As promised, or threatened depending on your point of view, I went out in public and peopled. I’ll go into details in a bit, but this gives me a chance to do something I missed; welcome new subscribers. If you’d like to catch up on any previous newsletters, just click the magic link to be transported to a land of miracles and wonders. Well, it’s a miracle I’m still alive and many people wonder what’s wrong with me.
Nevertheless, welcome one and all.
Last Wednesday, my lovely wife and I toddled down to Kankakee to the Limestone Library. The library is located in a section of the city that appears to be where serial killers hide the bodies. Still, a small but enthusiastic crowd got to hear me read chapters from books one and three of The Brittle Riders, ask questions, sample cookies, and have a great time. The event was put together by Karyn Bowman and was open to the public. All in all it was well received and I’d certainly do it again given the opportunity.
Then, on Friday, my bubbly bride and I headed out to the Doubletree Hotel in Oak Brook. My mom always used to say, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” in that vein, let’s talk about Windycon!
Celebrating its forty-ninth year as a leading science fiction and fantasy convention, this year found them in a new location and facing the challenges that all new things present. Still, they’re a seasoned bunch and the con ran smoothly. Attendance was down a little this year, probably due to the new location, but the attendees there were all in on everything. There were wonderful cosplays, vendors from all walks of life with varying interests, and enough diversity from the writers as to have something for everyone.
This is a con that has a near familial feel among the vendors. People are there to help. It seems it’s impossible not to make a new friend or twelve when you’re there.
Sadly, due to my stupid arthritis, I was in too much pain to take pics. My wife, when she was there, did snap a couple, and some people took pics of us. Why they did that is a mystery, but there now exist images of me I’ll never see. Which is fine, if weird.
Nevertheless, a time was had by all and we will be doing it again.
Until next week, stay safe, sand, and occasionally bathed.
