5 Reasons Why Writers Should Attend Conventions

Hard to believe, but a whole year has gone by since I attended my first convention. During the past year, I did manage to complete two novels – Mystic Hero (and sold it!) and Lachlan’s Curse (still editing it). And I’m in the home stretch of my first contemporary romance – Over Easy.

IMG_4786And while I wasn’t always sure I’d get any of these novel completed, I knew with certainty that I’d be going to ConnectiCon 2014. So this year we pre-purchased weekend passes so we could come and go as we please. This year’s roster includes amazing voice actors from shows my family enjoys: Pinky & the Brain! Legend of Korra! Fullmetal Alchemist just to name few.

In May, me and my guys attended the first ever Hartford Comic Con. While not as big in scale and scope as ConnectiCon, it has the makings of a bigger event in the future.

As a writer, nothing beats attending an event loaded with other fantasy/anime/gaming/sci-fi/you name it/ enthusiasts. Even if you don’t love any of these things, consider attending at least one convention in your area at least once. Here are some reasons why:

1. They’re fun! The crowd alone is worth the price of admission. At last year’s ConnectiCon the vibe was one of pure fun. People were there to have a good time and celebrate the love of things fantastical and fun. Writers tend to be people watchers (and if you aren’t observing, consider doing so). And if you just want to get in tune with your inner geek, this is the place to do it. ConnectiCon also has a squillion different panels and workshops (and, yes, some are for writers).

2. Costumes! The costumes are incredible. Thanks to SyFy’s Heroes of Cosplay, I’ve gained a new appreciation for how much work goes into Cosplay. As someone who can only stitch straight lines on a sewing machine, I am in double-awe of all the hand fabrication and planning that goes into the costumes.

3. Networking! It’s a chance to meet other authors and artists. Last year, I was able to meet and spend time with Michael J. Sullivan and I also met Dan Dos Santos. He’s the cover artist for Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thomas books and Diana Rowland’s White

It's the dude who draws Archer!!
It’s the dude who draws Archer!!

Trash Zombie series. He was generous with his time and was happy to answer my questions. He also asked to see one of my book covers (unprompted). He liked  Mystic Ink so much he kept my post card. While standing there talking to Dan, I realized I was rubbing elbows with none other than Brandon Sanderson. Total geek out moment!

4. Vendors! There are so many types of artists: web, comics, graphic novels, television. At Hartford ComiCon – we even saw the lead artist for Archer. If you are a fan of merchandise, you won’t be disappointed. Hartford ComicCon had TeeTurtle on sight (love their shirts) and numerous vendors selling everything from unique dolls to long-lost action figures.

5. Inspiration! Last summer, I was writing Mystic Hero and fell into a bit of a creative rut. As a result of attending ConnectiCon 2013, I was inspired to locate a scene during a convention. Devlin and his cohorts find themselves in hot water with a bunch of goblin baddies, and what better place to have a showdown, then a convention filled with costume wearing mortals. Am I right? Yeah. Trust me. I am.

So who else has attended a local convention? And if you haven’t, what’s holding you back?

 

Bad movie, but awesome car!!
Bad movie, but awesome car!!

Kickstarter and Michael J. Sullivan #Riryia

I am so excited to have Michael J. Sullivan as my guest at the 7 Scribes today. I was lucky enough to meet Michael and his wife as ConnectiCon a few weeks back. He was very generous with his time and it was educational for me. Michael actually self-published five out of six Riryia books before signing a deal with Orbit.

Riyria

Since the convention, I have read the first book  – The Crown Conspiracy (LOVED it) and am now reading book two – Avempartha. Seriously, if you love fantasy or fun adventure stories, check this series out.

Click here for the complete blog post.

In other news, I am still cranking through Mystic Hero and Lachlan’s Curse. Progress was slowed by laziness during my vacation. I barely did any writing. But, on the flip side, I spent time with the boys and we had FUN!

Right now Mystic Hero is in the lead for word count. Sometime in the next week or so, I think I’ll be going full time with one novel until it’s done! Go Devlin!

Yes, I do have the cutest cat on the planet.
Yes, I do have the cutest cat on the planet.

ConnectiCon 2013 Rocked!!

(I’m cheating today. This is the same post over at the 7 Scribes. It’s going to be a scorching 99 here today. Stay cool IMG_3152everyone!)

Welcome to another Friday! Casey here.

I’m happy to report that I crossed an item off my bucket list. It all started with a Kindle Daily Deal and a book called Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan. Every day, since I purchased a Kindle Fire, I check Amazon’s Kindle Daily Deals (very much like a junkie looking for a fix).

This particular day, Theft of Swords was the fantasy offering. I downloaded a sample, was hooked by the first page and immediately purchased it. And, because I happened to be in Goodreads that day, I sent a friend request to the author.

Long story short, in addition to accepting my request the author sent me a note and we started a conversation that ended with him agreeing to be my guest, here at the Scribes, on August 9th (Yay!). While researching his various social media sites, it turned out

Michael J Sullivan
Michael J Sullivan

he’d been invited to ConnectiCon as a literary guest, along with Brandon Sanderson.

Now, my hubby and I have discussed going to this convention for as many years as it’s been going on. Each year, it has gotten progressively bigger and more exciting. When Michael suggested we meet up at the conference, I was happy to accept.

I’ve been to the Connecticut Convention Center before for other events, but none of them come close to the size and scale of ConnectiCon. There was so

much to do: panels, Q&A sessions, book signings, gaming, vendors, and parties. So much that we barely scratched the surface. Check here for more information.

The best parts for me aside from meeting Michael and his wife, were the costumes (more on those in a

Tony Stark sighting!
Tony Stark sighting!

moment) and encountering artist Dan Dos Santos. His artwork has graced the covers of Patricia Brigg’s Mercy Thomas books and Diana Rowland’s white trash zombie series (among many others). Super nice man and very gracious. While we were chatting, Brandon Sanderson came up to the table (squee!).

Now, those costumes – fabulous, fantastic, well-made, top-notch. What more can I say? The variety was mind-boggling. And for the amount of people attending, everyone was polite and relaxed.IMG_3138

Overall, it was a great experience for me. Hubby was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer geekiness but there were plenty of comic book and movie characters. On the drive home, he was speculating what kind of costume he could make for next year.

So, if you live in the New England area (and even if you don’t) and if you love comics, anime, role-playing, manga, gaming, etc. don’t miss a chance to attend this con!

What Cons have you attended? What are your favorites? And if you haven’t ever attended one, would you consider it?

IMG_3134IMG_3139