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Important => Calendar Event Discussion => Topic started by: jimbutcher on January 13, 2007, 02:32:57 AM
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Jim and Shannon will be attending the RT Convention in Huston!
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No no, AUSTIN, you want to come to AUSTIN, TX!!
Grrrr, now I have to figure out how to get to Houston...
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
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The dates are April 25-29 . I'm wondering, are there any men going besides authors, agents, and publishers ? Do men admit to being fans of Romance fiction ? Of course if you are an unattached male I suppose your odds of meeting a nice female probably goes way up ;D
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The dates are April 25-29 . I'm wondering, are there any men going besides authors, agents, and publishers ? Do men admit to being fans of Romance fiction ? Of course if you are an unattached male I suppose your odds of meeting a nice female probably goes way up ;D
And it also proves to the ladies that you're secure enough of in your own masculinity to go alone to a romance writers' convention. :D
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Apparently, Romantic Times has been trying to get around that stigma by expanding into basically any fiction written by or aimed to females. The title of the magazine is now "RT Book Reviews".
But I've been to them several times (I used to manage a bookstore, and it was owned by my mom so she'd take me when I was a kid). While it's about a 10:1 or 15:1 ratio of women to men (with the husbands usually in the hotel bar or across the street with the kids at Astroworld (before it closed down anyway) or at the Astrodome watching the game (before the Astros got a new stadium)), there are a lot of men there.
For the record, you don't have to spend the $300-500 for the actual convention unless you want to attend the panels and everything. The author signing is only $5 and takes place in a big giant ballroom.
By the way, if you're a single guy, be sure to wear sunglasses. The women -- especially the authors -- usually wear dresses that show a LOT of cleavage...and these women definitely have a lot of it to show...Make sure no one can see your eyes when wearing the glasses so that you won't get caught staring. :p
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
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To quote my girlfriend, "If you don't want guys to stare, don't show the damn cleavage."
Jim, I was never quite clear...are you two attending, or will you be there as con guests? (If the latter, both of you, or just Shannon?)
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Both Jim and Shannon are listed as authors attending the conference. I was under the impression that they were coming as attendees, however, and not as authors. Will they be doing book signings? (I hope!)
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On the Romantic Times website, they're both listed as attending guests at the book signing party (which is the big ballroom set-up where you get to roam around and get your crap signed). It's also only $5, so no excuses if you're in traveling distance!
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
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Well, phooey! That usually means that they won't be signing. I'll be happy just to meet he and Shannon, however. :)
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Huh? No, that means they definately WILL be signing! That's the point of the author's room...the fans walk around the maze of tables, buy books, chat with the authors, stare at cleavage, and get their stuff signed. What I don't know is if they'll be doing anything else other than signing for three hours.
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
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Interesting. Too bad it's too far away.
Will Bob be invited?
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I'm sorry--I misunderstood what you were saying! Yes, they are on the list of authors at the book fair. I was just responding based on what Mickey has said, thinking that they would only be appearing there as guests, not authors.
Will Jim and Shannon ever entertain the idea of sharing a dinner with some of their more adoring fans? I'll even spring for their burgers--what the heck, maybe even chicken nuggets! ;D
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Can't hurt to ask them.... ;)
And I'm sure he'd be willing to do autographs, providing one isn't intruding on "personal time" like eating or heading to the men's room...... :D
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No no no no NO! The point of the book fair is to get all your crap signed and to buy more crap! Seriously, I've been to this thing many, many times. It's a big ballroom with tables filled with books and at each table is an author. The authors are there to sign books, sell more books, and meet fans. It's like a comic book convention, only it's for books. And there's more women since it's romance books.
The Abstruse One
Darryl Mott Jr.
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We (Grogtard, myself, and my girlfriend) tried to buy them dinner when we all went to Chili's, they wouldn't let us. ;)
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But you all went to Chili's! YAY! Maybe there is hope for us down here in fandom to get to hang with the Great One! ;D
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Are there any other members of the board who plan to attend RT? Should we try to get Jim and Shannon to ourselves, if possible?
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My girlfriend and I are kidnapping them for lunch at the Hobbit. (Jim will be of two minds on the place...Tolkiengasm, but healthy food.) As we get closer I was going to ask them if we can drag board people with us. Presumably, the answer will be "hell, yes!" but I don't actually know.
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My girlfriend and I are kidnapping them for lunch at the Hobbit. (Jim will be of two minds on the place...Tolkiengasm, but healthy food.) As we get closer I was going to ask them if we can drag board people with us. Presumably, the answer will be "hell, yes!" but I don't actually know.
Oh, I hope so. I'd love to tag along.
Stitch
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We're looking at doing dinner at The Hobbit Weds April 25.
What time would be good for people? The Hobbit is at roughly Richmond and Kirby, inside the loop, SW of downtown.Map later.
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The Hobbit is a fun place. My daughter took me there for brunch once. :) Any time is okay with me. Whatever works best for Jim and Shannon.
Stitch
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Is there room for a paranoid veteran who read the books to get away from reality??..LOL yeah I know that was extreme. Hey Mr Finn if there is anymore info for the readers who live in Houston will you post it for them or Private Message them? Cuz I'd like to do the whole thing you are talking about. I'd just like a little more info. Thank you ...Crap a Wednesday..Damn the man..I have to work...
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Mickey, you're going to be there also! Hooray! ;D Please count me in at the Hobbit--I will have a lot of responsibilities elsewhere but I will schedule that if you let me know the time. Thanks.
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Hey where is the RT Con at anyways? I tried looking it up and I got nothing.
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Houston. :)
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=454d09e1-8234-400e-aad2-8e6cf105bac2
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It's open to all, as far as I know, and the Wednesday thing is because that's when they're free. ;)
http://houston.citysearch.com/profile/9953692
http://maps.citysearch.com/map/view/9953692
I know some people do not live in the area. Could they suggest a time? I don't want to schedule it past 7.
I'll also need a headcount for grabbing a table.
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Ok, we have a vote for 6pm.
BTW, you can post here. No need to go to PMs ;)
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Six pm is fine with me. And it's just me coming, so 1 for your head count.
Stitch
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Crap ...the only time I can do it is at 1130 AM ...F-ing work... If that could be a time the headcount would be two..Myself and my girlfriend. If 1130 AM is't possible then I guess my girlfriend and I can't go.
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They unfortunately won't even get into Bush Intergalactic until shortly before then....IF their flight is on time.
BTW, Jim...who isn't a romance author...has all his 3 panels on Friday: Friday 10-11, Friday 11-12, Friday 5-6
Shannon, who is a romance author, has none. Go figure.
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Hubby and I can go, 6 pm works. :D
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Other members of the Charlaine board have contacted me with interest in attending. There will be a total of 5 (at this time) that would like to come along.
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I just sent an email to Shannon to confirm that we're not overwhelming them. I doubt we are, but it's polite to ask ;)
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Ok, we're not overwhelming them, at we have reservations at the Hobbit for 6pm, 15-20 people, either in a back room (if we fit) or on the patio, weather permitting.
Ask for Butcher, or Dresden.
Head count will be ongoing til the day before, so keep this thread updated ;)
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Mickey, add one more for a total of six from our group. Thanks.
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Huh.
Work MIGHT have me in Houston that week at the current time. That'd be serendipitous.
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Gah! Yes! Come!
(I haven't seen this man since before Storm Front.)
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Is Friday the only day that they are going to be there? Or will they be there thru the whole Con?
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Gah! Yes! Come!
(I haven't seen this man since before Storm Front.)
I haven't seen Jim since before Storm Front. I haven't seen you since before that. And if work will buy the ticket to go to Houston.... :)
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Curse you people and your close proximity to Jim's appearances!
Any news on Phauxcon? I think that Philly is about as close to me as he is going to get...
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Curse you people and your close proximity to Jim's appearances!
Any news on Phauxcon? I think that Philly is about as close to me as he is going to get...
I recently spoke to Xionin, and she says we'll get more info later this month. She or I will post it here as soon as it's available!
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Ok, Priscellie, just listened to the first 20 mins of the podcast, YOU'RE from Dallas, but your accent is too neutral and you say "yeah...." like a mideastener or Canadian...where are your parents from? :)
That's not a Philly accent, either.
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Ok, Priscellie, just listened to the first 20 mins of the podcast, YOU'RE from Dallas, but your accent is too neutral and you say "yeah...." like a mideastener or Canadian...where are your parents from? :)
That's not a Philly accent, either.
My mom is from Abilene and my dad is from Dallas. They don't have Texan accents either! In fact, I'd be hard pressed to think of anyone I know that has a Southern accent. I do say "y'all" occasionally, if it makes you feel better. :D It perplexed my linguistics grad student ex-boyfriend, too.
Can you tell by the way I overenunciate my "s"s that I used to have a lisp?
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Hey Mickey if you can hold to places for my girlfriend and I. If we can't go I'll let you know Friday Apr 6.
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Sure. ;)
Priscellie, there's an old joke that no one in Dallas is FROM Dallas. ;) I grew up there, but I spent my pre-teen years all up and down the east coast.
I'll listen to the s's when I get a chance to listen to the rest of the podcast. Myself, I have a stutter, and it's funny when people tell me I don't. I think my body language covers it, since it's mild.
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Sure. ;)
Priscellie, there's an old joke that no one in Dallas is FROM Dallas. ;) I grew up there, but I spent my pre-teen years all up and down the east coast.
I'll listen to the s's when I get a chance to listen to the rest of the podcast. Myself, I have a stutter, and it's funny when people tell me I don't. I think my body language covers it, since it's mild.
Ah, gotcha! I hadn't heard that one. Anyway, I look forward to hearing your voice on the Butcher Block soonish!
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Hey Mickey its a go for my girlfriend and I.
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Thanks for the heads up BigMama, I'm good on Wednesday evening so long as MY plane is on time. :D
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Is Rose one of yer aforementioned headcount, or a new one, BigMama?*
*I always feel like I'm on a CB when I say "BigMama"
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KLRose is included in my count, Mickey. ;D
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Count me in for dinner at the Hobbit. I haven't been there in ages. Don't worry- the food may be "healthy," but it's still really good.
Thanks for the heads up, Stitch!
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Hey what is the headcount ?
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I get around 15-16. Is that what you all count? ;)
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I'm getting 17, BigMama, unless you've got FairyFreak + 1 already in your CH count in which it becomes 15.
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No, Fairyfreak and Mr. Fairyfreak are not in my count. They count as themselves. ;D
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Woo-Hoo! *Struts off full of self-importance* ;D
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I hope that not too many people
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Reservations are for 15-20 people. I can expand that. My own headcount is:
Jim & SHannon
Myself & Michelle
Claudia (Hastur)
A guy named Jeff.
Possibly a Mr Lamont.
Possibly a Mike & Andrea for dessert, after class.
And maybe...just maybe...a Charlie/Johnny Alpha
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So it looks like we're at around 18-23 at the moment depending on the possibles list.
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Mickey,
You don't have me on your list, or blue moon.
Stitch
aka Debbie
I just meant folks who hadn't posted yet as coming. ;) Don't worry.
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Oh oh oh don't forget my girlfriend and I....and our names are Jaemy(girlfriend) and Randall(Wolfhowls)
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Mickey, the names of my group are:
BigMama, Rob, KLRose, hockeymom, debim, sonofnorway
All of these are members of this board. :)
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I need to add a "plus 1" to my rsvp.
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Ok, so that looks like a headcount of 19-24 including Mickey's group, BigMama's group, Stitch, Fairyfreak +1, Wolfhowls +1, and Blue Moon +1. I hope I haven't missed anyone.
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Yeaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh ;D
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OK.
I'll definitely be in town that week; hopefully I'll have Wednesday night free.
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Ok, make that 19-25 now... ;D
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Who else is excited ?? Only a week left ! ;D
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Hey, I'm just getting my schedule/lists done for next week and checked in here just in time!
I'll be stuffing Goody Bags for Wednesday night's shindig up until about 5, but it looks like I'll be free to join you all for dinner!
Is there room for one more? And I promise it will be just me. Mistah Midnight stays home to feed the cats, and I doubt I'll be multiplying betwixt now and then. :P
Looking forward to meeting you all!
Hugs,
Liddy
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Goody Bags???
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I'm pretty sure she means for the RT con. One of the reasons we're doing this at 6 instead of the traditional 7 is because there's something going on at 9 at the con.
I stretched the reservations to 25, which includes 2 people who would only be making it for desert, if at all, and one person who's not sure he can make it. So yes, there's room. ;)
Charlie, when will we find out if you're making it? Last minute, or will you know a few days in advance?
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Um, Hi! Haven't posted much at all since the grp moved to this format, but I'm still a fan of Jim's and will be at RT. If there's room for a couple more at dinner, my sister and I would like to come as well.
Kirra
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Goody Bags???
Mickey's right, my publisher (Ellora's Cave) hosts the Wednesday night fantasy party. This year, it's got a Moulin Rouge theme. Authors and the EC stable of cover models get together in the late afternoon to stuff those 800 bags full of all kinds of things. Mostly promotional items from the authors and the publisher, but also some really cool giveaways - including the two decks of EC cover-art playing cards.
That party is what starts at 9. Most of the evening events at the convention begin at 9.
RT is one party after another although in recent years, Kathryn Falk has been leaning toward scheduled workshops and writing classes rather than the all-day reader-author schmoozes it used to be. Before the advent of all the e-publisher start-ups, it was a lot more print authors and die-hard readers. I know a number of NYC-pubbed authors who stopped attending when the balance tipped from mostly readers to writers and writer-wannabees. They now prefer to spend their promo dollars with a purely reader-focused event like Celebrate Romance.
But that's a digression.
My definition of the difference between a conference and a convention is this:
At a conference, you attend workshops and take notes and network diligently to advance your career.
At a convention, you throw glitter in your hair and dance with cover models.
Oh, and if you're at RT, anyone who wants to share the ride is welcome to meet in the lobby - maybe around 5:30? I'll be the rather tall, zaftig redhead with glasses and interesting jewelry.
See you next week!
Hugs,
Liddy
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I stretched the reservations to 25, which includes 2 people who would only be making it for desert, if at all, and one person who's not sure he can make it. So yes, there's room. ;)
Mickey, you're a peach!
Hugs,
Liddy
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Oh Ok ..I've never been to a Con of any kind...
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It's my first con of any sort as well. I've heard that RT is a great time and the atmosphere is very relaxed . I think the whole event will be a lot of fun and a wonderful opportunity to meet authors you've enjoyed (like Jim!) and chat and rub elbows with other book lovers.
Kirra
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Oh, you're going to LOVE it, Kirra! It's SOOOO much fun. Very laid-back and easygoing. Wear what you want, fancy or sloppy. Nobody cares. ;D
Can't wait to meet you guys! I wish I could make it to the Hobbit party, but I already had business plans (yeah, us authors have to work at these things!) But do look me up while you're wandering around or at least at the book signing on Saturday. :) Since Cie couldn't make it (had to cancel because she started a new job) they'll probably seat me in the "C" section. Unless they put Jim and Shannon at a special table (which they tend to do with the BIG authors who will have a long line---and we're hoping for that, right...? ;D ) I'll be just a few tables away (Bu to Cl should be in shouting distance.)
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OKay.. maybe I just haven't spent enough time at the website but I didn't see anything about the signings... so I'm a few hours from Houston... I don't have the money to go to that con (cause I got into the Dragon*con art show!! AHHH!!) but if you don't have purchase a con membership <or whatever they call it> to go to the signing I'd be interested. Can you just puchase access to that? If so what day/time is it? Where do I find the info on it?
Knightie
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Kool I can't wait to see the Con...Is there anything that I should beware of ....like food or a type of table er something?? I know people dress up ...is it ...you know kinda..too out there??
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OKay.. maybe I just haven't spent enough time at the website but I didn't see anything about the signings... so I'm a few hours from Houston... I don't have the money to go to that con (cause I got into the Dragon*con art show!! AHHH!!) but if you don't have purchase a con membership <or whatever they call it> to go to the signing I'd be interested. Can you just puchase access to that? If so what day/time is it? Where do I find the info on it?
Knightie
I believe there is cheaper pass for autographs and such, but I don't know the details. But someone here will. ;)
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You can attend the Saturday book signing for $5.00, payable at the door. :) Also you can bring books that you already own to the signing and the authors will be happy to sign them for you. You must have them tagged before you go in so they won't try to charge you for them as you leave. The book signing is very casual and fun and it is great to see all your favorite authors in one place! Be prepared to stand in line for the bestselling authors like Charlaine Harris, Chrstine Feehan and Jim. I found that the earlier you get there the better. I think the book fair opens for the general public usually around 10:00. Hope to see you there! :D
Go to www.romantictimes.com and click on the convention icon.
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Kool I can't wait to see the Con...Is there anything that I should beware of ....like food or a type of table er something?? I know people dress up ...is it ...you know kinda..too out there??
What BigMama said about the signing. As for food and dress, you'll probably find a lot of beef products and Mexican food (being in Houston this year). Dress is any and everything. Here are a few pics from last year's event in Daytona Beach to give you an idea. You might find people in business suits:
(http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/8073/aascotteaganforwebck9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Or teddys:
(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/972/aakaylaperrinforwebwa7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Fancy dress:
(http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9352/aalaurellandjonathanforyz2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Or "whatever you throw on":
(http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/226/aamorganandbellawu9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
There are no rules.
Here's what the book signing traditionally looks like. The authors are squeezed into tiny spaces just big enough for a few stacks of books and are side-by-side at long tables that fill the whole room. It's pretty much a madhouse, but you get a diagram of seating when you come in, and the lanes of tables are marked with surname letter (A-C, or De-Dr, etc.)
(http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/1350/daytona121gh4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/804/aabooksigningforprintbw1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
All in all, it's a great time. I'm sure you'll enjoy it! :)
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Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...ok
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Cathy's been to both these type of cons & scifi/fantasy cons, which I think is a whole nuther ballgame.
If you decide to go to A-kon, DFWCon, or Fencon in Dallas, or Aggiecon in College Station, let me know. You may need to be warned about a few things ;)
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Aggiecon? I'm afraid to even ask.
Does anyone know what books Jim is bringing to sell at his table? I gave one of my sisters several of mine to read and need to go back and fill in my collection.
Kirra
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I was at FenCon last year (and will be again this year.) Yeah, they're TOTALLY different both in size and scope. RT is really one of the biggest cons in the U.S. There are 250-300 authors and over 3,000 attendees (those who paid for the con.) Double that number for spouses and the book signing. Compare that to FenCon, where there were probably 300 people for the whole event. :o
They're very different, but each one is really fun in their own way. :)
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Cathy, let me introduce you to A-kon...15-20k people ;)
And these are small potatoes compared to Dragon Con & Comic Con.
Fencon is amazingly tiny for the rep it has.
DFWCon is an comfortably sized writers con, probably a bit smaller than RT, definately less authors, decidedly more than Fencon.
Aggie-con, btw, is one of the longest running cons. Small, intimate, but guests like Terry Pratchett, Harlan Ellison, etc.
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You can attend the Saturday book signing for $5.00, payable at the door. :) Also you can bring books that you already own to the signing and the authors will be happy to sign them for you. You must have them tagged before you go in so they won't try to charge you for them as you leave. The book signing is very casual and fun and it is great to see all your favorite authors in one place! Be prepared to stand in line for the bestselling authors like Charlaine Harris, Chrstine Feehan and Jim. I found that the earlier you get there the better. I think the book fair opens for the general public usually around 10:00. Hope to see you there! :D
Go to www.romantictimes.com and click on the convention icon.
I will be there on Saturday. I live close to Houston so it's not far to drive. I've never been to the RT Con, but I'll be there with a friend who has. Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you there. :)
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Why are all the Cons in Dallas?? ...There's nothing in Dallas aarrrrggghhhhhh
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It looks like I won't be able to make dinner Wednesday night after all. :'( My +1 may still come, though.
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Why are all the Cons in Dallas?? ...There's nothing in Dallas aarrrrggghhhhhh
I'm in Dallas! Except for the 8 months in the year when I'm not.
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Why are all the cons in Dallas?
In a large part, this is due to Meri Davis (ne Hazelwood), who started Project A-Kon almost 20 years ago.* There used to be two types of con organizers...those who where into for the money (dangle the guests out, fleece the attendees) and those who went broke because their hearts were in the right place, but they had no real business sense.
Meri changed that. Not only did she put together a con for the fans, by the fans, but she taught others how to do it as well, and assisted them. As such, several wonderful cons of various flavors have popped up around Dallas that import people from all over the world (some of them comprised of a combination of Aggiecon folks, Meri's minions, and ORAC members...who often fit into both the other groups. ORAC is an old, almost died 3 times over fan group in Dallas that predates Meri's efforts).
Also, remember, Dallas is responsible for Doctor Who being in the US in the first place...their PBS was the first to pull the show over, long ago.
And it has better weather. Our weather sucks down here. Hell, even on a good day, we're still 33 feet above sea level. Drive up to Dallas, you'll be able to breathe better just north of Centerville. ;)
*Dear god. 20 years?
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Does anyone know what books Jim is bringing to sell at his table? I gave one of my sisters several of mine to read and need to go back and fill in my collection.
Kirra, there's a diferent local bookseller each year who provides the book stock for the signing. (Gotta love it, Kathryn goes for an indie instead of a chain!) This year, it's Katy Budget Books. http://www.katybooks.com/ (http://www.katybooks.com/) Generally the publisher has the biggest say in what's on the table, although I did get to select three titles I wanted.
This is, of course, the view from the peanut gallery. The Name Authors at the larger tables around the perimeter of the room will have a wider selection and far more copies of each title.
I'm curious to see what shows up. It's common for some books to get lost or misplaced, and there will be authors sitting at a bare table or with only a couple of copies. Cathy had this happen, where only two or three copies made it to the signing. Since I get in before the general public, I race around and scoop up what I want, to make sure I get them. Call it compensation for helping distribute the books in the ballroom that morning. It works off excess energy - Crikey, I have to sit for three hours! Right through lunch! - and has a few perks. ;D Yeah, I'm one of those few writers who aren't drained by the constant socializing at this kind of event. I've been called a psychic vampire by a couple of frustrated introverts because my energy level tends to rise over the week. (I'm not feeding off them, I'm not, I say!)
Be sure to navigate the throng to find me. I look forward to seeing you there!
Hugs,
Liddy
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OKay.. maybe I just haven't spent enough time at the website but I didn't see anything about the signings... so I'm a few hours from Houston... I don't have the money to go to that con (cause I got into the Dragon*con art show!! AHHH!!) but if you don't have purchase a con membership <or whatever they call it> to go to the signing I'd be interested. Can you just puchase access to that? If so what day/time is it? Where do I find the info on it?
Knightie,
Doors open to the public at 11 am. All the info you could possibly want about the signing can be found at http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Custom.aspx?cid=21&e=454d09e1-8234-400e-aad2-8e6cf105bac2 (http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Custom.aspx?cid=21&e=454d09e1-8234-400e-aad2-8e6cf105bac2). Anything, that is, but the visuals Cathy so helpfully provided.
Bring a camera. 8)
Hugs,
Liddy
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KBB is a good group. They provide the books for my RWA chapter's after-meeting signings, and there always seem to be plenty of books by member authors, as well as a nice selection by outside authors. A couple of the ladies there are big urban fantasy fans, and were squeeing about the chance to meet Jim next week!
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I'm still raising an eyebrow that Jim's stuff isn't romance, and Shannon's is...yet Shannon isn't on any panels, and Jim is on 3.
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Which 3? I haven't looked at the panels in awhile...need to figure out which ones I'm going to attend soon...
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No idea, but they're all on Fri, IIRC.
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I actually only see Jim on two panels:
An Urban Fantasy State of Mind and
Secrets to Writing an Urban Fantasy Series
Both are on Friday, 4/27.
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I'm still raising an eyebrow that Jim's stuff isn't romance, and Shannon's is...yet Shannon isn't on any panels, and Jim is on 3.
Maybe because Shannon is a newly published author, and also, RT is focusing on "urban fantasy" this year. Their last issue had an interview with Jim and other authors about urban fantasy, treating it like a 'new' genre.
:D
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Kirra, there's a diferent local bookseller each year who provides the book stock for the signing. (Gotta love it, Kathryn goes for an indie instead of a chain!) This year, it's Katy Budget Books. http://www.katybooks.com/ (http://www.katybooks.com/) Generally the publisher has the biggest say in what's on the table, although I did get to select three titles I wanted.
This is, of course, the view from the peanut gallery. The Name Authors at the larger tables around the perimeter of the room will have a wider selection and far more copies of each title.
I'm curious to see what shows up. It's common for some books to get lost or misplaced, and there will be authors sitting at a bare table or with only a couple of copies. Cathy had this happen, where only two or three copies made it to the signing. Since I get in before the general public, I race around and scoop up what I want, to make sure I get them. Call it compensation for helping distribute the books in the ballroom that morning. It works off excess energy - Crikey, I have to sit for three hours! Right through lunch! - and has a few perks. ;D Yeah, I'm one of those few writers who aren't drained by the constant socializing at this kind of event. I've been called a psychic vampire by a couple of frustrated introverts because my energy level tends to rise over the week. (I'm not feeding off them, I'm not, I say!)
Be sure to navigate the throng to find me. I look forward to seeing you there!
Hugs,
Liddy
This will be my first book signing as an author. I know I won't have many copies of my first book at my table. So I have a few other things to supplement. If you're there, you'll see me fairly soon upon entering. My pen name is Morgan Ashbury, and I'm published by Siren Publishing. :D
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It looks like I won't be able to make dinner Wednesday night after all. :'( My +1 may still come, though.
I'm her +1, and yes I am still coming! I was so sorry to hear she wasn't coming. We belong to the same online writers' group and have been reading each other's work for a couple of years now.
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Crikey, I have to sit for three hours! Right through lunch! - and has a few perks. ;D Yeah, I'm one of those few writers who aren't drained by the constant socializing at this kind of event. I've been called a psychic vampire by a couple of frustrated introverts because my energy level tends to rise over the week. (I'm not feeding off them, I'm not, I say!)
Be sure to navigate the throng to find me. I look forward to seeing you there!
Hugs,
Liddy
I'll be looking for you, Cathy, and Morgan as well! I'll be the clutz who manages to bump into the table instead walking in the perfectly open space beside it, who finds the doorframe instead of the open door space, etc. I have blonde moments that other people only find in jokes.
Kirra
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I will most likely be helping Charlaine during the book signing but I will try to search you out. I am the official dogsbody and fan picture taker. :)
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I will most likely be helping Charlaine during the book signing but I will try to search you out. I am the official dogsbody and fan picture taker. :)
Cool, I'll probably have my camera w me too!
Kirra
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Weather report for Weds dinner...possibly some showers about the time we start, but otherwise nice...cool, and low humidity (for Houston).
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I am the official dogsbody and fan picture taker. :)
And thus one of the most important people there!
Sherri Kenyon has a dogsbody named Janet, who has an attitude that caused Bruce Campbell to term her the "lippy minion." She wears that moniker with pride. ;D
I aspire to warrant a lippy minion of my own.
This is going to be a fabulous week! I can't wait to meet you.
Hugs,
Liddy
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In a large part, this is due to Meri Davis (ne Hazelwood), who started Project A-Kon almost 20 years ago.*
[snip]
Meri changed that. Not only did she put together a con for the fans, by the fans, but she taught others how to do it as well, and assisted them.
[snip]
Also, remember, Dallas is responsible for Doctor Who being in the US in the first place...their PBS was the first to pull the show over, long ago.
Very interesting, Mickey. I didn't know any of that history. Except the part about Doctor Who. Somewhere in the deep, dark, dusty recesses of my mind, that tidbit lurks.
*Dear god. 20 years?
You piker - wait until you start saying, "Thirty years ago" or even "Forty years ago..." :shudder: The years sneak by, don't they?
Hugs,
Liddy
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I'm still raising an eyebrow that Jim's stuff isn't romance, and Shannon's is...yet Shannon isn't on any panels, and Jim is on 3.
Undoubtedly due to the heights of visibility that the TV series has created for Jim. His fan base has spread far beyond mere readers. ::)
Shannon's got one release under her belt at this point, which is barely on the RT radar. At the time that the program was cemented, she had no track record whatsoever. (The program for next year is already in the works.)
Hugs,
Liddy
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I'll be looking for you, Cathy, and Morgan as well! I'll be the clutz who manages to bump into the table instead walking in the perfectly open space beside it, who finds the doorframe instead of the open door space, etc. I have blonde moments that other people only find in jokes.
Kirra
So you're related to the Yellowbeards? "Stagger, stagger, stumble..." 8) I'll be sure not to have frangibles at risk on my table.
Looking forward to this. Today is going to be insane, though. As soon as I finish my breakfast, I'll be on the run all day. Now, where did that list of lists go?
Hugs,
LIddy
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Cool, I'll probably have my camera w me too!
Kirra
YES! Bring it! There will be lots of photo ops.
Hugs,
Liddy
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I will most likely be helping Charlaine during the book signing but I will try to search you out. I am the official dogsbody and fan picture taker. :)
One quick googling later, wow. Dogsbody is such a fantastic word. Thanks for adding it to my vocabulary!
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I will most likely be helping Charlaine during the book signing but I will try to search you out. I am the official dogsbody and fan picture taker. :)
One quick googling later, wow. Dogsbody is such a fantastic word. Thanks for adding it to my vocabulary!
Agreed, Thanks BigMana! I haven't heard Dogsbody before, but I was familiar with the term Dog Robber, which according to wikipedia is the less common term. <shrug> I learned something today. :D
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Always happy to assist with anyone's vocabulary! ;)
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You piker - wait until you start saying, "Thirty years ago" or even "Forty years ago..." :shudder: The years sneak by, don't they?
Hugs,
Liddy
Well, it was more a matter of my involvement with Meri directly...I was in charge of her dogsbodies for the first 15 years.
I know I was involved in cons before that, but I don't really remember it. Total global retrograde amnesia at age 20.
DINNER:
Remember, we're under DRESDEN or BUTCHER.
6pm
http://houston.citysearch.com/profile/9953692
http://maps.citysearch.com/map/view/9953692
We're set for individual checks. Gratuity will be included.
NOTE: If the weird parkinglot is full, be careful where you park on the street...one side is from one set of hours, the other is for another set of hours. Do NOT park in the shopping center two blocks down, they tend to tow. Why, I have no idea, as they have plenty of parking after the stores close.
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Anybody with the con or anything happen to know if there's prefered con parking ...and if there's a stamp for guests? We're shuttling Jim & Shannon from the airport, and I'd rather not pay the 8 bucks for parking for 30 mins if I can get away with it.
I'm guessing not, as this con doesn't even pick up their guests. for some reason. Shannon says that's normal with the big cons...not how *I* was raised in fandom. Our big con picks people up. ;)
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They don't pick up their guests? Now that's just... wrong.
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Wow. I hope there is a cool get-together like this for Phauxcon.
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I am already on the list of attendees, I was supposed to come with blue moon but she can't come. I've already communicated with Liddy about sharing cab. Question: is there room for one more?
Susan
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Yep. We have reservations for 25, and I don't know if everyone is showing...there's usually some no-shows.
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I called and double checked after I got my airfare and hotel reservations and they definitely don't pick up from the airport. I may take a shuttle myself, but I'm not sure yet. Guess I'll find out when I get there.
And I'll definitely be at dinner.
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Sorry I didn't see that question before. I've been at the hotel since Sunday. There was no service from the hotel to get to the hotel. There is a "super shuttle" that costs $22 per person. Hubby and I took a cab - 48 dollars. :o
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OK...
That's 3 miles from my hotel.
Assuming I get out of work on-time, it looks like I'll be there. It might not be
dead on six.
No idea how that'll pan out. :)
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I work across the street from the Con at the Allen Center I know some good parking places just ask me on the 25th .
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The problem is, Wolf, that it's before we'll see you. ;) S'okay. I was just wondering if there was a deal between the con & anyplace (again, Akon does this, so it's not beyond the realm of impossibility, just unlikely)
JA...we'll be there awhile ;)
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Weather looks good.
And we're off. I probably won't be able to check this thing beforehand.
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You probably won't see this, but HAVE FUN! Say hi to Jim and Shannon for me!
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Jim was in need of sleep, having been up at 4:30am to catch the flight, so we dropped them off after lunch, at the Hyatt, and will retrieve them around 5ish. So no parking involved.
What was I supposed to ask him? Besides why he hate dyslexics?*
*As evidenced by naming the bar MacAnally's.
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...drat, and you've already left. Ah well, I'm PMing you my questions in case you see him tomorrow!
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Well the dinner is over and I had a great time. Meeting everyone was awesome and everyone was so nice. I have to say that Mr. Butcher is the nicest famous person I have ever meet....wait he is the only famous person I have ever meet.
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Sardines!*
It was a wee bit crowded, but fun.
Met Fairyfreak, Wolfhowls, Big Mama, Libby...and....um....crap. I don't know if some of those people on the other side of the room were board members or not.
I'm freakin' tired at work, today.
*I remembered the sardines!
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BTW...MacAnanlly's is named after someone he knows.
So, people took pictures...where are they?
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Hey was FairyFreak the woman with blonde hair with that guy that didn't talk because I was too busy asking Mr. Butcher too many damn questions?
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Probably. Thin, chinnish-length hair, spectacles, her husband was dark curly hair and spectacles?
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Mickey, I got some great pics of Jim and Bob while we were there. Oh, and I was the one sitting on the end with Bigmama in the polka dots...I know someone else got some group pics of Shannon and a few of us outside but I'm not sure who off hand. I'll check with Hockeymom and see if she knows who got them. I don't have the adapter for my camera here so I'll have to wait until I get back home to post any pics. Will you be at Jim's panels tomorrow?
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Cathy, let me introduce you to A-kon...15-20k people ;)
And these are small potatoes compared to Dragon Con & Comic Con.
Fencon is amazingly tiny for the rep it has.
DFWCon is an comfortably sized writers con, probably a bit smaller than RT, definately less authors, decidedly more than Fencon.
Aggie-con, btw, is one of the longest running cons. Small, intimate, but guests like Terry Pratchett, Harlan Ellison, etc.
FenCon has that rep because we try to make sure EVERYone has a good time - guests, fans, vendors... The only time I'm aware of a guest not enjoying FenCon...well, I'm not sure he'd have enjoyed anything at all. Bit of a prima-donna. But he was still pleasant to the fans.
I have a strange feeling we've probably met. I have friends in ORAC, and am usually locked in the ops room all weekend when FenCon is on, putting out brush fires (or, occasionally, pushing a Dalek down the hallway to heckle the fans). I don't know if we run in the same circles, but it sounds like those circles may intersect once in a while...
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I used to be in charge of Meri's Minions (the position Robi Holman now holds, she used to be on my team), aka PsiCops, aka Bureau 13, aka Division Six.
Do you, by any chance, have long brown hair, glasses, and a sardonic look on your face much of the time? (I know the latter describes many people in conops.) Early to mid 20s, female? I see that person in conops alot. ;)
Checks profile...nope, yer male. That's not you. Ok, how about tall, thin, light hair and glasses, early 20's?
I've only made one Fencon, the one Jim was at. I was one of the ones in the Resnick panel who got caught in the hurricane traffic in Houston and couldn't make it, the previous year.
Claudia Smith, my roommate, made the first one and praised you guys to high heaven.
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Nope, I'm a big guy, slowly losing the battle to resist becoming a "fat guy" (I may have, in fact, lost this battle...but I'm still fighting.), with short dark hair and a close-trimmed beard. No glasses, but the sardonic look is likely. I think the long-haired guy with the glasses may be my friend Jim, who's actually in charge of con ops for FenCon. I'm the other ops guy.
At last year's FenCon I had a bit of a Marine Corps-style buzz cut - the result of a communication problem with a hairdresser a few days before. "You really want it that short?" "Well, no, that's a bit shorter than I had planned..." :o Still had the beard, though, trimmed to match. Unfortunately, I only got to see about 30 minutes of the actual con last year, so I only really met the folks who came by the ops room. If you saw the Dalek make its trip down the hallway, I was the one of the guys pushing it - the one with the microphone throwing wisecracks out through the Dalek's voicebox.
You should come back this year - we've got a new hotel (the hotel was the one recurring compalint last year...they really dropped the ball. Again, and again, and again...) and it looks like we're gonna keep growing.
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"with short dark hair and a close-trimmed beard."
So, not Woodchuck, then. ;)
Claudia's definately going...she's a huge Connie Willis fan... I'm planning on it, it's not definate yet.
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What?What are all these Con's I've never heard of? It's like a whole new world has opened up to me. So what are the list of Con that are in Texas and the Major Con everyone goes to?
Hey Mickey it was really cool meeting you and your roommates in person ....Hey here is a thought maybe all the Houston fas could do that again?
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Dallas:
Fencon, as mentioned.
Project A-Kon, if you like anime or general insanity. www.a-kon.com
ConDFW, a writer's con and slowly becoming home to Bob Asprin, John Steakley, Stephen Zoltan Brust, and Bill Crider. www.condfw.org
College Station: Aggiecon, one of the older cons. It is staffed by the students, so quaility can vary from year to year, but one year they had Harlan Ellison AND Terry Pratchett, so they got clout.
Houston: OniCon is an anime con I haven't managed to get to, but has a good rep.
Owlcon: Gaming con I've never been to.
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Hey was FairyFreak the woman with blonde hair with that guy that didn't talk because I was too busy asking Mr. Butcher too many damn questions?
Oh, hey! I forgot to introduce myself to you! You came in after me, and I was already squished into place. :) I was on your side of the room against the wall. Don't remember if you were there when we were talking about when we lived in alaska, but that was us if you were. Mickey's description is pretty good, short hair, glasses. :) It was great meeting everyone!!
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Yes, it was wonderful meeting everyone. I also found out that Hockeymom does in fact have the outdoor group picture but we're going to have to wait until she gets home and downloads it to her computer before she can even send it to me.
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Have you ever have a day to were you feel like the biggest dolt in the world. Well, today was that day for me. I work right across the street from the where the RT Con is being held, as a security guard at the Allen Centers. I remember Mr.Butcher was to have a panel today between the hours of 5 and 6. So what do I do, I get 20 bucks and run across the street , yes in my stupid uniform. Now knowing nothing at all about Cons or asking anything about them I run into the Hyatt asking just about everyone person, which happened to be 90% women, if they knew who Jim Butcher was , when and where he was doing the book signning. With the help of four ,one of them being someone I saw at the dinner, that the book signning won't be until Satuday. I also got a crash course in how cons work from two women, one had a nickname of Chaoscat and the other lady worked at Lanes Library. Now, feeling like the biggest jasckass known to man I go back to work. See, I should have known better I should have checked the infromation and I should known times can change. I am sure you are wondering why I feel like the biggest dumbass...You run thru a hotel ,in stupid ass white security guard uniform ,FULL of women asking for Mr.Butcher and see how you feel. So, now that I know how cons work I'll be sure to check the information. If you were at the cons between the hours of 5 and 6 and saw some moron running around in a white sercuirty guard uniform ...that was me....go me yea :-\
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Not being into the romance scene (bookwise, anyways), I can only speak for the scifi/fantasy crowd...but a newbiew trying to find stuff out is not looked down upon. ;)
Also, schedule changes are not usually posted on con websites if they occur during the con itself. They usually just post it in the hotel.
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Yeah ..I mainly put this on the site because I wanted to make people laugh because boy did I need it. But, now that I know that the book signning is today (Saturday) I'm gunna ty to be there. So, I hope to see everyone again.
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Sardines!*
It was a wee bit crowded, but fun.
Met Fairyfreak, Wolfhowls, Big Mama, Libby...and....um....crap. I don't know if some of those people on the other side of the room were board members or not.
Hee. I don't count as 'meeting', though. :) But I was stealthy and quiet and stuff, as usual...
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That would be because I already KNOW you. I met with you, but I MET you *mumblemumblecough* years ago. ;)
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Had a wonderful time at the dinner with Jim and Shannon. I didn't get to meet everyone, but I did accost most of the folks and find out who they were. :) Jim is terrific, but Shannon is the greatest! It was interesting being squished in a small room together. It was total chaos--Wolfhowls and I were sitting near the door so we at least had some semblence of space and we looked at one another and spent part of the time laughing at the mania all around us (he had a few beers, which may have played into that also!) Anyway, a most enjoyable evening and the food was even good! Thanks again to Mickey for the arranging--it was really fun. :D
P.S. It was GREAT to have Bob join us. Thanks to Libby for escorting him. Pictures will follow if I can figure out how to make them work.
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Pictures are currently messed up on the boards. I think I know why, but it requires Iago to come back from his belated honeymoon to fix.
Shannon is indeed a fantastic person.
And I expierenced something I've never seen this morning...Jim semi-hyper, not in a semi-zombie state from a con!
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Let me know when the pictures are fixed and I'll post them on the boards, or of course you can do it yourself if you would prefer. I have to say meeting Shannon was a highlight for me. She's fabulous! I also have become quite addicted to beading since seeing her beautiful work.
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I had one beer..lol...and very little to eat which equals...many beers...so yeah Big Mama is right :P
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I was sorry not to get to go to the dinner, as I had already scheduled other plans :'( but was able to chat with Jim & Shannon a couple other times. I only got one or two pics of them because my camera was full to max with various other events (274 of them! :o ) I'm going to be posting them up on my website as soon as I can download and resize them, so stay tuned for all the best of RT. ;D
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I started a general thread on Jim's tour pics here:
http://www.jim-butcher.com/bb/index.php/topic,2935.msg65906.html#new
1st up are two of KLRose's pics, which include Jim & Shannon, Johnny Alpha, Hastur, Mr Fairyfreak, Libby Midnight, Pris's tshirt, and myself.
And Bob.
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I started a general thread on Jim's tour pics here:
http://www.jim-butcher.com/bb/index.php/topic,2935.msg65906.html#new
1st up are two of KLRose's pics, which include Jim & Shannon, Johnny Alpha, Hastur, Mr Fairyfreak, Libby Midnight, Pris's tshirt, and myself.
And Bob.
Dammit.
You know -- I thought I'd hidden better behind Jim from the camera... :)
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AH HA !!...Now I know who everyone is ...well kinda
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I actually have quite a few more pictures and have posted a few of them up in the Jim's tour pics thread. I believe that I have one of you too Wolfhowls, you were sitting on the other side of Bigmama. I'll have to sort through the rest of the pics and post it...:D
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WHO..WHAT??? I thought I was out of picture range
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You and Johnny Alpha both...hehehe...guess you're going to have to hide better next time, huh?
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Okay, I've got my photos posted on my website: http://www.ciecatrunpubs.com/RT2007.htm (http://www.ciecatrunpubs.com/RT2007.htm) I thought I had more pics of Jim in the batch, but I seem to have lost a lot of them due to bad lighting. They looked fine in the viewer but then didn't come across the cable well. Ah well... :( Still, enjoy your virtual tour of the rest of RT! ;D
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AhA! Now we have photos that Richelle was there!
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Richelle was definitely there! She, I and Jackie Kessler had lunch at McD's one day (can't remember which one at this point.)
Oh, and I found one more pic of Jim! I was chatting with him in the lobby when fan/fellow author Renee Russell dropped over and asked for a picture. Naturally, I suggested that one or two outside of the dinner really SHOULD make it onto McAnally's, so he even smiled... ;D
(http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5241/houstonrt130va4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
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Well then next time I'll hide behind Johnny Alpha ..since he is taller then me.
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Ah, but width? You're not exactly built like me, but JA's pretty damn wiry, even with the extra weight he's put on.
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AH HA !! That's were I'd wear my camo...
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Have you ever have a day to were you feel like the biggest dolt in the world. Well, today was that day for me. I work right across the street from the where the RT Con is being held, as a security guard at the Allen Centers. I remember Mr.Butcher was to have a panel today between the hours of 5 and 6. So what do I do, I get 20 bucks and run across the street , yes in my stupid uniform. Now knowing nothing at all about Cons or asking anything about them I run into the Hyatt asking just about everyone person, which happened to be 90% women, if they knew who Jim Butcher was , when and where he was doing the book signning. With the help of four ,one of them being someone I saw at the dinner, that the book signning won't be until Satuday. I also got a crash course in how cons work from two women, one had a nickname of Chaoscat and the other lady worked at Lanes Library. Now, feeling like the biggest jasckass known to man I go back to work. See, I should have known better I should have checked the infromation and I should known times can change. I am sure you are wondering why I feel like the biggest dumbass...You run thru a hotel ,in stupid ass white security guard uniform ,FULL of women asking for Mr.Butcher and see how you feel. So, now that I know how cons work I'll be sure to check the information. If you were at the cons between the hours of 5 and 6 and saw some moron running around in a white sercuirty guard uniform ...that was me....go me yea :-\
I was the one from the dinner that you spoke to. You didn't seem like an ass at all. You seemed like a devoted fan. Nothing wrong with that.
;D
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Wow...thank you