I spent the four-day Easter weekend at Orbital, this year's Eastercon (the UK national science fiction convention). For those unaware, the emphasis of an Eastercon is largely on the literary (and beer-ish) side of the genre (although there was one chap dressed as a Klingon; naturally, he made it into the "look at the geeks!" newspaper coverage of the con...) - the programme of events is based largely around discussion panels on a host of bookish and related topics, peopled by a mixture of fans and professionals.
I have a report up at the SFX magazine website here (wherein I managed to call Cory Doctorow an American rather than a Canadian; d'oh!); but a few more personal notes. I had a fabulous time: went to lots of great panels, spoke to lots of great people, bought books, had plenty of good food and beer, and generally basked in the sensation of sharing a building with 1300 people who love the same stories as I do. All very friendly and well-organised, and I can't wait for the next one.
My own event of the weekend, was my own panel: 'The Use of Mythology in Fantasy', at 10am (!) Saturday; with Neil Gaiman, Maura McHugh, Liz Williams and Sarah Singleton:
(That's me, second from the right. Photo courtesy of Niall; more here)
I'd been dreading this; I only said yes due to an unfortunate too-much-wine-during-a-programming-meeting incident, although nominally I was there to bring a historical perspective, since a large section of my PhD is about how medieval Arabic writers incorporated mythic stories and characters into historical chronicles. My first ever con panel, on stage with the con's headline guest of honour, while legions of his fans look on? 'Nervous' doesn't even begin to cover it. And lo, despite the ungodly hour, the main hall was indeed packed.
And lo, despite the ungodly hour, when I arrived in the green room before the panel, and was asked what I'd like to drink, I blurted out, "Beer!"
And lo, despite the ungodly hour, beer was brought for me.
Five minutes into the panel, to be precise. Yes, once we'd all sat down and introduced ourselves and just as Neil Gaiman was launching into his first point, a brimming pint glass suddenly hove into view. Cue laughter from crowd and panel. "I need this!" I explained (I really did). Cue more laughter, mine mildly bemused by the fact that everyone seemed to be laughing along with me.
The beer vessel was declared fittingly legendary, the ice was broken in the best possible way, and somewhere along the line Neil completely lost his thread. Hee! The panel went wonderfully, and for the rest of the con people kept stopping me to ask about my PhD, and the beer; one even dubbed me 'The Girl Whose Pint Upstaged Neil Gaiman'. I glowed, a lot.
And reflected once again on the many unforeseen ways in which books have transformed my life, and keep on doing so.
~~Nic