Confidential! Check it out HERE.
You got even less photos than me, which is amazeballs, because I literally only brought my camera out on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with us?
Looks like a fabulous time with awesome peeps!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had a wonderful time, love. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry you have the crud. I blame lack of sleep and germ infested airplane recycled air. This is why I drink heavily on planes...it kills the germs. (okay, I drink heavily on planes because they're a little scary.)
You better be writing.
Love,
Lola
Great pics! Glad you had such a good time.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently battling Crud: the Sequel, so you have my empathy. Hope you feel better soon!
Too much fun! So, what are Bellinis? :-)
ReplyDeleteUgh, traveling always makes me sick, too, but it looks like it was totally worth it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had an awesome time!
Looks like you had SO much fun! WHat a neat experience. Maybe someday I'll be able to come. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pics. I'm still bummed I couldn't be there this year. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteSee you in Toronto!
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun... jealous! And can I just say: I love your hair so much! The cut, the color... super cute!
ReplyDeleteI will be sad forever about missing out on all this fun. I'm super glad I stayed home and revised my WIP, but WAAAAH. Look at all of those awesome people!
ReplyDelete'Twas awesome to see you again this past weekend, Sara! Also, my remedy for con crud...? I think you know it. ;)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
(P.S. It's vodka, in case you didn't know....)