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My 2014 StarFest con recap

This was my third StarFest attendance, and my first time doing so as a panelist. As most cons are, it was equal parts exhausting and energizing. I always leave these events charged to get back to my writing and projects…after a good night’s sleep, of course. Up until this year, cons have been times for me to sit in the panel audience and listen to authors, get a chance to meet pros across numerous fields, and enjoy the various costume and/or performance spectacles that abound.

This year took on a different dynamic. I ended up being on seven panels and, in-between those times, worked with the WordFire Press team at their table, selling lots of books–most of which were written by bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson. Working at the booth proved to be a ton of fun, partially because of the wide range of interactions it provided with con-goers but also in working alongside an awesome team of authors and industry pros such as Peter Wacks, Mark Ryan, Vivian Caethe, David Boop, and Caitlin Macatee, among others. It was enlightening to be on that side of things, seeing how people are drawn to the promise of a good read and how widely tastes can vary from person to person. Also excellent to meet KJA in person on Saturday when he arrived for signings and panels of his own. The man’s diversity and productivity within fiction is inspiring, to say the least!

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It was also exciting to see The Bloodletting: Part 1, a new epic fantasy co-authored by Peter Wacks and Mark Ryan, sell out–enthusiasm boosted all the further because I worked as an editor for the manuscript.

The panels were incredible fun as well. I got to speak on topics as diverse as writing dream narratives to writing for RPGs and game publishers to combat in scifi/fantasy to current issues women face in geek culture. Lots of great questions from and interaction with the audiences and good discussions with people afterwards in the halls. That sort of conversation and connection is one of the things I value most during these weekends.

One thing I noticed this weekend was a shift in how I felt before, during, and after the con. To a degree, there’s a sense of “going back to real life” on leaving a con. Almost a feeling of cultural disconnect until the next con rolls around. I didn’t feel that as much this time. Even when at home, I remain connected–albeit primarily online–with this community of pros, sharing thoughts, inspirations, achievements, and struggles. As cons become more integrated with my actual career progression, they become less an “escape” and more a worthwhile investment. I’m loving that transition and look forward to seeing how it evolves over the next year.

The next big event on my calendar is Denver Comic Con in June. Looks like I have at least three panels lined up for that so far, and I’ll likely be helping out with the WordFire Press booth once again. Who all else will be there? Can’t wait!

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