ANTHOCON- 2011- Thoughts, reflections and thanks.

We pulled into Portsmouth feeling about half-passed dead…
Through the pouring rain and steely grey skies, a light appeared-- Shattering the clouds like a razor sharp katana through a rotted zombie's pus-filled head.We smiled as the light from the hotel stood out like a beacon saving us from the rain.Inside, we would find lodging; dry clothes and more amazing folks than you could shake an empty whisky bottle at.
            Anthology: Anthocon for short was our destination and we had arrived. And by the end of the long, but life changing five days, I truly felt that I had arrived. At least was well on my way.            I have been going to conventions of all kinds since I was a teen.  Back then, they were mostly comic book, Dungeons & Dragons (Role-playing), Science Fiction cons.  However, since I started my writing career almost five years ago, writing and horror conventions have been my usual haunts today.  And while I haven't been to tons of writer/horror cons, I will say hands down, that after this past weekend, ANTHOCON is the best by far.  And holy hell Batman, this was just their first year!  Can you imagine what the next five, 10 years will bring?  Pure unadulterated, awesomeness.  That's what!
            The Four Horsemen: Tim Deal, Danny Evarts, Mark Wholley and ZjOhnny Morse truly outdid themselves with this convention. From the minute you walked into the hotel conference area, these gentlemen were firing on all four cylinders.  Were there little things here and there, of course, even the "big" cons have issues. We are all human beings after all.             I purchased my first ever table and was extremely nervous and worried, but those guys went out of their way to make me feel (as well as Shelly, my wife/Publicist/Motivator/inspiration) like I/we were family.  Moreover, I am damn sure they did the same for every other single vendor/author/guest and attendee that came through those doors.  See, you are not just a number or dollar sign at ANTHCON.  No sir, you are a valued member of the Anthology family.  I have never felt like that at any other convention, whether it be a fiction or gaming con.
For me, the con started Thursday night and as I alluded to above, we drove through driving rain for the majority of the trip but we still made it in good time.            The night was spent with Danny Evarts, Scott Christian Carr, Will Prescott, Salena Bargsley, and some of our new favorite folks, Jackie and Dan Gamber.  Oh, and who the hell IS Dan Haggerty anyway?            I had my first scotch.  They say the stuff is high end and expensive.  All I know is that it kicked moby ass, the 12-year-old Jameson whiskey wasn't too shabby.             It was a relatively early night, as we all knew that the frivolity and shenanigans that were about to wreak havoc on our Anthocon buttocks.
            First day of the con and set up and registration were first on the list.  From my perspective, it went smooth and efficient.             One of the first writer pals I saw was one, Mr. Gord Rollo.  What a super guy and uber-talented writer.  Although, I will admit I was jealous, as he had an ice-cold beer in his hand.  Sonofa!!!!  No worries dear readers, this here Irish writer made right quick to remedy that unfortunate situation.
I found my table with my name on it and of course blushed and broke into my typical red Irish wide smile.  Shelly and I set up and spent thirty minutes getting the books, posters just right.  (Although, Dan Gamber would come along later and tell us were doing it all wrong. LOL)             As the dealer room opened, I sat there, behind my table, flooded with a sea of emotions. I was nervous, excited, freaked, beyond happy.  I sat and reflected, as I did a lot over the next three days, just how far I'd come as a writer and even more importantly, how far I needed to go.  But I dig that.  I will never "make it".  I don't want to ever be complacent.  My work, much like me as a person, is very much a work-in-progress.  Art doesn't have a destination.  You never "arrive".  You write a story, edit it, submit it, some get published some don't. Then you start the process over again, all the while, honing your craft with each project.  I have been extremely lucky in that I have found some great mentors and amazing writer/editor friends that have been kind enough to share their advice with me and point me in the right direction.  When my first novel is published, I have a list of all of those heaven-sent folks that I owe it all too. But for now, I will say that ANTHOCON was a yard marker for me.  Let me tell you how.            As I've already stated, I had my first author's table.  I sold my work and actually was asked to sign them. That moved me deeply. I had the chance to meet some amazingly friendly folks and some of my writing heroes.  I also learned many things about myself, not only as a writer, but also as a professional.  Here is lesson one folks: Know how to handle yourself with readers, other writers and publishers.  Do not ever bash, berate or put down other writers or publishers.  Not only is that bad karma my friends, it's also going to eventually bite your ass off. I also learned more about how to sell your work as well as yourself. (Mucho thanks to Dan Gamber on that one. The man is good.) All of those experience taught will be constant companions as I continued down the path of my writing career.
            I sat on my first panel and that was an inspirational experience as well.  The topic was on "The Importance of Art in Fiction" in the publishing industry.  As I have a Master's degree in art education and started out the first thirty plus years of my life wanting to be a comic book artist.  The other panelists were all fantastically talented guys: Michael Bailey, Joshua Andrew Belanger, Morbideus Goodell, Ogmios, Trevor Schubert and publisher Ian R. Strock.  Danny Evarts, who did a bang up job and is a supremely talented dude in his own right, moderated it.            I learned so much from that panel and I want to thank the artists for sharing their experiences with me.  As well, a thank you goes out to the audiences who attended and really seem to be into all of us blathering artist types. 
            The parties, both nights were off the flipping charts.  The Hiram Grange awards are a must see and sadly since a certain, Gregory Hall wasn't in attendance, the Big Boy Dance off did not happen.  Maybe, just maybe, if we can manage to get Greg up there next year, I might jump into the dance off.  Many factors will go into bringing me out of retirement, but I will at least say it's on the table.
            One of the highlights was to have finally met Jonathan Maberry in person. We had several impactful conversations, and will never forget them.  He is probably the most genuine, kind guy you'd ever want to meet.  A true inspiration on the writing, professional and person front indeed.  Let's hope some of his wisdom seeps into this thick skull.  I think I will do all right.
                       Late night parties happen at Con.  I accept this fact and embrace them. And at ANTHOCON, there were three nights in a row of astronomically, mind blowing bashes.            I will not divulge any of the zany activities that transpired at said parties, as I have signed a non-discloser agreement.  (However, if you see me at the next con and slip me a Jameson, I just might "slip" up.)                       I was going to do a blow-by-blow account of the con but that just didn't fit the vibe of the whole weekend.  It was the best time I have had in a very long time.            I had the chance to spend some quality time with old friends and made new ones that really, truly get who I am and what I am trying to do.  I will always be grateful to you all!!!  Much Love Gang. Huge Erbal hug goes out to the following terrific folks: (if your name isn't on here, I'm sorry. It wasn't on purpose and feel free to add your name at the bottom!)
-          Tim Deal-          Danny Evarts-          Mark Wholley-          Sheldon & Linda Higdon-          Jackie and Dan Gamber-          Scott Christian Carr-          Will Prescott-          Gord Rollo-          James Roy Daley-          Jonathan Maberry-          Andrew Wolter-          Michael Boatman-          Brian Keene-          Kevin Lucia-          Susan Scofield-          Jaasen Bailey-          Salena Bargsley-          Charles Day-          Victorya Chase-          (Fill in your name here.)

I have to thank Shelly for everything. She has been a rock for me, has supported, and pushed me and I can never thank her enough.  Now that my writing family has embraced her, my life is pretty damned golden. Thank you gang.  Thanks the 4 Horsemen, and all.We will see you next year. I aim to be bringing more Erbal Mojo with me next time and will take ANTHOCON to the next level and beyond.To the folks that didn't attend, GET YOUR BEHINDS HERE NEXT YEAR!  THIS IS GOING TO BE THEE CON TO ATTEND!!!
Have a great year all and let's stay in touch.I have writing to do so don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!
 Much love,-          TAE