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and still slightly groggy. Had a swell time though. I got to meet numerous authors who I previously only knew online live and in person, including my charming and creative editor/publisher
mroctober, hot goth author
jamesbuchanan, the talented and energetic
kathleenbradean, the amiable and all around swell
gavinatlasand a host of others. I also got to meet author Skian McGuire, whose work I've greatly enjoyed, Greg and Ian from Suspect Thoughts and Lambda nominee Nairne Holtz as well as hanging out with my pals Jolie du Pre and Jean Roberta and outside of the conference, brand new Nawlins resident
gismonda (I miss you already :-().
Programming was slightly uneven but definitely worthwhile overall. I particularly appreciated the self-promotion for authors writing for small presses panel and several of the readings. It was great to be able to hear such a wide range of authors read, many of them very well. I also enjoyed most of the networking and all of the socializing.
Dorothy Allison had to cancel so Mpls mystery writer Ellen Hart stepped womanfully up to the plate and taught her class. She was very entertaining and said a number of useful things but overall, I think using the phrase 'Master Class' to describe a fairly brief noninteractive lecture series is pretty inaccurate. Apart from this, some of the panels I attended had trouble staying on topic and it was surprising to see how many people read prepared statements rather than just working from notes and speaking directly to the audience. But then I'm more used to having to think on my feet at convention programming and there were a lot of nonfen attending so it's a different ball game.
I came back with many, many books. And lists of more to check out. The B&B was pleasant and had the most amazing 'tub room' that was painted to look like forest at night complete with full moon and stars (sequins).
New Orleans itself is still hanging in there. I saw a lot of boarded up buildings and 'For Sale' signs but it looks like some things are coming back very slowly. The restaurants are fabulous, as is the music and the shopping. Not moving down there any time soon, mind you, but I'd definitely try to hit the conference again.
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Programming was slightly uneven but definitely worthwhile overall. I particularly appreciated the self-promotion for authors writing for small presses panel and several of the readings. It was great to be able to hear such a wide range of authors read, many of them very well. I also enjoyed most of the networking and all of the socializing.
Dorothy Allison had to cancel so Mpls mystery writer Ellen Hart stepped womanfully up to the plate and taught her class. She was very entertaining and said a number of useful things but overall, I think using the phrase 'Master Class' to describe a fairly brief noninteractive lecture series is pretty inaccurate. Apart from this, some of the panels I attended had trouble staying on topic and it was surprising to see how many people read prepared statements rather than just working from notes and speaking directly to the audience. But then I'm more used to having to think on my feet at convention programming and there were a lot of nonfen attending so it's a different ball game.
I came back with many, many books. And lists of more to check out. The B&B was pleasant and had the most amazing 'tub room' that was painted to look like forest at night complete with full moon and stars (sequins).
New Orleans itself is still hanging in there. I saw a lot of boarded up buildings and 'For Sale' signs but it looks like some things are coming back very slowly. The restaurants are fabulous, as is the music and the shopping. Not moving down there any time soon, mind you, but I'd definitely try to hit the conference again.
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Date: 2007-05-16 01:06 am (UTC)I hope I didn't make a fool of myself during my brief read. My first joke fell like a hamhock at a rabbinical conference.
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Date: 2007-05-16 02:26 am (UTC)As for your reading, I really enjoyed it. You read with great verve and I know that both I and the folks I was sitting with were very drawn into the story.
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Date: 2007-05-16 06:12 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-17 02:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-16 09:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-05-17 02:21 am (UTC)It was lovely hanging out and I hope the NOLA adventure continues to go well.
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Date: 2007-05-18 05:15 am (UTC)Maybe next year!
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Date: 2007-05-19 03:08 am (UTC)I'll be in NYC in mid-August then Gaylaxicon in October (assuming all goes well) and that's my big East Coast 'book tour.' Will you be in Atlanta?