As I type this, I have a hot bowl of Texas chili waiting for me along with a cold side salad. I’m in a hotel room in Houston, having just come back from ArmadilloCon in Austin. Before I go eat my late dinner, I’m going to share some key truths I learned in Texas this weekend:
First, Sharon Shinn is made of awesome. If you know me even a little bit, I’m sure you’ve heard my “when I was in college, I bought Sharon’s books instead of food.” Seriously, I totally did. So when I sold, I timorously asked her to read my book for a possible blurb. (OMG the chutzpah!) and she did. Since then we’ve progressed from careful email correspondents to (dare I say it? Friends.) Yes, I dare. Sharon Shinn is my friend. *beams* We totally hung out this weekend, and I had actually finally lost that OMG-THIS-IS-MY-IDOL, please don’t let me be an idiot feeling. Thank goodness, because I also got to see what a fun, natural, lovely, charming, genuine friend she is, and I just heart her to death. She went out of her way to make me feel welcome. We hung out, we had dinner, we had a panel together. We had breakfast together this morning (Sunday, for when y’all will actually be reading this). But that’s enough of the Shinn-a-thon. Oh, wait, go buy all her books. Now I’m done.
I also met Taylor Anderson, who is a mega-cool guy with a great voice / accent. I was on two panels with him and we hung out in the bar, too. Awesome guy. I had seen his books cozied up to mine on the shelves, and I was like, hm, who is this? And now I know!
I chatted briefly with Mario Acevedo, who I had also met at RT. I’m not sure he remembered, though, cos he said it was nice to meet me this time as he was walking away. That’s okay; I will make an impression sooner or later.
Lots of cool people were there. I met and chatted with Patrice Sarath, who writes fantasy for Ace. Julie Kenner is cool and funny as hell. Rosemary Clement-Moore is a saint who drove me to Walgreens for reasons best not blogged about. I will say this much, however. At the checkout counter, I was buying certain items and the male cashier took note. He said, rather craftily, “We have chocolate M&Ms on sale,” which I found both hilarious and embarrassing.
Met some wonderful fans, including Donna and her son. Others had dinner with me. My panels all went pretty well, and I just generally had a very good time. Even the bus back to Houston was nice, despite the toddler behind me who kept pulling out my hair and saying “Shiny”. She also pulled my sunglasses off my face. Cute kid.
So now I’m about to fly to San Diego for a meeting with the amazing Laura Bradford. Secret exciting business will be discussed. What did you guys do this weekend?
August 17th, 2009 at 8:43 am
“Shiny!”
:giggling uncontrollably:
*ahem*
I did a ton of yard work. If there was *any* justice in the universe, I would have lost at least twenty pounds Saturday alone–in fact, I didn’t lose an ounce
Here’s hoping you had a great flight to San Diego and *crossing fingers* that the sekrit business stuff goes swimmingly!
August 17th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Well, your hair *is* very shiny and pretty! Glad you had a great time!
August 17th, 2009 at 9:58 am
How cool about you and Sharon!!
That is so neat, to become friends with you idol!!
I did alot, but no internet, so I was having withdrawl by today, lol.
August 17th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Mostly I did not enough this weekend–except discover that the hot water heater had stopped working. Now waiting, and waiting for repairman. Note: hot water is NOT a luxury.
Sigh. Wish I was a fly on the wall or wherever when you meed with Laura.
Vonna
August 17th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Yeah, just wondering if any females in the audience here need further elucidation on your Walgreens purchases given the details already provided. I have to wonder how many sisters that male clerk dealt with growing up.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:16 am
Oh what a great deal of stuff made of awesome. As are you. ArmadilloCon sounds really fun, would you recommend the con?
August 19th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Yes, please, can I be a friend? Much more fun than being an idol.
Sharon
August 19th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Az, I hope you’re drinking plenty of fluids in that heat.
Ooh, Cindy, -your- hair is gorgeous. I just do the stripes so people remember me.
Melissa, was your ‘net down, or were you away from it? When I travel my internet is very limited, so I start to feel very disconnected. My phone doesn’t get email, so I can go for days without looking at it.
I hope they fixed your water heater, Vonna! Once during a drought, we ran out of water completely, so I no longer take for granted the pleasure of a hot shower.
Catie, I’m thinking nobody needs more clues. In my defense, it was NOT the right time. This was a surprise ninja-dot attack.
Leanna, I would recommend it. It’s a small con, though, so don’t expect droves of people. But I really enjoyed myself. It was a lovely chance to hang out with other authors and do panels and just generally have fun.
Corroboration! Sharon has posted. I’ll email you!