Category Archives: conventions

Published: November 16, 2007

Butterflies….

So in half an hour or so I’m going to be getting into my car and driving up to Minneapolis for the Fantasy Matters convention I mentioned a while back.

I was pretty sure that by now, I’d be numb to the pre convention jitters. Over the years I’ve done a lot of public speaking in a lot of different venues. I’ve been a teacher for years, of course, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Teaching is a cakewalk compared to some of the other gigs I’ve had.

Hell, about a year ago I was the commencement speaker at the biggest high school in the state. That was scary. Going to another convention shouldn’t be making me jittery. Improv comedy. That’s hard. Preaching a sermon, singing in front of judges, live radio interviews.
All of those are way more…. anxiousnessing than talking on a panel at a convention….

Shit, it’s starting already. I’m losing all my words… what’s the word for when something makes you nervous? Is there such a word? There has to be….

Hell, by noon tomorrow I’ll be speaking like a… Labrador? What does that even mean? Fuck. Now my knack for clever analogies has crapped-out as well. Soon I’ll be reduced to grunts, rude gestures, and scratching crude sketches in the dirt with a stick….

The reason for my anxiety is this. Neil Gaiman is going to be at this convention. I’m finally going to meet him.

Now over the last year or so, I’ve met a lot of important people. Big people. Agents. Editors. Movers. Shakers. Authors that I’ve read for years. Luckily, it’s been a slow progression so that I was never especially overwhelmed at any point.

A couple weeks before my book came out I had dinner with Tad Williams when he was in the area doing a signing. And the strange thing is, I was cool with it. He was just a guy. I should have been a little freaked-out, but I wasn’t.

But Gaiman. His writing is beyond the pale. Dude is mythic and I am seriously nervous. I’m worried that when I meet him I’m going to try to be witty and I’ll just spaz out instead. It’ll be like a Muppet having a seizure. A Muppet with bad language skills.

I’m guessing it would pretty much be like Grover on methamphetamine. With tourettes.

Somewhere between this:

And this:

Oh Deviantart… is there anything you don’t have an illustration for?

Personal to Mr. Gaiman: If you read this, please do not call the police. I won’t visit spazzy Muppet death upon you. Neither will I scalp you and wear your hair like a little hat. You have my word as a fellow fantasy author. I promise. Pinky swear.

Okay, time to get on the road. Got a long drive ahead of me tonight.

Later all….

pat

Also posted in appearances, Neil Gaiman | By Pat45 Responses
Published: October 3, 2007

What should I do #1 – Cat and Girl

Welcome to the first instalment of something I’m going to call “What-Should-I-do Tuesdays.”

Over the last several months I’ve received many e-mails where at some point the person says something very similar to this:

[…] I can’t wait for the sequel. Write faster! I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself until your next book comes out. […]

I usually thought of this as just a rhetorical comment until I got this e-mail:

Hi, Pat!

I was catching up on your blog and realized that one thing that would make it even better would be a list of your favorite authors, movies, games, etc… Clearly, you are a Joss Weedon fan, adore Orson Scott Card, and so on. It’s likely you could turn us, your humble audience, on to some other great stuff you like. I’d love to read your recommendations.

Kelly,

So I thought, why kill two birds with one stone. I turn you on to some good authors AND keep you from wasting away while you wait for book two.

Since this is the first week, let’s start at the top.

If you like good fantasy, you have to read Neil Gaiman.

If you’re into novels, I suggest starting with Neverwhere or Stardust. If you like comics, I suggest reading his Sandman series. Read it in the proper order too, or the continuity gods will strike you down.

Another of the best and brightest in the fantasy Genre is Terry Pratchett. He has written a metric ton of novels over the years. A few of them are merely great, but most of them are hands-down excellent. It isn’t that vital that you read them all in order, but I still recommend trying to start with some of the earlier books first, as there are continuing characters and plot lines.

And finally, a webcomic that I’m guessing many of you have never heard of. It’s not fantasy, but it is one of my favorites. It’s funny, clever, and has healthy doses of social satire. Other comics out there might be funnier, or have more stylish art. But Cat and Girl is possibly the smartest comic I’ve ever read. And it does it without getting snobby or preachy, and it makes me laugh too. It may not be for all of you, but I’m guessing that some of you will really dig it. Browse the archives and find out.

In other news, I’m going to be down at a new convention in Madison this weekend – Geek Kon.

Details are on the tour schedule page, but here are some of the panels I’ll be doing….

SATURDAY,
4pm – Lord of the Rings
6pm – Defining the Genres

SUNDAY
12 noon – SF/F Roundtable
1pm – The 36-Hour Day in Flatland

On Sunday I’m also have a reading/booksigning at Room of One’s Own just off State Street. It’s at 3:00.

Note: Those of you sending books out to me to get them signed, please remember to pack them carefully. One showed up today that had just been dropped in a box with no padding at all. It was banged up pretty badly and the dustjacket was in shreds. If you want specific advice about packaging, check out the details at the end of the blog I wrote on the subject.

Later all,

pat

Also posted in appearances, Fanmail Q + A, Neil Gaiman, recommendations | By Pat30 Responses
Published: August 22, 2007

Back from Indy….

Well everyone, I’m back from Gencon. A good time was had by all, or at least by me.

I brought back all sorts of interesting stories, some cool swag, and an exciting disease. So all in all, I guess I have to consider the weekend a success.

On a related note, I’ve received a MUCH bigger response than I’d expected from my recent blog where I offered to sign people’s books if they sent them to me. I’ve had a couple dozen e-mails so far.

When I was down at Gencon, I mentioned how my plan to reduce the number of book signing requests had kinda backfired on me. One of the more experienced authors mentioned that I should really get a post office box, rather than use my home address all the time.

I waved the warning aside at first. Then she looked at me and said, “How are you going to feel when the first person shows up on your doorstep? Or looks in your window?”

Now personally, my feeling is that anyone who looks in my window is probably going to get exactly what they deserve, a profoundly traumatic experience followed by years of therapy. But more importantly, I tend to think that my book is cool and, by extension, the people who like it have to be cool too. In fact, it seems to me that the people who liked it the most would be the coolest people, and therefore hugely unlikely to try to give me the love knife or the full-blown Misery treatment.

And I have to say that in the several months since my book has come out, I haven’t had a single bad experience with a fan. Generally speaking, everyone has been lovely. Nobody’s done so much as call my house without e-mailing first, let alone give the impression that they’re getting ready to go all stalkeratzi.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that all it would take is one social maladjust showing up at my house to seriously weird me out and ruin my day. So I went out to to get a P.O. Box.

But apparently it’s easier to buy an assault weapon than rent a PO box these days. I need two forms of ID with current address and photos. But I just moved, so my driver’s licence is out of date. And if I’m going to go get a new licence, I should really get a haircut first. Right now I look like the unholy paring of John the Baptist and a certain Hogwarts gamekeeper brought to life by the Henson Company. Not really the look I want my official ID to have for the next umpteen years….

So things are taking a little while to sort out, but eventually you will be able to send in your books to be signed. I promise.

In a couple days, when I’m up for it, I’ll post up the highlights of the convention for those of you who are interested. There are a few interesting stories to tell…

And now to sleep,

pat

P.S. The disease I brought back was just a cold, for those of you who were wondering.

Also posted in appearances | By Pat14 Responses
Published: August 15, 2007

Off To Gencon

 
 
Okay. I’m rushing to get everything ready before I hop a plane down to Indianapolis today.

But before I talk about anything else, I have to send you to all to check out a link.

GO HERE.

(Seriously, go there.)

That is the coolest, geekiest thing that’s ever been done for my book. My hat is off to them. I am laughing with delight and shame. Ladies and gentlemen, the bar has officially been raised.

Okay, here is my Gencon Schedule for anyone who cares.

Panels:

Thursday 16th
10:00 – Worldbuilding: The Basics
11:00 – Worldbuilding: The Anthropology of Fantasy
12:00 – Avoiding Cliches: Prophecies, Chosen Ones and Orphans

Friday 17th
12:00 – Refreshing old characters: Pirates, Vampires, and Elves

Saturday 18th
4:00 – Alchemy and Sorcery, the Science of Magic in Fiction:
5:00 – General Q&A

Signings

Friday 2-4
Saturday 1-3

Both signings are happening at booth 2241, where the multifarious Tarol Hunt will be peddling his ass. I mean wares. I mean, comic. If you haven’t read Goblins yet, you’re really missing out. He’ll have copies of his book there for sale, so even if I’m not there, you should stop by and check out his stuff.

I’m also having a reading / Q&A session / signing at the Wayne Branch Library.

Thursday night at 7:00.

198 S. Girls School Road
Indianapolis, IN 46231
For more info call: 317-275-4530

There will also be books for sale there.

Geekapalooza, here I come.

pat

Also posted in appearances | By Pat20 Responses
Published: August 6, 2007

The Upcoming Festivitites in Indianapolis

As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, I’m going to GenCon this year.

“What’s Gencon?” I hear you ask. Why it’s only the biggest gathering of geeks known to man.

And I use that seemingly sexist phrasing intentionally. Want to play a little game? It’s called, “Find the girl.”

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Can you find her?

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

No I’m afraid not. To the uninitiated, this might look like a girl at first glance. But that is, in fact, a man. Trust me.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Congratulations! You found the girl! Better catch an eyeful now, because she’s obviously legging it away faster than you can say, “I’ve got wood for sheep.”

I’m joking, of course. There are women gamers, many of them quite attractive and cool to be around. Many of them will be in attendance, dressed up in leather corsets, chainmail bikinis, Japanese schoolgirl outfits, and my favorite con occurrence of all — the catgirl.

Of course the fact that there will be guys dressed up in the exact same outfits can be troubling for some people. But not me. One of the coolest things I ever saw at a GenCon was a 6′ 4″, 300 pound man with a beard you could lose a ferret in dressed up as… are you ready? Sailor Moon.

It was awesome. He was my hero. You need serious nuts to wear something like that. And given the costume, there was little doubt as to… well… I’m sure you can see where I’m going here.

Anyway, here’s my schedual for the convention itself.

Panels:

Thursday 16th
10:00 – Worldbuilding: The Basics
11:00 – Worldbuilding: The Anthropology of Fantasy
12:00 – Avoiding Cliches: Prophecies, Chosen Ones and Orphans

Friday 17th
12:00 – Refreshing old characters: Pirates, Vampires, and Elves

Saturday 18th
4:00 – Alchemy and Sorcery, the Science of Magic in Fiction:
5:00 – General Q&A

If you’re not in the mood to show up and hear me talk geeky author talk, you can show up at the booths where I’ll be signing books, hanging out, and basking in the revelry.

One of my favorite webcartoonists, Tarol Hunt of Goblins, has agreed to let me hang out at his booth a little bit, so that anyone who’s interested can swing by and get a book signed by me.
I’ll be there, at booth 2241, from 2-4 on Friday, and 1-3 on Saturday. Feel free to stop by and chat.

Lastly, for those of you who really don’t want to brave the convention, you can catch my at one of the  Wayne Branch Library on Thursday night at 7:00.

198 S. Girls School Road
Indianapolis, IN 46231
317-275-4530

As always, this information is available on the tour dates page. But I thought I’d bring it to your attention here, just in case.

Later folks,

pat

 
 

Also posted in appearances | By PatLeave a comment
Published: August 1, 2007

Writing, moving, and talking about books.

Sorry I’ve been gone so long, folks. It’s been pretty crazy around here. In addition to working like a dog on book two, this week I’ve had the untrammeled delight of moving all my earthly goods from one house to another. Moving sucks, in a nutshell. Do you have any idea how many books I own?

Anyway, aside from the general upheave, things seem to be settling down. My move is done, barring the last bit of cleaning I still have to do tonight. So for now I just have time to post a few, brief announcements.

1. I’ll be down in Indianapolis at GenCon from August 15-19th. I will be doing book signings, panels about writing, and workshops. Plus, I’ll just generally be getting down with my geeky self. (I’ll post up specific times and places in a couple days. Stay tuned for that.)

I will neither confirm nor deny the rumor that I might be dressed as a garden gnome at the convention.

2. The online discussion I’ve been having with Orson Scott Card about Harry Potter has turned out remarkably well. By this I mean I managed to avoid making an ass out of myself in front of one of my favorite authors. Plus, as an added bonus, I got to defend poor Tom Bombadil from unwarranted attacks against his character.

3. There’s a new Q & A up over at Subterranean Press. This interview turned out kinda different, as she asked me some probing questions about my geek heritage. So if you’re a gamer, there might be something interesting for you there. Plus I think I might have accidentally flirted with her a little. As with all my ill-considered choices, I blame caffeine.

4. Lastly is part two of the Q & A I did with Straight from the Barrel. It’s a little more serious than the Subterranean Press interview, but I talk about writing, racism, and one of my favorite webcomics. So there’s a little something there for everyone.

And I’m done. I’ve got to go rugdoctor my apartment before I get any sleep tonight. Wish me luck.

pat

Also posted in appearances, book two | By Pat11 Responses
Published: July 20, 2007

Working Under Deadline.

Just a brief set of announcements today, as I’m rushing to finish a draft of book two for my editor by tonight.

1. For all you geeks and gamers out there out there, I’m going to be attending GENCON this year. I used to go all the time back when they held it in Milwaukee, but when they moved it I was pissed and quit showing up.

But now my years of sulking are at an end. I’m heading back and this will be my first time attending in Indianapolis. I’ll be doing some panels, workshops, and signings. Maybe even playing a game or two. More details will follow later, when I have more time.

2. I’ve been crazy busy lately, so if I haven’t responded to your e-mail, it doesn’t mean I don’t love you. It just means that I’m waiting until I have a little free time.

3. I’ve put up the beginnings of an FAQ over here on the contact page. There will be more questions added in the future.

I’m also thinking of adding an IAQ for Infrequently Asked Questions. Such as “Do you like curry?” and “Do you know where I can buy a soccer ball?” (Yeah, those are real questions I’ve been asked so far.)

4. I did an interview for Ezzulia.

If you just clicked on it and are worried you can’t read it, relax. You’re not having a stroke. The interview is in Dutch, as the Dutch translation of the book went on sale about a week ago. I feel so international.

Lastly, I’m doing a book signing a week from now, on July 28th, here in Stevens Point. It’s at the Book World on Main Street from 1:00 to 3:00. Feel free to stop by if you’re in the neighborhood.

Later all,

Pat

Also posted in appearances, book two, FAQ, foreign happenings | By Pat18 Responses

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