This is a very special year in near-Toronto-Land. March 3rd is Ad Astra, a yearly fantasy convention. This year, however, they seem to be lacking in the organizational department…so with advice from Rob Sawyer, I’ll be skipping that one.
However, at the end of March is the World Horror Convention. This will be the first year it has been held in Canada during its 17 year history. Other conventions have been held in San Fran, NY, Phoenix…so it’s nice that this is right in my own back yard. There are some editing and critiquing seminars that I think I’ll sign up for. I realize that it’s not fantasy…but horror is actually what I first started writing — and I have The Nameless…a horror/thriller novel finished (and I just have to edit it).
Then in June, Eileen and I head to Winnipeg for an extended weekend. This will be much like this past weekend in Edmonton, except this time we’re going to be a little more structured. Bev is already doing an itinerary…we’ll discuss pitch sessions, do some critiques, some marketing ideas…
And then in November is the World Fantasy Convention in Saratoga, NY. This is my target. This is the one where I want to meet a few editors, do my best to get my work into their hands. Who knows…by then I’ll hopefully have a few short stories published (optimistic, I know)…and my pitches down pat.
A big year…
This is the year. Momentum is building and everything is primed. Forget 2008. This year you will see everything begin to happen. I believe. You should too. Go for it. Don’t second guess. And you better still talk to us when you make it!
Speaking of fantassy Did you hear Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz are lovers?
But seriously, funny how, and you can elaborate if it’s any different in the writing industry, that networking can be more important than what you are writing.
I implore you, to go to these events, work it like a diva and get yourself the good groundwork for a writing deal. If I am ever going to leach of you and your wealth, you’re gonna need to do this soon. I am getting impatient!