Well, I survived my first con. Luckily, it was a small one, where I could get my feet wet. I think I’m ready for RT now.
I enjoyed meeting readers. A few were kind enough to buy Grimspace (more than a few, in fact — we sold out before I had my official signing on Sunday). I loved talking with the booksellers from Booksamillion. They were fantastic and knowledgeable.
I loved seeing everyone so excited to be there. One couple told me that the panel Pantsing vs Plotting alone made the con worth the price of admission. Happily, I was a part of that, along with Gary Babb, M. Keaton, and Anthony Taylor, who’s writing a kick-ass Noir graphic novel, which I can’t wait to check out. It was very high energy, and it was a tremendous pleasure to talk with aspiring writers about my method (or is that madness?)
Overall, my panels were well-attended, and I’m pleased. I gave out a bunch of pens, met some cool people (*waves to Flo*) and a number of folks recognized me from my website, which was unexpected. I signed a lot of books. Readers seemed to find me very approachable, and that was cool. They’d come up to the table and ask about Grimspace. I started leading with, “Well, readers tell me it reminds them of Firefly…” About halfway through the conversation, they’d go, “Oh, are you the author?”
Which I’m going to take as a compliment, because Sherrilyn Kenyon is one of the warmest people I ever met. I signed with her on Sunday, even though I was out of books and I really admired how sweet she was to each reader. She remembered many of their names, the names of their kids… it was impressive and heartwarming. I actually signed a book for her, if you can imagine! That was pretty exciting. (She signed one for me too — eat your hearts out!)
The con had problems, but there’s no point in complaining about stuff that can’t be changed. Hopefully they will have ironed out the kinks by next year.
Here’s something random but interesting. You know how I used to share the funny searches that led to my blog? Now the top 10 results come from people who were actually looking for me. My name with various spellings and Grimspace comprise the top 10 searches. How about that!
Welcome back, your world traveler you!
by azteclady March 19th, 2008 at 10:14 amGracious, I had no idea it was your first venture into the realms of chaos. You handled yourself like an old pro. I must say that you were a delight in my weekend and I apologize for being occasionally (read here: constantly) manic and bombastic. So terribly sorry to have missed you on Sunday–I still owe you a book if you still want it. (Shoot me a note under the wire so I know where to send it.)
I just can’t articulate how nice it was to see you and how comfortable and welcome you (and all the Baen authors) made me feel. I hope we get to meet up again at one of these things (hopefully one much better organized).
MKeaton
by M. Keaton March 19th, 2008 at 12:50 pmI am totally glad, but not surprised at all, that you sold out before you sat down to sign.
I also think it is cool that Sherrilyn Kenyon was so awesome with her fans. How cool to sign a book for her and to get a book signed by her. Too cool!
Welcome back to the non-con world…
by JaimeK March 19th, 2008 at 9:09 pmAwesome that you ran out of books! Seriously, congrats on that.
I’ve got a $50 gift card coming from B&N, so I’ll finally get to pick up a copy. I tell ya, the waiting sort of sucks. But it’s almost over!
by LiJuun March 19th, 2008 at 9:35 pmGlad to hear you fun first con.
I’m stoked that you sold all your copies,thats frickin awesome.
Green-eyed about getting Sherrilyn’s autograph,is it an ARC?
Hugs, Danette
by danette March 20th, 2008 at 3:11 amOkay, I gotta ask…
What is “Pantsing vs Plotting”?
I’ve never heard the term pantsing before.
And congrats on enjoying the con. Alas, I’ve decided not to go to RT Con (must remember to cancel hotel reservations), but I think you are gonna have a crazy, wonderful time there.
by BevQB March 20th, 2008 at 5:49 amHi there! I just wanted to let you know that Grimspace caught my eye at the library the other day. Although I don’t read as much sci-fi as I used to I decided to give it a go anyway. I absolutely loved it! I’m definitely going to pick up a copy at the bookstore, because I know this is one that I’m going to want to read again and again. :)
by Tina March 20th, 2008 at 7:29 amBevQB, I have a feeling that Pantsing is the writerly technical term for “flying by the seat of your pants”–and that in the context it’s being contrasted with plotting a book/series before actually writing it.
Experts are welcome to come and correct me anytime, though.
by azteclady March 20th, 2008 at 7:32 amHow did you feel about being on the panels? Are you a natural public speaker or were you really nervous? I could deal with the one on one of signing, but think I’d really hate being in front of a room full of people, thinking on my feet and fielding questions.
Glad the con was such a success for you. You’ll enjoy RT. It’s a great time.
by Bonnie Dee March 20th, 2008 at 8:12 amThanks, Azteclady.
MK, I’ll take that as a compliment.
Jaime, I was really impressed by her manner. If I am ever half that successful, I would like to interact with the same genuine warmth and sincerity. And thanks for saying you’re not surprised we sold out. I was thrilled and astonished. There were a LOT of books there!
LiJuun, I can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
No, Danette. I bought a copy of Dream Chaser while I was there, and she signed it for me.
QB, Azteclady has answered the question already. But yeah, pantsers just write the book without planning or outlining first, and what happens, happens. Plotters generally do pre-work, which may include outlines, synopses, story boards, character cards… and other stuff I probably don’t know about, not being one.
Fantastic, Tina! I’m so happy you liked it. I hope you enjoy Wanderlust as much; that’s coming out in September.
Bonnie, I was nervous before I got there, but once I sat down in front of the room, I went into calm, clear mode. Apparently I’m a natural; a number of people came up to me afterward and said that they were buying Grimspace because they enjoyed hearing me speak so much. I’m actually better at working a whole room than I am socializing in a party context. I hate approaching people and trying to start a conversation. Talking about a specific topic is much easier, particularly when you have an enthusiastic audience.
Just finished Grimspace this weekend, and loved it! Dare I admit that I read it twice? (was out of new books) and it was just as good the 2nd time! Now I can’t wait until Sept! Thank you for writing such an awesome book!
by Karen March 24th, 2008 at 12:55 pmHey, I was 1/2 of that couple at OmegaCon! And, you know, it was true. That was an amazing panel. Based solely on the enjoyment I got out of hearing you talk, I picked up Grimspace (that actually happened with a lot of the authors there, I totally blew my book budget ((and my beer budget!)) for the next couple of months) and I am reading it right this second. I am only on Chapt. 5, but didn’t want to wait any longer to tell you how much I am enjoying it.
You’ve done a great job sucking me in with the characterization and the world-building. You mentioned short chapters in the P vs P panel, and you were right; they are the crack cocaine of reading. I must have my next hit. Thanks for what is already an enjoyable read.
by Rene March 26th, 2008 at 8:47 pm