San Jose was the third World Fantasy Convention I’ve attended and by far my favourite. Not sure why exactly, but at a guess I’d say it’s because I’ve finally gotten over the bunny in the headlights factor. I feel that I fit in. Like I’m part of the circus instead of just a misdirected tourist or a fortunate bystander. I’ve learnt that you don’t have to be a big time player to deserve a ringside seat. Or something. Of course, my sense of entitlement probably owes much to the generous behaviour of my traveling companions Garth Nix, Jonathan Strahan, Sean Williams and Deb Biancotti, and other good folks I’ve made friends with along the way.
It’s been a difficult year so I went to WFC expressly to cheer up and have fun. To soak up the vibe and to be with my people. To look the industry square in the face and ponder the significance of my own participation. I need ponder no longer. I know where I belong. I returned home content, with nothing to prove, yet everything to aspire to.
Full marks to Garth Nix, WFC guest of honour and Australian ambassador of awesome. He spent what I suspect amounts to thousands of dollars shouting drinks and picking up the dinner checks for his friends and colleagues, never missing a beat when it came to introductions and the opportunity to facilitate a connection or talk up the talents one of his countrymen. Garth is the truest kind of gentleman, sharing what he refers to as his ‘good fortune’, never succumbing to the temptation of self aggrandisation, transcending all such pathetic pantomimes by sheer force of style.
Sir, I raise a sea breeze* in your honour! May all your future novels be best sellers.
Entire WFC 2009 photo set here
*official drink of Australian spec fic writers abroad
16 Comments
Yay for Garth! He makes the rest of us Australians look good by association…
WHat exactly is in a Seabreeze? I’ve always wondered.
vodka on ice, cranberry plus grapefruit juice. Pink and made of yum.
Mmmm that does sound good.
Sigh, WFC. I will get there someday.
yes you will
Sounds absolutely fab, Cat. And Garth is great. We’re lucky to have him.
One day I might get along to one of these too.
you better… an unforgettable experience for us small town hick types.
That’s cool.
I’ve never been to a WFC. Will have to put it on the list of things to do.
My turn to be jealous of your travels. 🙂
woohoo! i made a seasoned world traveler jealous for eight seconds!
Welcome back! I’m also very jealous now and may have to go next time!
you should definitely consider it. Although next year worldcon is coming to us so that’s almost as good as
Yes, good point. And I’ll definitely be going to that!
good man
We have an official drink abroad — and it’s not beer?
Oh, I have a problem with this. Vodka is okay, but I’ve just checked up the recipe — and frankly, there simply isn’t ENOUGH vodka in the recipe. And cranberry juice?
I want raw alcohol. And eucalyptus oil. With just enough ice to keep you from dying.
I’m never going traveling with you — we’d be dead before leaving the airport bar!
But nicely embalmed. They probably wouldn’t even notice we weren’t breathing.
I’ve had days like that…