Radcon

I arrived in Pasco yesterday afternoon for Radcon 2010, a science fiction/fantasy convention. This is the second time I have attended one, and although I quite enjoyed the first one better, so far, it is still a fun time. I love to see all the people who get really into it, which is most of them, in their extreme costumes and such. I even saw one woman carrying a huge live snake, YUCK, I slid past her quickly and down the hall. I am not a snake fan.

One great thing I have found about these events is that most everyone is so friendly and helpful. I have run into very few people who are not happy to be here and happy to talk with whoever they happen to be around. Everyone is brought together for a common interest, and they are excited to share that with others.

I have had the good fortune to attend these as a pro and able to sit on panels and do readings and such. I love it. Especially because with my books being e-books it is hard to find opportunities to advertise yourself in person. This is a great way to interact with readers and get your name out there. Let people know you exist, it is something I struggle with finding new ways to do this from my computer at home.

Short post this morning, because I must get ready for my panel this morning. Have a wonderful weekend everyone and a happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.

SpoCon

I had the experience of a lifetime last weekend. My very first Con, and it was great. It was nothing like I had expected and thankfully I got through it without throwing up from nerves. The picture is me in the green room waiting for things to get started on day two.

I must say, I expected weirdos and I expected to be judged for not being into all that. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of people dressed in costume, but even more were just dressed normal. There was actually a large population of middle aged women there, specifically to see Patricia Briggs no doubt. I was impressed by the diversity, and the fact that everyone there was nice and non-judgmental and I never felt like I didn't fit in or didn't belong. Saying that I write Romance novels didn't get me laughed out of the place.

I was nervous all weekend, felt like I wanted to puke for all the nerves at times. I was scheduled for two panels the first day, a signing and reading the second day, and one panel the third day. Not knowing what to expect I was dying the whole time. I don't like to speak in front of any group and to put myself out there talking about what I do, that was worse in my mind. But I got through it without bursting into flames or passing out. I even enjoyed the experience, although I was the quietest one on all the panels, I really do need to learn how to but my way into conversations sometimes.

My favorite part was having Patricia Briggs talk to me like I was an equal. She didn't put me down for being a new author or writing e-books. She even asked my thoughts on the e-book industry. It was awesome, I love her books.

So all in all a good experience that I am destined to repeat. I will attend RadCon in TriCities Washington in February, which will coincide with the release of my short story Blood Visions through Extasy Books, which will start my paranormal series with books to follow through Devine Destinies Books.