Tag: vcon

Here Be Dragons! Vancouver SFF Con

I had a very enjoyable Saturday Nov 23rd, 2024 at the “Here Be Dragons!” mini-con. It was held on the BCIT campus. My events were three panels and a reading. I was often the lone writer of scripts versus novels on my panel so I hope I gave a new angle or added perspective to the discussions.

Pulp Literature’s JM Landels was there to read and promote her work and that of Pulp L. There were many writers and artists. They had a very good dealers’ room filled with all sorts of items and most of the booksellers featured QR codes, so you didn’t have to lug a physical book around if you bought one.They also had a vibrant gaming floor. The group will offer another one-day con next year and if interest is wide enough, to return to the full weekend VCONs of yore.

I read from “Shambolic Manor” which is due to be published by “On Spec” though I have no date as yet. It’s been purchased and edited. More on that when I know. I was pleased with the responses as it is a comic piece and I got a lot of laughter in the room.

Panels:

Exploring Alternate Media – Talked a lot about working on and selling TV shows, radio, and even story seeds for games. Don DeBrandt talked about his experiences with comics and writing tv novelizations. Wen Handyman talked about her work with new media such as VR stories which was fascinating.

Where do I go from here? Editing Process discussed.

Building Backwards– World building after story creation. Very interesting discussion.

September 2015 VCON cometh

As usual, I’ve been busy.  Going to appear at VCON 2015 on some writing related panels. VCON is always a good time. This year’s writer Guest of Honour is Joe Haldeman, famous for The Forever War among other books.  

To find out about the con go to http://www.vcon.ca

For more on Joe Haldeman, see http://www.joehaldeman.com

Con prep, around our house consists of rereading Haldeman, making costume for J. and reading Aurora Awards nominees. 

For info on the Aurora Awards, see http://www.prixaurorawards.ca

 

VCON 39

J and I attended VCON last weekend in Surrey, BC. She wore the costumes and had fun with friends in the video and paper gaming rooms. I sewed her an Aurora dress. I love to sew but don’t do it much. It’s creative.
I was on several panels and moderated one. It was great fun! I used to love hosting on radio and apparently still have the skills!
I met a couple of fans of Cybersix – sadly the other tv series I’ve written for don’t have fans đź‘Ž but what can you do?
The discussions about critiquing, inspiration, and writing advice were really interesting. I love SF gatherings mostly for the friends. It was also the national awards so we saw lots of Canadian greats like William Gibson, Spider Robinson and Rob Sawyer there to receive awards.
I got to catch up with my old friends including Dr. Robert Runte who is now editing books for FiveRivers publishing.

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Tall Tale of A Wonderful Moment

In the midst of a crazy-busy life, sometimes I do get some absolutely amazing experiences. As a tv writer there is no visible recognition- I mean no one pouring me coffee says “weren’t you that girl on that show?” But at VCON a couple of weeks ago, I had a terrific moment of recognition.
Child in her pirate gear and I were in the elevator at the hotel. She says to me: “Mum, that’s Cybersix!” I say: “Nah” without looking carefully. The girl, Rebecca, says : “Yes, I am Cybersix!”
I’m gob-smacked – she’s a gorgeous, perfect Cybersix! I tell her and her friends that I wrote an episode of the anime version. Not only do they know the cartoon but one of them loves my episode!
I’m high on this for at least a week – it’s gotten me through an 18 hour day on corporate job and still makes me smile. Cause even if I had a nonunion deal, which means no cash residuals ever, I did get a lovely emotional residual & on front of child, too!
Here’s a picture – btw no one is wearing heels!

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What we do instead of writing….

There are writers who produce 12 books a year. The rest of us have developed various stratagem to avoid writer’s cramp.
This weekend I’m at VCon 38 in the quite decent, clean, good- natured, and very understanding Delta airport hotel in Richmond BC.
It can be argued that it’s a useful thing to come and sup with friends of like mind; all of whom know what a Bjoran ear cuff is, or who wrote SandKings, and why we weren’t surprised at the success of Game of Thrones.
I listened to some new authors read from their works. Due to this con, I now know who Mur Lafferty is and will be picking up her book – The Shambling Guide To New York – which sounds very amusing.
I supported other artists by buying handmade jewelry and- fabulous stone coasters with Buck Rogers space ships painted on them!
I have wish lists of art I can’t buy yet – love Lynne Taylor Fahnestalk’s metal sculptures – my fav is Benny!
Also child purchased excellent crocheted Koshi Stuffy by Cat.

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