David J. Pedersen's Blog of All Things
ConQuesT 44 was all that and more!
and take a sip every Monday, my weeks would be filled with dragons, lasers, aliens, and everything else fantastical that makes me happy. The con was that good for all the right reasons – a great staff, solid programming, fun room parties, and amazing guests. Last year, ConQuesT 43 was my 1st science fiction and fantasy convention with my fantasy novel , so it was significant to me that I released the sequel,
A Late Friday Night
Friday at ConQuesT is always a little slow until we hit the room parties, which seemed especially good this year. I have to admit it was pretty cool seeing George RR Martin sitting around talking with people. It’s also great seeing friends I met at last year’s convention, and making new ones as well. I wrapped up festivities at 3:30am. A harsh reminder that I can drink like I’m young, but I don’t recover like I’m young.
Saturday
Saturday was really the day. My first panel was at the excruciatingly early hour of 10am (I’m somehow reminded of college) and we discussed the fun topic of digital comics. I was mostly recovered by my 2nd panel at 3pm to discuss proper etiquette when traveling and promoting your book. My friend Holly attended, and laughed openly at me when the Guest of Honor, Patrick Rothfuss highly advised that authors never drink at cons. (He’s a pretty amazing speaker by the way, he had everyone in stitches during the panel on writing humor.) It was worth a facepalm, but I admittedly go to cons to have fun, make friends, and have fun.
Angie Asked For A Booth Babe, So…
attended the show for the first time to promote her . For weeks she had been teasing me that since Cristi is my
Lt. Biceps
I loaned Brandon one of my Captain Kirk shirts and we all followed him into the dealer room. The look on Angie’s face was priceless, and Brandon made it great fun posing with her and with the book. Later on Facebook, Angie’s friend Michael summed it up well “Lt. Biceps, please report for babe duty.”
Book Release Party
and
The Cake
Suddenly it hits me, the cake isn’t here yet. Yeah, panic. Why did I have to make such a big deal of the stoopid cake? I leave the room at 5:55 with the amazing Kat Donovan to find manager #1. Manager #1 brought me to Manager#2. (We aren’t exactly moving at warp.) They tell me ‘we will look into it’ which sounds a LOT to me like ‘we are slipping into our ninja costumes and sneaking out the back never to be seen or heard from again’. As politely as I could, I urged and pleaded and willed them to find it before rushing back to my party.
Dramatic Reading
I had promised a dramatic reading, and on a whim turned Chapters 33 and 35 into a script. I volunteered friends, my son (who hated me a little), Kat volunteered Nick Seddon (who was absolutely amazing), and without practice we read. The chapters may not have been a perfect choice, there way too much narration, but everyone in the room had a good laugh. From my friend Matt reading Crloc in his best bad guy impression, to Nick throwing water in his own face because his character was sweating – it was fantastic. I can’t thank them all enough, and after we finished, the cake was delivered. (It was damn good too!)
Blame It On The Blood Wine
We finished up our evening celebrating at room parties, wrapping it up at 1:30am. I should mention that anything said, not said, or not remembered at these parties should completely be blamed on the Klingons and their blood wine.
ConQuest Was A Win
Sincere thanks to everyone involved in putting ConQuesT together. A special thanks to Kat for the room party, and Nick for the reading. My Angst team consisted of Angie, James, Joanne, Holly, Brandon and Cristi – you guys are the best. I’ve said it before, but I absolutely couldn’t do these without Cristi – she brings the awesome! I’ve also got to shout out that Holly was quite awesome for showing up in her Rose costume! Finally, I really do appreciate everyone who showed up at the release party; it really meant a lot. What an adventure…now it’s time to write!
If you want to see more pictures, be sure to check them out on Facebook
2 Comments
Well David, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you at ConQuesT this year and I hope to catch up with you again at the next one!
I put Angst away in what could be considered one sitting's worth of time and loved it!
I just picked up the next one and so far I'm loving that one too!
You have a great way of expressing your characters in a way that I can relate to them, and that is what I love about your books!
All my best, and then some more,
-Jory
Thank you for saying so Jory, that's very kind. It was great meeting you as well, and I'm really glad you are enjoying my books. I'll definitely be back to ConQuesT, it's too fun to miss. Keep in touch and keep an eye out, there's more Angst to come! ;)