I would usually begin a post about a scifi/fantasy convention with details about the wild parties, the interesting costumes, or the amounts of alcohol imbibed, but this time I want to highlight something more important.
Family.
This was my third DragonCon, starting from 2010, and each time I’ve been honored to share the booth and stage with very special people. Over the course of those three years they have gone from associates to friends, and this past weekend I realized something new. They have become part of me.
Typically when authors and publishers get together, they talk about the industry, writing trends, contracts, and that sort of thing. And we did that, too. But each time our crew got together, the discussion turned to our families, our personal lives, and the bonds we’ve made—bonds we cherish beyond a sales ledger or a promotional blurb.
This year I got an added bonus. My wife Jenny was able to attend her first DragonCon. Not only did I get to watch her wonder at all the sights and sounds, and the pride with which she wore her Xena costume (which got a LOT of attention), but I was also able to share with her the camaraderie of my DragonCon family. She took to it, and us, like a fish to water.
So, if you haven’t been to DragonCon, come for the festivities—for the all-night parties and the costumes, for the celebrities and artists—but perhaps you’ll be graced like I have been, with a new family as well.
Special thanks to: Lou, Megan, Lisa, Gabrielle, Eugene, Sam, Susan, Clay, Andrew, Philippa, K.D., Jessie from JABberwocky, David, Cooper, John, and, of course, Jenny.
And thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to support us.
For some pictures of the con, head over to facebook where I’ll be posting them soon.
