Go figure. Despite Covid-19, I will be making appearances at a couple of conventions, thanks to the magic of Zoom and the intertubes.
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San Diego Who Con 2020
http://www.sdwhocon.com/
A Virtual Con starting today, October 9, 2020
Dr Who Fan films and other fan related creations panel –Join David Dawson from IntelleXual Entertainment, Anna Livingston, Raymond Montemayor and Den Valdron, as they talk about their work and other artistic endeavors each is involved with.
THE WORLD FANTASY CONVENTION, 2020
Salt Lake City, Utah
https://www.wfc2020.org/
October 29 – November 1, 2020
And for the record, I’m pretty thrilled. As with most conventions in 2020, WFC 2020 is a Virtual Convention. That’s part of their logo, I’ve pilfered for this blog post by the way. I’m hoping it’s all right, but if it isn’t, I’ll take it down.
The World Fantasy Convention, is the ‘business convention’ of the Sci Fi, Fantasy and Horror publishing world. All the big writers attend, the publishers, agents, editors. It’s where business gets done, deals get made, where the hobnobbing takes place among the industry professionals.
Not only am I going to be doing a panel for the convention, I’m moderating it!
‘The Laws of Fairyland” Every society, real and imaginary, has at its basis a legal system, a method of evaluating right versus wrong. What influences have modern legal systems had on fantasy fiction? What fictional worlds demonstrate a finely-tuned legal system, and what impact do those laws have on the development of the stories?
I don’t know who my fellow panelists are. But I’m looking forward to it, and I plan to give it my all.
And keep your fingers crossed.
It’s ironic, last year, I was in a lot better place as a writer, with an Award shortlisted, critic applauded, novel, The Mermaid’s Tale, available as audiobook paperback and ebook through an extreme will regarded small press publisher, Five Rivers Publishing, and a prequel, The Luck, about to be released this year, plus a fistful of ebooks.
Now, I’m just an ebook guy, albeit a lot more ebooks. I think I’ve released five this year, releasing not being the same thing as sales. This year, I’m puttering with short story collections and nonfiction books, and trying to shop four different novels through an assortment of contests, agents and publishers. I think of myself as a writer in potentio, rather than an actual writer – trying hard, maybe someday. One step forward, two steps sideways.
It’s a funny thing. I’m actually quite good at panels at Conventions usually. That’s not bragging. Between being a school teacher and being a lawyer, I’m generally quite good at public speaking. I’m funny, organized, usually work at being ready for a panel, I do research, I organize and present my material. I’m very good one on, or as a group. I enjoy a round table panel, particularly the opportunity to bounce off other people. Throw me a topic, almost any topic, and I run with it. I’ve got a lot of stories, good and bad, about the experiences.
I’m not sure if it does me any good as a writer. I don’t think it sells books, or really elevates my profile. Sometimes I feel like I’m on panels through false pretenses. Like I’m a pretend writer, more the image or illusion, of one, rather than a name. I feel it’s backwards, I’m doing panels, rather than being established with books and sales. Like a potemkin person.
But honestly, getting the chance to do a panel, and maybe a reading, at something like the World Fantasy Convention. That’s pretty wonderful, considering just how many amazing and brilliant writers, editors, publishers and agents are attending this. I’m not worthy. But I’m not turning it down. 😉