I was just thinking: I wonder if I will be invited to speak at the Calgary Young Writers Conference this year? Maybe I should email someone. Then I checked my inbox and the invitation was sitting there! Yay! I replied an immediate, “YES!”
Blue Pencil at Alexandra Centre
Had a great afternoon at the Alexandra Centre as one of six editors doing a blue pencil cafe. I saw six authors for half an hour each, and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the writing. All could use support, but all had spark!
Opportunity
Had a lovely coffee with Sheila Gilbert at World Fantasy, and she very graciously offered to look at a manuscript I have completed. The whole weekend was wonderful–got to do some panels (Magic Systems 101, Death and the Fantasy Character, and Fantasy Mystery), and attended some interesting panels as well. Also, re-connected with lots of friends and other familiar faces (as well as meeting new people). All told, a very enjoyable weekend.
Have a pitch scheduled with Sheila Gilbert!
Ran into Sheila Gilbert (DAW) at Can*Con–such an amazing lady! So gracious. She agreed to meet with me regarding my book, but for various reasons it didn’t work out–BUT we’ll both be at WFC in LA, and have an appointment to go for coffee next week. Squeee!
Toronto, Can*Con and Auroras!
Amazing week. Read at Chizine’s Chiaroscuro Reading Series in Toronto, with about 31 people in attendance (5 authors) – very welcoming and cool crowd in a funky part of town (Kensington Market), walkable from my B&B. Also, dinner with my cousin! Great to touch base with Toronto peeps I hadn’t seen for a while, too.
Then on to Ottawa for Can*Con – again, saw all kinds of people I know and love. Got to stay at Timber House, which was AMAZING–beautiful home, beautiful hostess (Zandra), and walkable to downtown. So comfortable. Had great programming opportunities and took in some good content.
Saturday night was the Auroras, and though I didn’t win in either of my categories, Disabled People Destroy Science Fiction did, which was a highlight (don’t mind losing to a Hugo winner), and Kelly Robson’s win for short fiction was a shoe-in. Another highlight was her keynote, and a third highlight was Kate Heartfield’s emotional win for best novel. Great night.