What A Great Weekend!

Coeur De Lion has selected one of my stories to appear in the forthcoming anthology Anywhere But Earth. I am thrilled and honoured by this, as I will be sharing pages with a number of well-known and respected writers. This will be a great anthology to keep an eye out for.

Last night I went to see Hawkwind with my friend, George. He's the one who introduced Hawkwind and Hard Rock/Metal to me all those years ago. And, to a great extent, the one who introduced me to Spec Fic. We had a great time, the show was fantastic, and Hawkwind was everything I hoped for.  Lights, videos and dancers wearing Dr. Who-type costumes. The support band, The Night Terrors, were a lot of fun too.

Imagine that - two bands with Theremins. I've always thought modern music needed more of that. Along with banjos, ukeleles and trombones.

And then I was pleased to bump into Paul and Trudi Canavan as I waited to get in.  I had met them before, but we were able to spend a bit of time chatting throughout the night. Trudi sketched the support band, while Paul and I didn't.

And then I came home to a rejection for another story - but the note from the editor was personal, encouraging and right on the money. Wish I'd had those comments before I sent it off. But it's been re-written already and currently sits with another market.

That's what it's all about - perseverance, and being prepared to learn. And having fun doing it all.

Fangs A Lot...

Yesterday I spent the day at Vampirefest 2010, the mini-convention run by the Melbourne Science Fiction Club. There were lots of friends and acquaintances, and plenty of vendors too (and yes, I bought a few bits and pieces). I also chatted with a few people I've seen at different conventions but never actually been introduced to before, and was fortunate enough to meet some new people as well.

I saw Trudi Canavan and Lucy Sussex, and met Edwina Harvey, Jason Nahrung and Kirstyn McDermott for the first time. All of them delightful, of course.  I'm sure they do exist, but I've yet to meet a writer in the speculative fiction genre that isn't friendly, encouraging, and happy to chat.

Jason and Kirstyn both made presentations, Star Wars and Star Trek clubs had to be kept apart by the Dr. Who fan club armed only with a blow-up Dalek.  The Browncoats set up at the back of the room, and a stormtrooper arrived and kept everyone in check. And we got to talk about Vampires!

A splendid time was held by all.  And I can't wait for Aussiecon in September.