Was invited to donate a story for free distribution at World Fantasy this fall. My publisher okayed a reprint of “The Director’s Cut,” a literary horror story–I think it will be cool to be in everyone’s book bag!
World Fantasy was a blast
One of the highlights for me of World Fantasy this year was running into R Scott Bakker, whom I hadn’t seen for several years. We had a great conversation, late into the night. Also, my reading was well attended by about 15 people, which really surprised me. Also, got my copy of Among Others signed by Jo Walton. The art show was small, but high quality. Good friends, good restaurants, Edge book launch!
Gearing up for World Fantasy
So, the mermaid novel is on hold for a bit, while I make sure I have everything I need for World Fantasy. I’m doing a reading, not a panel, and I have my piece picked out; and of course, I need my pitch ready and my completed novel in good shape. It’s a while since I looked at my whole novel, and you know, I really still love it. Found an awkward sentence or two to fix, and now all I have to do is meet the right agent or editor!
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.
Lots happening
Got the story edited for OnSPEC and the chapter for Edge–have a new chapter to edit for them now! Took a couple of days to hike with my sister and saw some spectacular scenery. Perfect weather. Did a little over 50 k in 4 days, with a total of about 5000 ft elevation gain and loss. Some sore muscles, but good food and a good visit with my sister. AND I thought of another short story idea! Wow, and I still don’t have my last short story (that was workshopped) edited…
And, got my hotel room for World Fantasy, coming up in a little over a month!