World Fantasy Part II
After Thursday and my one piece of programming the con became blur of conversations in the bar, in the lobby, table hopping at meals, and squeezing into parties. And buying books. I bought a lot of books. One of the highlights for me was getting to know Paul Cornell the brilliant Dr. Who writer. I’m torn between my admiration for Stephen Moffit’s BLINK, and how deeply I was touched by Pauls’ FAMILY OF BLOOD. One of them will win the Hugo for short form this year. I learned that Paul is writing for comics and has written several novels, and I realized he would be a terrific edition to Wild Cards so I pitched him about the books. If we get a triad after this current contract with Tor I think Paul will be on board which would be awesome on so many levels. We discussed the differences between the BBC and Hollywood, Dr. Who and where it’s headed, and TORCHWOOD which is a dark and sexy show that I’m really enjoying.
I discussed screenwriting with the very charming Charlie Finlay, and while walking back to the hotel I stumbled upon an upscale tack store. Turns out they carried the brand of riding breeches I prefer. I was able to actually try on different sizes and find the perfect size. I then picked colors and they’ll be made and shipped to me. I’m hoping they arrive tomorrow. My old Equissentials are falling apart. During all of this my editor at Tor, Patrick Nielsen-Hayden sat down with Ian to discuss his alternate history/secret history novel(s). It’s always a good sign when an editor seeks you out to discuss your work.
Sunday morning Ian and I availed ourselves of the UPS pack and ship service the con was providing to send back to NM the massive number of books we’d bought. Then it was time for the banquet and awards. We were seated at the Tor table, and Patrick gave me a thrill by telling me there was art for my cover and to come by the Tor offices once I got to NYC to see it. I was pinching myself and reflecting on what a difference a year had made. Last year in Austin we took ourselves to the banquet. This year we were seated with Teresa and Patrick, Irene and Liz and a new writer who had just landed a multiple book deal with Tor. Patrick and I took great delight in trashing George Bush and then it was time for the awards. It was touching when Gene Wolfe won for novel. He and his wife were celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary that weekend, and their love for each other seemed to just spread out in waves from their table.
A number of people left that day so the evening was much smaller and quieter with more of a chance to visit with people. I got to know Elizabeth Bear, and she’s a charmer. I’ll be adding her to my stack of “books to be read”. I made it an early night because we had to get to Albany and catch a 10:00 am train down to NYC. A gentleman in the bar told us to snag seats on the right side of the train because the train would travel right next to the Hudson and it was going to be beautiful. He was right, but more of that in my next installment.
Melinda
November 13th, 2007 at 10:09 am
I’m glad you had such a good trip to upstate New York. You were about 2 hours north-northeast from where I grew up and somewhat less than two hours from where Equissentials are actually made in Oneonta, the nearest large town to my hometown.
I can only imagine your mixed feelings about selling Pi. I’m glad he’s going to a good home with a girl to love him. The barn drama is universal. It’s hard to give up a conveniently close place even when there’s such crap going on. At least when it is close by, you can run out twice a day to do your own cleaning and make sure your horse is properly cared for.
We certainly hope to see you soon. You can put some time in on the picket lines with Len–if he ever gets over what’s got him sick these days.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:21 am
I’m making a flying trip out your way on November 29th, returning on December 1st. I’m going to be riding a bunch of horses down around Ontario, and then up in L.A. Let’s get together for dinner on Friday night. I know I’ll be in L.A. by then.
I know I could go by the barn, and pick out the stall, etc. but I will be paying either $650 for the barn that’s not next to the arena, or $750 if I’m inside the main facility. At those prices I expect to have my horse blanketed, fed three times a day and the stalls properly cleaned.
I’m getting to ride a truly amazing horse right now. Rosella aka Rosie. She is almost 18 hands tall, a Prix St. George/ I-1 horse that has been laid off for years. I think she can be brought back and I’m going to make that my project. The junior trainer at the barn yesterday implored me to keep riding her even after I get my own horse. I’ll blog about her when I get back.
Right now one of Exact’s co-owners is actually riding him so I don’t get to ride him until the weekend. Two horses a day — I’m going to be tired and happy, but I’ll be in shape for the horse buying trip.
November 15th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Ontario is about an hour east of here–not quite as far as where the Renn Faire was when last we went, a bit further and a little north of where the Pomona fair grounds are. I hope you find yourself a lovely birthday present to buy. Gayle was telling me that Zsuzsu is also thinking about a Lusitano for her next dressage prospect. I know she wants a youngster without training to bring up her way. She’s 15 years younger than we are.
I will reserve November 30 for dinner with you. Should I be gathering a crowd or do you want it small? Give me a call at your convenience.