I attended the World Fantasy Convention for the first time last weekend, which was held in Saratoga, New York. I had a wonderful time, most of which I spent with my good friend, the writer and artist Matthew Dow Smith. Matt recently completed his work on the Supernatural Origins comic series, and the sixth and final issue should be hitting the stands just about now and you should buy it. Matt and I are hoping to do some comic book projects together soon, and the ideas were flying fast and furious between us.
Also flying fast and furious: the money out of my wallet in the dealers' room. Man, I love books, and this convention had all of the beautiful rare and out of print stuff right alongside the newest and noteworthiest releases--and the cool thing is that many of the authors and artists that created those works are right there at the convention.
Two of my major weaknesses are gently used paperbacks from the sixties and seventies and art books. The paperbacks are cool because you can usually get them on the cheap; I loaded up a number of great fantasy and horror paperbacks at the show (Fritz Leiber novels with the Jeffrey Jones covers!)and at a great local bookstore called The Lyrical Ballad. Not so economical are the art books, which unfortunately have the tendency to become Must Haves upon sight. The 2 volume Barry Windsor-Smith collection Opus was one such Must Have. I could have bought a lot o' paperbacks for what I paid for the set, but it is gorgeous beyond belief and what is money anyhow but a less attractive form of paper?
Buying books to get signed is always cool too, even though I am still prone to geeking up around people's work I admire. I totally geeked up when talking to Kelly Link, for example, who I think has one of the most unique and wonderful voices in fiction today, and also around Peter Straub, who consistently produces some of the best supernatural fiction ever written. I may be a professional writer, but I think I'll always be a fan first.
The panels were wonderful--I'm always amazed at how many story ideas I get from listening to creative people talk about subjects they are passionate about. Sometimes all it takes is an offhand comment to get the synapses firing.
I think they are firing now, in fact. Either that or I put too much sugar in my coffee again
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6 comments:
Dan - I'm glad to hear you had such a great time at WFC. I REALLY wanted to go, especially since it was so close, but alas, too many obligations. Maybe next year. I'd love to hear how it compares to WHC. ?
I hope all is well with you. We're still surrounded by moving boxes here in West Haven, but the cardboard mountain is slowly shrinking and this joint will soon be presentable. It's all worth it though, the beach is sweet, even during this chilly time of year.
Let's get together for a little bull session sometime soon.
Best Always,
Fran
Hi Fran--
Great to hear from you! A bull session sounds like a good thing.
I've only been to one WHC, but one thing that struck me was how many YA authors were at this convention. I think this one was also a bit bigger, as well.
Take care,
Dan
If it's not too far away from CT, I think I'm going to have to hit the WFC next year. Sounds very promising.
As for that bull session, let's do it. What better time than a busy holiday season to get together and commiserate. ;-) I'd send you an invite, but I have darned near a dozen Dans in my email address book, but no Waters. So drop me a note at franfriel at yahoo when you want to release that bull.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Fran
Hi Dan, my name is Emily and i'm from a very small town in Montana, called Livingston...i really loved your book, i don't think i've ever read a book with such an unexpected ending! i really, really, really must say i hope you make a sequel for many reasons...1st i really want to know if Adam is alright. and 2nd I would love to see the story from Tommy's point of veiw...just giveing sugestions =3
Your book made me cry. I'm getting my friends to read it also so they know how great it is too!! i hope u read this comment. i'll be waiting for the sequel hopefully! thanks for taking your time to write a great novel!!!
- Your True Friend, Emily Giao
Your book really gave me a lot of mixed emotions. I truely understand the idea that even though the teenager from dead generation are not really abiotic but differently biotic doesn't mean they can't have feelings also. their bodies just don't live from the same 6 biotic factors that living things need, to be known as biotic or alive. it's almost like they don't really use there brain to make their muscles move but instead they use will power to live on. more the will power the more they try to keep themselves moving. just wanted to say agian thanks for getting the book all around even in my small town. i just hope i understood the meaning in your book because this is what it means to me!
Your true friend - Emily Giao
People should read this.
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