Not the context you might expect. This was a question I was asked after
attending my first fantasy and science fiction convention. FantastiCon 2014,
held at the Mercure hotel in Hull, yesterday, was a fascinating, fabulous
experience.
One thing that struck me almost at once was the generosity of those both
attending and creating the convention. People gave of their time and money
freely. The number of books purchased raised the spirits of this writer: so
many eager to devour the fiction created by the writers in attendance. Very
heart-warming.
There was a lot of friendly banter with humour very much in evidence. But
there was a serious side too, with people asking intelligent questions and
being given sensible answers. The variety of topics and events was also quite
extraordinary.
Representatives of Dr Who were present, along with a working Dalek, and
they answered questions, posed for pictures, gave out autographs and generally
entertained.
As the convention was largely focussed on the game, ‘Elite: Dangerous’
and a series of novels produced in line with it, this was obviously a central
part of the event. (See the companion post by Linda Acaster here) Much of the gaming activity was alien to me, as I’ve never
played a computer game (I fear it would become addictive, and I have too many
other things I really want to do with my limited time!). But the true gamers
didn’t exclude or make non-gamers feel unwanted. They were welcoming and
supportive. In much the same way, the community of writers was warm and
friendly. The much-lauded Oculus rift was available for people to experience
their virtual worlds.
R2D2 and Yoda, and a speedracer from Star Wars, were also there. Many
attendees came in costumes taken from the worlds of science fiction and fantasy
and Cosplay was there to judge and make awards for the best dressed.
I’d gone along to sign copies of my fantasy novel, Joinings, from A
Seared Sky. Dan had organised a wonderful banner to bring attention to the
book. Quite honestly, I attended with no expectation of selling any books at
all, since fantasy was by no means the main focus of the convention, But I was
delighted to sell 12 print copies, all of which I signed, and others bought
digital copies as they stood and chatted with me. So, a very worthwhile time in
that respect too. I’m hoping some of them will produce reviews once they’ve
read the book. The second volume, Partings, was actually released on the day,
as an ebook, with the paperback due to follow shortly.
Other writers also signed books and all of us were given the chance to
sit before the audience and explain our books, writing, and answer questions
from an intelligent and informed group of people. We did readings to illustrate
our work and the whole experience was positive in every way.
The event was organised by my publisher, Dan Grubb of Fantastic BooksPublishing, and, as with everything he does, there was evidence of his enormous
energy and generosity. He was warmly thanked at the end of the evening with a
marvellous video that had us all laughing and had Dan, and his lovely wife,
Gabi, dabbing at tears. They were rewarded materially as well: a much deserved
show of appreciation.
The evening closed with an awards ceremony, in which I was given the
award for ‘Best World Building’ for Joinings. Afterwards, a lengthy raffle
prize session took place, with all the usual banter that accompanies such
events. I won a tasty mug and a print from Elite Reclamation, signed by author
Drew Wager. That was around midnight on a day when I’d driven the 25 miles to
arrive at 08:30, so I was getting rather knackered. Some of us left at that
point, but others stayed on in the hotel bar to cement relationships on a day
that brought together many friends both established and new. I know I made a
number of new friends and met a good many interesting people. But a day of
activity that lasted 17 hours in total for me is now telling on this 66 year
old body and mind, so forgive any lack of erudition in this piece, please! I
intend to rest, once I’ve posted this piece. For more pictures, click this link.
I look forward to next year’s convention, which promises to be even
better, with new sponsors and promises of returns from many who were present
for this one. A new experience for me and one that proved far more fascinating
and enjoyable than I’d expected. Thanks to all who attended and special thanks
to those who bought my book!
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