Day Three of the World Fantasy Convention for me was punctuated by a spasm of fanboyishness. I was walking through the lobby of the hotel, noticing that there were an inordinate number of tuxedos and evening gowns milling about when I noticed a woman standing nearby.  A couple of double-takes later, I realized that it was Amber Benson, author of Death’s Daughter and interviewee around these parts.  And, oh yeah, she played the good witch Tara on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, not to mention being involved in numerous other creative endeavors. So, like a Nebraskan Spotted Geekmoth to a flame,Continue readingWorld Fantasy Convention, San Jose – Day 3

The second day of World Fantasy proved to be just as full of pleasant surprises and meetings as the first. Among the highlights: Attending Jay Lake’s Guerilla Cheese Party, at which everyone was treated to the musical stylings of Ken Scholes with his guitar and harmonica.  Who says writers can’t be multitalented?  I think the pinnacle of that performance was likely Ken’s rendition of U2’s “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” sang as if in duet by Queen Elizabeth II and Bob Dylan.  When someone asked him how he had worked out whose voice sings which lines, he replied,Continue readingWorld Fantasy Convention, San Jose – Day 2

After attending the World Science Fiction Convention last year, not to mention lots of other events over the years, I had a pretty good idea what to expect from a convention like this, but I was surprised at how condensed and homey this convention is, in the heart of downtown San Jose. First of all, the venue here is palatial and compact.  Everything takes place within the hotel, unlike World Con last year where the convention venue sprawled over hundreds of square miles and numerous events were scattered all over downtown Denver.  World Fantasy ’09?  All in one place, inContinue readingWorld Fantasy Convention, San Jose – Day 1 – Poe’s 200th Birthday

Here’s some exciting news (at least for me ;).  I’ll be doing a reading at the World Fantasy Convention in San Jose, CA, next week.  The convention runs from Thursday, October 29, to Sunday, November 1. Friday, October 30, at 9:00 p.m. I will also be participating in the Group Booksigning on Friday evening at 8:30. So if you’re attending WFC this year, look me up!

As my agent said, once upon a time, “good things can happen when you put the ball into play.” And if one never puts the ball into play, nothing much will ever happen, except by accident. It is indeed official. Heart of the Ronin will be released in 2010 in an Indonesian edition, translated into Bahasa Indonesia. I’m thrilled, of course, but it still seems a bit surreal to me, because this came out of nowhere.  Nevertheless, I’m delighted that the story is continuing to get out there.

Thanks to the folks of the Omaha Science Fiction Education Society (OSFES) for putting on a great convention this last weekend in Omaha, in particular John Shoberg. Thanks, John, for having me. If you’re a Scifi/Fantasy kinda person you would do well to check it out.  With two successful years starting up a new con, the OSFES folks know what they’re doing. I had a great time, met some great people, and had some interesting panel discussions on writing and Lovecraft.