Al Bogdan

Larc, Coral, and I had a great time at ConFusion this past weekend. Catherynne M. Valente and Peter S. Beagle were the guest writers. Both wonderful people to meet in person.

In honor of Mr. Beagle, Coral dressed as a unicorn for the masquerade! We had just watched "The Last Unicorn" a few weeks ago and our girl loved it., so Larc made her the costume. Coral won first place in the Junior Division. Of course, Larc is the first to point out there were only two entries in that division this year. Coral definitely was glowing all night. (See video here.)



There were often multiple panels I was interested in attending. Normally I try to hit a science panel or two, but this year I ended up mostly in tech and writing panels. I did at least get introduced to Steve Collins, the science guest, by TOR editor Jim Frenkel, even if I missed his actual talks. Too bad there.

I wasn't on any panels myself, but instead just had fun, relaxing, hanging out with friends. Larc and Coral spent much of the weekend in the kids programing, which was wonderful as well.

Quite a few writers were in attendance -- mostly found at the bar, as usual. The writers I talked to included Jim C. Hines, John Scalzi, Tobias Buckell, Merrie Haskell, and my Clarion and WOTF buddy, Phil Kaldon.

What else stood out? Talked photography with my friend Rick Lieder. Talked puppets with Matt Arnold and picked up a few techniques I will try. Enjoyed Satori Circus during the masquerade. My brother, Stephen, and I checked out the Current Motors electric bike talk by Erik Kauppi. Got to see the cute babies Buckell and their mom, Emily. Some impressive costumes. Room parties. Old friends.

We all had a wonderful weekend.

Jim Hines (jimhines ), Merrie Haskell (merriehaskell ), and I were hanging out at ConClave 34 last weekend talking. Jim had a reading in an hour and then had to leave. I suggested we do a quick interview! Appropriate jokes were made as I escorted them back to my room to be videoed. Light shades off hotel room lamps, one high atop a table I placed on the bed, the camera precariously balanced since I didn't have a proper tripod with me, and "Action!" Merrie and Jim interviewed each other.

I'm all for health care reform. I'm also totally for a public option. Why?

I've been self employed for fifteen years. When I started I made sure to get an individual health insurance policy. I had it for many years. One year I actually had to use the policy. That one year their costs for my health care were about equal to what I paid. The next year they started doubling my rates each and every quarter throughout the year. Within a year they were demanding a rate eight times higher than I'd paid the previous year. I couldn't afford it. It was obvious they were grabbing a big profit from me and trying to force me to cancel my policy simply because they didn't make a huge profit one year. Their tactics worked. After paying into our current Insurance company controlled health care system for forty years, the one time I wasn't profitable for them they were able to just forced me out. For the first time in forty years I was without any health insurance.

I live in the Detroit area. I constantly hear people attack the auto industries because a big percentage of the cost of a car goes into paying for the health insurance of their workers and retirees. Rates are astronomical. Obviously health care costs are strangling both individuals and American business.

Some people claim they hate all government organizations. They feel we shouldn't team up as a country to accomplish any social goals. They wish to get rid of public libraries, the postal system, social security, school systems, the US military, food stamps, national parks, the police force, fire departments, and every other group paid for by tax dollars and organized by elected officials. They want to turn our entire lives over to people with a profit motive so that the day we are not profitable enough they can just cut us off as well. I just don't get that.

Hearty congratulations to Nicole Kimberling for winning the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror for her novel Turnskin. Nikki and I did the Clarion Writers' Workshop together back in 2004, and I'm thrilled for her!

More hearty congratulations to Nisi Shawl for winning a Tiptree Award for Filter House! I know Nisi from my first writers' group, back when she lived in Michigan. A totally wonderful lady. Time to finally move that book off my wish list and into the cart.

Also, congrats to my Clarion instructor, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, for winning the Best Short Story Nebula for "Trophy Wives"!  Nina has been increadably generous and kind, and it was wonderful finding out she took that award.

I was also happy to hear Kathe Koja found a home for her new definitely-not-YA novel, Under The Poppy, at Small Beer Press. I was allowed to enjoy an early draft, and it's a great read! Plus, it has a freaky trailer put together by crazy people.

Brent Knowles wrote about Writers Of The Future v24. Read the full article here.

For my story he said the following:

Writers Of The Future v24 has finally made it into bookstores. We found a copy at a local Borders Books. The other day Amazon was down to one copy, but they appear to have restocked. So, if you've been waiting, it's now available.

Rich Horton mentioned "The Girl Who Whispered Beauty" and the Writers Of The Future v24 in his yearly recaps on his blog. He said there were usually multiple entries under "Anthologies of New Writers", but in 2008 we owned it.

http://ecbatan.livejournal.com/70935.html

Rich reviews for Locus and has edited some excellent best of anthologies for Prime Books, so I'm thrilled to get his nod of approval.

The weekend was above zero degrees F, so a good time for snowmen. Coral and I made a laughing snow family.

Cryptic ConFusion was a blast! It was the busiest I've been at a convention in a long time. Was always rushing from one event to the next, especially since I was appearing on three.

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As I mentioned, I've been signed up to do panels at ConFusion. The first panel, the one about "Writers Of The Future" at 9pm Friday, is taking place at the same time as Grogg Tasting and the Dessert Reception! Our room is going to be totally empty! Who's going to give up grogg and chocolate?! So, I highly suggest some of you prepare ways to sneak out with food and drink and cross over to our room to enjoy them! The second panel, about Clarion and Other Writing Workshops at 10pm, is up against the Sex In SF panel! I don't think you should  bring anything back with you from that one.

I've also been asked to attend the autograph session. I'm going to be sitting there looking really silly by myself, since I don't think any books will even be available even if someone wanted a sig. Luckily, Phil Kaldon will be there to keep me company, but if you're bored around 5pm on Saturday do come hang out while we watch the big-time pros do their thing.

Probably off to Priya for dinner after.

Since I was asked to participate on a panel about Clarion and other intensive writing workshops, I decided to publicly ponder my own opinions.

My problem is that while some people love workshops, and I feel they certainly can be beneficial, I've also had some rather damaging experiences. I know I'm not the only one. I've heard many writers stop writing for years after Clarion. Some stop permanently. I think it depends on the person, along with how lucky they are concerning who they get lumped in with. It only takes one bad match to ruin a workshop. I recall one year when the legendary Gene Wolf left halfway through his week teaching because his experience with his students was so bad.

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The panel on Friday should be fun. I do think workshops can help many beginning writers, and with the right mix of people can be wonderful experiences. But it's a risk. Never forget that studies have shown that people will gladly inflict pain on others if given permission.
 

I'll be attending Cryptic ConFusion this weekend (January 23-25 2009) at the Detroit-Troy Marriot.

Guests of Honor:

* Cat Rambo — Pro Guest of Honor
* Cory Doctorow — Cryptic Guest of Honor
* Diana Harlan Stein — Artist Guest of Honor
* Elizabeth Turtle — Scientist Guest of Honor
* Ralph D. Lorenz — Scientist Guest of Honor
* Davroz (David Rozian) — Raconteur of Honor
* Freon (Michael Andaluz) — Fan Guest of Honor

There will be plenty of writers there: Cory Doctorow, Cat Rambo, Tobias Buckell, Karl Schroeder, Kelly Armstrong, Jim Hines, Paul Melko, Ann Harris, Philip Edward Kaldon (my Clarion and WOTF compatriot!), Marrie Haskell, Doselle Young, William Jones, Steve Buchheit, Violette Malan, Catherine Shaffer, Steven Harper Piziks, and more... plus editor Jim Frenkel.

I was signed up for two panels on Friday night. At 9pm we discuss "The Writers Of The Future" experience, which will also have Jim Hines and Dr. Philip Edward Kaldon with me. At 10pm we discuss the Clarion Writers Workshop with Cory Doctorow, Cat Rambo, Tobias Buckell and Melody Barker.

You'll find Larc and Coral in the KidFusion events, which are, as you might guess, things for kids to do at the con. Larc is working Kidfusion, as she has for the past few years, so this week Larc and I will be creating and printing up games, puzzles, and other things for the kids to do.

ConFusion will have a number of scientists who will be giving presentations. There will be lots of gaming, art demonstrations, filk, two dances, costuming, a masquerade, media discussions, room partist, etc.. so plenty to keep people with all kinds of interests (as long as they also love SF and fantasy) busy.

Hope to see some of you there!

When I talk to someone about fiction it's generally, as would be expected, with a reader or writer. One of the interesting things about being published is talking with non-readers who read something simply because they know me. It really highlights the difference in how readers think, especially in how science fiction readers think. Not only is there that language gulf between those that do and don't read SF, but there's the simple ability readers have to accept what is written on the page and imagine it. Doubly important with science fiction and fantasy. I knew this gulf existed, but I've never experience it personally until I published, especially because the story in question requires imaging some people with soft bones that can't stand and must slither and others with wings sculpted from breath. It doesn't matter how direct the language is, some people simply won't be able to wrap their heads around such things.

Reading fiction definitely requires certain skills as much as writing it does.

Its award season! SF Writers everywhere are blogging their eligible writing hoping to make it onto ballots for Hugos, Nebulas, the Campbell Award, etc..

So, this is my very first year of eligibility in these awards, and that alone is a wonderful feeling. I'm published! Alas, our publisher only did a mini-printing to have some copies available for the "Writer Of The Future" award ceremony back in August. While our anthology was recently made available direct from the publisher, it is still not in bookstores, so we suspect it has not been read by many. As Ellen Datlow commented, "That's weird and not good as far as any kind of award consideration...Copyright page says 2008." That's the way things go sometimes.

There are many fine stories in the anthology, so if you're eligible to vote and had an opportunity to read it, please consider nominating one of us. My story was certainly Larc's favorite published story of 2008, so I know I can count on one vote!

The Girl Who Whispered Beauty - Writers Of The Future Volume 24 (2008)

Last we heard, copies for the bookstores are now being printed, so it should be more widely available soon. In the mean time, let me know if you'd like to read it.

It's a snow day in Michigan. Schools are closed. Coral (the child) and Larc (the teacher) are home, missing their planned classroom holiday parties. Expecting today's snow, I made sure we had plenty of good coffee, a chicken and potatoes for roasting (with fresh rosemary), and other treats for some nice Winter breakfasts and dinners. Soon I'll be shoveling, and Coral will be in her snow suit making angels and throwing snowballs, most likely at me. I expect some snowmen and snowanimals to be hanging out in our yard by days end. Maybe if it's deep enough, and lasts through the weekend, eventually an igloo or fort will be built, or some sledding on the hill near Grammy's house. No tracks in the neighbor's driveway yet this morning. Today we all slow down. Come February I'll change my tune, but today we're digging the snow, literally and figuratively.

Last weekend we took Coral to Breakfast With Santa. Today we hit the Chanukah Party at the city rec center. Discovered one of the parents is currently working on electric vehicles for Chrysler. Damn, that was some good guy talk! Nothing top-secret, or surprising, but I was able to clarify a few engineering concepts. Party was too short. Had to leave just as we were getting into possible uses for ultra-high-charge capacitors. Oh... and Coral had a good time as well.

Over Thanksgiving we decided to pull up the old wall-to-wall carpeting. Years of stomped on black walnuts, not to mention hands too tiny to hold onto things, stained it up pretty bad. We pulled the bedroom last year and the floor looked good, but we just discovered that was the only room that had been refinished since the 50's. From the remaining hardwood flooring I traced back some houshold activities of the past.

While we mostly use the front door, the old owners definitely used the back... without cleaning off their boots... after walking through mud. The path to the kitchen is tree-bark dark. There are lots of water drops, as if someone shook a wet umbrella or coat, or a dog dried itself off with a shake. There's a lighter path to the livingroom from the kitchen.

A potted plant stood in front of our big picture window. It was well watered. Too well.

There was a dog. It peed sometimes. Inside. When we moved in, Larc and I decided we had a ghost dog in the house. The nose picks up what you can't see even years after an animal's moved on.

We predict that someone probably died of lung cancer. We first suspected that when we pulled off wall paper to paint. Brown oozed out of the walls like the blood of a poltergeist, requiring lots of TSP and KILLZ. Now that the carpet's up, the room smells of cigarettes. Took a well-wrung damp cloth to the floor. Wiping a square yard coats the rag with a dark muddy sienna. Someone must have inhaled two or three packs a day. No sweetness to it, just bitter old nicotine. It smells strongest standing in the doorway between the dining and livingroom, a little vortex of ancient ash. We were going to wait until spring before refinishing the floors, but we're reconsidering. Can you absorb nicotine through your feet?

Interestingly, the retro knotty pine basement bar (with lime green bar stools) doesn't smell of smoke at all.

Of course, my favorite archeological find in the house was the 1950's hard plastic prophylactic container found in the rafters of the garage years ago. That just made me laugh. But this floor needs to be dealt with.

Joined a gym today. Never really been a gym-going kind of guy. More a geek than jock. You know, lots of time in front of screens or at tables. "Exercise by doing" was always my motto. Of course, in the past we ended up doing a lot more hiking, biking, blading, dancing, walking, yoga, etc. just in the course of having fun. These days, activities like that are way to rare. Playing Wii and taking walks isn't doing it. So, off to the gym.

When out and about and not mentally challenged I'd often people watch. People watching's not all that good at the gym. No one interacts. No conversations. No eye contact. You try to guess what people are like in minor ways, mostly in how they start and stop an exercise, where they look while doing it, how they dress. You can occasionally catch someone glancing at another person, or looking at themselves in the mirror. There seem to be certain types of gym goers. Some people are more self conscious and glance around hoping no one is watching. Some act like jock-stars, always posing. Some are all business -- non-stop treadmill people. But mostly it's just a lot of repetitive motion going on. There are quite a few televisions, but I'll probably have to bring some audio in once the newness wears off. I really do need the exercise.

Luckily my muscles haven't totally atrophied. Probably due to weight lifting Coral, but I suspect I'll be sore tomorrow.

The second review of our "Writers Of The Future" anthology was written by Rich Horton and appeared in Locus Magazine. It's another good one. Sarah L. Edwards and I scored his favorite stories, which is very cool.

Still no word on the actual release date, but it now looks like January.

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