Updates, upcoming reading, Teslacon, misc

In the way of such things, I heard back from my insurance about my proposed breast reduction surgery. It was affirmative, which is awesome, because so much ouch between the back pain, the headaches, the sundry associated discomforts and such, and because it means they'll cover a big chunk of it. My new surgeon leapt upon the approval with alacrity (which gives one an idea of how bad things are) and scheduled me for the beginning of November. Yay for an end in sight (I really wanted to get this done this year, from both pain and insurance perspectives) But that means that Teslacon has to get dropped from the schedule since I'll still be recovering on physical and financial levels. I'm pretty sure that however quickly I rebound from this, I will not be up for being laced into Victorian-style corsets three weeks after surgery, let along being up for driving 4 hours to get there. Sigh. I like Teslacon and I did want to go this year, but this has to take precedence. So this means that I have 2 tickets at $65 each available for an immersion steampunk convention that is likely to sell out this year. The immersion part is that they "ask that you make an effort"; my wife wore jeans, a bowler with a clockwork pin, a Western-style gentleman's shirt vest and work books and no one batted an eye. She even got complements on the vest. However, we were in some semblance of steampunk dress all weekend, as was everyone else, so it's not like a hall costume, a few hours and you're done, thing. At any rate, there are balls, teas, a banquet, panels, actors playing out a roving story line, a spectacular dealer's room, some good history and costuming panels, craft demos and other kinds of fun. Let me know if you would like to acquire our tickets and I'll get back to you with details.

I've got an upcoming reading at DreamHaven Books in Minneapolis on 9/21 at 6:30PM (website should be updated soon). Everyone I know seems to be working or taking a class or out of town that night, so I'm hoping for the best on attendance, but hey, bribes for folks who do show up: a.I'll be reading from a couple of newish not yet published short stories and one of my novels in progress, all new to a local audience. b. I have Vagenda of Manocide Sparkle Pens to distribute to a limited number interested parties (you know who you are). c. Cookies provided and pizza/beverage/stuff to follow. Come on down!

What else is going? Sekrit Project has cleared the last hurdle, at least for my story so I'm just waiting for other folks to finish up and permission to announce it.
I'm working on a new collection of my sfnal stories (there will be 3 other collections of other stuff), which will be released by Queen of Sword Press, my new publishing effort. So far this week, I've done edits and acquired ISBNs, so hey, progress! I'm also working on a new novella and other projects, announcements to follow.

I'll be going up to Duluth for the First Folio Events and Exhibit in October. Check out the link for the miscellaneous Shakespearian-themed fun times, plus viewing times on the tome itself. Should be fun.