Well, I’m back.

 Apollocon was fun and I had a great time hanging out with old friends and new. The con was small-ish but lively, what with gamers and costumed fans mingling with the usual writerly crowd.

 The book cover panel was highlighted by John Picacio and Lou Anders discussing what makes a good cover, what makes a great cover, and how a cover can affect book sales for good or ill. I also shared a panel on SF in literature and other media, a free-wheeling discussion with Jayme Blaschke, Tim Miller, Maureen McHugh, Rosemary Clement-Moore, and C. J. Mills. When an audience member asked if the writers on the panel would consider an offer from Hollywood to adapt one of their books, I said that I would definitely want take the money but depending on the production company I might turn them down. Allen Steele from the audience pointed out that since many books are optioned but few are chosen, it was okay to take the money and run.

So it’s okay — if anyone wants to make a movie of Gordath Wood, I’ll be like, where do I sign?

Kimm Antell freaked me out by showing me the YouTube video of the basketball player whose tendons and ligaments went sproing!! and his leg bent the wrong way. I’m still shuddering over that. Thanks, Kimm.

Went to a bunch of readings including Jessica Reisman and Shanna Swendon, and let me tell you, there was a juxtaposition of writing styles. Jessica’s language is deep and flowing; Shanna’s is bouncy and lively.  

Have I mentioned that I hate reading out loud? In front of people? Luckily I got to read with Martha Wells, who read from a brand-new fantasy that hasn’t even been sold yet and it made me so jealous I wanted to cry. Instead, I read a few excerpts from GW, and man, I just can’t stand reading out loud. But people laughed at the right spots so I guess it went okay.

I’m not a huge picture hound, but here are a couple (Click for a larger view.)

My digital camera thinks it’s a daguerrotype, and Mikal Trimm, being all 21st century, thought he could move about. But no! One must stay freakishly still, or my camera will blur you like a blurry little thing!

This was the cursing panel. I’m pretty sure that Selina Rosen’s head has exploded because of all the bad language everyone else was using.

I think this picture really sums up what is important about the con, though. Yes, you guessed it: Gabrielle Faust’s shoes. These shoes rock, people.