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Conflux
Granted, it was almost a month ago now. But I meant to write about it then, and now, I've actually got around to it.
Conflux was, in a word, awesome. It was nothing at all like anni, or (I imagine) D*Con. There was a masquerade disco (at which few people dressed up, but Sean Williams - one of the authors - was the DJ), plus a very funny play reading (also courtesy of Sean Williams) + alcohol, but otherwise, it was a fairly sober, intellectual conference.
That said, it was still a lot of fun, and by no means 100% serious. The aforementioned play reading was one definite highlight, and definitely the silliest, and funniest, thing I've seen in a long time. It was a reading of Sean Williams' new space opera play, which was funny to begin with; add in a complete lack of any special effects, some alcohol, and substitute a more 'appropriate' cast for a bunch of guests roped into volunteering, and hilarity most definitely ensues. When the play comes out, I'll have to go see it, even if only to compare.
Other highlights? Kate Forsyth was awesome. I have the first book of her series at home, but haven't yet started it; since the conference, it's gone to the top of my list. David Coe, ditto. Some of his books were on sale in the dealers' room, and looking at them, I'd never have bought them. Having heard him speak, I now want to read them, but - predictably - only the first two of his trilogy are available in Australia. Amazon it is, I suppose.
The wordlbuilding panel was one of my favourites, and Cary Lenehan (who I fondly nicknamed "Science Guy") was awesome. He gave me a whole new list of things to think about when I'm building my world, for which I'm grateful. The fairy tales panel, chaired by Kate, was great; same for the Warrior Women panel. The Pillow Talk (aka "Why is there sex in my fantasy?") panel was candid and funny, and, surprisingly, gave me perhaps the best writing tip I got all weekend. We went to a few SF/comic panels, too, just for fun, and they were; heroes, villains, the future of Star Wars, and when our TV favourite shows jumped the shark. (Even if I didn't understand half of the latter, it was hilarious nonetheless. Fun Connor-bashing with Conor.)
Oh, and I got to wear my Wonder Woman shirt. Went down very well at the (predominately male) comic superheroes panel.
Lowlights? Not many, really. Andy Chambers couldn't make it. Didn't have a costume for the masquerade. Wasn't nearly long enough. Not much to complain about. Next year, if I make it, I should definitely volunteer.
Oh, and I can't believe I almost forgot! Clone Troopers. The 501st Brigade was there in full, and yummy yummy costumed men walking around everywhere. It was muchly adorable to see kids who were at the museum for non-conference-related purposes go nuts over them, and ask for photos. Plus the one kid who ran around shouting "I'm Luke Skywalker," and proceeding to kick imaginary bad guys' butts. If only the real Luke had been that endearing.
The verdict? Two very enthusiastic thumbs up. If things go according to the current plan - that is, if I get a decent job sometime in the next few months - I'll still be in Canberra next year, so I'll be able to go again.
I can't wait already.
Conflux was, in a word, awesome. It was nothing at all like anni, or (I imagine) D*Con. There was a masquerade disco (at which few people dressed up, but Sean Williams - one of the authors - was the DJ), plus a very funny play reading (also courtesy of Sean Williams) + alcohol, but otherwise, it was a fairly sober, intellectual conference.
That said, it was still a lot of fun, and by no means 100% serious. The aforementioned play reading was one definite highlight, and definitely the silliest, and funniest, thing I've seen in a long time. It was a reading of Sean Williams' new space opera play, which was funny to begin with; add in a complete lack of any special effects, some alcohol, and substitute a more 'appropriate' cast for a bunch of guests roped into volunteering, and hilarity most definitely ensues. When the play comes out, I'll have to go see it, even if only to compare.
Other highlights? Kate Forsyth was awesome. I have the first book of her series at home, but haven't yet started it; since the conference, it's gone to the top of my list. David Coe, ditto. Some of his books were on sale in the dealers' room, and looking at them, I'd never have bought them. Having heard him speak, I now want to read them, but - predictably - only the first two of his trilogy are available in Australia. Amazon it is, I suppose.
The wordlbuilding panel was one of my favourites, and Cary Lenehan (who I fondly nicknamed "Science Guy") was awesome. He gave me a whole new list of things to think about when I'm building my world, for which I'm grateful. The fairy tales panel, chaired by Kate, was great; same for the Warrior Women panel. The Pillow Talk (aka "Why is there sex in my fantasy?") panel was candid and funny, and, surprisingly, gave me perhaps the best writing tip I got all weekend. We went to a few SF/comic panels, too, just for fun, and they were; heroes, villains, the future of Star Wars, and when our TV favourite shows jumped the shark. (Even if I didn't understand half of the latter, it was hilarious nonetheless. Fun Connor-bashing with Conor.)
Oh, and I got to wear my Wonder Woman shirt. Went down very well at the (predominately male) comic superheroes panel.
Lowlights? Not many, really. Andy Chambers couldn't make it. Didn't have a costume for the masquerade. Wasn't nearly long enough. Not much to complain about. Next year, if I make it, I should definitely volunteer.
Oh, and I can't believe I almost forgot! Clone Troopers. The 501st Brigade was there in full, and yummy yummy costumed men walking around everywhere. It was muchly adorable to see kids who were at the museum for non-conference-related purposes go nuts over them, and ask for photos. Plus the one kid who ran around shouting "I'm Luke Skywalker," and proceeding to kick imaginary bad guys' butts. If only the real Luke had been that endearing.
The verdict? Two very enthusiastic thumbs up. If things go according to the current plan - that is, if I get a decent job sometime in the next few months - I'll still be in Canberra next year, so I'll be able to go again.
I can't wait already.
no subject
Having Andy Chambers there would have been cool.
Also, I think the breasts beneath the Wonder Woman shirt helped just as much as the shirt itself.
no subject
There are, I'm sure, a bunch of other panels I loved and could rave about, but am too lazy to go seek out the program, and I've been up for way too long for my memory to be functioning at 100%.