Well, I’m back.
Apollocon was fun and I had a great time hanging out with old friends and new. The con was small-ish but lively, what with gamers and costumed fans mingling with the usual writerly crowd.
The book cover panel was highlighted by John Picacio and Lou Anders discussing what makes a good cover, what makes a great cover, and how a cover can affect book sales for good or ill. I also shared a panel on SF in literature and other media, a free-wheeling discussion with Jayme Blaschke, Tim Miller, Maureen McHugh, Rosemary Clement-Moore, and C. J. Mills. When an audience member asked if the writers on the panel would consider an offer from Hollywood to adapt one of their books, I said that I would definitely want take the money but depending on the production company I might turn them down. Allen Steele from the audience pointed out that since many books are optioned but few are chosen, it was okay to take the money and run.
So it’s okay — if anyone wants to make a movie of Gordath Wood, I’ll be like, where do I sign?
Kimm Antell freaked me out by showing me the YouTube video of the basketball player whose tendons and ligaments went sproing!! and his leg bent the wrong way. I’m still shuddering over that. Thanks, Kimm.
Went to a bunch of readings including Jessica Reisman and Shanna Swendon, and let me tell you, there was a juxtaposition of writing styles. Jessica’s language is deep and flowing; Shanna’s is bouncy and lively.
Have I mentioned that I hate reading out loud? In front of people? Luckily I got to read with Martha Wells, who read from a brand-new fantasy that hasn’t even been sold yet and it made me so jealous I wanted to cry. Instead, I read a few excerpts from GW, and man, I just can’t stand reading out loud. But people laughed at the right spots so I guess it went okay.
I’m not a huge picture hound, but here are a couple (Click for a larger view.)
My digital camera thinks it’s a daguerrotype, and Mikal Trimm, being all 21st century, thought he could move about. But no! One must stay freakishly still, or my camera will blur you like a blurry little thing!
This was the cursing panel. I’m pretty sure that Selina Rosen’s head has exploded because of all the bad language everyone else was using.
I think this picture really sums up what is important about the con, though. Yes, you guessed it: Gabrielle Faust’s shoes. These shoes rock, people.
5 Comments
Lenora Rose · June 30, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Okay, I’m bad. I just discovered a remark on Martha Wells’ livejournal saying you’d done a reading from your forthcoming book, and I swear, I squeed.
Because while I kind of remember tearing a draft apart on you, I definitely remember hoping the next draft would turn out. Looks like it did (I’m bookmarking the excerpt for a time when I’m not so short of time I shouldn’t even be pausing to leave this message.)
Patrice Sarath · June 30, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Lenora Rose!
Hey, you didn’t tear it apart any worse than the rest of my readers and the tough love worked.
So if you happen to run across it in your local bookstore, just check out the acknowledgements page.
And let me know what’s up with you, when you have the time, okay?
Kimm Antell · July 2, 2008 at 8:20 am
Bwahahahahaha! I am the queen of sports injuries!
Here it is again if you want to freak out anybody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F2B796QeFk
Admit it though… when I am winning my first Oscar, you are going to think to yourself “I remember when she gave me the heebie-jeebies.”
Patrice Sarath · July 2, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Your first Oscar? How many are you planning on, anyway?
I refuse to click on that link. Once was enough.
Gabrielle Faust · August 6, 2008 at 4:12 pm
LOL!! I just now read this post and saw my shoes at the end. How hysterical! Well, they are my lucky shoes! 🙂