I spent a good deal of last weekend at a Fantasy & Science Fiction convention, known generally as ConFusion. (They change the specific name every year to align with a theme, per tradition—this year it was called Storming the ConFusion in honor of The Princess Bride.) Lots of people pronounce it like the word, but I’m feeling the intent here, so I pronounce it Con-Fusion. Who knows what’s right; they didn’t kick me out or anything. ‘Course, I also say root beer.
Unlike Comic Con or Gaming Con events where I’m there to sell books as well as connect, at literary events, I’m there to connect, but without books in tow. These events have a real community feel, as people stay in the hotel all weekend and make a thing of it.
I participated in two panels, one on episodic fiction and one on hospitality systems. Both were more interesting than I anticipated, and I learned a lot from other people in attendance.
For episodic fiction, honestly, the coolest moment was when I mentioned in passing that if people knew about Five Minutes at Hotel Stormcove, well, that was me. Several people did a little audience gasp and I was like wait…you know. How cool! Anyway, Michael R. Underwood was a great addition to that panel, with extensive experience on serial fiction, and I personally talked about my most serial-like-at-the-moment endeavors, Diamondsong, and Just Bart (for my Patreon subscribers).
The panel on hospitality systems was particularly enhanced by the well-versed audience. (Hey, you!) We talked not just about literal hospitality in fictional cultures, like taking in strangers, but also customs, honor, and a point that I raised—emotional violence. In Diamondsong, I had intended to write about a physically non-violent world, but that quickly led into my realization that in that world, they would not be emotionally violent either. This means things like rude or overly personal questions, especially those that have an element of assumption to them. For example: “Do you have children?” It’s a question people on Earth ask all the time but would be considered terribly rude in the world of Ada-ji. This sparked some interesting discussions that I enjoyed being a part of.
I also did an autograph session (the line was out the door, no, I’m kidding) and a reading, where I read the interludes to Diamondsong Part 07: [Redacted] to what I thought was a pretty good reception. One was written entirely in ve pronouns, about a ji’pyr who was dying, and the second was about a fairy with anxiety at a party.
My husband and wonderful partner-in-business, Chris, also participated in one panel, and moderated two, including one with the Guest of Honor, Ada Palmer. (Who was very interesting in talking about castles under siege!) I snuck a picture of him moderating. So, like hey Chris! Speaking of which, this was on our 17th (!) wedding anniversary. I used this to my advantage to talk him into letting me get a new piece for my chainmaille collection. (Sure, that’s a thing.) I really like the team from Things from Rings, and I’m happy to have this new piece, which looks sort of standard, but is not, if you’re able to look at it more closely. (I’m sure I’ll be wearing it at events this year, so ask me there!)
The best thing about events, of course, is seeing friends. I met several new people, and had the honor of chatting with the talented Cat Rambo. (She’s so cool!) I also saw my friend Kimberly, who owned the house down with her cosplay. It was great to talk to Clif, a local author (and who, with his talented wife Carol, mastered the epic volcanic rock genre in As Told by Things). (And Clif, thanks for going to my reading!) Also from around, we had a great chat with the illustrious Mackenzie Flohr. And I got to talk to and meet several other great people, some with other indie presses, to talk about goals and reinvigorate why we do all this. (Art, beauty, and love!)
A lot of people joke about the infamous BarCon, but we were pretty well behaved. We had a great time talking to the bartender Shelly, and people who swung by. Also, realizing we were real close to Unburger, Chris went out and scored us some burgers. Mmm.
Something I’ve finally started talking about is my anxiety disorders. As much as I love these events, they are difficult for me. I leave feeling disjointed, concerned, and sometimes even panicked, worried that I wasn’t able to conduct the social interactions the way I’d like to. But I want you to know, it’s worth it for the absolute joy I feel meeting and talking to you. And check this out—I have these boss Diamondsong con ribbons. I keep them out at GenCon, since badge ribbons are a thing there, but at any Con at all, if you’re there grabbing a book, just let me know if you want a ribbon! I always have them in my handy behind-the-table tub.
Thanks to the staff and participants of ConFusion. I will see you in 2020!
Love, cheers, and doing this together – Emily.