Brief Context Post + Announcement!
30 Aug
Ohhh Context 23. I had to bail early for family stuff, so I only got one night and a day out of it (missed the legendary Shroud party and ALL of the readings–bah!), but what I got of it was great fun.
The last con I went to, I’d made maybe a handful of short story sales–no book upcoming, etc, so not so much of a reason to blab about me me me. This one taught me that I have a larger problem talking about myself than I realized. Not about writing, I’ll blabber all day about that, but about the stuff I’ve actually written. Apart from the obvious newbie self-consciousness, I already know all that crap, so I’m easily sidetracked by new shiny things. So here I am talking to folks whose names I’ve admired on book covers many, many times (oh, what, me overawed?) trying to list the awesome people lined up at Belfire Press and I get through two and my brain stalls, and the conversation jumps tracks.
I mean, that’s cool for now, but probably something to watch out for when I’m trying to promote a whole book next year. Maybe I need a script. Ah well, like GI Joe says, knowing is half the battle. I’ll get this!
But seriously, it was great, and everyone was so nice. I wish y’all had come with me! (Next year? Pretty please?) And I got tons of books I’ve wanted for ages but just haven’t gotten to yet, and got them signed, at that. Which is cool because I always read a ton when I’m doing rewrites, and guess what September is all about?
Good thing I took Diana Botsford’s awesome rewrites workshop, huh? Oh yeah.
(Dude, she wrote for Star Trek: TNG. And she writes Stargate Books! How I avoided a fangirl freakout on everyone there, I do not know, but I was very demure, thanks. Er, at least, for me.)
And now a self-serving announcement (it’s easier on a blog!): I learned just before I left that I’ve sold my first Liberty Tree story, and to one of my favorite magazines. “The Peacock and the Raven” will appear in September’s issue of Reflection’s Edge! Not only have I been a huge fan forever, but I even had one of my first handful of sales there, “Green” back in 2008. And if you haven’t seen last month’s issue yet, it was really brilliant. Had great stuff from both Jeremy Kelly and NK Kingston.
So yay!
I sold another weird little tale too, but I suppose it would be best to wait for contracts and all to say anything. Yes, that seems rational. I can be rational, sure.
I have the 10 By Then bet to thank for this recent glut of good fortune. I won’t win it, as I only have 5 subs taken care of and only one more day to go to magically produce 5 more. But between these lovely acceptances and the knowledge that I have somehow produced 4 completely new works of short fiction (not counting 2 flashes meant for a particular market that isn’t open now–foiled again!) and edited another this month–well, that removes some of the sting. Hell, I’m usually lucky if I turn out that much short stuff in a year. Mercedes, you and your bets rock.
And in closing, there’s still one more day left in Australia before the Ditmar votes are finalized. For voting rights, you just have to be a member of Dudcon. They make it really easy, so have at it!
(And thank you for all the kind wishes before I left. Yes, I am 30 now. Almost a real human being. Plus, my family gave me Absolute Sandman Vol II. Mwahahaha, no grown-up gifts for me!)
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Now playing: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Gold Lion
via FoxyTunes
Woo hoo!
Sales rock.
Congrats!
I hear you–I clam up like that when the folks surrounding me are people I’ve looked up to.
It’s a bit intimidating. lol
Love TNG. I’m rewatching it right now with hubby. Some great characters. Q was fabulous.
Jeremy, for real!
Louise, it’s one of those things where another Belfire author (who is AWESOME with starpower) sits down at the table with your group and you just go, “Oh man. There’s no way to bring this up right now. But–but omg omg.”
Good god. I’m so glad you understand, in spite of being made of awesomeness yourself. Makes me feel better. <3
TNG is my favorite show ever!
Sounds like you had a great time. I absolutely have to start planning for which ones(s) I will attend next tear…
I’d probably be named ‘Fish Girl’ (unless that means something rude – me no hip) because my mouth would keep opening and closing and only bubbles would come out. I know, without doubt, I’d forget how to speak.
Congrats on the sales. I won’t win 10 by then either, but at least we’re playing. Oh and I sooooo want to meet all my stateside friends at a conference.
I am totally planning on going to the US next year. We’ll just need to time it right…
Congrats on the recent sales. You’re a total badass. Can’t wait to read these!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it, and umm… thanks for the plug!
Fifteen kinds of awesomesauce. Congrats on the sales.
(gee…I almost remember turning 30. Almost.)
Barry, Context is far away, but fun!
Cate, it was only the beer that kept me talking at all–and I had too much of it, at that! It’d be so, so awesome if you could make it in time for this one. Well any of them really, but I liked this one a lot!
Cory, if you came at this particular time of year, it’d be AWESOME. Granted, the weather in DC is nicer a month later, but well, we can’t have it ALL I guess…
Thanks Jeremy–and any time! Thanks for the great read.
Thanks Aaron, I’m excited. And yeah, I’m sure those days will sneak up on me right quick
Congratulations! I love Reflection’s Edge! It’s a beautiful magazine.
I’ll make my #10bythen, I swear it. I have two more subs to go, and one day. RAWR!!!!
But I wouldn’t have done it alone, that’s 100% for sure. I need you guys for motivation.
Woot on the sales! And glad you had fun at Context : )
Mercedes, I needed everyone too. No way otherwise–it would’ve taken me all year. <3
Nat, thanks! I did, but it would’ve been funner with you