I just returned from the World Horror Convention in Salt Lake and I have to say I am so glad I chose to go this year. This was one of the best Cons I've been to in awhile. Granted I really haven't been to that many but the one thing I've learned from any of them is that its the people who are attending that make it worth the while.
And the peeps who were at WHC were some of the craziest mother f*ckers I've ever met! What do you expect from Horror writers, right?
Some of the highlights involved getting 86'd from the hotel bar; trying to attend 3 parties at the same time on the same night; listening to a friend ask where a liquor store is with vernacular so embellished only a writer would understand him (although it was even funnier when the young hotel clerk actually knew what he was saying in such a roundabout way!); having security knock on not one but two doors telling us that there was a noise complaint.
Now, before you think that it was non-stop parties there was also actual workshops, a dealer's room, and a mass autograph signing. I love the signings, they are usually chaos personified but in a very good way. All in all it was a special few days with some great highlights I will always cherish.
If you are a writer or a reader and you have never been to a convention I suggest you pick one close to you and head out. They are great ways to connect with people who understand the world of writing...we are a rare breed. It is hard to discuss creative process and talk shop unless you are speaking to someone who has been in those same trenches with you. And I always come away from the cons inspired.
So I have my eye on a few more for the year. If you know any that you are heading to or you can suggest please leave me a comment below. And if I see you out at a convention please come up and say hi. I'll be the one touting the big purple snake...but don't worry, the snake doesn't bite. I might though!