I'll be at Boskone this weekend! If you see me at the Westin, feel free to say hi :)
Also, I want to remind the world that I'm still accepting submissions for my erotic pirate anthology Like a Treasure Found. Check out the submission guidelines here.
Showing posts with label boskone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boskone. Show all posts
Friday, February 18, 2011
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Boskone 2010 Report
Had a good time at Boskone 47. It was definitely over too fast! I spent the majority of the con at the New Genre table in the Hucksters Room, which is always a lot of fun—I love talking to everybody! I hope everyone who bought copies today enjoyed the dinosaur valentines and the candy, 'cause I sure did.
I also made it to a panel on "the heroine's journey" and a workshop on making a chain mail bracelet. I'm dying to keep working on my Byzantine weave, but I only have one pair of pliers in my apartment. :(
This weekend also gave me the opportunity to check out the Harry Potter exhibition at the Museum of Science. Fellow Huckster Eliza and I got hilariously lost on the way there, but once we figured out where we were going, we had a great time.
Now, to survive the many months until Readercon!
I also made it to a panel on "the heroine's journey" and a workshop on making a chain mail bracelet. I'm dying to keep working on my Byzantine weave, but I only have one pair of pliers in my apartment. :(
This weekend also gave me the opportunity to check out the Harry Potter exhibition at the Museum of Science. Fellow Huckster Eliza and I got hilariously lost on the way there, but once we figured out where we were going, we had a great time.
Now, to survive the many months until Readercon!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Boskone 46!
I almost posted this last night (I was so proud of myself for being ahead of schedule), but then I got distracted by a lovely boy bearing a Nutella milkshake, so I neglected to finish the post. However, I said I'd have the con report up after Sunday, so it's actually right on time. Bet you didn't expect that! Aha!
Friday
After enjoying an early Valentine's Day dinner with Lee (scallops at Legal Seafood, yum!), I headed to my second Boskone. I took a few minutes to get accustomed to the layout of the new section of the Westin, then went to the "What's So Cool About the Middle Ages, Anyway?" panel. Afterward, I wandered aimlessly in the Con Suite for a bit before deciding to head home.
Saturday
I hurried to Boskone Saturday morning and got there just in time for the "New Publishing/Marketing Technologies" panel. It mainly focused on ebooks, podcasting, and blogging--all of which I find very interesting. Personally, I've never really gotten into podcasts, but from what I've heard, they're quite popular with some. I've read a few ebooks on my computer and phone, and my experience was generally good, though not necessarily as convenient as it could be. My main issue is just that regular books don't need to have their batteries recharged. I'm obviously a fan of blogging. However, it seemed like the panelists focused mostly on informational posts, and while I definitely think the "How I Got Published" and "How Editing Works" type of posts are awesome and a very useful resource, I also really enjoy reading personal posts. Knowing random facts about bloggers' personal lives is kind of a hobby of mine (weird, I know). Sure, there's definitely always the risk that a reader will ask, "Why should I care?" when you launch into a story about your cat or your grandmother or whatever, but I am very much not that reader. I suppose it's just a matter of taste.
But I digress.
Next, I watched combat demonstrations for the better part of an hour. I was seriously impressed by the Higgins folks and their mad skills. I'd love to take some classes with them, but Worcester is a little far away. It is accessible by commuter rail, though, so perhaps. If anyone reading this has studied with them, please feel free to comment! I'd love to know what the experience is like.
I got to chat briefly with Adam Golaski (Emerson alumnus--Go Lions!--and New Genre editor) and his intern, whose name I have unfortunately, er, misplaced in my brain (I'm sorry!). I might possibly help Adam with his booth at Readercon this summer, which would give me an excuse to write another con report, mwa ha ha. More on that if/when it happens.
I went to "The Inclue and Other Smart Writing Tricks," which was a quality good time. I was in major need of caffeine, so afterward I went and got a White Chocolate Mocha and all was well. See, this is one of those personal details like I mentioned before. One Joy Crelin drinks White Chocolate Mochas. The more you know!
Next, there was art show perusing and shopping and the longsword tournament (!!!). Then I went to the bone marrow registry drive and cheek-swabbed, and once that was done, I had to figure out what to do for dinner. That's the one thing about Boskone that's difficult for me--everyone's really friendly and welcoming to newcomers, but they all seem to have known each other for years, and I'm really kind of shy. It's amazing to watch this community of friends interact and to dream of one day truly being part of it, but since I'm so new to this world, I end up feeling kind of lonely and awkward at meal times. I ended up eating and killing time at the South Station McDonalds, and then I headed back to the hotel to wait for the much-anticipated Saturday night events.
"Cast of Characters" was really funny, as was Tam Lin. The award presentations, not so much, but then again, that's not the point. But, it was my first time hearing Jane Yolen's "put it where the sun doesn't shine" story (since I didn't go to the awards last year), and I was amused.
At that point I decided to go home and sleep, since I needed to wake up bright and early the next day if I was going to make it to all the panels I'd scribbled stars next to in my pocket program.
Sunday
I arrived at Boskone and headed straight to "How Not to Edit Yourself." After a rousing discussion of editing, not editing, going to critique groups, not going to critique groups, spouses, and text-to-speech programs, I went to "Breaking Into the Ghetto." This particular panel was, naturally, very relevant for me, since I'm still so new to the SF&F community, as well as the literary world in general. The most important point that the panelists made again and again was simply to be nice. Makes sense. Honestly, I just can't figure out why anyone wouldn't be. But people are people, I suppose.
Next I went to hear the Kollin brothers, Dani and Eytan, read from their book The Unincorporated Man. I'd seen them on two panels and they had some interesting stuff to say, so I figured I'd give it a listen. Also, there were free cookies. Anyway, I was not disappointed, and I'll definitely be buying the book once it's out.
My last chosen panel of Boskone 46 was "When Editors Vent." There wasn't much actual venting per se, since the conversation was kept quite professional (which makes sense, given how much gossip seems to travel in this community). Still, it was quite informative.
Aaaand then there wasn't anything else I wanted to do, so I headed home and bought some soup for my horribly ill roommate.
In all, it was a damn good convention. Can't wait 'til next year!
Friday
After enjoying an early Valentine's Day dinner with Lee (scallops at Legal Seafood, yum!), I headed to my second Boskone. I took a few minutes to get accustomed to the layout of the new section of the Westin, then went to the "What's So Cool About the Middle Ages, Anyway?" panel. Afterward, I wandered aimlessly in the Con Suite for a bit before deciding to head home.
Saturday
I hurried to Boskone Saturday morning and got there just in time for the "New Publishing/Marketing Technologies" panel. It mainly focused on ebooks, podcasting, and blogging--all of which I find very interesting. Personally, I've never really gotten into podcasts, but from what I've heard, they're quite popular with some. I've read a few ebooks on my computer and phone, and my experience was generally good, though not necessarily as convenient as it could be. My main issue is just that regular books don't need to have their batteries recharged. I'm obviously a fan of blogging. However, it seemed like the panelists focused mostly on informational posts, and while I definitely think the "How I Got Published" and "How Editing Works" type of posts are awesome and a very useful resource, I also really enjoy reading personal posts. Knowing random facts about bloggers' personal lives is kind of a hobby of mine (weird, I know). Sure, there's definitely always the risk that a reader will ask, "Why should I care?" when you launch into a story about your cat or your grandmother or whatever, but I am very much not that reader. I suppose it's just a matter of taste.
But I digress.
Next, I watched combat demonstrations for the better part of an hour. I was seriously impressed by the Higgins folks and their mad skills. I'd love to take some classes with them, but Worcester is a little far away. It is accessible by commuter rail, though, so perhaps. If anyone reading this has studied with them, please feel free to comment! I'd love to know what the experience is like.
I got to chat briefly with Adam Golaski (Emerson alumnus--Go Lions!--and New Genre editor) and his intern, whose name I have unfortunately, er, misplaced in my brain (I'm sorry!). I might possibly help Adam with his booth at Readercon this summer, which would give me an excuse to write another con report, mwa ha ha. More on that if/when it happens.
I went to "The Inclue and Other Smart Writing Tricks," which was a quality good time. I was in major need of caffeine, so afterward I went and got a White Chocolate Mocha and all was well. See, this is one of those personal details like I mentioned before. One Joy Crelin drinks White Chocolate Mochas. The more you know!
Next, there was art show perusing and shopping and the longsword tournament (!!!). Then I went to the bone marrow registry drive and cheek-swabbed, and once that was done, I had to figure out what to do for dinner. That's the one thing about Boskone that's difficult for me--everyone's really friendly and welcoming to newcomers, but they all seem to have known each other for years, and I'm really kind of shy. It's amazing to watch this community of friends interact and to dream of one day truly being part of it, but since I'm so new to this world, I end up feeling kind of lonely and awkward at meal times. I ended up eating and killing time at the South Station McDonalds, and then I headed back to the hotel to wait for the much-anticipated Saturday night events.
"Cast of Characters" was really funny, as was Tam Lin. The award presentations, not so much, but then again, that's not the point. But, it was my first time hearing Jane Yolen's "put it where the sun doesn't shine" story (since I didn't go to the awards last year), and I was amused.
At that point I decided to go home and sleep, since I needed to wake up bright and early the next day if I was going to make it to all the panels I'd scribbled stars next to in my pocket program.
Sunday
I arrived at Boskone and headed straight to "How Not to Edit Yourself." After a rousing discussion of editing, not editing, going to critique groups, not going to critique groups, spouses, and text-to-speech programs, I went to "Breaking Into the Ghetto." This particular panel was, naturally, very relevant for me, since I'm still so new to the SF&F community, as well as the literary world in general. The most important point that the panelists made again and again was simply to be nice. Makes sense. Honestly, I just can't figure out why anyone wouldn't be. But people are people, I suppose.
Next I went to hear the Kollin brothers, Dani and Eytan, read from their book The Unincorporated Man. I'd seen them on two panels and they had some interesting stuff to say, so I figured I'd give it a listen. Also, there were free cookies. Anyway, I was not disappointed, and I'll definitely be buying the book once it's out.
My last chosen panel of Boskone 46 was "When Editors Vent." There wasn't much actual venting per se, since the conversation was kept quite professional (which makes sense, given how much gossip seems to travel in this community). Still, it was quite informative.
Aaaand then there wasn't anything else I wanted to do, so I headed home and bought some soup for my horribly ill roommate.
In all, it was a damn good convention. Can't wait 'til next year!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday, February 15, 2008
Boskone 45 Report!!!
Friday, February 15th
Around 5:30, I headed over to the Westin Waterfront. I was super duper nervous because I had never taken the Silver Line before, and I turn into a nervous wreck very, very easily. Aha ha. Anyway, I made it there in one piece, despite the chill wind, and was very amused by the hotel's automatic revolving door. I proceeded to follow random people around the hotel until I found the registration table.
I killed time for a while, checking out the Huckster's Room and watching Peeps be electrocuted. At 7, I went to Selling What You Write, which was hosted by Elaine Isaak. It was pretty informative; I took a bunch of notes that I will hopefully not lose....
Afterward, I hung around the art show for a while. Gawd, the art was amazing. Waaaant.
I left at around 9, since there was nothing else I particularly wanted to do.
Saturday, February 16th
I meant to get over to the con at around 10, but I was running late, so...not so much. I spent a while looking at art again, before placing a bid on a piece. A print, of course. I could have afforded some of the original pieces, but then I'd be broke for the rest of the semester, which would be dreadful.
I met Adam Golaski of New Genre, who is an Emerson alum. Go Lions! We discussed my anxieties about attending Boskone (I was terrified that I'd make a fool of myself in front of Important People, who would proceed to hate me forever and ever and ruin my chances of a successful career. Hey, I never claimed to be a rational person.) and whatnot, and I got a free pen. Hurrah!
After all of that, I went to the Mining Your Obsessions panel, featuring Beth Bernobich, Patricia Bray, Gregory Frost, Joshua B. Palmatier, and Tamora Pierce. Afterward, I went to Tammy's autographing session (where I got a second autograph for my copy of Alanna: The First Adventure), book reading (where she read an excerpt from Bloodhound), and kaffeeklatsch (where I consumed no coffee).
At that point, I decided to head out, since Lee's radio show was due to start in a couple of hours and I wanted to go hang out in the studio with him, which I did.
Sunday, February 17th
I got to the con late, again. I'm so bad at mornings, haha!
After hanging around for a while, I went to Flicks Making Fun of Fantasy, run by Gregory Frost, MaryAnn Johanson, Timothy Liebe, and Howard Waldrop. It was pretty entertaining, with lots of Disney-bashing and mentioning of movies that I've never heard of. Next was How Not to Get Published (Ginjer Buchanan, Daniel P. Dern, Paul Melko, and Eleanor Wood), which was pretty informative and whatnot. After that, I sulked for a while because I got outbid on the art I wanted. Sigh. Hanging out in the Huckster's Room cheered me up, though, and I bought some cute earrings.
Finally, I went to Talk with Tammy, which was rather awesome and lasted an hour longer than it was supposed to, so it was doubly awesome.
Then, to my sadness, Boskone was over and I had to go home. Awww. But anyway, I had a great time, and I can't wait 'til next year. Yay!
Around 5:30, I headed over to the Westin Waterfront. I was super duper nervous because I had never taken the Silver Line before, and I turn into a nervous wreck very, very easily. Aha ha. Anyway, I made it there in one piece, despite the chill wind, and was very amused by the hotel's automatic revolving door. I proceeded to follow random people around the hotel until I found the registration table.
I killed time for a while, checking out the Huckster's Room and watching Peeps be electrocuted. At 7, I went to Selling What You Write, which was hosted by Elaine Isaak. It was pretty informative; I took a bunch of notes that I will hopefully not lose....
Afterward, I hung around the art show for a while. Gawd, the art was amazing. Waaaant.
I left at around 9, since there was nothing else I particularly wanted to do.
Saturday, February 16th
I meant to get over to the con at around 10, but I was running late, so...not so much. I spent a while looking at art again, before placing a bid on a piece. A print, of course. I could have afforded some of the original pieces, but then I'd be broke for the rest of the semester, which would be dreadful.
I met Adam Golaski of New Genre, who is an Emerson alum. Go Lions! We discussed my anxieties about attending Boskone (I was terrified that I'd make a fool of myself in front of Important People, who would proceed to hate me forever and ever and ruin my chances of a successful career. Hey, I never claimed to be a rational person.) and whatnot, and I got a free pen. Hurrah!
After all of that, I went to the Mining Your Obsessions panel, featuring Beth Bernobich, Patricia Bray, Gregory Frost, Joshua B. Palmatier, and Tamora Pierce. Afterward, I went to Tammy's autographing session (where I got a second autograph for my copy of Alanna: The First Adventure), book reading (where she read an excerpt from Bloodhound), and kaffeeklatsch (where I consumed no coffee).
At that point, I decided to head out, since Lee's radio show was due to start in a couple of hours and I wanted to go hang out in the studio with him, which I did.
Sunday, February 17th
I got to the con late, again. I'm so bad at mornings, haha!
After hanging around for a while, I went to Flicks Making Fun of Fantasy, run by Gregory Frost, MaryAnn Johanson, Timothy Liebe, and Howard Waldrop. It was pretty entertaining, with lots of Disney-bashing and mentioning of movies that I've never heard of. Next was How Not to Get Published (Ginjer Buchanan, Daniel P. Dern, Paul Melko, and Eleanor Wood), which was pretty informative and whatnot. After that, I sulked for a while because I got outbid on the art I wanted. Sigh. Hanging out in the Huckster's Room cheered me up, though, and I bought some cute earrings.
Finally, I went to Talk with Tammy, which was rather awesome and lasted an hour longer than it was supposed to, so it was doubly awesome.
Then, to my sadness, Boskone was over and I had to go home. Awww. But anyway, I had a great time, and I can't wait 'til next year. Yay!
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