Since I often speak on panels and give readings, I decided to join Toastmasters at work. It’s pretty cool. The formality of the organization has a certain antiquated charm, and my fellow Toastmasters are into it in a sort of laid-back way. Everyone wants to get better at formal speaking, but no one wants to be too geeked out about it. And make no mistake — Toastmasters is geeky. That antiquated charm with the rules Read more…
What is it like to be a writer of fantasy whose family isn’t into fantasy? Here’s how I do it. I sometimes envy the couples and families I meet at cons. When I go to cons, I go solitary. I meet my friends and fellow fans of course, so it’s not like I “wander lonely as a cloud” or anything, but cons are very definitely part of my writing life that doesn’t have much to Read more…
At this point I’ve been to several Texas conventions, plus one World Fantasy Con* (in Calgary). The last WorldCon I went to was in 1997, also in San Antonio. It was a blast. John Norman (Gor) was there, in all his controversial, unrepentent glory. I met Jim Van Pelt there too, though I doubt he remembers me (Hi, Jim!). I only had one day since the kids were small and my husband worked weekends, so Read more…