Wiscon Con Report -- The Positive Stuff

This is my positive stuff of Wiscon Con report. I am also thinking of posting a post about some of the things that disappointed me this year, but I have to think that one through a little. There is a difference between whining and constructive criticism, and I really don't want to grump overmuch about a beautiful convention that so many people work so hard to produce.

Some of my highlights:

* Having conversations with some of my favorite writer friends who are not local to me and whom I only see at this convention. I loved seeing K. Tempest Bradford, and alternating with her to act as each other's fan girls throughout the con. This was not only figurative, but also literal, as we took turns fanning each other at the very crowded and hot Strange Horizons Tea Party.

* The Tea Party was lots of fun too. I met lots of people including a very nice publisher of audiobooks, and had a fabulous conversation with him.

* Going to Ben Rosenbaum's reading entitled: "Excerpts from Agonizing Slow Unfinished Novels in Progress" and hearing what has got to be my favorite dialogue line from any story -- "Want to see my new genitals?"

* Going to an excellent editor panel on slushpiles that focused on how exactly each of them processed their slush piles, from logging incoming stories and novels, to "grading" submissions, to response times and more. It was fascinating, and I learned stuff I did not know about the process.

* Going to an excellent panel on Synopses, Elevator pitches and more. It not only discussed different types of synopses (and how they are used) but it also asked us to do something hands on. We all had to write a "hook" statement for an elevator pitch, and write a one paragraph summary of our novel. It was a great exercise, and I learned a lot from it. Pat Sullivan was there with me, and I'd love to hear his take on this panel as well.

* Meeting (finally) two of my favorite editors in the world, Rachel Swirsky and Ann Leckie from Podcastle. We had an awesome dinner despite my kids being somewhat whiny that evening.

* Seeing my good friend Inna Larsen again. It was so much fun seeing her, and seeing how much her daughter has grown.

* Wearing sexy clothes all convention, especially at the Fancy Dress Party. When you are 42 and overweight, it is nice to have tons of people admire how you look. It kept me from feeling dumpy.

* Talking up a friend's short story and selling it to an editor for them, because networking is not only about what you get, but also about paying forward.

* Getting a chance to help Jason Wittman sell his miniature trilogy for a buck to various people at the con. I'm sure that Jason will have more to say about his "Buy my Trilogy for a Buck" initiative, so I leave the floor open to him.

* Meeting a nine year old boy who had loved the Podcastle recording of my story "Run of the Fiery Horse" so much he had asked for two months straight to have it played as his bedtime story. It does not get any better than that. Ever.

Hmm

PS Michael Merriam wasn't there, but it felt like he was because so many people told me (once they heard I was in MinnSpec) how much they like Michael's writing. So I'm counting him as a kind of virtual friend who attended the con with me in spirit.

PPS I know that I should be including links to everyone's LJ IDs, and links to both Podcastle and MinnSpec, but hey... I have writing to get back to. If I am good and finish my writing, I may come back and update this one.