Rumors of Sobriety (with a side-trip to H.P. Lovecraft’s grave)

H.P. Lovecraft’s grave.

So, I’m back home from NECON 33 in Bristol, Rhode Island. NECON is absolutely one of my favorite annual conventions (along with CONvergence and BizarroCon) and this year was no exception.

However, as fun as it was, this year’s NECON was also a very bittersweet convention, and involved a lot of reminiscing with old friends about old friends who are no longer with us. It also involved making sure those old friends who are still with us knew just how much they mean to us, and how grateful we are to have them in our lives.

Among my personal favorite moments:

Sampling of items left by visitors.

*A wonderful, witty, and heartfelt memorial for Rick Hautala, hosted by Christopher Golden.

*Watching Chet Williamson receive his Legend Award.

*Listening to F. Paul Wilson, Tom Monteleone, and Doug Winter talk shop and reminisce. I was a fan of all three of these men long before we ever became friends, and they’ve been very supportive over the years. But even after all this time, I find there are always new tricks of the trade to learn from them, new cautionary tales to abide by, new laughs to be had, and new inspiration to be gained. We are very lucky to have these teachers with us.

Rio Youers, Mary SanGiovanni, Dave Thomas, and Bev Vincent

*Visiting the monument and grave of H.P. Lovecraft with Mary SanGiovanni, Bev Vincent, Rio Youers, and Dave “Meteornotes” Thomas. The five of us headed out early Friday morning while the rest of the attendees were engaged in Olympic sport competitions, and I’m so glad we did. It was perfect weather (despite the heat) and a perfect day for friends.

*Late-night round table conversation with Nick Kaufmann, Jack Haringa, Christopher Golden, James A. Moore, S.J. Bagley, Heather Graham, and the aforementioned Mary, Bev, and Dave.

*Several quiet talks with NECON founder Bob Booth.

*Several fine meals with several fine friends.

*The Roast of Linda Addison.

The NECON Roast is always my favorite part of the weekend. This year’s was no exception. But this year was the first time I’ve participated in roasting (or been roasted) while sober. And yes, that’s why I’m writing this, because I see folks talking about it already on various social media. Allow me to confirm that the rumors are true. I was sober for the entirety of the convention. I have been, in fact, for a few weeks now.

I quit drinking. Nicotine is next, but that’s not something I can quit cold turkey.  Nicotine is something I’m fighting in stages. I’ve had no problems so far giving up drinking, but nicotine… well, that’s always been my personal demon. I’ve tried quitting it in the past, and always failed. This time, I intend to win.

So, anyway — that’s the deal. For fifteen years y’all have brought me bourbon and tequila and beer at various signings and conventions, and I’ve always been appreciative and grateful and touched. But from here on out, if you really have to buy me a drink, make it a Diet Pepsi or a coffee instead.

And if I seem grumpy, it’s only because I’m in the depths of nicotine withdrawal…