Posted by Nicky Drayden on Oct 21, 2013 in
Writer's Life Oh dear. I did not expect this, but a new novel idea thrust itself upon me in my dreams last night. Conveniently in time for NaNoWriMo, so I think this must be done. Think Tarzan meets Planet of the Apes meets iRobot. Have a short outline already, and will expand it so that all I have to do is sit down and write once November comes. I’ll also commit to getting up an hour early to write. Sleep can wait for December, right?
Posted by Nicky Drayden on Sep 3, 2013 in
Writer's Life 
This past Saturday I attended my first WorldCon! I feel like such a big girl now, though to be honest, after hiking all over the humongous San Antonio Convention Center, I kind of prefer the quaintness of ArmadilloCon. However, I loved my little pocket program guide, so well organized! I only got to attend two panels, one on a printing press and the other on genetic modifications, both were pretty interesting as far as panels go. I also read an except of “The Atmosphere Man” at the Rayguns Over Texas anthology reading, and apparently several people thought I did a swell job, though they may have been just pulling my chain. (I still have some hangups about reading in front of people, stemming from an incident in the fourth grade.)
I did a quick walk through the Art Show, saw a few pieces I liked, but nothing that made me feel like I needed to part with my little monies. There were even a couple of pieces featuring people of color, which is always nice. It’s sad that I get so excited even to see a little hint of pigment in someone’s skin. And I loved that there weren’t nearly as many cat pieces as there are at ArmadilloCon! Seriously, there are other animals out there! I was a little disappointed not to see more people in costume. But there were a few, and I’m sure it was fun for the normals to see a green ogre walking down the Riverwalk.
Other than that, I just had a great time hanging out on the Riverwalk, spending some quality time with my Bestie, and eating mediocre Tex-Mex. I also got to meet my boss, the illustrious Norm Sherman, and do a Drabblecastian reading with him and Matthew Bey in front of a live audience. That was fun, and I only messed up a few times. Really great story. I’ll let you know when it’s up. I also dabbled some in the domestic arts and made cupcakes for the Drabblecast party. I meant for them to have a tentacle theme, but that was a bit of a miss, I think. Hey, at least I tried. My partying skills are rather lame, so even though I managed to do a bit of party-hopping, I didn’t even make it to 11:00pm before I decided to turn in. A great time was had, however. Can’t wait until the next Con!
Photos:
My favorite picture from WorldCon, because 1. It looks like my head is coming out of a water jug, and 2. Well… First rule of Rayguns Panel: Don’t talk about Rayguns Panel.
Me, nervous about inking the press after getting “yelled at” for doing it wrong. I should have paid more attention while waiting in line. (The presenters were very nice, just startled me a bit.)
Taadaaa! No mini-printing presses were harmed in the making of this photo.
