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.

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.

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.

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.