Day one–Swancon

Ah, Perth. What a delight you are – bright and sunny. Just turn the temperature down a titch and we'll be right.

Day one began with Glenda Larke's arrival, after a long flight from KL. We had a fabulous chat, then met up with Kaaron Warren for a walk before lunch.

Lunch – the meet the guests/fundraiser – was at a Vietnamese restaurant. The room itself wasn't that much, but the food was wonderful. I love how all the various Asian countries have their own style on the classic Asian tastes. And the fried icecream was great!

Had a fabulous chat with guest of honour Justina Robson, where along with Glenda and a few other peeps, we discussed things like whether men's drive for success is a biological imperative or not, life in country towns and where the line lay between pornography and erotica. Fun stuff.

Glenda and I came back to the hotel room for a nap, then we upped and got ready and headed to the Hyatt for the con. It's a lovely hotel and the bar is in perfect position – you can just sit and grab people as they wander past.

I hadn't done the 'sit in the bar and grab people' thing for such an extended period of time before and it was fun – I can see why some folks do this for their entire con experience.

I had a reading scheduled for 9.30 but no-one showed. I'm starting to wonder about the value of readings at conventions.

Then at 10.30pm was my first panel on paranormal romance. I was scared no one would show and those that did would be too tired for a really good session but not the case. We had a pretty good crowd and had some interesting discussions on what PR is, the differences between YA and adult and what are some of the developments. Someone came up after and said he enjoyed my story in ASIM 50, so I was extremely happy.

Bit more time in the bar then Kaaron (hotel across the street), Glenda and I wandered back home. In bed after midnight, quite happy.

Best first night of a con that I've had.

Today, I'll be going to a few panels – someone (I think Thoraiyer Dyer?) asked if I still attended panels or was I a permanent fixture in the bar nowadays. I'm definitely a panel attendee because I'm a fan, and open to learning. Plus I'm a little bit cheap and I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of my money [image error]

Tonight, at 9.30pm, the Embracing the Erotic panel – oh yes, my friends, it will get dirty [image error]