So, here’s something cool: Robert Walton, the other winner of the Galaxy Project, is a mountaineer! Although I’ve done a little climbing, I come from a family of mountaineers: my dad, Don Forest, was the first person ever to climb all the peaks in the Canadian Rockies over 11,000 ft (53 peaks) as well as the Interior Ranges of BC (11 peaks). He was the oldest person to climb Mt. Logan, Canada’s tallest mountain, on his 71st birthday. My sister is one of 7 women in Canada with her full mountain’s guide license. Cool connection, eh?
So, World Fantasy was AWESOME!!!
So much to tell! First, my good friend, Barb Galler-Smith, used to live in San Diego (her parents still do) so she had a minivan and knew her way around, and took several of us to restaurants, to see a lighthouse and to the beach, as well as to the San Diego Zoo (very cool).
Then, the panelling was really good–I took in lots, but still missed panels I wanted to see (like the one on stupid people). My panel went fine–I sat next to Shawna McCarthy!
And I reconnected with old friends and new–David Coe, Walter Jon Williams, Michael Cassutt (bought his book), Dave Smeds, and others. One highlight was being in a small group at a party where Connie Willis told hilarious stories of dinners-out gone awry. Okay, lots of name-dropping, but really, it was so great. And, I met two agents and two editors, got requests for partials and one full. With 3 books ready to go, I was able to respond to them all.
Short story done!
I was double booked this weekend, so finished the short story (it is 5000 words, rough draft) and stacked the wood my husband cut at our recreational property. A great weekend!
Short story started
Have about 1000 words so far (the first scene). A bit frustrated at all the other things on my plate that keep delaying getting more done–but am persevering!
My desk is cleared–
And I start my new story today. Have the outline already!