🧑⚖️ It's a Little Bit Me, It's a Little Bit You... This last weekend was the 47th Archon , the local speculative fiction convention here in St. Louis. I started attending as a panelist right after things opened up post-COVID. Needless to say, overall attendance was down and they were in pretty dire need of speakers, so I fast-tracked my way onto the "Pro" tier. I've gone every year since, and I've developed a bit of a reputation as a fantastic moderator. To wit, five minutes into my first Saturday panel. I'd just wrapped up my opening spiel and was about to start the discussion-proper when the panelist on my right turned to me with what I initially thought was exasperation. "Oh my god," she said, "can I bring you to all of my panels to moderate?" This panelist just happened to be the Toastmistress of the con. As Toastmistress, her schedule was stacked, so I can see her being extra appreciative. A badly-managed panel is exhausting to
👑 Kings and Queens and Guillotines... Hey everybody! Next weekend, October 4th - 6th, I will be attending Archon 47 at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, Illinois. I'll be on some writing craft panels and also putting on a concert as my alter ego, Uncle Fluffy. So if you're going to be in attendance as well, here's where you can find me: Short Stories: Big Ideas in a Small Package 4 Oct 2024, Friday 13:00 - 14:00, Salon 2 Not everything has to be grand, epic multi-book endeavors! Sometimes your idea fits best as a short story. Discuss the elements of a great short story, and how to approach them if you’re not used to thinking on a smaller scale. Surprise! You are the Panelist! 4 Oct 2024, Friday 14:00 - 15:00, Illini A A Moderator is selected but 2 to 3 other panelists are selected from the audience randomly. A subject (chosen by the Moderator) to talk about is handed to the surprise panelists to discuss. I've Got Ideas - Now What? (moderating) 4 Oct 2024,