Swancon–the last two days
Combining these because Sunday was so short.
I spent the morning and lunch with my Perth family (and a ring-in from the Blue Mountains) and after being dropped back at my hotel decided to nap in order to see if I could overcome the con lurgy. I still haven't, but it's never got any worse, which I guess is a good thing.
Got up, dressed up and headed to the Hyatt and got RAINED ON! One of the few instances of rain in Perth in months and it was on me. Maybe the sky didn't like my purple dress…
A party to celebrate Ticonderoga and launch Dead Red Heart and More Scary Kisses. Unfortunately, I didn't do anywhere NEAR the bookbuying I wanted to – budget was extremely tight and I had to choose between books and food. But they both look fabulous and while I do have an author's copy of MSK, I will buy DRH at some point.
Got to read and was really pleased by the number of folks who commented later on how well I read. Reading aloud is something that I love to do (comes from the primary teacher days) and if I get a reputation and get to do it more often – good. Also, someone fan-girled me over The Anstruther Woman, my story in Scary Kisses. I wonder if that will ever get tiring?
Glenda and I then found ourselves in the launch for Swancon 2012 and how wonderful – young folk! Apart from one, they were all early 20s. There was such a sense of energy and enthusiasm, I was quite captivated. If I was a Perthian, I'd definitely be going to Doom-con. Unfortunately, as an Eastern Stater, I doubt I'll get to go but I wish them all the best.
The Orbit/Gollancz cocktail party next, and I got to catch up with folks such as Peter M Ball and the Battersbys. Then the Tin Duck and Ditmar award ceremony. I was delighted to present the Tin Duck for best WA professional long work to Juliet Marillier. As an award ceremony devotee, taking part was one of the best moments of the con for me.
The night can be summed up with three names pretty much – Alisa Krasnostein, Alex Pierce and Tansy Rayner Roberts. The intriguing things the three of them are doing, as a unit and separately, have brought a lot of energy to the Aussie SF scene and I hope they'll inspire others to see what their contribution to the industry will be.
After, chatter in the bar – swapping stories with Sean Williams, Glenda, Ju Landesse and others. Then to bed.
The last day. Glenda and I forked out for the hotel breakfast (baked beans on hashbrowns – YUM!!!!!) and booked out. Then, to the con. I hung a bit, chatting with Simon Brown (so fabulous to see him again – I think the last time was the Conflux I chaired, where Simon was a guest). Swancon was also great for meeting new folks to talk all things SF with – *waves to Tracey and Em*.
I had lunch with an old friend. When I say old – we first meet in Year 3 of primary school. Two hours of fabulous catching up and reminiscing. So wonderful to find folks who have discovered their passion. The joy they take from just being alive shines out of their eyes.
Back at con – more chatting, then the last panel with the three guests. The closing ceremony, which was I thought a wonderful celebration, then time to think about going home.
Made plans, which involved a fabulous meal at a pub in Mt Lawley (wagyu beef burger – wow!) and then one final drink at a quiet but nice room party in Ellen Datlow's room.
Was sad to say goodbye. I got to catch up with lots of friends, and made some new ones. Having the opportunity to get to know Ellen and Justina Robson was particularly lovely – both such intelligent and enthusiastic women, with such intriguing and at times utterly soul-matching (with me) views on writing and the industry.
Cab to airport with Rachel Holkner, Cat and Rob. Got to have one last catch in lounge before flights took off and we dispersed.
I had such an incredible time – I feel that for the first time, I've experienced a con the way most people do. Not that I've had bad times before, but I was either a) still feeling too new or uncertain to really embrace it or b) been on committee. But this time it was about the communication, the connections, the chatter.
Congrats to Alisa and the team – you had an ambitious agenda when you began this journey and I believe you've pulled it off. The bar has now been set for the other cons.
