This weekend I wrapped up my second convention. That means it’s time for a con debrief! (See the last debrief here.) I spent four amazing days hanging out with the good people of Norwescon 38 in SeaTac, Washington. There’s something very awesome about small sci-fi/fantasy conventions. Everyone is always warm and friendly, and there is a lot of support from fellow attendees, the whole place feels a bit like a family reunion.

A Norwescon 38 Debriefing

The convention was four days. I arrived on Thursday afternoon. I took what pictures I could but I didn’t get nearly enough. (There’s a few more on Instagram.) Unlike other dealers a guy with a couple of books doesn’t take long to setup. So I was ready to go pretty quick. Before the dealer room even opened I had already sold a few books.

Unlike SpoCon, I solo’d Norwescon. Not sure I’d do that again. I spent most of Friday and Saturday on my feet 11+ hours straight. Evenings involved me returning home, killing a martini, and then crashing out. That said, the exhaustion was worth it, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

My biggest news: by the end of the con I sold every copy of The Stars Were Right that I had on hand. I even had to bring in my last box for Saturday. Everyone was excited to pick up the series and honestly I hadn’t expected such enthusiasm. I hope everyone enjoys the beginning of Wal’s story. There’s a lot more to come and I can’t wait to share it with all of you.

A Norwescon 38 Debriefing

Okay, to the highlights:

  • Obviously, selling out of The Stars Were Right and most of my stock of Old Broken Road. I never expect this. (You can still get paperbacks from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, I’ll have more copies soon.)
  • Meeting Ace, Rob, Dizzy, Xoie, Jennifer, Friday, Michael, Little Bear, Lee, other Michael, and all you other wonderful folks who I either missed or whose names I forgotten. You made a guy feel pretty darn great. Thank you. <3
  • The cosplay. Oh, my stars and garters, the cosplay! It was all so good. You all outdid yourselves.
  • Hearing from folks who had started my books before Norwescon was even over. I love it when folks are that excited. Thanks for stopping by and telling me that you were enjoying them.
  • The official Norwescon social media stream. Seriously, follow them on Instagram and Twitter, they’re awesome.
  • The Philip K. Dick Awards — Congrats to the winner, Meg Elison and to the special citation winner, Jennifer Marie Brissett. Well deserved.
  • Seeing Matt and Shannon from Seattle Geekly. Great people.
  • The name tag ribbons, no… seriously. I had no idea.
  • Ace’s resonate reading of the first page of The Stars Were Right. (Seriously, dude, consider VO work. Say it with me: “In a world…”)
  • Meeting the badass Michael G. Munz. Go buy his book: Zeus Is Dead: A Monstrously Inconvenient Adventure.
  • Having folks who attended SpoCon swing by to tell me they loved The Stars Were Right and were eager to dive into Old Broken Road.
  • Finally meeting Lee French in person. We’ve followed each other on Twitter for a while. There’s a pic of us smiling over on her wrap-up post. I recommend checking it out.
  • Whoever was playing the violin on Sunday. It was lovely.
  • Having an entire group of roommates buy copies of my books. (Instant book club! I’m sorry I can’t remember everyones names.)
  • Talking hiking with a con attendee. I learned about some hot spring in the Olympics I never knew existed. Now to find time to go hike to them.
  • George R. R. Martin taking his picture on the Iron Throne with fans.
  • Did I mention I SOLD OUT of The Stars Were Right? I need to hustle to get fresh copies for the next con!
  • Everyone person who offered to spell me (especially you Diz, Ace, and Friday) your willingness to help me out meant a lot. I owe you one.
  • I met the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa! He was as charming as you’d expect and also happened to be one of Norwescon’s founders.
  • The diversity and openness and acceptance between attendees. Everyone was super considerate and really encouraging.

A Norwescon 38 Debriefing
I’m still dealing with the comedown portion of the con. It was surreal going back to a world where folks didn’t wear steampunk costumes and didn’t dress like elven princesses every day. (Seriously, what’s wrong with the world today?) Sunday night I arrived home exhausted, feeling very accomplished, and missing all you crazy people. I’m glad I went.

There’s no rest for the wicked. Work had been crazy this week and I’m already waist deep in preparing for my next outing. After all, CthulhuCon is coming.