I think I had a bit too much weekend fun. Have you had a weekend of fun that left you feeling like this?
I had a lovely weekend at ConQuesT 44, an annual science fiction and fantasy convention sponsored by the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society (KaCSFFS), held on Memorial Day Weekend in Kansas City, MO.
I had the honor of being on a couple of panels with some distinguished guests and as part of the writers’ workshop met two writers and hopefully inspired them to continue writing and improving.
And of course, I attended panels, met people, and partied late into the night. I had a grand time.
As a writer our time is finite but the number of things we are expected to do seems to grow exponentially.
WHY ATTEND A FAN RUN CONVENTION?
There are a fair number of professional writers, editors, and publishers that attend smaller, fan-run conventions. In these situations, you might get time to get to know a fellow professional more personally and come to understand the business better. You might meet a fellow writer who later becomes a mentor or a collaborator. More importantly, you’ll meet a bunch of people who are as excited about the genre you write, as you are. And that may be the best payoff of all. Readers, at least science fiction and fantasy readers, are a fascinating collection of folk who have all kinds of knowledge. They inspire me, suggest great resources, and are wonderfully interesting friends.
WHEN THE CONVENTION IS OVER
The fans who put on science fiction and fantasy conventions hold a party for the volunteers, guests, and fans when the convention has ended. This after party is traditionally called the “dead dog party.” And there’s a reason for that. This . . .
Yup. I had a wonderful time, but I am a dead tired dog. I’m catching up on my beauty sleep and will post more after I wake up.
What conventions have you attended? Was the convention fan run or professional? Why did you choose to attend?
I hope you had a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend and that you enjoyed some weekend fun. If you haven’t been to a convention before, please share how you spent the weekend.
I love to hear from you and I will respond to every comment (in between naps 🙂 )