Why go to conventions? World Fantasycon and Bristolcon

[Ian Whates]

With so many Big Name authors and other industry figures attending World Fantasycon at the end of this month, I was genuinely anticipating being overlooked when it came to the programme; yet, somehow, I've ended up with a busier schedule than at any previous con, with 8 programme commitments of various sorts (and it would have been 9 but for a clash). Still not sure how this came about, but details of what I'm doing when at WFC and at Bristolcon the weekend before, plus a few thoughts on conventions in general, can be found in the following blog post:

Why Go To Conventions? World Fantasycon and Bristolcon. ‹ Ian Whates

Yes... I have committed blogage!!!

 

[millymollymo]

Thanks for sharing and totally agree with the addictive nature of conventions, and how it helps 'you' develop skills as a writer. An agent suggested I get out more. So we ended up at Nineworlds this year. What an eye opener Conventions do impact on work though, like you have said, while your meeting and exploring new worlds your not writing. It takes time to shake off the buzz afterwards too.
I won't be driving the length of the country to either convention, but do hope I'll find you at Fantasycon 2014 or Nineworlds again to make good on a promise I made to you at NineWorlds this year. :/

 

[Ian Whates]

Thanks for sharing and totally agree with the addictive nature of conventions, and how it helps 'you' develop skills as a writer. An agent suggested I get out more. So we ended up at Nineworlds this year. What an eye opener Conventions do impact on work though, like you have said, while your meeting and exploring new worlds your not writing. It takes time to shake off the buzz afterwards too.
I won't be driving the length of the country to either convention, but do hope I'll find you at Fantasycon 2014 or Nineworlds again to make good on a promise I made to you at NineWorlds this year. :/

Ooh, now that's a tease! One of the great things about Nineworlds was that so many people there were new to the whole convention scene. I met any number of lovely folk who were enjoying their first taste of con going, and you are clearly one of them. Now... which one? (Much scratching of chin and furrowing of brow to follow.)

 

[steelyglint]

I would love to attend a convention. Sadly they all seem to be far beyond my horizon. Seems North Devon isn't well off for venues, and travelling any distance is beyond my meagre income, let alone overnight stays.

I get the odd convention secondhand from a friend of mine - Adrian Cole. He's been dragooned into the MC job in a number of them, and tells me about them when we bump into each other. Reminds me, I'll have to let him know I've moved from Westward Ho! or he might end up ringing a total stranger's doorbell.

Wonder if he visits this site. I'll have to ask him.

.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Roll on more in Dublin and Belfast. I love conventions. I just don't have much dough. good luck with it all, Ian! If anyone's looking a fab new space opera... ;!

 

[Mouse]

Surely you can get to Bristol from North Devon?? There's usually some smaller ones on in Exeter too.