MileHiCon was a blast. Starting Friday night, the whole weekend was a great mix of business and fun. By business, of course, I mean hanging out in the hotel bar with numerous other writers into the wee hours, talking about their most recent books, short stories sold, and lots of insider info on what it’s like to actually be a Published Author, with all the glamorous mansions, wheelbarrows of money, and…man. Can’t even type that with a straight face.
Among the many authors I met (and this is hardly a complete list) were Dani and Eytan Kollins, David Boop, and Paolo Bacigalupi.
Dani and Eytan have the distinction of being the only sibling writing team in science fiction as of now. Their book, The Unincorporated Man, has been nominated for a Prometheus Award. It is in my to-read stack and you should see a review for it coming up soon. They are a great pair of guys with some wicked humor and very strong opinions. I also chatted with James Van Pelt, Nancy Kress, Barbara Hambly, Brandon Sanderson, and John Picacio.
On a side note about John Picacio, while viewing his artwork I realized that his stuff is everywhere! I’ve seen dozens of his pieces and never even realized it. Amazing stuff. He also confirmed that he’s been contracted by George RR Martin to illustrate a 2011 calendar for A Song of Ice and Fire. Can’t wait to see that.
The panels I attended were great as well. They ranged from topics about futuristic crime and moral relativity to Connie Willis’ appeal to “not be a jerk” when trying to be a professional writer. The Writing Craft panel also left me with a number of new tricks to try out when revising my stories.
Mix all this together with people in costumes, book signings, an art gallery and dealer’s room, medieval duels, and Celtic bards, and it was quite the weekend.
Also, my review of The Gathering Storm is up on my Examiner.com page, so take a look. And don’t forget that Brandon Sanderson will be back in town this Sunday, Nov. 1st, for his Denver book signing at the 16th St. Tattered Cover. See you there!