Just Returned From Ravencon

If you are a sci-fi/fantasy writer and you are not going to cons, you should be. They are not only a great time, they are a wonderful learning opportunity and a great place to meet editors, publishers, book cover designers, and other writers both traditionally published and self published. Plus you can party all weekend and let yourself have a great time.

I just returned from Ravencon in Richmond, VA.  This year they had a lot of panels about self publishing which was awesome for me. I wish they would have had special FX makeup people again and maybe a panel on book cover design. I went to a FX panel at Ravencon last year and loved it even though I’m not an FX person. I used the ideas I learned at that class to turn my son into a bloody zombie at Horrorfind weekend. The panels they did have, especially the writing panels, were very informative and I’m glad I went to them.

For fun, my family an I went to the Fantasmo screening of Troll 2. Fantasmo  is a group who loves bad movies and are very informative about them. They do a mystery science theater type commentary during the movie that will leave you laughing and gasping for air the entire movie.

My son always participates in the costume contest. This year he dressed as Master Chief from Halo. He was working on a Minecraft costume but didn’t finish it in time. Hopefully he’ll get to wear it at Balticon a con we are attending for my son’s birthday. We saw some great steampunk costumes and now my son wants to build one too. I have to say, I really love steampunk themed shoes and may have to buy a pair.

At Mysticon back in February I met Andy, the lead singer of Bella Morte. I didn’t get to see them perform then, but I did Saturday night at Ravencon. I highly recommend their music. I have two of their CDs and love them. They put on an awesome live show and are the nicest band to talk to. One of these days I think they will make it big and I’ll be able to say, I got to sit down and talk to them before they were famous. The first day I was at Ravencon I walked by Bella Morte’s booth and Andy actually remembered talking to me even though he probably talked to a hundred other people that day. He also writes books while he’s on the road and I plan to get one soon and check it out. Bella Morte will be attending Blood on the Beach, a horror con at Virgina beach, this upcoming weekend and I wish I could go and see them play again but I’ll be at Disney World with my son.

I also met Miss Lee who wrote her first book at the age of 12 and is now 15 working on her third book in the trilogy. I bought her 1st and 2nd book and can’t wait to read them. I thought it was funny, if she joined my writing group, she would be the most accomplished writer in the group and she’s only 15. Makes you wonder about the time we waste as adults. As soon as I read her first book, When October Ends, I plan to write a review so stay posted. I read a little of the beginning, because I couldn’t wait, and I am already hooked.

Such good times. I can’t wait for Balticon next month.